Charleston, W. Va – The Charleston Golden Eagles welcome 39 new signees to the squad on this year's National Signing Day. The Golden Eagles are coming off an 11-0 regular season in 2024 and their second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Super Region One Playoffs. After former head coach Quinn Sanders had parted ways from the program accepting a role as the offensive coordinator at Northern Illinois, Mike Tesch, the former offensive coordinator for Charleston during the 2024 season, was promoted to the position and has made tremendous strides this offseason. With one of the largest signing classes in program history, Coach Tesch is optimistic heading into the 2025 season with a tremendous group of young talent.
"We're extremely excited about the caliber of players we've been able to bring in this year. This class represents the future of our program, and I believe it will have an immediate impact on our success. We've worked hard to identify the right talent, both on and off the field, and I'm confident that these young men will contribute to the continued growth of the Golden Eagles. The future is bright, and with the foundation we've built, we're ready to take this team to new heights."
2025 Signees
Antwain Burdine Jr. | DB | 5'9 160 | Knoxville, TN | West HS
Antwain Burdine Jr. joins the Golden Eagles after earning TSWA All-State team and being selected as the Region 2-5A MVP. Burdine conducted a record-breaking season at West High School, accumulating 9 interceptions. As a defense, getting turnovers was a key component to the Golden Eagles success in 2024 finishing 1st in the MEC in interceptions, 10th nationally, as well as 4th in all of NCAA DII in turnover margin. Burdine's play-making ability will be a great addition to Charleston's secondary.
Frank Hicks | DB | 6'2 | 170 | Sanford, FL | Mount Dora Christian Academy
Frank Hicks joins the Golden Eagles after earning SSAA First Team All-State receiver and cornerback, as well as honorable mention returner on special teams. Hicks finished this season with 5 interceptions and amassed 630 yards and 7 TD's on offense. At 6'2, Hicks's size and ability to cover ground will pair well with Charleston's defensive scheme. Those tools, as well as his overall athletic ability will be a great addition to Charleston's roster.
Conner Williams | DB | 5'10 | Twinsburg, OH | Padua Franciscan HS
Conner Williams joins the Golden Eagles after a successful season at Padua Franciscan High School, earning 2nd Team All-State. Conner finished the season with 73 total tackles and 4 interceptions for the Bruins. Conner has a lot of experience playing the middle of the field in a one high safety shell, which Charleston primarily plays. That experience will pair well with this class of defensive backs joining the Golden Eagles.
Jeremy Nixon Jr. | DB | 6'1 | 185 | Charlotte, NC | David W. Butler HS
Jeremy Nixon Jr joins the Golden Eagles after a great career at Butler High School. Nixon's ability to command the defense will be a great asset to the secondary. Nixon joins a defense that prides itself on being physical and controlling the line of scrimmage, which is a key component to his game. Nixon plays downhill and will make offensive players second guess running his way.
Isaiah Williams | DB | 5'11 | 165 | Brentwood, TN | Brentwood Academy
Isaiah Williams joins the Golden Eagles after a successful season at Brentwood Academy. Williams finished the season with 14 pass break-ups. Williams possesses great patience and technique in the defensive secondary. Along with being a technician in the secondary, he is also a physical corner that will make opposing receivers work every down. These tools make Williams a great addition to the Charleston secondary.
Luke Sanderson | LS | 6'0 | 185 | Clayton, NC | Cleveland HS
Luke Sanderson joins the special teams side of the ball, coming into Charleston as a long snapper. With smooth mechanics and a great personality, Sanderson will look to make a difference in his first season with the Golden Eagles. Previously a member of the Rubio Snapping family, Sanderson has all the high-quality skills you look for in a collegiate specialist.
Ace Flores | LB | 6'1 | 200 | Martinsburg, WV | Martinsburg HS
Ace Flores joins the Golden Eagles after a State Championship season with the Martinsburg Bulldogs. Flores led his team in tackles with 151 tackles, 49 tackles for loss including 15 sacks. Due to his outstanding performance this season he was named 1st Team AAAA All-State Defensive Captain, was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the Eastern Panhandle Athletic Conference, Prep Redzone - WV, and Coalfields and Company. He was the winner of the Howely Award for the best linebacker in WV, and was the winner of the Sam Huff award for the best defensive player in WV. His downhill speed and athleticism coupled with the aggression he brings to tackling will help him fit well in Charleston's defensive scheme.
Paul Thompson | DL | 6'4 |275 | Savannah, Ga | Benedictine Military School
Paul Thompson is a physical force to be reckoned with at NG. He played for Benedictine Military (Savannah, GA) who boasted a 7-5 record and ranked as the 36th team on the Ga High School Football scene. Paul is also a 2 time state champion, and brings a championship pedigree to the Charleston defense. He posted 33 tackles, 3 sacks and 5 hurries his senior campaign as a NG.
Tyreon Jones | DL | 6'2 | 240 | Akron, Oh | North HS
Tyreon Jones is a physical Defensive End with a great first step off the ball. He played for North HS (Akron, OH) where he posted 167 tackles, 19 sacks, 42 tfls, 7 ff, 1 pbu and 2 tds throughout his career. Had 3 seasons as an all-conference player 2 1st team, 1 honorable mention and 2 all-districts selections.
Mar'quavius Thomas | 6'0 | 290 | DL | Greenville, SC | J.L. Mann HS
Mar'quavis Thomas is a destructive NG with an instinct for the ball having scored 2 defensive touchdowns his senior year. He played for J.L. Mann Hs (Greenville, SC) who boasted a 10-3 record his senior season and ranked 12th in the state of South Carolina. During the season he had a total of 39 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 int, 1 FR and 2 TD's.
Luke Wilson | DL | 6'2 | 300 | Lorain, OH | Lorain HS
Luke Wilson is a powerful and destructive NG who boasted an incredible career at Lorain Hs (Lorain, OH). Lorain went on to a 9-2 record his senior campaign while being ranked first in their conference. During his tenure he had 90 tackles, 21 tfls, 9 sacks, 2 ff and 2 fr. He was recognized as 1st team all-Lake Erie league, 1st team all-county, 1st team all-district, and 3rd team All-Ohio.
Peyton Root | DL | 6'1 | 295 | Clover, SC | Clover HS
Peyton Root is a large NG who is often seen stuffing up the middle of the Clover defense. He played for Clover Hs who finished at 8-5 on the season and ranked 35th in South Carolina.
Brody Rowan | DL | 6'1 | 230 | Clover, SC | Clover HS
Brody Rowan is a DE who showed quickness off the edge and destruction in the run game. He joins his former teammate Peyton Root from Clover Hs as a new member of the UC Golden Eagles. In his career he made all-region the last 2 seasons, and all-state last year. He compiled 106 tackles, 31 TFL's, 17 sacks, 1 int, and 7 FR.
Kendal Sawyer | WR | 6'2 | 180 | Kernersville, NC | East Forsyth HS
Kendal comes from a well-established championship program from a great football state in North Carolina. Throughout his high school career, he showed the versatility we like to have in the wide receiver with the ability to play in the slot while still having the length and speed to go on the outside and stretch the field.
Michael Warren | WR | 5'8 | 155 | Pompano Beach, FL | Blanche Ely HS
Coming from a great football program in South Florida, Michael brings great play-making ability in the slot for the Charleston Offense. He had 865 yards receiving and over 1,200 all purpose yards for the 2024 season. On film Michael showed both speed and agility to add great play-making depth to a wide receiver room with great tradition over the last few seasons.
Daniel Sackie | WR | 6'0 | 190 | Knoxville, TN | Knoxville Central HS
Daniel shows the ability to do many different things playing in the backfield, in the slot along with making plays on the outside as well. We believe Daniel will be a versatile playmaker for the Charleston offense over the next few years that will create flexibility within our offense.
JJ Baldwin | WR | 6'2 | 180 | Twinsburg, OH | Benedictine HS
JJ is a fantastic player that is coming in from a very good program in Benedictine (OH). This season he was a 1st Team All-District Selection after putting up 776 yards and 6 Touchdowns. JJ helped lead Benedictine to a 10-3 record and a playoff appearance. He is a very fluid athlete that shows the ability to be a big time playmaker on the outside of our offense over the next few years.
Zion Gray | WR | 5'9 | 170 | Fredericksburg, VA | Stafford HS
Zion is a phenomenal athlete that served as a Jack of all Trades for Stafford High School this season in Virginia. He was the team's primary QB and finished the season with over 1,000 passing yards and 9 touchdowns, while also rushing for over 1,200 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. He was a First Team All-District All-Purpose Selection and led Stafford to a 9-2 record this season. Zion has the athleticism, burst and speed to make the transition to Wide Receiver at this level and be a dynamic threat in our Offense for years to come.
Gabriel Mansel | QB | 6'1 | 185 | Copley, OH | Copley HS
Gabriel comes in as both an All-District & All-Conference Quarterback that shows great pocket presence along with great play making ability once he escapes the pocket while being a threat to still deliver the ball down field. Along with what he brings in the pass he showed the ability to keep defenses honest in the run game, being a threat to score from far when he pulls the ball.
Noah Collins | QB | 6'1 | 180 | Newton, WV | Clay County HS
Noah is a great local Quarterback that is very familiar to the football program here at the University of Charleston. With his ability to play within the pocket while being a threat in the run game, Noah will add great playmaking ability to an already talented Quarterback position here at the University of Charleston.
Connor Lambert | WR | 5'8 | 170 | Hartford, WV | Wahama HS
Connor had a phenomenal senior season finishing the year with over 2,300 rushing yards and 50 total touchdowns as he led Wahama to a State Championship Victory. He finished the season ranked 4th in the entire nation in touchdowns, and averaged over 15 YPC. Connor is a very talented player who will be able to use his athleticism to make the transition to slot receiver and become a nightmare for LB's to cover.
Brayden Clark | WR | 6'2" | 175 | Madison, WV | Scott HS
Brayden is a local WV player who has a lot of familiarity with our program. He played with Matt Frye last year who is a current QB for us. Brayden had a great senior year putting up over 700 yards and 14 touchdowns on only 39 receptions. Brayden is a long kid with a lot of room to grow into his frame, he will be a great outside threat for us over the next few years on offense.
Jamal Wallace Jr. | RB | 5'8 | 200 | Millville, NJ | Millville HS
Jamal is a great running back who fits the mold of what this room has looked like over the past few seasons. He led his team to a State Championship victory this season and finished the year with over 1,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
"Jamal is shorter in stature and strong with fantastic contact balance and vision and already has familiarity with many of the schemes we run. He will be a great addition to an already uber-talented room." -Coach Becker
Zack Weber | RB | 5'10 | 190 | Grandview Heights, OH | Bishop Watterson HS
Zack had an exceptional senior season leading Bishop Watterson to a 16-0 season and a State Championship Victory. He ran for 1,875 yards with 24 total touchdowns and was a First Team All-Ohio selection.
"Zack had a fantastic Senior season and has a ton of familiarity with running power and counter which will help make his transition into our offense a lot easier. Zack is a fantastic player who will fit into our RB room very well." -Coach Becker
Talan Newcomer | TE | 6'3 | 225 | Lower Burrell, PA | Lower Burrell HS
Talan has a lot of experience playing the Tight End position and was a Second Team All-Conference Selection at Tight End and Linebacker. He shows the ability to get on the ball and block or be a threat in the receiving game.
"Talan is a big, bodied kid who will be a great addition to our Tight End room. He shows a lot of potential with his technique and athletic ability and will be a great player over the next few years here." -Coach Becker
Braddock Lusher | FB | 6'2 | 235 | Grandview Heights, OH | Grandview Heights HS
Braddock was a Jack of all Trades this year, leading Grandview Heights to a 12-1 record and a playoff appearance. Braddock played both ways at Grandview and was a First Team All-Ohio and District DPOY Selection as a Defensive End putting up 41 TFL's and 8 sacks. On the offensive side he was a devastating blocker, leading the way for 4-Star RB Henry Ohlinger who averaged 11 YPC on the year.
"Braddock shows the ability to play from the wing position or transition into an on-ball role with his blocking and receiving ability. Braddock's physicality, attitude and experience playing fullback will make him a great program fit and will help him make an easy transition into our program." - Coach Becker
Gavin Walker | FB | 6'0 | 230 | Daleville, VA | Lord Botetourt HS
Gavin will be making the transition from Offensive Line to Fullback after playing his High School ball at Lord Botetourt, one of the most respected programs in the state of Virginia.
"Gavin was on the shorter side for an Offensive Lineman, but the physicality and mean streak he plays with will make his transition to Fullback even easier. He has the mentality as a blocker that every Coach wants. He was a First Team All-State Selection at Offensive Line and will bring a great mentality to our room." -Coach Becker
Marcus Offer | OL | 6'1 | 275 | Millville, NJ | Millville HS
Offer comes to Charleston out of New Jersey where he helped lead the way for a 10-3 team that made it to the State Semifinals. He is a versatile interior lineman that was a 3x First team All Conference, 4x Courier Post All South Jersey Team, 3x First Team All Group 4, 4x AC Press First Team, 2x 2nd team All State, 1x All South Jersey Touchdown Club, & 1x All Jersey Sports Zone First Team player during his time at Millville.
"Marcus is a tough, tazmanian devil on the inside. Loves to finish in a physical manner and adds great value by being able to snap a ball. He also brings a lot of experience playing meaningful football in playoffs & big games. We look forward to adding him to the family and being able to develop his ability for the future in Chucktown!" – Kyle Rigney, OL Coach
Trey Moon | OL | 6'2 | 275 | Simpsonville, SC | Mauldin HS
Moon comes to the Chuck out of South Carolina. He is an interior lineman that has been twice selected as Offensive Lineman of the year for the Mauldin Mavericks as well as a 2x All Region selection. He also achieved HSFA Academic All-American status during his High School Career.
"Trey is a classic road grader. Good build, strong in the weightroom. Brings the right mentality and competition in the OL room that we are striving to improve to an elite level here at UC. We are excited to add him to the Chucktown family and develop a dude for years to come!" – Kyle Rigney, OL Coach
Cedarrein Kelly | OL | 6'1 | 260 | Memphis, TN | Westwood HS
Kelly comes to UC out of Tennessee. He is a versatile interior OL that can snap. He was also a 1st team All District Selection at OL & DL for the Westwood Longhorns in 2024. Also finished his career academically as Valedictorian of his class with over a 4.0 GPA.
"Cedarrein is NASTY aggressive. Has great twitch and hip snap off of the ball. Can really play both sides of the ball with the explosiveness he possesses. Has a great finish mindset and adds to the identity that we want to be here at UC, Tough & Nasty! We are excited to add Cedarrein to the family and develop him to his ceiling." – Kyle Rigney, OL Coach
Caleb Mourer | OL | 6'3 | 280 | Liberty Township, OH | Lakota East HS
Mourer comes to Charleston from Ohio where he helped lead the way to a 7-4 Regional Quarterfinal run in the 2024 season. He was also selected as a Team Captain and a 1st Team All Conference Selection for the Thunderhawks.
"Caleb is a high effort player. Likes to finish and does a good job being physical in space. Has a great understanding of schematics in run and pass from playing the center position. He is bringing a lot of great qualities to the table for one of the top offenses in the country here in Chucktown. We look forward to his development." – Kyle Rigney, OL Coach
Braylon Brown | OL | 6'1 | 275 | Hurricane, WV | Hurricane HS
Brown comes to Charleston from right up the street in Hurricane WV. He is an interior lineman that helped lead the Redskins to a 9-4 Overall Record while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the 2024 season.
"Braylon is a bulldozer coming out of a local top program in the state. He does a good job finishing double teams and getting out to be physical in space. Another guy that adds the right mindset to the OL room here in Chucktown. We look forward to adding him to the UC family to continue to develop his skill set!" – Kyle Rigney, OL Coach
Nate James | OL | 6'1 | 265 | Charlotte, NC | Ardrey Kell HS
James comes to UC from the Queen City in North Carolina. He is an interior lineman that was selected to the SoMeck All Conference team for the 2024 Season.
"Nate is coming to Charleston from a traditional playoff program out of North Carolina. Does a good job being physical on his pulls and getting out in space. He also shows a good skillset in his pass protection. We are looking forward to adding to his skillset and helping him develop for the future!" – Kyle Rigney, OL Coach
Shane Thornton | OL | 6'5 | 260 | Oklahoma City, OK | Del City HS
Thornton comes to Chucktown from Oklahoma where he helped lead the Eagles to a 11-2 record and the State Semifinal round. He was also selected as a 1st Team All District OL for the 2024 season.
"Shane is coming to UC out of Oklahoma. Tall, long frame guy that has good feet in pass protection to set the width of the pocket the right way. Shows good effort and physicality in the run game as well as being a good athlete at the 2nd level and in space. We are excited about his growth and development that will take place here in Charleston!" – Kyle Rigney, OL Coach
Eli Littlejohn | ATH | 5'8 | 180 | Nitro, WV | Nitro HS
Eli is a dynamic RB and DB from local Nitro High School. He has speed, agility, quickness, and a do-everything mindset that makes him a versatile athlete. He rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Wildcats in 2024 helping his team to a 10-2 record and advancing to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Eli was named 1st Team All-Cardinal Conference in '23-'24 and 1st Team AAA All-State at the ATH position in '24 and the RB position in '23.
Austin Mayfield | LB | 6'1 | 215 | Brentwood, TN | Ravenwood HS
Austin Mayfield is coming to ChuckTown from Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee. Austin was a huge contributor to a team that went 13-1 this past season. Austin ended his Senior Year as a 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-Region Linebacker and was awarded the Region 6-6A Defensive Player of the Year. Austin finished the season with 90 Tackles (63 Solo), 22 TFL's, 12 Sacks, 2 Interceptions, 3 Forced Fumbles, 4 PBU, and 1 TD. Austin has an incredible burst off the line of scrimmage and plays with a high motor. With his violence, elite tackling, and ability to play in space makes him dangerous for opposing offenses.
Jamir McCombs | Edge | 6'2 | 230 | Cleveland, OH | Walsh Jesuit HS
Jamir is coming to the Golden Eagles program from powerhouse Walsh Jesuit High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Jamir was a big-time contributor to a team that finished with a 13-1 record. A 2nd Team All Ohio Recipient, Jamir finished his Senior Year with 113 Total Tackles, 42 TFL's, and 6 Sacks. A standout Defensive End, Jamir possesses elite burst off the line of scrimmage and is a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. Jamir has a high motor with violent hands and has an incredible instinct to get to the ball.
Lucas Roser | LB | 6'1 | 215 | Ashburn, VA | Briar Woods HS
Lucas Roser is joining the Charleston Football Program from Briar Woods in Ashburn, Virginia. Lucas was a huge contributor to a program that finished the season with a 10-4 record. The 6'1 215-pound Linebacker finished the season with 156 Total Tackles, 28 TFL's, 4 Sacks, 5 PBU's, and 1 Interception. A dynamic athlete that played both sides of the ball, Lucas rushed for 495 yards and 6 TD's. Lucas finished his Senior Campaign as the Defensive Player of the Year, All-State, All-Region, and All-District Linebacker. He was also awarded LOCO Sports 1st Team Linebacker. Lucas plays with a high motor with elite instincts and toughness.
