National Signing Day 2018
February 7, 2018
For college football fans and high school football fans alike, National Signing Day is one of the most exciting days in football.
On this day, thousands of high school athletes sign to whatever school they want to attend.
This was Head Coach Chad Lunsford’s first recruiting class as head coach and many will agree that he did a very fine job.
“Everything we took was a need,” Lunsford said. “The skill players, the great thing about them is that they can do different things. On offense, you need to have guys that are explosive and can get the ball on different parts of the field.”
And the recruiting staff did just that- get guys that are explosive and are flexible at different positions, some on both sides of the ball.
Georgia Southern’s 2018 recruiting ranked first in the Sun Belt conference and 86th nationally. What makes the ranking even more impressive is that this is just three months after a two win season.
“Our goal was to get a good core group in December then hit the ground running in January.”
“I slept good last night,” Lunsford joked.
And why shouldn’t he have? Nearly all of the signees had hard verbal commitments on social media in the past few weeks and only two signees officially committed today.
GS also had the highest percentage of recruits from Georgia out of all Georgia FBS schools.
“I’m really proud of how well we did in the state of Georgia,” Lunsford said.
Fans should certainly be excited about a lot of these names and should be looking forward to their arrival in Statesboro for next season.
Georgia Southern 2018 Recruiting Class
WR Tre Adams
CB Deonta Bembry
LS Payton Dunagan
ALREADY SIGNED IN DECEMBER
Jontavius Ferguson
{{tncms-inline account=”Jontavious Ferguson” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have to do what is best for me, my future and my family. I have officially committed to Georgia southern I will be signing with the on December 20th. <a href="https://t.co/TGhDoTTink">pic.twitter.com/TGhDoTTink</a></p>&mdash; Jontavious Ferguson (@jontaviou74) <a href="https://twitter.com/jontaviou74/status/942155041804300288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/jontaviou74/status/942155041804300288″ type=”twitter”}}
ILB
3 Stars
Also had offers from Arkansas St, Rutgers, UCF among others
Ferguson had 75 solo tackles in his senior year, averaging 10 total tackles a game. The inside linebacker helped lead Manchester to the Elite 8 of the Class A Public state playoffs.
Justin Tomlin
{{tncms-inline account=”Jt 😈” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">COMMITTED❗️ GATA 🦅 <a href="https://t.co/hUmqHvbxk6">pic.twitter.com/hUmqHvbxk6</a></p>&mdash; Jt 😈 (@justintomlin17) <a href="https://twitter.com/justintomlin17/status/942179529908473857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/justintomlin17/status/942179529908473857″ type=”twitter”}}
QB
2 Stars
Also had offer from Valdosta St
Though only having one other offer, Tomlin has the ability to be a sleeper in both the passing and running game. Behind his 205 passing yards per game, Southwest Dekalb lost to Class AAAAA state champs Rome in the second round.
Marcus Rogers
{{tncms-inline account=”MARCUS ROGERS” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Turning my dream to Reality💯🙏🏾 <a href="https://twitter.com/TysonSummersGS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TysonSummersGS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKAdkins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKAdkins</a> <a href="https://t.co/qWmbCJk14E">pic.twitter.com/qWmbCJk14E</a></p>&mdash; MARCUS ROGERS (@_Marcusjr2) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Marcusjr2/status/885168898886316033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2017</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/_Marcusjr2/status/885168898886316033″ type=”twitter”}}
WR
2 Stars
Also had offers from Lake Erie College, Liberty, West Virginia State
Rogers played both sides of the ball at Campbell High School averaging 42 Y/G at wide receiver, but also racking up nearly two tackles a game at free safety. Campbell lost to Lowndes in the first round of the Class AAAAAAA state playoffs.
Najee Thompson
{{tncms-inline account=”Najee Thompson” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🙏🏿 Blessed to say that I am going to continue my academic/football career at Georgia Southern University🦅 <a href="https://twitter.com/TysonSummersGS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TysonSummersGS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Odowns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Odowns</a> <a href="https://t.co/lmTo7W8zNQ">pic.twitter.com/lmTo7W8zNQ</a></p>&mdash; Najee Thompson (@najee_thompson) <a href="https://twitter.com/najee_thompson/status/891114323111809025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2017</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/najee_thompson/status/891114323111809025″ type=”twitter”}}
ATH
2 Stars
Also had offers from Central Michigan, Massachusetts, Western Carolina
Thompson does it all whether it’s catching the ball (71 Y/G), playing safety on defense (3 T/G) or even throwing the ball for 58 yards on one scoring play this season.
Zyon McGee
{{tncms-inline account=”NBA McGee🔱🔞” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Glad to say I&#39;m committed to Georgia Southern <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYaLord?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYaLord</a> <a href="https://t.co/JzEhyti3c8">pic.twitter.com/JzEhyti3c8</a></p>&mdash; NBA McGee🔱🔞 (@Zyon_McGee) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zyon_McGee/status/889291887793885184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2017</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/Zyon_McGee/status/889291887793885184″ type=”twitter”}}
ATH
2 Stars
GS was his only offer
While McGee is listed as an athlete, his shining moments come on the defensive side of the ball. His senior year, he earned 45 solo tackles and averaged nearly four T/G. Bainbridge lost to Starr’s Mill in the second round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs.
Javon Reid
S
2 Stars
GS was his only offer
Reid played quarterback in high school and was a threat in both the run and pass game. He averaged 8 yards per carry rushing for over 1,100 yards and throwing for another 1,000. Lincoln County lost to Irwin County in the second round of the Class A Public state playoffs.
Deontae Grant
{{tncms-inline account=”DeontaeGrant.Vll” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Excited to announce I have verbally committed to continue my football career at Georgia Southern University! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoEagles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoEagles</a>🤘🏾🦅 <a href="https://t.co/EkBFupDxBW">pic.twitter.com/EkBFupDxBW</a></p>&mdash; DeontaeGrant.Vll (@Deontae_Grant) <a href="https://twitter.com/Deontae_Grant/status/891111469068189699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2017</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/Deontae_Grant/status/891111469068189699″ type=”twitter”}}
CB
2 Stars
GS was his only offer
Grant is patient and a ball hawk. He will easily step in to Scot Sloan’s defense as a reliable member of the growing secondary.
Jawaski Webb
{{tncms-inline account=”Jawaski Webb” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Statesboro is my next stop‼️😈🦅💯 <a href="https://t.co/iPdyERSJbZ">pic.twitter.com/iPdyERSJbZ</a></p>&mdash; Jawaski Webb (@Jroc25Webb) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jroc25Webb/status/943559437486362624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2017</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/Jroc25Webb/status/943559437486362624″ type=”twitter”}}
OG
2 Stars
Also had offer from Coastal Carolina
Webb is a transfer from Holmes Community College where he started on the offensive line last season as a freshman. At 6’2” and 280 lbs, Webb is certain to create holes for Shai Werts and Wesley Fields on offense.
NATIONAL SIGNING DAY 2018 SIGNEES
Andrew Cunningham
{{tncms-inline account=”Andrew Cunningham” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Committed❗️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GATA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GATA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Newera18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Newera18</a> 🦅 <a href="https://t.co/BaMalrRsvs">pic.twitter.com/BaMalrRsvs</a></p>&mdash; Andrew Cunningham (@25acjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/25acjr/status/960666986480054272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2018</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/25acjr/status/960666986480054272″ type=”twitter”}}
RB
3 Stars
Also had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, TCU among others
Cunningham is the biggest get for Coach Lunsford and the team. The 6-foot tall running back from Tampa had offers from 67 FBS schools, with heavy interest from Louisville. Though he suffered a leg injury midway through his senior year, Cunningham was still able to pick up three 100+ yard rushing games and 10 rushing touchdowns. Cambridge Christian School lost to state champion Champagnat Catholic in the Final Four of the FHSAA Class 2A state playoffs.
Quin Williams
{{tncms-inline account=”Quin Williams1️⃣5️⃣” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hail southern🦅🔵⚪️🔵!! <a href="https://t.co/DfmFK5tk4G">pic.twitter.com/DfmFK5tk4G</a></p>&mdash; Quin Williams1️⃣5️⃣ (@15_Quinwilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/15_Quinwilliams/status/957765056091049985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/15_Quinwilliams/status/957765056091049985″ type=”twitter”}}
OLB
3 Stars
Also had offers from Auburn, Michigan, Oklahoma among others
One of the surprises on NSD was Williams who waited until the big day to commit. According to 247sports, Williams is the 45th best recruit in the state of Georgia and ESPN has him as a 4-star recruit. He is very fast off the edge and was even used as running back sometimes at Morgan County. Williams is probably the best pass rusher in this class. A year after winning the state championship, Morgan County High School lost to East Hall in the first round of the GHSA AAA state playoffs.
Brandon Cross
{{tncms-inline account=”IAMBCROSS.🦍” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GATA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GATA</a>‼️🦅 <a href="https://twitter.com/chadlunsford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chadlunsford</a> . <a href="https://t.co/47Ne5tE5he">pic.twitter.com/47Ne5tE5he</a></p>&mdash; IAMBCROSS.🦍 (@iambcross) <a href="https://twitter.com/iambcross/status/955198721964367872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/iambcross/status/955198721964367872″ type=”twitter”}}
CB
3 Stars
Also had offers from Indiana, Miss St, Syracuse among others
Another highly recruited signee, Cross had initially committed to Tennessee, but decommitted in December. At 5’10” 185 lbs, the cornerback is quick off the ball, but also has the speed to keep up with some of the top wide receivers in Florida. Jones High School was upset in the first round of the FHSAA Class 5A state playoffs by Cardinal Gibbons High School.
Justin Birdsong
CB
3 Stars
Also had offers from Iowa State, Kansas State, Toledo among others
Like Quin Williams, Birdsong waited until Signing Day to announce his commitment. His final two schools were Appalachian State and Georgia Southern. His junior year he had two interceptions, nine pass breakups, 81 tackles, and three forced fumbles. Though he’s on the smaller side, he delivers a hard hitting tackle. Stephenson High School lost to Heritage in the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAA state playoffs.
Christian “Scoobie” Ford
{{tncms-inline account=”Scoobie™” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/9RFzRGKRMK">pic.twitter.com/9RFzRGKRMK</a></p>&mdash; Scoobie™ (@scoobieford3) <a href="https://twitter.com/scoobieford3/status/957729567954952193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/scoobieford3/status/957729567954952193″ type=”twitter”}}
WR
3 Stars
Also had offers from Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia among others
Ford had several top FBS offers, but wanted to stay in-state. The wide receiver averaged nearly 60 total yards a game, 50 of them through the air. Ford will be a great target for DeBesse’s offensive scheme. Marietta High School lost to GHSA Class AAAAAAA state champion North Gwinnett in the Elite 8.
Davarius Bargnare
{{tncms-inline account=”Davarius Bargnare” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trust the process <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Newera18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Newera18</a> ❗️🦅 <a href="https://twitter.com/chadlunsford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chadlunsford</a> <a href="https://t.co/4BTb2uAEot">pic.twitter.com/4BTb2uAEot</a></p>&mdash; Davarius Bargnare (@BargnareD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BargnareD/status/955207160392282112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/BargnareD/status/955207160392282112″ type=”twitter”}}
WR
3 Stars
Also had offers from App St, Indiana, Navy among others
Devarius led Dr. Phillips High School with 48 catches for 698 yards and 8 touchdowns in his senior year. At 6’0” 175 lbs, Bargnare is the ideal wide receiver and he isn’t afraid to take a hit. He is shifty and difficult to take down. Dr. Phillips won the FHSAA Class 8A state championship over Atlantic High School.
Parker Devine
{{tncms-inline account=”Parker Devine” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Excited to be a part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewEra18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewEra18</a> <a href="https://t.co/LWGYKBStv3">pic.twitter.com/LWGYKBStv3</a></p>&mdash; Parker Devine (@Parker_Devine99) <a href="https://twitter.com/Parker_Devine99/status/958131732993265664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2018</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/Parker_Devine99/status/958131732993265664″ type=”twitter”}}
SDE
3 Stars
Also had offers from Boston College, Kentucky, UCF among others
In his senior year, Devine picked up 38 total tackles, averaging 3.5 T/G. His speed around the edge also led him to 4 TFL. Devine also had 15 career sacks. Bartram Trail High School lost to Venice in the FHSAA Class 7A state championship.
Elijah Campbell
{{tncms-inline account=”Elijah Campbell” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Excited to announce my commitment to Georgia southern University <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GATA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GATA</a> 🦅🏈 <a href="https://twitter.com/TysonSummersGS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TysonSummersGS</a> @coachzo1 <a href="https://twitter.com/Odowns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Odowns</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MattBrennanGATA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MattBrennanGATA</a> <a href="https://t.co/rmnCZHw0by">pic.twitter.com/rmnCZHw0by</a></p>&mdash; Elijah Campbell (@c14_elijah) <a href="https://twitter.com/c14_elijah/status/889265924137787394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2017</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/c14_elijah/status/889265924137787394″ type=”twitter”}}
DT
3 Stars
GS was his only offer
As far as defensive tackles go, Campbell isn’t the biggest one, but he still gets the job done. He shoots the gap and has his way with the offensive line, pushing them around with ease.
Aaron Dowdell
{{tncms-inline account=”Aaron Dowdell” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/pm66QvMHa9">pic.twitter.com/pm66QvMHa9</a></p>&mdash; Aaron Dowdell (@Biga_75) <a href="https://twitter.com/Biga_75/status/955485288813465600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/Biga_75/status/955485288813465600″ type=”twitter”}}
OG
3 Stars
Also had offers from LSU, South Alabama, Western Kentucky among others
As a transfer from Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Dowdell helped lead the Bulldogs to an 8-2 season. At 6’4” 310 lbs, the offensive guard easily gives his quarterback time to throw and is stealthy in his run block scheme.
Jaden Moreland
{{tncms-inline account=”Jay Mo⚡️” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="lt" dir="ltr">E c c l e s i a s t e s 3:11… 706 ✈️912. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeGutta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeGutta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GodDbTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GodDbTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewEra18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewEra18</a> <a href="https://t.co/9NeE9UzsS3">pic.twitter.com/9NeE9UzsS3</a></p>&mdash; Jay Mo⚡️ (@jaymoreland23) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaymoreland23/status/954107959927234560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/jaymoreland23/status/954107959927234560″ type=”twitter”}}
WR
2 Stars
Also had offers from Ball State and South Alabama
For a 5’10” 168 lb cornerback, Moreland has one of the hardest hits in this year’s recruiting class. He has the speed and stamina that allow him to play on either side of the ball. Heard County High School lost to GHSA Class AA state champion Hapeville Charter in the Final Four.
C.J. Wright
{{tncms-inline account=”CJ Wright” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Committed to the Lifestyle 🙏🏾🤙🏾🏈 <a href="https://twitter.com/chadlunsford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chadlunsford</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TysonSummersGS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TysonSummersGS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Pye?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Pye</a> <a href="https://t.co/WCRZ4a943y">pic.twitter.com/WCRZ4a943y</a></p>&mdash; CJ Wright (@CJ_WRIGHT_21) <a href="https://twitter.com/CJ_WRIGHT_21/status/890697236170059776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2017</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/CJ_WRIGHT_21/status/890697236170059776″ type=”twitter”}}
DT
2 Stars
Also had offers from Georgia State, Mercer, Rutgers
Wright is the most dynamic and versatile players in this class as he was a star at both running back and defensive tackle for Screven County. On offense, he averaged nearly 60 yards throughout his career including a 1000 yard junior season and 39 career rushing touchdowns. On defense, Wright is just as menacing with 71 total tackles his senior year including 13.5 TFL. Screven County had an undefeated regular season and lost to GHSA Class AA state runner-up Rabun County in the Elite 8.
Khalil Crowder
{{tncms-inline account=”Khalil Crowder” html=”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It just felt like home🤷🏽♂️ <a href="https://t.co/6GKH9HG4iq">pic.twitter.com/6GKH9HG4iq</a></p>&mdash; Khalil Crowder (@CrowderKhalil) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrowderKhalil/status/955118482273853440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>” id=”https://twitter.com/CrowderKhalil/status/955118482273853440″ type=”twitter”}}
OT
2 Stars
GS was his only offer
Crowder is a strong offensive lineman who is quick to move to the other side of the line. He doesn’t give up on the play until past the whistle and often continues to move up field, which is very impressive. Carrollton High School lost to GHSA Class AAAAA state runner-up Warner Robins in the Elite 8.
