Signing Class Looking Pretty Good...

From the ECU SID website at www.ecupirates.com

Looks to be our best class in some time. The Joseph kid was a Florida signee. Rumor mill also has it that skip is not done yet. Since there will be a few NQs in this list, there are a couple surprises expected. One I have heard is a transfer WR from Oklahoma U.

The 2007 ECU Pirates:

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Enhancing its strong ties to high school programs in the state of North Carolina and addressing skill position needs were third-year East Carolina Head Football Coach Skip Holtz' top priorities as the Pirates announced their 26-member 2007 signing class Wednesday.
In all, over 80 percent of the Pirates' signing class played at the prep level in North Carolina (21) and includes a pair of junior college transfers from Bakersfield (Calif.) College who competed at Raleigh-area high schools.
"We all are extremely excited about this particular class," Holtz said. "We feel like we've certainly addressed our needs with not only talented football players, but with high-quality individuals as well. I'm optimistic that this group will have an opportunity to make a major contribution to our program."
Of the 26, 14 are projected to play defense while 12 will play offense. On defense, ECU is looking forward to adding six secondary performers, five linemen and three linebackers to its roster. Offensively, the Pirates signed five running backs, three wide receivers, two tight end/offensive linemen candidates, one quarterback and one multi-purpose athlete.
"The goal always is to try and recruit the best athletes possible, which is why we are excited to have been able to bring in a heavy skill position class," Holtz added. "Many of those players can also play other positions as well which enables us to have an added sense of versatility. I think we're in a fortunate position. We wanted to go after the bigger players, which we got, but we didn't have to sacrifice any of our team speed or ability at the skill positions which is critical to our success as a program.
"It was a year of balance," Holtz said. "Offensively, we signed to the proportion of the skill positions while on defense, we felt our needs were addressed with the addition of strong defensive backs after playing with three seniors in the secondary last season."
The Pirates turned in their highest win total since 2000 last season with seven victories and earned the program's first bowl bid since 2001 by playing in the Papajohns.com Bowl in Birmingham, Ala.

2007 EAST CAROLINA FOOTBALL SIGNEE BIOS

Nick Adams, WR, 6-1, 184, Fr., Walterboro, S.C. (Colleton County)High School: Earned an invitation to represent South Carolina in the 2006 Shrine Bowl Game ... Finished senior campaign with 16 catches for 342 yards and six touchdowns, an average of 21.4 yards per reception ... Also picked up 165 rushing yards on the offensive side of the ball ... Defensively, was credited with 60 tackles and netted six interceptions ... Tallied 933 receiving yards and seven scores on 58 catches as a junior ... Starred at same prep program as '06 ECU signee Joe Council (DL) ... Selected to the Charleston Post & Courier's All-Low Country squad ... An all-conference choice ... Played a role in reversing fortunes of a Cougar program as a junior that included a 7-5 record and region title in 2005 (after a 3-8 record in 2004) ... Coach was Leroy Riley ... Was clocked at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash ... Ranked No. 36 out of South Carolina's Top 100 recruits ... Ranked as the No. 24 safety according to recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.

Antonio Allison, DL, 6-4, 300, Fr., Statesville, N.C. (West Iredell)High School: A three-year letterman and senior team captain for a Warrior program that posted a 9-3 record in 2006 ... A two-time all-county and All-North Piedmont Conference selection ... Booked 102 stops, nine for lost yardage, and four sacks as a senior ... Credited with four blocked kicks as a member of WIHS's special teams squad ... Totaled 63 tackles, three for lost yardage while leading West Iredell to an 8-5 record as a junior in 2005 ... Tallied 63 stops as a sophomore, which included seven tackles for lost yards and four-and-a-half sacks ... Played as a freshman on varsity squad and only tackle resulted in lost yardage ... Chosen to the Winston-Salem Journal's All-Northwest squad honors as a junior and senior before earning selection to the Charlotte Observer's All-Piedmont unit in 2006 ... Coach was Mark Weycker ... Rated among the nation's Top 100 (No. 92) defensive tackles by Scout.com ... Earned three additional letters as a track and field standout (shot put, discus). Personal: Full name is Antonio Lamont Allison ... Born January 25, 1989 at Statesville, N.C. ... Son of Kimberly Allison and grandson of Linda Ferguson ... Hobbies include following NFL and college football ... Nickname is Big Kat.

Steven Baker, DL, 6-8, 315, Fr., Rocky Mount, N.C. (Northern Nash)High School: A three-year starter on the defensive line for the Knights ... A two-way starter as a senior, experiencing action as the program's top tight end on the offensive side of the ball ... Selected to the all-area squad (second-team) as a defensive standout in 2006 ... Helped lead Northern Nash to a playoff appearance during junior campaign ... Promoted to varsity squad during Knights' playoff run as a freshman ... Coach was Richard Bunch ... A three-year starter at center for NNHS's basketball program who has averaged a double-figure scoring average as a junior and senior ... Also earned three track and field letters as a discus and shot put thrower ... Finished fourth in the state shot put championships as a junior ... Overall, recorded the third-longest throw in the state at 48-10 in 2005. Personal: Full name is Steven Anthony Baker ... Born November 24, 1988 at Tarboro, N.C. ... Parents are Rene' Baker and LaMonte Blue ... Plans to major in construction management at ECU ... Lists fishing and bowling as hobbies of choice.

Derek Blacknall, DB, 5-11, 168, Fr., Greensboro, N.C. (Dudley)High School: A four-year letterman and three-year starter who starred as a safety and cornerback for Dudley High School ... Earned 2006 Triad 3-A Conference Defensive Player-of-the-Year honors after netting 61 tackles, nine pass deflections, a pair of sacks and seven interceptions as a senior ... Booked 62 stops and three interceptions for the Panthers as a junior ... Filled special teams role as one of program's top returners, bringing back two kickoffs for touchdowns in 2005 ... Wrapped up prep career with three interception returns for scores ... Responded positively to perhaps toughest assignment of career, holding North Carolina's top-rated receiver Dwight Jones (Cummings HS) to only 53 reception yards ... Coach Steven Davis ... Ranks No. 56 on the ESPN Recruit Tracker among all national cornerbacks ... Has recorded a time of 4.4 in the 40-yard dash ... Possesses a 29.0" vertical leap ... Also earned three letters as a track standout, competing primarily in the 100-meter, 200-meter and relay events. Personal: Full name is Derek Deontay Blacknall ... Born February 8, 1989 at Greensboro, N.C. ... Son of Diana Bass and step-father John Bass ... Has aspirations to study business and marketing at ECU.

Michael Byrd, TE, 6-4, 226, Fr., Thomasville, N.C. (Thomasville)High School: A 2006 Shrine Bowl Game invitee ... A four-year letterman and team captain for a program which reeled off three consecutive state championships (2004, 2005 and 2006) and posted a combined 45-3 record ... Used primarily as a key blocker in the Bulldogs' "I" offensive scheme that produced one of the top rushing performances in the state but still made 23 catches for 204 yards and five touchdowns as a senior ... Helped THS to its second straight 16-0 slate as a senior, capping his career with a 13-7 victory over James Kenan in the 1-AA State Championship Game at Chapel Hill ... In all, closed prep career with a 37-game winning streak (16-0 as a junior, 13-3 as a sophomore) ... Part of a Bulldogs' offense that outscored its opponents 632-82 (39.5 ppg to 5.1 ppg) ... Recorded 11 receptions for 136 yards and a trio of scores as a junior after grabbing six balls for 45 yards and a score as a sophomore in 2004 ... Earned All-Yadkin Valley Conference honors ... Coach was Benjie Brown ... Earned additional varsity letters in basketball (two) and track (one) ... Timed at 4.8 in the 40-yard dash while vertical ability was measured at 29.0" ... Member of the "A&B" Honor Roll and recipient of the school's "Perfect Attendance, Top Dog, Character Education, Computer Application and History" Awards. Personal: Full name is Michael Austin Byrd ... Born December 27, 1988 at Thomasville, N.C. ... Son of Janice Tate and Richard Diggs ... Plans to major in computer science.

Julian Carter, DB, 6-2, 180, Fr., New Bern, N.C. (New Bern)High School: A four-sport athlete at New Bern High School ... Recorded eight interceptions as a senior, which ranked among the top 20 in North Carolina (16th) ... Also served as program's punter, averaging 37.0 yards per boot in 2006 ... Played key role in guiding the Bears to a 9-3 record during senior campaign ... Selected as the New Bern Sun Journal Player-of-the-Year while also earning all-state honors in 2006 ... Began career as a quarterback before being moved to the defensive secondary upon his promotion to the varsity squad ... Coach was Bobby Curlings ... Earned additional letters as a track, basketball and baseball standout ... Competes in the 300-meter hurdles and high jump events, recording a personal-best leap of 6-foot-2 in the latter ... Averages in double-figures in both scoring and rebounding as a forward for NBHS's basketball program ... A starting outfielder for the Bears' baseball team ... Clocked at 4.75 in the 40-yard dash.

Rodney Cox, ATH, 6-6, 230, Fr., Angier, N.C. (Harnett Central)High School: A four-year letterman and team captain at Harnett Central High School ... A three-time all-conference selection and two-year offensive player-of-the-year and MVP choice ... Earned all-region and all-state kudos as a junior ... Finished prep career with nearly 5,200 rushing yards and 4,700 passing yards ... Completed 42-of-90 passes for 1,042 yards and 17 touchdowns while running for an additional 1,866 yards with another 24 touchdowns as a senior in 2006 ... Rushed for 2,470 yards and 35 TDs as a junior while also completing 70-of-132 passes (53.0 completion percentage) for 1,471 yards and 17 touchdowns ... Ran for 1,310 yards and passed for 1,726 during sophomore season ... Guided the Trojans to a 12-1 record in 2006 and helped lead HCHS to Cape Fear Valley titles as a junior and senior ... Coach was Marc Morris ... Ranked as the 17th top recruit in North Carolina by Rivals.com ... Rated as the No. 23 top talent in North Carolina by SuperPrep Magazine ... Also earned additional letters in basketball and track ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.60, squats 505 pounds, possesses a vertical leap of 33.0" and a shuttle speed of 4.41. Personal: Full name is Rodney Jermaine Cox ... Born December 29, 1987 ... Son of Selena Cox ... Will become the first person in his family to attend college when enrolled ... Lists fishing, sports and video games as top hobbies

Emanuel Davis, DB, 5-11, 190, Fr., Manteo, N.C. (Manteo)High School: Helped key Manteo's run to the State 1-A Championship Game as a multi-purpose back on offense and as a defensive leader ... Recorded 13 catches for 250 yards and three scores while rushing for 1,593 yards and 28 touchdowns on 185 carries on the offensive side of the ball ... Averaged 8.6 yards per rush as a senior team captain ... Also completed 35-of-57 passes for 691 yards and nine TDs ... A full-time starter at free safety who helped the Redskins post nine shutouts during his senior campaign which resulted in a finals appearance in Chapel Hill (lost 28-7 to Elkin) ... Logged 127 tackles, nine of which resulted in lost yardage ... Also credited with 11 sacks, six forced fumbles, four recovered fumbles and eight interceptions ... In all, earned a total of three football letters and was part of a Manteo program which lost just four games during prep career ... A two-time all-conference and all-state selection ... Chosen as the All-Area Player-of-the-Year as a junior in 2005 ... Labeled as a "hard hitter" by prep coach Walt Davis ... Featured in the 2007 Rivals.com Recruiting Yearbook ... Ranked No. 31 in North Carolina according to SuperPrep Magazine ... Also picked up additional letters in basketball (3) and track (4) ... Averaged nearly 20 points and over five assists per game as the Redskins' top point guard ... Captured the North Carolina 1-A Triple Jump title ... Clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash and has recorded a squat lift of 425. Personal: Nickname is E.

Darryl Freeney, WR, 5-11, 185, Fr., Suffolk, Va. (Nansemond River)High School: A three-year letterman for Nansemond River High School ... Accounted for 13 touchdown receptions as a senior captain ... In all, made 25 catches for 388 yards in 2006 ... Pulled in 27 receptions for 540 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior in 2005 - an average of 20.0 yards per catch ... Also contributed one rushing score ... Defensively, was credited with 18 stops and three interceptions as a member of the Warriors' secondary ... A two-year first-team all-district and all-city selection ... An All-Tidewater Region (second-team) selection as a senior in 2006 ... Coach was Brian Maus ... Picked up two additional letters as a track standout ... A regional qualifier in the 55-meter (indoor) event ... Recorded a time of 4.47 in the 40-yard dash at the Chesapeake Combine during the summer ... Also cleared 35.0" in the vertical jump and turned in a 4.41 mark in the shuttle run ... Listed among Virginia's Top 50 High School Recruits (42nd). Personal: Born September 27, 1989.

Austin Haynes, LB, 6-2, 210, Fr., Jacksonville, N.C. (Southwest Onslow)High School: A two-year all-conference performer who helped guide the Stallions to a 19-8 overall record as a junior and senior ... A three-year letterman and starter who served as a team captain in 2006 ... A two-time all-area selection (first-team as a senior, second-team as a junior) ... Logged 100 stops (19 solo), 16 for lost yardage, five sacks, three fumble recoveries, an interception and six pass breakups during senior campaign ... Was credited with 84 tackles (16 solo), five TFLs, a pair of sacks, a forced fumble, two recoveries and an interception as a junior in 2005 ... Member of SOHS's state championship squad (2-A) in 2004 as a sophomore ... Coach was Phil Padgett ... Earned additional letters in basketball (one) and track (two) ... Played center on the Stallions' basketball team while participating in the 100, 200, shot put and 4x400 relay squads during track season ... Testing numbers include a 4.80 clip in the 40-yard dash, a 4.44 showing in the shuttle, a 34.0" vertical jump and an 8-foot-7-inch broad jump ... Displayed outstanding work ethic in classroom as well, earning honor roll designation every semester attended in high school. Personal: Full name is Austin Jamale M. Haynes ... Born November 3, 1988 at Jacksonville, N.C. ... Son of Arthurlee and Cassie Haynes ... Father was a former Miami (Fla.) high school football and track standout who retired in Jacksonville after a 23-year Marine Corps career ... Nickname is A-Town.

Ben Herlocker, FB, 6-0, 206, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Catholic)High School: A three-year letterman who helped lead the Cougars to three consecutive Class 3AA State Championship Game appearances ... Played key role for a Charlotte Catholic program which recorded a combined 45-3 mark in 2004 (16-0), 2005 (16-0) and 2006 (13-3) ... Rushed for 2,577 yards and 36 touchdowns on 315 carries (8.2 yards per rush average) out of a Wing-T set as a senior to guide CCHS to the state finals ... Ran for 158 yards on 28 attempts against Eastern Randolph in a 15-7 championship game setback at Carter-Finley Stadium ... Chosen to all-conference and All-Mecklenburg County (Charlotte Observer) squads ... Selected as the Queen City 2-A/3-A Conference Player-of-the-Year after senior campaign ... Invited to participate in the 2006 Shrine Bowl Game ... Selected from a pool of more than 4,500 national prep nominees as one of 50 Old Spice Red Zone Players-of-the-Year ... Earned MVP honors for performance during 2005 title game ... Also selected as the Queen City 2-A/3-A Conference Running Back-of-the-Year as a junior after racking up 1,775 yards and 32 touchdowns on an undefeated squad ... Average 9.0 yards per carry in 2005 ... Coach was Jim Oddo ... Recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.50 ... Other testing times include a 11.4 mark in the 100 meters and a 4.21 clip in the shuttle time ... Vertical leaping ability was measured at 32.0" ... Rated as the No. 21 fullback nationally by Scout.com. Personal: Son of high school basketball stars, Tom and Beth Herlocker, who are still regarded as two of the best athletes in the history of Charlotte Catholic High School ... Older brother Joel was a standout wide receiver for Charlotte Catholic's 2004 state championship football team.

Antwan Jones, DL, 6-6, 320, Fr., Pinnacle, N.C. (West Stokes)High School: A two-time all-conference performer at West Stokes High School ... Selected to participate in the 2006 Shrine Bowl Game ... In all, earned a total of four football letters and served as team captain as a senior ... Averaged 6.7 yards per carry as a power-set back for the Wildcats as a junior in 2005 ... Earned preseason all-state designation prior to senior campaign in 2006 ... Prep coach was Jimmy Upchurch ... Considered one of the top juniors in North Carolina according to Rivals.com ... Turned in a time of 4.70 in the 40-yard dash. Personal: Full name is Antwan Latrell Jones ... Born July 16, 1988 at Dobson, N.C. ... Son of Sharon Blaine Hatcher ... Would like to major in computer engineering and perhaps minor in Spanish ... Lists basketball and lifting weights as hobbies of choice ... Nickname is A-Train.

DeAndre' Jones, DB, 6-1, 180, Fr., New Bern, N.C. (West Craven)High School: A flexible, multi-positional standout who earned letters as a three-year starter at West Craven High School ... Served as team captain in 2006 to help guide Eagles to a 6-6 mark ... Tallied 500 receiving yards, 850 rushing yards and racked up 21 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball while picking off four passes on defense on defense as a senior ... Scored 10 TDs over a five-game stretch in 2006 ... Labeled a "shut-down" cornerback by prep coach Clay Jordan ... Named to the New Bern Sun Journal's All-Area and all-conference squads ... Booked more than 60 tackles and picked off five passes as a junior ... Also added 950 rushing yards and 19 scores to earn team MVP honors in 2005 ... Helped guide WCHS to a 9-2 overall record as a sophomore starter in 2004 ... Began prep career in the New Bern High School program where he was selected JV Player-of-the-Year in 2003 as a freshman before getting promoted to the varsity roster for the playoffs and an eventual appearance against state champion Charlotte Independence ... Featured in 2007 Rivals.com Recruiting Yearbook ... Timed at 4.43 in the 40-yard dash ... Has recorded a bench-press of 300 and a vertical jump of 31.0" ... A track standout who is one of the state's top hurdlers (14.5 in 110-meter high hurdles) and sprinters (10.8 in 100 meters) ... Anchored unit's 4X100 relay squad to a third-place state finish. Personal: Full name is DeAndre' Markee Jones ... Born January 31, 1989 at New Bern, N.C. ... Son of Tony and Vickie Brimmer ... Cousin of current ECU linebacker Pierre Bell ... Intends to major in construction management ... Nickname is Fly Guy.

Linval Joseph, DL, 6-6, 308, Fr., Alachua, Fla. (Santa Fe)High School: A four-year letterman for the Raiders ... A two-time all-state selection (Class AAA) as a junior and senior for prep coach Scott Pritchett ... An all-region choice who additionally earned a three-star rating by Rivals.com ... Rated as the No. 44 tackle nationally according to Rivals.com ... Considered among the region's top prospects and among the top 500 overall prospects in the country (deemed to have pro potential and ability to make an impact on a college team) ... Ranked as the 59th top recruit out of Florida ... Featured in the 2007 Rivals.com Recruiting Yearbook ... Rated No. 76 in Florida by SuperPrep Magazine ... Timed at 5.0 in the 40-yard dash ... Recorded lifts of 415 (bench press) and 560 (squat) ... In all, earned a total of 10 varsity letters (three each in track and weight lifting) ... Captured the Florida State Weightlifting Championship as a junior with a 415-pound bench press and a 320-pound clean jerk ... Also advanced to the state finals and competed in the shot put and discus events. Personal: Full name is Linval Clement Joseph ... Born October 10, 1988 at Christiansted, Virgin Islands ... Son of Ernestine Johnson ... Plans to major in building construction with a possible minor in biology ... Nickname is June.

T.J. Lee, WR, 6-0, 200, Jr., Raleigh, N.C. (Bakersfield Junior College)Junior College: An All-America choice (second-team offense) according to the 47th Annual J.C. Grid-Wire ... Helped Renegades to an 11-2 mark and a perfect 8-0 Western State Conference (Northern Division) mark ... Also led Bakersfield to a pair of post-season wins - a 36-12 victory over Citrus College in the Golden Empire Bowl and a 13-6 triumph over Grossmont in the SoCal semifinals before a season-ending 23-20 setback against El Camino in the SoCal Championship Game .... Was squad's leading receiver during 10-game regular season schedule with 34 catches for 736 yards - an average of 21.6 yards per reception ... On the receiving end of seven touchdown passes ... Averaged 81.8 receiving yards per contest ... Also recorded five punt returns for 98 yards (19.6 ypr) and eight kickoff returns for 230 yards (28.8 ypr) ... Posted a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against College of Canyons (Sept. 30) ... Was program's second-leading scorer (eight TDs, 48 points) while also standing second in all-purpose yards (1,067, an average of 118.6 ypg) ... Turned in a career-best 141-yard receiving effort vs. Allan Hancock (Nov. 11) in the regular season finale ... Caught a career-high two TD passes vs. Fullerton in the season-opener (Sept. 2) ... Junior college coach was Jeff Chudy. High School: A three-year starter at wingback for Raleigh's Enloe High School ... Rushed for 1,371 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2004 ... Also lettered in track, placing fifth in the long jump event at the 2005 Bojangles/Apex Lions Relay.

D.J. McFadden, QB, 6-2, 210, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Independence)High School: A two-year starter who earned a pair of all-state selections as a junior and senior at Independence High School ... Helped guide the Patriots to back-to-back state titles as their starting quarterback with identical 16-0 records ... Kept IHS's winning streak active, which now spans a national-best 108 straight games, during career (in addition to the program's unprecedented run of seven straight state titles) ... Engineered offensive unit that produced 45.4 points per contest during Independence's five-game post-season schedule which resulted in a 49-19 win over Riverside in the championship game at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham ... Completed 13-of-20 passes for 159 yards against Riverside, which also included a 13-yard TD pass in the opening quarter, to earn offensive player-of-the-game honors ... Overall, completed 143-of-278 passes for 2,271 yards and 15 touchdowns during senior season which included a No. 1 state rank and a No. 9 national rank according to USA Today ... Accounted for 3,877 air yards and 33 touchdowns on 230-of-464 passing (49.6 percent) as a junior in 2005 ... Named to the Charlotte Observer's all-conference and all-area teams ... Prep coach was Tom Knotts ... Timed at 4.70 in the 40-yard dash ... Possesses a 37.0" vertical leap and a 4.30 shuttle time ... Listed among the top 100 (85th) signal-callers in the nation by Rivals.com ... A strong performer in the classroom who owns a 3.00 grade point average.

DaRonte McNeil, RB, 6-2, 217, Fr., Elizabeth City, N.C. (Northeastern)High School: A two-time Northeastern Coastal Conference Player-of-the-Year ... A four-year letterman who earned all-conference designation as a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior ... Selected to Class AA All-State squad in 2005 and 2006 ... Completed prep career as school's and conference's all-time leading rusher with 8,229 yards and 98 touchdowns ... Topped state in rushing as a senior after running for 3,029 yards and 34 TDs ... Averaged 20 carries per game and rushed for 2,574 yards and 36 scores as a junior in 2005 ... Served as team captain for both football and basketball programs ... In addition to four hoops letters, also earned varsity status in track and baseball ... Prep coach was Antonio Moore ... Identified among the top 30 overall recruits (No. 27) in North Carolina by SuperPrep Magazine ... Among the nation's top 100 running backs nationally (No. 73) according to Scout.com ... Testing numbers include a 4.57 clip in the 40-yard dash, a 37.0" vertical jump, a 9-foot-2 broad jump, a 4.23 shuttle time and lifts of 310 (bench press) and 590 (squat) pounds. Personal: Goes by nickname of Tay.

Maurice Mercer, DL, 6-5, 245, Fr., Nashville, N.C. (Nash Central)High School: A two-year starter who earned all-conference and all-area honors as a junior and senior ... Served as a team captain in 2006 ... A noted sack specialist, tallied a total of eight quarterback drops as a senior ... In all, was credited with 81 tackles ... Added five batted passes at the line of scrimmage ... Helped lead Bulldogs to a 7-4 mark in 2006 ... Prep coach was Kenneth Grantham ... Recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.90. Personal: Full name is Gregory Maurice Mercer ... Born October 26, 1987 at Rocky Mount, N.C. ... Son of Orlando and Crystal Jones ... Older brother Marcus plays collegiate football (Shaw, College of the Canyons, Texas State) ...Actively involved school leadership roles, serving as class president in both middle and high school ... Member of the NCHS HOSA (health club) ... Nickname is Big Moe.

Cliff Perryman, LB, 6-1, 218, Fr., Richmond, Va. (Hermitage)High School: A three-year letterman and two-year starter at outside linebacker for a Hermitage High School program that captured a district title and earned a regional runner-up standing in 2004 ... Named to all-district and all-regional squads as a senior team captain ... Tallied 74 tackles, one of which resulted in lost yardage in 2006 for the Panthers ... In addition, forced five fumbles, recovered one and returned an interception for a touchdown during senior campaign ... Logged 61 tackles, five for lost yardage, and recovered one fumble as a junior in 2005 ... Booked a pair of blocked punts as a special teams standout ... Lined up as a tight end in short yardage situations on the offensive side of the ball ... Prep coach was Patrick Kane ... Rated among Virginia's Top 50 recruits according to numerous scouting publications ... Timed at 4.60 in the 40-yard dash. Personal: Full name is Clifford Perryman ... Born February 14, 1989 at Boston, Mass. ... Son of Deborah Sadm-Smith ... Plans to major in business management ... Hobbies include basketball and lifting weights ... Nickname is Nino.

J.R. Rogers, RB, 5-11, 190, Jr., Raleigh, N.C. (Bakersfield Junior College)Junior College: An All-Region III performer and an All-America choice (honorable mention offense) in 2006 according to the 47th Annual J.C. Grid-Wire ... Helped Renegades to an 11-2 mark and a perfect 8-0 Western State Conference (Northern Division) mark ... Also led Bakersfield to a pair of post-season wins - a 36-12 victory over Citrus College in the Golden Empire Bowl and a 13-6 triumph over Grossman in the SoCal semifinals before a season-ending 23-20 setback against El Camino in the SoCal Championship Game ... Capped junior college career as Bakersfield's fourth-leading all-time rusher with 2,162 yards and 25 touchdowns ... Finished sophomore campaign with a total of 1,179 ground yards and 12 touchdowns in 2006 after picking up 983 and 13 scores as a freshman in 2005 ... Wrapped up regular season play with 911 yards and eight TDs on 179 carries (5.1 ypr) during senior season ... Also recorded three catches for 82 yards (27.3 ypr) and a touchdown out of the backfield ... Averaged 21.5 yards per kickoff return (6-129) ... Topped Bakersfield in regular season scoring with a total of nine TDs (54 points) and all-purpose yards (1,122) ... Rushed for a season-high 187 yards in the regular season finale at Allan Hancock (Nov. 11) ... Included in the rushing total was a career-long 85-yard run vs. the Bulldogs ... Posted a season-high 29 carries vs. Santa Barbara (Oct. 21) ... Closed out career with a 114-yard, one touchdown effort (24 attempts) vs. El Camino in the SoCal title contest ... Junior college coach was Jeff Chudy. High School: Prepped at Raleigh's Sanderson High School ... Rushed for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior in 2004 ... A noted track standout, competed in the 2004 Nike Outdoor Nationals and anchored his 4x100 relay squad to a 41.5 showing.

Steve Spence, LB, 6-2, 221, Fr., Norfolk, Va. (Maury)High School: A three-year letterman and two-year team captain for a Maury program that produced back-to-back 9-2 marks in 2005 and 2006 ... Earned all-district honors as a junior and senior ... Tallied a total of 135 tackles and 18 sacks during varsity career which began as a sophomore in 2004 ... Credited with 60 tackles as a junior for the Commodores ... Prep coach was former Pirate letterman Dealton Cotton (1990-92, 1994) ... Listed among Virginia's Top 50 recruits according to scouting magazines ... Timed at 4.84 in the 40-yard dash and managed 24 bench reps at 185 pounds ... Also earned letter as wrestling standout, earning a third-place district standing and an Eastern Regional finalist finish ... Strong performer in the classroom with selection to the MHS Honor Roll ... Also served as a Chapter President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Personal: Born August 18, 1989.

Matt Thompson, DB, 6-2, 195, Fr., Mebane, N.C. (Eastern Alamance)High School: A two-year starter and four-year letterman at Eastern Alamance High School ... Chosen to the all-conference, all-area and all-region squads as a junior and senior ... Recorded 53 stops as a sophomore and 67 as a junior in 2005 before following with 82 tackles, 50 of those coming as first hits, in 2006 ... Also forced four fumbles, recovered five and netted a pair of interceptions during junior campaign ... Key part of an Eagles' turnaround that included 9-4 and 11-4 records in 2005 and 2006 after an 0-11 mark in 2004 Helped EAHS to a playoff appearance as a senior ... Participated in the 2006 Shrine Bowl Game ... Prep coach was John Kirby ... Identified by Rivals.com as one of its Top 5 performers to attend the Durham Compound during the spring of 2006 ... Clocked at 4.60 in the 40-yard dash ... Earned an additional four letters as an all-conference track standout, competing primarily in the 200-meter and 4x100 relay team events ... Included on school's "B Honor Roll" during senior year. Personal: Full name is Matthew JaRon Thompson ... Born December 9, 1988 at Burlington, N.C. ... Plans to major in business ... Hobbies include fishing, cooking and art ... Granfather played professional football with the Toronto Rifles in the mid-1960s (Continental Football League).

Will Towery, TE, 6-5, 255, Fr., Asheville, N.C. (A.C. Reynolds)High School: A two-year letterman and a two-year, two-way starter at A.C. Reynolds High School ... Experienced action as program's top tight end and/or offensive tackle and defensive lineman ... Chosen to the all-conference squad ... Also earned All-Western North Carolina (area) honors ... Offensively, made eight receptions for 159 yards for the Rockets in 2006 ... Credited with 35 tackles, five for lost yardage on the defensive side of the ball ... Selected to play in the 2006 Shrine Bowl Game ... Tallied 41 tackles (five for lost yardage) as a junior in 2005 ... Prep coach was Steve McCurry ... Also earned three baseball letters ... Represented North Carolina in the 2005 and 2006 National History Day Competition and captured two titles in the "Senior Group Documentary" event (Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight and Good Evening Vietnam) ... Graduated with honors. Personal: Full name is William Hunter Towery ... Born August 8, 1989 at Asheville, N.C. ... Son of Tim and Lynn Towery.

Devon Wallace, DB, 6-2, 195, Fr., Burlington, N.C. (Southern Alamance)High School: Averaged 13.5 yards per reception as a senior, recording 66 catches for 893 yards and seven touchdowns for Southern Alamance High School ... A three-year letterman and two-year starter as a wide receiver and safety for the Patriots and prep coach Tony Perrou ... Rushed for 400 yards as a back while also pulling in 22 catches for 320 yards as a receiver in 2005 as a junior ... Has distinction of returning a kickoff 90 yards in his first game against Burlington-Cummings ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.50 ... Also earned three letters as a track standout, competing in the 200-meter and relay events. Personal: Full name is Carnell Devon Wallace ... Born January 23, 1989 at New Bern, N.C. ... Son of Carnell Wallace ... Plans to major in business ... Nephew of former Pirate defensive back Tabari Wallace (1994-1997).

Jonathan Williams, RB, 6-1, 190, Fr., Greenville, N.C. (J.H. Rose)High School: Completed prep career by leading J.H. Rose High School to back-to-back 16-0 records and Class 4A State Championships as a junior and senior ... Earned all-conference and all-area honors in 2005 and 2006 and was a third-team All-America selection as a senior by EA Sports ... Rushed for 2,807 yards and 39 touchdowns on 242 carries in full-time role as the program's top running back as a senior despite missing two games because of a lower leg injury ... Averaged 11.6 yards per carry in 2006, finishing among the state's top three leading rushers ... Racked up a school-record 391 ground yards and six touchdowns in a contest against rival Rocky Mount ... Keyed an offensive unit that averaged 46.4 points per game in 2006 ... Rushed for 96 yards and three TDs on 24 carries in the Rampants' 26-12 victory over West Charlotte in the 2006 North Carolina 4A State Championship Game at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham (Dec. 9) ... Scored on runs of three, five and two yards against the Lions to earn offensive MVP honors ... Also earned MVP honors of the 2006 Shrine Bowl game after netting 106 rushing yards ... Ran for 1,279 yards and 18 scores on 107 attempts in 2005 - an average of 12.0 yards per carry ... Combined for 4,086 yards on 349 rushes (11.7 ypc) as an upperclassman ... Defensively, added 42 tackles, three sacks and an interception as a junior ... Prep coach was Greg Thomas, who lettered for the Pirate program from 1983 to 1986 ... Opened prep career at South Central High School ... Clocked at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash ... Ranked among North Carolina's Top 30 according to SuperPrep Magazine ... Also earned four basketball letters. Personal: Full name is Jonathan Edward Williams ... Born August 21, 1988 at Smithfield, N.C. ... Son of Patrick and Evelyn Williams.

Tyrell Worthington, RB, 6-0, 180, Fr., Greenville, N.C. (South Central)High School: A four-year starter and four-time all-conference choice at South Central High School ... Selected as the conference player-of-the-year in 2005 and 2006 ... In addition, earned area offensive player-of-the-year accolades as a junior ... Played key role in turnaround of a Falcon program which rallied from a combined 1-21 record in 2003 and 2004 to a 6-6 mark and a title in the split Coastal 3A/4A Conference in 2006 ... Selected to the 2006 Shrine Bowl Game roster ... Rushed for 2,652 yards and 28 touchdowns on 314 carries as a senior - an average of 8.4 yards per attempt ... Single games of note include a 414-yard effort vs. Havelock and a 351-yard, six-touchdown performance vs. Nash Central in the Falcon's first-ever playoff win ... Produced a 62-yard scoring run vs. NCHS in the final minute that accounted for the 42-35 triumph ... Ran for 1,528 ground yards and 18 TDs as a junior while picking off eight passes from the secondary on the defensive side of the ball ... Added 1,036 rushing yards and 14 scores as a sophomore after turning in a 480-yard, three TD rookie season in 2003 ... Prep coach was Kemp Ewing ... A standout baseball athlete who is a two-time batting champion and three-time all-conference choice ... Identified as a strong candidate for the 2007 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft ... Testing time includes a 4.36 clip in the 40-yard dash and a 450-pound squat lift ... Among the Top 20 (16th) North Carolina recruits by Rivals.com ... Featured in the 2007 Rivals.com Recruiting Yearbook ... Ranks among North Carolina's Top 30 (28th) according to SuperPrep Magazine. Personal: Full name is Tyrell Mikheal Worthington ... Born August 2, 1988 at Washington, D.C. ... Son of Joya Worthington.