2019 Carson-Newman Football Signing Day Central
February 6, 2019

2019 Carson-Newman Football Signing Day Central

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman head football coach Mike Turner has announced the signing of 44 student athletes who will join the Carson-Newman football program in the fall of 2019.

VIDEO: Mike Turner Interview 

VIDEO: Kevin McKeethan Interview 

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman head football coach Mike Turner has announced the signing of 44 student athletes who will join the Carson-Newman football program in the fall of 2019.

Carson-Newman's 2019 signing class is comprised of players from eight states.  Tennessee is the top producer with 19 signees. Georgia, Florida and South Carolina follow suit with six, five and four, respectively. 

The Eagles addressed needs on the defensive side of the football with the graduations of defensive back Mario Mezier, linebacker Temoris Coats and defensive ends Jordan Pryce and Ross Pryor. C-N brings in nine defensive lineman, nine linebackers and six defensive backs. 

Name  Height  Weight Position Hometown High School Previous College
Gavin Collins 5-7 170 RB Corryton, Tenn.  Gibbs  
Ozzy Grant 5-8 145 WR Kodak, Tenn.  Northview Academy   
Kai'reese Pendergrass 6-0 162 WR Oak Ridge, Tenn. Oak Ridge  
George Reis 6-0 195 QB Urbandale, Iowa Urbandale  
Michael Sizemore 6-3 330 DL Knoxville, Tenn. Christian Academy of Knoxville   
Brendon Kilough 5-8 175 DB Mauldin, S.C. Mauldin  
Luke Simpson 5-11 172 WR Knoxville, Tenn. Christian Academy of Knoxville   
Jalen Anderson 6-2 178 DB Simpsonville, S.C. Mauldin  
Dee Johnson 6-0 200 QB Jackson, Ga. Jackson  
Jamarion McDonald 6-0 180 DB Palmetto, Fla. Manatee Iowa Western
JJ Lewis 6-3 200 WR Tampa, Fla. JW Mitchell West Florida 
Damarkus Jones 5-11 205 DB Tarpon Springs, Fla. Tarpon Springs Merced
Daniel Dixon-Brooks 6-0 220 LB Greenville, S.C. Chris Church Episcopal School Newberry
Jake Parsons 6-1 195 LB Knoxville, Tenn. Farragut  
Hunter Hoffman 6-1 275 OL Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Wilson Central   
Kannon  Vanderburg 6-0 200 LB Hendersonville, Tenn. Station Camp  
Deon Edwards 5-9 168 QB  Rochester, N.Y. Joseph C. Wilson Magnet   
Jack Flynn 6-2 230 DL Knoxville, Tenn. Christian Academy of Knoxville   
Garrett Adams 5-8 200 LB Sevierville, Tenn. Sevier County   
Dalton Mitchell 6-1 280 OL Sevierville, Tenn. Sevier County   
Max Fulcher 6-3 280 OL Hickory, N.C. Hickory Christian Academy  
Evan  Turner 6-0 310 DL Miami Gardens, Fla. Miramar   
Ladarrian Nelson 5-11 240 DL Pensacola, Fla. West Florida  
Drew Morrison 5-11 235 RB Johnson City, Tenn.   Science Hill  
Andrew Coulter 6-1 225 TE Maryville, Tenn. Alcoa   
Walker Bunce 5-9 175 RB Ashland City, Tenn. Cheatham Central   
Michael Harrah 6-4 165 P Elizabethton, Tenn.  Happy Valley   
Devonte McBroom 6-2 195 LB Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Wilson Central   
Damian Nytko 5-11 195 DB Sugar Hill, Ga. Lainer  
Anthony Gorney 5-11 220 LB Snellville, Ga. Brookwood   
Ethan Marshall 6-3 270 OL Auburn, Ga. Mill Creek   
Christian Jones 6-1 250 OL Valdosta, Ga. Valdosta   
Justin Triplett  6-2 280 DL Lilburn, Ga. Parkview   
TJ Johnson 6-3 260 DL Oak Ridge, Tenn. Oak Ridge  
Nate Craft 5-10 200 K/P Salem, Va. Salem   
Nicklas Owens 6-1 225 LB New Market, Ala.  Buckhorn   
Chris Bohanan 5-8 250 DL Sevierville, Tenn. Sevier County   
Demarcus Nelson 6-0 205 LB Knoxville, Tenn. West    
Matthew Hall 6-1 190 LB Murfreesboro, Tenn. Blackman  
Hayden Proffitt 6-2 215 LB Gatlinburg, Tenn. Gatlinburg-Pittman   
Shane Austin 5-11 170 DB Johnson City, Tenn.   Science Hill  
Cameron Butler 5-10 263 DL Greenwood, S.C. Greenwood Christian  
AJ Nail 5-10 175 RB Knoxville, Tenn. Northview Academy   
Stefan Vonner 6-0 265 DL Knoxville, Tenn. Austin East   

FINAL AS OF 4:11 PM 

Stefan Vonner  - 6-0 – 265 – DL – Knoxville, Tenn.  – Austin East – @stefanjr6

HIGH SCHOOL: Vonner earned first team all-region honors playing for Jeff Phillips at Austin East. As a senior, Vonner tallied 60 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, five sacks and a pick six.  He also played basketball for the Roadrunners and ran track. 

PERSONAL: The son of Shanna Smith and Stefan Vonner Sr., he plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman.

Shane Austin -- 5-11 -- 170 -- Safety -- Johnson City, Tenn. -- Science Hill -- @shanefb1

HIGH SCHOOL: The team captain for Science Hill, Austin brought in six interceptions and 123 tackles through his career. He was an All-Region 6A and Honorable Mention selection under coach Stacy Carter. He also played basketball for the Hilltoppers.

PERSONAL: The son of Rosanne and Shawn Austin, he plans to study business with an emphasis in sports management.

Cameron Butler -- 5-10 -- 263 -- DT -- Greenwood, S.C. -- Greenwood Christian  -- @bigcam_99

 HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterman at Greenwood Christian, Butler holds the school record for tackles for loss (13) in his senior season. He accounted for 34 tackles and three sacks during the 2018 season. Butler was a four-year letterman with the Hawks and served as a captain during his senior year while being named a North/South All-Star and All-Region selection. He was a part of the Greenwood Christian team that made the playoffs and led the league in scoring and sacks. Along with football, Butler was also a track athlete in high school.

PERSONAL: The son of Marcus and Tanieka Jennings, he intends to study exercise science at Carson-Newman. He was a part of the honor roll in high school.

AJ Nail – 5-10 – 175 – RB – Knoxville, Tenn. – Northview Academy

HIGH SCHOOL: Nail was a four-sport athlete at Northview Academy.  He also played basketball, baseball and ran track in addition to his efforts on the gridiron.  He led the team in all-purpose yards, rushing and scoring as a senior.  On the track, Nail was TSSAA all-state in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 meter relays. 

PERSONAL: The son of Alvin Lena, plans to study biology at Carson-Newman.

 

Chris Bohanan – 5-8 – 250 – DL – Sevierville, Tenn. – Sevier County  

HIGH SCHOOL: Bohanan tallied 35 tackles as a senior while playing for Tony Lingenfelter at Sevier County.   He earned all-district honors as a second teamer as a freshman before representing the Smoky Bears on the first team as a sophomore, junior and senior.  He helped Sevier County to a state playoff appearance.

PERSONAL: The son of James and Heather Bohanan, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman. 

Demarcus Nelson – 6-0 – 205 – LB – Knoxville, Tenn. – West - @dnj_33

HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior playing Lamar Brown at West High School, Nelson tallied 66 stops, 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.  He earned all-region honors and was named a team captain for the Rebels.

PERSONAL: The son of Lataya Dixon and Demarcus Nelson Sr., the younger Nelson plans to study business at Carson-Newman.

Matthew Hall -- 6-1 -- 190 -- LB -- Murfreesboro, Tenn. -- Blackman -- @10Matthewhall

 HIGH SCHOOL: An MVP defensive player and All-State linebacker, Hall  tallied 155 tackles with eight sacks for the Blaze. He brought in 15 tackles for loss, leading the team in tackles and sacks. In 2018,  he accounted for 43 solo tackles in 11 games with one sack. He was a member of the Blackman High School team that made the second round of the 6A state playoffs in 2017 and 2018. He was a first-team All-State linebacker for 6A, Defensive Player of the Year for 6A and a two-time All-Area linebacker.

PERSONAL: The son of Barbara and Aaron Hall, he plans to pursue a degree in business at Carson-Newman. His dad, Aaron, was a linebacker at Purdue and had experience in the CFL.

Hayden Proffitt – 6-2 – 215 – LB – Gatlinburg, Tenn. – Gatlinburg-Pittman - @hproffitt7

HIGH SCHOOL: Proffitt helped former Carson-Newman wide receivers coach Derek Rang and Gatinburg-Pittman to a spot in the TSSAA Final 16.  Proffitt tallied 67 tackles with a team-best 13 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, which led the county, as a senior.  He was an all-region honoree as a senior. Proffitt also played baseball for the Highlanders.  

PERSONAL: The son of Micki and Pleas Proffitt, he plans to study sociology at Carson-Newman.  Proffitt was named the Region 2-3A All-Academic  Enrichment Federal Credit Union Scholar Athlete of the Week. 

Nicklas Owens – 6-1 – 225 – LB – New Market, Ala. – Buckhorn - @nicklasowens9

HIGH SCHOOL: A team captain and defensive MVP for Keith Henderson and Buckhorn High School, Owens was the Bucks leading tackler as a senior with 100 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.  He also registered two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries a pair of pass break ups and a sack. He earned all-region honors at the conclusion of his senior season and helped the Bucks register as the fifth-stingiest defense in Alabama.

PERSONAL: The son of Linda and David Owens, he plans to study toward being an engineer at Carson-Newman.  His brother, Silas, played football for the Murray State Racers.  Owens was a member of the all-academic team and National Honor Society in High School.

Ozzy Grant – 5-8 – 145 – WR – Kodak, Tenn. – Northview Academy - @ozzy11grant

HIGH SCHOOL: Grant played wide receiver for Todd Loveday at Northview Academy.  He also ran cross country and track.

PERSONAL: The son of James Grant. He plans to study business at Carson-Newman. 

Gavin Collins – 5-7 – 170 – RB – Corryton, Tenn. – Gibbs - @gavinraycollin1

HIGH SCHOOL: Collins helped Gibbs to a trio of state playoff appearances.   He was named the player of the game following a contest with South Doyle where he had 10 tackles, two tackles for loss a sack and a rushing touchdown.  He helped Gibbs to a region title as a sophomore. 

PERSONAL:  The son of Terry and Cyndi Collins.  He plans to study business and sports management at Carson-Newman. 

Michael Sizemore -- 6-3 -- 330 -- DL -- Knoxville, Tenn. -- Christian Academy of Knoxville  --

HIGH SCHOOL: During his time at CAK, Sizemore accounted for roughly 50 tackles. He was a part of the Warriors team that won the state title in 2011 under head coach Rusty Bradley.

PERSONAL: Sizemore plans to continue his studies in business at Carson-Newman, coming from Pellissippi State Community College.

George Reis -- 6-0 -- 195 -- QB -- Urbandale, Iowa -- Urbandale

 HIGH SCHOOL: Reis broke four school records for the J-Hawks including the most touchdowns accounted for in a game, most rushing touchdowns in a game and highest completion percentage in a season. He threw 40 touchdowns between his junior and senior year while passing for over 4,000 yards in that time. He was an All-Conference selection under the tutelage of coach Sam Anderson. Academically, Rein was a member of the National Honor Society as a sophomore, junior and senior while being named an Academic All-American as a junior and senior. he maintained a GPA above 3.5 to make the honor roll through all of his high school career.

PERSONAL: The son of Rod and Kathie Reis, he intends to study political science at Carson-Newman. He was recruited by Iowa, Minnesota and Central Missouri.

Brendon Killough -- 5-8 -- 175 -- DB -- Mauldin, S.C. -- Mauldin -- @BrendanK23

 HIGH SCHOOL: The team MVP and All-Region Safety pick for Mauldin, Killough totaled 156 tackles and six interceptions in his career. He accounted for five forced fumbles and a school-record 93-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. He took part in the North/South All-Star game in high school. He was a four-sport athlete for the Mavericks as a member of the track, baseball and wrestling teams.

PERSONAL: The son of Atticus and Kristie Killough, he is currently undecided on a field of study at Carson-Newman. He was a member of the National Honor Society in high school. Killough has four uncles who played collegiate football at Villanova, Colgate and Maine.

Kai'reese Pendergrass -- 6-0 -- 162 --WR --  Oak Ridge, Tenn. -- Oak Ridge -- @KaiReeseP12

 HIGH SCHOOL: In his career with the Wildcats, he totaled 2,135 receiving yards and 327 rushing yards. He accounted for 734 punt returns with three for 305 yards. He made one pass attempt for 33 yards while scoring 21 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, he accounted for two interceptions for 34 yards, running one back for a touchdown with 122 tackles. Serving as a team captain under coach Joe Gaddis, Pendergrass was an All-State selection while also being named the Return Specialist of the Year, DB of the Year, an All-Prep-Xtra pick, Prep-Xtra second team choice at DB and All-Pilot team. He was a member of the Oak Ridge region championship team in 2016 and 2017.

PERSONAL: The son of Starr Pendergrass and grandson of Charlotte Pendergrass, he intends to study automotive engineering at Carson-Newman. He is the cousin of C-N wide receiver Ted Mitchell and Carolina Panthers cornerback, Corn Elder.

Luke Simpson – 5-11 – 172 – WR – Knoxville, Tenn. – Christian Academy of Knoxville - @luke_simpson25

HIGH SCHOOL: Simpson was a four-time all-region wide receiver at CAK.  He tallied 1,738 receiving yards on 153 catches with 12 touchdowns.  Simpson earned the Burlsworth Character Award as a senior. 

PERSONAL: The son of Jim and Christy Simpson, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman.  He is a member of the National Honor Society.  He carried the highest GPA on the CAK football team as a senior. 

Jalen Anderson – 6-2 – 178 – DB – Simpsonville, S.C. – Mauldin - @jalen8anderson

HIGH SCHOOL: Anderson helped Mauldin High School to its first playoff win in 10 years as a senior.  He was named all-region for the Mavericks and led the team in pass breakups as a senior.  He participated in the Shrine Bowl.  Anderson also ran track, earning all-region honors in that sport as well. 

PERSONAL: The son of Cathy Suber and Tony Anderson. He plans to study computer science at Carson-Newman.

Dee Johnson – 6-0 – 200 – QB – Jackson, Ga. – Jackson - @deemanjohnson2

HIGH SCHOOL: Johnson was a dual threat quarterback for the Jackson Red Devils where he started for Dary Myricks.  He tallied  1,008 yards through the air with 10 passing touchdowns.  He also garnered 12 rushing touchdowns en route to earning first team all-region honors. 

PERSONAL: Johnson plans to study business and marketing at Carson-Newman.   

Jamarion McDonald – 6-0 – 180 – DB – Palmetto, Fla. – Manatee – Iowa Western

PRIOR TO CARSON-NEWMAN: McDonald produced 50 tackles for Iowa Western with three picks and 14 pass breakups. 

HIGH SCHOOL: McDonald all-conference honors for Manatee High School.  He helped the Hurricanes to back-to-back conference titles and an appearance in the state semifinals.

PERSONAL: The son of Latonia Buggs.  He plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman.  He was a member of Manatee's honor roll.

JJ Lewis – 6-3 – 200 – WR – Tampa, Fla. – JW Mitchell – West Florida - @jlewis3_

PRIOR TO CARSON-NEWMAN: Redshirted at West Florida.

HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letter winner at wide receiver for coach Andy Schmitz at J.W. Mitchell HS, located northwest of Tampa. He hauled in 38 receptions for 604 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. Selected First Team All-Conference and Offensive MVP in 2015. Picked to play in the Pasco County West-East All-Star Game. Was second on the team in 2014 with 33 catches for 431 yards and six receiving touchdowns while helping lead Mitchell to the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Had 14 catches for 187 in his first varsity season in 2013. Was named 'Player of the Game' 11 times during football career. Also played basketball for the Mustangs, which have gone to the postseason four-consecutive years.

PERSONAL: The son of Heather and Jerry Lewis, he plans to study business management at Carson-Newman.

Damarkus Jones – 5-11 – 205 – DB – Tarpon Springs, Fla. – Tarpon Springs – Merced Junior College - @1ballsohard

HIGH SCHOOL: Jones earned first team all-state honors at Tarpon Springs.  He led defensive backs in tackles.  Jones tallied 70 tackles, two forced fumbles, a pick and three pass breakups in just seven games.

PERSONAL: The son Winzella Saunders, he plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman. He was named an Academic All-American at Merced Junior College.

Daniel Dixon-Brooks – 6-0 – 220 – LB – Greenville, S.C. – Christ Church Episcopal – Newberry

HIGH SCHOOL: Dixon-Brooks annihilated the Christ Church Episcopal School record books.  He finished his career with more than 600 tackles.  He also had 40 tackles for loss and 35 sacks. He earned all-state honors his final three years.  Dixon-Brooks also played basketball and baseball while running track and field. He  helped CCEP to four straight state titles and a 55-game winning streak. 

PERSONAL: Dixon-Brooks was also recruited by South Carolina, Georgia Southern, Mercer, North Carolina A&T and Charleston Southern.  The son of Martha Dixon, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman.  His cousin, Jermale Kelly, played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  An uncle, Sammy Dixon, starred for the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Jake Parsons – 6-1 – 195 – LB – Knoxville, Tenn. – Farragut

HIGH SCHOOL: Parsons tallied 110 tackles between his junior and senior years playing for Eddie Courtney at Farragut.  He also registered 14 tackles for loss and had a pick.  Parsons helped the Admirals to a region title and the second best record in school history. 

PERSONAL: The son of Steve and Diana Parsons, he plans to study computer science at Carson-Newman.

Hunter Hoffman – 6-1 – 275 – OL – Mt. Juliet, Tenn.  – Wilson Central - @hoffman__56

HIGH SCHOOL: Hoffman helped block for a line that led the district in rushing his senior year at Wilson Central.  Hoffman was a team captain as both a junior and senior.  He started 29 games and had 39 pancake blocks in his career.

PERSONAL: The son of Scott and Lisa Hoffman.  His father played soccer at Tusculum and coached soccer as an assistant at C-N.  Hunter was an all-academic team selection as a senior. 

Kannon Vanderburg – 6-0 – 200 – LB – Hendersonville, Tenn. – Station Camp - @kannonvanderbu1

HIGH SCHOOL: Vanderburg was an all-county linebacker and the MVP of his team as a senior playing at Station Camp High School.  Vanderburg was also the recipient of the Bison Pride Award.

PERSONAL: The son of Darren and Laura Vanderburg.  He plans to study to be an engineer at Carson-Newman. 

Deon Edwards – 5-9 – 168 – QB – Rochester, N.Y. – Joseph C. Wilson Magnet - @d_edwards10

HIGH SCHOOL: In two years as a starter,  Edwards completed 167-of-222 passes for 1,770 yards and 23 touchdowns.  He only threw six picks.  On the ground, he carried 62 times for 647 yards and seven touchdowns.  He earned the Democrat and Chronicles Top Performer List on four occasions. 

PERSONAL: The son of Victor Davidson and Ernestine Hill, Edwards plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman.  He is a member of the honor roll. 

Jack Flynn – 6-2 – 230 – DL – Knoxville, Tenn. – Christian Academy of Knoxville - @flynn7_j

HIGH SCHOOL: Flynn tallied 176 tackles playing for Travis Mozingo at CAK.  He picked up 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks as a senior for the Warriors.  Flynn earned all-region honors as a junior and senior.  He also played lacrosse and did track and field. He was a state finalist in the discus and the shot.   

PERSONAL: The son of Roger and Kathy Flynn, he plans to study to be a physical therapist. His father played football at ETSU, his brother Andy was a four-year starter and an all-region selection for Union.

Garrett Adams – 5-8 – 200 – LB – Sevierville, Tenn. – Sevier County - @g11adams

HIGH SCHOOL: Adams earned all-region and all-county honors playing for Tony Lingenfelter at Sevier County High School.  He was also given the Smoky Bears 110 Percent Award. 

PERSONAL: The son of Elzie and Laura Adams, he plans to study business and accounting at Carson-Newman. 

Dalton Mitchell – 6-1 – 280 – OL – Sevierville, Tenn. – Sevier County - @mitchelldalton7

HIGH SCHOOL: Mitchell was a team captain for Tony Lingenfelter at Sevier County High School.  He earned the Smoky Bears Roach Award as a senior.

PERSONAL: The son of Sharon Mitchell, he plans to study to be a physical therapist at Carson-Newman.

Max Fulcher – 6-3 – 280 – OL – Hickory, N.C. – Hickory Christian Academy - @_max_f_

HIGH SCHOOL:  Fulcher starred for Jim Ruark at Hickory Christian Academy where he led the team in pancakes as an offensive lineman.  He was named HCA's  top o-lineman and was a member of the NACA All-Tournament team.

PERSONAL: The son of Eric and Kelly Fulcher, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman. 

Evan Turner – 6-0 – 310 – DT – Miami Gardens, Fla. – Miramar

HIGH SCHOOL: Turner helped Miramar to a district title.  Turner picked up 47 tackles with 12 tackles for loss and four sacks as a senior.  He was a three-year starter and was picked for the Public vs. Private All-Star Game and the Broward Country North vs. South All-Star Game.  He father played football at FSU.  His brother Samuel played football for Tusculum. 

PERSONAL:  The son of Edward and Anisa Turner, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman. 

La'darrian Nelson – 5-11 – 240 – DL – Pensacola, Fla. – West Florida - @LD_Nelson57

HIGH SCHOOL: Starred for Rhett   Summerford for West Florida High School, where he tallied 47 tackles, three sacks and four forced fumbles as a senior.   He helped the Jaguars to a quartet of district titles and a regional title in 2017.

PERSONAL: The son of Reggie Nelson and Eula Hines, Nelson plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman.

Drew Morrison – 5-11 - 235 – RB - Johnson City, Tenn. – Science Hill - @drew44mo

HIGH SCHOOL: Morrison tallied 26 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack for Stacy Carter at Science Hill High School on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, he had 810 yards rushing on 151 carries with 11 touchdowns.  He earned all-conference honors as a junior.   

PERSONAL: The son of Angie and Otto Morrisson.  He plans to study business at Carson-Newman. 

Andrew Coulter – 6-1 – 225 – TE – Maryville, Tenn. – Alcoa - @acoulter55

HIGH SCHOOL: Coulter helped Alcoa to four straight state titles under Gary Rankin. He earned TSWA all-state honors and was named the region's academic player of the year. He helped Alcoa to a 15-0 record as a senior. 

PERSONAL: The son of Bryan and Hollie Coulter, his father played golf at Tennessee Tech. He plans to study toward being a nurse anesthetist. He is a member of the national honor society.

Walker Bunce – 5-9 – 175 – RB – Ashland City, Tenn. – Cheatham Central - @buncie34

HIGH SCHOOL: Bunce led Cheatham Central in rushing yards as a senior.  He was named his team's MVP and twice earned all-region honors. The Cubs went to the state playoffs all four years of his career.

PERSONAL: The son of Adam and Kelly Bunce, he plans to study physics at Carson-Newman. 

Michael Harrah – 6-4 – 165 – P – Elizabethton, Tenn. – Happy Valley - @michaelharrah2

HIGH SCHOOL: Harrah had a long punt of 51 yards while going 23-for-26 on PATs as a senior for coach Jason Jarrett at Happy Valley. He was the 2A region special teams player of the year as a senior and an all-county selection.  He helped the Warriors to a pair of conference titles. 

PERSONAL: The son of Joe and Jennifer Harrah, he plans to study exercise science at Carson-Newman.  He was a two-time recipient of the Happy Valley Math Award.

 

Devonte McBroom – 6-2 -195 – LB – Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Wilson Central - @mcbroomvonte

HIGH SCHOOL: McBroom led Wilson Central in turnovers forced as a senior with eight.  He earned all-region, all-county and was named player of the week multiple times during his senior campaign for Brad Dedman with the Wildcats. 

PERSONAL: The son of Eric and Shunna McBroom, he plans to study exercise science at Carson-Newman.  His father played football at Middle Tennessee State, while is mother was in the marching band at Tennessee State.  He is a member of the National Honors Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Damian Nytko – 5-11 – 195 – DB – Sugar Hill, Ga. – Lainer - @damian_nytko

HIGH SCHOOL: Nytko racked up 188 tackles playing for Korey Mobbs at Lanier High School.  He also tallied four sacks and a pick.  Nytko was named the linebacker of the year while being selected as the defensive player of the week four times.  He was the Iron Steer award winner.

PERSONAL: The son of Tommy and Kristin Nytko.  He plans to study communications at Carson-Newman.  Nytko is a member of the National Honor Society. 

Anthony Gorney -- 5-11 -- LB -- 220 -- Snellville, Ga. -- Brookwood -- @gorneyanthony

HIGH SCHOOL: A varsity team captain for Philip Jones' squad, Gorney accounted for 111 total tackles in his career with 3.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. As a Bronco, he was a first-team All-7A Region selecction and was a second-team All-Gwinnett County pick.


PERSONAL: The son of Kateri Guzman, Gorney plans to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine at Carson-Newman.

Ethan Marshall – 6-3 – 270 – OL – Auburn, Ga. – Mill Creek - @ethanma39418854

HIGH SCHOOL:  Marshall started 23 games in his career playing for Shannon Jarvis at Mill Creek High School.  He earned all-region  honors as a senior.  Marshall earned invites to the Junior Elite All-Star Classic and the GACA All-Star game as a senior.  He tallied 44 pancake blocks in his high school career. Marshall helped Mill Creek to a 13-1 record as a sophomore, earning a regional title and a spot in the state playoff semifinals that year. 

PERSONAL: The son of Deniece La-Salle Marshall and Donohue Marshall.  He plans to study either marketing or education at Carson-Newman. 

Christian Jones – 6-1 - 250 – OL – Valdosta, Ga. – Valdosta - @ChrisDaGreat50

HIGH SCHOOL: Jones helped Adam Rodemaker and Valdosta High School to a state championship in 2016.  He played in 24 games as a junior and senior, earning the Wildcats Best Lineman Award his final year with the program. 

PERSONAL: The son of Terri Carter and Robert Williams, plans to study the sciences at Carson-Newman. 

Nate Craft – 5-10 – 200 – K/P – Salem, Va. – Salem - @natecraft40

HIGH SCHOOL: Craft twice earned first team all-state honors for Stephen Magenbauer at Salem High School.  He set the Spartans career record for points with 272.  Craft hit 205-of-211 point-after attempts in his high school career, and knocked in 20-of-26 field goals.  Craft helped Salem to a state title his final three years with the program.  He hit a game-winning field goal to win a state title his sophomore year. 

PERSONAL: Craft chose Carson-Newman over Louisiana-Monroe, Marshall, Arizona and New Mexico State. He is the son of Michelle and Jimmy Craft.  He plans to study psychology at Carson-Newman.

Timothy Johnson – 6-3 - 260 – DL – Oak Ridge, Tenn. – Oak Ridge - @_TJohnsonJR

HIGH SCHOOL: In a senior season cut short due to injury, Johnson still registered 50 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Wildcats.  He was named all-region twice.

PERSONAL: The son of Timothy Johnson Sr., and LaDonna Chatman. He plans to study criminal justice at Carson-Newman. Johnson was named all-academic three times at Oak Ridge.

Justin Triplet – 6-2 – 280 – DL – Lilburn, GA. – Parkview - @triplet_justin

HIGH SCHOOL: Triplet starred for Eric Godfree at Parkview High School. He racked up 33 stops and two sacks as a senior on the defensive line.  Triplett earned the Parkview Coaches Award, the Gwinnett County Kevin Maloof Award and was named to the all-region first team his senior year. Triplet also played baseball for the Panthers.

PERSONAL: The son of Sean and Twanda Triplet, he plans to study exercise science at Carson-Newman.  Triplett is a member of the National Honors Society.  His father played collegiate basketball.  Triplet was also recruited by New Hampshire, Alcorn State, Kennesaw State and Gardner-Webb.