Football | 2/1/2017 3:41:00 PM

Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University head football coach Joe Reich announces 53 members of the Bulldogs' 2017 recruiting class. At this time, the class includes 53 freshmen. The class includes 30 from North Carolina, 13 from South Carolina, six from Georgia, and one each from Florida, Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia. Reich anticipates additional signings in the days ahead.
 
"This class is very deep in talent," Wingate head football coach Joe Reich says. "We focused more on offense, but we picked up some great defensive players along the way. Similar to the 2016 class, this is a very physically strong group. We had success with this last year and stayed with this philosophy again this year."
 
"We picked up some outstanding offensive skill guys who could get on the field early," Reich says. "We added depth for our offensive line and tight ends. We believe there are still some talented players out there…who we will be following in the days and weeks ahead."
 
"This signing class is exactly what we wanted," Wingate assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator Ross Jenkins says. "The coaching staff did an amazing job pursuing and finding quality football players who love to play the game and compete. We were able to establish the depth we need at certain positions. We truly believe we've found a phenomenal group of game changers!"
 
Name (position)        
High School/Previous Sch.               
Hometown                 
Ht./Wt.
 
Noah Arnett (RB)
Cloudland High School
5-9 / 185
Roan Mountain, Tenn.
 
Arnett was a two-time All-Conference player for Cloudland High School. As a junior, he was selected to the All-Region team. Arnett capped his career by being named to the 2016 All-State team as a senior. He holds the single game rushing record for Cloudland High School and Carter County with 405 yards. Arnett also holds the school record for the most touchdowns in a game with seven. He finished his 2016 season with 2,317 yards on the ground. He has maintained a 3.9 GPA throughout his high school career. Noah is the son of Amy Arnett and Laroyd Boyd.
 
Dominique Boston (DE)
Mount Tabor High School
6-0 / 215
Winston-Salem, N.C.
 
Boston lettered three years on the Mount Tabor High School football team for head coach Laymarr Marshall. His senior year, he was voted team captain and a second team All-Conference pick. Boston registered 65 tackles, five sacks and a blocked punt his final season. Boston also lettered in lacrosse and track. Dominique is the son of Katrina Boston.
 
Houston Brantley (DL)
Lancaster High School
6-1 / 240
Lancaster, S.C.
 
Brantley was a three-year starter for head coach Bobby Collins at Lancaster High School. A captain as a senior, he was a two-time All-County and All-Region selection. Over his career, he amassed 116 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 14 QB sacks, two forced fumbles and one blocked PAT. Houston is the son of Christie and James Brantley.
 
Logan Brock (OL)
Independence High School
6-4 / 245
Mint Hill, N.C.
 
Brock was a three-year starter for the Independence High School football team at tight end and offensive line. He was named to the 2016 Southwestern 4A All-Conference team. Brock was elected team captain his senior year, along with winning the Student-Athlete of the Year Award for maintaining a 4.4 GPA. Logan is the son of Kellyann and Brad Brock.
 
Jeremiah Brown (DB/RB)
R.J. Reynolds High School
5-9 / 185
Winston-Salem, N.C.
 
Brown was a three-year letter winner on the RJ Reynolds High School football team. He was a three-time All-Conference selection. As a senior, he was also a Scholar-Athlete. Jeremiah is the son of Quentin and Tanja Deloatch.
 
Trey Brown (LB)
Hibriten High School
6-1 / 215
Lenoir, N.C.
 
Brown was a four-year letter for Hibriten High School under the tutelage of head coach Clay Lewis. He received the Academic Excellence Award his first three years in high school. His senior season, Brown was selected to the All-County and All-Conference team. He also served as a team captain. He received the "Team Before Self" Award and the "Headhunter" Award for the most impactful Hibriten plays during the season. Trey is the son of Ms. Chelby Brown.
 
Jesiah Carlton (LB)
Reagan High School
6-1 / 210
Winston-Salem, N.C.
 
Carlton was an impressive offensive and defensive student-athlete for the Reagan High School football team and head coach Josh McGee. The three-year letter winner at linebacker and wide receiver was voted Reagan's Most Valuable Player by his coaches and teammates. Carlton was a member of the 2016 N.C./S.C. Shrine Bowl team on top of earning All-Conference and All-Northwest honors. He was also named to the All-County Team for three consecutive seasons. Outside of football, Carlton is a member of the National Honor Society and is currently a mentor for Young, Black, Male Achievers. He is also an active member in his church youth group. Jesiah is the son of Mary Carlton.
 
Allen Cheagle (LB)
Easley High School
6-1 / 195
Easley, S.C.
 
Cheagle was a three-year starter for the Easley Green Wave and head coach John Windham. He was a dual-sport athlete for football and track. Cheagle earned an All-Region nomination as a senior. He was also voted team captain for the defensive line his senior year. Allen is the son of Adrian and Adria Cheagle.
 
Cyrus Clark (RB)
Ashley Ridge High School
5-8 / 180
Summerville, S.C.
 
Clark was a three-year letter winner for the Swamp Fox football team under the direction of head coach Kenny Walker. As a junior, he was voted Impact Player, totaling 984 rushing yards and 252 receiving yards with 17 total touchdowns. Plagued by an injury his senior season, Clark was still voted Offensive Most Valuable Player, selected to the 5A All-Region 7 Team, and was nominated for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Clark is an Athletic Honor Roll student and belongs to the National Honor Society. He serves as a Student Liaison to the District Superintendent. He was also a member of the South Carolina Leadership Council in 2015. Cyrus is the son of Yaphet and Regina LaToison.
 
Samuel "Sirod" Cook (DT)
East Forsyth High School
5-10 / 280
Winston-Salem, N.C.
 
Cook was a three-year letter winner for head coach Todd Willert at East Forsyth High School. He led the Eagles' football team to a 37-5 record over his three-year stint on varsity. Cook accumulated a total of 172 tackles and 14 sacks during his junior and senior seasons, as well as earning an All-Conference nod both years. His senior season, he was voted team Most Valuable Player, All-Northwest Region and Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Cook also won the Student of the Year Award for East Forsyth High School. Sirod is the son of Samuel and Betty Cook.
 
Jarius Cotton (DB)
Hibriten High School
5-8 / 175
Lenoir, N.C.
 
Cotton was a 2016 N.C./S.C. Shrine Bowl invitee for head coach Clay Lewis at Hibriten High School. He was a two-time Northwestern 3A/4A All-Conference selection and an All-County pick. His senior year, Cotton was a member of the All-State and All-USA team as well as a part of the Blue/Grey All-American Varsity Club. He has been on the A/B honor throughout his entire high school career. Jarius is the son of Sabrina Foddrell.
 
Shaw Crocker (QB)
Palmetto High School
6-1 / 200
Williamston, S.C.
 
Crocker was a four-year starter for the Palmetto Mustangs under head coach Doug Shaw. He received All-Region honors his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He was selected as the Region II AAA Offensive Player of the Year his senior season while compiling a school record of 3,250 yards passing and 35 touchdowns. Shaw was named the Anderson County Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Week numerous times in his career and second team All-Anderson County football team this past season. As a senior, Crocker was selected first team All-State AAA quarterback by the High School Sports Report. The Mustangs finished their 2016 campaign with a 10-3 record, while advancing to the third round of the state play-offs. Shaw is also a two-year letterman in basketball and a four-year letterman in baseball. He boasts a 4.35 GPA in the classroom and earned a membership into the Teacher Cadet National Honor Society and the Beta Club. Shaw is the son of Mickey and Carol Crocker and a brother to Rett, Jessica, Rebekah and Andrew. He is a proud uncle to Joanna Crocker. His paternal grandmother is Patricia Crocker.
 
Naseem Dewitt (DL)
Myrtle Beach High School
5-11 / 260
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
 
Dewitt was a three-year starter for head coach Mickey Wilson at Myrtle Beach High School. As a senior, he was a team captain. Over his career, Dewitt amassed 200 tackles, 15 sacks, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He was also selected to the All-Region team as a senior. Naseem is the son of Shalya and Steven Floyd.
 
Armani Donaldson (WR)
Mundy's Mill High School
5-10 / 155
Jonesboro, Ga.
 
Donaldson played for head coach Dwayne Davis at Mundy's Mill High School. He was a three- year letter winner for the Mundy's Mill football team. He was first team All-Region as a sophomore. As a junior, he was second team All-Region and was voted the best wide receiver in his county. In his senior season, Donaldson eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards, won the Bronze Tiger Award and earned first team All-Region laurels. Armani is the son of Shanika and Andrew Donaldson.
 
Zane Dulaney (DE)
Fort Dorchester High School
6-0 / 220
North Charleston, S.C.
 
Dulaney lettered three years on the Fort Dorchester High School football team for head coach Steve Laprad. During his playing career, the Patriots compiled a 38-5 record with three Region 4A championships and three straight appearances in the state semi-finals. In 2015, Fort Dorchester went undefeated on its way to the 4A State Championship. Dulaney was selected as Low Country Defensive Player of the Week twice. He was voted a team defensive captain and totaled 194 career tackles. Dulaney was also a member of the track and tennis teams. Zane is the son of Michael and Michelle Dulaney.
 
Conner Edwards (LB)
West Stanly High School
6-2 / 215
Locust, N.C.
 
Throughout his high school career, Edwards has maintained a top 10 rank in his class. He led the football team in GPA at West Stanly High School, where he played for head coach Eric Morman. He totaled 365 tackles, three interceptions and eight sacks over his career. His junior and senior seasons, Edwards earned All-Conference honors, while receiving the Conference Defensive Most Valuable Player award in 2016. Outside of the classroom, Edwards received the Community Captain Award from the Carolina Panthers. Conner is the son of Christi and Charles Edwards.
 
Jalen Ettson (WR)
Asheboro High School
5-9 / 185
Asheboro, N.C.
 
Ettson was a four year starter for the Asheboro High School football team for head coach Owen George. He recorded 38 receptions, six touchdowns and led the Blue Comets with 668 receiving yards in his senior campaign. He received first team Mid-Piedmont Conference and Asheboro Courier-Tribune first team All-Randolph County honors. Also a stalwart on the defensive side of the ball, Ettson recorded 71 tackles, six pass break-ups and one interception for his career. He was a two-time All-Conference and All-County performer, as well as a AHS team captain. Jalen is the son of Dominic and Miwako Ettson.
 
Hunter Falconer (WR)
Woodward Academy
6-0 / 170
Atlanta, Ga.
 
Falconer was a three-sport student-athlete who played football for head coach John Hunt at Woodward Academy. He won most improved receiver for the 2016 Woodward Academy football season. Falconer posted 18 catches and five touchdowns. Hunter is the oldest of four children. He is the son of Walter and Michelle Falconer.
 
Parker George (K/P)
Heritage High School
6-0 / 170
Wake Forest, N.C.
 
George was a three-year starter for Heritage High School and head coach Dewayne Washington. His senior year, he was the leading point scorer for the Huskies football team, as well as earning the Special Teams Player of the Year Award. Parker is the son of Andy and Stacie George.
 
Zach Harvey (RB)
Mary Persons High School
6-1 / 205
Forsyth, Ga.
 
Harvey attended Mary Persons High School, where he played for head football coach Brian Nelson. Harvey broke the school record for touchdowns in a season with 26 his senior year, while rushing for more than 1500 yards. He was second team All-Region as a junior and first team All-Region as a senior. He was also All-State (from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) and All-State Mid-Georgia. Zach is the son of April and Rodney Harvey.
 
Sam Hayes (TE)
White Knoll High School
6-1 / 215
Lexington, S.C.
 
Hayes was a three-year starter for head coach Dean Howell at White Knoll High School. Over those three seasons, he hauled in 35 receptions for 456 yards and five touchdowns. Hayes had two rushes for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Last year, he had 22 pancake blocks from his tight end position. As a senior, Hayes was named to the All-Region team. Sam is the son of David and Candyce Hayes.
 
Kendrick Hicks (LB)
Rock Hill High School
6-1 / 220
Rock Hill, S.C.
 
Hicks was a three-year starter for head coach Bubba Pittman at Rock Hill High School. He won the team's defensive Player of the Year award three years in a row. In 2016, Hicks was the team's Coaches Award recipient. He was selected first team All-State defense by USA TODAY. Hicks was tabbed to play in the N.C./S.C. Shrine Bowl. His teammates chose him to serve as S.C. Shrine Bowl team captain. He won the Tommy Boger Rock Hill High Pride Award. Hicks has the highest GPA on the team. Kendrick is the son of Ken Hicks Sr. and Vivian Hicks.
 
Falcoe Johnson (DE)
Arabia Mountain High School
6-3 / 200
Decatur, Ga.
 
Johnson played for head coach Stanley Pritchett at Arabia Mountain High School. He was elected as a captain his senior year. Johnson was picked first team All-Region and earned a spot in the DeKalb County All-Star Game. He finished in the top 10 for quarterback sacks for DeKalb County. Falcoe is the son of Al and Ethel Johnson.
 
Tyreek Johnston (DL)
Weldon High School
6-1 / 240
Weldon, N.C.
 
Johnston was a four-year starter for Weldon High School and head football coach Grady Williams. He received All-Conference honors his junior year and is still waiting to hear on his All-Conference honors for this most recent season. Tyreek is the son of Robert Fleming and Tara Wilstie.
 
Hunter Jolly (OL)
West Forsyth High School
6-1 / 285
Cumming, Ga.
 
Jolly was a three-year letter winner for West Forsyth High School. The offensive line captain was also a three-time Scholar-Athlete for the Wolverines. Jolly was a first team All-Region and All-County selection as a senior for head football coach Adam Clack, while also earning NFFTDC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Hunter is the son of Eric and Jennifer Jolly. 
 
Grayson Lemon (WR)
Cardinal Gibbons High School
5-8 / 160
Morrisville, N.C.
 
Lemon was a standout receiver for head coach Steven Wright at Cardinal Gibbons High School. He was a member of the 2016 PAC-6 All-Conference team. He accumulated more than 50 receptions his senior year as well as two kick-off returns for touchdowns. Grayson is the son of Brian and Shawna Lemon.
 
Kendall Lewis (WR)
Rocky River High School
6-1 / 195
Charlotte, N.C.
 
Lewis was a standout athlete at Rocky River High School for head coach and Wingate University alum Jason Fowler. He led the Southwestern 4A Conference in receiving yards and touchdowns as a sophomore in 2014. Lewis was also a three-time first team All-Conference selection in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Due to his efforts on the field, Lewis was a N.C./S.C. Shrine Bowl invitee his senior season. Kendall is the son of Thomas Kirkley and Tameka Beane.
 
Charles Littrell (DE)
Northwest Cabarrus High School
6-3 / 205
Concord, N.C.
 
Littrell was a member of the Northwest Cabarrus High School football team. His efforts on the field earned him a South Piedmont All-Conference bid. Littrell was named team defensive Most Valuable Player. Charles is the son of David and Heather Littrell.
 
Nolan Lytchfield (QB)
Northwood Academy
6-2 / 180
Charleston, S.C.
 
Lytchfield was the starting quarterback for the Northwood Academy Chargers and head coach Philip Keefe. He was voted team captain. His senior season, Lytchfield was selected to the North-South All Star Team and voted three times as the All-Region Player of the Week. He made the National Stats leader board and when he seized his school's all-time record for passing yards in a game with 456. In his senior year, He compiled 2,164 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes. Outside of football, Lytchfield was also member of the varsity baseball team. An active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Nolan is the son of Adrienne and Sean Lytchfield. 
 
Tyler Marchese (TE)
Carolina Forest High School
6-2 / 230
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
 
Marchese was a two-year starter at tight end for head coach Marc Morris at Carolina Forest High School. As a senior, he had three catches for 103 yards. He was chosen game captain by his coaches. Marchese was named Wendy's High School Heisman Award winner for Carolina Forest. In addition, he won the coaches' Most Valuable Player Award. Tyler is the son of Michael and Laura Marchese.
 
Santonio Marshall, Jr. (WR)
Southern Durham High School
5-9 / 160
Durham, N.C.
 
Marshall was a three-year letter winner for Southern Durham High School and head coach Darius Robinson. As a senior, he led his team in receptions and was selected to the Big Eight All-Conference team. Marshall was also a part of the 2016 Durham Herald Sun All-Area team. Santonio is the son of Santonio Marshall, Sr. and Lakesha Marshall.
 
Ryder Martin (TE)
South Caldwell High School
6-6 / 235
Granite Falls, N.C.
 
Martin was a tri-sport athlete, lettering three years for head football coach Sean McMenomy at South Caldwell High School. He was a two-time All-Conference and All-County selection. Martin was the winner of the Coaches' Award for football his senior year. In addition to football, he was a two-time All-Conference and All-County performer in basketball and baseball. Martin was voted team Impact Player of the Year for basketball. He helped lead his football and baseball teams to the fourth round of the state playoffs his junior year. Martin has served as junior marshal. He is set to graduate magna cum laude with a 4.7 GPA. Martin is listed in the top 10 percent of his class. Ryder is the son of Angie and David Martin.
 
Cade McDonald (WR/TE)
Ardrey Kell High School
6-3 / 190
Charlotte, N.C.
 
McDonald maintained a 3.65 GPA throughout his career at Ardrey Kell High School for head coach Joe Evans. He was voted team captain and was selected to the All-Conference team as a senior. McDonald was also the team leader in touchdowns in 2016. Cade is the son of Jack and Renee McDonald.
 
Austin McLendon (LS)
Southern Alamance High School
5-9 / 195
Graham, N.C.
 
McLendon was a two-year letterman for head coach Andrew Carouth at Southern Alamance High School. He was also a participant in Relay for Life. Austin is the son of Michael McLendon.
 
Camden Mills (OL)
Southwestern Randolph High School
6-3 / 250
Asheboro, N.C.
 
Mills was a four-year starter on the offensive and defensive line at Southwestern Randolph High School. He was voted team captain his senior year and also received All-Conference and All-County honors. Mills earned his Eagle Scout Award while in high school. Camden is the son of Pamela Nance and grandson to Larry Mills.
 
Jordan Moody (FB)
Providence High School
5-10 / 202
Charlotte, N.C.

Moody has been a part of the Providence High School football team for the past three years. His head coach was Brad Bowles. He also played AAU basketball and is looking toward throwing for spring track. Outside of sports, Moody is very active in youth ministry at First Baptist Church with Pastor Clay Smith. He volunteers at church by serving the homeless through Room in the Inn and packaging food for families worldwide through Servants with a Heart. Jordan is the son of Tonya and Derek Moody and the brother of Justin.
 
Tucker Mullis (OL/LS)
Piedmont High School
6-1 / 240
Marshville, N.C.
 
Mullis played for head coach and Wingate University alum Luke Hyatt at Piedmont High School. He was named a first team All-Conference and All-County offensive lineman. Mullis holds the school's power clean record and was named captain his senior football season. He is also a member of the track team and holds the school record in the shot put. He will also continue his track career at Wingate and be a dual-sport athlete for the Bulldogs. Tucker is the son of Mike and Paula Mullis.
 
Tristen Packer (LB)
Lafayette High School
6-0 / 200 
Williamsburg, Va.
 
Packer was a three-year starter for Lafayette High School and head football coach Andy Linn. He helped lead Lafayette to a 13-1 campaign and a trip to the State Semi-Finals with his 90 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and five sacks. Tristen received second team All-Conference honors for his play on the field as a senior. In the classroom, Packer carries a 3.7 GPA. Tristen is the son of Terry Packer and Crystal McMaster.
 
Hunter Pait (LB)
West Bladen High School
6-0 / 210
Bladenboro, N.C.
 
Pait was a three-year starter at West Bladen High School for head coach Todd Pait. He was the team's leading tackler for his three seasons. Hunter Pait was named team Most Valuable Player and All-Conference as a senior. He was also voted team captain by his peers prior to the season. A member of the West Bladen Varsity Club, Hunter is the son of Brent and Becky Pait.
 
Noah Priester (WR/RB)
Northeast Guilford High School
5-9 / 185
Greensboro, N.C.
 
Priester was a three-year letter winner for Northeast Guilford High School and head coach Jason Lippard. He was a three-time Academic All-Conference selection over the course of his career. Priester also excelled in baseball, track and basketball. Noah is the son of Janice Bolton and Ronald Priester.
 
Jacob Reeves (RB)
Dorchester Academy
5-8 / 200
Reevesville, S.C.
 
Reeves was an All-Conference athlete three years in a row for head coach Chris Myers at Dorchester Academy. He totaled over 3,000 yards rushing, 500 yards receiving and 30 touchdowns over his high school career. Reeves was a two-time All-State selection in 2015 and 2016 as well as earning a spot on the SCISA North/South All-Star team in his senior campaign. He served as a Dorchester Academy team captain as well. Outside of football, he was also selected to the All-Conference and All-State baseball teams. Reeves was a 2016 State Champion in weightlifting for his division. Jacob is the son of Jack and Kim Reeves.
 
Jacob Rooker (LS)
Roanoke Rapids High School
5-10 / 190
Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
 
Rooker was a two-year starter for Roanoke Rapids High School and head football coach Eric McDaniels. He helped lead Roanoke Rapids to an 11-2 campaign his senior season as RRHS earned a trip to the second round of the state play-offs. Rooker received All-Conference honorable mention for his accomplishments on the field this past season. In the classroom, he carries a 3.3 GPA as a member of the Roanoke Rapids Honor Roll. Jacob is the son of Larry and Lynn Rooker.
 
Jacob Satterfield (QB) 
West Hall High School
6-5 / 210 
Gainesville, Ga. 
 
Satterfield was a three-year starter at quarterback for West Hall High School who holds multiple records for the Spartans. Under the direction of head coach Tony Lotti, Satterfield holds the school records for most wins by any quarterback, most career passing yards and most play-off appearances. His resume includes being crowned a regional champion as a 10th grade starter in 2014. Satterfield capped off his illustrious career statistically as a senior with 2,798 passing yards, 700 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns. Jacob is the son of Shane and Shonda Satterfield.
 
Stevie Sharpe (OL)
Croatan High School
6-1 / 290
Newport, N.C.
 
Sharpe was a four-year starter on the Croatan High School football team for head coach David Perry. He was a three-time East Central All-Conference and two-time All-Area selection, as well as a Shrine Bowl Top 100 invitee. Sharpe was a part of the most successful football team in Croatan High school history, compiling the most wins in a four-year period, including the school's only conference championship. He led an offensive line unit which produced Croatan's first 2,000-yard rusher. Sharpe also earned varsity letters in track and wrestling. He was the 285-pound regional individual champion, a two-time Conference individual champion and a state qualifier. Sharpe is an honor student with a 3.54 GPA. Stevie is the son of Steve and Jennifer Sharpe.
 
Xi'Quavious "Xi" Simpson (OL)
Chester High School
6-2 / 275
Chester, S.C.
 
Simpson was a four-year starter and senior captain for head coach Victor Floyd at Chester High School. As a senior, he and his offensive line mates paved the way for a rushing attack which averaged over eight yards per carry and had over 2,300 yards for the season. Simpson had 49 pancakes on the year and averaged over an 85 percent blocking grade. He was named Hog of the Year by the Rock Hill Herald. In addition, Simpson was an All-Area and All-Region selection. In only two years of high school wrestling, he is a two-time region winner at his weight class who recently won region Wrestler of the Year. He will be competing for a state championship in the coming weeks. Xi is the son of Twanda Johnson and brother to Cl'menta Crosby.
 
Sedrick Sligh (WR)
East Forsyth High School
6-3 / 190
Winston-Salem, N.C.
 
Sligh was a three-year starter for head coach Todd Willert at East Forsyth High School. He was a first team All-Conference selection in 2015 and 2016, as well as an All-Area selection and Offensive Skilled Most Valuable Player as a senior. Sligh compiled more than 1,500 yards receiving on 92 receptions during his career. Sedrick is the son of Kimberly Epps and Octavius Sligh.
 
Ricky "Eli" Smith (LB)
East Lincoln High School
6-1 / 220
Denver, N.C.

Smith was a two-year starter for East Lincoln High School and head coach Mike Byus. He accumulated 184 tackles and six forced fumbles to help lead the Mustangs to a 25-4 record over the span of his final two seasons (2015, 2016). Smith is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. Ricky is the son of Barry and Dana Reel.
 
Teddy Spooner (QB)
Lake Norman Charter School
6-1 / 180
Huntersville, N.C.
 
Spooner was a varsity starter for three seasons for head coach Mark Steele at Lake Norman Charter School. As a senior, he was a team captain. During his career, Spooner threw for over 2,900 yards and 18 touchdowns. Teddy is son to Gregory and Patricia Spooner.
 
Evan Surgeon (OL)
Southeast Guilford High School
6-3 / 265
Greensboro, N.C.
 
Surgeon completed an impressive career as a three-year letterman at Southeast Guilford High School. He was named to the All-Conference and All-County teams in 2016, as well as being named Team Captain. Aside from the football field, Surgeon was heralded as one of the top wrestlers in the state. He was a three-year wrestling letter winner who holds the school record for the most pins in a season and in a career. He was a three-time All-Conference and two-time All-State wrestler while leading his team to a 2015 State Championship. Evan is the son of Jerry and Antoinette Surgeon and brother to Brandon and current Wingate student Jalen.
 
Lamin Trawalley (DT)
Rolesville High School
6-0 / 305
Raleigh, N.C.
 
Trawalley was a three-year letter winner at Rolesville High School. On top of being named to the Academic All-Conference team, he was also voted team captain and winner of the Golden Helmet Award for his contributions to the team. Lamin is the son of Baba and Marie Trawalley.
 
Alex Virgilio (K/P)
Saint Stephen's Episcopal School
5-9 / 180
Bradenton, Fla.
 
Virgilio played for head coach Tod Creneti (who played for WU head coach Joe Reich at Gettysburg College) at Saint Stephen's Episcopal School. Virgilio was selected second team All-Conference punter as a junior, followed by a first team All-Conference and honorable mention All-Area kicker laurels as a senior. He was named a team captain both his junior and senior years. Virgilio helped the Falcons win the Florida state SSAC Championship in his senior campaign. Virgilio went 50-for-53 on extra points his senior year. Also, he was nine-for-nine on field goal attempts in his career. Outside of football, Virgilio was selected first team All-Area in soccer and earned a spot on the first team All-Conference Academic team. He has been on the Academic Honor Roll four of four years at Saint Stephen's. Alex is the son of Guy and Patty Virgilio.
 
Brian Wilson (DB)
Dutch Fork High School
5-9 / 170
Irmo, S.C.
 
Wilson played two season for head coach Tommy Knotts and the South Carolina 5A state champion Dutch Fork High School football team. He was an All-Region selection as a senior. Wilson's career stats include three interceptions, 14 pass break-ups, 82 tackles (nine for a loss), three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Brian is son to Albertha Eskew and Brian Wilson.
 
Myron Young (WR)
Patuxent High School
5-10 / 145
Lusby, Md.
 
Young started his senior season for Patuxent High School and head football coach Steve Crounse. He helped lead Patuxent's team to an 11-3 overall record, a SMAC Championship and a trip to the second round of the state play-offs by racking up 480 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on the season. He received All-County wide receiver honors as well as being named an honorable mention All-SMAC wide receiver. Myron is the son of Myron and LaShanna Young.
 
WINGATE UNIVERSITY

Wingate University, consistently ranked as a top 10 "best value" in the South by U.S. News & World Report, serves more than 3,200 students on three campuses in Wingate, Charlotte and Hendersonville, N.C. Founded in 1896, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors, 35 minors, 12 career concentrations, nine pre-professional programs, master's degrees in accounting, business, education, physician assistant studies and sport management and doctorates in education, pharmacy and physical therapy.
 
With a 14 to 1 student/teacher ratio, Wingate students gain the tools and support needed to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. To view current news, video and story ideas, visit www.youtube.com/wingateuniversity. 
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past 10 years. For more information, go to www.wingate.edu.
 
Wingate is first among NCAA Division II Academic All-America®-producing colleges in the 2000's with 88 selections. Among North Carolina's colleges and universities, Wingate is number one in this millennium with 88 Academic All-America® honorees. Wingate is tops among all SAC schools with 97 lifetime Academic All-America® picks. For more information on WU athletics, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com.