Football | 2/8/2018 5:17:00 PM

Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University head football coach Joe Reich announces 41 members of the Bulldogs' 2018 recruiting class. At this time, the class includes 41 freshmen. The class includes 23 from North Carolina, 10 from South Carolina, four from Virginia, two from Georgia and two from Maryland. Reich anticipates additional signings in the days ahead. 
 
"We really enjoyed recruiting this batch of guys," Wingate head coach Joe Reich says. "There are some great young men in this group of talented football players. We added to our depth everywhere on the team. We are definitely fired up about this class."

The Navy Blue and Vegas Gold-clad Bulldogs (9-2 overall, 6-1 SAC) won the 2017 South Atlantic Conference championship and earned an invite to the NCAA Division II post-season. Wingate concluded the 2017 regular season as the number 16 team in the AFCA/NCAA Division II Coaches' top 25 poll.

Name (position)       
High School/Previous Sch.              
Hometown                
Height / Weight
(*denotes student-athlete enrolled in January)
 
Robert Agbai
Howard High School
6-2 / 215
Elkridge, Md.
 
Agbai was a four-year standout at Howard High School for head coach Ross Hannon. In 2017, he received first team all-county honors while leading Howard High School to an undefeated regular season. Agbai was a leader on both offense as a running back and defense as a defensive end for Howard. He lettered three years in football while also lettering four years in track and field. Agbai owns the Howard freshman record for the fastest 100 meter dash. Robert is the son of James Agbai and April Smothers.
 
Isaiah Belk (DL)
Butler High School
6-2 / 250
Charlotte, N.C.
 
Belk was a two-year letter winner at Butler High School, where he was mentored by head coach Brian Hales. Throughout his Butler Bulldog career, Belk tallied 36.5 tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries and one pass break-up.
 
Emanuel Bido (OL)
Bessemer City High School
6-3 / 270
Kings Mountain, NC
 
Bido was a four-year starter at Bessemer City High School for head coach Larry Boone. He was a two-year captain for the Yellow Jacket football team. Bido was named to the 2017 Gaston County All-Gazette team and earned all-conference laurels twice. Emanuel is the son of Sonya and Brett Coon.
 
Spencer Blair (DB)
William A Hough High School
6-1 / 180
Cornelius, N.C.
 
Blair started his football career at Davidson Day, where as a junior he recorded 50 tackles, nine pass break-ups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. As a senior at Hough High, he tallied 30 tackles. Spencer is the son of Stanley and Angela Blair, both Wingate alums. Stan played football for the Bulldogs, class of 1992.
 
Kinson Bridgers (DB)
Butler High School
5'8" / 162
Charlotte, N.C.
 
Bridgers was a two-year letter winner at Butler High School, where his head coach was Brian Hales. As a Butler Bulldog, Bridgers tallied 125 tackles, 47 pass break-ups and two interceptions during his career. He was named a VTO Sports Combine Series top five defensive back in Charlotte. Bridgers earned a mention on the Charlotte Observer Players to Watch list as well.
 
Jalen Brooks (WR)
Hickory Ridge High School
6-3 / 180
Harrisburg, N.C.
 
Brooks was a three-sport student-athlete who played football for head coach Jason Seidel at Hickory Ridge. He recorded 45 receptions, nine touchdowns and 771 receiving yards in his senior campaign. Brooks was named to the Independent-Tribune's Cabarrus County Dream Team. Jalen is the son of Lakesha Brooks.
 
Kalen Clark (RB)
Zebulon B. Vance High School
5-10 / 195
Charlotte, N.C.
 
Clark was three-year letter winner for Vance High School and head coach Aaron Brand. In his two years as a starting running back, Clark rushed for 2,320 yards and 34 touchdowns. He was voted team captain by his teammates. Clark won the Hughes Cup award, presented to a Vance High School senior who exhibits overall excellence in academics, athletics, leadership and sportsmanship.
 
Brian Crooks (OL)
Trinity (N.C.) High School / Mesa Ridge (Colo.) High School
6-5 / 300
Trinity, N.C.
 
Crooks was a standout prospect for head coach Brett Andrews and assistant coach Jonathan Lanier at Trinity High School. Crooks was a three-year starter throughout his high school career, which included two seasons at Mesa Ridge (Colo.) High School for head coach Rob Braaten prior to his family  moving to North Carolina before the start of this senior year. Crooks compiled 179 career tackles, four sacks and one touchdown throughout his career.
 
Nate Daniels (CB)
Bremen High School
5-10 / 175
Bremen, Ga.
 
Daniels was a superb three-sport athlete at Bremen High School. As a Blue Devil, Daniels lettered all four of his high school years in varsity football, varsity track and varsity basketball. As a football student-athlete for head coach Davis Russell, Daniels was selected to the all-region team following his senior season. In track, he was a 4x100 meter relay regional champion. In basketball, Daniels received the Gym Rat Award and also earned Defensive MVP honors. Nate is the son of Susan Grier Daniels.
 
Ian Ector
Colonial Forge High School
6-2 / 165
Fredericksburg, Va.
 
Ector concluded a great career at Colonial Forge for legendary head coach Bill Brown last fall. He earned first team all-district, first team all-region, second team all-area, and second team all-state honors for his work as a defensive back his senior season. In 2017, Ector had four interceptions and returned one for a score. His stat line also included eight pass break-ups, 33 total tackles and three forced fumbles. Ian is the son of Darnell and Janet Ector and Kimberly King.
 
Jaquan Edwards (LB)
Strom Thurmond High School
5-10/ 230
Johnston, S.C.
 
Edwards was an outstanding offensive and defensive football student-athlete for Strom Thurmond High School. He lettered and started in football all four years of his high school tenure while under the tutelage of head coach Antwaun Hillary. Edwards rushed for 1741 yards his senior year with 18 touchdowns. Edwards' 2017 post-season football laurels included all-state, all-region, Augusta Chronicle first team and Aiken Standard first team. He was honored as the Region Player of the Year, grabbing a spot in the Border Bowl where he excelled on the field. Edwards is also a four-year starter for the STHS varsity baseball team, receiving recognition as an all-tournament team member in 2017. Jaquan is the son of John and Betty Edwards.
 
Jacob Flowers (OL)
New Bern HS
6-4 / 300
New Bern, N.C.
 
Flowers has participated in football, wrestling and lacrosse for New Bern High School, lettering in each sport. In 2017, he made the all-conference and all-area teams for football. Flowers has received scholar-athlete awards throughout his high school career. He is an active member of the National Honor Society and Interact Service club. Flowers serves as the senior class president at New Bern High.
 
Omar Foster (DL)
Byrnes High School
6-0 / 265
Moore, S.C.
 
Foster played his scholastic football at Byrnes High School for head coach Reggie Shaw. Foster competed in the North-South All-Star game in 2017.
 
Chris Foster, Jr. (DB)
Northern Guilford High School
5-8 / 160
Greensboro, N.C.
 
Foster, Jr. and his Northern Guilford teammates won an NCHSAA class 3AA state title in 2014 for head coach Johnny Roscoe. A four-year varsity student-athlete and a senior team captain, Foster, Jr. was a two-time Academic All-Conference recipient for head coach Erik Westberg. His teammates voted him as Northern Guilford's Man of Distinction award winner. Foster Jr. had 75 tackles, three interceptions, 12 pass break-ups and one rushing touchdown during his four-year NGHS Nighthawk career. Chris is the son of Chris Foster, Sr. and Vernessa Foster. 
 
Bo Giwa (WR)
Patriot High School
5-8 / 165
Gainesville, VA
 
Giwa was a large part of Patriot High School's back-to-back conference championships his junior and senior seasons for head coach Brad Bicknell. Giwa was recognized as a captain for his senior season. He led the 2017 team with 650 receiving yards, including a single-game school record with 199 yards. Bo is the son of Abbey and Nanci Giwa.
 
Prince Glenn (S)
Greenville High School
5-10 / 175
Greenville, S.C.
 
Glenn was a three-year varsity starter at Greenville High School, where he was mentored by head coach David Crane. In his senior campaign, Glenn tallied 93 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, one blocked kick and one defensive touchdown.
 
Lawrence Haley (DL)
South Point High School
6-2 / 235
Gastonia, N.C.
 
Haley completed a great high school career at South Point High School, where his head coach was Adam Hodge. Haley finished his SPHS career as a 2016 NCHSAA state champion and a 2017 conference champion. Individually, he was first team all-conference and the 2017 Phil Tate Defensive Linemen of the Year award winner. During his senior campaign, Haley recorded 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 71 tackles.
 
*Luke Hall (OL)
Reagan High School
6-3 / 310
Pfafftown, N.C.
 
Hall was a three-year starter at Reagan High for head coach Josh McGee. A senior team captain (as elected by his teammates), Hall was a three-time all-conference selection. As a senior, he was selected for the All-Northwest North Carolina team. Hall was a multi-sport athlete who also participated on the basketball and track teams at Reagan. Luke is the son of Todd and Shannon Hall. Hall enrolled at Wingate in January.
 
Jonathan Holliday (LB)
Rosman High School
6-1 / 215
Rosman, N.C.
 
Holliday was a three-year varsity starter for Rosman High School, most recently for head coach Matt Stack. A football team captain his junior and senior campaigns, Holliday wrapped up his career with 139 total tackles his senior season. This feat earned him a top five ranking in Western North Carolina football history. Holliday was a multi-sport athlete who also competes in wrestling and track. Jonathan is the son of Mark and Patricia Holliday.
 
Caleb Holley (WR)
North Lincoln High School
6-1 / 170
Lincolnton, N.C.

Holley was a standout football player at North Lincoln High School. On offense, he recorded 27 receptions for 700 yards and nine touchdowns. Holley was a three-year letter winner in football who was voted the team's Most Improved Player for the 2015 season and MVP for the 2016 season. An all-conference performer as a senior, Holley receiving North Lincoln's Most Outstanding Defensive Player the same year. On defense, he posted 78 total tackles and four interceptions. Caleb is the son of Angie and Mike Holley.
 
Brian Hurley (DL)
Lake Braddock High School
6-3 / 240
Fairfax, Va.
 
Hurley was a huge part of Lake Braddock's Patriot Conference championship for head coach Mike Dougherty this year. He tallied 170 tackles on the season with 30 tackles for loss, 15 sacks and 10 pass deflections. A two-year letter winner, Hurley was all-state, all-region and conference Player of the Year following his final Lake Braddock campaign. Brian is the son of Patrick and Tami Hurley.
 
Kristopher Inman (OL)
Southern Alamance High School
6-3 / 240
Graham, N.C.
 
Inman was a two-year letter winner for head coach Andrew Carrouth at Southern Alamance High School. Following his senior season, he earned second team all-conference honors. Inman received the Southern Alamance Patriot Award, given to the most aggressive and physical player on the team. Kristopher is the son of Kenneth and Rhonda Inman.
 
Derrick Jenkins (WR)
West Springfield High School
5-7 / 155
Springfield, Va.
 
Jenkins was a vital cog for head coach Jason Eldredge's offense this past season at West Springfield. Jenkins was second on his team with 1,006 all-purpose yards and found the end zone nine times. He compiled 728 yards receiving. He also added 37 tackles, two interceptions and one touchdown on the defensive side of the ball. Derrick is the son of Michael and Cotina Jenkins-Sellers.
 
Keion Johnson (FB/TE)
Richland Northeast High School
5-11 / 215
Columbia, S.C.
 
Johnson played football for head coach Bennett Weigle at Richland Northeast High, where he excelled on both sides of the ball. Johnson was a member of the varsity football team's leadership council. He participated in the South Carolina state strength meet, placing fifth his sophomore year and third his junior for the 220-pound weight class. Johnson's laurels include being nominated for the Richland County Player of the Year and earning a coveted spot in the National Honor Society. Johnson finished his senior football season with 37 tackles, two tackles for loss, 3 1/2 sacks and one interception. Keion is the son of Marcus and Ileana Cameron.
 
Kaelin Ray Locklear (DE)
Purnell Swett High School
6-2/ 240
Pembroke, NC
 
Locklear was a three-year letter winner for Purnell Swett High School and head coach Jonathan Sherman. His senior year, Locklear accounted for 84 tackles (13 tackles for loss), six sacks and four pass deflections. He was honorable mention all-conference in the Sandhills Athletic Conference. Locklear has a 3.7 GPA and has earned membership in the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. An active member of his church (Union Chapel Methodist Church), Locklear volunteers to feed and clothe the needy. Kaelin is the son of Desmond and Natalie Locklear and brother to Ashton Locklear. He is the grandson of the late Marilyn and Elmer Pierce and Kayron Maynor.
 
Andrew Long (OL)
Chesapeake High School
6-2 / 350
Pasadena, Md.
 
Long was a three-year starter and letter winner at Chesapeake High School for head coach Rob Elliot. Long earned all-county honors his senior season for his work on an offensive line as he helped his running backs post 1,800 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. He was also a part of the school's only two playoff appearances in the program's 41-year history. Andrew is the son of Brian Long and Kimberly Sachs.
 
Shane Lynch (OL)
South Brunswick
6-3 / 252
Southport, N.C.
 
Lynch played football four years at South Brunswick High School. Two of his seasons his head coach was Rocky Lewis. Lynch played offensive and defensive line and also participated in track and field. He was honorable mention all-conference following the 2017 season. Lynch is an honor student and a member of the National Technical Honor Society and the National Honor Society. He has volunteered numerous hours with the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office and the Brunswick County Football League. Shane is the son of Jason and Kristie Lynch.
 
Malachi Maness (RB)
Ragsdale High School
6-0 / 195
Greensboro, N.C.
 
Maness was named the Metro 4A Conference Player of the Year while under the tutelage of Ragsdale head coach Johnny Boykin. As a senior, he was all-area and all-conference while rushing for 1390 yards and 19 touchdowns. Maness served as team captain his junior and senior seasons. Maness also competes on the track team in the 100 and 200 meter dashes and numerous relay events. Malachi is the son of Latambila Hayes and Wilbert Malachi. 
 
Graham Martin (LB)
Draughn High School
6-0 / 210
Valdese, N.C.
 
Martin joins the Bulldog family from Draughn High School, where he played for coaches Scott Lambert and Ken Pressley. As a junior Martin was selected the team's defensive player of the year and all-conference.   He missed his senior season due to a torn ACL a week before the start of the season.  He lettered three years in baseball and was named all-conference in his junior year.  Was a member of the National Honor Society and was a Presidential Scholar.  Graham attended Jireh Prep Post Graduate School under Coach Ryan Williams.  Graham is the son of Charles and Delayne Martin.
 
Reed McRorie (QB)
North Lincoln High School
6-2 / 175
Denver, N.C.
 
McRorie was a standout three-sport athlete at North Lincoln High School, competing in football, basketball and baseball. His head football coach was Steve Pack. McRorie lettered three seasons in football as a quarterback and in baseball as a pitcher. As a quarterback for the Knights, he was all-conference and broke the single-season school records for both passing yards and touchdowns. McRorie was voted the NLHS football varsity MVP in 2017. Reed is the son of Mark and Kristi McRorie.
 
Dalen Mickle (WR)
Blythewood High School
6-1 / 175
Columbia, S.C.
 
Mickle was a two-year starter at Blythewood High School, where his coach was Brian Smith. During his senior campaign, Mickle tallied 12 catches for 266 yards and one TD. He won the team's Offensive MVP award. Mickle's exploits were not confined to the athletic arena as he earned membership in the National Honor Society for his work in the classroom.
 
Shaundre Miller (CB)
Chapman High School
5-11 / 175
Inman, S.C.
 
Miller was a three-year football letter winner for Chapman High School, where his coach was Mark Hodge. Miller led his team to back-to-back state championship appearances with a title game victory in 2016. He was a two-time all-region and all-state athlete. Over his career, Miller created 35 turnovers. He was voted team captain in 2017. In addition to his football prowess, Miller was also a three-year starter for the Chapman men's basketball team. 
 
Blake Payne (DE)
Lancaster High School
6-1 / 215
Lancaster, S.C.
 
Payne was a three-year starter at Lancaster High School, where he was coached by Bobby Collins. Voted team captain for his senior season, Payne was also tabbed for the all-conference team two years in a row. He received mention on the all-area team as well. For his career, Payne tallied 24 sacks, 22 quarterback hurries, 124 tackles, one blocked punt and one blocked PAT.
 
Nijere Peoples (RB)
Butler High School
5-9 / 210
Charlotte, N.C.
 
Peoples played for head coach Brian Hales at perennial powerhouse Butler High School. Over his career, Peoples recorded 345 carries for 2263 yards and 37 touchdowns. He collected 18 receptions for 410 yards and two receiving TDs. As a senior, he was voted to the all-conference team. He ran 138 times for 824 yards and 11 touchdowns his final season.
 
Gage Sease (WR)
Gilbert High School
6-0 / 170
Gilbert, S.C.
 
Sease was a three-year starter for Gilbert High School and his coach Chad Leaphart. During his senior campaign, Sease amassed 620 receiving yards and scored 11 touchdowns. For his accomplishments on the field, he was voted to the all-region team.
 
Ra'Quan Simmons (WR)
Fort Dorchester High School
5-7 / 165
North Charleston, S.C.
 
Simmons was an All-Low Country, all-region and all-state selection at wide receiver for Fort Dorchester High School and head coach Steve LaPrad. The speedy receiver had over 800 yards receiving (on 52 catches), while scoring 15 touchdowns in his senior season. Simmons was also named team captain as a senior. Ra'Quan is the son of Patrice Washington and Robert Simmons. Ra'Quan Simmons signed with Wingate University on his birthday (Feb. 7).
 
Cooper Smith (LB)
Lexington High School
5-11 / 190
Lexington, S.C.
 
Smith was a two-year varsity starter at Lexington High School, where his head coach was Perry Woolbright. In his senior season, Smith tallied 57 tackles (43 solo stops) with six tackles for loss and one quarterback sack.
 
Will Viggers (OL)
Draughn High School
6-2 / 300
Valdese, N.C.
 
Viggers was a three-year all-conference selection and a two-year all-county player for Draughn High School and head coach Scott Lambert. Viggers was elected team MVP his final two seasons. He was a four-year starter for the Draughn Wildcats. William is the son of Bill Viggers and Donna Norris.
 
Jamal Ware (OL)
Pepperell High School
6-2 / 315
Rome, Ga.
 
Ware was a standout athlete for coach Rick Hurst at Pepperell High School. He helped the Dragons win the 7AA regional championship his junior year. Ware lettered in three sports while attending Pepperell (three years in football, two years in basketball and three years in track). Ware was named captain of the football team his senior year. He served as the Dragons' basketball captain both his junior and senior years. Ware holds the Pepperell squat record with a 600+ pound squat. Jamal is the son of Jacky and Pamela Ware.
 
Jalen Williams (DT)
Northeast Guilford High School
6-0 / 280
Greensboro, N.C.
 
Williams was a four-year letter winner for Northeast Guilford and head coach Earl Bates. As a senior, he was an academic all-conference selection. In addition to football, Williams was a basketball and baseball student-athlete for the Northeast Guilford Rams. He was captain of the basketball team his sophomore year. Williams compiled a solid .368 batting average during his junior year on the baseball diamond. Jalen is the son of Stephen and Adonica Williams.
 
Gabriel Young (DL)
South Iredell High School
5-11 / 259
Mooresville, N.C.
 
Young was a three-year letter winner at South Iredell, where he was coached by Scott Miller. During his senior campaign, Young tallied 46 total tackles, eight sacks and 14 quarterback hurries. He served as a team captain for the Vikings. Young was voted to the all-conference and all-county teams following his senior season.
 
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
A comprehensive, independent and growing university, Wingate serves more than 3,600 students in North Carolina. Founded in 1896, the University offers 37 undergraduate majors as well as graduate and professional programs. Wingate is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. Wingate blends in-class exploration with out-of-class application to deliver an uncommon and life-changing educational experience.
 
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 11 years. Wingate is first in the 2000s among NCAA Division II and North Carolina's colleges and universities with 99 CoSIDA Academic All-America® selections. Wingate is tops among all SAC schools with 108 lifetime Academic All-America® honorees. For more information on WU athletics, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com. Current news and videos can be found at www.wingate.edu.