Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University head football coach Joe Reich announces 53 members of the Bulldogs' 2019 recruiting class. At this time, the class includes 53 freshmen. The class includes 20 from North Carolina, 19 from South Carolina, eight from Georgia, five from Virginia and one from Delaware. Reich anticipates additional signings in the days ahead.
 
"This class is extremely deep in the areas we had the highest need," Wingate head coach Joe Reich says. "There are also many very talented players in this group in general. I am also pleased with the caliber of students we are signing. This is important for a place like Wingate."
 
The Wingate football team completed the 2018 season 9-4 overall, advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the second year in a row. The Bulldogs are 18-6 over the past two seasons, winning nine games in back-to-back years for the first time in program history. The 26 wins over the last three years also make for the best three-year stretch in school history, while the 'Dogs are a league-best 16-5 in SAC play over this time frame.
 
Name (position)       
High School/Previous Sch.              
Hometown                
Height / Weight
(*denotes student-athlete enrolled in January)
 
Sims Bennett (WR)
Oceanside Academy
Charleston, S.C.
5-9/165
 
Bennett was a two-year starter for head coach Chad Grier. In Bennett's last 12 games, he recorded 33 receptions and 451 yards. In his two years as a starter for the Lanksharks, Bennett and his teammates compiled a 15-6 record. Sims is the son of Robby and Tosha Bennett.
 
Jamon Brown (WR)
Reagan High School
Greensboro, N.C.
5-9/160
 
Brown was a two-time All-County winner for both offense and defense his junior and senior year. He was elected team captain for his senior year. Brown is currently a member of the track team at Reagan.
 
Kamron Bryant (DB)
Cosby High School
Chesterfield, Va.
5-8/175
 
Bryant lettered for four years for head coach Peter Mutascio at Cosby High in Midlothian, Va. Bryant started at both running back and defensive back his junior and senior years. As a senior, he earned all-region honors at running back and accounted for 44 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery and nine pass break-ups on the defensive side of the ball. He was selected to play in the sixth annual Big River Rivalry All-Star Game and started at safety. Kamron is the son of Taene Britt and Kerrell Bryant.
 
Hunter Carr (OL)
Appoquinmink High School
Middletown, Del.
6-1/270
 
Carr was a four-year varsity starter who saw action on both sides of the ball for head coach Brian Timpson. Carr was recognized as a three-year all-conference guard, a four-year Scholar Athlete and a four-year Academic All-State.  In 2018, Carr was his high school's Lineman of the Year. Off the gridiron, Carr is an Eagle Scout. Hunter is the son of Robert and Michelle Carr and brother to JoAnna.
 
Joel Cassady (OL)
CD Hylton High School
Woodbridge, Va.
6-5/310
 
Joel Cassady was a one-year varsity starter at left tackle for C. D. Hylton High School head coach Tony Lilly. He played varsity basketball for three years at Grace Preparatory School (GPS) before attending Hylton for his senior year. Cassady was selected as a team captain for both the basketball and football teams. At GPS, Cassady was an active FCA member and received the Male Warrior of the Year award and Outstanding Leadership Award. He is also an active member in his local Boy Scout troop as he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Joel is the youngest of five children and the son of David and Gloria Cassady.
 
Curt Chapman (WR)
Central High School
Pageland, S.C.
5-10/170
 
Chapman lettered at wide receiver his senior season for head coach Trent Usher.
 
Nick Dixon (LB/DE)
Spartanburg High School
Spartanburg, S.C.
6-0/240
 
A multiple-year starter at Spartanburg High School for head coach Chris Miller, Dixon played several positions on both sides of the ball. As a senior, he had 10 carries for 60 yards and four TDs. On defense, his career numbers included 88 solo tackles, 159 total tackles, 28.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions. Dixon was named all-region defense his junior and senior seasons. The High School Sports Report named him the Linebacker of the Year in the state. Dixon earned a spot on the Spartanburg All-Area team and played in the Shrine Bowl. A true student-athlete, Dixon was a man strong in his faith and a friend to many.
 
Quack Cohen (DL)
Greer High School
Greer, S.C.
6-1/240
 
Cohen was a four-year starter for Greer High Scholl and head coach Will Young. He was named Freshman All-American by MaxPreps following his first season. In his junior season, Cohen totaled 86 tackles, 16 TFLs, six sacks and 14 QB hurries. He earned Region 2-AAA All-Region team honors twice. In addition, Cohen was named All-Area by the Spartanburg Herald Journal and All-State by SCHSSR. His senior season concluded with 72 tackles, 17 TFLs, seven sacks, 41 QB hurries, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. Cohen was selected to play in the 2018 Shrine Bowl.
 
Elijah Compton (DB)
Monroe Area High School
Monroe, Ga.
6-0/170
 
Compton attended Monroe Area High School. He was voted Most Valuable Defensive Back in the county and received all-county and all-region laurels for the football team. Compton is also a state champion in the 110 meter hurdles.
 
Ashantae' Daniels (RB)
Jenkins High School
Savannah, Ga.
5-11/195
 
Ashantae' "Mookie" Daniels is a member of the varsity football and track team at Herschel V. Jenkins High School in Savannah. Daniels has received the Coaches Award and many academic achievement awards and accolades during his high school career. With a current unweighted GPA of 4.000, he has maintained high honor roll status throughout his high school career. Daniels is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, DECA, Peer Mediation and Junior Achievement clubs at Jenkins High School. He is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence organization as well as the Greater Mt. Bethel Holiness Church Youth Group. Daniels prides himself on being a great leader on and off the field. Mookie is the third son of Contavious Daniels, Sr. and Karen A. Childers-Daniels and the middle child of five boys.
 
Dwayne Davis (LB)
South Pointe High School
Rock Hill, S.C.
6-1/200
 
Davis was a three-year starter at South Pointe High School for head coach Strait Herron. Davis and his teammates won two state titles. As a senior, he amassed 82 solo tackles, 181 total tackles, 13 TFLs, six sacks and two forced fumbles. Davis was a team captain and earned a spot on the 4A All-State defensive team.
 
Kamal Desor (WR)
Dorman High School
Spartanburg, S.C.
6-4/190
 
Desor was a three-year scholastic starter who played this season at Dorman High School for head coach Dave Gutshall after transferring to DHS from Boiling Springs High School. For his career, Desor amassed 1268 yards on 63 catches and had 13 total touchdowns. This season at Dorman, he had 20 catches for 439 yards and six touchdowns for a team which compiled an 11-2 overall record. Desor was named All-Region at wide receiver and earned the Outstanding Receiver Award at his school. He is a starter for the basketball team which is currently ranked number one in the state of South Carolina. 
 
Myles Dillon (WR)
Hillside High School
Durham, N.C.
5-11/175
 
Dillon is a senior at Hillside High School in Durham. He was a three-year letter winner on the HHS football team. Dillon and his teammates advanced to the third round of the 2018 NCHSAA 3AA state playoffs and posted a 9-4 overall record this season. He compiled over 500 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Dillon also competes on the indoor and outdoor track & field teams sin the 55 meters, 100 meters, long jump and 4x100 and 4x200 meter relays. His track accomplishments include the 2016 NCHSAA 4A state championship with a second place in the long jump during the 2017 NCHSAA 4A Midwest Regional. Dillon made all-conference for long jump in 2017 and placed third in long jump during the 2018 NCHSAA 3A Mideast Regional. Myles is the son of Jerry and Tanya Dillon. He has one sister (Imani), who is a senior at East Carolina University, and one brother (Jonathan), a fourth grader.
 
Justin Duncan (DB)
Anson High School
Wadesboro, N.C.
5-10/170
 
Duncan is a student-athlete at Anson High School in Wadesboro.  Duncan played varsity football, ran track and played baseball as a Bearcat.  He received numerous awards, including the academic award and most improved award for football. In addition to his athletic successes, Duncan has a 3.000 GPA in the classroom. Justin is the son of Natasha Duncan.
 
Isaiah Dunn (OL)
Knightdale High School
Knightdale, N.C
6-4/280
 
Dunn is a two-time all-conference performer for Knightdale, earning the team's offensive MVP award once. He received A/B honor roll each of his four years. Dunn is a National Honor Society member as well. During his junior year, he received the Top Knight award. This honor is presented to a student-athlete with a 3.000 (or better) GPA who is involved in two or more varsity sports. During his four years, Dunn received All-Conference Academic six times (between football and track). Isaiah is the son of Angela and Stevie Dunn, Sr.
 
Zyone Easterling (DB)
Rocky River High School
Charlotte, N.C.
6-0/175
 
Easterling was a three-year starter at Rocky River as a safety. He had over 230 tackles in his career. Easterling was a two-time all-conference player who was named first team All-Charlotte Observer during his senior year. 
 
Dylan Elkins (QB)
Apex Friendship High School
Cary, N.C.
6-1/175
 
Elkins was a three-year varsity football letterman at Apex Friendship who played baseball until his junior year. Elkins made academic all-conference all three years and earned honorable mention all-conference honors twice. He was a three-year varsity captain in football as well as being voted offensive MVP by my teammates his senior year. Dylan lives with his mom and stepdad Curt and Marsha Shamblee and his seven-year-old brother Joseph.
 
Ethan Evans (K/P)
North Surry High School
Lowgap, N.C.
6-3/215
 
Evans was a standout player at North Surry High School (Mount Airy, N.C.) for head coach Danny Lyons. In his two varsity seasons, Evans earned All-Western Piedmont Athletic 2A honors. He had 56 touchbacks in 66 kickoffs this season. Evans averaged 40 yards per punt on 30 attempts, 11 of which have landed inside the opponents' 20-yard line. Evans made 38 of 42 extra points and was successful on 11 of 17 field goal attempts – his longest 50 yards. Ethan is the son of Brendon and Kara Evans.
 
Nasir Evans (LB)
Westside High School
Anderson, S.C.
6-0/215
 
Evans played middle and outside linebacker for head coach Scott Earley and defensive coordinator Mikey McCoy. He was named All-Region I-AAAAA his junior and senior years. Evans was part of the AVID program and the 4.000 club. Nasir is the son of Richard Moore and Valerie Evans.
 
Kendarius Fant-Miles (DB)
Westside High School
Anderson, S.C.
5-10/165
 
Fant-Miles was a defensive back at Westside High School. Fant-Miles was an athlete who played for defensive back coach James Dawson, wide receivers coach Julian Wright and head coach Scott Earley. He is a member of the AVID program and Beta Club. KD is the son of Laura Fant and Kelsey Miles. 
 
Luke Ferrell (OL)
Heritage High School
Creedmoor, N.C.
6-4/260
 
Ferrell was a three-year letterman for Heritage High as an offensive lineman. Outside of his football achievements, Ferrell received his OSHA and NCCER certification in carpentry, while maintaining a spot on the A/B honor roll. He was a finalist in a Chinese-speaking competition. Luke is the son of Kevin and Jennifer Ferrell.
 
Jalen Geer (LB)
Belton-Honea Path High School
Honea Path, S.C.
6-1/215
 
Geer played four years of football at Belton-Honea Path High School for head coach Russell Blackston. In Geer's junior year, he started as defensive end and earned all-region and most valuable player for his position. As a senior, Geer started at running back, defensive end and linebacker. He was all-region as a defensive end and all-state at linebacker. Geer broke the school record for most sacks in a single game and received an invite to the North/South All-Star game in 2018. Jalen is the son of Tykia and Clifton Geer.
 
Davon Gilmore (LB)
Fort Dorchester High School
North Charleston, S.C.
6-2/215
 
Gilmore played linebacker at Fort Dorchester High School for head coach Steve Laprad. He was a three-year starter at linebacker and made first team All-Low Country his senior season. A senior team captain, Gilmore was also a member of the 2018 Shrine Bowl team. Davon is the son of Toya Gilmore.
 
Trevor Grant (WR)
Cuthbertson High School
Waxhaw, N.C.
6-2/215
 
While at Cuthbertson High School, Grant participated in football, baseball and track and field for the Cavaliers. He was named all-conference his junior and senior football seasons for head coach David Johnson. Grant holds second place in Union County's record book for most receptions in a single game. He received the Leadership Award at the eighth annual Greater Charlotte Football Banquet. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club at Cuthbertson. Trevor is the son of Peter Grant and Heather Grant.
 
Sam Hartsell (OL)
Concord High School
Concord, N.C.
6-4/275
 
Hartsell was a four-year varsity football letterman at Concord High School. A three-year starter, he played both guard and tackle for the Spiders. During his high school career, Hartsell earned all-county twice and all-conference once. As a senior, Hartsell played multiple positions on the offensive line and was chosen to play in the 2018 Shrine Bowl. He is also a three-year letterman on the track and field team who competes in the shot put and discus.
 
Hartsell is no stranger to Wingate as his grandfather attended the University and his great- grandfather is a member of the Wingate Sports Hall of Fame. Off the field, Hartsell is involved in his church youth group. He won the Jefferson Book Ward from the University of Virginia in 2018 and is a DAR Scholarship finalist in 2019. Hartsell loves all things outdoors. Sam's parents are Stephen and Patricia Hartsell. He has one younger brother named Caius.
 
Bobby Harris II (DL)
Cartersville High School
Cartersville, Ga.
6-0/210
 
Harris was a two-year starter at defensive end at Cartersville. The Hurricanes experienced tremendous success during his tenure with four region titles, two state championships and a 55-2 overall record. Harris finished his senior season with 63 tackles, 25 TFL, six sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He earned first team all-county and all-region on the defensive line and an honorable mention all-state trophy as well. He was voted Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman by his teammates for the 2018 season.
 
Eric Henderson (OL)
Village Christian Academy
Fayetteville, N.C.
5-11/270
 
Henderson is a member of the prestigious National Society of High School Scholars and maintains a 3.1 GPA at Village Christian Academy. His commitment to excellence has earned him the following athletic accolades: Sports International Football Camp Coaches Award, 2012-13 Offense-Defense All-American award, 2014 Offense-Defense Citrus Bowl selection and 2014-17 Offense-Defense All-American.
 
Locally, Henderson is all-conference center and an honorable mention all-state choice who helped VCA win the NCISAA Division III state championship. Henderson served as center and co-captain, providing leadership and guidance to teammates. His special interests include boxing, performing arts (drama), youth mentor and youth usher board at his church. Henderson has always been driven and eager to lead and put forth his best efforts to be successful in all his endeavors.
 
Kevin Henderson (WR)
Manchester High School
Midlothian, Va.
5-9/170
 
Henderson was a member of the 2018 state championship team at Manchester. During the recent season, he was on ESPN for the number one play in the top 10. Kevin Henderson, Jr. is the son of Crystal and Kevin Henderson. 
 
Logan Hicks (DT)
Rock Hill High School
Rock Hill, S.C.
5-10/285
 
Hicks was a three-year starter at Rock Hill High School for head coach Bubba Pittman. He was a 5A All-Region pick his last two seasons. His teammates voted him defensive lineman of the year his junior and senior campaigns. Hicks was a multiple winner of the region's defensive lineman of the week award. He finished his final season with 36 solo tackles, 60 total tackles, 12.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks. Hicks earned a RHHS academic letter as well.
 
Zack Hillstock (WR)
Dorman High School
Spartanburg, S.C.
5-10/185
 
Hillstock started 41 games in his career at Dorman High School, playing for head coach David Gutshall. For his career, his team compiled a 32-9 overall record. Hillstock had over 3,000 total yards and 45 touchdowns while playing nine different positions. For his senior season, he had over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns. Hillstock was named all-state, all-region and earned the school's strength and conditioning award. He played in the Touchstone Energy North/South All-Star Game.
 
Holima Kaikai (DB)
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Raleigh, N.C.
5-10/175
 
While at Cardinal Gibbons, Kaikai lettered in wrestling, track and field and football. He was also named team Defensive Player of the Year on the football gridiron. Kaikia has four sisters and one brother. His mother is originally from Liberia and his dad is originally from Sierra Leone.
 
Alex Kale (OL/LS)
Crest High School
Shelby, N.C.
6-2/245
 
Kale played football and baseball at Crest, earning four-year varsity athlete status on the football team. During his freshman year, the Chargers won the 3AA state football championship. Kale was a three-year varsity starter who handled all the long snapping duties and served as a utility player across the offensive line. He was a first team all-conference offensive tackle as a senior. Alex is the son of Stacy and Stacy Kale.
 
Hayden Kilgore (K/P)
Jefferson High School
Jefferson, Ga.
6-0/190
 
Kilgore played for head coach Gene Cathcart at Jefferson High School. As a kicker and punter, he earned multiple all-area awards along with being elected as a 2016 all-state kicker and a Chick-fil-A Character Award winner. He was named to the 2018 FCA East/West All-Star Game. Hayden is the son of Jason and Laura Kilgore. He has a sister (Maryanne) who plays soccer at Western Carolina University.
 
RJ Mobley (WR)
AC Flora High School
Blythewood, S.C.
6-2/180
 
Mobley was a two-year starter for AC Flora High School and head coach Collin Drafts. Mobley has been instrumental in helping AC Flora win region titles in both football and basketball. As a senior on the football gridiron, he had 40 receptions for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns while earning All-Region honors.
 
Tre Morrison (DB)
Berkeley High School
Moncks Corner, S.C.
6-0/175
 
Morrison has been a part of the Berkeley High School Stag varsity football team for the past three years. During his career, the Stags have won three region championships and qualified for the playoffs each season. Morrison is a three-time all-region first team defensive player. He has also lettered in track and field as well. His track coach is Berkeley's most decorated athlete, Leanna Morrison (his older sister). 
 
Morrison participated in the 400 meters, along with the 4x100 and the 4x400. He has qualified for the state championships in these events for two years in a row. Morrison is an active member in his church family. He is a vibrant community servant who has done many outreach programs including feeding the homeless, clothing drives and mentoring the elementary students at the local schools. He hopes to study pre-law. Carlantre' D. Morrison, also known as Tre, is the fifth child of Carlton and Tracy Morrison.
 
JT Nalesnik (WR)
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Cary, NC
5-10/165
 
Nalesnik is a member of the Leadership Council at Cardinal Gibbons. On the football field, he had over 34 receptions for 500-plus yards during his senior season. JT is the son of Matt and Betsy Nalesnik. His brother (Tim) was a four-year wide receiver for the WU Bulldogs during his playing days.
 
Matt Parrish (DL)
East Duplin High School
Beulaville, N.C.
6-5/310
 
Parrish was a three-sport athlete at East Duplin High School, participating in football, basketball and track. Matt is the son of Hannah Swinton and Michael Parrish, Sr.
 
Cole Phillips (LB)
Summerville High School
Summerville, S.C.
6-1/200
 
Phillips played linebacker at Summerville, where he was an all-region and all-state his senior year. He was also selected to the North-South All Star Game. He was elected team captain his senior year and finished his senior season with a 160-plus tackles and six sacks. He is the son of John and Shannon Phillips.
 
Andrew Puccinelli (QB)
Benedictine Prep
Glen Allen, Va.
6-3/175
 
A three-year starter at Benedictine, Puccinelli help lead his team to two state championship appearances. He was VISSA Division I honorable mention, 804 Varsity Player of the Week and 804 Clash of Titans Regional MVP. Andrew is the son of Luke and Kristin Puccinelli.
 
Darius Randolph (DL)
Heritage High School
Lynchburg, Va.
6-1/290
 
Randolph was a three-year varsity football starter at Heritage. His senior year accolades include first team All-Seminole District, first team all-region and first team all-state for both offensive and defensive lines. Also, Randolph was first team all-area on the defensive line and a USA Today High School Sports second team O-Line pick on the All-USA Virginia team. He was also a part of the 2018 VSHCA All-Star team and a 2018 state champion. Darius is the son of Ronald and Regina Randolph.
 
Jacob Reis (OL)
West Forsyth High School
Cumming, Ga.
6-6/290
 
Reis is a product of West Forsyth High School in Cumming, Ga. Reis was a powerful two-year starter on the offensive line for Wolverines head coach Shawn Cahill. Jacob is the son of Heather and Ron Reis.
 
Cam Robinson (DL)
Metrolina Christian Academy
Matthews, N.C.
6-2/275
 
Robinson was a two-sport athlete in football and track for MCA. He received second team all-state, first team all-conference and first team all-county. Robinson was also named to the Diamond Sport All-American game as a defensive lineman. Cam is the son of Kimberly McDonald and Koren Robinson.
 
Alex Spencer (DL)
Anson High School
Lilesville, N.C.
6-1/245
 
Spencer was selected to the first team all-conference squad his senior year. He won the team MVP and Coaches' Award as a defensive end. Alex is the son of Patricia Spencer.
 
Blake Stephens (DL)
North Davidson
Lexington, N.C.
6-4/260
 
Stephens was a two-sport athlete who played football and track at North Davidson. He was a four-year football letter winner for head coach Brian Flynn. He was a two time all-conference, All-Northwest and team Defensive Player of the Year. Stephens was named All-Davidson County three times and led the Central Carolina Conference in sacks and tackles for a loss his junior and senior seasons. His senior year stats: 108 tackles, 59 tackles for a loss, 23 sacks, three forced fumbles, three touchdowns and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. The TD helped the Black Knights reach the state championship game, where he received the Defensive MVP award for the East. In track and field, Stephens is a three-year letter winner who won the North Carolina State championship in the discus throw. He is a two-year all-region, all-conference and all-county pick in track and field. Stephens also holds the school record for the longest discus throw. Blake is the son of Jeremy and Kristina Stephens.
 
Mason Stewart (WR)
Skipstone Academy
Griffin, Ga.
5-8/165
 
Stewart was a three-time state champion in two different high school conferences. He was also a team captain for football and track and field at Skipstone. In his senior campaign, Stewart averaged 30 yards per carry with 4 kick return touchdowns and eight total TDs. On the track, he was second in the state 100 meter dash while helping his team win the state title. Mason is the son of Scott and Maria Stewart. He is big brother to Morgan and Vanessa.
 
Jalen Tatah (OL)
Lancaster High School
Lancaster, S.C.
6-4/290
 
Tatah was a three-year starter for head coach Bobby Collins at Lancaster High. As a senior, he was named first team all-county, all-region 3-4A, Rock Hill Herald All-Area and SCHSL AAAA All-State. Tatah played in the Touchstone Energy Bowl All-Star game and was named team captain. He was selected to the Blue/Grey All-American Game and the Offense/Defense All-American Game.
 
Kamon Taylor (DB)
Stephens High School
Toccoa, Ga.
5-10/165
 
While a student-athlete at Stephens County High School, Taylor was a member of the football and track and field teams. He made second team all-region as a defensive back and honorable mention all-region as a running back. Kamon is the son of Lacorsha Burton, Emanijula Brown and Henry Taylor.
 
Curtis Thompson (DL)
Hartsville High School
Hartsville, S.C.
6-4/250
 
During his four-year career at Hartsville, Thompson received multiple awards. He is a two-time all-region selection and a two-time all-zone selection. Thompson was also elected team captain his junior and senior year for the Red Foxes. Curtis is the son of Curtis and Kendra Thompson.
 
Dray Thompson (LB)
Dillon High School
Dillon, S.C.
6-0/220
 
Thompson played four years of football at Dillon High for head coach Jackie Hayes. He started three years at inside linebacker. Thompson played in four S.C. state championships, winning two titles. For his career, he had 308 total tackles with 85 stops as a senior. Thompson was named to the High School Sports Report's All-State team following his junior and senior years. Dray is the son of Reggie and Vera Thompson.
 
Collin Tice (OL)
Central High School
Pageland, S.C.
6-0/270
 
Tice has played football since he was seven years old. At Central, Tice has started three of his four years (at center) for head coach Trent Usher. In his fourth year, he played guard and was the team's backup center. Tice lettered in football and track (discus and shot put). He helped lead his team to the third round of the state football playoffs for the first time in seven years. Collin is the son of Chris and Dawn Tice.
 
Saxby Waxer (RB)
West Forsyth High School
Cumming, Ga.
6-0/200
 
Waxer played football for four years at West Forsyth High School. He was also a member of the track and field team. As a running back/wide receiver, Waxer won Offensive Player of the Game multiple times in his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he ran for 645 yards on 141 carries with seven touchdowns. These exploits landed him on the all-region team as a running back. Saxby is the son of Dwayne and Katie Waxer.
 
Cade Whitley (OL)
South Stanly High School
Oakboro, N.C.
6-2/265
 
Throughout his career at South Stanly, Whitley has been a member of the football, wrestling and track and field teams (shot put and discus). In football, he was named all-county and all-conference. Whitley played multiple positions including offensive guard, defensive tackle, defensive end and long snapper. In wrestling, he is a four-year varsity team member. He was Outstanding Wrestler of the Year following his sophomore year, earning all-county and all-conference in the 195-pound weight class. Whitley placed second in the region and was a state qualifier. During his junior year, he was all-county, all-conference and ranked in the top five for the 220-weight class. For his senior wrestling season (currently underway), he is ranked in the top three heavyweights in the state. Whitley has achieved 100 career wins. In track and field, he throws shot put and discus. Whitley placed fifth in the region for discus his junior year. He has has maintained a 4.2 GPA at SSHS. Whitley is a member of the National Honor Society and has won Outstanding Achievement Awards in Math I, Earth and Environmental Science, Agriculture Science, Civics and Economics and Architectural Drafting. Cade is the son of Eddie and Starla Whitley.
 
Lamont Williams (DL)
Southern Nash High School
Spring Hope, N.C.
6-0/300
 
Williams was a two-time all-conference player for Southern Nash High School. He recorded 119 career tackles with 69 stops his senior season. Williams was also elected captain his senior year.

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 12 years. Wingate is first in the 2000s among NCAA Division II and North Carolina's colleges and universities with 106 CoSIDA Academic All-America® selections. Wingate is tops among all SAC schools with 115 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.