Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University head football coach Joe Reich announces the signing of 41 student-athletes who will be joining the Bulldogs in the fall of 2023. The 41 student-athletes signed their official letters Wednesday, Feb. 1, which is National Signing Day.
 
"We checked many boxes with this recruiting class," Reich says. "This is a fantastic group of young men who will continue to add strength to our program. We added great depth on both lines and added playmakers on offense. I also like the versatility of the defensive backs we signed. We were only looking to take a linebacker or two and got a few excellent players. We are fired up about this class."
 
Elijah Barnes (LB)
Byrnes High School
6-1/215
Woodruff, S.C.
 
- Four-year letter winner at Byrnes
- Two-way player who helped Byrnes made the state playoffs his senior year
- Honor roll student who is graduating in the top 30 percent of his class
- Son of Teonna Black
 
CeeJai Batten (OL/DL)
Whiteville High School
5-10/245
Whiteville, N.C.
 
- Four-year letterman for coach JP Price; three-year starter at Whiteville
- Wolfpack compiled a 38-6 overall record during his career
- Senior year stats: 73 pancakes, 43 tackles, 22 TFL, six sacks, three forced fumbles, one INT
- Helped lead disaster relief groups during hurricanes Matthew and Florence
- Son of Adrian Batten and CeeGee Richardson
- Three siblings include Abrien, Syaja and Anteja Richardson
 
Brooks Bentley (QB)
Venice High School
6-2/190
Tampa, Fla.
 
- Led Venice and head coach John Peacock to state championship game as a senior
- Senior year stats: 1,835 passing yards, 473 rushing yards, 30 TDs (21 passing, nine rushing)
- Completed 56 percent of his senior-season passes
- Named first team All-Sun Coast and Sun Coast Offensive Player of the Year
- Son of Bobby and Paulette Bentley
 
Mandjou Berte (DL)
Shiloh High School
6-3/265
Snellville, Ga.
 
- Career stats: 114 tackles, 28 TFL, 10 QB sacks for Shiloh head coach Santino Ierulli
- Four-year honor roll student at SHS
- Volunteers with SOS Clean Water, helping provide clean water in Africa
- Son of Mamadou Berte
 
Gemoi Brown (S)
James Island Charter School
5-8/185
Charleston, S.C.
 
- Two-year All-State performer for the Trojans
- Earned All-Region and All-Low Country first team honors as a senior
- Senior year stats: 89 tackles, 13 TFL, six PBU, five forced fumbles, two interceptions
- James Island's defensive player of the year as a junior
 
Tyson Brown (DL)
Rome High School
6-1/235
Rome, Ga.
 
- First team All-State and 6A defensive player of the year for RHS head coach John Reid
- First team All-Region twice
- Senior year stats: 66 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 9 TFL, two blocked kicks, two forced fumbles, 1 TD
- Son of Tyson Brown and Ne-Ne Daniels
 
Jaylen Brown-Wallace (WR)
Daniel High School
6-0/170
Central, S.C.
 
- All-State performer helped the Daniel Lions win two state championships
- Two-time All-Region team member as well
- Son of Antonio Brown and Laura Wallace
 
Jesse Clinesmith (TE)
East Duplin High School
6-5/250
Chinquapin, N.C.
 
- Led East Duplin and head coach Battle Holley to the 2A state championship his senior year
- First team Duplin Elite as tight end, second team all-conference defensive end
- Senior year offensive stats: 13 catches, 256 yards, four TDs
- Senior year defensive stats: 82 tackles, nine TFL, five QB hurries, three fumble recoveries
- Plays basketball for the East Duplin Panthers as well
- Son of Chadd Clinesmith and Kathi Garner
 
Sam Cowher (LB)
Cox Mill High School
6-1/215
Concord, N.C.
 
- Team captain and all-conference his senior year for Cox Mill head coach Shawn Baker
- Three-year letterman was named team MVP and most valuable defensive player as a senior
- Four-year starter and three-year captain for the CMHS Chargers' wrestling team
- Wrestling honors include most outstanding wrestler (2x) and coaches' leadership award
- Earned all-conference in wrestling as a sophomore and a junior
 
Bryson Dickens (OL)
Lakewood High School
6-3/270
Sumter, S.C.
 
- Four-year starter, two-time team captain for Lakewood head coach Larry Cornelius
- All-State, All-Region (3x) and All-Area (2x) for the Lakewood Gators
- Carolina Bowl selection, Elite 88 participant and Pee Dee offensive player of the year nominee
- Three-sport athlete who competes in wrestling and track and field
- National Honor Society member and Scholar-Athlete of the Year award winner
- Son of Joseph and Melissa Dickens
 
Isaiah Dorsey (S)
Los Alamitos High School
5-6/160
Long Beach, Calif.
 
- Sunset League defensive back of the year for Los Alamitos head coach Ray Fenton
- Earned All-Sunset League first team honors twice
- California Scholastic Federation and National High Honors Society member
- Received football team's scholar-athlete award as well
- Traveled to Europe to play basketball for an international team
- Son of Albert and Charmaine Dorsey
 
Zion Fant (CB)
Reagan High School
5-8/160
Pfafftown, N.C.
 
- Helped Reagan High School and head coach Josh McGee win a league title his senior year
- Earned defensive player of the week honors four times his final season
- Son of Teddy and Angel Fant
 
Deamonti Garrett (DE)
Lower Richland High School
6-0/240
Hopkins, S.C.
 
- Two-time Region IV AAA defensive player of the year for the LRHS Diamond Hornets
- Senior year stats: 18 QB sacks, 14 TFL and four forced fumbles
- Played for Lower Richland head coach Marlin Taylor
- Son of Alvin and Cheryl Burden
 
Dawson Griffis (FB)
Appling County High School
6-0/235
Baxley, Ga.
 
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution and GACA all-state linebacker for head coach Jordan Mullis
- Three-time All-Region tight end, 912 All-Area linebacker on defense
- Twice first team All-State and two-time All-Region catcher for the ACHS baseball team
- Future academic plans include pre-med or pre-engineering
- Son of Leslie and Jenna Griffis, brother to Dayson, Daylin and Daegan Griffis
 
Dalton Grubb (OL)
Myers Park High School
6-2/250
Charlotte, N.C.
 
- Played for head coach Jason McManus at Myers Park High School
- Received the team's character award for his perseverance while injured his senior season
- Earned his Eagle Scout by helping make renovations to a local church
- Son of Chris and Amy Grubb
 
Jeremiah Harden (QB)
Shiloh High School
6-0/175
Snellville, Ga.
 
- All-County and 6A All-Region quarterback for Shiloh head coach Santino Ierulli
- Senior year stats: 2,148 passing yards, 25 passing TDs, three rushing TDs
- Helped the Generals advance to the 2022 Georgia 6A playoffs his final season
 
Aden Harper (OL)
Fuquay-Varina High School
6-3/295
Fuquay-Varina, N.C.
 
- Greater Neuse River Conference offensive lineman of the year as a senior
- Three-year starter, twice all-conference and team captain for head coach Jeb Hall
- Three-year academic all-conference performer
- Fuquay-Varina track and field team member
- Son of Melissa Harper and brother to Peyton Harper
 
Christopher Harris (DL)
Dobyns-Bennett High School
6-3/245
Kingsport, Tenn.
 
- Helped Dobyns-Bennett and head coach Joey Christian advance to the 6A state playoffs
- Senior year stats: 46 tackles, nine QB hurries, eight TFL, seven QB sacks
- Voted to the 6A All-Region team as a defensive lineman
- Won the Dobyns-Bennett defensive lineman of the year award
- Harris and his teammates compiled an 8-3 overall record in 2022
- Dobyns-Bennett had four victories over teams ranked in the Tennessee 6A coaches' poll
- Member of the school's Beta Club and active in his church's youth group
- Son of Mike and Emily Harris
 
Xavier Jackson (WR)
North Cobb High School
5-11/180
Acworth, Ga.
 
- Helped the North Cobb Warriors win a regional championship his senior year
- Three-year letter winner and two-year starter at North Cobb
- Named to 7A all-region second team his final season
- Son of Rendell Jackson and Stacye Sledge

Jacob Johnson (RB)
EA Laney High School
5-10/175
Wilmington, N.C.
 
- Three-year varsity letterman, two-year captain for Laney head coach Luke Little
- Split time between running back and safety before switching to offense full-time
- Track and field team member for the Laney Buccaneers
- Holds a 3.00 GPA in the classroom
 
Everett Joyner III (TE)
Richland Northeast High School
6-5/220
Columbia, S.C.
 
- Helped Richland Northeast to back-to-back playoff berths his final two seasons
- The Cavaliers did not win a game during Joyner's first two campaigns
- After spending first year as a defensive end, he played three years at tight end
- Voted team captain prior to his senior season
- Earned coaches' award for most improved player and great overall leader
- South Carolina scholar All-American with his 4.5 GPA
- Member, magnet programs such as International Baccalaureate and Convergence Media
- In Convergence Media program, he serves as sports producer for RNE-TV Live
- Recipient of multiple state, regional and national awards with RNE-TV
- Southeastern Region SPA Emmy winner in the 2022 sports category
- Honorable mention laurels for his 2021 C-SPAN documentary from thousands of entries
- Plans to study exercise science/kinesiology with hopes to become a physical therapist
- Son of Everett II and Andrea Joyner
 
Demari Kendrick (WR)
South Pointe High School
5-11/165
Rock Hill, S.C.
 
- Helped the Stallions and head coach Bobby Collins win the state title his senior year
- Compiled 175 yards receiving and two touchdowns in the state championship contest
- Twice first team All-Region; Carolina Bowl selection as well
- Senior year stats: 50 receptions, 792 yards, 10 touchdowns
- Son of Derrick Kendrick and Shenekia McClinton
 
J'Von Mack (DB)
Dutch Fork High School
5-11/175
Irmo, S.C.
 
- Concluded career helping Silver Foxes and head coach Tom Knotts win 5A state crown
- Mack and his teammates won three state championships during his career
- Earned 5A All-Region second team and 5A All-State honorable mention on the gridiron
- Letterman for track and field team, plus Faithful Black Men Club member
- Son of Henry L. and Emily Mack
 
Alexander Marrero (OL)
Bishop Moore High School
6-2/300
Orlando, Fla.
 
- Named to Shriners' East-West All-Star game following senior season
- Two-year varsity letter winner in football and track and field, one letter in wrestling
- Played football for head coach Matt Hedrick
- Brother Marco Marrero is a USMC private
- Son of Omar and Olga Marrero, brother to sister Olivia Marrero
 
Jayden Parker (S)
Peach County High School
5-10/170
Fort Valley, Ga.
 
- Four-year letterman for head coach Chad Campbell at Peach County High School
- First team All-Region choice on defense
- Six senior year interceptions led the Trojans
- Won team's defensive MVP award
- Son of Billy and Shanekqua Parker
 
Jose Perez (OL)
Peach County High School
6-3/310
Fort Valley, Ga.
 
- First team All-Region, honorable mention All-State as a senior for head coach Chad Campbell
- Voted the Trojans' best offensive lineman after his final season
- Received multiple player of the week awards throughout his final season
- Did not play football his junior season
- Earned second team All-Region laurels as a sophomore
- Son of Telvina and Refugio Perez
 
Xavier Pugh (RB)
Millbrook High School
5-10/185
Raleigh, N.C.
 
- Played for coaches Hunter Jenks and Jimmy Vereen at Millbrook High School
- Capped his senior season by collecting all-conference and All-State laurels
- Runs track for the Wildcats, helping Millbrook win the conference championship
- Son of Brooks Pugh and Alecia Holloman
 
Joseph Reddish (CB)
Independence High School
5-11/175
Charlotte, N.C.
 
- Twice an all-conference defensive back for Independence head coach Darryl McFadden, Jr.
- Starts for the Patriots' baseball team as well
- Son of Quacey and Latoya Reddish
 
Canon Roberts (TE)
Ledford High School
6-6/225
Thomasville, N.C.
 
- Totaled 22 catches for 332 yards and three TDs as a senior for Ledford head coach Chris Doby
- First team all-conference in football his final two seasons
- Plays basketball for the Ledford Panthers
- Son of Alisa Roberts and Jeremy Roberts 
 
Jalil Rogers (DB)
Reagan High School
6-2/190
Winston-Salem, N.C.
 
- Earned all-conference as a Reagan High School senior for head coach Josh McGee
- Senior year stats: 49 tackles, nine PBU, two blocked kicks and one interception
- Junior year stats included 10 PBU and two interceptions
- In basketball, he averaged 13.6 points as a sophomore and 16.7 points as a junior
- Enters final month of senior hoops season averaging 16.1 points
- Son of Tim Davis and Shaniece Rogers
 
Aden Sealey (FB)
New Hanover High School
6-0/240
Wilmington, N.C.
 
- Received all-conference laurels for New Hanover head coach Dylan Dimock last season
- Four-sport athlete at NHHS (football, baseball, basketball and track and field)
- Plans to major in sport management at Wingate
- Son of Sam and Cheryl Sealey and brother to Abby Sealey
 
Dylan Setzer (OL)
Flowery Branch High School
6-3/270
Flowery Branch, Ga.
 
- Second team All-Region selection for FBHS head coach Jason Tester
- Hopes to major in business at Wingate
- Son of Bobby Setzer and Tracy Welk
- Brother to Roman, Anastasia and Bella Welk
 
Myles Smith (WR)
Shiloh High School
6-0/170
Snellville, Ga.
 
- Region 8 returner and wide receiver of the year for Shiloh head coach Santino Ierulli
- Senior year stats: 1,772 all-purpose yards, 1,066 receiving yards, 14 TD receptions
- Honorable mention All-State and All-County following his senior campaign
- Son of Garrick and Monique Smith
 
Drew Surratt (DL)
River Bluff High School
6-1/245
Lexington, S.C.
 
- Two-year starter on defense for River Bluff head coach Blair Hardin
- Elected team captain prior to his senior season
- Senior year stats: 38 tackles, five TFL and two QB sacks
- First team All-Region and River Bluff's best defensive lineman award winner
- Son of Ward Surratt and Sandy Surratt, both Wingate University alumni
 
Paul Thompson (LB)
Page High School
5-11/215
Greensboro, N.C.
 
- Averaged a team-best 5.7 tackles per game for coach Doug Robertson at Page High School
- "Paul possesses a great football IQ as a fast and physical linebacker… (Coach Robertson)"
- Attends Manasseh Baptist Church in Greensboro
- Son of Paul and Monica Thompson
 
Wesley Thompson (QB)
Maiden High School
6-5/185
Maiden, N.C.
 
- All-conference performer for head coach Will Byrne at Maiden High School
- Senior year stats: 3,715 passing yards with 65 percent completion rate
- Totaled 45 touchdowns (43 passing) with 133 QB rating during his final Blue Devil season
- Complete MHS career with 10,000+ passing yards
- Earned WNNC Coca-Cola player of the week versus Newton Conover this year
- Plays basketball at Maiden
- Son of Jimmy and Charlotte Thompson
 
Soloman Townes (DL)
Hanahan High School
6-1, 310
Hanahan, S.C.
 
- Earned 3A All-Region honors for head coach Art Craig at Hanahan High School
- Hanahan's most valuable defensive lineman following his senior season
- Led the 2022 team in TFL while charting third in total tackles
- Made S.C. track and field regionals in the discus throw last year
- Throws shot put for Hanahan as well
- Son of Margaret Townes
 
John 'Lawson' Thorn (PK/P)
Cane Bay High School
6-2/185
Summerville, S.C.
 
- Received 5A All-Region laurels following his senior season for head coach Russell Zehr
- Senior year stats: 42 yards/punt, 95 percent/PATs made, 78 percent kickoffs/touchbacks
- Perfect six-for-six on field goals over 40 yards during his CBHS career
- Four-year starter for Cobras' soccer team, earning All-Region honors in 2022
- Son of Mark and Jennifer Thorn
 
Ethan Wallace (RB)
Hoke County High School
6-1/225
Raeford, N.C.
 
- Posted 2,200 all-purpose yards as a senior for Hoke County head coach George Small
- Senior year stats: 1,700 rushing yards, 31 total touchdowns (26 rushing)
- Plays basketball and runs track for the Fighting Bucks
- Track times: 10.8/100 meters, 21.94/200 meters; member, 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams
- Son of Antonio Wallace and stepson of Ayanna Wallace
 
Samuel Whitley (DE)
Windsor Forest High School
6-1/230
Savannah, Ga.
 
- Second team 2A All-Region defensive lineman for head coach Jeb Stewart
- Three-sport athlete at Windsor Forest; member of wrestling and track and field teams as well
- Accepted into the Windsor Forest National Honor Society
- Son of Samuel and Kisha Whitley
 
Lorenzo Wright                                
McArthur High School
6-0/160
Hollywood, Fla.
 
- Two-year starter and defensive co-captain for McArthur head coach Kevin Burnett
- Vibrant volunteer who has accumulated 200+ hours of community service
- Son of Brian and Melissa Wright
- One of four siblings who will be the first in his family to attend college
 
Wingate University
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a laboratory of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina. Wingate offers 38 undergraduate majors as well as seven master's and four doctoral degrees. The University 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 is a leader in healthcare education, and nearly one in five Wingate undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 25 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award for 14 years straight. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.