VALDOSTA, Ga. - Head Coach Kerwin Bell and the Valdosta State football coaching staff are pleased to announce the newest additions to Blazer football. The list below features each of this year's new signees.
"We are very proud of this class," stated Bell midway through his third signing day as Valdosta State's head coach. "We were able to fill out many areas and needs, and we are excited about the talent we have acquired from throughout South Georgia and Florida. We've been able to bring in many of the players that were at the top of our board, and we feel very good about that."
The 2018 list is made up of 36 total signees, which include 18 recruits from the state of Florida, 15 Georgia signees, two from South Carolina, and one from Pennsylvania. Read up on all of our newest Blazers in the list below!
| Darius Smalls Position: DL Height: 6'3" Weight: 350 Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. Previous School: Hines JC |
| The Coaches Say: "Darius was one of our first signees and an early enrollee out of Hines Junior College. He is a big and powerful presence in the middle of our defense that will serve as a true run stopper. Darius was named two-time 8A All-Conference, All-State, and All-American at Sandalwood High in Jacksonville, Fla." |
| Ralph Singleton Position: OT Height: 6'5" Weight: 265 Hometown: Sumter, S.C. High School: Lakewood HS Previous School: Presbyterian College |
| The Coaches Say: "Ralph is an early enrollee out of Presbyterian College, where he played in 11 games and made seven starts. He is a long and physical pass protector, who pieced together an excellent high school career as a four year starter. He played in the North/South All-Star Game and was a two-time All-Region player. In addition, he was named the Sumter Touchdown Club Scholar Athlete of the year in recognition of a 4.0 GPA throughout his entire senior season." |
| Jameel Padgett Position: DE/TE Height: 6'4" Weight: 250 Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. High School: Englewood HS Previous School: Presbyterian College |
| The Coaches Say: "Jameel is another early enrollee that was a four year starter in high school at Englewood. He was named honorable mention All-First Coast by the Florida Times Union. He was named the team MVP at Englewood and led the region with seven interceptions as a junior. Jameel is big and explosive, and he could see time at both defensive end and tight end." |
| Jordan Harris Position: OT Height: 6'7" Weight: 330 Hometown: Atlanta, Ga. High School: Stephenson HS Previous School: Coahoma JC |
| The Coaches Say: "Jordan was the No. 12 ranked Junior College offensive lineman in the country. He was named All-Conference last year at Coahoma Junior College. In high school, Jordan was a three-star prospect and two time All-State offensive lineman. He ranked as the No. 30 offensive tackle in the country. Jordan is a massive human being that plays explosively with great pad level. We expect him to make an immediate impact for us." |
| Rori Blair Position: DE Height: 6'4" Weight: 240 Hometown: Pittsburgh, Penn. High School: Upper St. Claire Previous School: University of Pittsburgh |
| The Coaches Say: "Rori is an early enrollee that served as a multi-talented receiver and defensive end standout in high school. He was a three-star recruit coming out of Upper St. Claire. At Pitt, he started 18 games in his three year career at the university. He led the Panthers during his freshman season with five sacks, while also adding 14 overall tackles. Rori is very athletic and brings an experienced and mature presence to our team. He has played at a high level and has the ability to be a major threat rushing the passer." |
| Adonis Sealey Position: OG Height: 6'3" Weight: 280 Hometown: Hamer, S.C. High School: Dillon HS Previous School: Presbyterian College |
| The Coaches Say: "Adonis is an early enrollee that played in 18 games over a two-year span and made seven starts at Presbyterian. In high school, he was a four-time State Champion and played in the Shrine Bowl. He was named two time All-State and also earned All-American honors. He is also a member of the National Honors Society. Adonis is a big and versatile lineman that has proven himself as a winner both on and off the field. We expect him to make an immediate impact as a Blazer." |
| Justice Parham Position: ATH Height: 6'0" Weight: 185 Hometown: Tarpon Springs, Fla. High School: Tarpon Springs HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach George Kotis at Tarpon Springs High School. Started as the quarterback at Tarpon Springs for three straight years and earned MVP honors in each of those seasons. He was named First Team All-County as an athlete, and scored 21 touchdowns during his senior season. Justice is an explosive and athletic player that can play multiple positions, both on offense and defense." |
| Jameon Gaskin Position: LB/RB Height: 5'11" Weight: 220 Hometown: Douglas, Ga. High School: Coffee HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Robby Pruitt. Jameon served as a versatile weapon for the State Runner-Up Coffee High Trojans, where he played linebacker and running back. He recorded 1,300 rushing yards and 103 tackles during his senior season. Jameon earned Region 1 6-A Athlete of the Year honors and was named First Team All-State. In addition, he received First Team All-Region recognition. In the Game Magazine named him the Offensive Player of the Year. Jameon has plenty to offer on both sides of the ball and has proven himself as a leader after serving as a team captain at Coffee High. As one of the top players in south Georgia, he led his team to the State Championship and knows what it takes to win." |
| Taylor Williams Position: OG Height: 6'4" Weight: 300 Hometown: Pensacola, Fla. High School: West Florida HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Rhett Summerford at West Florida High School. He led the team in knockdown blocks and has established himself as a big and mobile offensive lineman. He plays with a high motor, and we expect him to develop into a big time player." |
| Aaron Dawson Position: CB Height: 5'10" Weight: 170 Hometown: Cross City, Fla. High School: Dixie County HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Eric Richeson at Dixie County High School. He was named the Gainesville Sun 1A Player of the Year as a defensive back. Aaron was also named 1A All-State, and earned Player of the Year honors in District 2. Aaron is extremely athletic and is a playmaker. He is one of those players that can change the momentum of a game when the ball is thrown in his direction." |
| Ty Hinson Position: OL Height: 6'2" Weight: 275 Hometown: Brunswick, Ga. High School: Brunswick HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for former Blazer and Head Coach Sean Pender at Brunswick High School. While in high school, Ty was touted as the strongest player on the team. He served as a team captain during his senior season and was named the team MVP in recognition of his efforts in 2017. Ty is a talented south Georgia offensive lineman, who is powerful at the point of attack. He is a great finisher, and is a big part of this year's signing class." |
| Kyler Crosby Position: FB Height: 6'1" Weight: 225 Hometown: Callahan, Fla. High School: West Nassau HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Rickey Armstrong at West Nassau High School. Kyler was named an All-First Coast running back during his senior season. He earned FACA All-District running back honors in 2017 and was named All-County MVP. He recorded 2,532 yards as a three year starter and tallied 27 total touchdowns. Academically, Kyler was named 2017 FACA Academic All-State. He is a physical, hard-nosed ball carrier and a punishing run blocker." |
| Martez Hudson Position: DL Height: 6'1" Weight: 305 Hometown: Carrollton, Ga. High School: Carrollton HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for former Blazer Sean Calhoun at Carrollton High School. Martez was a multi-talented student-athlete that competed as a wrestler and a track athlete while also playing football. He is a strong and explosive nose guard that plays the run very well. He is great with his hands and knows how to effectively shed blocks." |
| Riley Maynard Position: OG Height: 6'4" Weight: 295 Hometown: Cairo, Ga. High School: Cairo HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Steve Devoursney at Cairo High School. He was named First Team All-State in 2017 and earned Offensive Lineman of the Year honors in both his junior and senior seasons. He was voted team captain by his peers and notched the Offensive Performance Award from In the Game Sports Magazine. Riley is a physical south Georgia lineman that moves well in space. He is flexible and powerful, with the ability to be an impactful player at the collegiate level." |
| David White Position: WR Height: 6'3" Weight: 170 Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. High School: Westside HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Rodney DuBose at Westside High School. He was named FACA All-District wide receiver and holds the school record for most receiving yards in a single game (220 yards). David is a long receiver that can run with anybody. He is a smart player that knows how to go get it." |
| Greg Dixon Position: OT Height: 6'4" Weight: 275 Hometown: Baxley, Ga. High School: Appling County HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach John Lindsey at Appling County High School. He was named First Team All-Region and carried the team-high GPA. In addition, he won the Senior Leadership Award while competing as a two-sport athlete in both track and football. Greg is a long offensive tackle, who is fully capable of protecting our edges on the offensive line. He is a passionate football player, who will see playing time early in his collegiate career." |
| Ivory Durham Position: QB Height: 5'10" Weight: 170 Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. High School: Raines HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Deran Wiley at Raines High School. He was named 4-A Florida Player of the Year and the State Championship MVP for his efforts at the quarterback position during his senior season. Ivory is a dynamic player who can make all the throws and extend plays with incredible mobility. He is third all-time in the state of Florida with 10,000-plus career passing yards. He finished his career with 101 total touchdown passes. He is a proven leader and willed his team to a State Championship in 2017." |
| Jackson Bull Position: LB Height: 5'11" Weight: 190 Hometown: Fleming Island, Fla. High School: Fleming Island HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Damenyum Springs at Fleming Island High School. Jackson served as a First Team All-County during his senior season after recording 106 tackles in a single season. He tallied 7.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions. Jackson is fast and instinctive on the defensive side of the football. He is physical, he knows how to play in space, and he is versatile, with the ability to play multiple positions." |
| Raynell Killian Position: CB Height: 5'10" Weight: 180 Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. High School: Raines HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Daren Wiley at Raines High School in Jacksonville, Fla. All-Conference utility player and a three-time State Champion. He was honored as an All-First Coast Team player and excelled in the classroom as a Henry O. Langston Scholar Athlete. Raynell is a natural shutdown corner with great cover skills in one-on-one situations. He is also very physical against the run. We are looking forward to getting him in a Blazer uniform." |
| Michael Henderson Position: WR Height: 5'9" Weight: 160 Hometown: Belleview, Fla. High School: Belleview HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Michael Kelly at Belleview High School. Broke the 200m school record as a junior in high school (21.75 seconds). Michael was named All-County First Team as a utility athlete and earned special teams MVP honors. Michael is incredibly fast and has the potential to be one of the fastest players on the team. He is a great receiver and is an explosive player when the ball is in his hands." |
| Kyree Williams Position: OL Height: 6'4" Weight: 310 Hometown: Folkston, Ga. High School: Charlton County HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Rich McWhorter at Charlton County High School. Kyree was named GACA All-State as an offensive lineman and earned First Team All-Region honors. He was voted team captain by his peers and earned Offensive Lineman of the Year recognition at Charlton County. Kyree is a big road grader and is powerful enough to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. We're thrilled to have him as a part of Blazer Nation!" |
| Tyler Dorsett Position: OL Height: 6'2" Weight: 275 Hometown: Cantonment, Fla. High School: Tate HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Jay Lindsey at Tate High School. He earned second Team All-State and First Team All-Area honors during his senior season, and served as a dual-sport athlete in both football and as a district-champion shotputter. Tyler is a quick-footed offensive lineman who has the ability to be dangerous in space. He has all of the tools to dominate in the Gulf South Conference." |
| George Mincey Position: DE Height: 6'1" Weight: 245 Hometown: Brunswick, Ga. High School: Brunswick HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for former Blazer Sean Pender at Brunswick High School. He was named First Team All-Region as a defensive lineman during his senior season. George is a great pass rusher with the ability to control the line. He has a great motor and can make tackles from sideline to sideline." |
| DJ Whitfield Position: WR Height: 5'11" Weight: 170 Hometown: Brunswick, Ga. High School: Brunswick HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for former Blazer Sean Pender at Brunswick High School. DJ is a natural receiver with great ball skills. He has a knack for creating big plays with his ability to separate after the catch." |
| Diop Kee Position: DB Height: 6'1" Weight: 195 Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. High School: Raines HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Deran Wiley at Raines High School. Diop was a defensive back for a State Championship team. He played both safety and nickel for Coach Wiley's defense, which was considered one of the best in the state. Diop will bring very good cover skills to the Black Swarm and will add good size and length to the Blazer secondary." |
| Brock Jones Position: OL Height: 6'0" Weight: 260 Hometown: Adel, Ga. High School: Cook HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for his father and Valdosta Alumni Bobby Jones at Cook High School. Brock was named First Team All-State and is a three-time All-Region offensive lineman. He was a starter for his entire high school career and served as a leader of the offensive line at Cook. He will be a great addition to the red and black." |
| Jalen Norwood Position: LB Height: 6'1" Weight: 200 Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla. High School: North Florida Christian HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Steve Price at North Florida Christian High School. Jalen is a long and physical presence at the linebacker position. He was highly recruited out of Tallahassee, and he is athletic with the ability to play well in space. He is a great addition to the Black Swarm." |
| Javiontae Martin Position: DE Height: 6'3" Weight: 210 Hometown: Douglas, Ga. High School: Coffee HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Robby Pruitt at Coffee High. He was named First Team All-Region 6-A and led his program to an appearance in the State Championship with 9 sacks and 81 tackles in his senior season. Javiontae played a key role in Coffee's 2017 success. He is a great pass rusher with a motor. Throughout his high school career, he excelled against some of the top offensive lineman in the southeast." |
| Andy Kirt Position: DB/LB Height: 5'11" Weight: 190 Hometown: Leesburg, Ga. High School: Lee County HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Dean Fabrizio at Lee County HS. He established himself as a team leader for a defense that helped lead Lee County to a 6-A State Championship. He led the team in sacks and recovered fumbles. He earned LCHS Player of the Week honor and was named both Special Teams Player of the Week and Albany Area Player of the Week during his senior season. Andy is a team leader that played multiple positions for a very talented defense. He will make a great addition to the Blazer family." |
| Michael Williams Position: DB Height: 5'11" Weight: 190 Hometown: Miami, Fla. High School: Miami Central HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Roland Smith at Miami Central High School. Michael became a State Champion during his sophomore season at Flanagan High School in Ft. Lauderdale. He was named All-State as a defensive back during his junior season. Michael is very physical and very athletic. When he is around the ball, good things tend to happen. Everything you want out of a defensive back, Michael can do at a high level." |
| Malik Edwards Position: DL Height: 6'2" Weight: 240 Hometown: Miami, Fla. High School: Miami Central HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Roland Smith at Miami Central High School. His father, Max Edwards, is the head coach at Miami Northwestern High School. Malik is a two-time State Champion, and he played an important role for a talented defensive line throughout his high school career. He has a huge upside and we feel he can play multiple positions on the defensive line. We believe Malik's best football is in front of him. He will be a great addition to the Black Swarm's Trench Mob." |
| Seth McGill Position: ATH Height: 5'11" Weight: 180 Hometown: Miami, Fla. High School: Miami Central HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Roland Smith at Miami Central High School. Seth is a great athlete that is extremely versatile. He has elite speed and does amazing things when the ball is in his hands. He played multiple roles for a team that was dominant during his high school career." |
| Jon Jordan Position: FB Height: 6'1" Weight: 195 Hometown: Blackshear, Ga. High School: Pierce County HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Jason Strickland at Pierce County High School. Jon is a 3-A Second Team All-Region fullback. He is a multi-talented student athlete and competed as both a football player and a wrestler during his high school career. He proved his mettle in the classroom and earned All-Academic Team honors in each of his four years. Jon is a physical player who finishes blocks with authority. He shows tremendous athleticism when the ball is in his hands." |
| Tevin Small Position: SS Height: 5'10" Weight: 190 Hometown: Brunswick, Ga. High School: Brunswick HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for former Blazer and Head Coach Sean Pender at Brunswick High School. Tevin is a versatile player with a great football mind. He is a very good physical player and has the ability to play multiple positions. We are really looking forward to seeing him in the black and red." |
| Mills Ridings Position: QB Height: 6'2" Weight: 180 Hometown: Thomson, Ga. High School: Thomson HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for his dad Rob Ridings at Thomson High School. A true coaches' son, who was a great winner at Thomson. During his senior season, he led his team to a 10-2 record. He finished his career with 3,000-plus yards and 29 touchdown passes. Mills understands the game of football. He makes good decisions, and can execute all of the throws." |
| Mike McCray Position: WR Height: 5'11" Weight: 185 Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. High School: Ribault HS |
| The Coaches Say: "Played for Head Coach Kelvin Smith at Ribault High School. He recorded 68 catches for 1,012 yards during his senior season. He also notched 13 touchdown receptions. Mike was named All-State and All-Conference for his standout efforts at Ribault High. He is a very skilled receiver, and he is a dynamic player when the ball is in his hands. Mike has great ball skills and fantastic route running ability." |
