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DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia State Recruiting Class Wrap-Up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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In a series of firsts for the Georgia State University football program, Wednesday’s might have been the biggest — signing athletes.
A total of 26 players signed Wednesday to become part of the first class of football recruits at GSU, despite the fact they won’t see an actual game until 2010 and will spend all of next year practicing as red-shirts. The school already had signed running back Mark Hogan from North Carolina.
“For us to be able to bring and present to you a class of this quality is something we really feel good about,” coach Bill Curry said. “There are good football players here who are not only good students but good human beings..”
The signing class includes three of the AJC’s The Georgia 150 players — quarterbacks Drew Little and Kelton Hill and running back Nathan Anthony.
Signees include 14 in-state players and athletes from Florida, South Carolina, Texas and North Carolina.
The only disappointment was offensive lineman Kaycee Ike, who had committed to GSU but decided Wednesday to play at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Curry’s resume was a big draw. The former head coach of Georgia Tech, Kentucky and Alabama, and a former commentator with ESPN, downplayed the role of his name in th recruiting process, but players and parents said that Curry’s experience was a big part of their decision.
“His background influenced me a lot,” said Sam Burkhalter, a running back from Roswell. “He’s got experience and knows what he’s talking about.”
When told that athlete after athlete said they signed because of him, Curry paused for several seconds, and then said “That’s a sacred obligation, and I take it very seriously.”
Curry says he looked for natural leaders, because this class will set the tone for the program.
“I’m going to put it on them from today forward,” he said. “You have a responsibility. We chose you. We offered you. You accepted. We want you to be leaders. We want you to set the pace.”
Georgia State signees
Blake Wyatt, Fairburn, S, 6-3, 187
Drew Little, McDonough, QB, 6-4, 238
Allen McKay, Buena Vista, RB, 6-3, 210
K.J. Morton, Warner Robins, DB, 5-9, 169
Tyler Blackwell, Cartersville, CB, 5-11, 159
Parker Stevens, Houston, Texas, DB, 5-11, 180
Fred Barnes, Ellenwood, QB, 6-0, 174
Sam Burkhalter, Roswell, RB, 5-10, 205
Robert Ferguson, Belle Glade, Fla., LB, 6-0, 205
Demetreious Shorter, Cordele, DE, 6-3, 240
Jordan Giles, Columbia, S.C., WR, 6-3, 195
Eduardo Curry, Charleston, S.C., DE, 6-2, 295
Rosevelt Watson, Lake Worth, Fla. RB, 5-10, 215
Mark Hogan, Matthews, N.C., RB, 5-11, 195
Karl Williams, Covington, DE, 6-3, 220
Kelton Hill, Douglasville, QB, 5-11, 173
Harrison Clottey, Loganville, OT/G, 6-6, 296
Parris Lee, Jacksonville, Fla. RB/WR, 5-9, 185
Darren McCray, Columbus, WR/KR, 5-8, 150
Nathan Anthony, Conley, RB, 5-11, 185
Grant King, Columbia, S.C., OT, 6-5, 285
Bo Schlechter, Wellington, Fla., QB, 6-2, 182
Travis Evans, Williston, Fla., RB/CB, 5-10, 178
Ramell Davis, St. Matthews, S.C., OL, 6-7, 270
Justin Orr, St. Mary’s, LB, 6-1, 215
Dan Williams, Orlando, Fla., WR, 6-3, 185
Darris Hughes, Clewiston, Fla., RB/CB, 5-9, 181
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: Georgia State
Comments
By brandi
February 4, 2009 11:17 PM | Link to this
WAY TO GO GEORGIA STATE!!! THIS ALUMNI IS VERY PROUD!
By payton
February 4, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this
Wow a bunch of really tall receivers and some big OL nice job
By Ben
February 5, 2009 8:01 AM | Link to this
I think this is a good start. As long as they focus on school, and the basics on the field they should be okay. Coach Curry is a “back-to-basicis” kind of guy. Go Panthers!
By Ryan
February 5, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this
Wow. Alot of RBs and DBs. 4 QBs. Either we’re going to sign nothing but DL, OL and LBs next spring, or alot of those guys are going to be changing positions.
By RealityYech
February 5, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
Great job State!! Atlanta is longing for a HIGH CHARACTER, WELL ROUNDED, STUDENT ATHLETE football program in the city to cheer for. We’re disgusted by the product Yech has been shoving down our throats for years, as evident by the pathetic attendence at the games. We want a team that doesn’t recruit and play rapists and drug Lords. Can’t wait to have a real team to pull for!!!
By 45-42
February 8, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
Sorry we’re in your head “RealityYech”
By Mell
February 28, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this
Coach Curry is a great addition to the “State”. I am a Tech fan and followed him from college to the Packers and back as coach of the Jackets. I was sorry to see him go at the time. He will be a great spokesman, gentleman for our great University.
Graduate of Class of 1977!
Go Panthers
By yonizzle25
March 17, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this
I already excited about the 2010 season.. Go Panthers