Kennesaw State has 17 returning starters from last season, but that didn’t stop them from going out and recruiting more talent.
Included in Wednesday’s list of 16 signees are three transfers from FBS programs — running backs Dorian Walker (Georgia Tech) and Shawn Furlow (East Carolina) and defensive lineman Peyton Moore from Georgia State. Furlow and Walker were three-star recruits when seniors in high school. Walker played at Mount Paran Christian, and Furlow is from Greenville, N.C.
The Owls signed five running backs, four defensive linemen, three defensive backs, two offensive linemen and two linebackers.
Here are five things to know about the class:
1. The highest rated high school player: After losing its leading running back, KSU needed to add more firepower to the running game after averaging over 300 yards on the ground last season. Antavius Grier was their highest rated recruit, and was the perfect fit for the Owls' offense after playing in the triple-option scheme in high school. In 32 career games, Grier racked up 2,187 rushing yards and averaged eight yards per rush. Look for him to eventually carry the load for the Owls and keep up with last year's high powered running attack.
2. Most two-stars since 2015: This year, the Owls have found a way to bring in some much-needed talent at various positions. They got their highest rated recruit since the 2015 season with the signing of Grier. They were able to get four two-star commits, a running back, an offensive guard, a defensive end and an inside linebacker. Last year the Owls signed only two two-star recruits.
3. Addressed the defensive-pressure problem: Last year, the Owls only had 21 sacks and they addressed this problem by going out and recruiting linebacker Courtney Mills. Mills had 104 tackles his senior year, including 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Mills was awarded first-team defense in the 3-AAAAAAA region. Expect him to be a much-needed boost in the sack department and tackles for loss for the Owls on defense.
4. Boosted offensive line: Having such a great running game last season, doesn't mean you don't need to address the offensive line position. You always want to have consistent success, and the Owls knew that when they recruited Samuel Collins out of Vidalia High. Collins is a 6-foot-3, 295-pound guard who was awarded first-team 2-AA All-Region. Expect him to work well in the triple option.
5. Most underrated signee: The Owls addressed the sack department with inside linebacker Mills, but they also got an under-the-radar defensive tackle to help Mills. Travis Bell is an unrated prospect out of Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Ala., and is 6-1 and weighs 290 pounds. Bell had an outstanding senior season, filling the stat sheet with 80 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He also had three forced fumbles and a blocked field-goal attempt. Bell is the defensive presence this team needed on the defensive line. Look for this underrated player to make a difference in the coming years at Kennesaw State.
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