5 observations from Kennesaw State’s signing day

Bryson Armstrong; LB; 5-11; 195; Marietta

Tommy Bryant; QB; 6-1; 180; Northridge, Ala.

Chris Byrd; LB; 5-9; 205; Gainesville

Dustin Clabough; DB; 6-0; 180; Alcoa, Tenn.

Daniel David; QB; 6-1; 210; Hoschton

Abdul Davis; DL; 6-3; 250; Macon

Jai’len Edwards; DB; 5-11; 165; Greensboro

Nick Eldridge; OL; 6-2; 295; Hoover, Ala.

Forrest Evans; OL; 6-2; 290; Roswell

Allen Johnson; DE; 6-4; 235; Acworth

Christian Kinsley; PK; 6-3; 215; Lexington, S.C.

Dorian Miles; WR; 6-2; 195; Lawrenceville

Ezra Naylor; WR; 6-4; 190; Atlanta

Sam Outlaw; RB; 6-1; 205; Cumming

Bronson Rechsteiner; LB; 6-0; 210; Acworth

Brandon Simmons; RB; 6-0; 220; Pleasant Grove, Ala.

Shaquil Terry; RB; 5-9; 175; Bessemer, Ala.

Zach Thompson; OL; 6-4; 295; Swainsboro

Kennesaw State signed 18 high school players Wednesday on the program's third signing day.

“More kids we get in the program and on campus, the more people will know about what’s going on in the university and the football program,” coach Brian Bohannon said.

The Owls, who finished 6-5 in its inaugural season last season, may not be done. Bohannon said they have held back a few scholarships in case any transfers become available, possibly at defensive end. He said you can’t have enough pass rushers.

The team is up to 50 equivalency scholarships.

“We are right on target where we need to be,” he said.

Here are five observations about the class.

The team built depth. Bohannon said the Owls wanted to build depth at all positions with this year's class, and he thinks they were successful.

The program added three defensive backs, three linebackers, three running backs, three offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, two wide receivers, a quarterback and a kicker.

“We wanted to hit every position,” Bohannon said.

The goal, as it is for every program every year, was to recruit and sign better players than joined the program as the Class of 2015.

Bohannon said he would have liked to add depth at safety and slotback, but he’s confident in the players he has.

Easier having played a season. Bohannon said it was easier to recruit because the Owls actually had a product to sell, rather than the idea of what they were going to do.

Recruits were able to see the offense, see the defense, see the special teams and experience game day at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

“It helped a ton,” Bohannon said.

Three stars. Perhaps as evidence of having a season to help, the Owls signed three players who were rated three stars by at least one recruiting service. It's believed to be the first time the program signed at least one three-star player.

Those three-star signees are quarterback Daniel David, who transferred from Appalachian State, offensive lineman Forrest Evans of Walton High School, and running back Brandon Simmons of Pleasant Grove High School.

Local signees. The Owls signed four players from Cobb County: linebacker Bryson Armstrong of Kell High School, Evans, linebacker Bronson Rechsteiner of Etowah High School and Allen Johnson of Allatoona High School.

Rechsteiner has a chance to play immediately, Bohannon said. As part of their recruiting process, all of Kennesaw State’s coaching staff visited him at school on the same day.

Armstrong also has a chance to play as a freshman, Bohannon said.

Evans was Kennesaw State’s first commitment and didn’t waver, Bohannon said. He can play any position on the line.

Johnson is raw, but Bohannon said has been timed running the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds.

Out-of-state success. Kennesaw State signed six out-of-state players, the most in their three classes. They signed four players from Alabama, their first from South Carolina and another from Tennessee.

The South Carolina native is kicker Christian Kinsley, another player that Bohannon said could play immediately.

“We say we are the best-kept secret in the state,” Bohannon said. “Well, the secret’s getting out.”