jjohnson@heraldsun.com; 419-6667
DURHAM -- The needs were few for N.C. Central, but the haul of players signed on Wednesday exceeded the expectations of Coach Mose Rison.
"We're upgrading at every position," Rison said. "We're recruiting Division I kids now. We need to recruit those types of players because we're playing against those types of players."
With NCCU's move to the MEAC, Rison was able to open a recruiting front in the Tidewater area of Virginia by signing two players.
"For us to break into the Tidewater are was big," Rison said. "It's a tremendous accomplishment. The area has such a rich tradition of producing football players. Going into the MEAC helped make us attactive."
The Eagles only have to replace five departed seniors from the 2009 squad that posted a 4-7 record.
The recruiting class Rison is bringing in consists of 14 players. Most of the newcomers were recruited for offense, including three linemen, three receivers, two tailbacks and a fullback. The defensive recruits include three linebackers, a lineman and a safety.
Almost half of the recruits are from North Carolina, while three come from Georgia. The group includes 11 high school seniors and three transfers.
The offensive line will get a lot bigger next year with the addition of Dajuan Calloway (6-4, 320), Shaun Millien (6-8, 350) and Darren Moore (6-5, 315). Millien, a junior college transfer from Dean College figures to be the closest to being game ready, while Calloway and Moore will have a lot to learn as incoming freshmen.
"We looked at our overall depth at offensive line and felt like we needed to focus our attention there," Rison said. "[Millien] is one of the biggest players I've ever recruited. We were fortunate to land him."
At running back, Andre Clarke (5-10, 220) and Duval Smith (5-10, 185) should supplement seniors Tim Shankle and Tony McCord.
Blocking for them will be Jordan Toomer (6-2, 235), a newcomer at fullback.
The departure of Will Scott at wide receiver leaves a gaping hole for the Eagles, but there is solid depth at the position, according to Rison. Newcomers at wideout include Dennis Alleyne (6-3, 180), Shavarez Smith (6-2, 180) and Lamar Whidbee. These three players will add more height at the position already filled by a number of players 6-2 or taller. Whidbee, a transfer from Winston-Salem State, caught 16 passes for 208 yards last season as a redshirt freshman.
"You're not going to replace Will Scott because of all the things he did for us," Rison said. "But I'm happy with the group of receivers coming in. They will fit nicely with the players we already have."
On the defensive side, the Eagles focused on bringing in linebackers. Rasheen Person (6-3, 250) and Demontray Ryland (6-1, 230) come from the talent-rich Tidewater area of Virginia. Ryker Goodell (6-1, 220) was the co-defensive player of the year in Cherokee County, Ga.
At free safety, NCCU brings in Ty Brown (6-3, 215) of Claremont. At Newton-Conover last season, he earned AP All-State honors after making 83 tackles, intercepting eight passes and forcing three fumbles.
Chase Tripp (6-2, 245) is a transfer from Winston-Salem State and will play on the defensive line. With the Rams in 2009, Tripp played in six games, recording five tackles and a pass break-up.
