By: Michael Goss
Signing Day Headquarters | '23 Signee Roster
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football head coach
Brian Bohannon added 19 players during the early signing period to kick off the 2023 class. The group marked the 10th recruiting class in Owl history and is KSU's second largest during the early period.
The '23 class follows the trend of recruiting homegrown talent from the state of Georgia. Out of the 19 early signees, eight come from the Peach State. The group also features the first signee from the state of Indiana.
The Owls inked 10 offensive players, eight defensive players and one specialist in the early signing period and will complete their recruiting class on National Signing Day (Feb. 1, 2023).
The Class Breakdown by Position
- 10 Offensive Players // 5 OL // 3 QB // 2 WR
- 8 Defensive Players // 6 DL // 1 LB // 1 DB
- 1 Specialist // 1 P
The Class Breakdown by Location
- 8 – Georgia
- 5 – Alabama
- 3 – Florida
- 1 – Tennessee
- 1 – South Carolina
- 1 – Indiana
Coach Bohannon on the '23 Class
"I thought we did really good in this initial signing period. We helped ourselves with some size and added great players on both sides of the ball. I am excited about what we accomplished with our early signees."
David Cole // WR // 6-4 // 185 // Ooltewah, Tenn. // East Hamilton HS
High School
Played under head coach Grant Reynolds at East Hamilton High School … earned offensive player of the year, wide receiver of the year and was a three-time first team all-region selection … went 20-1 against region opponents during his four years … made it to the Tennessee Division I Class 4A quarterfinals in 2022.
Personal
Son of April Cole and grandson of Erma Cole … has three brothers and three sisters … plans to major in business.
Andre Craig // WR // 6-0 // 180 // Duluth, Ga. // Meadowcreek HS
High School
Played at Meadowcreek High School under head coach Todd Wofford … had 1,143 receiving yards as a senior with 12 touchdowns … set school records for receiving yards, touchdowns and receptions during his final season … had 1,411 total yards of offense as a junior … was a three-time all-regional selection and two-time all-county selection.
Personal
Son of Octavia Johnson and Andre Craig Sr. … has one sister, Adria, and two brothers, Ivan and Arterius … plans to major in business.
CJ Donaldson // DL // 6-3 // 215 // Metter, Ga. // Metter HS
High School
Played for head coach Rodney Garvin at Metter High School … during his career earned Defensive Player of the Year, first team defensive line and first team linebacker accolades … posted 112 solo tackles, and 23 tackles for loss … also compiled 15 sacks and four interceptions … he also earned a spot on the Georgia All-State team … as a senior, he helped the Tigers to a first place finish in A DI Region 3 and a final four appearance in the GHSA state playoffs.
Personal
Son of Alana Oglesby and Coy Donaldson … has three brothers, Corey, Cash and Carter and three sisters, Shakoyia, Layla and Cali … plans to major in psychology.
Tarez Hamilton // DB // 5-10 // 175 // Stockbridge, Ga. // Dutchtown HS
High School
Played at Dutchtown High School under head coach Niketa Battle … in his senior year, posted 72 tackles, five tackles for loss, and six interceptions with two returned for touchdowns … also forced three fumbles and blocked six total kicks … as a junior, had three interceptions with over 70 tackles … was an all-region first team selection his final three years in high school … received an all-state honorable mention … had over 50 tackles and one pick-six as a freshman at Locust Grove High School.
Personal
Son of Tiffany and Gregory Hamilton … has two sisters, Imari and Maya, and one brother, Dakari … plans to major in business.
Gatlin Hancock // OL // 6-3 // 260 // Rome, Ga. // Darlington School
High School
Played at Darlington High School under head coach Thomas Atha … was a first team all-state, all-region and all-county selection as a senior with five sacks, 18 tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble … as a junior, also earned first team all-region and all-county selections with two sacks, 12 tackles for loss, one interception and two forced fumbles … he won Darlington School's Iron Tiger award and was a member of the National Honor Society, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.
Personal
Son of Ronda and Scotty Hancock … has two sisters, Bethany and Mylee … plans to major in criminal justice.
Al Hogan // OL // 6-4 // 330 // Fayetteville, Ga. // Wofford College/Landmark Christian HS
At Wofford College
Played in 28 career games, including all 10 this past season … named a team captain in his last two years … as a senior, was named a second team Preseason All-SoCon selection … was the only offensive lineman to start every game … made seven starts at right guard and three at center for the Terriers … in his junior season, was named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll … led the team with 40 knockdown blocks, including a team-high 10 against VMI.
High School
Played for head coach Wayne Brantley at Landmark Christian … was a two-time all-state selection and three-time all-region member … as a senior had 65 knockdown blocks in 10 games ... in his junior campaign had 84 knockdown blocks in 12 contests … led the team to a 10-2 overall record and second round appearance in the GHSA state playoffs … was also a three-year letterman on the wrestling team, earning All-Region honors.
Personal
Is the son of Al and Yvette Hogan … has one sister, Erin … plans to pursue his MBA at KSU … he and his wife, Carson, were married in May of 2022.
Jaylan Jarrett // DL // 6-2 // 295 // Pike Road, Ala. // Pike Road HS
High School
Played football at Pike Road High School under head coach Edward Rigby … during his senior campaign, recorded 68 tackles, 7.5 sacks, one interception and one touchdown … he was named the defensive player of the year … ended his high school career with 35.5 sacks and 279 tackles … in his junior season, led Pike Road High School to the 2021 AHSAA 5A State Championship … wring his freshman season, notched 61 tackles with eight sacks.
Personal
Son of Pamela Blocton and Anthony Jarrett … has two brothers, Marcus Harris, who currently plays football at Auburn and Malik Blocton, who intends on playing college football … plans to major in sports medicine.
Kaleb May // OL // 6-4 // 270 // McCalla, Ala. // McAdory HS
High School
Played for head coach Aryvia Holmes at McAdory HS … won player of the week honors four times as a senior and three times as a junior ... helped team to 4-1 home record in 2022 … also earned an all-region selection as a junior … the Yellow Jackets won 24 games during his four years.
Personal
Grandson of Shelanda and Gregory May … has one brother, Deundrez … plans to major in business management at Kennesaw State.
Cole McCarty // QB // 5-11 // 185 // Moody, Ala. // Moody HS
High School
Played at Moody High School under head coach Jake Ganus … as a senior, completed 70% of his passes with 3,006 yards and 37 touchdowns through the air … also had 422 rushing yards and four touchdowns … had over 2,500 yards of total offense with 30 touchdowns as a junior … scored 40 total touchdowns and around 3,000 offensive yards … earned all-state, all-county, all-region and offensive MVP awards during his four years.
Personal
Son of Chanel and Jason McCarty … plans to major in business.
Jordan Miles // DL // 6-2 // 240 // Indianapolis, Ind. // Eastern Illinois University/Decatur Central HS
At Eastern Illinois University
Played in 20 career games, with 14 career starts on the defensive line … as a sophomore finished with 23 tackles (13 solo) … tied for the team lead with three sacks and was fourth on the team with six tackles for loss … also recovered one fumble … in his freshman campaign, was a second team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection … ranked first in the OVC with 11 tackles for loss … ended the year with 38 tackles (19 solo).
High School
Played defensive end for coach Kyle Enright at Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis … as a senior led team to a 9-3 record advancing to the Indiana Class 5A Sectional Championships … made 61 tackles with 25 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks … as a junior recorded 88 tackles with eight sacks and two fumble recoveries … led team to Class 5A state runner-up finish with a 12-2 record … named honorable mention All-State as a junior.
Personal
Is the son of Johnny and Dawn Miles … has three brothers, Johnny, Isaiah, and Roman and three sisters, Ashley, Chanel and Lexe … plans to major in digital media.
A.J. Miller // DL // 6-3 // 260 // Rock Hill, S.C. // South Pointe HS
High School
Played on the defensive line under head coach Bobby Collins at South Pointe High School … was a two-time state champion, two-time all-state member and two-time all-region selection … also won the Defensive Lineman of the Year award for his high school … as a senior, was selected to the prestigious Shrine Bowl of the Carolina's where he posted four tackles and one sack in the contest … was named a team captain and led the Stallions to an 8-4 record and second-round appearance in the state playoffs … compiled 115 tackles and 14.5 sacks … in his junior season, tallied 100 tackles and 17.5 sacks with 21.0 tackles for loss … academically, Miller is a member of the National Honors Society and AB Honor Roll.
Personal
Is the son of James and Shana Miller … has one brother, Judah, and two sisters, Shay and Judayah … plans to major in business-finance.
Tyler Nelson // QB // 6-2 // 185 // Gardendale, Ala. // Gardendale HS
High School
Played football at Gardendale High School under head coach Chad Eads … as a senior, named an ASWA First Team All-State selection and was the 6A Region 6 Offensive MVP … was also a three-time 6A Schutt Player of the Week ... accrued 1,588 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and 1,956 rushing yards with 24 touchdowns … set the Gardendale High School record for rushing yards in a game with 305 … while under center, the Rockets notched 401 points in 13 games with a 6-0 record against region opponents … as a junior he tallied 21 total touchdowns with 2,100 total yards … combined for 2,100 passing yards, 600 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns his first two years of high school … also played varsity basketball.
Personal
Son of Jamia and Ty Nelson … has one brother, Justin … plans to major in sport management.
Ethan Newman // OL // 6-3 // 290 // Navarre, Fla. // Navarre HS
High School
Played under head coach Jay Walls at Navarre High School … as a senior, had over 60 pancake blocks, allowing the Navarre offense to rush for over 4,000 yards … 2022 Florida Athletic Coaches Association 67
th North vs. South All-Star Classic selection … accrued 40 pancakes as a junior, helping his offense to over 3,000 total yards … 2021 Navarre High School Mr. Pancake Award winner … named to 2021 Pensacola News Journal All-Area first team offense.
Personal
Son of Jeremy and Rachel Newman … has one sister, Carolina … plans to major in engineering.
Markell Redding // QB // 6-0 // 195 // Pensacola, Fla. // West Florida HS
High School
Played under head coach Harry Lees at West Florida High School … played both sides of the ball as a senior with 1,442 yards of total offense, 18 touchdowns, 38 tackles, three interceptions and two pass-breakups … recorded 1,590 yards of total offense and 22 touchdowns as a junior … during 2020 as a sophomore, scored seven touchdowns with 928 yards of total offense.
Personal
Son of Yusetheus Redding … plans to major in business.
Jamar Rucks // DL // 6-3 // 240 // Buford, Ga. // Appalachian State/Lanier HS
At Appalachian State
Played in one game as a redshirt freshman against Robert Morris in 2022.
High School
Played for head coach Korey Mobbs at Lanier High School
… named an All-Region 8-AAAAAA selection after posting 9.0 sacks, 12.0 tackles for loss, 11 QB hurries and 49 total tackles as a senior … Helped Lanier go 10-2 and reach Georgia's state 6-A quarterfinals in 2019 … On a 10-4 team as a junior, had 41 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and 13 QB hurries … made honorable mention all-region in 2018.
Personal
Son of Joy and Gary Rucks … has two sisters, Jasmine and Sofia, and one brother, Lamont … plans to major in business management.
Amir Scarver // LB // 6-0 // 215 // Douglasville, Ga. // South Paulding HS
High School
Played under head coach Sumo Robinson at South Paulding High School … as a senior, was named to the first team All-Region 5AAAAAA and won the Team Defensive MVP Award … led the Spartans to an 8-4 record and second-round appearance in the GHSA State Playoffs … was first on the team in sacks with 7.5 and tackles for loss with 14.5 … ended the year with 51 total tackles (35 solo) … in his junior season, was named a first team all-region selection … tallied 43 tackles (31 solo) and a team-high nine tackles for loss … also led the Spartans with seven sacks.
Personal
Is the son of Donald and Karen Scarver … has one sister, Aliyah … plans to major in business/marketing.
Jacob Ulrich // P // 6-5 // 190 // Dacula, Ga. // Mill Creek HS
High School
Played at Mill Creek High School under head coach Josh Lovelady … as a senior, won the GHSA Class 7A State Championship … went 80-for-84 on PAT's, 12-for-17 on field goals and 73 of his 110 kickoffs were touchbacks … as a punter in 2022, he averaged 42.8 yards on 32 punts including a long of 63 and placed 13 punts inside the 20-yard line … during his junior season, he averaged 404 yards per punt with a long of 57 and placed 14 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Personal
Son of Colleen and David Ulrich … plans to major in aerospace engineering.
Pooda Walker // DL // 6-1 // 320 // Pensacola, Fla. // West Florida/Pineforest HS
At West Florida
Played in all 13 games in 2022 … posted 39 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss … recorded 2.5 sacks ... led the team to the NCAA Division II Semifinals … named to Gulf Shore Conference first team.
High School
Played for head coach Jason McDonald at Pineforest High School … was named Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … had 40 tackles, five QB hits, three sacks, one blocked kick, two pass breakups and six tackles for loss on the way to an all-conference first team selection as a sophomore … notched 20 tackles with three sacks and five tackles for loss as a freshman.
Personal
Son of Tekia and Thomas Walker … has three sisters, Tamia, Rondaisha and Janiya, and one brother, Brandon … plans to major in sport management.
Corr'yon Watson // OL // 6-2 // 325 // Tuscaloosa, Ala. // Hillcrest HS
High School
Played at Hillcrest High School under head coach Jamie Mitchell … as a senior, led the Patriots to an undefeated regular season and 11-1 record … received the Teammate of the Year Award and was named to the A/B Honor Roll … in his junior campaign, led Hillcrest to an appearance in the state semifinals … Watson and the Patriots ended the year with an 11-3 record and went 5-1 in Region 4 AAAAAA.
Personal
Is the son of Correll and Belinda Watson … has one sister, Cha'mariya … plans to major in business.
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