Fayetteville State Broncos Football Recruiting 2012

Welcome to your home for all the latest in Fayetteville State Broncos recruiting news. With the dawn of National Signing Day, this space will bring you the latest about each of the FSU’s signees. Check back here often throughout the day for scouting reports, highlight videos, coaches’ comments and more from one of the most anticipated days of the college football season.

Chris Crumity (center)

Chris Crumity WR, 6-0, 195, Four Oaks, NC, South Johnston HS

Scouting Report: Crumity is one of the better possession receivers in the state of North Carolina; Comes from a South Johnston program known for big offensive numbers and high-octane offenses; Good hands; Caught 90 passes for 1,681 yards and 13 TDs in last two seasons. Caught season-high 10 passes in a single game twice; Had seven receptions for 184 yards and two scores on Oct. 22 against Southern Wayne; Had 43 receptions for 802 yards and nine TDs last season.

How He Helps: No Fayetteville State receiver finished among the top 10 in the CIAA in receiving yards or receptions a year ago, and the Broncos were just 10^th in passing offense and 11^th in pass efficiency.

Coach’s Comments: “Chris is someone who can come in and help us out immediately,” says FSU assistant coach Damien Adams, who recruited Crumity. “Obviously, we didn’t get the numbers we wanted out of our receivers last year, and the best way to correct that is to go out and get one of the best receivers in the state.”

High School Coach’s Comments: “Chris is just a fantastic kid,” says Shane Dular, South Johnston’s head coach. “Fayetteville State is getting a winner. All he does is work extremely hard, say yes sir and no sir and go out onto the field and perform. He can be dominant physically and knows how to use his size and strength. He runs great routes and has the best hands I’ve ever coached. He won every jump ball. When we needed a play, it didn’t matter how well he was covered, Chris would go and make the play.”

William Jenkins

WILLIAM JENKINS ATH, 5-7, 165, Maiden, N.C., Maiden HS

Scouting Report: Jenkins played running back, wide receiver and cornerback at highly regarded Maiden High School, one of the elite 1-A programs in North Carolina. He lettered for three seasons, was named all-conference and as the league’s MVP and Most Outstanding Running Back. Jenkins rushed 194 times for 2,034 yards a year ago, adding 18 touchdowns. He was one of nine players to rush for more than 2,000 yards this season, ranking eighth in the state. He averaged 145.3 yards per game on the ground, and led Maiden with 22 receptions for 352 yards. On defense, Jenkins added 31 tackles and three interceptions. On special teams, Jenkins returned 14 kickoffs for 472 yards – 33.7 average – including a long of 84 yards.

How He Helps: Jenkins can do a lot of different things on the field. For FSU, he is capable of playing tailback, but also could line up in the slot as a receiver. Jenkins will also definitely get a chance to return punts and kickoffs for the Broncos, an issue of concern for FSU since the departure of former CIAA Special Teams Player of the Year Richard Medlin to the NFL.

Coach’s Comments: “William is dynamic and very exciting whenever he has the ball, whether it’s from catching it or running it,” says FSU assistant coach David Bowser. “He can be a game-changer.”

High School Coach’s Comments: “He’s a quality person, first of all,” says Maiden head coach Brian Brown. “He’s a good guy to be around, he’s classy and he’ll be good for the school and for the program. He’s small, but he’s deceptive, and was great as our featured back this season. He’s an extremely hard worker and he’ll bring a lot to the Fayetteville State program.”

William Brown

WILLIAM BROWN OLB, 6-2, 175, Salisbury, N.C., Salisbury HS

Scouting Report: Played football, wrestled and ran track at Salisbury HS; Recorded 20 tackles in Oct. 13 win over Central Davidson; Raw athlete that could develop over time as a real steal for FSU in the recruiting process.

How He Helps: Brown will be under the tutelage of head coach Kenny Phillips, who also serves as the Broncos’ linebackers coach. If there’s anyone who can get the best out of linebackers, it’s Phillips. Brown will also be well-served to learn under young FSU linebacker talents Steven Moore and John Brown.

Coach’s Comments: “William will get a tremendous opportunity to contribute at Fayetteville State,” says FSU assistant coach David Bowser.

Kion Young

KION YOUNG DB, 6-0, 185, Kernersville, NC, Glenn HS

Scouting Report: Recorded 70 tackles as a junior and had one interception. Piedmont Triad All-Conference player as a senior, and named as league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

How He Helps: Young can step in and provide physicality and depth to a Broncos secondary that for the second season in a row, showed dramatic improvement as a unit as the season progressed. Young will likely play free safety or strong safety for the Broncos.

Coach’s Comments: “Kion is a smart kid who is a great student and very physical on the football field,” says FSU defensive backs coach David Bowser.

DAQUAN RICHARD DL, 6-2, 265 Raeford, N.C., Hoke County

Scouting Report: Can play multiple positions along the defensive line; Likely to see time at noseguard for the Broncos; Recorded 60 tackles and 5 sacks this season;  Known for his toughness.

How He Helps: Kenny Phillips counts stopping the run as one of the fundamentals of Fayetteville State defense, and Richard can help in that area. Athletic enough to play multiple positions along the defensive line, Richard can develop into a player to will fit Phillips’ rotation schemes along the line.

Coach’s Comments: “A very physical, tough kid,” says FSU recruiting coordinator David Bowser. “He gets great leverage and with long arms, and can really make plays. He plays hard on every down.”

High School Coach’s Comments: “Daquan really plays well with his hips, which is big for an interior lineman,” says Hoke County coach Milton Butts. “He gets great backward movement on the center, which is what I think Coach Phillips really liked. He gets an interior push up the middle and can cause a lot of problems.”

TELVIN TATUM FB, 6-0, 235, Greensboro, N.C., Ben L. Smith HS

Scouting Report:Played fullback, linebacker, defensive end and also saw time on the defensive line; Three-year varsity starter at Ben L. Smith; Two-time All-Conference Honorable Mention; Captain his senior year; Had 63 tackles and a staggering 11.5 sacks his junior year; Recorded 4.0 sacks against North Cross (Roanoke, Va.) on Aug. 27, 2010.

How He Helps:  Tatum will have an opportunity to find a role to excel in at FSU. He can play on either side of the ball, and will give FSU looks at fullback and on the line.

Coach’s Comments: “Telvin comes from a great program in Greensboro Smith, and we know he’s learned a lot from a great coach in Rodney Brewington,” says FSU assistant coach David Bowser.

RENDALL MASH DL, 6-1, 225, Charlotte, N.C., Mallard Creek HS

Scouting Report: I-Meck 4-A All-Conference; Comes from a nationally recognized program in Mallard Creek, which finished 13-1 last season. Will likely play defensive tackle for the Broncos; Disruptive force on the interior who had 18 sacks in two years.

How He Helps: Coach Kenny Phillips talks about it all the time – stop the run, stop the run, stop the run. Mash provides immediate depth the FSU defensive line, and should be a CIAA force to be reckoned with over the years. But he’s also capable of disrupting the passing game.

Coach’s Comments: “He is physical and a hard-nosed football player,” says assistant coach David Bowser. “Rendall is a real student of the game and plays tough the whistle. This is a young man who loves football.”

High School Coach’s Comments: “He was our mainstay on offense the last two years,” says Mallard Creek coach Mike Palmieri. “He was the anchor of our defense. He gets off the ball really well and he doesn’t stay blocked. He’s a fantastic all-around kid who’s real strong at the point of attack.”

JAMAL HUGGINS DE, 6-1, 245, Charlotte, N.C., Mallard Creek HS

Scouting Report: Played for a year at highly regarded Mallard Creek; Finished with 24 tackles and 4.0 sacks this season; Played defensive tackle for Mallard Creek.

How He Helps: Huggins will likely switch from defensive tackle to defensive end with the Broncos. Strong and powerful; Quick first step who is tough to block.

Coach’s Comments: “Huggins is just a great athlete,” says assistant coach David Bowser. “He has extraordinary vision. He has tremendous upside. His best football is ahead of him.”

High School Coach’s Comments:  “Jamal only played for us for a year, but he was a real good player on the inside for us,” says Mallard Creek coach Mike Palmieri. “He can play defensive end, though, and he may be better suited there in the college game. A really powerful kid who’s really, really tough at the point of attack. He just makes plays.”

RAVEN BROADNAX DL/LB, 6-1, 214, Reidsville, N.C. Reidsville HS

Scouting Report: Recorded 46 tackles last season for 11-4 Reidsville; Added 1.5 sacks his senior season; Broadnax forced one fumble, recovered four and defended two passes; Rushed nine times for 48 yards, including a long of 22.

DARIUS “DJ” JEFFERS DB 5-10, 180, Wallace, N.C., Wallace-Rose Hill

Scouting Report: Played running back and cornerback for Wallace-Rose Hill; Also had offers from Division-1 programs Western Carolina and Coastal Carolina; May be considered the “prize” of the class; Great speed; Member of WRH’s 4×100 and 4×200 relay teams; Son of a football coach.

How He Helps: Jeffers steps into a secondary known for its ability to adjust and improve on the fly. He’ll bring burner speed to the team, and could see time as a returner for the Broncos as well. Jeffers has the potential to be a shutdown corner for Fayetteville State.

Coach’s Comments: “DJ is a physical corner who can run really well,” says recruiting coordinator David Bowser. “He has a great understanding of the game and is a defensive back who does not mind putting his pads on people. He covers well, and when he gets an interception, he knows how to get down the field.”

ANTHONY NIXON OL, 6-2, 285, Wilmington, N.C. Hoggard HS

Scouting Report: Durable with great feet; Athletic for his size; Comes from a program with rich history of strong offensive linemen.

How He Helps: Nixon will join a young, albeit emerging offensive line at FSU.

Coach’s Comments: “Anthony is strong and owns all the qualities that can make him a valuable piece to our line,” says recruiting coordinator David Bowser.

High School Coach’s Comments:  “Anthony was our most improved lineman over the last few years,” says Hoggard head coach Scott Braswell. “He loves football, loves to work hard and loves being a part of the team. He’s just a great kid with a wonderful attitude and a hard worker.”

ARIC WILLIAMS, DE, 6-4, 250, Wilmington, N.C., Hoggard HS

Scouting Report: Had 21 tackles – 18 unassisted – to go with 2.0 sacks last season for Hoggard; Recorded season-high seven tackles against West Brunswick on Aug. 19; Deflected two passes; Had one blocked punt and one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Missed junior year after suffering shoulder injury; 6-9 wingspan.

How He Helps: More depth along the defensive line for FSU, a target area for FSU.

Coach’s Comments: “Aric is a tall, rangy kid who possesses great speed off the ball,” says FSU assistant coach David Bowser. “He gives us a tremendous speed rusher in a position we’ve targeted today.”

High School Coach’s Comments:  “I think Aric was overlooked because of the injury,” says Hoggard head coach Scott Braswell. “He really developed for us this year and has a huge upside. His best football is ahead of him.”

Steve Pollard

STEVE POLLARD OL, 6-3, 245, Southern Pines, NC, Pinecrest HS

Scouting Report: Sturdy offensive lineman for Pinecrest; Already on campus for Fayetteville State, enrolling in January; Named to Southeastern 4-A All-Conference team.

How He Helps: Pollard steps in on the offensive line offering help to a unit that lost one of FSU’s all-time greats, Larry McDonald, to graduation last season.

Coach’s Comments: “Steve has all the attributes to be a great center,” says recruiting coordinator David Bowser. “He’s powerful and aggressive, and he’s been an absolute weight room warrior since he’s been on campus. He has a tremendous understanding of the game.”

Tevin Clay

TEVIN CLAY WR, 6-2, 190, Wilmington, N.C., Laney HS

Scouting Report: Another great catch for FSU in an area of need; Led Laney with 78 receptions for 1,084 yards and 16 TDs last season; Had offers from Western Carolina and Western Michigan.

How He Helps: Fayetteville State needs wideouts, and Clay offers a combination of speed and size that was lacking in the Broncos’ young wideouts of a year ago.

Coach’s Comments: “Tevin is a big receiver, but he can play both on the outside and the inside,” says FSU assistant coach David Bowser. “He has great hands and runs just phenomenal routes.”

Marquel Gathers

MARQUEL GATHERS ILB, 5-10, 234, Benson, N.C., West Johnston HS

Scouting Report: Blend of speed and power that suits any defense that seeks attacking linebackers; Also played fullback at West Johnston.

How He Helps: Steps in and will join an impressive young corps of linebackers at FSU. Kenny Phillips is a master at developing linebackers, and he has another strong one to go with the likes of Steven Moore and John Brown.

Coach’s Comments: “He is a flat-out football player,” says FSU assistant coach David Bowser. “Marquel plays with great passion and will excel in Coach Phillips’ defense.”