SFA Announces 19 Additions on 2016 National Signing Day
2/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
2016 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN SIGNING DAY CENTRAL
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin head football coach Clint Conque announced the addition of 19 players to the 2016 Lumberjack football roster on National Signing Day. 17 of those additions are high school seniors signing their National Letters of Intent to play for SFA with a junior college transfer and a preferred non-scholarship athlete being included among the Signing Day additions.
“I’m very excited about this class we have coming in and for the young men that will be joining our program,” said head coach Clint Conque. “I can’t say enough about our coaching staff and the diligence they have shown. It’s been a sprint the last few weeks with a lot of miles and a lot of visits. I feel this class has been thoroughly vetted from a character and academic standpoint in that we are getting players in here that not only will be great players on the field but great representatives of our program and the university.”
The 2016 signee class spans three states, highlighted by 17 Texas signees which includes five East Texas players. Oklahoma and Louisiana are also represented as every skill position outside of linebacker addressed significant needs:
• Quarterback (2): Paten Snell (Scurry-Rosser), Tyler Ferre’ (Magnolia West - PWO)
• Running Backs (2): Josh McGowen (McAllen), Jamall Shaw (Broken Arrow, Okla.)
• Wide Receivers (4): Khalil Lacy (Richardson), Thomas Nolley (Fort Worth South Hills), Tamrick Pace (Brownsboro), Cody Williams (Pearland)
• Tight End (1): Nick Jones (Brownsboro/Louisiana-Monroe/Trinity Valley C.C.)
• Offensive Linemen (4): Deion Bennett (Beaumont Central), Zach Mack (Gatesville), Matthew Mora (Manor), Cooper Williams (Klein Collins)
• Defensive Ends (2): Jerry Blanks (Galveston Ball), Malik George (Lafayette Acadiana, La.)
• Defensive Tackle (1): Larron Cox (Everman)
• Cornerback (1): Alex Gregory (Nacogdoches)
• Safety (1): Trey Ramos (Azle)
• Athlete (1): Zach Hall (Tyler Lee)
Reflecting on the 2016 signing class, coach Conque addressed three areas which served as a primary focus for the SFA coaching staff during the process. The first was an emphasis on recruiting the state of Texas, especially the East Texas footprint. 17 of the Lumberjacks’ signees hail from the Lone Star state with five coming from the East Texas area. In his three recruiting classes at SFA, Conque has relied heavily on Texas talent as 52 of his 56 signees have come from the state of Texas.
A second key emphasis for Conque was adding length and speed. The most notable position for this focus was at wide receiver where all four signees are over 6-0 and should be among some of the fastest players on the Lumberjack roster. Defensively, height and speed were also added across the board, especially at the defensive line and cornerback slots.
Another hallmark of this class that Conque is excited for is the number of multi-sport athletes that comprise the 2016 class. 12 of the signees have lettered in at least one other sport, including basketball, track and field and baseball, and have been all-district and all-state competitors .
“It’s worth noting how many of our signees have excelled at sports other than football,” Conque said. “We have a large portion of our signees that are multi-sport athletes - guys that are achieving high levels of success in multiple sports. That brings leadership and competitiveness on top of their obvious athletic abilities.”
Conque also officially introduced the five junior college transfers that signed with the program back in December. With the 2016 recruiting period in the books, the Lumberjacks now turn their attention to spring practices, followed by summer and fall camp as SFA gets ready for the 90th season of Lumberjack football, kicking off Saturday, September 3rd at Texas Tech.
2016 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN SIGNING CLASS
Deion Bennett
6-4 • 270 • Offensive Lineman
Beaumont, Texas (Central)
Prior to SFA: Four year starter at Beaumont Central High School on the offensive line … Helped guide the Jaguars to three-straight playoff appearances as Beaumont Central finished third in District 22-5A in 2015 … Key member of the Central team that finished 8-4 in 2014, capturing a share of the district title and earning a playoff berth … Coached by Toby Foreman … Also lettered three times in basketball … Son of Delvin Bennett and Tammy Richard … Plans to major in engineering.
Conque’s Thoughts: “I’m very impressed with Deion. He committed to us early in the process and really shut down his recruiting despite a multitude of schools expressing interest. He’s a very gifted young man that played tackle in high school and we project him as a center here at SFA. He is a great athlete, playing on one of the top basketball programs in the state, and is a very smart young man with a bright future here.”
Jerry Blanks
6-2 • 240 • Defensive End
Galveston, Texas (Ball)
Prior to SFA: Four year letterwinner at Galveston Ball High School … Two-time first team all-district selection … Two-time all-county selection … Named NLA Houston Defensive Line MVP … Posted 81 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and six sacks as a senior … Helped lead the Tornadoes to a 6-4 record in 2015 … Coached by Kimble Anders … Son of Zaleni Grismore … Plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Jerry comes from Galveston Ball, a program that I’m very familiar with and have a lot of respect for. He brings a physical presence and we project him to be a bandit, playing a strong side defensive end. He’s a young man that we had in camp this summer and we were impressed with, especially his maturity. We’ve got some depth at defensive end but he’s got a chance to come in and make a splash at that position.”
Larron Cox
6-3 • 250 • Defensive Tackle
Everman, Texas (Everman)
Prior to SFA: Three year starter at Everman High School at both tight end and defensive tackle … First team all-district selection at tight end in 2014 … Helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back state quarterfinal appearances … Ranked among Bulldog leaders in tackles playing both ways … Coached by Dale Keeling … Also lettered two seasons in basketball … Son of Larry Warren and Rapthel Cox … Collegiate major is undecided.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Another high level player at both football and basketball. Larron has very quick feet and is a high level competitor that has good hands. He played both defensive and and defensive tackle in high school and can change directions quickly and make plays. He’s a heck of an athlete.”
Malik George
6-3 • 205 • Defensive End
Lafayette, La. (Acadiana)
Prior to SFA: Two year starter at Acadiana (La.) High School ... Second team all-district selection in 2015 ... Honorable mention selection as a junior ... Finished his prep career with 120 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 13 sacks ... Key member of the Acadiana team that captured the 2014 Louisiana 5A state championship ... Led the Rams to an undefeated district championship in 2015 ... Coached by Robert Davidson ... Two star recruit by Rivals and 247 Sports ... Son of Claude and Kimberly George ... Brother Claude will be a senior linebacker at Texas A&M ... Collegiate major is undecided.
Conque's Thoughts: "Malik is another gifted defensive end who projects to be an open end for us, playing on the edge. He's very athletic and long and he will have an opportunity to develop in a position where we have a lot of depth. He can really run and change direction, one that we were familiar with through our camps, and he's really impressed us throughout the process."
Alex Gregory
6-0 • 185 • Cornerback
Nacogdoches, Texas (Nacogdoches)
Prior to SFA: Two year starter at Nacogdoches High School … Two-time first team all-district selection … One of the Dragons’ top receivers for the past two seasons … Registered 38 catches for 897 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior … Helped guide Nacogdoches to a 7-4 record and a playoff appearance in 2014 … Coached by Bobby Reyes … Two star recruit by Rivals and 247 Sports … Also lettered four times competing in track and field, running the 200 meter dash and relays … Placed second at the Texas state meet in the 200 meter dash in 2015 … Son of Kimberly Gregory … Collegiate major is undecided.
Conque’s Thoughts: “We’re really excited about Alex. He was really an anchor recruit for us as he was highly recruited throughout the process. He primarily has played wide receiver, but we project him to play corner. We need more speed on defense as Alex is one of the handful fastest players in the state of Texas. We’re excited to get a hometown player of Alex’s ability, and he really helped pull the East Texas class together."
Zach Hall
5-11 • 175 • Athlete
Tyler, Texas (Robert E. Lee)
Prior to SFA: Three year starter at quarterback at Tyler Lee High School … Two-time first team all-district selection … District 11-6A Offensive MVP in 2014 … Second team all-state selection as a junior … Averaged 286 yards of total offense in 28 starts … Set program record with 39 total touchdowns (21 passing, 18 rushing) in 2014 … Accounted for 523 yards, including a school-record 272 rushing yards, and seven touchdowns in a win over Sachse in 2014 … Helped lead the Raiders to a playoff appearance in 2014 … Coached by Darrell Piske … Also lettered three times in track and field and twice in basketball … Three-star recruit by Rivals, 247 Sports and Scout … Son of Wilmer Hall and Darlene Watkins … Born in New Orleans, Louisiana … Collegiate major is undecided.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Another exciting East Texas talent that primarily played quarterback in high school. Most of his stats will be on offense but we project him over at cornerback as well. He’s very fast, very athletic, a three-sport athlete that is a competitor and we’re really excited about Zach’s future here at SFA.”
Nick Jones
6-3 • 265 • Tight End
Brownsboro, Texas (Brownsboro/Louisiana-Monroe/Trinity Valley C.C.)
Prior to SFA: Spent two seasons at Louisiana-Monroe … Three year letterwinner at Brownsboro High School … Earned first team all-region honors at both tight end and defensive end … First team all-district selection as a senior, catching 20 passes for 254 yards … First team All-Henderson County selection at defensive end as a junior … Coached by Ty Thomison … Also lettered four times in track and field and three times each in basketball and baseball, giving him 13 letters during his prep career … District MVP, all-district and all-state selection in basketball … Born in Tyler, Texas … Son of Bobby and Laura Jones … Majoring in kinesiology.
Conque’s Thoughts: “I’m very impressed with Nick. An All-American tight end out of Trinity Valley that had offers to go to other schools at the semester break. We didn’t have a scholarship for him in the spring so he’s paying his own way to be here and be a part of this program. He’s a combo player that can block as well as a significant threat in the pass game. He’s got a lot of experience and a lot of maturity and will be a major addition at the tight end position.”
Khalil Lacy
6-0 • 165 • Wide Receiver
Richardson, Texas (Richardson)
Prior to SFA: Two year starter at Richardson High School at both wide receiver and kick returner … Second team all-district selection as a junior … Registered 56 catches for 1,150 yards and 15 touchdowns during his prep career … Named team’s MVP as a senior … Coached by Brian Chandler … Also lettered three times in track and field … Named Dallas Morning News Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore … Set Richardson school record with a 10.44 100 meter dash … Three star recruit by Scout … Two star recruit by Rivals and 247 Sports.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Khalil is another player that has a tremendous amount of speed, adding to what we were looking to accomplish in this class. We project him to be a slot receiver as well as giving him a look in the return game as well. He can stick his toe in the ground and get vertical in a blink. With the graduation we had with our receivers, he’ll have an opportunity to come in and make an immediate impact. He’s very fast, very athletic with excellent ball skills.”
Zach Mack
6-3 • 285 • Offensive Lineman
Gatesville, Texas (Gatesville)
Prior to SFA: Three year starter at Gatesville High School … First team all-district selection as a senior … Honorable mention all-district selection as a junior … Allowed just two sacks with 65 pancakes as a senior … Team captain as a senior … Helped lead the Hornets to the regional finals in 2015 … Coached by Kyle Cooper … Son of Renate Mack … Plans to major in sports business.
Conque’s Thoughts: “We project Zach to play guard for us on the offensive line. He’s a very physical young man that had multiple offers at the FBS level but was very loyal to SFA and our coaching staff and showed the character we’re looking for. He’ll have an opportunity to grow this year and we think Zach has a very bright future here at SFA.”
Josh McGowen
5-10 • 185 • Running Back
McAllen, Texas (McAllen)
Prior to SFA: One year starter at McAllen High School … District 30-6A Offensive Player of the Year in 2015, rushing for 1,474 yards and 22 touchdowns … All-Rio Grande Valley Offensive Player of the Year … Helped lead the Bulldogs to a playoff appearance in 2015 … Coached by Kevin Brewer … Spent two seasons at Overhills High School in Spring Lake, North Carolina … Two-time district Offensive MVP … All-region selection … Finished his prep career with over 4,000 all-purpose yards and 42 touchdowns … Also has competed in track and field for the past four seasons … North Carolina state finalist in the 110 hurdles and long jump … European Department of Defense Dependent School champion in 2013 while living in Germany … Son of Tommy and Emma McGowen … Born in Fort Stewart, Georgia … Collegiate major is undecided.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Josh is a very fast young man, competing in both football and track. He’s one of the premiere hurdlers and sprinters in the state and that makes him an electric player out of the backfield. He’s got a very quick style, similar to that of Joshawa West, and will provide a big offensive threat for us. He’s got a very bright future here at SFA.”
Matthew Mora
6-6 • 260 • Offensive Lineman
Manor, Texas (Manor)
Prior to SFA: Two year starter at offensive tackle at Manor High School … Helped lead the Mustangs to an 8-4 mark in 2015, including a 6-1 district record, advancing to the area playoffs … Selected to Max Emfinger’s 2016 All-American Bowl, helping the West team to a 17-0 victory … Coached by Sadd Jackson … Son of Juan and Tasha Mora … Plans to major in engineering physics.
Conque’s Thoughts: “When we started looking at our offensive line, we wanted length at the offensive tackle position and Matthew fit the bill. He played at a quality program down at Manor and really made a name for himself. He brings a presence of length and athleticism to the offensive line and I’m looking forward to watching him grow and develop in our program.”
Thomas Nolley
6-3 • 195 • Wide Receiver
Fort Worth, Texas (South Hills)
Prior to SFA: Two year letterwinner at South Hills High School … First team all-district selection in 2015 … Second team all-district honors as a junior … Registered 40 catches for nearly 800 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior … Helped lead the Scorpions to back-to-back playoff appearances, including a 9-2 record in 2014 … Coached by Jerry Watson … Two star recruit by Rivals and 247 Sports … Also lettered twice in both basketball and track and field … Helped lead the South Hills track team to the district championship and was an area finalist … Son of Thomas Nolley and Wanda Brooks … Collegiate major is undecided.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Thomas is another multi-sport athlete that had multiple FBS offers. He is a quality young man, is very mature, that can play either slot or outside receiver for us. We wanted to get taller and longer at the receiver position and at 6-3, Thomas is what we were looking for. He has really good ball skills and acceleration after the catch. You can never have too many quality players at the receiver position and we feel we’ve have a great addition to that in Thomas.”
Tamrick Pace
6-2 • 190 • Wide Receiver
Brownsboro, Texas (Brownsboro)
Prior to SFA: Three year starter at Brownsboro High School, playing quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back … Two-time all-district selection … All-region selection in 2015 … All-East Texas Dream Team selection as a junior … Posted 112 catches for 2,203 yards and 39 touchdowns during his prep career … Tied school single-game record with 214 receiving yards … Coached by Jason Hooker … Also lettered four times in both basketball and track and field … Named basketball’s district MVP and all-region selection … Regional qualifier in track as a member of the Brownsboro relay teams … Three star recruit by 247 Sports … Son of Curtis and Latammia Warren … Collegiate major is undecided.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Again, Tamrick helps bring length at the receiver position at 6-2. He’s a phenomenal athlete and is very unselfish young man. He played receiver for the majority of his career before playing quarterback as a senior. He had offers and a lot of attention from FBS schools but kept his committment to SFA, which says a lot about his character. He’s a very good student and has tremendous vision, and we feel his upside is outstanding here at SFA.”
Trey Ramos
6-0 • 175 • Safety
Azle, Texas (Azle)
Prior to SFA: Three year starter at Azle High School, playing safety, wide receiver and quarterback … Named District 5-5A Utility MVP in 2015 … All-state defensive back in 2014 … Finished prep career with 269 total tackles, including seven tackles for loss, 25 pass breakups and nine interceptions … Posted 28 tackles with three offensive touchdowns and an interception for a touchdown in a game … Helped lead the Hornets to an 11-2 record in 2014, advancing to the 4A regional finals … Coached by Devon Dorris … Also lettered four times in baseball and once in both track and field and basketball … Academic all-district selection in 2015 … Two star recruit by Rivals … Son of Robert and Celeste Schocke … Plans to major in business.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Trey is a true high safety, which has become incredibly more difficult to find. He played both receiver and safety at Azle and is a very smart young man. He’s a cerebral player but still very physical. He has excellent ball skills and brings tremendous leadership qualities both on and off the field. We’re excited to get Trey in here and develop him into one of our high safeties.”
Jamall Shaw
6-0 • 195 • Running Back
Broken Arrow, Okla. (Broken Arrow)
Prior to SFA: Three year starter at Broken Arrow High School … Oklahoma 6A-I Player of the Year …Rushed for just shy of 4,000 yards while adding 700 yards receiving and 53 total touchdowns … Posted a career-best 321 rushing yards, setting a program record … Holds five Tiger program records, including career rushing yards and touchdowns … Helped guide Broken Arrow to an 11-2 record in 2015, advancing to the Oklahoma state championship game … First team all-state and all-district selection as a senior … First team all-district selection as a junior … Coached by Dave Alexander … Son of Derrick and Arnita Shaw … Collegiate major is undecided.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Jamall is a bigger back, which will complement the speed of Josh McGowen. He is very highly acclaimed with a very successful high school career. He put up huge numbers at Broken Arrow, played for the state championship and was the 6A Player of the Year, rushing for over 2,000 yards as a senior. With the graduation we’ve had at running back, he’ll have an opportunity to make an immediate impact this fall.”
Paten Snell
6-3 • 190 • Quarterback
Scurry, Texas (Scurry-Rosser)
Prior to SFA: Four year starter at Scurry-Rosser High School … Three-time all-district selection, including first team honors in 2013 and 2014 … District Newcomer of the Year in 2013 … Honorable mention all-state selection in 2013 … Selected to Blue-Grey All-American team in 2015, earning offensive MVP honors … Passed for 7,193 yards and 72 touchdowns during his prep career, setting program record … Also rushed for 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns … Helped guide Scurry-Rosser to the regional championship in 2013 and a playoff appearance in 2015 … Coached by Jason Bachtel … Also lettered four times in both track and field and basketball and twice in baseball, … Son of Leroy and Amy Snell … Plans to major in nursing.
Conque’s Thoughts: “I’m really excited about Paten. He’s a true dual threat quarterback and was the MVP of the Blue-Grey game where he really outshined a number of higher profile athletes. He’s been a four year starter, which has made him very mature and very driven and is really excited about being here. He’ll have the opportunity to be the future of the program.”
Cody Williams
6-3 • 195 • Wide Receiver
Pearland, Texas (Pearland)
Prior to SFA: Three year starter at wide receiver at Pearland High School ... Two-time first team all-district selection ... Honorable mention all-district as a sophomore ... Registered 150 catches for 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns during his prep career ... Helped guide Pearland to an 11-1 record as a senior, going a perfect 8-0 en route to a district championship ... Member of three-straight Oiler teams that qualified for the playoffs, including the 2013 team that advanced to the state championship ... Academic all-state selection ... Coached by Tony Heath ... Also lettered four years in baseball at Pearland and was a three-time all-district selection ... Son of Earl and Debra Williams ... Plans to major in biology or sports management.
Conque's Thoughts: "I really like the players out of Pearland and Cody fits that mold. He's very mature, has a very strong academic baseline but also is a premier receiver with both size and speed. Cody is a very physical wide receiver and another two-sport athlete that competes at the highest level in both. We had the opportunity to work with him in camp and continue to be impressed by him."
Cooper Williams
6-5 • 285 • Offensive Lineman
Spring, Texas (Klein Collins)
Prior to SFA: Two year starter on the offensive line at Klein Collins High School … Two-time first team all-district selection … Helped lead the Tigers to the 2015 district co-championship … Starter on offensive line that guided Klein Collins to the 6A regional finals in 2014 … Coached by Drew Svoboda … Son of Mark and Donya Williams … Plans to major in business.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Cooper comes from the same high school that gave us Hayden Scott and Klein Collins is a program that produces high quality athetes. He had other opportunities at the FBS level but cast his lot with us early in the process. He’s another mature player with high character. He probably projects as an offensive tackle for us, which is the position he played in high school. He’s an excellent pass blocker and as he gets bigger and stronger, the way he plays will fit nicely into our system.”
Tyler Ferre'
6-3 • 195 • Quarterback
Magnolia, Texas (Magnolia West)
Prior to SFA: Will be a preferred non-scholarship quarterback for the 'Jacks in 2016 ... Two year starter at Magnolia West High School … District 19-5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2015 … Two-time all-district and all-county selection … Passed for 5,770 yards and accounted for 72 touchdowns (50 passing, 22 rushing) during his prep career, completing 65 percent of his passes … School record holder for passing yards … Helped lead the Mustangs to an 8-4 record in 2015, advancing to the area championship … Quarterbacked Magnolia West to back-to-back area playoff appearances … Coached by Shawn Bell … Two star recruit by Rivals and 247 Sports … Son of Robert and DeAnna Ferre’ … Born in Redlands, Calif. … Plans to major in history.
Conque’s Thoughts: “Tyler is a phenomenal athlete that had opportunites to go to FBS programs out of state, but he really wants to be a Lumberjack. He’s been a great leader for his program at Magnolia West, dominating that league. You can never have enough quality players at any position, especially quarterback. Understanding that we have two seniors in our program now, Tyler will add some competition as we look towards the future and will give us multiple options. I feel like we stole one with Tyler.”
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