CONWAY, S.C. – New Coastal Carolina head coachTim Beckand his staff continued to add to the Chanticleers’ 2023 signing class, announcing 20 new additions to the program on the first day of the February signing period.
Head Coach Tim Beck
Offensive Coordinator Travis Trickett
Defensive Coordinator Craig Naivar
February 2023 Ja’Vin Simpkins – 5-9 * 185 * RB * Miami, Fla. / Norland High SchoolRated a four-star recruit at running back for the Class of 2023 by ESPN
A three-star recruit at running back for the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, Rivals, and On3
Ranked as high as the No. 30 running back for the Class of 2023 by ESPN
Rated as high as the No. 32 running back for the Class of 2023 by 247Sports
Also ranked as the No. 31 running back recruit in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports composite rankings
Three-year letterwinner in football at Norland High School for head coach Daryle Heidelburg
Played in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game
A 2020 Miami Herald All-Dade 8A-6A first-team selection as a sophomore
Led Norland to a 9-3 overall record and a No. 19 state ranking by MaxPreps
Rushed for 769 yards and 10 touchdowns his senior year, recording three 100-plus yard games his senior year
Hauled in 18 receptions for 258 yards in the passing game his senior year
Played in just four games his junior year in 2021 due to an injury but still ran for 512 yards and averaged 10.4 yards per carry
Also caught 11 passes for 115 yards and account for five total touchdowns in his junior season
Ran for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games as a sophomore
Helped lead Miami Norland win a South Florida Tri-County Championship in 2020
Chose Coastal Carolina over Michigan State, Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisville, Ole Miss, Texas, Texas A&M, UCF, Marshall, Toledo, Maryland, UAB, USF, West Virginia, Western Kentucky, Buffalo, FIU, Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, Incarnate Word, and Jackson State
Bryson Graves – 6-1 * 185 * WR * Florence, S.C. / West Florence High School
A three-sport athlete at West Florence High School, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball
Played just one season of football, lining up at wide receiver and cornerback at West Florence for head coach Jody Jenerette
Played in the 2022 Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase
Helped lead the Knights to an 11-2 overall record and a 4-1 record in AAAA Region 6 play
Lost to A.C. Flora in the 2022 Lower State semifinals
Finished his senior season with 40 receptions for over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense
Totaled over 1,000 all-purpose yards over his senior year
Also had nine solo tackles and three pass breakups on defense as a senior
Named to the 2022 Carolina Bowl watch list at wide receiver
A four-year letterwinner in basketball and baseball
Played in the 2021 Hank Aaron Invitational
Reaches up to 90 miles per hour on the mound in baseball
Ranked as high as the No. 11 outfield prospect for the Class of 2023 in the state of South Carolina by Perfect Game
A two-time Perfect Game Preseason All-American Atlantic Region honorable mention selection (2021 and 2022)
Named to the 2022 17U PG Coastal Invitational and the 2020 PG Sophomore Coastal Fall Selection Championships All-Tournament teams
Played for the Padres 2023 Scout Team and the Spartans 2023
Chose Coastal Carolina over James Madison, Liberty, Charleston Southern, Chattanooga, and North Greenville
Blake Boda – 6-4 * 175 * QB * Cocoa, Fla. / Cocoa High SchoolRated a three-star prospect at quarterback for the Class of 2023 by 247Sports
Ranked as a two-star recruit at quarterback for the Class of 2023 by Rivals
Was also a three-star prospect for the Class of 2023 by QB Hit List
Lettered in football his senior year at Cocoa High School and for head coach Ryan Schneider
Named the 2022 Florida High School Class 2S Florida Dairy Farmers Player of the Year
Tabbed the SBLive 2022 All-State Florida High School Player of the Year
Also named the 2022 James McGriff Offensive Player of the Year
Named the 2022 All-Space Coast Player of the Year
A consensus all-state selection following his senior season in 2022
Named to the 2022 All-Space Coast first team
Tabbed the MaxPreps Overall Player of the Game for 15 different games his senior season
Was a five-time MaxPreps Offensive Player of the Game Award winner his senior year
Was named to the 2022 FHSAA State Championships All-Tournament team
Helped to lead Cocoa High School to the 2022 FHSAA Class 2S state championship title and an 11-3 record his senior season
Recorded four touchdowns — two passing and two rushing — including the game-winner in overtime in the Class 2S championship game
Broke program records with 4,028 passing yards and 49 touchdown passes during his senior season
His 4,028 passing yards led the state of Florida, as did his 54 total touchdowns
Was also tied for the team lead with five rushing touchdowns in his senior year
Completed 270-of-414 pass attempts on the season his senior year
Threw for 2,021 yards and 18 touchdowns at Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach his junior season
Helped lead the Sandcrabs to a district title in Florida’s second-highest classification in 2021
Was named first-team all-area and third-team all-state in his junior season in Daytona Beach
Posted a passer rating of at least 120 on four separate occasions, including in the district-title-clinching home win over Bishop Moore
Also lettered in basketball and baseball
Was an all-tournament team selection for his Spikes 12U baseball travel team at the 2017 PGBA 12U Winter Classic and 12U Baker’s Sporting Goods Elite Tournament Series III
Chose Coastal Carolina over UNLV, South Florida, Missouri State, and Bethune-Cookman
Joseph Hanson – 6-5 * 290 * OL * Niceville, Fla. / Niceville High SchoolRated a two-star recruit at offensive tackle for the Class of 2023 by Rivals
Lettered in football at Niceville High School for head coach Grant Thompson
Was a three-year starter for the Eagles’ offensive line
Played for the North Squad in the 2023 Class 3A Florida FACA All-Star Game
Was a 2022 second-team all-state honoree his senior year
A 2022 all-area first-team selection
Earned a spot on the SBLive Sports Florida 2022 All-Panhandle/Big Bend football team
Named to the Dandy Dozen prior to his senior season
Was twice named the MaxPreps Offensive Player of the Year his senior year
Was a key cog up front that helped the Eagles go 9-2 overall and win the 2022 4S District 2 Championship his senior year
Led an offensive line that paved the way for 2,099 yards on the ground in his senior season
Helped Niceville’s offense rush for 2,156 yards and 38 touchdowns up front on the offensive line his junior year in 2021
Chose Coastal Carolina over Kansas, Air Force, Navy, Appalachian State, Marshall, Buffalo, Jacksonville State, South Florida, Western Michigan, Chattanooga, Charleston Southern, Samford, Bryant, Stetson, and West Florida
Marlon Corey II – 6-5 * 285 * OL * Loganville, Ga. / Grayson High School Lettered at Grayson High School for head coach Adam Carter
Played in the NUC All-American Game
Was a senior that helped to guide the Rams to a 10-3 record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2022 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class 7A State Championship Playoffs
A starter on the 2022 GHSA Region 4-AAAAAAA Championship team
Was a key cog on the offensive line that cleared the way for All-Region 4-AAAAAAA first-team selection running back Joseph Taylor Jr. and blocked for second-team honoree in quarterback Jeff Davis, Jr.
Helped to lead his Rams team to a 10-4 record in 2021 and reach the semifinals of the state championship tournament as a junior
Was a standout along the offensive line at the 2021 Valdosta MVP Camp
A member of the 2020 GHSA Class 7A state championship team that went 14-0 on the season
Chose Coastal Carolina over Valdosta State
Farradj Titikpina – 6-4 * 300 * DL * Bochum, Deutschland, Germany / Maria Sibylla Merian Comprehensive School
Played for the Düsseldorf Panther in Germany
Was invited to the 2022 all Europe PPI All-Star Game
Participated in the PPI Dreamchasers Tour ’21
Chose Coastal Carolina over Ole Miss, Kentucky, Maryland, Temple, and Austin Peay
Legend Doggett – 6-1 * 180 * DB * McDonough, Ga. / Ola High School (Iowa Western Community College) Has three years of eligibility remaining.Enrolled in January 2023. Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Sophomore) at Iowa Western Community CollegePlayed in just one game on the season
Suffered a season-ending injury in the season opener
2021 (Freshman) at Iowa Western Community CollegeHelped led the Reivers to a 10-1 season and a spot in the NJCAA Division I National Championship game
Played in nine games for the Reivers as a freshman
Totaled 20 tackles, including 16 solo stops in his first collegiate season
Also added 2.5 tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, and five pass breakups
Recorded a season-high four tackles in his IWCC debut in a win at Dodge City Community College (Sept. 4)
Picked off one interception and had two tackles, including 1.0 tackle-for-loss in a road win at Iowa Central Community College (Sept. 26)
Had 2.0 tackles and 1.5 tackles-for-loss in a blowout win over ASA College (Miami) (Oct. 2)
Tallied one interception, two pass breakups, and one tackle in a win at Snow College (Oct. 9)
Finished with three tackles and three pass breakups in a win at Georgia Military College (Nov. 6)
Also had three tackles in the 2021 NJCAA Division I National Championship game versus New Mexico Military Institute (Dec. 17)
High SchoolA three-star recruit at cornerback for the Class of 2021 by 247Sports and ESPN
Ranked as a two-star recruit at cornerback for the Class of 2021 by Rivals
Rated the 160th-best cornerback prospect for the Class of 2021 by 247Sports
Lettered at Ola High School for head coach Tom Causey McDonough, Ga.
Was a two-time first-team All-Region 4-AAAAA selection at defensive back
Played in the 2021 Georgia Elite Classic his senior season
Finished his senior season with 25 tackles, three interceptions, and eight passes defended
Led the Mustangs to a 9-2 record and a second-place finish in the 4-AAAAA Region his senior year
Also lettered in baseball, playing in the infield
Older sister, Jordan, played softball at Georgia (2017-2020) and Oklahoma State (2021)
Originally committed to Coastal Carolina over Air Force, Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, South Alabama, Gardner-Webb, Murray State, North Carolina A&T, and SEMO
Evan Jumper – 6-4 * 280 * C * Myrtle Beach, S.C. / Myrtle Beach High School (Furman) Enrolled in January 2023. Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Senior) at Furman
Played and started in 12 games at center for the Furman Paladins
Logged 828 snaps on the season in starting the Furman offense
Helped lead the Paladins to a 10-3 overall record and advance to the second round of the 2022 NCAA Division I Football Championship Playoffs
The Paladins posted a 7-1 Southern Conference mark and finished the regular season ranked No. 11 in both the AFCA and Stats Perform Top 25 polls
Was instrumental in helping one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the FCS, as the Paladins averaged 421.9 yards of offense per game on the season
Helped clear the way for running back Dominic Roberto to run for 1,120 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season
2021 (Junior) at FurmanRegistered playing time in all 11 games, including 10 starts
Logged 656 plays, including a season high 77 snaps against Western Carolina (Nov. 6)
Also had 74 snaps in the season-opening 29-18 win over No. 24-ranked North Carolina A&T (Sept. 4)
Named to the 2021-22 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll
2020-21 (Sophomore) at FurmanStarted in all seven games at center in the shortened-spring season due to COVID-19
Logged 434 plays, including a career high 84 snaps against VMI (Feb. 27)
Was in on 79 plays versus Samford (March 6) in the 44-37 OT win
Named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll for the 2020-21 school year
2019 (Freshman) at FurmanNamed to the SoCon All-Freshman Team
Played in all 13 games and made nine starts at center as a true freshman
Played a key role in leading Furman to an 8-5 record, at-large berth to the FCS playoffs, and No. 19 ranking in the AFCA Coaches final poll
Helped pave the way for All-SoCon running back Devin Wynn and his 1,182 yards and 14 touchdowns
Key part of the offense line that helped the Paladin offense pace the SoCon in scoring at 33.5 points per game
His nine starts came over the final 10 contests
Credited with 550 play participations
Came off the bench to register 36 plays in his collegiate debut, a 46-13 win over Charleston Southern (Aug. 31) in the season opener
Made his first start in game four versus Mercer (Sept. 21), playing 38 snaps in the 45-10 win
Totaled a season-high 65 plays against Chattanooga (Nov. 2)
Named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll for the 2019-20 school year
High SchoolA December 2018 graduate of Myrtle Beach High School who enrolled at Furman in January of 2019 and took part in spring practice
Lettered at MBHS for football coach Mickey Wilson
Played left and right tackle, center, and also handled long snapping duties
Made 36 consecutive starts in his prep career, never missing a game
Was a second-team USA Today South Carolina All-State choice his senior year
Was a two-time All-Region 6 4A selection
Named to the 2018 first team WPDE All-Zone Team
Was a Shrine Bowl participant who was accorded the game’s U.S. Army Student Athlete Leadership Award for South Carolina
Served as a team captain his junior and senior seasons
Played a pivotal role in leading Myrtle Beach to 12-1 record and state championship, beating Greer, 37-21, in the championship game his senior season in 2018
Led the Seahawks to a 57-31 win over Hartsville on the road to claim the 2018 Lower State championship
Myrtle Beach’s title season came in the face of devastation to the region by Hurricane Florence in early September, which eliminated three weeks of the regular-season campaign
Chose Furman from 19 scholarship offers, including 12 from FBS programs
Kendall Karr – 6-3 * 250 * TE * Belmont, N.C. / Stuart W. Cramer High School (North Carolina)
Three years of eligibility remaining.Enrolled in January 2023. Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Redshirt Sophomore) at North Carolina
Saw action in 10 games on the season for the nationally-ranked Tar Heels
Helped lead North Carolina to a 9-5 record and win the 2022 ACC Coastal Division
Played in both the 2022 ACC Championship game and the 2022 San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl versus Oregon
2021 (Redshirt Freshman) at North CarolinaDid not see any game action on the season
A valuable squad member who added depth at tight end
2020 (Freshman) at North CarolinaAppeared in four games at tight end as a true freshman
Had one reception for three yards against Western Carolina (Dec. 5)
Also lined up on offense in ACC games versus Syracuse (Sept. 12), NC State (Oct. 24), and Miami (Fla.) (Dec. 12)
Earned ACC Academic Honor Roll recognition
High SchoolA three-star prospect listed as the No. 17 player in North Carolina and the nation’s 28th-ranked tight end in the 247Sports Composite
Ranked as the No. 20 player in the state and the nation’s 33rd-ranked tight end according to Rivals
Tabbed as the state’s No. 14 player and the nation’s 11th-ranked tight end-Y according to ESPN
Posted 61 receptions, 1,112 yards, and 13 touchdowns over his first three prep seasons at Stuart W. Cramer High School for head coach Ben McMillan
Missed his senior season due to an injury
Was tabbed a MaxPreps preseason all-state honoree
Named a preseason All-Gaston County selection
A Gaston Gazette/Shelby Star Dandy Dozen preseason honorable mention honoree
An all-state honoree as a junior
Tabbed All-Big South 3A first-team all-conference twice
An All-Gaston Gazette first-team selection
Helped Stuart Cramer to a 7-5 record and a spot in the state playoffs his junior year
Recorded 38 receptions for 635 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior
Led the Storm to an 8-5 record and a berth in the second round of the state playoffs as a sophomore
Tallied 21 receptions for 438 yards and six touchdowns in his sophomore season
A multi-sport athlete, who averaged 8.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game on the basketball team
Earned all-conference honors as a junior on the basketball court
Abraham Temoney III – 6-4 * 190 * CB * Sumter, S.C. / Sumter High School (Erskine) Graduated from Erskine in December 2022 with his bachelor’s degree in health science … Working on his MBA at Coastal Carolina. Has two years of eligibility remaining.Enrolled in January 2023. Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Redshirt Junior) at ErskinePlayed in seven games on the season
Recorded 48 tackles, including 28 solo stops on the year
Had one forced fumble and four pass breakups for the season
Tallied a season-high nine tackles versus Wingate (Oct. 1)
Posted eight tackles, one pass breakup, and blocked a kick versus Lenoir-Rhyne (Sept. 17)
Also had eight stops against Mars Hill (Oct. 8) and at Tusculum (Oct. 29)
2021 (Redshirt Sophomore) at ErskineSaw action in two games on the year in the defensive backfield before suffering an injury
Totaled two pass breakups and two tackles before the injury ended his season
2020-21 (Redshirt Freshman) at ErskinePlayed in six games over the spring season – fall season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Recorded 14 total tackles, including nine solo stops
Added three pass breakups
Returned to kickoffs for 71 yards, including a season-long return of 38 yards
Was a member of Erskine’s first season of football since the program ended in 1951
2019 (Freshman) at ErskineRedshirted and practiced only as the team did not have a season due to starting up in 2020
Was a member of the program’s first signing class in 2019
High SchoolWas a three-year letterwinner at football at Sumter High School for head coach Mark Barnes
Moved from wide receiver to defensive back his senior season
Helped the Gamecocks to a 9-0 record in the regular season before losing to Byrnes HS in the second round of the 5A state playoffs his senior season in 2018
Was named a Sumter Touchdown Club Merit Scholar
Cane Berrong – 6-4 * 245 * TE * Hartwell, Ga. / Hart County High School (Notre Dame) Enrolled in spring 2023. Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Redshirt Freshman) at Notre Dame
Played in one game on the season
Saw action in the 44-0 victory over Boston College (Nov. 19)
Did not record a statistic
2021 (Freshman) at Notre DameRedshirt season
Played in three games for the Irish on the year as a true freshman
Saw the field in games versus Wisconsin (Sept. 25), Cincinnati (Oct. 2), and Virginia Tech (Oct. 9)
High SchoolRanked as a four-star recruit at tight end by ESPN
Was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals
Was ranked as the No. 49 player nationally, No. 1 tight end nationally, No. 20 player regionally, and No. 5 player from the state of Georgia for the class of 2021 by ESPN
Rated the No. 28 tight end nationally and No. 36 player from the state of Georgia for the class of 2021 by 247Sports.com
Also ranked as the No. 30 tight end nationally and No. 37 player from the state of Georgia for the class of 2021 by Rivals
Invited to play in the 2021 Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando before it was canceled
Was named to the 2020 Preseason All-Georgia second team by MaxPreps
Lettered in football at Hart County High School for head coach Rance Gillespie
Recorded 26 catches for 305 yards and four touchdowns during his senior season in 2020
Caught 43 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns in 2019 as a junior
Also lettered baseball at Hart County
Has a younger brother named Chase
Bryson Summers – 6-5 * 310 * OL * El Dorado Hills, Calif. / Oak Ridge High School (Sierra College) Enrolled in spring 2023. Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Freshman) at Sierra CollegeSaw action on the offensive line as a true freshman
Helped to block for 5A San Tan first-team All-Region quarterback Drew Cowart
Was part of an offense that averaged 419.5 yards per game, including 189.0 rushing and 230.5 passing
High SchoolRated a two-star recruit at offensive tackle for the Class of 2022 by 247Sports
Lettered for three years in football at Oak Ridge High School for head coach Casey Taylor
Was a second-team All-League selection along the offensive line as a senior in 2021
Also named to The Sacramento Bee 2021 All-Metro Football second team
A member of the 2019 Trojans team that went 11-3 overall and reached the 2019 CIF Division 1-AA State Football Championship playoffs
Signed to play at Portland State
Carlos Hatcher – 6-3 * 260 * Edge/OLB * Carrollton, Texas / Hebron High School (Tulane) Graduated from Tulane in December 2022 with his bachelor’s degree in management … Working on his master’s degree at CCU. Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Redshirt Senior) at TulanePlayed in 11 games on the season
Totaled eight tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 0.5 sacks on defense
Added a pass breakup
Recorded a season-high three tackles, including 1.0 tackle-for-loss, and 0.5 sacks versus Alcorn (Sept. 10)
Had two solo stops, including 1.0 tackle-for-loss against UMass (Sept. 3)
Finished with one tackle versus Southern Miss (Sept. 24), against Memphis (Oct. 22), and SMU (Nov. 17)
Helped lead the Green Wave to a 12-2 overall record, an American Athletic Conference Championship, and a win over No. 8/10 USC in the 2023 Cotton Bowl
2020 (Redshirt Junior) at TulaneDid not see any action for the Green Wave on the season
2020 (Redshirt Sophomore) at TulanePlayed in seven of Tulane’s games as a redshirt sophomore
Totaled 10 tackles, including 1.5 tackles-for-loss and 1.0 sack for the season
Made one tackle in Tulane’s season opener at South Alabama (Sept. 12)
Added one tackle at home against Navy (Sept. 19)
Made one tackle on the road at Southern Miss (Sept. 26)
Added two tackles at Houston (Oct. 8)
Recorded a season-high five tackles on the road at UCF, adding one sack for a loss of nine yards (Oct. 24)
2019 (Sophomore) at TulaneRedshirt season
Appeared in four games on the year
Recorded four total tackles on the season
Made one tackle against FIU (Aug. 29)
Recorded three solo tackles, including 2.0 tackles-for-loss at Memphis (Oct. 18)
2018 (Freshman) at TulaneSaw action in 12 of Tulane’s 13 games with three starts as a true freshman
Finished his first collegiate season with 15 total tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, and two pass breakups
Recorded a career-high five tackles on the road against Cincinnati (Oct. 6)
Had two solo tackles versus Nicholls (Sept. 8), Memphis (Sept. 28), and at South Florida (Nov. 3)
Added a sack versus Memphis
Also picked up two stops at Houston (Nov. 15)
Tallied two pass breakups versus East Carolina (Nov. 10)
High SchoolRated a three-star prospect by 247Sports
Was a three-year letterwinner at Hebron High School in Carrollton, Texas
Earned Texas Class 6A All-State honorable mention honors by the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors
Recorded 55 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup his senior season
Missed his junior season because of a torn ACL
Also lettered in track & field as a senior
Father, Jason Hatcher, was an NFL Pro Bowl defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins
Micheal Mason – 6-3 * 270 * DL * Florence, S.C. / South Florence High School (Wofford) Was the first Wofford Terrier to earn All-SoCon first or second-team honors in four straight seasons (2019, 2020-21, 2021, and 2022). Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Senior) at WoffordEarned a spot on the Phil Steele All-Southern Conference first team
Named to the All-Southern Conference first team by both the coaches and media
Played in all 11 games with nine starts at defensive end for the Terriers
Led the team with 9.5 tackles-for-loss and 7.5 sacks
Was among the Southern Conference leaders on the season, as he was third in sacks and eighth in tackles-for-loss
Was sixth on the team with 41 total tackles
Recorded a season-high nine tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 sacks versus The Citadel (Oct. 15)
Also had six tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss, and 0.5 sacks against Elon (Sept. 10)
Totaled six stops, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, and recovered a fumble versus VMI (Nov. 12)
Had five tackles and 1.0 tackle-for-loss at Furman (Nov. 19)
Was named All-Southern Conference first team in the 2022 season, second team in the 2021 fall season, first team in the 2021 spring season, and second team in 2019, along with All-Freshman team honors
2021 (Junior) at WoffordNamed All-Southern Conference second team by the media
Played in eight games, making six starts on the defensive line
Was forced to miss three games due to an injury
Recorded 44 total tackles, along with a team-high 4.5 tackles-for-loss and a team-best 2.5 sacks
Had six tackles, 1.0 sack, and a forced fumble at Elon (Sept. 4)
Totaled nine tackles, highlighted by a sack and a forced fumble in the first quarter against Kennesaw State (Sept. 18)
Picked up two tackles and 0.5 sacks at VMI (Sept. 25)
Registered two tackles, including 1.0 tackle-for-loss at Mercer (Oct. 23)
Finished with five tackles to lead the team versus Western Carolina (Oct. 30)
Totaled seven tackles against Chattanooga (Nov. 6)
Led the team with eight tackles at The Citadel (Nov. 13)
Recorded five tackles and a quarterback hurry at North Carolina (Nov. 20)
2020-21 (Sophomore) at WoffordEarned HERO Sports Sophomore All-America honors
Named All-Southern Conference first-team accolades by the coaches and media
Wofford played a 2021 spring schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Started all five games for the Terriers
Finished the shortened spring season with 24 total tackles and 5.5 tackles-for-loss
Had eight tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles to earn Stats Perform National Defensive Player of the Week honors against Mercer (Feb. 20)
Finished with four tackles at Chattanooga (Feb. 27)
Recorded five tackles, including a sack, at Samford (March 13)
Added one tackle against VMI (March 27)
Totaled six tackles against The Citadel (April 3)
Named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll
2019 (Freshman) at WoffordEarned HERO Sports Freshman All-America honors
Was named to the All-Southern Conference second team by the coaches and media
Also garnered a spot on the Southern Conference All-Freshman team
Played in all 12 games with two starts on the defensive line
Led the team with 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 7.0 sacks
Finished the season with 40 total tackles
Was among the Southern Conference leaders, tied for first in sacks and sixth in tackles-for-loss on the season
Had two tackles, including one for a loss, against Samford (Sept. 14)
Picked up three tackles, including a sack, and forced fumble against Gardner-Webb (Sept. 21)
Finished with six tackles and a pair of sacks at VMI (Sept. 28)
Tallied three tackles, including a sack, against Western Carolina (Oct. 19)
Led the team with eight tackles, including 2.0 sacks at Mercer (Nov. 9)
Also had eight tackles with a sack at The Citadel (Nov. 23)
Had one tackle in the NCAA FCS Playoff game against Kennesaw State (Nov. 30)
High SchoolLettered for three seasons at South Florence High School
Was a three-time all-region selection
Named to the 2018 North-South Team his senior year
Twice named to the WPDE All-Zone Team
Recorded 100 or more tackles in each of his three seasons
Picked up 119 tackles and 14.0 sacks during his senior season
Finished his junior year with 122 tackles with 11.0 sacks
Had 106 tackles as a sophomore, including 3.0 sacks
Also played basketball for four seasons
Was a member of the National Honor Society and the Beta Club
Selected for the American Legion’s Palmetto Boys State program
Clinton Anokwuru – 6-4 * 260 * DL * Richmond, Texas / Fort Bend Bush High School (Kansas/Louisiana/Independence Community College) Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Redshirt Sophomore) at Independence Community CollegePlayed in seven games on the season
Recorded 16 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack on the year
Also forced a fumble on the year
Tallied 10 tackles in conference play
Registered a season-high five tackles in a 38-9 win over Ellsworth Community College (Oct. 22)
Also had four stops and 1.0 tackle-for-loss at Hutchinson Community College (Nov. 5)
2021 (Redshirt Freshman) at LouisianaDid not play in a game on the season
2020 (Freshman) at KansasRedshirted
Did not see any game action on the year
High SchoolRated a three-star recruit at defensive end for the Class of 2020 by Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN
Coached by Allen Aldridge at Fort Bend Bush High School
Recorded 43 tackles, 13.5 tackles-for-loss, and three sacks in 2019 as a senior
Also registered four recovered fumbles and one forced fumble his senior season
Chose Kansas over Virginia Tech, Colorado State, Washington State, Texas Tech, SMU, Army, Navy, Liberty, Louisiana, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, New Mexico, UTSA, Wyoming, Texas Southern, and Alcorn State
Will Whitson – 6-5 * 270 * DL * Cincinnati, Ohio / Winton Woods High School (Independence Community College)Has two years of eligibility remaining.Rated as a three-star recruit at defensive edge in the junior college ranks for the Class of 2023 by 247SportsJUCO and On3
Rated as the fourth-best defensive edge junior college recruit in the Class of 2023 by On3
Ranked as the seventh-best defensive edge junior college recruit in the Class of 2023 by 247SportsJUCO
Chose Coastal Carolina over Tennessee, Buffalo, Louisiana, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, North Texas, Toledo, UNLV, South Florida, Northwestern State, Eastern Kentucky, Jackson State, and Western Carolina
Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Junior) at Independence Community CollegeNamed to the 2022 Kansas Jayhawk Community College (KJCCC) All-Conference second team
Recorded 25 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack in seven games on the season
Registered a season-high nine tackles at Hutchinson Community College (Nov. 5)
Had six tackles, including four solo stops at Garden City Community College (Oct. 8)
Picked up three solo tackles and a 1.0 sack in the season opener at Iowa Central Community College (Aug. 27)
Earned a spot on the JCGridiron Strongside DE Watch List
2021 (Sophomore) at Independence Community CollegeNamed a 2021 Kansas Jayhawk Community College (KJCCC) All-Conference honorable mention
Played in nine games on the season along the defensive line
Totaled 29 tackles, 11.0 tackles-for-loss, and 6.0 sacks on the season
Also forced three fumbles
Recorded 0.5 sacks or more in six different games on the year
Picked up seven tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, and forced a fumble in a road win at Garden City Community College (Sept. 25)
Also had five tackles in win at Hutchinson Community College (Oct. 9)
Finished with four tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 sacks in a 50-28 win at Butler Community College (Sept. 4)
2020 (Freshman) at Independence Community CollegeSaw action in five games for the Pirates, as the played in the 2021 spring season
Finished with nine tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack on the season
Posted three tackles and 1.0 sack in a 31-24 win over Butler Community College (March 26)
Had two tackles in an 84-0 win at Fort Scott Community College (April 10)
Also had two tackles in a loss to Hutchinson Community College (May 2)
High SchoolLettered in both football and basketball at Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, Ohio
Trelon Slade – 6-2 * 180 * DB * Powdersville, S.C. / Powdersville (Fork Union Military Academy) Enrolled in January 2023. Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Postgraduate Year) at Fork Union Military AcademyPlayed one year of postgraduate football at Fork Union Military Academy for head coach Frank Arritt
Lined up at wide receiver, defensive back, and long snapper
Helped to lead FUMA to a 7-2 record on the season in 2022
Was invited to the Charlotte Football Insiders Winter Showcase
High SchoolLettered in football at Powdersville High School in Greenville, S.C.
Lined up at wide receiver, cornerback, safety, and long snapper for the Patriots his senior year
Also played for two years at Eastside High School
Helped lead the Patriots to a 12-1 overall record, a AAA Region 2 Championship, and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2021 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) Class AAA Playoffs
Had an interception in the fourth quarter to seal the playoff win over Wren HS and send the Patriots to the quarterfinals
Was also a member of the track & field team at Powdersville, competing in the sprint events
Broke the Powdersville school record in the 100-meters
Enrolled at Coastal in the spring of 2023
Chose Coastal over Indiana, Wake Forest, Charleston Southern, Western Carolina, and Robert Morris
Nathan Thompson – 6-5 * 325 * OL * Conway, S.C. / Conway High School
A three-year starter on the offensive line at local Conway High School for head coach Carlton Terry
Named to the 2022 South Carolina Football Coaches Association (SCFCA) All-State Class 5A team selection
Earned a spot on the All-Region V-5A team his senior year
Also named to the MyHorryNews.com All-County Offensive Football Team following his senior season
Named to the 2022 ABC 15 All-Zone team
Named to the 2022 Touchstone Energy Cooperative Bowl as a member of the South team
Received the Captains Award from the team his senior year
Was team captain for the 2022 Tigers team that made the Class AAAA state playoffs
Played center on the offensive line and was key to the Tigers offensive success his senior year
Graded out at over 85 percent for the year while serving as the Tigers’ most consistent offensive player from start to finish
A member of the National Honor Society
Also a member of the all-academic team
Chose Coastal Carolina over Presbyterian, North Greenville, and UNC Pembroke
Scott Saylor – 6-1 * 195 * QB * Myrtle Beach, S.C. / Carolina Forest High School
Lettered in football at nearby Carolina Forest High School for head coach March Morris
Was a 2022 SCFCA All-State honorable mention selection
Tabbed the 2022 Region 6 5A Offensive Player of the Year
Was named to the 2022 All-Region 6 5A team
Tabbed the 2022 My Horry News All-County Offensive Player of the Year
Named to the 2022 My Horry News All-County Offensive team
Earned a spot on the WBPDE ABC News 15 All-Zone team his senior year
Was named the Carolina Forest High School Offensive Player of the Year in 2022
A two-time SCFCA 5A Lower State Offensive Player of the Week honoree his senior year
Also a two-time WTBW News 13 Grand Strand Player of the Week selection in 2022
Was named the SC Prep Redzone/PeeDee Grand Strand Player of the Week five times
Led the Panthers to the third round of the Class 5A state playoffs his senior season
Was in charge of the No. 7 scoring offense in all of Class 5A for the state of South Carolina
Finished his senior season with 3,721 total yards of offense and 36 touchdowns
Completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,097 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior
Also rushed for 624 yards and eight touchdowns from his quarterback position in 2022
Set four Carolina Forest High School records as a senior – most touchdown passes in a single game (5), most total touchdowns in a season (36), most passing yards in a single season (3,097), and most total offensive yards in a single season (3,721)
Chose Coastal Carolina over UNC Pembroke
Michael Cogoni – 6-3 * 285 * OL * Hopewell Junction, N.Y. / Archbishop Stepinac High School
Ranked as the No. 1 offensive lineman and the No. 18 overall prospect in the state of New York for the Class of 2022 by Prep Redzone New York
Lettered in football and played along the offensive line at Archbishop Stepinac for head coach Mike O’Donnell
Three-year starter on the offensive line for the Crusaders
Named to the 2022 New York AA All-State team following his senior season
Twice named to the Catholic High School Football League (CHSFL) All-League team (2021 and 2022)
Tabbed a CHSFL Player of the Week for week six, helping the Crusaders’ offense produce 443 yards and six touchdowns (Oct. 15, 2022)
Twice named the Archbishop Stepinac Lineman of the Year
Helped set the tone for the Crusaders’ offense that averaged 307.8 passing yards and 130.8 rushing yards per game on the season and totaled 29 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns on the year his senior year
Blocked for 2022 CHSFL All-League selection in quarterback Will Currid
Was key in the Crusaders going 8-3 on the season and advancing to the semifinals of the 2022 Boys Fall Football NYCHSFL Class AAA State Championship Tournament
An honor student
Chose Coastal Carolina over Marist
December 2022 Wyatt Gedeon – 6-1 * 235 * LB * Avon Lake, Ohio / St. Edward High SchoolRated a three-star recruit at linebacker for the Class of 2023 by 247Sports and On3
Ranked as a two-star recruit at linebacker for the Class of 2023 by Rivals
Rated the No. 39-best prospect in the state of Ohio for the Class of 2023 by On3
Ranked as the No. 53-best prospect in the state of Ohio for the Class of 2023 by 247Sports
Lined up at linebacker and on the defensive edge for St. Edward High School and head coach Tom Lombardo
Named a 2022 MaxPreps All-American his senior year
Tabbed a 2022 High School Football All-American by Stadium Talk
Named the 2022 Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) All-Ohio Division I Player of the Year his senior year
Picked first-team All-Ohio honors his senior year in 2022
Garnered third-team All-Ohio honors as a junior in 2021
Guided St. Edward to back-to-back state championship titles in 2021 and 2022
Helped his St. Edward’s team win the 2022 OHSAA Division I state championship title and finish the year at 15-1 overall
Finished his senior season with 125 tackles, 20.0 sacks, 32 tackles-for-loss, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, three blocked punts, and three blocked field goals
Totaled 106 tackles, 12.0 sacks, and 24.0 tackles-for-loss his junior season
Chose Coastal Carolina over Air Force, Army, Akron, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Charlotte, Marshall, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Navy, Ohio, Old Dominion, Toledo, UMass, Western Kentucky, Western Michigan, Austin Peay, Cornell, Dartmouth, Fordham, Furman, Illinois State, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, Princeton, Robert Morris, and UT Martin
Enrolled at Coastal in January 2023
Spencer Kishbaugh – 6-3 * 210 * LB * Berwick, Pa. / Berwick Area High SchoolRated a two-star recruit at linebacker for the Class of 2023 by Rivals
Three-year letterwinner in football at Berwick Area High for head coaches Carmen DeFrancesco and Mike Bennett
Lined up at outside linebacker and wide receiver at Berwick
Was named to the 2022 first-team Wyoming Valley Conference (WVC) All-Star team for both defense (linebacker) and offense (wide receiver) his senior year
Was a two-time all-state first-team selection at linebacker
A two-time Times Leader All-WVC Division I first-team selection (2021 and 2022)
Also a two-time All-District 2 honoree at linebacker
Recorded 85 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks, and one interception
Totaled 94 tackles, 25.0 tackles-for-loss, 9.0 sacks, and three interceptions during his junior year
He also caught 20 passes for 371 yards and five touchdowns on offense in 2021
Also an amateur boxer
Chose Coastal Carolina over Air Force, Army, Kent State, LIU Post, Monmouth, and San Diego
Derrick Maxey III – 5-11 * 180 * DB * Atlanta, Ga. / Hapeville Charter Career Academy
Rated a three-star recruit at safety for the Class of 2023 by 247Sports and Rivals
Rated a three-star recruit as an athlete for the Class of 2023 by On3
Ranked as a three-star recruit at cornerback for the Class of 2023 by ESPN
Rated the 110th-best prospect in the state of Georgia for the Class of 2023 by ESPN
Lined up at cornerback and wide receiver at Hapeville Charter Career Academy for head coach Winston Gordon
Named to the 2022 Dekalb County School District (DCSD) All-Region 6-4A second team
Was a team captain his senior season for the Hornets
Totaled 32 tackles, including 21 solo stops, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and two interceptions on defense his senior year
Recorded 24 receptions for 368 yards and carried the ball four times for 42 yards on offense during his senior year
Returned four punts for 69 yards on special teams in 2022 as a senior
Father played football for the Georgia Cardinals in the Amateur to Professional Development Football League (APDFL)
Chose Coastal Carolina over Georgia, Oregon, Colorado, Florida State, Kansas, Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Buffalo, Florida A&M, FAU, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, Marshall, Middle Tennessee, and UCF
Enrolled at Coastal in January 2023
Dairo Melendez Jr. – 6-0 * 280 * DL * Miami Fla. / Immaculata-La Salle High School Ranked as a three-star recruit along the defensive line for the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, ESPN, and On3
Rated as a three-star recruit at defensive tackle for the Class of 2023 by Rivals
Lined up at both defensive tackle and defensive end for Miami Immaculata-La Salle High School and head coach Helder Valle
Was a three-year starter for the Royal Lions
Named one of the top defensive linemen in 2023 by Florida Varsity Rivals and by The Crib South Florida
Finished his four-year high school career with 180 tackles, including 105 solo stops, 36.5 tackles-for-loss, 11.5 sacks, and 23 quarterback hurries
Recorded 53 total tackles, 10.0 tackles-for-loss, and 3.0 sacks over 10 games his senior year
Tabbed the MaxPreps Defensive Player of the Game in the win over Somerset Academy (Oct. 8, 2021)
Totaled 63 tackles and 4.0 sacks in his junior year in helping lead the Royal Lions to a perfect 10-0 regular season and advance to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 4A playoffs
Also letters in track & field where he was a district qualifier as a junior in both the shot put and discus
Chose Coastal Carolina over Syracuse, Akron, Buffalo, FIU, South Alabama, South Dakota, Alabama A&M, Illinois State, and Bryant
Matt Scicchitano – 6-4 * 280 * DL * Mount Carmel, Pa. / Mount Carmel Area High SchoolRanked as a three-star recruit along the defensive line for the Class of 2023 by 247Sports and On3
Also ranked as a three-star recruit at defensive tackle for the Class of 2023 by Rivals and ESPN
Rated the No. 28-best prospect for the Class of 2023 in the state of Pennsylvania by 247Sports and ESPN
Tabbed the No. 29-best prospect for the Class of 2023 in the state of Pennsylvania by On3
Lettered for four years in football at Mount Carmel Area High School under head coach John Darrah
A two-time Heartland Athletic Conference League All-Star Division 3 first-team as a tight end and defensive lineman (2021 and 2022)
Named to the 2021 Pennsylvania Football News Coaches All-State football team his junior year, earning first-team honors at defensive line
Named to the WNEP 16 Dream Team, the All-Northeast Showcase Selection, and the EPA Football second team at defensive line in 2021
Tabbed a Press-Enterprise All-Star, News-Item All-Star, and Dailey Item All-Star
A three-time MaxPreps Defensive Player of the Week honoree his senior year
Guided his team to a 12-1 overall record and 7-0 conference record in 2022 as a senior
Recorded 66 tackles, 17.0 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, and 12 quarterback hurries on defense his senior year
Hauled in 10 receptions for 174 yards and four touchdowns as a tight end during his senior season
Led the Red Tornadoes with 6.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and nine quarterback hurries on defense during his junior year, while adding 46 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, and one pass breakup
Tallied three touchdown catches and averaged 7.2 receiving yards per game on offense as a junior
Was a member of the basketball team at Mount Carmel
Also lettered in track & field, placing fifth at the PIAA State Championships in the discus throw his junior year
Named to the Distinguished Honor Roll
Chose Coastal Carolina over Syracuse, Temple, Army, Navy, James Madison, Old Dominion, Akron, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Kent State, LIU Post, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Princeton, Columbia, Harvard, Holy Cross, and Rhode Island
Enrolled at Coastal in January 2023
Laurence Sullivan Jr. – 5-10 * 185 * DB * Vicksburg, Miss. / Vicksburg High School (East Mississippi Community College) Three years of eligibility remaining.Enrolled at Coastal in January 2023. Prior to Coastal Carolina2022 (Sophomore) at East Mississippi Community College
Was named to the JCGridiron CB Watch List for the 2022 season
Named to the 2022 All-MACCC North Division second team on defense
Played in all 11 games for the Lions and head coach Buddy Stephens
Led the Lions to a national NJCAA Division I ranking as high as No. 5 on the year
Helped lead the Lions to an 8-3 overall record and win the program’s eighth Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) Championship
Recorded 55 tackles and four interceptions on the year, including returning one for a touchdown, and seven pass breakups
Had eight tackles and returned an interception for 51 yards in a loss at Jones College (Sept. 8)
Picked up a season-high nine tackles and a pass breakup in the win over Holmes Community College (Sept. 15)
Finished with seven tackles and returned an interception 58 yards for a touchdown in a loss at home to Northwest Mississippi Community College (Sept. 29)
Totaled five tackles in wins over Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Sept. 1), Coahoma Community College (Oct. 6), and Itawamba Community College (Oct. 22)
Recorded an interception at Northeast Mississippi Community College (Oct. 13) and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Nov. 5)
Had a season-high two pass breakups versus Copiah-Lincoln and Itawamba
2021 (Freshman) at East Mississippi Community CollegeSaw action in 10 games on the season as a true freshman
Played primarily on special teams as well as on defense
Helped the Lions go 9-1 and a No. 1 NJCAA Division I national ranking on the season with the lone loss coming in the 2021 MACCC Football semifinals game
Was a member of the 2021 MACCC North Division championship team
Totaled 19 tackles on the year, including 10 in conference play
Also had one forced fumble and two pass breakups on the season
Finished the season with a season-high five tackles and a pass breakup versus Hinds Community College (Nov. 6)
Had three tackles and a pass breakup in a road win at Itawamba Community College (Oct. 28)
Picked up two tackles and forced a fumble in a blowout win at Mississippi Delta Community College (Sept. 16)
High SchoolLettered at Vicksburg High School for head coach Todd McDaniel
Was a two-way standout, lining up at running back and defensive back
Finished his senior season with 641 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on offense in 2020
Also had 18 tackles and one interception as a shutdown cornerback on defense his senior year
For complete coverage of CCU football, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalFootball (Twitter), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @goccusports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at www.GoCCUsports.com.
Players Mentioned
LB
6′ 3″
Freshman
DL
6′ 0″
Freshman
OL
6′ 3″
Freshman
WR
6′ 1″
Freshman
CB
5′ 10″
Junior
S
5′ 11″
Freshman
LB
6′ 1″
Freshman
NT
6′ 4″
Freshman
OL
6′ 4″
Graduate Student
CB
6′ 1″
Redshirt Sophomore
Players Mentioned
6′ 3″
Freshman
LB
6′ 0″
Freshman
DL
6′ 3″
Freshman
OL
6′ 1″
Freshman
WR
5′ 10″
Junior
CB
5′ 11″
Freshman
S
6′ 1″
Freshman
LB
6′ 4″
Freshman
NT
6′ 4″
Graduate Student
OL
6′ 1″
Redshirt Sophomore
CB