Check here on signing day to learn a little bit more about the newest additions to the Carson-Newman football team.
Player capsules will be added throughout the day, so check back regularly for updates.
Players are listed in the order in which their committments are received.
A note to signees and families, just because we have received your information, doesn't mean we can publish your information. We have to receive clearance from compliance and admissions before we release a name to the public.
Updated (2:53 p.m.)
Hasan Ali (San Antonio, Texas) – 6-0, 215 pounds – S
Midyear transfer (7:50 a.m.)
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lll44FrTO1I
Prior to Carson-Newman: Sat out the season as a red shirt after signing with Weber State in February 2012.
High School: Played for coach Mike Harrison at Holy Cross High School in San Antonio. Was the team captain and also earned First Team All-District, All-Area, All-City, and All-State honors. Ali recorded 96 tackles with three sacks and one interception and also had three fumble recoveries and returned one for a touchdown. Ali produced nine rushing touchdowns on offense and one kickoff return for a touchdown. He also ran track at Holy Cross High School.
Ali was also recruited by UTSA, Sam Houston State, Weber State, Texas State and the Air Force Academy.
"I chose Carson-Newman because the coaches are truly here for the players and want us to be great men outside of football and to be successful at life," Ali said. "With the staff and the team we have, I believe we can compete year in and year out on a national level."
The son of Kelley Logans Ali, Hasan carried a 3.5 GPA at Weber State and graduated in the top 15 percent of his class at Holy Cross. Plans to study exercise science at Carson-Newman.
Gabriel (Gabe) Johnson (Jacksonville, Fla.) – 5-8, 167 pounds – RB – Transfer from Charleston Southern
Midyear transfer (7:57 a.m.)
High School YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBQz-QQRe18
LAST SCHOOL: Johnson transfers to Carson-Newman from Charleston Southern. As a freshman in 2012 he started nine games for the Buccaneers, and he carried the ball 61 times for 292 yards and a touchdown. Johnson was coached by Jay Mills.
HIGH SCHOOL: Johnson attended Bartram Trail High School in St. Johns, Fla., where he was coached by Darrel Sutherland. In his senior year he rushed for 1,505 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Bears, who lost to Seffner Armwood in the state semifinals. Bartram Trail won its region in 2011.
PERSONAL: Son of Anthony and Shelley Johnson. His father Anthony played football and was a standout running back at the University of Notre Dame. His father was drafted in the second round with the 36th overall pick of the 1990 draft by the Indianapolis Colts, and would go on to have an 11-year playing career with the Colts, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars where he now serves as chaplain. Johnson chose Carson-Newman because he wanted to become the best person he can be. He plans to major in English at Carson-Newman.
Chris Sealey (Milledgeville, Ga.) – 5-6, 157 pounds – WR/PR/KR – Transfer from Jackson State
Midyear transfer (8:10 a.m.)
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwExpaYHFdY
LAST SCHOOL: Sealey transfers to Carson-Newman from Jackson State. He did not see the field for the Tigers in 2013.
HIGH SCHOOL: Sealey attended John Milledge Academy in Milledgeville, Ga., where he was coached by J.T. Wall. He also ran track at JMA. He only played one season at JMA, yet he is the all-time single season leader in receptions (44), receiving yards (853), receiving touchdowns (14) and punt returns (4 TDs). He also had over 1,200 return yards and over 2,000 all-purpose yards. He also earned All-Region and All-State honors as a senior in 2012. Prior to his time at JMA, Sealey attended Baldwyn Co. High School.
PERSONAL: He is the son of Steve Sealey. His brother, Nick Harper, played college football at Fort Valley State, then went on to have a nine-year playing career in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts. With the Colts Harper earned a Super Bowl ring, being part of the team that won Super Bowl XLI. Sealey chose Carson-Newman so he could get a great education and to play football. He plans to major in Exercise Science at Carson-Newman.
Ben Clark (Duncan, S.C.), 6-0, 295 pounds, Center/Longsnapper
(Committed 8:20 a.m.)
Coming from national power James F. Byrnes High School, Clark played for head coach Bobby Bentley where he won the state championship in 2010 and 2011.
Clark was named All-State first team as center to go along with accolades including All-County first team, All-Upstate first team, All-Region first team, All-Area first and offensive lineman of the year.
Clark helped anchor a line that allowed just two sacks in 2013 and was a part of an offense that scored 107 total touchdowns. He helped block for quarterback Shuler Bentley, an Old Dominion commit. The son of James and In Ok, Clark also wrestled in high school.
"Carson-Newman is a great school that is very competitive," Clark said. "I love the coaching staff and the competition. It's a very successful program with top notch facilities."
Cody Watson (Rutledge, Tenn.) – 6-5, 236 pounds – TE - Transfer from Austin Peay
Midyear transfer (8:28 a.m.)
LAST SCHOOL: Enrolled at Austin Peay but did not see the field in 2013.
HIGH SCHOOL: Watson played at Grainger High School in Rutledge, Tenn., where he was coached by Mark Briscoe. He also played basketball at Grainger. In football he was named a Lakeway Area Gridiron Great, earned second team All-Conference honors, and in basketball was named most improved during his sophomore year. He was a member of the Beta Club and won the Modern Woodman of America History Award.
PERSONAL: He is the son of Amy Hixon and Derrick Watson. He chose Carson-Newman because the school was more involved with his faith and values. He plans to major in Chemistry at Carson-Nemwan.
Tre Maddox (Tallahassee, Fla.) – 6-0, 195 pounds – S
Committed (8:34 a.m.)
Youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=qA6j3ign2mI
Prior to Carson-Newman (Southern Miss): 2010: Played in six games, mostly on special teams ... Registered all six tackles (five solo) on kickoff returns ... Had a season-best three at Tulsa (11/26), he redshirted his freshman season.
High School: Played on Godby High's state playoff team for coach Shelton Crews and made the Florida vs. Georgia Border War game. Maddox registered 66 tackles (46 solos) during his senior season and added a sack and an interception to go along with six passes break ups and a forced fumble. He had a season-high nine stops against Gainesville High.
Personal: He is the son of Preston and Trevor Maddox, his father played football at Arkansas State. Plans to study sociology at Carson-Newman.
Chris Dansby (Nashville, Tenn.), 6-3, 227 pounds, Linebacker - Twitter: @DatGuyDansby
Midyear transfer (8:44 a.m.)
Basketball Dunks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMApaibnw8M
Dansby comes to Carson-Newman as a transfer from Murray State. He redshirted last season after playing in seven games as a true freshman for the Racers finishing with 15 tackles and one interception. Dansby had a season-best six tackles against Eastern Illinois and recorded his pick versus Austin Peay. As a high senior at Lancaster Christian Academy, Dansby racked up 100 tackles, five forced fumbles, ten sacks, four interceptions and eight pass break-ups. He showed his versatility by catching 40 passes for 915 yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 830 rushing yards on 35 carries for ten touchdowns. Dansby was a team captain and named team MVP. Dansby was named an All-State performer twice and All-Region three times.
In high school, Dansby also starred as a basketball player. He was an All-American player and three times selected to the All-Region squad as well as Tournament MVP. He finished high school with a 3.8 GPA and was in the National Honor Society.
Dansby is the son of Anthony and Latosha and Travis Gooch. His cousin, Karlos, is a veteran linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals. Karlos was a second round pick in 2004 and has played for the Cardinals and Miami Dolphins. Karlos was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2013. Another cousin, Shane, played basketball for four years at Belmont. Shane averaged double figures in each of final two seasons with the Bruins highlighted by a 13.4 points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game year as a junior. Chris Dansby will major in sociology at Carson-Newman.
Nicky Frizen (Knoxville, Tenn.), 5-10, 190 pounds, Quarterback - Twitter: @NFrizen5
Committed (9:00 a.m.)
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MH91fUiPtI
After spending the 2013 season at the University of the Cumberlands, Frizen joins the Eagle football team. As a senior at Bearden High School in 2012, Frizen threw for 1,796 yards and 16 touchdowns for a team that went 8-3. Frizen also ran for 182 yards and three touchdowns. He was a team captain and MVP while being named to the All-District units in 2011 and 2012. Frizen finished high school with a 3.7 GPA and was a member of the National Honor Society. He was a part of the dean's list at the University of the Cumberlands.
Frizen also played basketball and baseball in high school. He also spent time as a boxer where he won a bout at the 170 pound level in Knoxville's 'Fight of the Night'.
Frizen is the son of former Carson-Newman football player Ted Frizen and former Carson-Newman soccer player Anita Frizen. Nicky will major in History at Carson-Newman.
Dustyn Sloan (Jesup, Ga.) – 6-0, 285 pounds – C/G/DT – Twitter: @SloanDustyn
Committed (9:09 a.m.)
Sloan comes to Carson-Newman from Wayne County High School in Jesup, Ga., where he was coached by Jody Grooms. Sloan also ran track at Wayne County.
While playing for the Yellow Jackets he earned 2012-2013 All-Region honors, along with being a member of the 3-AAAA All-Region team. He was also named a member of the Region 3-AAAA All-Region team.
Sloan chose Carson-Newman because he said it felt like a home away from home. He is the son of James and Amy Sloan, and he plans to major in Nursing at Carson-Newman.
Davante King (Flowery Branch, Ga.) – 6-2, 215 pounds – OLB – Twitter: @ThatYellaKyD
Committed (9:15 a.m.)
King comes to Carson-Newman from FloweryBranch High School in Flowery Branch, Ga., where he was coached by Chris Griffin. \
He also ran track and wrestled at Flowery Branch. As a senior he collected 18 tackles for a loss, six sacks, an interception, and scored sixtouchdowns. As a wrestler he went 34-3. He was a football team captain, earned second team all-region honors, won the All-In award, and played in the North/South All-Star game.
In wrestling he was a two-time area champion and a three-time Hall County champion. King chose Carson-Newman because it felt like home for him and he believes the school will be a great fit. He is the son of Brenda King, and he plans to major in Physical Therapy at Carson-Newman.
Darian Harris (Kennesaw, Ga.), 5-10, 175 pounds, Athlete
Committed (9:25 a.m.)
Harris joins the Carson-Newman football team from Carlton J. Kell High School, a team that went 13-1 in 2013 losing in the state semifinals.
The 13-1 record was the best in program history and helped the team earn a No. 4 ranking in the state of Georgia. Harris boasts a 4.4 second forty time helping him pile up 706 yards on 78 carries. His 9.05 yards per carry average led the team and region. Harris tallied three 100+ yard rushing games in 2013 led by a 157 yard performance in October on just two carries, both went for a touchdown.
Harris also had two touchdowns in a September game where he rushed for 107 yards on eight carries. He had 47 tackles as a safety during his senior year and compiled more than 100 tackles in his career.
He is the son of Deborah Singleton and William Harris. Harris played football at Troy and was drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1987. His brother, Dre', played football at Troy before playing for Carson-Newman. Harris will major in political science with a minor in psychology.
"Carson-Newman had everything I was searching for," Harris said of his decision. "The family atmosphere, small class sizes, amazing facility and winning tradition is something that I am excited to be a part of."
De'Antoine Cammons (Carrollton, Ga.) – 6-0, 185 pounds – CB – Twitter: @Ticket_out
Committed (10:28 a.m.)
Cammons come to Carson-Newman from Carrollton High School in Carrolton, Ga., where he was coached by Rayven Teague.
He also ran track and played basketball at Carrollton. Cammons tied for the team lead in interceptions his senior year with five.
Cammons picked Carson-Newman because he felt like it was the perfect place for him. He is the son of Annita Baldwin, and is undecided on a major at Carson-Newman.
Austin Parmer (Thomasville, Ga.) – 6-4, 275 pounds – DT
Committed (12:45 p.m.)
Parmer comes to Carson-Newman from Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Ga., where he was coached by Bill Shaver. He also ran track at Thomas County Central.
He collected 195 career tackles, 11 career sacks, 13 career tackles for a loss, and forced three fumbles during his career.
He was named to the preseason Electrifying 11 team, and earned All-Area, First Team All-Region, and First Team All-State honors during his career. He chose Carson-Newman because it felt like home to him. The son of Wayne and Connie Parmer, he plans to major in Sociology at Carson-Newman.
He selected Carson-Newman over Cincinnati, Georgia Southern, Valdosta State and Charleston Southern and Western Carolina.
Sha'heem Stupart (Taylors, S.C.) - 5-11, 208 pounds – RB/LB – Twitter: @SStupart37
Committed (1:06 p.m.)
Stupart comes to Carson-Newman from Wade Hampton High School in Taylors, S.C., where he was coached by Kent Haltiwanger. As a senior, Stupart rushed for over 1,700 yards and had 16 touchdowns on offense.
On defense, 68 tackles including two sacks marked his senior campaign. As a junior he compiled over 600 rushing yards and scored seven touchdowns. That season on defense he collected 96 tackles including six sacks and an interception.
As a sophomore, he ran for 350 yards with four touchdowns on offense while collecting 60 tackles and three sacks on defense. Stupart earned All-Region honors as a sophomore and senior, and the Generals were the region champions in his sophomore campaign.
He was a member of the athletic honor roll three years in a row, along with winning the Athletic Award from Furman for two consecutive years. He was also the team's Offensive Player of the Year for 2013, and holds the school's rushing title.
Stupart chose Carson-Newman because he loved the coaching staff and the atmosphere around campus. The son of Juan Lambert, plans to major in business at Carson-Newman.
Kelton Johnson (Knoxville, Tenn.) – 5-11, 270 pounds – OL/DL – Twitter: @Kjohnson_55
Committed (1:29 p.m.)
Johnson comes to Carson-Newman from Knox West High School in Knoxville, Tenn., where he was coached by Scott Cummings. Johnson earned All-District honors and played in the National Guard Border Bowl All-Star Game.
His senior year West was the Tennessee State Runner-Up, and was part of the winningest class in West history.
Johnson chose Carson-Newman because he trusted God to put him in the right place and feels like Carson-Newman is it. Johnson is the son of Christy Nichols and Chris Johnson, and is undecided on his major at Carson-Newman.
Khalil Smith (Okeechobee, Fla.), 5-9, 190 pounds, Running back and Strong Safety
Committed (1:36 a.m.)
Smith brings the ability to play both sides of the ball to Mossy Creek. As a running back, Smith finished ninth in the Treasure Coast Area in rushing yards while leading Okeechobee High School in touchdowns in 2013. He broke out for four touchdowns in the first half of a game on September 21.
Smith had TD runs of nine, 20, 48 and six yards. On defense, Smith forced six fumbles as the team's starting safety. Smith was a team captain in 2013 and participated in the South Central All-Star Game. He was named the 2012 Scholar Athlete of the year.
Smith is the son of Darryl and Michelle Allen and plans to major in business/sports management.
"I felt like Carson-Newman offered me everything I wanted in a college experience," Smith said about coming to Jefferson City. "The faith, academics, coaching staff and personal relationships made an impact on me from the moment my family and I stepped on campus. We knew Carson-Newman was home."
Treavor Crisp (Riceville, Tenn.) – 5-11, 175 pounds – S/ATH – Twitter: @C9Treavor
Committed (1:46 p.m.)
Crisp comes to Carson-Newman from McMinn County High School in Riceville, Tenn., where he was coached by Bo Cagle. Crisp collected 140 total tackles, eight interceptions with 181 return yards on those interceptions, and he ran two back for touchdowns. He also forced three fumbles and recovered two of them.
On offense he had 16 catches for 318 yards and four touchdowns. In 2012 he won the John Mullinax Award along with Best Defensive Back honors. In his senior season he was the 2013 Team Most Valuable Player and also earned 2013 All-District honors.
During his time at McMinn County, the Cherokees won district championships in 2011 and 2012, and in those years McMinn County led the league in total defense. His cousin Heath Mason played baseball at Carson-Newman and was an All-American.
Crisp chose Carson-Newman because he knows the value of the football program and the lessons instilled into players. He also believes it is a great place for where he is in his life, and he is excited to see how God will change his life during the next four years at C-N. Crisp is the son of Toby and Robin Crisp and plans to major in religion at Carson-Newman.
Micah Pressley (Signal Mountain, Tenn.) – 6-3, 230 pounds – OL/DL – Twitter: @mpressley61
Committed (1:51 p.m.)
Pressley stays an Eagle after coming to Carson-Newman from Signal Mountain High School. While playing for coach Bill Price, Pressley helmed an offensive line that didn't allow a sack his senior year while producing two 1,000-yard rushers and another who gained 900 yards on the ground.
He was a two-year starter and a member of the 2010 state championship team. Pressley helped the Eagles to a trio of district titles.
"I felt Carson-Newman was the place that my heart led me to," Pressley said.
He is the son of Jennifer Pressley and the late Greg Pressley. His father wrestled at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga while his cousin, Ian Meredith played football for the Naval Academy. Another cousin, Bryn Meredith played for Rhodes College. Plans to study nursing at Carson-Newman.
Lucas Titlow (Lenoir City, Tenn.) – 6-0, 245 pounds – OL/DT – Twitter: @GHSfootball66
Committed (2:00 p.m.)
Titlow comes to Carson-Newman from Greenback High School in Greenback, Tenn., where he was coached by Jason Hicks.
As a senior on defense in 2013, Titlow made 48 tackles with 10 for a loss, one sack, and also forced two fumbles. He was a three year starter for the Cherokees, and was the Team Captain his senior year of 2013.
He earned All-District honors in 2012 and 2013, and his senior year he also earned All-County and All-State honors. He played at Greenback during a period of success, with the Cherokees going to the playoffs his final three years, making it to the quarterfinals in 2012.
His brother, Mykal Titlow, played basketball at Bryan College. He chose Carson-Newman because he wanted to stay in-state and play for the best program possible. He is the son of Jerry and Edye Titlow, and he plans to major in Pre-Professional Dentistry at Carson-Newman.
Collin Crawford (Franklin, Tenn.) – 6-3, 270 pound – OL – Twitter: @C_Crawford78
Committed (2:11 p.m.)
Crawford played for coach Brian Rector at Centennial High School where he earned player of the week honors in his senior year. In his final go-around for the Cougars, he helped CHS to a first place finish in the district en route to beating three teams for the first time in school history.
Crawford calls Carson-Newman high class. "I felt at home the first time I went on a visit," Crawford said. "The coaches treat you like a friend and not just another recruit."
He was named Scholar Athlete of the Month for Middle Tennessee. He is the son of Mitch and Beth Crawford. His father played football at Clemson. Collin received recruiting interest from MTSU, Charleston Southern, Furman and ETSU. Plans to study exercise science at Carson-Newman.
Jared Dillingham (Central, S.C.) – 6-0, 200 pounds – RB/WR – Twitter: @jrddillingham
Committed (2:20 p.m.)
Dillingham comes to Carson-Newman from D.W. Daniel High School in Central, S.C., where he was coached by Randy Robinson. Dillingham also ran track and played baseball at Daniel.
For Daniel, he had 18 receptions for 317 yards, and carried the ball 205 times for 1,706 yards. He also had four kick returns for 87 yards. His total all-purpose yards is 1,792 and scored a total of 28 touchdowns for his career.
Dillingham earned All-Region honors his junior and senior seasons as the Lions had success, winning a regional championship, an Upper State title, and were runners-up in the state.
Dillingham was also a member of the Beta and Deca clubs at Daniel. Dillingham chose Carson-Newman because he liked the hometown feel, liked that the school is a Christian university, and felt like this was where God wanted him to go. He is the son of Truett Dillingham, and is undecided on a major at Carson-Newman
Jonathon Holcombe (Knoxville, Tenn.), 6-1, 255 pounds, Defensive End, Nose Tackle,Linebacker and Offensive Guard
Committed (2:31 p.m.)
The captain of Central High School's football team, Holcombe racked up 13 sacks and 22 tackles for loss while accumulating 11 hurries, four forced fumbles, two blocked field goals and two passes knocked down.
On offense, Holcombe was credited with 18 pancake blocks. He was named an All-District performer as a junior and a senior. Holcombe was named the Character Star's athlete of the week several times from his sophomore to senior seasons and took home the award for best defensive lineman as a senior.
Holcombe also earned letters in basketball and track and field. Holcombe plans to major in biology and physician assistant studies. Holcombe is the son of Bernard and Kim Lawrence.
"Coach Sparks told everyone to pray about the collegiate decision," Holcombe said. "I did and there was no doubt that Carson-Newman was where I was meant to go. They were the only school that fit me athletically, academically and spiritually. I look forward to being a part of their family. It is an honor"
Geoffrey McReynolds (Andersonville, Tenn.) – 5-10, 180 pounds – RB/LB
Committed (2:36 p.m.)
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10VIyXktiyA
A three-year starter, McReynolds played for coach Randy McKamey at Grace Christian Academy where he touted 13 rushing touchdowns offensively and a pick defensively in his senior season. He was a team captain and an honorable mention all-district pick for the Rams in his junior season.
In his senior campaign, he was named all-district again while earning game MVP honors on two occasions.
McReynolds helped Grace Christian to district titles all four years of his high school career, an undefeated season in his sophomore campaign, the state quarterfinals his junior season and the state semifinals in his senior season.
McReynolds made the coaches' all-academic team his junior and senior seasons and is the Greg and Trista McReynolds. He plans to study history or physical therapy at C-N.
He chose Carson-Newman because of "how the coaching staff focuses on making men of character while trying to win at the same time."
Coy DeWeese (Elliston, Va.) – 6-1, 215 pounds – MLB/DE/DT/FB/TE/OL – Twitter: @impactplayer50
Committed (2:45 p.m.)
DeWeese comes to Carson-Newman from Eastern Montgomery High School in Elliston, Va., where he was coached by Brian Lee. DeWeese also played basketball and baseball at Eastern Montgomery.
There he was a two-and-a-half year starter, collecting 218 tackles, eight sacks, and 22 tackles for a loss. He was a three-time All-Conference defensive end, a three-year team captain, and a two-time Mustang Award winner.
The Mustangs were the state runner-up in football his freshman year, and made the state playoffs his junior year. He also was a member of the Beta Club at Eastern Montgomery.
His father, John DeWeese, played football at Carson-Newman from 1989-1992. DeWeese chose Carson-Newman because of the school's Christian values, he believes the coaches are leaders of men, and the strong academics. He is the son of John and Lisa DeWeese, and he plans to major in Physical Therapy at Carson-Newman.
Stephen Von Mann (Hendersonville, Tenn.), 5-9, 200 pounds, Linebacker
Committed (2:49 p.m.)
Von Mann joins the Eagles from Beech High School where he tallied 98 tackles and was a starter for the Bucaneers since the beginning of his sophomore season.
A state champion in 2012, Von Mann led a defense that allowed just 14 points per game in 2013. Von Mann displays the ability to run sideline-to-sideline as evident by his 4.8 forty-yard dash. The son of Steve and Julie intends on majoring in exercise science at Carson-Newman.
Kyle Coombes (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.) – 5-11, 210 pounds – LB – Twitter: @Knockout__9
Committed (2:53 p.m.)
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRnopg146Es
In his senior season for coach Brad Dedman at Wilson Central High School, Coombes racked up 112 tackles, a pick six, three forced fumbles and six sacks. That followed a 92-tackle, eight-tackle for loss junior campaign. He earned defensive MVP honors for 6A 9-AAA following his senior season and was an all-district pick his junior year.
He helped the Wildcats to back-to-back state playoff appearances. A two-sport athlete, he also ran track in high school.
Coombes calls Carson-Newman a great school to receive a degree from and says that he fell in love with the coaching staff and the campus on his visit.
Received outstanding achievements in chemistry and Spanish from his high school. Coombes is the son of David and Tracy Coombes. He is undecided on a major.