VIDEO: Mike Turner Signing Day Interview
Final as of 6:39 p.m.
Carson-Newman opened up the 2017 signing period with a 31-member class, first-year head coach Mike Turner announced Tuesday evening.
More signings will be announced in the coming weeks.
"This is a good group," Turner said. "It's a good start, but by no means are we finished. We've had some tremendous weekends with families during this recruiting period. We're blessed to have a bunch of young kids coming back. When we went to recruit, we were able to recruit to close that gap."
Kawon Bryant – Statham, Ga. – RB – 5-9, 212 – North Oconee High School – Georgia Military College - @KB1_KawonBryant - committed 7:34 a.m.
VIDEO: Kawan Bryant Highlights
A mid-year transfer from Georgia Military College, Bryant will have three years of eligibility remaining with Carson-Newman.
This past year, he rushed for 1,403 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Bulldogs, averaging 7.1 yards a tote en route to earning offensive MVP honors.
Bryant put together one of the more prolific careers in Georgia high school football history. He rushed for 6,903 yards and 102 touchdowns in his career – the rushing yardage total is seventh all-time in state history, the scores are sixth all-time. He is tied for second in Georgia state history with eight rushing touchdowns in a single game.
Bryant was a two-time all-state running back, garnering the honors as a junior and senior from the Georgia Sportswriters Association and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He was the AJC AAA Offensive Player of the Year in 2013. Bryant was a finalist for the WSB-TV Montlick and Associations State Player of the Year as a senior.
Bryant helped North Oconee to a pair of region championships and the state semifinals his senior year.
Bryant picked Carson-Newman over Cincinnati, Marshall, Georgia State, Central Arkansas and Kennesaw State.
The son of Frank and Maria Gray, he plans to study physical education at Carson-Newman.
Sherron Jackson – Miami, Fla. – RB – 5-10, 176 – Miami Palmetto High School - @sherron0004 - committed 7:53 a.m.
VIDEO: Sherron Jackson Highlight Reel
Jackson tallied 737 yards rushing on 96 carries his senior year for Mike Minasco at Miami Palmetto Senior High School.
The son of Katrice and Donnie Jackson, he plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman.
Ryan Randall – Calhoun, Ga. – ATH – 6-0, 180 – Calhoun High School - @ryanrandall_9 – committed 8:04 a.m.
VIDEO: Ryan Randall Highlight Reel
A three-sport athlete at Calhoun High School, Randall also lettered in basketball and baseball. On the gridiron, he led the Yellow Jackets in receptions and punt return yardage as a junior. He had more than 1,000 all-purpose yards as a senior to lead the team in the category. He also had the high water mark on the squad for picks.
He took all three sports he played to postseason play, the Yellow Jackets won a football title in 2014 and advanced in the playoffs every other year he was on the team. Basketball was a runner up for the state title his freshman year, and made it to the quarter finals his junior year. On the diamond as a junior, he helped the baseball team make it to the Elite Eight of the state tournament.
Randall is a member of the Georgia Sports Writers' Association's All-State football team. He also earned all-county and all-region honors.
The son of Chris and Angel Randall, he plans to study education at Carson-Newman. He is a member of the honor roll and merit list for Calhoun High School. Twice in his high school career he was named a Positive Athlete Georgia nominee. He is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the Boys and Girls Club.
Cameron Miller – Knoxville, Tenn. – LB – 5-10, 205 – Bearden High School - @cammiller21 - committed 9:43 a.m.
VIDEO: Cameron Miller Highlight Reel
Miller led Bearden in tackles and turnovers caused in both his junior and senior season. The Morgan Shinlever-product was a team captain both his junior and senior seasons. He was named defensive MVP and all-district as a junior and senior.
The son of Johnny and Kristin Miller, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman. He is a member of the National Honors Society.
Tyler Cooper – Knoxville, Tenn. – DE – 6-0, 215 – Bearden High School - @t_cooper14
VIDEO: Tyler Cooper Highlight Reel
An All-Region 1 6-A honoree for coach Morgan Shinlever at Bearden High School, Cooper made 69 tackles in his senior season. As a senior, he was named his team's captain, a PrepXtra Careacter Star Athlete and the winner of the Davis Tull Award.
The son of Rodney and Angie Cooper, he plans to study psychology at Carson-Newman.
Rondrow Peebles – Knoxville, Tenn. – DB - 6-2, 215 – Knoxville Central High School - @drizzy_drow - committed 10:38 a.m.
VIDEO: Rondrow Peebles Highlight Reel
Peebles comes to Carson-Newman after playing for Bryson Rossser at Knoxville Central High School.
He finished his senior season with 90 stops, 11 picks, four sacks and nine touchdowns.
He chooses Carson-Newman over Tennessee Tech, the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, UT-Martin, Middle Tennessee State and East Tennessee State University.
The son of Tateanna Lanxter, he plans to study sports medicine at Carson-Newman.
Jimarco Witherow – Powder Springs, Ga. – DL – 6-1, 280 – Hillgrove High School - @jdw_5 - committed 10:41 a.m.
VIDEO: Jimarco Witherow Highlight Reel
In addition to his skills on the football field, Witherow also wrestled and threw shot at Hillgrove High School. On the gridiron, he was the Hawks' team captain and an all-region selection.
He helped Hillgrove to a region title and a pair of Elite Eight appearances at the state tournament.
The son of Jim and Shereeta Witherow, he plans to study exercise science at Carson-Newman. He was also recruited by Eastern Kentucky and Youngstown State.
Christopher Williams – Miami, Fla. – DB – 5-10, 170 – Miami Central High School - @slbchris - committed 1:35 p.m.
VIDEO: Christopher Williams Highlight Reel
Williams played for Roland Smith at Miami Central High School. He tallied 54 tackles and four interceptions. He returned two of those for scores. He also brought back a pair of punts for touchdowns and recovered a fumble for a score. He pocked one punt and one extra point. He earned All-Dade County honors. Miami Central won four straight state titles with him on the team.
The son of Christopher Williams Sr., he plans to study communications at Carson-Newman. He was lauded with his school's community service award.
Michael Roper – Murfreesboro, Tenn. – RB - 5-9, 185 – Oakland High School - @michaelroper22 - committed 1:45 p.m.
Roper comes to Carson-Newman from Oakland High School where he played football for Kevin Creasy. The former Patriot averaged eight yards a carry en route to 750 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. He was named All-Area and All-District, while he picked up honorable mention All-State accolades. He helped Oakland to a runner-up trophy.
The son of Michelle Roberts, Roper intends to study business at Carson-Newman.
Jack DeVault – Knoxville, Tenn. – DB – 6-2, 175 – Farragut High School - @jackldevault - committed 1:56 p.m.
An Admiral for coach Eddie Courtney at Farragut High School, DeVault was a three-sport star, playing baseball and running track as well for the Admirals.
He led the Admirals with five picks as a senior. He also tallied 31 tackles. Offensively, he grabbed 506 yards worth of passes with four scores.
DeVault led Farragut to the 2016 5A state title for Tennessee. He was named the game's defensive MVP for his efforts. For his senior year, DeVault earned All-State, all-PrepXtra and All-Region honors.
The son of Gerald DeVault, he is undecided on a major at Carson-Newman. He is president of the DECA at Farragut.
Stefan Moore – Kennesaw, Ga. – OL – 6-4, 250 – North Cobb Christian School - committed 2:10 p.m.
VIDEO: Stefan Moore Highlight Reel
A four-year starter for Mark Hollars at North Cobb Christian School. He received the Eagle award his junior year, an award for Christian character on and off the field.
He is the son of Shawn and Deborah Moore. He plans to study business at Carson-Newman.
Will Woods – Newport, Tenn. – OL – 6-2, 285 – Cocke County High School - @Will63Woods - committed 2:18 p.m.
VIDEO: Will Woods Highlight Reel
An all-conference offensive lineman for coach Caleb Slover at Cocke County High School. He also played basketball and ran track for the Fighting Cocks.
He led the team in pancake blocks his senior and junior years.
The son of Courtney Graham, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, and is president of Mu Alpha Theta.
Isaiah Sims – Morristown, Tenn. – WR – 6-3, 200 – Morristown West High School - @TheIsaiahSims - committed 2:25 p.m.
VIDEO: Isaiah Sims Highlight Reel
Sims makes his way to Mossy Creek from Morristown West High School where he starred for coach Lamar Brown. The wideout hauled in 20 catches for 369 yards and four touchdowns as a senior. He had a long reception of 48 yards. Sims earned honorable mention All-State accolades at the end of his senior year. He helped the Trojans to a conference title.
A two-sport athlete, Sims also made an appearance at the state track and field meet for Morristown West in the 110-meter hurdles.
The son of Tena Sims, he plans to study physical therapy at Carson-Newman.
Trey Moore – Memphis, Tenn. – RB – 5-9, 175 - Memphis Catholic High School - @_treymoore5 - committed 2:31 p.m.
VIDEO: Trey Moore Highlight Reel
A three-sport athlete at Memphis Catholic High School, he also ran track and played basketball. On the football field, he tallied 1,000 yards rushing his senior year with an average of 8.1 yards a touch. He also had more than 400 yards receiving.
He was lauded as Best of Preps by the Memphis Commercial Appeal, and was also named All-Metro and All-Conference.
The son of Jacqueline Moore and Albert Moore Jr., he plans to study business at Carson-Newman. He was an Education That Works intern of the month nominee and received First Honors from Memphis Catholic High School.
Jacob Hurst – Strawberry Plains, Tenn. – LB – 6-0, 210 – Carter High School - @jacob_hurst - committed 2:35 p.m.
VIDEO: Jacob Hurst Highlight Reel
Hurst finished his Carter High School career for coach Jeff McMillan with more than 200 career tackles. He led the Hornets in tackles and forced fumbles as a junior and senior. His junior year, he was named Mr. Hornet, team MVP and All-Region 2-4A. He followed that up his senior season with another all-region accolade, a team defensive MVP honor and a spot as the Hornets' team captain.
The son of Chris Hurst, he plans to study sports medicine at Carson-Newman. In high school, he is a member of the honor roll and the recipient of the Presidential Academic Award. His father played football at the University of Tennessee.
Matthew Greer – West Jefferson, N.C. – LB – 6-1, 205 – Ashe County High School - @matt_greer20 - committed 2:44 p.m.
VIDEO: Matthew Greer Highlight Reel
A two-sport athlete at Ashe County High School, Greer played football for coach Brian Hampton while also running track. A two-year starter, Greer averaged 12 tackles a game. He had three picks, 12 pass break ups, eight forced fumbles and a defensive score his senior year.
Greer is a three-time MVAC All-Conference selection, an honor he also earned a trio of times during track season as well. He is a part of Ashe County's school-record holding 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams.
The son of Eric and Becky Greer, he plans to study exercise science at Carson-Newman.
Corey Brady – Myakka City, Fla. – OL – 5-11, 280 – Palmetto High School - @coreybrady77 - committed 3:08 p.m.
VIDEO: Corey Brady Highlight Reel
Brady is a three-sport star at Palmetto High School. In addition to football, he also is a track and field athlete and weightlifter.
He was a team captain for the Tigers and the recipient of the Tiger Gold Award.
The son of Andrew Brady, he plans to study nursing at Carson-Newman.
Jacob Reece – Morganton, Ga. – TE – 6-3, 240 – Fannin County High School - @jaydubbb27 - committed 3:28 p.m.
VIDEO: Jacob Reece Highlight Reel
Reece played for coach Jim Pavao at Fannin County High School where he was a two-time all-region honoree at tightend. He earned second team honors as a junior before following that up with a spot on the first team as a senior.
He posted 967 receiving yards for his career on 66 catches. He averaged 50.9 receiving yards per game with eight touchdowns aerially. He was named the Offensive Player of the Year following his senior season.
The son of Karen and Greg Reece, he is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. He plans to study computer science at Carson-Newman.
Jayden Walker – Hermitage, Tenn. – RB – 5-9, 180 – Donelson Christian Academy - @jayden_walker6 - committed 3:34 p.m.
VIDEO: Jayden Walker Highlight Reel
Walker played for Dennis Goodwin at Donelson Christian Academy. He led the Wildcats with 2,006 yards rushing for a whopping 200.6 yard-per-game total. He toted the ball 245 times for 8.19 yards a touch with 28 touchdowns. He also had 261 yards receiving. A two-way player, Walker had 64 tackles, a pick and three forced fumbles on defense.
Walker wrapped up a prolific high school career with 3,483 yards rushing and 36 scores.
He was his district's offensive player of the year and rushing champion his senior year. He earned all-state honors following the senior campaign. He set DCA single-game records for rushing yards with 393 and rushing touchdowns with seven. He helped the Wildcats to the state playoffs all four years of his high school career.
The son of Lori and Erric Walker, he plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman. He is a member of the Honor Roll at Donelson Christian.
Demeterius Davis – Nicholls, Ga. – RB – 5-9, 168 – Coffee High School - committed 3:41p.m.
VIDEO: Demeterius Davis Highlight Reel
Davis rushed for 3,531 yards in his career at Coffee High School. He tallied 7.8 yards a carry and 92.9 yards per game. He had 49 total touchdowns.
A two-time all-region and all-state honoree, Davis helped Coffee High School to back-to-back region titles as a junior and senior.
The son of Marcus Hancock, he plans to study communication at Carson-Newman.
Ty'Ree Strawter – Chattanooga, Tenn. – DL – 6-1, 240 – Ooltewah High School - @TyTheWise - committed 3:52 p.m.
VIDEO: Ty'Ree Strawter Highlight Reel
The Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year for Ooltewah and coach Mac Bryan, Strawter was a two-sport star for the Owls. He also played basketball. On the gridiron, he helped Ooltewah to a district title in 2015 and a district runner-up trophy as a senior.
The son of Tiffany Buchanon, he plans to study business administration and marketing at Carson-Newman. His cousin Ulysses Strawter plays football for FCS Wofford.
Nick Britton – Sevierville, Tenn. – OL – 6-2, 290 – Sevier County High School - @nickbbritton - committed 3:55 p.m.
VIDEO: Nick Britton Highlight Reel
A three-year starter for Tony Linginfelter and the Smoky Bears on the offensive line, Britton is a two-time all-region honoree. He also earned All-Sevier County honors his junior and senior seasons. He also played in the Kentucky-Tennessee Border Bowl All-Star game this past season. The Smoky Bears were 5A State Runners-Up in 2015.
The son of Kristie Vick and Travis Britton, he plans to study education at Carson-Newman. He is a four-year member of the Beta Club. His father played football at Carson-Newman.
Drew Eudy – Hendersonville, N.C. – K/P – 5-7, 175 – Hendersonville High School - @dreweudy - committed 4:24 p.m.
VIDEO: Drew Eudy Highlight Reel
Arriving from Hendersonville, N.C., kicker and punter Drew Eudy joins Carson-Newman after a distinguished career at Hendersonville High School.
Eudy spent three years as the placekicker for the Bearcats, hitting 21 of 23 field goals, including a 45-yarder during his sophomore campaign. He also punted for Hendersonville for four season, averaging 35.8 yards per boot with a long of 60 and piled up 95 touchbacks as a kickoff specialist for the Bearcats. For his efforts, he was voted team captain as a senior.
Four times during his high school career, Eudy was named all-area and all-conference and his performance as a senior garnered him the Western Highlands Conference's Special Teams Player of the Year Award.
The North Carolina native also competed in basketball and track during his high school career.
Drew is the son of Angie Eudy and plans to major in Political Science at C-N.
Sander Jones – Johnson City, Tenn. – LS – 5-9, 220 – Elizabethton High School - committed 5:51 p.m.
VIDEO: Sander Jones Highlight Reel
Jones played for Shawn Witten at Elizabethton High School. He was selected to the FCA All-Star game in 2016. He helped the Cyclones to three-straight conference titles and a quarterfinal playoff appearance in 2016.
He was named the winner of the Dave Rider Award in 2016 and the Offseason Dedication Award in 2015.
The son of Sheila Sanders, he plans to study business with an emphasis in Sports Management.
Tyler Davies – Knoxville, Tenn. – DL – 6-3, 260 – Knoxville Central High School - @Tyler___davies - committed 6:02 p.m.
Tyler Davies signs on with Mike Turner's squad to play on the defensive line. Davies comes to Mossy Creek via Knoxville Central High School after helping take his team to the state championship game in 2016.
Davies was an all-region player as a Bobcat and finished his high school career with 96 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He chose Carson-Newman over East Tennessee State, the University of Pikeville and Emery and Henry.
The Knoxville native also earned a varsity letter for basketball at Knoxville Central.
The son of Greg and Kelly Davies, Tyler's planned major at C-N is Communications.
Reese Parke – Marietta, Ga. – DE – 6-2, 230 – North Cobb Christian - @reese_parke54 - committed 6:09 p.m.
VIDEO: Reese Park Highlight Reel
A 6-2, 230-pound defensive end from Marietta, Ga., Parke picked Carson-Newman over Murray State, Catawba and Wingate. He made 40 solo stops his senior season from his end position with five sacks.
He had four tackles and a sack in the Cobb County All-Star Senior Bowl. He was named a team captain as a senior and received the Coaches' Award.
The son of Lisa Parke, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman. His uncle is Mark Hocevar, who played defensive tackle at Ohio State for Earl Bruce in the early 1980s. In the classroom, Parke is a four-year member of the A-B Honor Roll. He is also a member of the Beta Club and the Cobb Youth Leadership.
Tyelan Rice – Newport, Tenn. – LB – 6-0, 220 – Gatlinburg Pittman High School - @Tyelankhyle - committed 6:16 p.m.
VIDEO: Tyelan Rice Highlight Reel
Rice played football and baseball at Gatlinburg Pittman High School. On the gridiron, he led the Highlanders in tackles with 124 in 11 games. He played in the TN/KY Border Bowl and was the defensive MVP for Tennessee.
He was an all-region selection.
The son of Shea Rice, his uncle Desmond also played football at Carson-Newman. He plans to study nursing at Carson-Newman.
Zachary Seal – Eidson, Tenn. – RB – 5-9, 205 – Hancock County High School - @Zacharyseal2 - committed 6:23 p.m.
VIDEO: Zachary Seal Highlight
Seal played football and baseball at Hancock Country High School, starting at the former for coach Brandon Gibbs at running back and linebacker. As a junior, he rushed for 1,100 yards on the year. He also tallied 200 receiving yards. He followed up his successful junior campaign with another 1,000 yards as a senior. He made 56 tackles on the other side of the ball.
A three-time All-Conference selection, Seal also earned All-State honors as a junior. He helped Hancock County to back-to-back state playoff appearances. The Indians set a new school record for wins with his assistance.
The son of Dale and Angie Seal, he plans to work toward getting his teaching licensure at Carson-Newman, with a focus on mathematics. He has been a six-time member of the honor roll at Hancock County.
After spending four years under center at Bob Jones High School, quarterback Brady Polson makes the journey to Jefferson City to join the Eagles. The native of Madison, Alabama was a two-time all-region selection and was twice named team captain while also earning recognition as Honorable Mention all-state.
Polson racked up 6,091 passing yards to go with 58 touchdown passes during his time leading the Patriots. He chose Carson-Newman despite overtures from Troy State and the University of North Alabama.
Brady is the son of Kim and Greg Polson and comes to Mossy Creek set to major in Business.
Darius Fuller – Shelby, N.C. – WR – 6-3, 170 – Shelby High School - @the_dfuller - committed 6:39 p.m.
VIDEO: Darius Fuller Highlight Reel
The Eagles have brought wide received Darius Fuller into the fold following a career at Shelby High School that saw him help lead the Golden Lions to three state championships. In his final two high school seasons, Fuller hauled in 64 passes for 1,097 yards and totaled 17 touchdowns.
The native of Shelby, N.C. was also a member of his high school's basketball team. He picked C-N over UNC-Pembroke and South Atlantic Conference Rival Mars Hill.
Fuller is the son of Tamara Fuller and will be majoring in Business at Carson-Newman.
Brady Polson – Madison, Al. – QB – 6-2, 200 – Bob Jones High School - @10_BradyPolson
After spending four years under center at Bob Jones High School, quarterback Brady Polson makes the journey to Jefferson City to join the Eagles. The native of Madison, Alabama was a two-time all-region selection and was twice named team captain while also earning recognition as Honorable Mention all-state.
Polson racked up 6,091 passing yards to go with 58 touchdown passes during his time leading the Patriots. He chose Carson-Newman despite overtures from Troy State and the University of North Alabama.
Brady is the son of Kim and Greg Polson and comes to Mossy Creek set to major in Business.