VIDEO: Aaron Hutsell Signing Day Interview
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.
"We're very grateful that a lot of guys have trusted us with their future," head coach Ken Sparks said. "That's a great blessing to be a part of people's future. We're also grateful for a bunch of kids who have decided to come to Carson-Newman. We're grateful for a bunch of kids who turned down Division I offers to come to us. I'm very pleased with our coaching staff to get quality guys. We're on our way, we're not through, but we're on our way. Coach Aaron Hutsell led us and went the extra mile with the rest of our coaching staff. To that I say thank you Lord."
UPDATED (4:08 PM, list final for 2/3, other signees will be released at a later day)
Devante Matthews – Sevierville, Tenn. – 5-10 – 175 – Wide Receiver - @devantematthew1 (signed 8:14 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Devante Matthews is a wide receiver from Sevier County High School in Sevierville, Tenn. With the Smoky Bears, he registered a school record 102 catches as a senior and set a school record with 194 career receptions. He also set a school record with 2,389 career receiving yards. Twice, Matthews appeared on Sportscenter's Top-10 Plays list. He was an: first-team All-Prepxtra honoree, Associated Press All-State Wide Receiver, first-team All-State. Matthews is also a decorated baseball player who suit up for the Carson-Newman baseball team. He was also recruited by Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and Eastern Kentucky. He was coached by Tony Linginfelter.
Matthews is the son of Terri Glenn and will study Education.
Darius Williams – St. Petersburg, Fla. – 5-10 – 195 Safety – @Darius7Williams (signed 8:14 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Darius Williams is a safety from Northside Christian School is St. Petersburg, Fla. With the Mustangs, Williams played on the varsity team for two seasons and recorded 112 tackles. He was named a Blue-Grey All-American, Pinellas County All-Star and the leading defensive back tackler during 2014 and 2015. His high school coach was former Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro fullback Mike Alstott.
Williams is the son of Albert and Sharon Williams and will major in Computer Sciences at C-N. Williams was recruited by Wake Forest, Missouri, Colgate and Stetson.
Tyler Scott – Tampa, Fla. – 5-10 – 175 – Defensive Back – @onefivetoolive (signed 8:28 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Tyler Scott is a defensive from Armwood High School in Tampa, Fla. With the Hawks, Scott is a three-time state runner-up and during his junior campaign, the defense recorded nine shutouts and held teams to a school record 23 points during the entire year. He was coached by Sean Callahan. Scott chose Carson-Newman over Tennessee-Martin, Florida Tech and West Florida.
Scott is the son of D'metria Mercer; his cousin, Santonio Holmes, played wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He will study Biology at Carson-Newman.
Tyler Thackerson – Clinton, Tenn. – 6-2 – 180 – Quarterback - @T_Thack8 (signed 9:13 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Tyler Thackerson is a quarterback from Clinton High School in Clinton, Tenn. As a three-year starter for the Dragons, Thackerson accumulated over 9,500 yards at the helm of the Clinton offense. He was an All-District, All-Region, All-Prepxtra and All-State player. Thackerson served as a Clinton team captain and was a member of the school's honor roll. He was also recruited by Western Carolina, Tennessee Tech and the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga. He was coached by Josh Kerr.
Thackerson is the son of Troy Thackerson and will major in Exercise Science..
Micah Young – Duncan, S.C. – 6-0 – 180 – Quarterback - @micahyoung22 (signed 9:25 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Micah Young is a quarterback Byrnes High School in Duncan, S.C. Young is a two-time All-State player for the Rebels and he accumulated over 6,000 passing yards in his career. He was coached by Brian Lane.
Young is the son of Beverly Glenn and will study Biology.
Wycleff Phanor- Naples, Fla. – 6-3 – 225 – Defensive Lineman - @WycleffP21 (signed 10:01 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Wycleff Phanor is a defensive lineman from Naples High School in Naples, Fla. Phanor registered 83 tackles, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during his senior campaign with the Golden Eagles. He was an All-District and All-Southwest Florida player and helped lead Naples to a district and region championship. He was coached by Bill Kramer.
Phanor is the son Gisele Phanor and will study Sociology.
Ervin Nard – Waycross, Ga. – 5-10 - 205 – Linebacker (signed 10:02 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Ervin Nard is a linebacker from Ware County High School in Waycross, Ga. With the Gators, Nard was named an All-Region defensive tackle who recorded 250 tackles and nine sacks in his career. He was coached by Franklin Stephens.
Nard is the son of Mary Lawrence and will study Business Management.
Montel Presley – Bushnell, Fla. – 6-0 – 290 – Defensive Lineman (signed 10:19 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Montel Presley is a defensive lineman from South Sumter High School in Bushnell, Fla. With the Raiders, Presley recorded 103 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 23 tackles for loss, six sacks and six pass break-ups. He is a two-time All-State selection as a junior and senior and won the district title with South Sumter as a freshman, sophomore and junior. He played in the 2015 East & West Central Florida All-Star Game and the 2015 Florida Athletics Coaches Association North/South All-Star Classic.
Presley is the son of Michael and Maxserlena Presley and will study Physical Therapy. His father, Copiah Lincoln, played football at the University of Mississippi, his cousin, Darrell Jackson, played for the Seattle Seahawks, his cousin, Ellis Johnson, played for the Indianapolis Colts, his cousin, Warren Sapp, is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his cousin, Ian Williams, played for the San Francisco 49ers.
Jordan Seal – Morristown, Tenn. – 6-5 – 270 – Offensive Lineman - @jrseal12 (committed 10:42 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Jordan Seal is a 6-5, 270-pound center from Morristown East. While playing for Dewayne Wells, he led the Hurricanes in pancakes and was second on the team in tackles. Seal was two-time all-conference offensive lineman and also earned all-state honors at the position. He was a team captain for the Hurricanes both for football and basketball.
The son of Tim Seal, Jordan was also recruited by UT-Chattanooga, Austin Peay, UT-Martin, Eastern Kentucky and ETSU. He intends to study pre-med at Carson-Newman.
Logan Townsend – White Pine, Tenn. – 6-2 – 275 – Lineman - @lstownsend50 - (committed 10: 48 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Logan Townsend is a lineman from Jefferson County High School. Townsend was a 6-A All-Region and All-Lakeway selection; he was also a team captain for the Patriots. He is a four-time Honor Roll recipient. He was coached by Kenny Cobble.
Townsend is the son of Emily and Timmy Townsend and will study Business. His cousin, Randy Sanders, played quarterback at the University of Tennessee and is a current coach at Florida State.
Jacob Varney – White Pine, Tenn. – 6-0 – 250 – Lineman - @varney_jacob (committed 10: 49 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Jacob Varney is a lineman from Jefferson County High School. Varney finished his senior season with the Patriots with 101 tackles and four blocked PATs. In a game against the Carter Hornets, he recorded 10 tackles, four tackles for a loss and a blocked PAT. Varney is an All-Lakeway selection and 6-A All-Region Defensive Lineman of the Year. He was coached at Jefferson County by Kenny Cobble.
Varney is the son of Becky Rathbone and will study to be a Physical Therapist.
Hayden Moore – New Market, Tenn. – 5-9 – 200 – Long Snapper – @haydenmoore12 (committed 10:59 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Hayden Moore is a long snapper from Jefferson County High School. With the Patriots, he recorded 38 tackles as a junior and started three years as the long snapper. Academically, Moore is a member of the Beta Club, an Honor Roll recipient all four years and was named the Jefferson County Freshman of the Year. He was coached by Kenny Cobble.
Moore is the son of Patrick and Jennifer Moore and will study Exercise Science at C-N.
Kevon Hudson – Bogart, Ga. – 5-10 – 160 – Running Back (signed 11:14 AM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Kevon Hudson is s 5-8, 162-ppound running back from Prince Avenue Christian. He played football and ran track for coach Jeff Herron.
He is the son of Scott and Tonya Hudson and wants to study marine biology.
Phillip McDowell – Inman, S.C. – 6-5 - 315 Offensive Lineman - @bigphill94 (signed 12:01 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Phillip McDowell is a 6-5, 315-pound offensive lineman from Boiling Springs High School. He was a four-sport athlete for the Bulldogs, also playing lacrosse, wrestling and track.
He was an all-region selection and played in the North Carolina North-South All-Star game.
He is the son of Anthony and Elaine McDowell. He plans to study education.
Ja'Quan Smith – Greenville, Ala. – 6-1 – 180 – Defensive Back – @Quanboii_9 (signed 12:16 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Ja"Quan Smith is a defensive back from Greenville High School in Greenville, Ala. With the Tigers, Smith recorded 95 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one punt return for a touchdown, one forced fumble and averaged 27 yards per return. He was a 2015 second team All-State selection. Smith was coached by Josh McLendon.
Smith is the son of Michael and Teresa Smith and will study Physical Education. His cousin, Kenneth Carter, played football at Auburn.
Miles Nessuno – Reading, Pa. – 5-7 – 150 – Wide receiever/Defensive back (committed 12:20 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Miles Nessuno is a 5-7, 150-pound wide receiver from Governor Mifflin. He intercepted three passes as a senior and earned second team honors as a defensive back. He also earned first team all-academic honors.
He helped the Mustangs to a second place finish in the Berks County League.
He is the son of John and Jolyn Nessuno and plans to study exercise science.
Logan Teesateskie – Cherokee, N.C. – 5-10 – 210 – Linebacker - @LohgannBruh
VIDEO: Highlights
Logan Teesateskie is a linebacker from Cherokee High School in Cherokee, N.C. During his final two seasons with the Braves, Teesateski averaged 153 tackles with three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown. Each of his last three seasons, Teesateskie was named Honorable Mention All-Smokey Mountain Conference. He is the second-leading tackler in western North Carolina during his junior year.
Teesateskie is the son of Sarah and Logan Teesateskie and he will study Business Marketing.
Jake Marr – Bryson City, N.C. – 6-3 – 270 – Offensive Lineman - @jakemarr23 (signed 1:07 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
A 6-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Swain County High School, Marr was an all-conference selection as a junior and senior. He was a second team All-Western North Carolina selection. He helped the Maroon Devils to a conference title in 2013.
A member of the national honor society, he is the son of Jeff Marr. His father played football for Appalachian State. He plans to study business at Carson-Newman.
Dillon Wilson – Bluffton, S.C. – 6-1 – 290 – Offensive Lineman – @52Dillon (signed 1:10 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Dillon Wilson is an offensive lineman from Bluffton High School in Bluffton, S.C. He was a first-team All-Region lineman for the Bobcats as well as a first-team All-Area selection. Wilson participated in the 2016 North/South Bowl Game. He was coached by Ken Cribb and Don Somma.
Wilson is the son of Gretchen Farsaci and will study Business. His father, Kurt Wilson, was a captain of the 1990 University of South Carolina football team, his stepfather, David Farsaci, pitched for the Kansas City Royals and his grandfather, Don Somma, was a captain for the 1967 University of South Carolina football team.
Will Boydston – Rossville, Ga. – 6-5 – 250 – Offensive Lineman - @rhspanther_72 (signed 1:33 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Will Boydston is an offensive lineman from Ridgeland High School in Rossville, Ga. He was a first team 7-A All-Region selection for the Panthers. He was coached by Wesley Tankersley.
Boydston is the son of Linda Rose and will study Physical Education.
Cole Fritts – Philadelphia, Tenn. – 6-2 – 280 – Offensive Lineman (Committed 1:42 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Cole Fritts is an offensive lineman from Loudon High School. He was a two-year starter for the Redskins and registered 26 career pancake blocks. In 2014, Fritts and the Redskins advanced to the Class-4A state semi-finals.
Fritts is the son of Hope Fritts and will study Sports Management.
Derrick Evans – Macon, Ga. – 6-0 – 190 – Quarterback – @derricke14335 (signed 1:49 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Derrick Evans is a quarterback from Macon Central High School in Macon, Ga. During his senior season with the Chargers, Evans threw for 2,127 yards, 23 touchdowns, 55 percent completion percentage and just one interception. He carried the ball 117 times for 360 yards and 10 scores. Evans was an All-Region, All-State and the Region Player of the Year. He was coached by Jessie Hicks.
Evans is the son of Shermesa Saffold and will study Mass Communications
Sean Spence – Nolensville, Tenn. – 5-9 – 180 – Linebacker - @seanspence97 (committed 2:05 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Sean Spence is a linebacker from Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tenn. Spence tallied 162 career tackles with the Raptors and registered four sacks and three forced fumbles. During his senior season, he was named an All-Region inside linebacker. Spence and the Raptors won the 2015 Class 6-A State Championship and were the runners-up in 2014. He was coached by Will Hester.
Spence is the son of Laurie and Mark Spence and will is undecided on a major. His mother, Laurie, was a gymnast at Auburn.
Noah Whaley – Sevierville, Tenn. – 5-10 – 210 – Running Back – @pfhstiger_32 (committed 2:14 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Noah Whaley is a running back from Pigeon Forge High School. During his senior season with the Tigers, Whaley recorded a 2,400-yard rushing season and 31 touchdowns. He broke the Pigeon Forge school record and the Sevier County rushing records and was named an All-State running back in Class 4-A; Whaley was also named the Pigeon Forge and Sevier County 2015 Player of the Year. He was coached by Scott Meadows.
Whaley is the son of Randel and Lorie Whaley and will major in Sales Management.
Landon Hammer – Taylorsville, N.C. – 6-1 – 210 – Quarterback – @landon_hammer25 (committed 2:18 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Landon Hammer is a quarterback from Alexander Central High School in Taylorsville, N.C. As a Cougar, Hammer threw for 1,250 yards and 17 touchdowns; he also rushed for 2,895 yards and 26 scores. He averaged 129 total yards per game. Hammer was an All-Conference selection in 213, 2014 and 2015. He set seven Alexander Central High School school records: points per game, most first downs in a season, most rushing touchdowns in a season, most points scored in a season, highest rushing average per game and most total yards in a season. He was coached by Nick Bazzle. Hammer chose Carson-Newman over The Citadel, Gardner-Webb, Lenoir-Rhyne, Wingate and Catawba.
Hammer is the son of Wesley and Paige Hammer and will study Nursing.
Austin Kirby – Knoxville, Tenn. – 5-11 – 170 – Quarterback – @Austin16Kirby (committed, 2:25 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Austin Kirby is a quarterback from Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville, Tenn. As a Ram, Kirby threw for 43 touchdowns and rushed for 18 scores. During his sophomore season at Knoxville Central High School, he was the Bobcats' Offensive MVP, an All-District 3-AAA selection and scored a school record six touchdowns in one game. He was coached by Randy McKamey at Grace Christian.
Kirby is the son of Austin and Kelly Kirby and will study Biology at C-N.
Jordan Brooks – Englewood, Tenn. – 5-10 – 165 – Wide Receiver/Defensive Back - @Jordanrb20 (committed 2:27 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Jordan Brooks is an athlete from McMinn Central High School in Englewood, Tenn. In his career with the Chargers, Brooks rushed for 1,176 yards and 16 touchdowns, tallied 874 yards receiving with four scores and 681 return yards with three touchdowns. Brooks was named first-team All-Region and All-County.
Brooks is the son of Michelle Taylor and will study Sports Medicine.
Azariah VasQuez – Moore, S.C. – 6-4 – 210 – Outside Linebacker – @AzariahVasQuez7 (signed 2:28 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Azariah VasQuez is an outside linebacker from Dorman High School in Moore, S.C. As a senior, VasQuez registered 100 tackles including 60 solos, caused four fumbles and averaged 9.5 tackles per game. He was a member of the 2015 All-State selection, a Touchstone Energy Cooperatives North-South Bowl participant, All-Area/All-Region 4A honoree and was named the Cavaliers' best linebacker as a senior. Dorman won the South Carolina Class-AAAA State Championship in 2015. VasQuez was coached by David Gutshall.
VasQuez is the son of Ray and Bridgett VasQuez and is undecided on a major.
Carter Lewis is an offensive lineman from Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra, Fla. With the Sharks, he served as a team captain.
Spencer Holt – Newport, Tenn. – 6-0 – 330 – Lineman – @Holtspencer60 (committed 2:48 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Matt Lane – Newport, Tenn. – 5-11 – 205 – Athlete - @Mattlane46 (Committed 2:48 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Matt Lane is an athlete from Cosby High School in Newport, Tenn. For the Eagles, Lane is a two-time first-team All-Region selection as a junior and a senior and made second-team All-Region as a sophomore.
Lane is the son of Tommy and Michelle Lane and is undecided on a major.
Dexter Roberson – Brunswick, Ga. – 6-0 – 245 – Defensive Lineman
VIDEO: Highlights
Dexter Roberson is a 6-0, 245-pound defensive lineman from Glynn Academy. He played for coach Rocky Hidalgo for the Red Terror.
He calls Carson-Newman a "great fit" and picked the Eagles over Lenoir-Rhyne and Mars Hill.
He is the son of Nickie Roberson. He plans to study project engineering.
Joseph Wampler – Lenoir City, Tenn. – 6-4 – 250 – Defensive End – @Justt_Joseph (committed 4:08 PM)
VIDEO: Highlights
Joseph Wampler is a defensive end from Lenoir City High School in Lenoir City, Tenn. With the Panthers, Wampler was an All-County and All-Region player. He was coached by Jeff Cortez.
Wampler is the son of Harry Wampler and will study Business. He is related to former Tennessee Volunteer and NFL player Chris Wampler.
Spencer Holt – Newport, Tenn. – 6-0 – 330 – Lineman – @Holtspencer60
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