Post by Admin on Feb 7, 2018 16:21:55 GMT -5
2018 CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL INCOMING CLASS BIOS (ALPHABETICAL):
Kalen Allen
LB - 6-0 - 230 lbs. - Fr.
Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a four-year varsity letter winner and a three-time all-conference selection ... Amassed over 480 career tackles including 327 solo stops, 27 sacks, and three interceptions during his prep career ... Named both I-MECK Conference and Charlotte Observer Defensive Player of the Year after recording 138 tackles with seven sacks and an interception as a senior in 2017 ... Collected All-State plaudits as a senior ... Helped guide his team to the 4AA state championship game.
Personal: Full name is Kalen Rashawn Allen ... Is the son of Lakesha Bennett ... His mother was a two-time state champion in track & field.
Note: High school coach was Mike Palmieri ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright.
D.J. Atkins
RB - 5-9 - 160 lbs. - Fr.
Hogansville, Ga. (Callaway HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Listed as a two-star recruit from Rivals.com ... Versatile player that can play in the backfield or in the slot on offense, as well as in the return game on special teams ... One of the top rushers in the state of Georgia in 2016, finishing with over 2,300 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground as a junior ... Two-time All-Region team for 5-AA selection as a junior and senior ... Was tabbed as the 5-AA Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 ... First team All-State and first team All-Region in Georgia ... Also runs track as a prep.
Personal: Is the son of Shameka Stubblefield and Reggie Atkins.
Note: High school coach was Pete Wiggins ... Was recruited by Zac Etheridge.
Clayton Bardall
TE - 6-3 - 220 lbs. - Fr.
Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a four-year varsity letter winner and starter ... Caught two passes for 61 yards and a touchdown before an injury cut his senior season short ... Had 15 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns as a junior, earning honorable mention All-Region accolades ... Two-time Offensive Player of the Week ... Received the Jack Snook Memorial Award at North Forsyth High ... Finished his career with 34 tackles including 24 solo stops with two sacks and a pair of interceptions ... Took part in the Blue-Grey All-American Combine prior to his senior season ... Also plays baseball as a prep where he was the team leader in home runs.
Personal: Is the son of Rachael and Brad Bardall ... Has an older brother, Jackson, who plays football as an offensive lineman at Eastern Kentucky.
Note: High school coach was Robert Craft ... Was recruited by Pat Mills.
Brandon Bawn
S - 6-1 - 195 lbs. - Jr.
Macon, Ga. (Georgia Military College / Rutland HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Georgia Military College prior to the spring, 2018 semester ... Over two seasons at GMC, played in 21 games and recorded 68 total tackles including 56 solo stops ... Played in 10 games as a sophomore at Georgia Military College, finishing second on the team with a career-best 49 total tackles including 29 solo stops and a tackle for loss ... Was among the team leaders with three interceptions, returning one 34 yards for a touchdown in a win over Hocking College ... Also added a fumble recovery ... Posted a total of 10 pass break-ups over his two seasons; High School: Tabbed All-Region twice including a first team honor as a senior in 2014 after collecting an honorable mention as a junior ... Was named honorable mention All-Middle Georgia at safety in 2014 ... Also participated in track & field as a prep, going to the 2015 state meet in the triple jump and 300m hurdles while also holding the Rutland HS school-record in both (300m hurdles, 39.55 & triple jump, 47'7").
Personal: Is the son of Teresa Bawn.
Note: High school coach was George Collins ... Was recruited by Blake Gideon and John Wiley.
Garrett Bowman
OL - 6-4 - 240 lbs. - Fr.
Arab, Ala. (Arab HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Two-year varsity letter winner ... Credited with 72 career tackles including 46 as a senior ... Credited with 20 career tackles for loss including nine sacks ... Added four receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown as a senior ... Name first team All-Marshall County and earned all-region plaudits ... Earned Zaxby's Player of the Game eight times during his junior and senior years including five times in his final season.
Personal: Full name is Matthew Garrett Bowman ... Is the son of Lisa and Joel Bowman ... Has two younger siblings, John Brady and Drew.
Note: High school coach was Adam Gilbert ... Was recruited by John Holt.
Luke Britt
TE - 6-6 - 210 lbs. - Fr.
Calypso, N.C. (North Duplin HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Credited with three catches for 41 receiving yards and two touchdowns as a senior ... Also recorded a pair of interceptions and three blocked kicks - two punts and a field goal - defensively ... Helped guide his team to the North Carolina 1-A state championship game in 2017 ... Earned WGBR High School Athlete of the Week honors in November, 2017 ... Also plays both baseball and basketball as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Luke Donnell Britt ... Is the son of Suzanne and Ralph Britt ... His father, Ralph, was a tight end at N.C. State and later played in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1987).
Note: Was recruited by John Holt and Pat Mills.
Chris Campbell
OLB - 6-1 - 225 lbs. - Fr.
Vanceboro, N.C. (West Craven HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Played linebacker and defensive end as a prep, three-year varsity letter winner ... Started working on offense as a senior ... Took part in the Blue-Grey All-American Combine in Richmond, Va., in the summer of 2017 prior to his senior year where he was "without peer" and "nearly stole the show" ... Also played basketball as a prep ... Is expected to be an early enrollee, coming to Cullowhee in January.
Personal: Is the son of Ashley Sontag and Kenyatta Campbell.
Note: High school coach was Michael Twichell ... Was recruited by John Wiley.
A.J. Curry
QB - 6-5 - 205 lbs. - Fr.
Mt. Airy, Ga. (Habersham Central HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Dual-threat QB that is listed as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports ... Named Georgia 8-AAAAAA All-Region at QB ... Converted to QB prior to his senior prep season after playing mostly as a wide receiver despite playing the position growing up ... Threw for nearly 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 800 yards and 13 TDs on the ground as a senior, averaging 329.5 yards per game in his final year as a prep.
Personal: Is the son of Aviean and Felicia Curry.
Note: High school coach was Benji Harrison ... Was recruited by Brad Glenn and John Holt.
Charles Gadie
DB - 5-9 -165 lbs. - Fr.
Douglasville, Ga. (Douglas County HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a four-year varsity letter winner ... Was a two-time All-Region selec-tion, collecting first team All-Region 5-6A plaudits following his senior year and honorable men-tion as a junior ... Finished with 34 tackles as a senior including 24 solo stops ... Recorded one intercep-tion and nine pass break-ups in his final year as a prep, adding a fumble recovery ... Also tallied 49 all-purpose yards on kickoff and punt returns ... Listed as a two-star recruit by both Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.
Personal: Full name is Charles Amil Gadie ... Is the son of Chucquel Davis and Gerald Gadie ... Is one of six children: Jerry, Paris, Page, Chloe, Amir and Amar ... Is originally from Detroit, Mich.
Note: High school head coach was Johnny White ... Was recruited by Blake Gideon.
Adam Henderson
DL - 6-4 - 270 lbs. - Fr.
Greenville, S.C. (Berea HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a four-year varsity letter winner along the defensive line ... Selected to the 2017 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas - the first player from Berea High to earn the honor since 1995 ... Named to the Palmetto Champions Team as the Class 3A Upper State Lineman as picked by the South Carolina Football Coaches Association (SCFCA) ... Also played basketball as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Adam Rashad Henderson ... Is the son of Janet Henderson.
Note: High school coach was Wayne Green ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright.
Ronald Kent Jr.
DB - 5-10 - 170 lbs. - Fr.
Harrisburg, Pa. (Harrisburg HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-way athlete at Harrisburg High ... Was a first team defensive back on the All-State postseason team ... Selected first-team PennLive defensive all-star, finishing with 27 tackles and five interceptions in the secondary ... Listed as the No. 9 corner back in Pennsylvania's 2018 recruiting class by Penn Preps through 247Sports ... Caught 21 passes for 385 yards and a touchdown on offense as a senior and had 22 receptions for 287 yards and three scores as a junior ... Also wrestled as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Ronald Lewis Kent Jr. ... Is the son of Ronald Kent Sr.
Note: Was recruited by Blake Gideon.
Richard McCollum
K - 5-9 - 160 lbs. - Fr.
Sanford, N.C. (Southern Lee HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Connected on 13-of-20 field goals as a senior including a career-long 51-yard field goal in 2017, adding 31 touchbacks on kickoffs ... As a junior, connected on 44-of-45 PATs and was 14-of-20 on field goals including a long kick of 47-yards in a game as a part of earning the Cape Fear Valley Conference Special Teams Player of the Year ... Connected on a 60-yard field goal at practice in Twitter post that went viral ... Received the Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award from WRAL-TV in Raleigh ... Is bi-lingual and the leader of this school's Spanish Club ... Also played baseball as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Richard Larry McCollum ... Is the son of Carolina and Fredy McCollum ... Has two brothers, Freddy and Bryan ... His older brother, Freddy, kicked collegiately at Wingate.
Note: High school coach was Joe Allison ... Was recruited by Pat Mills.
Alex McConnell
OL - 6-4 - 245 lbs. - Fr.
Boone, N.C. (Watauga HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time Northwestern 3A/4A Conference selection - once along the offensive line as a junior and along the defensive line as a senior ... Was a part of a Watauga High offense that averaged 331.6 yards per game with 74 touchdowns scored while blocking for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in 2017 ... On defense, recorded 44 tackles including 10.5 for loss with a pair of sacks ... Also played basketball as a prep. Personal: Full name is Alexander Raven McConnell ... Is the son of Kim and Jim McConnell ... Is a first generation college student in his family. Note: High school coach was Ryan Habich ... Was recruited by John Wiley.
K.J. Milner
DL - 6-4 - 240 lbs. - Fr.
Hinesville, Ga. (Bradwell Institute)
Prior to Western Carolina: Starting his prep career on junior varsity, played on the varsity roster all four years ... Recorded 66 total tackles including 32 solo stops with a sack as a senior, earning him 2-AAAAAA First Team Defense plaudits ... Had a fumble recovery and returned an interception for a touchdown ... Was selected to the 2018 Blitz Border Bowl and the 2018 "War of the Border" High School All-Star football game ... Earned the football "Captain's Award" ... Posted the highest grade point average on the team and saw time at tight end as a sophomore ... Joined the National Honor Society as a junior ... Also participated in track & field as a prep, placing third in the shot put, and was a four-year letter winner in varsity boys basketball as a center and power forward.
Personal: Full name is Willie Keith Milner Jr., but goes by K.J. ... Is the son of Francesca and Willie Keith Milner Sr. ... Was born in Wurzburg, Germany ... Has three younger siblings, Andre, Trey, and Xavier ... His father owns a music store and his mother is a United States soldier.
Note: High school coach was Ross Couch ... Was recruited by Tyler Carlton and Mark Rhea.
Nate Mullen
WR - 5-9 - 170 lbs. - R-Jr.
Harrisburg, N.C. (Charlotte / Hickory Ridge HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Charlotte prior to the spring, 2018 semester ... Signed at Charlotte as part of the 49ers fourth signing class in 2015 ... Redshirted as a true freshman in 2015 ... Played in 24 games over two seasons at Charlotte, recording 22 receptions for 146 yards ... Additionally saw time on special teams, returning three kickoffs for an average of 23.3 yards per return ... Was also the primary punt returner in 2017, tallying 81 yards on 16 returns in his second season; High School: Was listed as a two-star recruit out of high school by both ESPN.com and Rivals.com ... Selected to the 2014 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, the first player to ever do so from his high school ... Was a three-time all-conference selection, twice earning Special Teams Player of the Year plaudits in addition to All-State honors ... Finished his prep career as HRHS's single-season and career record holder for all-purpose yards, touchdowns, punt and kickoff return touchdowns, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Personal: Is the son of Andrea and Jeff Mullen ... Has two sisters, Rami and Maggie ... Comes from a football family as his father, Jeff, was the former offensive coordinator and QB coach at Charlotte with previous coaching stops at Ohio, Wake Forest, and West Virginia with his first collegiate stop at Hawai'i as a graduate assistant ... Jeff was also a 1989 All-America selection at defensive back at Wittenberg Univ., in Ohio.
Note: High school coach was Marty Paxton ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright.
Devlin Olawumi Jr.
OLB - 6-0 - 195 lbs. - Fr.
Atlanta, Ga. (Westlake HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time Georgia 2-7A All-Region first team defense selection following both his junior and senior years ... As a junior in 2016, recorded 95 tackles including 60 solo stops and 13.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks ... Earned first team plaudits on offense and defense ... Also runs track as a prep and wrestled for three years.
Personal: Is the son of Turi Smith Olawumi and Devlin Olawumi, Sr., and Felicia Olawumi.
Note: High school coach was Kareem Reid ... Was recruited by Blake Gideon.
Trevon Poole
DL - 6-2 - 270 lbs. - Fr.
Cincinnati, Ohio (Winton Woods HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time, second team all-conference selection as a two-year varsity letter winner ... Recorded 108 career tackles including 69 solo stops with 10 career sacks ... Was a second team All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference selection as a junior ... Was also on the bowling team and participated in track & field as a prep.
Personal: Is the son of Tamika and Tony Poole ... Has two siblings, Antonio and Karen.
Note: High school coach was Andre Parker ... Was recruited by Mark Rhea.
Angel Rivera
OLB - 6-2 - 220 lbs. - Fr.
Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-year varsity letter winner and a two-time All- I-MECK All-Conference football team selection, earning the recognition following his junior and senior years ... Was a part of the Mallard Creek High North Carolina State Runner-up team.
Personal: Full name is Angel Jihad Rivera ... Is the son of Hafitza Johnson ... Has two younger siblings, Aamine Rivera and Najza Johnson ... Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Note: High school coach was Mike Palmieri ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright and John Wiley.
A.J. Rogers
DB - 6-0 - 170 lbs. - Fr.
Duncan, S.C. (Byrnes HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was an all-state, all-area, and all-region 5-A selection as a senior ... Selected to play on the North Team roster in the Touchstone Energy North-South game ... Invited to the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in 2015.
Personal: Full name is Ashton Jermaine Rogers, but prefers to go by A.J. ... Is the son of Lateshia and Ashton Rogers Sr. ... Has four older siblings, two brothers and two sisters.
Note: High school coach was Reggie Shaw ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright and Blake Gideon.
Tyler Smith
OL - 6-6 - 275 lbs. - Fr.
Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland County HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Two-time all-conference selection, earning All-Southeastern 4A Confer-ence (SEC) selection as a junior and an All-Sandhills Athletic Conference (SAC) nod as a senior ... Was named to the WPDE End Zone Team and was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas fol-lowing his senior season while also collecting 910Prep.com All-State accolades ... Was additionally named to the 2017 American Family Insurance All-USA North Carolina Football Team.
Personal: Full name is James Tyler Smith ... Is the son of Betty Jo and Jamie Smith.
Note: Was recruited by Pat Mills and John Holt.
Torrion Stevenson
DL - 6-1 - 315 lbs. - Fr.
Branchville, S.C. (Branchville HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was dubbed All-Region as a sophomore and received All-State honors as a junior ... Listed as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com
Personal: Full name is Torrion Jabree Stevenson ... Is the son of Trena Bethea ... Has two siblings, Breyonia and Trinity ... He also serves as a volunteer firefighter in his community, and is a member of the Branchville Christian Church Youth Group.
Note: High school coach was Sandy Dukes ... Was recruited by Brad Glenn.
Mahari Stribling
WR - 6-3 - 180 lbs. - Fr.
Loganville, Ga. (Grayson HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Listed as a two-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports ... Was a listed as a top wide receiver at the Showdown ATL Regional ... Selected as an honorable mention All-Region 8-7A ... Played both WR and CB as a prep.
Personal: Is the son of Sonja and Dennis Stribling ... His brother, Channing Stribling, played collegiate football at Michigan and plays for the San Francisco 49ers.
Note: High school coach was Christian Hunnicutt ... Was recruited by Tyler Carlton.
Jarquavius Wortham
LB - 6-1 - 220 lbs. - Jr
. LaGrange, Ga. (Georgia Military College / Callaway HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Transfer from Georgia Military where he played two seasons ... In 20 career games, amassed 70 total tackles including 52 solo stops and 12.5 tackles for loss with 3.5 sacks ... Posted 44 tackles as a sophomore with seven tackles for loss ... Had one interception and five pass break-ups.
Personal: Full name is Jarquavius Tremontae Wortham ... Is the son of Angela and Alfred Wortham.
Note: Was recruited by John Wiley.
Kalen Allen
LB - 6-0 - 230 lbs. - Fr.
Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a four-year varsity letter winner and a three-time all-conference selection ... Amassed over 480 career tackles including 327 solo stops, 27 sacks, and three interceptions during his prep career ... Named both I-MECK Conference and Charlotte Observer Defensive Player of the Year after recording 138 tackles with seven sacks and an interception as a senior in 2017 ... Collected All-State plaudits as a senior ... Helped guide his team to the 4AA state championship game.
Personal: Full name is Kalen Rashawn Allen ... Is the son of Lakesha Bennett ... His mother was a two-time state champion in track & field.
Note: High school coach was Mike Palmieri ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright.
D.J. Atkins
RB - 5-9 - 160 lbs. - Fr.
Hogansville, Ga. (Callaway HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Listed as a two-star recruit from Rivals.com ... Versatile player that can play in the backfield or in the slot on offense, as well as in the return game on special teams ... One of the top rushers in the state of Georgia in 2016, finishing with over 2,300 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground as a junior ... Two-time All-Region team for 5-AA selection as a junior and senior ... Was tabbed as the 5-AA Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 ... First team All-State and first team All-Region in Georgia ... Also runs track as a prep.
Personal: Is the son of Shameka Stubblefield and Reggie Atkins.
Note: High school coach was Pete Wiggins ... Was recruited by Zac Etheridge.
Clayton Bardall
TE - 6-3 - 220 lbs. - Fr.
Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a four-year varsity letter winner and starter ... Caught two passes for 61 yards and a touchdown before an injury cut his senior season short ... Had 15 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns as a junior, earning honorable mention All-Region accolades ... Two-time Offensive Player of the Week ... Received the Jack Snook Memorial Award at North Forsyth High ... Finished his career with 34 tackles including 24 solo stops with two sacks and a pair of interceptions ... Took part in the Blue-Grey All-American Combine prior to his senior season ... Also plays baseball as a prep where he was the team leader in home runs.
Personal: Is the son of Rachael and Brad Bardall ... Has an older brother, Jackson, who plays football as an offensive lineman at Eastern Kentucky.
Note: High school coach was Robert Craft ... Was recruited by Pat Mills.
Brandon Bawn
S - 6-1 - 195 lbs. - Jr.
Macon, Ga. (Georgia Military College / Rutland HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Georgia Military College prior to the spring, 2018 semester ... Over two seasons at GMC, played in 21 games and recorded 68 total tackles including 56 solo stops ... Played in 10 games as a sophomore at Georgia Military College, finishing second on the team with a career-best 49 total tackles including 29 solo stops and a tackle for loss ... Was among the team leaders with three interceptions, returning one 34 yards for a touchdown in a win over Hocking College ... Also added a fumble recovery ... Posted a total of 10 pass break-ups over his two seasons; High School: Tabbed All-Region twice including a first team honor as a senior in 2014 after collecting an honorable mention as a junior ... Was named honorable mention All-Middle Georgia at safety in 2014 ... Also participated in track & field as a prep, going to the 2015 state meet in the triple jump and 300m hurdles while also holding the Rutland HS school-record in both (300m hurdles, 39.55 & triple jump, 47'7").
Personal: Is the son of Teresa Bawn.
Note: High school coach was George Collins ... Was recruited by Blake Gideon and John Wiley.
Garrett Bowman
OL - 6-4 - 240 lbs. - Fr.
Arab, Ala. (Arab HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Two-year varsity letter winner ... Credited with 72 career tackles including 46 as a senior ... Credited with 20 career tackles for loss including nine sacks ... Added four receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown as a senior ... Name first team All-Marshall County and earned all-region plaudits ... Earned Zaxby's Player of the Game eight times during his junior and senior years including five times in his final season.
Personal: Full name is Matthew Garrett Bowman ... Is the son of Lisa and Joel Bowman ... Has two younger siblings, John Brady and Drew.
Note: High school coach was Adam Gilbert ... Was recruited by John Holt.
Luke Britt
TE - 6-6 - 210 lbs. - Fr.
Calypso, N.C. (North Duplin HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Credited with three catches for 41 receiving yards and two touchdowns as a senior ... Also recorded a pair of interceptions and three blocked kicks - two punts and a field goal - defensively ... Helped guide his team to the North Carolina 1-A state championship game in 2017 ... Earned WGBR High School Athlete of the Week honors in November, 2017 ... Also plays both baseball and basketball as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Luke Donnell Britt ... Is the son of Suzanne and Ralph Britt ... His father, Ralph, was a tight end at N.C. State and later played in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1987).
Note: Was recruited by John Holt and Pat Mills.
Chris Campbell
OLB - 6-1 - 225 lbs. - Fr.
Vanceboro, N.C. (West Craven HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Played linebacker and defensive end as a prep, three-year varsity letter winner ... Started working on offense as a senior ... Took part in the Blue-Grey All-American Combine in Richmond, Va., in the summer of 2017 prior to his senior year where he was "without peer" and "nearly stole the show" ... Also played basketball as a prep ... Is expected to be an early enrollee, coming to Cullowhee in January.
Personal: Is the son of Ashley Sontag and Kenyatta Campbell.
Note: High school coach was Michael Twichell ... Was recruited by John Wiley.
A.J. Curry
QB - 6-5 - 205 lbs. - Fr.
Mt. Airy, Ga. (Habersham Central HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Dual-threat QB that is listed as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports ... Named Georgia 8-AAAAAA All-Region at QB ... Converted to QB prior to his senior prep season after playing mostly as a wide receiver despite playing the position growing up ... Threw for nearly 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 800 yards and 13 TDs on the ground as a senior, averaging 329.5 yards per game in his final year as a prep.
Personal: Is the son of Aviean and Felicia Curry.
Note: High school coach was Benji Harrison ... Was recruited by Brad Glenn and John Holt.
Charles Gadie
DB - 5-9 -165 lbs. - Fr.
Douglasville, Ga. (Douglas County HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a four-year varsity letter winner ... Was a two-time All-Region selec-tion, collecting first team All-Region 5-6A plaudits following his senior year and honorable men-tion as a junior ... Finished with 34 tackles as a senior including 24 solo stops ... Recorded one intercep-tion and nine pass break-ups in his final year as a prep, adding a fumble recovery ... Also tallied 49 all-purpose yards on kickoff and punt returns ... Listed as a two-star recruit by both Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.
Personal: Full name is Charles Amil Gadie ... Is the son of Chucquel Davis and Gerald Gadie ... Is one of six children: Jerry, Paris, Page, Chloe, Amir and Amar ... Is originally from Detroit, Mich.
Note: High school head coach was Johnny White ... Was recruited by Blake Gideon.
Adam Henderson
DL - 6-4 - 270 lbs. - Fr.
Greenville, S.C. (Berea HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a four-year varsity letter winner along the defensive line ... Selected to the 2017 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas - the first player from Berea High to earn the honor since 1995 ... Named to the Palmetto Champions Team as the Class 3A Upper State Lineman as picked by the South Carolina Football Coaches Association (SCFCA) ... Also played basketball as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Adam Rashad Henderson ... Is the son of Janet Henderson.
Note: High school coach was Wayne Green ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright.
Ronald Kent Jr.
DB - 5-10 - 170 lbs. - Fr.
Harrisburg, Pa. (Harrisburg HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-way athlete at Harrisburg High ... Was a first team defensive back on the All-State postseason team ... Selected first-team PennLive defensive all-star, finishing with 27 tackles and five interceptions in the secondary ... Listed as the No. 9 corner back in Pennsylvania's 2018 recruiting class by Penn Preps through 247Sports ... Caught 21 passes for 385 yards and a touchdown on offense as a senior and had 22 receptions for 287 yards and three scores as a junior ... Also wrestled as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Ronald Lewis Kent Jr. ... Is the son of Ronald Kent Sr.
Note: Was recruited by Blake Gideon.
Richard McCollum
K - 5-9 - 160 lbs. - Fr.
Sanford, N.C. (Southern Lee HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Connected on 13-of-20 field goals as a senior including a career-long 51-yard field goal in 2017, adding 31 touchbacks on kickoffs ... As a junior, connected on 44-of-45 PATs and was 14-of-20 on field goals including a long kick of 47-yards in a game as a part of earning the Cape Fear Valley Conference Special Teams Player of the Year ... Connected on a 60-yard field goal at practice in Twitter post that went viral ... Received the Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award from WRAL-TV in Raleigh ... Is bi-lingual and the leader of this school's Spanish Club ... Also played baseball as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Richard Larry McCollum ... Is the son of Carolina and Fredy McCollum ... Has two brothers, Freddy and Bryan ... His older brother, Freddy, kicked collegiately at Wingate.
Note: High school coach was Joe Allison ... Was recruited by Pat Mills.
Alex McConnell
OL - 6-4 - 245 lbs. - Fr.
Boone, N.C. (Watauga HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time Northwestern 3A/4A Conference selection - once along the offensive line as a junior and along the defensive line as a senior ... Was a part of a Watauga High offense that averaged 331.6 yards per game with 74 touchdowns scored while blocking for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in 2017 ... On defense, recorded 44 tackles including 10.5 for loss with a pair of sacks ... Also played basketball as a prep. Personal: Full name is Alexander Raven McConnell ... Is the son of Kim and Jim McConnell ... Is a first generation college student in his family. Note: High school coach was Ryan Habich ... Was recruited by John Wiley.
K.J. Milner
DL - 6-4 - 240 lbs. - Fr.
Hinesville, Ga. (Bradwell Institute)
Prior to Western Carolina: Starting his prep career on junior varsity, played on the varsity roster all four years ... Recorded 66 total tackles including 32 solo stops with a sack as a senior, earning him 2-AAAAAA First Team Defense plaudits ... Had a fumble recovery and returned an interception for a touchdown ... Was selected to the 2018 Blitz Border Bowl and the 2018 "War of the Border" High School All-Star football game ... Earned the football "Captain's Award" ... Posted the highest grade point average on the team and saw time at tight end as a sophomore ... Joined the National Honor Society as a junior ... Also participated in track & field as a prep, placing third in the shot put, and was a four-year letter winner in varsity boys basketball as a center and power forward.
Personal: Full name is Willie Keith Milner Jr., but goes by K.J. ... Is the son of Francesca and Willie Keith Milner Sr. ... Was born in Wurzburg, Germany ... Has three younger siblings, Andre, Trey, and Xavier ... His father owns a music store and his mother is a United States soldier.
Note: High school coach was Ross Couch ... Was recruited by Tyler Carlton and Mark Rhea.
Nate Mullen
WR - 5-9 - 170 lbs. - R-Jr.
Harrisburg, N.C. (Charlotte / Hickory Ridge HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Charlotte prior to the spring, 2018 semester ... Signed at Charlotte as part of the 49ers fourth signing class in 2015 ... Redshirted as a true freshman in 2015 ... Played in 24 games over two seasons at Charlotte, recording 22 receptions for 146 yards ... Additionally saw time on special teams, returning three kickoffs for an average of 23.3 yards per return ... Was also the primary punt returner in 2017, tallying 81 yards on 16 returns in his second season; High School: Was listed as a two-star recruit out of high school by both ESPN.com and Rivals.com ... Selected to the 2014 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, the first player to ever do so from his high school ... Was a three-time all-conference selection, twice earning Special Teams Player of the Year plaudits in addition to All-State honors ... Finished his prep career as HRHS's single-season and career record holder for all-purpose yards, touchdowns, punt and kickoff return touchdowns, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Personal: Is the son of Andrea and Jeff Mullen ... Has two sisters, Rami and Maggie ... Comes from a football family as his father, Jeff, was the former offensive coordinator and QB coach at Charlotte with previous coaching stops at Ohio, Wake Forest, and West Virginia with his first collegiate stop at Hawai'i as a graduate assistant ... Jeff was also a 1989 All-America selection at defensive back at Wittenberg Univ., in Ohio.
Note: High school coach was Marty Paxton ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright.
Devlin Olawumi Jr.
OLB - 6-0 - 195 lbs. - Fr.
Atlanta, Ga. (Westlake HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time Georgia 2-7A All-Region first team defense selection following both his junior and senior years ... As a junior in 2016, recorded 95 tackles including 60 solo stops and 13.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks ... Earned first team plaudits on offense and defense ... Also runs track as a prep and wrestled for three years.
Personal: Is the son of Turi Smith Olawumi and Devlin Olawumi, Sr., and Felicia Olawumi.
Note: High school coach was Kareem Reid ... Was recruited by Blake Gideon.
Trevon Poole
DL - 6-2 - 270 lbs. - Fr.
Cincinnati, Ohio (Winton Woods HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time, second team all-conference selection as a two-year varsity letter winner ... Recorded 108 career tackles including 69 solo stops with 10 career sacks ... Was a second team All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference selection as a junior ... Was also on the bowling team and participated in track & field as a prep.
Personal: Is the son of Tamika and Tony Poole ... Has two siblings, Antonio and Karen.
Note: High school coach was Andre Parker ... Was recruited by Mark Rhea.
Angel Rivera
OLB - 6-2 - 220 lbs. - Fr.
Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-year varsity letter winner and a two-time All- I-MECK All-Conference football team selection, earning the recognition following his junior and senior years ... Was a part of the Mallard Creek High North Carolina State Runner-up team.
Personal: Full name is Angel Jihad Rivera ... Is the son of Hafitza Johnson ... Has two younger siblings, Aamine Rivera and Najza Johnson ... Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Note: High school coach was Mike Palmieri ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright and John Wiley.
A.J. Rogers
DB - 6-0 - 170 lbs. - Fr.
Duncan, S.C. (Byrnes HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was an all-state, all-area, and all-region 5-A selection as a senior ... Selected to play on the North Team roster in the Touchstone Energy North-South game ... Invited to the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in 2015.
Personal: Full name is Ashton Jermaine Rogers, but prefers to go by A.J. ... Is the son of Lateshia and Ashton Rogers Sr. ... Has four older siblings, two brothers and two sisters.
Note: High school coach was Reggie Shaw ... Was recruited by Reuben Wright and Blake Gideon.
Tyler Smith
OL - 6-6 - 275 lbs. - Fr.
Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland County HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Two-time all-conference selection, earning All-Southeastern 4A Confer-ence (SEC) selection as a junior and an All-Sandhills Athletic Conference (SAC) nod as a senior ... Was named to the WPDE End Zone Team and was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas fol-lowing his senior season while also collecting 910Prep.com All-State accolades ... Was additionally named to the 2017 American Family Insurance All-USA North Carolina Football Team.
Personal: Full name is James Tyler Smith ... Is the son of Betty Jo and Jamie Smith.
Note: Was recruited by Pat Mills and John Holt.
Torrion Stevenson
DL - 6-1 - 315 lbs. - Fr.
Branchville, S.C. (Branchville HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was dubbed All-Region as a sophomore and received All-State honors as a junior ... Listed as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com
Personal: Full name is Torrion Jabree Stevenson ... Is the son of Trena Bethea ... Has two siblings, Breyonia and Trinity ... He also serves as a volunteer firefighter in his community, and is a member of the Branchville Christian Church Youth Group.
Note: High school coach was Sandy Dukes ... Was recruited by Brad Glenn.
Mahari Stribling
WR - 6-3 - 180 lbs. - Fr.
Loganville, Ga. (Grayson HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Listed as a two-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports ... Was a listed as a top wide receiver at the Showdown ATL Regional ... Selected as an honorable mention All-Region 8-7A ... Played both WR and CB as a prep.
Personal: Is the son of Sonja and Dennis Stribling ... His brother, Channing Stribling, played collegiate football at Michigan and plays for the San Francisco 49ers.
Note: High school coach was Christian Hunnicutt ... Was recruited by Tyler Carlton.
Jarquavius Wortham
LB - 6-1 - 220 lbs. - Jr
. LaGrange, Ga. (Georgia Military College / Callaway HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Transfer from Georgia Military where he played two seasons ... In 20 career games, amassed 70 total tackles including 52 solo stops and 12.5 tackles for loss with 3.5 sacks ... Posted 44 tackles as a sophomore with seven tackles for loss ... Had one interception and five pass break-ups.
Personal: Full name is Jarquavius Tremontae Wortham ... Is the son of Angela and Alfred Wortham.
Note: Was recruited by John Wiley.
