Feb. 7, 2007

Montgomery, Ala. - Alabama State head football coach Charles Coe announced the signing of 25 student-athletes to letters of intent to play for the Hornets.

The group - comprised of 19 high school seniors, five junior college players and one Division 1A transfer - is the largest class of Coe's four year tenure at ASU.

"We feel very good about the group we were able to sign," Coe said. "This class addresses some immediate needs for us, and adds depth in several key positions."

One of Coe's top priorities was speed on the outside, and now he'll have plenty of it.

"We needed players with the ability to make plays after the catch," Coe said. "Of the receivers we identified, we hoped for four of five. Instead, we got seven."

Coe also strengthened his offense by adding three quarterbacks, two running backs and three offensive linemen.

"Our defense was strong last year, and most of those players are returning," Coe said. "In order to compete for a championship, our offense has to do its part. And, we are expecting several of our signees to contribute on that side of the ball right away."

Still, the defense was far from neglected. Six defensive backs and five defensive linemen will join a unit that was one of the SWAC's top defenses in 2006.

"With so many teams lining up big receivers and throwing the ball all over the place, we need to be able to match up with them," Coe said.

Coe attributes the success of this class to a lot of hard work and a boost from one of his former players.

"Anytime you have someone who has achieved what (former Hornet and current NFL quarterback) Tarvaris (Jackson) has, it definitely helps your program," Coe said. "Every time they show his face or say his name, they also say that he `s an Alabama State product. You can't put a price on how valuable that is."

Also, the majority of the class -15 in all--are Alabama natives.

"We spent a lot of time last spring visiting in-state coaches," Coe said. "It was important for us to build stronger relationships with Alabama high school coaches. We see our efforts paid off."

Alabama State University

2007 Football Signees

John Andrews 6'0 175 ATH Maplesville, Ala. (Maplesville)
All-state honorable mention selection with speed and elusiveness. Passed for 30 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. Led team to third round of the state playoffs.

Michael Clark 5'8 180 RB St. Louis, Mo. (Sumner)
1st team all-league two consecutive years. Led league in rushing, while averaging 9.53 yards per rush. Ran a 10.19 100 meters.

Jessie Cummings 6'1 180 DB Birmingham, Ala. (Pleasant Grove)
Brings great size and pop to the secondary. Excellent both as cover guy and in run support.

Montez Davis 5'11 180 WR Cleveland, Tenn. (Cleveland)
All-state selection. Averaged 18.2 yards per reception. Also averaged 42.2 yards per kick return with three touchdowns.

Ronald Davis 6'2 200 WR Coffeyville, Ok. (Coffeyville CC)
Averaged 14.5 yards per reception in junior college. A physical receiver with great hands and a very good blocker.

Brandon Dowdell 6'3 190 QB Opelika, Ala. (Opelika)
Threw for more than 1,000 yards and accounted for 20 touchdowns while leading his team to the state semifinals.

Jeremy Fetterhoff 5'8 165 P/K Jacksonville, Fl. (Andrew Jackson)
Averaged more than 40 yards per punt and also kicked three game winning field goals.

Cedric Harris 6'2 200 WR Hillsboro, Ala. (Coachoma CC)
Tremendous athlete was a preseason All-American possessing game-changing ability.

Clyde Holloway 6'1 260 DL Athens, Texas (Trinity Valley CC)
Tremendous interior presence. Ferocious against the run, and quick against the pass.

Quartize Jackson 6'0 195 RB St. Louis, Mo. (McCluer North)
All-State selection whose 16 rushing touchdowns as a senior were second in his league. Averaged 6.1 yards per carry and rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

Jahan Jones 6'1 185 WR New Orleans, La. (Victor Valley JC)
Burner that runs a 4.4 40 and stretches the field. Caught 38 passes for more than 900 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Chris Mitchell 6'3 200 QB Mobile, Ala. (East Mississippi JC)
First team All-State and Second team All-Region who earned Offensive MVP of the Mississippi JC All-Star game. Played high school football for Leflore.

Brandon McGadney 5'10 160 DB Mobile, Ala. (Blount)
Second team All-Conference selection is a shut-down down cover corner.

Eugene Newbold 6'6 245 DL Birmingham, Ala. (Troy University)
Poweful, explosive rusher with the ability to wreak havoc in the offensive backfield.

Devans Orr 6'3 270 OL/DL Courtland, Ala. (Hubbard)
Recorded 9 sacks, three fumbles, 83 tackles and honorable mention All-State honors as a senior. All-Area three years in a row.

Daryll Overton 6'4 250 DL Marietta, Ga. (The Walker School)
Talented lineman that registered 76 tackles, 13 sacks and 13 batted balls. 33 pancake blocks when playing on offense. In track, he recorded a 58-foot shot put toss.

Henry Porter 6'4 300 OL Opelika, Ala. (Opelika)
Dominant pass protector and run blocker for perennial power.

Harold Powell 6'1 300 OL Montgomery, Ala. (Carver)
Started on both offensive and defensive line for resurgent program. Showed versatility by playing both guard and center. Brother of current ASU player Byron Powell.

Michael Quinn II 5'11 175 DB Port St. Joe, Fla. (Port St. Joe)
1st team All-State as a senior, with 4 interceptions. Also played offense, passing for 940 yards and 4 touchdowns and rushing for 475 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Rico Robinson 5'10 170 WR/DB Atlanta, Ga. (Grady)
Atlanta Journal Constitution All-State selection had 22 interceptions and 180 tackles in his career. Also had 88 catches for 1,624 and 23 touchdowns.

Michael Stevens 6'2 190 WR Slidell, La. (Slidell)
1st team All-Metro, 1st team All-Parish and comeback player of the year. All-State track performer in the 110 high hurdles.

Marquez Strickland 6'2 205 WR Opelika, Ala. (Opelika)
Scored 25 touchdowns as a senior. 537 yards receiving and 230 yards rushing. Possesses 4.4 40 meter speed.

Michael Waldon 5'11 170 DB Loachapoka, Ala. (Loachapoka)
1st team All-State accumulated 21interceptions, 35 pass break ups, and 175 tackles in his career. Student Government President and member of National Honor Society.

Christopher Williams 5'11 180 DB Eufaula, Ala. (Eufaula)
2nd team All-State selection recorded 48 tackles and 4 interceptions, while leading team to the state championship. Team went 25-2 over his past two years. Averaged 10.4 yards per reception.

Damien Wilson 5'10 175 DB Eufaula, Ala. (Eufaula)
Racked up six interceptions and 87 tackles during senior campaign. Key member of state championship team.