Signing Day Central - https://bit.ly/3ZjAzh9
DURHAM, N.C. - Wednesday is National Signing Day, and the North Carolina Central University football program officially welcomes 30 to the team — including the five signees from the early period in December.
Included below are notes on NCCU's incoming class, with bios on the program's latest additions.
SIGNEE BIOS
Taeshawn Alston • DE • 6-3 • 245
South Carolina | Vance County HS | Henderson, N.C.
Hudl Film
Alston joins the Eagles after redshirting his freshman year at the University of South Carolina. His senior season at Vance County High School saw the team go 8-3 and earn a berth to the state playoffs, while Alston recorded 38 tackles, 12.0 TFL and 2.5 sacks on the year. He had five sacks as a junior, as Vance County went 10-1, and he was also on the baseball, basketball and track & field teams.
Coach's Comment: "Taeshwan is a great addition to the unit. He is a transfer from University of South Carolina who was highly recruited out of high school. He is a great student-athlete, earning Student-Athlete of the Month in November. He brings great size, length and athletic ability to the room."
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Deandre Artis-Boone • DB • 6-1 • 175
King's Fork HS | Suffolk, Va.
Hudl Film
As a junior, Artis-Boone played on both sides of the ball. As a quarterback, he completed just over 62% of his passes for 1,091 yards and 14 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Artis-Boone recorded one interception in eight games played.
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Sheldon (Israel) Blackwell • LB • 6-1 • 230
Sacramento State | San Joaquin Memorian HS | Fresno, Calif.
Hudl Film
Blackwell was a three-year starter in high school, and was named Most Improved Player. At one point, he was a second team all-conference selection, and Blackwell will transfer in from Sacramento State University in California.
Coach's Comment: "Young transfer with great work ethic who loves the game of football. We can't wait to see how he develops moving forward."
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Ka'Trez Bracey • WR • 6-3 • 205
Elizabeth City State | Camden HS | Camden, S.C.
Hudl Film
Bracey is a transfer from Elizabeth City State, where in 2025 he caught 31 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns. His best game last season came against Johnson C. Smith, where he pulled in four catches for a career-high 142 yards and a score. He was a two-year starter and a second team all-conference honoree in high school.
Coach's Comment: "Ka'Trez is a transfer from ESCU that has ball skills and can run. He high-points the ball well and catches the ball in traffic. He has the speed to stretch the defense and has the intangibles to be a really productive wide receiver for us. I'm excited to add him to our room."
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Cameron Cartlidge • LB • 6-1 • 215
Walkertown HS | Indianapolis, Ind.
Hudl Film
Team captain in 2024 and 2025, Cartildge was sixth in the state of North Carolina — and 33rd nationally — as a senior with 133 tackles. He was a two-time conference defensive player of the year, the Shrine Bowl Defensive MVP and Walkertown High School's all-time leading tackler.
Coach's Comment: "Joining us as an early enrollee this spring, Cameron is a linebacker who brings the ideal blend of size and speed to North Carolina Central. A well-rounded student-athlete in high school, he starred on the basketball court while maintaining a 3.1 GPA in the classroom. With just two years of experience at the linebacker position, his upside is tremendous, and we're fired up to develop that potential. Since stepping foot on campus this semester, Cameron has already shown an elite work ethic that has our staff and teammates excited for what's ahead."
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John Clifford, Jr. • DB • 5-11 • 180
Charleston | Winton Woods HS | Cincinnati, Ohio
Film
Clifford transfers to NCCU from the University of Charleston, where he earned all-conference honors as a defensive back after recording 29 tackles, two sacks and six passes defended in 10 games last season.
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Demarcus Elliott • OL • 6-3 • 275
Kentucky State | Bowling Green HS | Bowling Green, Ky.
Film
An All-American in high school — while also serving as class president — Elliott won two state championships at Bowling Green High School. He comes to the Eagles from Kentucky State, where he was the top-ranked lineman in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
Coach's Comment: "Demarcus brings value to the NCCU football program with his ability to play both tackle positions. Demarcus is an athletic and twitchy offensive lineman that can run in space and strike defenders at the point of attack. He plays fearless and shows emotion on the field. Prior to coming to NCCU, Demarcus was the No. 1 offensive lineman in the SIAC with over 25 knockdowns."
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Jeremiah Laguerre • LB • 6-2 • 205
St. Thomas | Port Charlotte HS | Port Charlotte, Fla.
Hudl Film
Laguerre was a second team all-conference honoree in 2025 at St. Thomas, totaling 76 tackles on the season (including 3.0 for a loss). He was second in the nation in interceptions as a high school player in 2021, and Laguerre was a first team all-area honoree.
Coach's Comment: "Jeremiah started off his time at St. Thomas as a safety before transitioning to linebacker, and he will bring speed to Central. He is fluid, long and fast with range from sideline to sideline. NCCU is excited to have a big hitter with coverage skills in the secondary."
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Plez Lawrence • RB • 5-9 • 200
Indiana State | Kokomo HS | Kokomo, Ind.
Film
Lawrence rushed for 252 and three touchdowns last season for Indiana State, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He was named Offensive Player of the Week for Sept. 1 last season, after turning in a 133-yard, 2-touchdown performance against McKendree. In three seasons with the Sycamores, Lawrence tallied 1,164 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns.
Coach Bankin's Comment: "Plez also brings playing experience to the running back position. He has been a major contributor during his time at Indiana State. Plez is a running back who can move the chains in short-yardage situations, but can also take the ball the distance. He has been clocked as fast as 10.19 in the 100 meters and does it all in a 205-pound body. The running backs at NCCU have always been a huge part of the rushing attack and major contributors in the passing attack. Plez continues that tradition. We are excited to see this entire backfield in action this fall."
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Nelson Layne • QB • 6-3 • 195
North Carolina A&T State | Highland Springs HS | Highland Springs, Va.
Film
A three-star athlete in high school who became one of just three quarterbacks in Virginia High School League history to record back-to-back 1,000 yard passing and 1,000-yard rushing seasons, Layne gained valuable experience with the Aggies last year. At Highland Springs High School, he racked up more than 6,500 all-purpose yards and 61 touchdowns.
Coach's Comment: "Nelson is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback transfer who gained valuable experience in four games as a true freshman, starting in two. Nelson proved to be accurate, completing 67% of his passes during his freshman campaign. Nelson is electric with his legs, showing great escapability and explosiveness with multiple 50+ YD runs. His production follows him back to high school, where he had over 6,500 all-purpose yards and 61 touchdowns. He has a high ceiling and I'm excited to add him to the quarterback group."
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Harold (KJ) Liles • DT • 6-3 • 315
App State | Southern Durham HS | Durham, N.C.
Hudl Film
Liles was named Defensive Lineman of the Year for his conference in high school. Over his final two seasons at Southern Durham, Liles had a combined 126 tackles. As a senior, he helped his team go 10-3 while racking up 79 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, one sack, 27 hurries and four forced fumbles.
Coach's Comment: "KJ is a local kid who went to Southern Durham High School and spent a season at Appalachian State. He's a great kid who works hard and adds more size and explosiveness to the room."
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Shamar Marshall • DB • 5-11 • 175
Dunbar HS | Washington, D.C.
Hudl Film
Marshall is a hard-hitting safety coming from Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. During his senior season, Marshall was a first team all-league and all-state player for the Crimson Tide. During his time at Dunbar, Shamar was a two-sport athlete, also competing in track & field.
Coach's Comment: "Shamar brings the physicality and aggressiveness that will make our secondary tougher. Very instinctful, wasted little movement getting to his plays and shows the athletic maturity you want to make us better. Listed at 5-foot-11, 175, he matches his quick twitch with physical play to change the game and get the ball back to our offense. A guy that produces; receiving First Team All-League and All-State honors at a school in D.C. that competes at a high level. Shamar's style of play matches what we're looking for to win in MEAC play, physicality and discipline."
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Joseph Mesko • OL • 6-4 • 310
Monroe JC | Linden HS | Linden, N.J.
Hudl Film
Mesko played at all five spots on the offensive line while at Monroe, after being an honorable mention all-state lineman in high school. He recorded 50 knockdowns/pancakes in his senior season, serving as team captain, and he was also one of New Jersey's top athletes in the shot put (personal best distance of 53 feet).
Coach's Comment: "Joe is a dynamic player that will service us at any position on the offensive line. He plays with an edge and finishes blocks down the field. He loves ball and has a great feel for the game. He is confident in his ability and is a strainer in the run game. Does a great job mirroring defenders in pass pro and keeping the pocket clean."
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Jaylen Moore • RB • 5-9 • 185
High Point Christian Academy | Winston-Salem, N.C.
Hudl Film
Moore rushed for 2,413 yards, ranking in the top five in the state of North Carolina, while finding the endzone a state-best 46 times. He was a state champion with High Point Christian Academy, earning MVP honors. High Point Christian head coach Ryan Rocha calls Moore the "best running back I have ever coached."
Coach Bankin's Comment: "Jaylen originally committed to Cornell early in his senior year. He brings both athletic and academic excellence to our program. Jaylen also brings balance to the 2026 running back recruiting class. Jaylen is one of two high school seniors that we signed to go along with the two transfer seniors joining our program. Jaylen's on-field production and his in-class excellence speak to the standards of NCCU Eagle football."
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Jaysen Oriol • DL • 6-2 • 250
Panther Creek HS | Cary, N.C.
Hudl Film
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Branden Palmer • DL • 6-2 • 220
Georgia Southern | William A. Hough HS | Charlotte, N.C.
Hudl Film
After seeing action in eight games at Georgia Southern last season, Palmer transfers to North Carolina Central. Defensive Player of the Year as a prep athlete, Palmer had 55 tackles, including 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in his senior season. He also had 40 tackles, 9.0 TFL and 4.0 sacks as a junior, and he was also on the track & field team.
Coach's Comment: "Branden brings great athletic ability and twitch into the defensive line room. He does a good job using his length in pass rush situations and can play out in space. His versatility will help us replace some production we lost in the room."
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Donovan Reaves • DT • 6-0 • 275
George Washington HS | Danville, Va.
Hudl Film
Reaves was a three-time First Team All-South Side and all-region honoree, while also earning honorable mention all-state honors. Off the football field, Reaves was a two-time state qualifier in wrestling, and he made the A/B Honor Roll.
Coach's Comment: "Donovan is a player who brings great size and grit to the defensive line room. He is a great kid who is about his business and works hard. He is also a two-time state qualifier in wrestling."
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Amil Savage • OL • 6-1 • 276
Franklin HS/Fresno State | Elk Grove, Calif.
Coach's Comment: Amil is a very unique player who will add experience and position flexibility to the room. Originally from Elk Grove, CA, he started his career at Fresno State. Transferring in from Carson-Newman, he will be an impact player given his college-level knowledge and experience. He does a great job moving defenders in the run game with his natural leverage that comes from his frame. He successfully completes blocks down the field and plays with a competitive edge.
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Amari (Stone) Sifford • DB • 6-1 • 175
David W. Butler HS | Charlotte, N.C.
Hudl Film
Coach's Comment: "Stone is a game changer. His ability to track the ball in the air, control his body to make the catch while maintaining top field leverage over the WR is highly impressive. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Stone also brings size and length to the outside. A bigger-framed corner that can still run step-for-step with his receiver, while staying poised when the ball is in the air. He will be a problem for opposing offenses and is the ideal DB to add to the NCCU secondary to play and win in the MEAC. His style of play fits right in with who we need to win in this conference: physical and discipline."
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Trayvaughn Swanigan • DT • 6-3 • 275
Southern Utah University | Kearns HS | Kearns, Utah
Hudl Film
Swanigan racked up 20 tackles (10 solo) last season for Southern Utah, including 14 quarterback hurries and four quarterback hits. The season prior, he played at Coastal Carolina, appearing in one game. His senior season at Kearns High School, Swanigan recorded 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Coach's Comment: "Trayvaughn brings good playing experience to the position group. He has great athletic ability and is versatile enough to play multiple spots on the defensive line. He has great playmaking ability, very active hands and plays with relentless effort."
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Cobey Thompkins • QB • 6-1 • 180
The Citadel | Stockbridge HS | Atlanta, Ga.
Film
Thompkins comes to NCCU after earning all-freshman team honors from the Southern Conference as a freshman at The Citadel. He was an all-state and all-region selection with Stockbridge High School, where as a senior he won 12 games and led the program to the state championship game.
Coach's Comment: "Cobey is a lefty dual-threat transfer quarterback that gained valuable experience, playing in 12 games and earning SoCon All-Freshman Team honors. Cobey is accurate in the pass game and very slippery with the ball in his hands. He does a great job of using his pocket mobility to create explosive plays with his arm and legs. He's a leader and a winner, leading Stockbridge High School to the state championship his senior year and winning 12 games. I'm excited to add him to the quarterback room."
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Tevin Tucker • DB • 5-11 • 198
Kent State University | Northwest Carrabus HS | Kannapolis, N.C.
Hudl Film
In two seasons at Kent State, Tucker played in 21 games, including eight starts in 2024 as a freshman. He racked up 65 tackles that season, while adding 33 more as a sophomore in 2025. He racked up a season-high 10 stops against Northern Illinois, and in high school, Tucker was a versatile two-way athlete.
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Jayden Walker • LB • 6-2 • 200
Varina (Va.) HS | Yonkers, N.Y.
Hudl Film
A versatile linebacker from Varina High School in Virginia, Walker twice earned all-Metro honors, to go along with all-region and all-state accolades. Also a varsity starter for the basketball team, Walker fielded offers from Bowling Green, Delaware State, Maine, Morgan State, Hampton, Merrimack and Bluefield State.
Coach's Comment: "Jayden is a long, rangy, explosive force. Walker is an instinctive linebacker who flies to the ball with elite closing speed, sheds blocks and gets to the football with elite effort. On the football field, he helped lead Varina to the VHSL Class 4 state championship, earning Player of the Game honors in the title-clinching victory. Off the field, Walker is as impressive as on it: boasting a perfect 4.0 GPA, he's the definition of student-athlete excellence—smart, disciplined, and ready to lead both in the classroom and on gameday."
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Kerwin Williams • OL • 6-3 • 315
William Jewell College | MacArthur HS | East St. Louis, Ill.
Hudl Film
Williams was a two-time state champion in high school, and he transfers in from William Jewell College, where he was an all-conference selection. He played in all 11 games for William Jewell last season.
Coach's Comment: "Kerwin is a strong and powerful guard that will be able to play both guard spots. He has the ability to displace the line of scrimmage thru playing with a low pad level and the power in his lower half. He can accelerate through contact when pulling on gap schemes and climbing to the second level. He plays with an edge and his presence is felt. He was an All-Conference selection at William Jewell College, and he will contribute to this team's success in the 2026 season."
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Brendon Wyatt • RB • 5-11 • 195
Merrimack College | DeMatha Catholic HS | Gaithersburg, Md.
Film
Over three seasons at Merrimack (2023–25), Wyatt has totaled 203 touches for 1,109 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns. He is noted for his elusive vision and receiving ability, making him a versatile depth option for teams in the transfer portal. One of his standout performances occurred against Virginia-Lynchburg, where he rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
Coach Bankin's Comment: "Brendon brings speed and experience to a position that lost the second-leading rusher in the MEAC. Brendon will be a major factor in replacing the loss of production in both the rushing and passing game. Brendon is fearless in pass protection and has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Brendon's speed makes him a homerun threat every time he touches the football."
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Zy'Dar'Eyus Wynn • WR • 5-10 • 175
King's Fork HS | Suffolk, Va.
Hudl Film
Coach's Comment: "He's a smooth, athletic player. Has good hands and tracks the ball well. He's a dynamic player with the ball in his hands and has the speed to go the distance. Also is an explosive returner. Excited to add Zy's dynamic skillset to our room."
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EARLY SIGNEE BIOS
Gino Addison • RB • 5-11 • 195
Middleburg HS | Starke, Fla.
Hudl Film
Named first team all-conference as a senior, Addison rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was also named County Athlete of the Week three times during the 2025 season.
Coach Bankins' Comment: "Gino finished up a highly productive senior season in high school and has joined us as an early enrollee. We are excited about Gino's potential and can't wait to see him develop during spring practice. Gino brings grit and determination to the position to go along with his excellent work ethic."
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JaQuez Crawford • QB • 6-1 • 200
Northeast Guilford HS | Greensboro, N.C.
Hudl Film
Having gone a combined 22-4 in his last two seasons of high school, Crawford is a proven winner. He led Dudley High School to a 13-1 record as a junior, before piloting a 9-3 campaign at Northeast Guilford as a senior. For his high school career, Crawford completed 74% of his passes for 3,473 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Coach's Comment: "JaQuez is an early enrollee and a winner. He has a 22-4 record over his last two high school seasons. He has the arm talent to fit throws in tight windows, and he can drop it in a bucket on his deep balls. He's been a part of some explosive offenses in high school, and showed toughness fighting through injury his senior season. I'm excited to add JaQuez and his skillset to the quarterback room."
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River Flore • TE • 6-4 • 240
Clayton HS | Clayton, N.C.
Hudl Film
Flore was a team captain and a three-year varsity starter at Clayton High School, playing both tight end and on the defensive line. He was also a two-year all-conference player for the Comets. Flore also lettered on the baseball team.
Coach Spencer's Comment: "River is an early enrollee who was a two-way starter for Clayton High School. I have been very impressed with River since he has arrived on campus. He's a smart and tough kid who will continue to bring toughness to the tight end room. He is a hard player to tackle one-on-one, and he will fight for extra yards. His work ethic, attention to detail, and focus since he has been on campus is exactly what we were expecting from him. I'm excited to watch him excel in our program and be a big part of this offense in the run and pass game."
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Damon McDaniel, Jr. • WR • 5-10 • 165
Maury HS | Norfolk, Va.
Hudl Film
McDaniel won back-to-back Virginia state championships with the Commodores, while also suiting up for three Eastern District championship squads. The honorable mention all-district wideout was also a four-sport athlete, and he graduated from Maury with honors.
Coach's Comment: "Damon is a two-way player, with natural ball skills and instincts. He has playmaking ability with the balls in his hands. Shows vision and good speed to go the distance. Very confident player that loves football; he's a great addition to the wide receiver room."
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