AGGIES STRIKE GOLD ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

The rich get richer as the North Carolina A&T Aggies football team struck gold on National Signing Day. At the signing day dinner on February 6th, coaches, media members and fans got together to marble at the newest 2019 recruits which is one of the best in school history. The Aggies love to find diamonds in the rough and mold them into greatness, ie, Tarik Cohen, Branden Parker, Tony Mcrae, and Darryl Johnson Jr. Coming off of another Celebration Bowl championship A&T are losing a lot of veteran leadership with Lamar Raynard, Marquell Cartwright, Darryl Johnson Jr and Timadre Abram leaving; but the youth movement is coming ,and the Aggies are poised to continue their football dynasty for years to come.

This recruiting class consist of 22 players, spanning from Junior College or JUCO transfers, D1 transfers, and 3-star athletes out of high school. With so many signees it is difficult to discuss each athlete in full detail, so the Score will give an overview of each player in the class of 2019.

SHEMAR THOMPSON – A huge signing and another great addition to RBU, Thompson is a 6’0 190-pound 3-star RB from Walter M Williams in Burlington, NC. Thompson was highly recruited by multiple colleges. Receiving offers from East Carolina, Gardner -Webb, and Coastal Carolina. Thompson is ranked as the 60th best player in North Carolina. Thompson has very good size and speed and was highly productive in high school. As a junior Thompson rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. In his senior season he was moved to Quarterback. As a runner, once Thompson hits the hole and accelerates nobody can catch him. The backfield will have so many dynamic players with Jah- Maine Martin, Cameron Hutchinson, Kason Baker, and Shemar Thompson.

CAMERON HUTCHINSON – the other new edition to RBU, Cameron Hutchinson from Havelock Highschool in Havelock, NC, was a great signing for Coach Washington and his staff. The 6’0 215-pound 3 star running back had offers from schools such as Appalachian State, ECU, and Coast Carolina. Hutchinson is a true 3 down back who can run, block and catch the ball out the back field. Hutchinson is a complete back as for he is not only fast but he is extremely psychical. Hutchinson earned many honors such as being the 98th ranked player in North Carolina, being selected to the All Area team and earning the honor of being named 247sports.com’s 252 player of the year. In high school Hutchinson production was jaw dropping. As a junior he rushed for 1044 yards and 19 touchdowns, and in his senior campaign his production even increases as he had 107 carries, rushing for 1200 yards and 22 touchdowns

ALEX FAMBAH – A JUCO transfer from Fort Scott Community College, Fambah is a 6’2 225 linebacker that is the total package. Fambah possess great size and speed playing sideline to sideline. Fambah is scary athletic, but according to Coach Jones, A&T linebacker coach, he brings more to the table. “His football IQ is off the charts.” At Fort Scott, Fambah had 66 tackles, with 8 tackles per game. This is so important of a signing because Fambah can immediately make an impact on the field being the Aggies starting Middle Linebacker.

PRESTIGE EDWARDS – Out of East Meck High School in Charlotte, NC, Edwards is a 2 star 6’5 185 pound Wide Receiver with elite athleticism. Despite playing for a 1-9 East Meck team that rarely passed the football Edwards had good production as a senior as he caught 34 passes for 710 yards and 7 touchdowns. That’s 20.9 yards a catch. Edwards is a nightmare of a matchup as he is big, physical and fast. You simply don’t see 6’5 receivers with this much speed. Edwards also ran track in high school, which explains why he is a Randy Moss level deep threat. Edwards isn’t just a deep threat, he is also a good receiver in the quick game due to his ability to run after the catch. Off the field Edwards is a hardworking individual who is highly motivated to prove his doubters wrong. This was a huge signing for Coach Washington and the Aggies, as they were able to flip Edwards from Temple University.

TYQUAN JOHNSON – A player who the whole coaching staff is excited about, Johnson is a 6’4 280-pound DT, from Edisto High School in Cordova, SC. What first stands out about Johnson is his great size. He is extremely strong and psychical at the point of attack. But what makes Johnson different from just any big man, is that he can run and chase the football, he also possesses a quick first step; which could be a nightmare for MEAC offensive lines. As a senior, Tyquan only played in 5 games but he still received interest from schools such as Eastern Michigan, Middle Tennessee State, and Troy. The Aggies made quite the impression on Tyquan Johnson as he shined a bright smile and said, “That’s like a family to me. And when I get up there in the spring, it’s going down.

HERBERT BOOKER – One of the biggest signings for the Aggies, Booker is a playing making 6’2 190 pound cornerback from Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A finalist for Mr. Football in Tennessee and a 3-star athlete, Booker is an absolute cover corner, who makes tremendous plays on the football. And when he gets his hands on the rock he knows absolutely what to do with it as for in his senior season Booker had 8 interceptions with 4 being for TDS’s. Which included returns of 104, 99, 88 and 34 yards. Booker has good size for a corner, and is a great athlete, as for Booker also played Quarterback in High School. Booker has all the tools to be a future star in the Aggie secondary.

CESAR MINCARRO- The 6’4 270 pound offensive guard from Sun Valley High school in Monroe, NC is absolute gem for the Aggies. What is unique about Cesar is how good he is with lack of experience, as for Cesar just started playing football two years ago. Coach Mattes describes Mincarro as “relentless, and he doesn’t take his foot off the gas.” Mincarro is a great addition to the big nasties A&T has on the offensive line. Mincarro has a really high motor and possesses great potential. He plays violently, pancaking puny defenders to the ground. Mincarro blocked for 5-star Quarterback and UNC commit Sam Howell at Sun Valley.

KOREY BANKS – The Deionte Wilder effect is happening. A South Carolina Gamecock transfer, Banks is a 5’11 187-pound WR who Wide Receivers coach, Coach Pelowski, says, “can run the whole route tree, has great hands, and is a great weapon.” A 3-star recruit coming out of Sandy Creek Highschool in Tyrone, GA, Banks will make an immediate impact for the Aggies offense. At Sandy Creek, Banks had a stellar senior season as he had 61 receptions, 813 yards and 6 touchdowns. At South Carolina, Banks bounced around a lot from Wide Receiver to Corner, which probably lead to this transfer. But Banks will surely find himself at home in Greensboro.

De’jour Simpson – A 6’3 320 pound Center/Guard transfer from Eastern Kentucky, who had to sit out the 2018 season due to transfer rules. From football powerhouse Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, NC, O Line coach, Coach Mattes describes Simpson as a “Great kid, with fight and energy that can vye for the starting job.” This is a very underrated acquisition for the Aggies as Simpson been on campus for a year already and he knows the culture and ways of A&T football. Simpson is a winner, winning two state at Mallard Creek, and was also named to the All Conference and All Charlotte Observer team both his junior and senior season.

JANAZ SUMPTER – A 3 star 6’0 185 Athlete from Carvers Bay Highschool in Hemingway, SC. Defensive back coach, Coach Howard described Sumpter as, “a winner with quiet confidence.” Sumpter is another colossal signing for A&T as he is the 33rd ranked player in South Carolina. In high school Sumpter played Quarterback, Free Safety and Cornerback. During his senior season Sumpter had 65 tackles, 8 interceptions with 4 of them being pick sixes. Sumpter played everywhere on the field for Carvers Bay. He was invited to the North Carolina and South Carolina shrine game and was an all-conference performer.

Melik Ward – The coaches made sure they filled some needs on the defensive line, and what a fit Melik Ward is for the A&T defense. A 6’0 255-pound Defensive Tackle from Tarboro Highschool, Ward is an absolute monster of a defensive lineman. As a senior Ward had crazy production having 69 tackles 22 TFL and 5 sacks. Ward is a high motor type of guy who takes every rep in practice. He plays with great leverage and is psychical at the point of attack. Much like other recruits on this list, Ward is a winner, as he is a two-time state champion.

CHASE WILLIAMSON – Coming from Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia, NC, Williamson is a 6’0 200 pound ferocious outside linebacker that can do it all. Stuffing the run, playing in coverage or getting after the QB, Williamson did all that in more for his Hunter Huss Huskies as he had 119 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 17 TFL, 2 FF, 2 interceptions and 2 TD’s all in his senior season. Williamson is as hard hitting of a linebacker as you can find. He plays with high motor and high football IQ. Other than being superbly productive, Coach Lantz described Williamson, as a winner. Williamson led Hunter Huss to a 13-1 record while, he made all conference.

KINGSLEY IFEDI – The only Quarterback signing. Ifedi is a 6’3 214 transfer from East Carolina. Coming from Vance High School in Charlotte, NC, Coach Barnette described Ifedi has “intelligently, productive, and a winner.” Coach hit the nail right on the head as, at ECU Ifedi maintained a 3.5 GPA. In his senior season at Vance Ifedi had over 5100 total yards and 51 total touchdowns. He surely also was a winner as Ifedi led this Vance Cougers to a 13-2 record, which also included beating in state powerhouse Mallard Creek. Ifedi was player of the year in his conference and was a 3 star coming out of as a senior. Ifedi has a strong arm with immense talent throwing and running the football.

KYLE STANBACK – Get this, Stanback is a 6’7 250 pound 3 star defensive end out of Newbury Park. CA. Yes, you read right. The kid is 6’7 250. Stanback obviously has great size and length but he is also athletic. Stanback arguably has the highest ceiling of this recruiting class. As a senior Stanback accounted for 4.5 sacks, and 28 QB hurries. Stanbury received interest from many D1 schools, Arizona State in particular. When Coach Sam Washington was asked how did it feel to beat out Arizona State Head Coach and friend Herm Edwards, he laughed and said “It was a good feeling to beat Herm in a recruiting battle. We played against eachother and we’re friends.”

Jannoris Robertson – A 6’2 240-pound Defensive End out of Raines Highschool in Jacksonville, Florida, whom is an absolute game wrecker. This is a great signing for the Aggies as they found an absolute gem in one of the best football states in the country. Robertson is a very good athlete, who not only gets after the passer but plays the run very well. As a senior Robertson had 75 tackles, 12 sacks, and 15 TFL. Robertson is also a winner as he is a back to back state champion and was 1st team all defense in his division. Robertson plays with relentless effort, who carries himself like a defensive lineman who is not to be played with.

Aaron Harris- A 5’11 185 pound Athlete from Northeastern High School in Elizabeth City, NC, whom is the most versatile player of this class. Harris is a elite level athlete as In high school Harris played QB, CB, WR and kick-returner. He is a winner as Northeastern won the 2018 State 2a Championship, Northeastern Coastal Conference Player of the Year 2018, NHS Offensive Player of the Year and MVP for 2018. Coach Howard describes Harris as highly competitive. When asked what position he will play in college Harris replied, “Honestly whatever position they need me at that’s the position I’m going to excel at. They need me on defense, you got I, they need me on offense, I’m going to score and make plays.” As a senior Harris was extremely productive in many different positions. As a Quarterback he threw for 15 TD’s and 3 interceptions. Harris rushed for 1687 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also playing defense and special teams having an interception as a senior. Harris is also a 3 sport athlete, playing football, basketball and running tack in high school.

AJ DUPREE – A 6’2 190 Corner/ Safety with immense talent, size, and versatility, from Greene Central High School in Snow Hill, NC. In high school you couldn’t ask for anymore production and versatility from Dupree. Not only was he a all-conference defensive player but he was also a tremendous running back. On the defensive side of the ball Dupree had 66 tackles and 7 interceptions as a junior. The following year teams stayed away from passing towards Dupree’s direction. Coach Lantz believes Dupree has potential to grow even more into his frame. The Aggies plan to play him at the Rover position. The same position as former A&T star Jeremy Taylor. Dupree models his game after one of the best safeties in NFL history, Kam Chancellor. Dupree said, “Kam Chancellor, I feel like his style of play matches mine. The way he hits, the way he covers, his complete style of play.”

JASON IVEY – From South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC, Ivey is a 6’5 265 Offenisve Tackle with a great frame. Coach of the Offensive Lineman, Coach Mattes described said that, “[Ivey] has long arms and uses his hands well.” Ivey was a tremendous of a pick up for A&T as he offers from Division 1 schools like West Virginia and UNCC Charlotte. With Ivey size he absolutely mauls defenders in the run game but he also has good feet, and athleticism as he is able to pass block against speed rushers.

JACOB ROBERTS - Roberts is a 6’0 215 OLB, from Charlotte, NC football power house Mallard Creek High School. Like Williamson, Jacob Roberts is another linebacker who does it all and can makes plays all over the field, whether it being in coverage, stopping the running our sacking the opposition’s Quarterback. As a senior Roberts had 115 tackles, 33 TFL 6 sacks and 3 interceptions. Roberts is ultra-psychical, fast and makes immediate impact on ball carriers and blockers. Roberts is a certified winner, as Mallard Creek finished the season with a 10-1 record. Roberts was voted as an All-Conference performer, the All Charlotte Observer team, and was invited to the Shrine Bowl.

THOMAS WASHINGTON – From Seventy- First High School, Washington is a 6’2 280 pound lineman with potential through the roof. What stands out about Washington is his amazing first step off of the ball, and I mean amazing. To see a big guy with such a quick first step is extremely rare. Washington also plays with a high motor, is psychical and extremely tough. As a senior, Washington had 62 tackles, 6 sacks and 11 TFL all while being voted All Conference. Thomas Washington lives in offenses’ backfields routinely. Not only is he a pass rusher but he can also stop the run.

JaMichael Baldwin- A Savannah State transfer, Baldwin is a 5’10 165 receiver, kick and punt returner from Cnoyers, GA. Coach Pelowski described Baldwin as, “dynamic with the ball in his hands.” Balwdin could be dangerous playing in the slot, but he is impact will immediately be felt on special teams. He is a game breaker type of guy returning kicks just like graduation senior All American Malik Wilson. In high school at Rockdale County, Baldwin was was named to first Team All-Area Team, Region 7A Returner of the Year and 7A All-State Team … led state in returning kicks.

Trawn Barrington- A JUCO transfer from Victor Valley College in California, Barrington is a 6’5 310 pound offensive tackle who is ready to play immediately. Barrington already has great size and is as strong as an ox. oon as Barrington gets his hands-on defenders they might as well quit trying because it's over. Trawn is powerful and has great technique. With his experience playing in JUCO Barrington will be competing for a starting position on the offensive line next season.