Demons add 15 prep players to football signing class

NATCHITOCHES – The first National Signing Day class for Northwestern State football coach Blaine McCorkle could be defined by a multitude of numbers.

The Demons added 15 players, all from the high school ranks, Wednesday to the 10 others who joined the NSU program in December and early January. In addition to being the most high school players signed by Northwestern State since 2018, the group is an accomplished one in various disciplines.

“It’s a good day for Northwestern State football,” McCorkle said. “We met a lot of needs with a great group of young men who joined our program today. I want to thank my staff. They did a tremendous job coming in here. We weren’t fully assembled until after the new year, and we didn’t hit (recruiting) full speed until January. To put together a class like this in such a short time frame and with all the recent things here lately speaks to their work ethic, their commitment and their determination to make this right and give the folks at Northwestern State something to be proud of.”

The 15 newest members of the Demon program were split nearly evenly on both sides of the ball with eight offensive players and seven defensive signing National Letters of Intent with Northwestern State.

Included in that number were nine players from Louisiana, backing up McCorkle’s program-building tenet he spoke of at his November hiring news conference.

The in-state players staying home included a pair of Natchitoches Central teammates (slot receiver Camryn Davis and defensive end Braden Woods), a state champion running back from Many (Jeremiah James), a pair of Baton Rouge-area standouts (Parkview Baptist quarterback Abram Johnston and East Ascension wide receiver Brennon Thompson), two Monroe-area products (Ouachita Parish tight end Trevon Bradford and Sterlington linebacker Jackson King) and one player each from Lafayette (Teurlings Catholic cornerback Gylen Ford) and the New Orleans area (Covington offensive lineman Lawson Champagne).

“That’s really exciting,” McCorkle said. “We have two from right here in Natchitoches, Braden Woods and Camryn Davis. I’m really, really excited about that. They have tremendous upside and are kids people here will be really familiar with. Then there’s Jeremiah James from right down the road in Many. He’s a tremendously talented running back a lot of people were after. He was a highly sought after player at our level.

“We did what we sought out to do in scouring the state of Louisiana and bringing in some good, local talent people are familiar with. They’re good football players. We’re not going to bring them in just because they’re local. They are good football players who will help us win time.”

While the Demons’ in-state haul was a blend of skill positions and linemen, NSU went out of state to bolster both sides of the trenches.

Northwestern State added five players from Texas – offensive linemen Logan Brady (Jersey Village) and Ralee Jackson (Plano East), defensive linemen Antoine Milon (Klein Collins) and Brock Reddic (Pine Tree) and linebacker Hayden Jenkins (McKinney Boyd) – and one from Alabama (defensive lineman Michael C. Nixon) that had a clear focus.

“We got some big bodies from Texas, which I’m excited about,” McCorkle said. “We got some defensive linemen and offensive linemen from the Lone Star State at some real positions of need. We pulled one from Hoover (Alabama) where we had some previous connections. In terms of location and distance, we did what we needed to do.”

In addition to their on-field accolades, the 15 Northwestern State signees performed exceptionally well in the classroom as well.

“We wanted to sign people with a high academic profile,” McCorkle said. “The academic profile of the 15 players we added today is an average GPA of 3.3. That’s incredible and almost unheard of. What that tells you is they are motivated. They are disciplined. They are going to handle their business. They’re going to come in and go to work.

“If they come here and stay on track academically, when it’s time to get on the field, they’ve handled their business already and can work on being a better football player. I’ve been doing this a long time, and the longer I do it, the more I believe the smarter kids are tougher kids. We’re going to be a tough football team because those kids have been through adversity and know how to push through things. I’m really excited about the academic profile of this class as well as the talent.”

2024 Northwestern State Football Signees (includes December/January signees)
Trevon Bradford, TE, 6-7, 230, Monroe, La./Ouachita Parish HS
Logan Brady, OL, 6-3, 270, Houston, Texas/Jersey Village HS
Lawson Champagne, OT, 6-4, 260, Covington, La./Covington HS
Camryn Davis, WR, 5-10, 160, Clarence, La./Natchitoches Central HS
Xavier Davis, RB, 5-11, 195, Jackson, Mississippi/Hartfield Academy (Northwest Mississippi CC)
Gylen Ford, CB, 6-0, 190, Lafayette, La./Teurlings Catholic HS
Kekahi Graham, QB, 6-0, 190, Honolulu, Hawaii/St. Louis HS (Pasadena College)
Blake Gotcher, LB, 6-1, 225, Frisco, Texas/Lone Star HS (Lamar)
Landry Huddleston, LB, 5-10, 210, Mobile, Alabama/Alma Bryant HS (Belhaven)
Ralee Jackson, OL, 6-3, 270, Dallas, Texas/Plano East HS
Jeremiah James, RB, 5-10, 195, Many, La./Many HS
Hayden Jenkins, LB, 6-1, 225, McKinney, Texas/Boyd HS
Abram Johnston, QB, 6-1, 195, Baton Rouge, La./Parkview Baptist HS
Jackson King, LB, 6-0, 215, Monroe, La./Sterlington HS
Ray McKneely-Harris, RB, 5-8, 170, Denham Springs, La./Denham Springs HS (Memphis)
Antoine Milon, DT, 6-0, 275, Spring, Texas/Klein Collins HS
Ty Moore, WR, 6-2, 205, Lorena, Texas/Lorena HS (Southwest Mississippi CC)
Michael C. Nixon, DL, 6-0, 265, Hoover, Alabama/Hoover HS
Brock Reddic, DT, 6-4, 300, Longview, Texas/Pine Tree HS
Brennon Thompson, WR, 6-0, 185, Bertrandville, La./East Ascension HS
Ryan Tyler, TE/FB/, 6-3, 250, Pass Christian, Miss./St. Stanislaus (Jones College)
Christian Williams, S, 5-10, 180, Baton Rouge, La/Parkview Baptist (Sam Houston)
Braden Woods DE, 6-4, 220, Natchitoches, La./Natchitoches Central HS
Isaiah Ybarra, OL, 6-3, 290, Katy, Texas/Katy HS

2024 Northwestern State Football Signing Class Bios

 

Trevon Bradford, TE, 6-7, 230, Monroe, La. (Ouachita Parish HS)

High School: Three-year letterman for coaches Todd Garvin and Benji Lewis’ Lions … named first-team all-parish, second-team all-district and All-Northeast Louisiana as a senior … earned second-team all-district honors as both a sophomore and a junior … helped the Lions go 7-6 as a junior and 8-3 as a sophomore, capturing a district title that season … three-year letterman for coach Jeremy Madison’s basketball team, helping the Lions to three district titles … member of the Student Government Association … 4.0 student is in the top 50 of his graduating class and a member of the Principal’s List.

Personal: Son of Catherine … plans to major in health and human performance … wants to play in the NFL and become a nutrition specialist … life’s ambition is to become the best version of himself in all aspects of life.

 

Logan Brady, OL, 6-3, 270, Houston, Texas (Jersey Village HS)

High School: Three-year letterman for coach David Snokhous’ Falcons … earned first-team all-district honors as a senior and second team as a junior … helped lead Jersey Village to a combined 23-13 record and three playoff berths … was an honorable mention all-district honoree as a sophomore … also lettered in track and field as a shot putter … has a 3.0 GPA.

Personal: Son of Adrienne Ewing-Brady and Shon Brady … father played football at Texas Southern … has a brother, Shon Jr., and a sister, Essence … plans to major in industrial engineering technology … wants to pursue a career in professional football or petroleum engineering.

 

Lawson Champagne, OT, 6-4, 260, Covington, La. (Covington HS)

High School: Four-year letterman for coach Greg Salter’s Lions … earned first-team all-district and honorable mention all-state honors as a junior, helping Covington reach the state playoffs … named second-team all-district as a sophomore on a playoff-bound team … helped Covington reach the playoffs as a freshman … four-year track and field letterman … member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes … has a 3.7 GPA and has been an honor roll member all four years of high school.

Personal: Son of Rachel Steinhauer and Trey Champagne … mother was a softball pitcher at Mississippi College and father played football at LSU … has three sisters – Alex, Brooke and Jakey – and a brother, Blaze … plans to major in health and exercise science with a focus in physical therapy … wants to start a business, work in computer engineering or become a physical therapist … life’s ambition is to have a family.

 

Camryn Davis, WR, 5-10, 160, Clarence, La. (Natchitoches Central HS)

High School: Three-year letterman for coaches Jess Curtis and James Wilkerson’s Chiefs … hauled in 67 passes for 1,004 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior … was a versatile performer as a junior, catching 42 passes for 518 yards and seven touchdowns as part of a season in which he totaled 857 all-purpose yards … snagged 18 passes for 186 yards as a sophomore when the Chiefs went 7-4 and reached the state playoffs … earned first-team all-district, first-team All-CENLA, first-team All-318 Sports, second-team all-district and honorable mention all-state honors in his career … lettered three seasons in basketball for coach Kolton Sepulvado … member of the A and B honor rolls … has a 3.3 GPA.

Personal: Son of Anetra Davis and Jeffery Coleman … has two brothers, Colby and Dalyn … plans to major in business administration.

 

Xavier Davis, RB, 5-11, 195, Jackson, Miss./Hartfield Academy (Northwest Mississippi CC)
Prior to NSU: Helped Northwest Mississippi reach consecutive MACCC playoffs, including a berth in the 2022 state title game … ran for 330 yards and added 97 more receiving yards as a sophomore, totaling six touchdowns … rushed for a season-best 105 yards and two touchdowns in an Oct. 12 win against Mississippi Delta … rushed for 288 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman, highlighted by a 117-yard performance in an Oct. 20 win against Holmes … had four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown in a state semifinal win against Jones College … had a 57-yard kick return in the MACCC title game against East Mississippi … member of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll … has a 3.0 GPA.
High School: Four-year letterman for coach Craig Bowman’s Hawks … ran for 1,244 yards and 19 touchdowns as the Hawks finished his senior season as the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class 6A runner-ups … added 10 catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns … returned two kicks for touchdowns … chosen for the MAIS Class 4A-5A-6A All-Star Game and the Magnolia State All-Star Game … was named the MAIS 6A Offensive Player of the Year … rushed for 1,120 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior, helping Hartfield go 8-4 … earned Class 5A All-MAIS honors … holds the Hartfield school record in both the 100 and 200 meters, long jump and several relays … was part of the Executive Council at Hartfield.
Personal: Son of Kenitra and Larry Davis … father played college football at Mississippi Valley State … has three brother – Jamall, John and LJ – and a sister, Daija … majoring in physical science … hopes to play in the NFL and live a successful life.

 

Gylen Ford, CB, 6-0, 190, Church Point, La. (Teurlings Catholic HS)

High School: Three-year letterman for coach Dane Charpentier’s Rebels … recorded 39 tackles and three interceptions as a senior, helping Teurlings go 9-4 … named second-team all-district and earned the leadership award … picked off three passes for the Rebels as a junior, helping them reach the state semifinals …  part of a state semifinal team as a sophomore … track and field letterman has qualified for the state meet as part of the 4×100 and 4×200 meter relay teams … has a 3.2 GPA.

Personal: Son of Carlissa and Peter Ford … has a brother, Omere … plans to major in health and exercise science … wants to become a physical or an occupational therapist … life’s ambition is to achieve all his goals and to be happy.

 

Kekahi Graham, QB, 6-0, 190, Honolulu, Hawaii (St. Louis HS/Pasadena College)

Prior to NSU: Threw for 2,013 yards and 21 touchdowns in 10 games for Pasadena College … led Pasadena to a 9-2 record … had a 407-yard, five-touchdown performance in a win against Desert … accounted for six touchdowns and threw for 277 yards in a win against West Los Angeles.

High School: Played for head coach Ron Lee’s Crusaders … also lettered in soccer and golf … graduated with a 3.5 GPA.

Personal: Son of Celine and Gery Graham … has a brother, Kaimi, and a sister, Bree … majoring in general studies … life’s ambition is to be a Pilot.

 

Blake Gotcher, LB, 6-1, 230, Little Elm, Texas (Frisco Lone Star HS/Lamar)

Prior to NSU: Played two seasons at Lamar, recording 80 tackles, two sacks and an interception … appeared in 22 games with 11 starts for the Cardinals.

High School: Two-time all-conference selection for coach Jeff Rayburn’s Rangers … graduated with a 3.56 GPA.

Personal: Son of Windy and Kevin Gotcher … has four sisters – Tyler, Ella, Katelyn and Alexis – and a brother, Austin … majoring in business administration … life’s ambition is to play in the NFL.

 

Landry Huddleston, LB, 5-11, 215, Mobile, Alabama (Irvington HS/Belhaven)

Prior to NSU: Recorded 52 tackles (8.5 for loss) and 4.5 sacks in 18 career games at Belhaven … recorded two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two pass breakups for the Blazers during their 2023 USA South championship season … earned two USA South Defensive Rookie of the Week honors in 2022.

High School: Four-year letterman for coaches Bart Sessions and Doug Hoehn’s Hurricanes … also lettered four years in soccer for coach Dustin Higgins … member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes … graduated with a 3.4 GPA.

Personal: Son of Leann and Adam Huddleston … has two sisters, Andee and Annalee … majoring in general studies … wants to coach or join the military … life’s ambition is to have a successful career and create a family.

 

Ralee Jackson, OL, 6-3, 270, Dallas, Texas (Plano East HS)

High School: Four-year letterman for coach Tony Benedetto’s Panthers … helped East go 6-5 in his senior season, reaching the playoffs for the first time in five years … three-time academic all-district selection has a 3.4 GPA.

Personal: Son of Ladon … has a brother, Ranu, and a sister, Ra’Ahn … plans to major in business administration … wants to become an investment banker.

 

Jeremiah James, RB, 5-10, 195, Many, La. (Many HS)

High School: Lettered four seasons for coaches Jess Curtis and Dillion Barrett’s Tigers … named first-team all-state and all-district and was the district Offensive Player of the Year as a senior, helping the Tigers go 9-3 … named second-team all-state and first-team all-district as a junior, helping Many go 14-0 and win the state title … named KSLA’s Player of the Week for the state championship game … first-team all-district and second-team all-state running back as a sophomore as Many went 13-2 and reached the state title game … owns the school single-game record of seven touchdowns … second-team all-district baseball outfielder as a freshman for coach Toby Remedies … also has reached the state track meet as part of the 4×200 meter relay team.

Personal: Son of Brittany James and Akheem Thomas … plans to major in business administration … wants to become a real estate agent … life’s ambition is to make it to the NFL.

 

Hayden Jenkins, LB, 6-1, 225, McKinney, Texas (Boyd HS)

High School: Lettered two seasons for coaches Daniel Foster and Joe McBride’s Broncos … was named first-team all-district H-back after compiling 800 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns as a senior … first-team academic all-district selection … helped Boyd to an 8-2 record and a state playoff berth as a sophomore … two-year track and field letterman, competing in the shot put and the 100 meters … holds a 3.4 grade point average.

Personal: Son of Sarah and Jeff Jenkins … father played football at LSU … has four sisters – Shelby, Kennedy, Cassidy and Madelyn … plans to major in health and exercise science … career plans are to leave a legacy and work hard … life’s ambition is to spread God’s word.

 

Abram Johnston, QB, 6-1, 195, Baton Rouge, La. (Parkview Baptist HS)

High School: Three-year letterman for coach Stefan Lefors’ Eagles … named district Offensive MVP, first-team all-district and All-Metro and second-team all-state as a senior after throwing for 2,621 yards and 40 touchdowns as Parkview went 10-3 and reached the state quarterfinals … earn all-district honors and was the team’s offensive MVP as a junior, throwing for 2,212 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading Parkview to a 10-3 record and a second straight state quarterfinal berth … named team offensive MVP as a sophomore after accounting for 823 yards and 14 touchdowns when Parkview went 7-5 and reached the second round of the state playoffs … four-year soccer letterman owns the school goal record … earned first-team all-district, All-Metro and all-state honors in soccer as a junior … scored 20 goals as a freshman, earning first-team all-district and All-Metro honors … holds a 3.83 GPA and is a member of Mu Alpha Theta.

Personal: Son of Shelly Rogers and Barrett Johnston … has three sisters – Faith, Ella Kate and Samantha … plans to major in biology … wants to become a dentist … life’s ambition is to help spread the word of Jesus, return to football when he is older, helping out at the high school level or younger.

 

Jackson King, LB, 6-0, 215, Monroe, La. (Sterlington HS)

High School: Four-year letterman for coach Lee Doty’s Panthers … helped the Panthers win the state championship with a 15-0 record as a sophomore and reach the state semifinals with an 11-2 mark as a senior … earned first-team all-district honors and was an honorable mention all-state pick as a senior … named to The News-Star’s All-Area Team as a senior … four-year letterman for Mark Sims’ baseball team … carries a 4.0 GPA and will be his class’s valedictorian.

Personal: Son of Shenika and Jason King … has a sister, Jordyn … plans to major in biology with a pre-med focus … wants to attend medical school and become an orthopedic surgeon … life’s ambition is to help athletes get back to playing the sports they love.

 

Ray McKneely-Harris, RB, 5-8, 170, Denham Springs, La./Denham Springs HS (Memphis)
Prior to NSU: Redshirted during the 2023 season at Memphis … earned Academic Player of the Week honors.
High School: Four-year letterman for coach Beard’s Yellow Jackets … rushed for 994 yards and 15 touchdowns in 11 games as a senior, helping Denham Springs reach the state semifinals … ran for 1,226 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior while completing all three of his pass attempts for 51 yards … eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark (1,023) in just eight games as a sophomore, posting 16 touchdowns … ran for 956 yards and 17 touchdowns as a freshman … four-time all-state selection and first-team all-district honoree … also lettered in baseball … graduated with a 3.5 GPA.
Personal: Son of Tyrisha and Terrell Harris … has two sisters, Taylor and Ty’riell … majoring in computer information systems and hopes to work in that field … life’s ambition is taking care of his family.

 

Antoine Milon, DT, 6-0, 275, Spring, Texas (Klein Collins HS)

High School: Two-year letterman for coach Corey Callins’ Tigers … helped the Tigers to consecutive 10-win seasons … also lettered in track and field for coach Robbie Bradshaw … has a 3.5 GPA.

Personal: Son of Angela and Lannie Milon … has a brother, Hushel, and a sister, Kearra … plans to major in electrical engineering technology … plans to enter the engineering field … life’s ambition is to make a lot of money.

 

Ty Moore, WR, 6-2, 205, Lorena, Texas/Lorena HS (Southwest Mississippi CC)
Prior to NSU: Spent two seasons at Southwest Mississippi Community College and one at Baylor … caught eight passes for 117 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore … his touchdown grab was a 55-yarder against Pearl River … hauled in 16 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman … had touchdown grabs in back-to-back games against East Central and Hinds … redshirted one season at Baylor … has a 3.6 GPA.
High School: All-State wide receiver for coach Ray Biles’ Leopards … finished his career with 97 catches for more than 2,100 yards and 26 touchdowns … earned Academic All-State honors and was the No. 3 ranked receiver in Texas … also competed in basketball, baseball, soccer and track and field … graduated with a 4.0 GPA.
Personal: Son of Janice and Glenn Moore, both former Northwestern State athletes … Janice won the 1992 Southland Conference outdoor high jump title and held the school record at 5-8.75 … Glenn is a former NSU football player … has three brothers – Cameron, Connor and Chase – and a sister, Jacey … majoring in psychology and plans to go into coaching or counseling … life’s ambition is to go wherever God leads him and help others with the gifts God has given him.

 

Michael C. Nixon, DL, 6-0, 265, Hoover, Alabama (Hoover HS)

High School: Three-year letterman for coaches Wade Waldrop and Josh Niblett’s Bucs … earned second-team all-region honors and the BUC Award for top defensive lineman … was a team captain … three-year track and field letterman earned Most Improved Field athlete honors … three-time state qualifier has two top-five finishes in the shot put … part of the Alabama Class 7A state championship team … holds a 3.4 GPA and has been a Lawson State Community College STEM Scholar while taking dual-enrollment classes … has been a mentor to and volunteered with local elementary and middle schools.

Personal: Son of Joaniteka Whitlow and Daniel Nixon … has a brother, Daniel, who was an All-American in the 800 meters at Mississippi State and Iowa State, was a finalist in the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials and currently runs professionally for Adidas/Atlanta Track Club … plans to major in business administration … has NFL aspirations and wants to earn his master’s degree before becoming an entrepreneur … life’s ambitions are to grow his relationship with God, make it to the NFL, always bet on himself, to never lose hope, to focus on what matters in life, travel the world and leave a positive impact everywhere he goes.

 

Brock Reddic, DT, 6-4, 300, Longview, Texas (Pine Tree HS)

High School: Four-year letterman for coach Jason Bachman’s Pirates … named the team’s most valuable defensive lineman … helped the Pirates go 6-5 and reach the state playoffs as a senior … recorded 50 tackles, five quarterback hurries, four tackles for loss and two sacks as a junior … track and field letterman qualified for the regional meet in the shot put.

Personal: Son of Latasha and Bernasko Reddic … has three sisters – Nkeja, Tiana and Chalile – and a brother, Bo … plans to major in industrial engineering technology … plans to work in the petroleum engineering sector … life’s ambition is to dominate every category in life.

 

Brennon Thompson, WR, 6-0, 185, Bertrandville, La. (East Ascension HS)

High School: Four-year letterman for coach Darnell Lee’s Spartans … earned second-team all-district honors as a wide receiver as a senior … named second-team all-district as an athlete in his sophomore and junior seasons, helping East Ascension reach the second round of the state playoffs each season … honorable mention all-district pick as a freshman … also lettered in track and field … worked with the Darry Beckwith Foundation … holds a 3.4 GPA.

Personal: Son of Treniece and Shannon Thompson … has one brother, Blake, who played football at Southern … cousin of Shazz Preston (Tulane) and Shawn Preston Jr. (Mississippi State), both of whom played college football … plans to major in health and human performance … wants to play in the NFL and open a personal training business … life’s ambition is to take his football career to the next level.

 

Ryan Tyler, TE/FB, 6-3, 250, Pass Christian, Miss./St. Stanislaus (Jones College)
Prior to NSU: Played two seasons at Jones College … appeared in 17 games as a tight end/fullback … caught seven passes for 49 yards in his career and added a pair of tackles … earned honorable mention all-region honors as a senior … has been a member of both the Faculty and Dean’s lists … has a 3.89 GPA.
High School: Lettered four seasons for coach Nate Encrapera’s Rock-a-Chaws … named the Sea Coast Echo’s Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and was a Super 22 and second-team all-state linebacker … recorded 103 tackles, 16 for loss, and 3.5 sacks as a senior while adding 46 yards receiving … named a team captain … recorded 78 tackles and 1.5 sacks as a junior … had 48 tackles and four sacks as a sophomore … won the Class 3A discus state championship as a senior and was the state runner-up as a junior … produced a top-five finish in the state meet as a freshman … graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Phi Theta Kappa.
Personal: Son of Angela and Ken Tyler … has one brother, Brett … majoring in business administration with a management emphasis … hopes to enter the engineering field.

Christian Williams, S, Baton Rouge, La./Parkview Baptist HS (Sam Houston)
Prior to NSU: Lettered two seasons at Sam Houston … part of the Bearkats’ 2021 WAC championship team and member of Sam’s first team at the Football Bowl Subdivision level.
High School: Lettered four seasons for coach Stefan LeFors’ Eagles … helped Parkview reach the state quarterfinals as a senior, catching 19 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown while adding 25 tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups on defense … caught 16 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns as a junior, making 21 tackles on defense … finished his career with 159 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 23 pass breakups, five interceptions, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick … named the team’s defensive MVP as a freshman … also lettered in basketball, track and field and baseball … was part of a 4×400 relay team that qualified for the state meet … member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes … graduated with a 3.0 GPA.
Personal: Son of Kimberly and Glenn Maze …. his uncle, Jessie Daniels, was part of LSU’s 2003 national championship team while his godfather, Jonathan Zenon, won a national title with the Tigers in 2007 … communication major who wants to pursue a career in sport administration … life’s ambition is to positively shape the lives of young people through athletics.

 

Braden Woods, DE, 6-4, 220, Natchitoches, La. (Natchitoches Central HS)
High School: Four-year letterman for coaches Jess Curtis, James Wilkerson and Brandon Helms’ Chiefs … earned all-district honors as a junior and as a senior … earned honorable mention all-district honors as a sophomore when Natchitoches Central went 7-4 … helped the Chiefs reach the state playoffs as a freshman and a sophomore … also lettered in baseball for coaches Regan Kaufman, a former NSU baseball player, and Helms.

Personal: Son of Tiffany and Kyle Woods … has two brothers – Parker and Nolan – and a sister, Kailey … plans to major in secondary education … wants to become a high school or college football coach … life’s ambition is to strive to be the best person, student, athlete and example for others.

 

Isaiah Ybarra, OL, 6-3, 295, Katy, Texas (Katy HS/Stetson)

Prior to NSU: Spent one season at Stetson, appearing in six games.

High School: Lettered four years for coach Gary Joseph’s Tigers … earned first-team all-state and all-district honors … graduated with a 3.5 GPA.

Personal: Son of Nona and Erik Ybarra … has two sisters, Erika and Melie, and a brother, Titus … majoring in psychology with an emphasis on development psychology … life’s ambition is to have a big family.