ODU Football Announces 2012 Signing Class

Feb. 1, 2012

NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion head coach Bobby Wilder announced on Wednesday the signing of 16 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play football for the Monarchs, beginning this fall, along with three signees that have joined the Monarchs for the spring semester.

The 2012 Monarch recruiting class consists of athletes from Virginia, as well as North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, New Jersey, Florida, and the District of Columbia.

"Our coaching staff is excited with our recruiting class", said Wilder. "As with our previous classes, the majority of the student-athletes that are coming to ODU have played multiple positions on special teams, defense, and offense. This is a great benefit to our program as we look to the future and the coaching staff evaluates these young men when they arrive on campus. As always, I am grateful to the many people associated with Old Dominion who continue to provide support to our program. President Broderick and his staff, our deans and many professors, Athletic Director Wood Selig and our athletic administration are a major part of the success we've had in our recruiting process."

Since restarting its football team in 2009, Old Dominion has become the winningest start-up program in FCS history with a three-year total of 27 wins and only eight losses. In the 2011 season, the Monarchs concluded the year at 10-3 overall and ranked No. 10 in both The Sports Network/Fathead.com and FCS Coaches Final Polls. 

In their first season of conference play, ODU went 6-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association, a league which sent five teams to the post-season. The Monarchs, picked to finish 10th in the CAA Preseason Poll, ended the year in a tie for second place in the conference and ranked 10th in the nation in the final FCS polls.

ODU also made its first post-season appearance in 2011, advancing to the second round of the FCS playoffs.

In the upcoming 2012 season, the ODU Football Monarchs will face three squads from the 2011 FCS playoffs and four teams that ranked among the Top-25 in the final polls.

The 2012 season kicks off on Sept. 1 against Duquesne at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.  Other home games for the Monarchs include Campbell (Sept. 15), No. 11 New Hampshire (Sept. 22), Villanova (Oct. 13), No. 17 Delaware (Oct. 27), and William & Mary (Nov. 10).  Road games for ODU include Hampton (Sept. 8), Richmond (Sept. 29), No. 9 Towson (Oct. 20), Georgia State (Nov. 3), and No. 15 James Madison (Nov. 17).

MEET THE MONARCHS:

Ervin Johnson      -      LB       -     6-1      -      200      -      Bradenton, Fla./Manatee/Dean JC

A transfer from Dean Junior College coached by Todd Vasey...Joined the Monarchs in the spring of 2012 with two years of eligibility remaining...As a sophomore at Dean Junior College in 2011, was a First Team All-Northeast Football Conference selection...Helped his team to the Northeast Football Conference Championship and the Valley of the The Sun Bowl Championships...Dean Junior College finished the 2011 campaign at 8-1 overall and ranked eighth in the final NJCAA national poll...Totaled 20 tackles (14 solo, 6 assisted), including three for loss along with an interception...

Born January 20, 1991...Son of Lillie Brown and Otis Johnson...Has three brothers, Anthony, Brian, and Otis...Plans to major in criminal justice.

"When I came on my visit, I felt like there was a big family here and I wanted to be a part of it. The program is on the right track and I want to help the program." - Ervin Johnson on choosing ODU

Rahsaan Moore     -       DE       -     6-2     -       240       -     District Heights, Md./Wise/Maryland

Comes to Old Dominion after two seasons at Maryland...Will have three years of eligibility with the Monarchs....

Played fullback at Wise High School for Dalwan Parrish...Ranked as the No. 16 fullback nationally by Scout.com and was No. 94 among defensive ends by Scouts, Inc....Honorable Mention All-State selection on defense his senior season...Totaling 461 yards on 74 carries with 15 touchdowns for the offense...Honorable Mention All-Met selection as a junior in 2009...Posted 38 solo tackles, including five sacks, and two interceptions helping the Pumas reach the Class 4A state final...

Born July 26, 1992...Son of Richard and Robin Moore...Has one sister, Reyna...Plans to major in criminal justice.

"When I came on my visit, I knew this was the place I wanted to come. ODU has an incredible family atmosphere and I feel like I now have one sister and 100 brothers. - Rahsaan Moore on choosing ODU

Darius Wilkins     -       DE       -     6-3     -       225      -      Apex, N.C./Middle Creek

Played defensive end at Middle Creek High School for Sean Crocker...Graduated high school a semester early...As a senior, accumulated 79 tackles (62 solo, 17 assisted), including 11 sacks for 52 yards lost...Also had five tackles for a loss of 25 yards...Made one interception, a pair of pass break-ups, along with three fumbles caused and two fumble recoveries...Helped Middle Creek advance to the third round of the playoffs...Named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Area...As a junior, helped Middle Creek to a 10-3 regular season record and 7-1 conference mark. The First Team All-Conference selection helped his team to win a share of the Tri-9 Conference title. In his junior year, Wilkins posted 103 tackles and 10 sacks as Middle Creek posted a 9-4 overall record, including a 6-2 mark in the Tri-Nine 4A Conference and second round playoff appearance. He also returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown and a fumble 40 yards for a score...

Born November 2, 1993...Son of James Jr. and Stephanie Wilkins...Has one brother, Demetrius, and one sister, Jazmyn...Currently undecided on a major but interested in sports management.

"I felt like ODU was the right fit for me. I felt like I meshed well with the coaches and the players. I knew I wanted to come to here after I was here for the Richmond game and met Coach Wilder. He was so excited and enthusiastic about football and I loved that." - Darius Wilkins on choosing ODU"

Larry Alston III       -     LB       -     6-1      -      230      -      Aberdeen, N.J./Matawan

 Played safety and running back at Matawan High School for Joe Martucci...Named Second Team All-State All-Groups and was First-Team Group II All-State, All-County, and All-Shore selection...Helped the Huskies win their second Central Jersey Group II title in three seasons with a 9 -3 overall record in 2011...Carried the ball 109 times for 948 yards and 13 touchdowns...Also made 20 catches for 300 yards and five touchdowns...Defensively, made 38 tackles (13 solo, 25 assisted) along with four forced fumbles, six interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries...Selected to play in the North-South All-Star Game...

Born March 25, 1994...Son of Larry Alston Jr.and Juanicia Everett...Has four sisters, Whitni, Johnnyce, Latryana, and Adriana...Plans to major in business marketing.

Other Schools Considered: Temple, Rutgers, Nevada

"I love the people, the coaches, the players, and the facilities that ODU has.  I cannot wait to be a part of the whole ODU family." - Larry Alston III on choosing ODU

C. J. Bradshaw     -       RB       -     5-10      -      185       -     Kinston, N.C./Kinston

A three-sport athlete at Kinston High School playing football, basketball and baseball...Played quarterback and safety at Kinston for Nick Anderson...Co-Offensive Player of the Year for the Eastern Plains 2A Conference...First Team All-Conference at quarterback...Two-time 2A Conference Player of the Week...Named the 2011 Frank L. Mock Award for athlete of the year...Ended his senior season in 2011 with 2,475 passing yards and 812 rushing yards...Completed 52% of his passes and averaged 17.9 yards per completion and 176.8 yards passing per contest along with 27 touchdowns...Averaged 7.7 yards per rush reaching the end zone eight times....Helped the Vikings to a class 2-AA Eastern Regional Title and the state runner-up at 13-2 overall...Named the 2011 State Championship Offense Player of the Game...As a junior in 2010, the Vikings captured a 10-2 overall mark...Three-time all-conference honoree in baseball and named the Defensive MVP in 2011...Member of the 2011 North Carolina PowerAde State Games championship team...Helped Kinston to the 2009 North Carolina 2A Championship in basketball...

Born May 6, 1994...Son of Christopher and Christa Bradshaw...Plans to major in criminal justice.

Other Schools Considered: Elon, Furman, Murray State, Navy, The Citadel, Army, North Carolina A&T

"I felt right at home during my visit.  I felt as if I had known the coaches and players for years.  The campus atmosphere was very welcoming and inviting.  I can't imagine being at any other university." - C.J. Bradshaw on choosing ODU

Troy Butler      -      OL       -     6-3       -     300     -       Chesapeake, Va./Hickory

Played offensive guard at Hickory High School for Jupiter Wilson and Tim Sitterson...Two-time All-Tidewater and All-Southeastern District as a junior and senior in 2010 and 2011...Second Team All-Eastern District as a senior in 2011...Named First Team All-State by VA Preps and First Team All-757 by Recruit 757.com in 2011...As a junior in 2010 was named First Team All-757 Junior Offensive Line and Second Team Offensive Line by Recruit 757.com...Selected to Hickory's Ironhawk (combine) club in 2009, 2010, & 2011...Named Most Valuable Offensive Lineman at the National Underclassman Combine as a junior in 2010...Captained the Hawks as a senior in 2011 and selected as Hickory's Offensive Player of the Year...Named Hickory's Offensive Lineman of the Year as a junior and senior in 2010 and 2011...Also ran two seasons of track & field...

Born November 3, 1993...Son of David and Mary Butler...Undecided on a major.

Other Schools Considered: Ball State, Western Michigan, Liberty, James Madison, Richmond, William & Mary

"It's my hometown team.  The school has great fan support, great game-day atmosphere, an awesome football program along with great coaches and players." - Troy Butler on choosing ODU

Calvert Cook       -        LB        -       6-0         -      210        -       Norfolk, Va./Booker T. Washington

Played linebacker and full back at Booker T. Washington High School for Che Jacobs...First Team All-Eastern District honors as a senior in 2011...Second Team All-Eastern District selection as a junior in 2010 amassing 105 tackles and an interception...Recorded 71 tackles, including 13 for loss and a pair of sacks en-route to earning Honorable Mention All-Area honors as a sophomore.

Born February 19, 1994...Son of George and Sharon Cook...Has two brothers, BJ and Micah...Has one sister, Courtney...Plans to major in either sports management or education. 

Other Schools Considered: Appalachian State, Western Michigan, James Madison, Richmond, Hampton, Liberty, Murray St., Norfolk St., North Carolina Central

"I chose ODU because I heard good things about the school.   From the athletic program to academics, I felt that ODU was the best fit." - Calvert Cook on choosing ODU

 Galen Evans    -     DT    -     6-3    -     300     -    Annapolis, Md./Annapolis Area Christian School

Two-way lineman playing left tackle and defensive tackle at Annapolis Area Christian School for Ken Lucas...Earned Second Team All-State Honors from the Baltimore Sun in 2011...As a senior, collected 63 tackles, including eight sacks, along with two fumble recoveries as Annapolis Area Christian went 10-2 overall...An All-County selection his junior season...Helped the Eagles' to an 18-game winning streak spanning his junior and senior campaigns...Averaged 6.0 tackles per game totaling 54 total stops his junior year as the Eagles went 10-0... Galen's father, Vern, played quarterback at the University of Minnesota. 

Other Schools Considered: Duquesne, East Carolina, Marshall, Kent State, Rhode Island, St. Francis (PA), Towson, Tulane

 Andrew Everett     -       DE      -      6-5      -      210        -         Lawrenceville, Ga./Collins Hill

Played defensive end and wide receiver at Collins Hill High School for Kevin Reach...Hails from the same high school as current Monarch quarterback Taylor Heinicke...Named to the Gwinnett County All-Star Team at defensive end, First Team 7AAAAA Region at linebacker, and Second Team Gwinnett Daily Post All-Gwinnett County Team as a senior...Was also a three-time Gwinnett Daily Post Defensive Player of the Week and Preseason All-State selection...Was also a Second Team Gwinnett Touchdown Touchdown Club honoree at linebacker...Helped Screamin' Eagles to the first round of the Georgia AAAAA playoffs in 2011...Made 58 tackles, including 21 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 2011...Also broke up 11 passes, blocked four kicks, and forced three fumbles...At wide receiver caught eight passes for 116 yards...As a junior in 2010, was a Honorable Mention Gwinnett County Touchdown Club honoree...Made 63 tackles, including 21 tackles for loss...His 18 sacks in his junior campaign not only lead the team but was third in the county...Additionally, he had eight blocked passes and two forced fumbles...Also had 11 receptions for 134 yards...Helped Collins Hill rank No. 3 in the state and advanced to the Georgia AAAAA semi-finals finishing 2011 at 10-4 overall...In 2009, was the only sophomore to earn a varsity letter as the Screamin' Eagles reached the first round of the Georgia AAAAA playoffs...Had eight tackles on special teams along with a blocked kick and forced fumble...Also was a state qualifier in track with the 4x400 relay team and took fourth place in the 7 AAAAA regionals...Played basketball during the 2008-09 season helping Collins Hill to a 22-7 record, the Region 7AAAAA championship and a No. 7 ranking in the state...

 Born July 26, 1993...Son of Patrick Everett and Karen Reehling...Has one sister, Karen...Plans to major in business.

Other Schools Considered:  Southern Miss, Ball State, Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Elon, Wake Forest

"I want to play for a national championship.  I love the coaching staff and the campus environment.  I love the `AIM HIGH' attitude in academics, football, and life." - Andrew Everett on choosing ODU

Jacob Green     -        DT      -      6-4        -    250        -    Greensboro N.C./ Page

Played defensive line at Page High School for Kevin Gillespie...Helped the Pirates to a perfect 15-0 overall record and 6-0 mark in league play and a 4AA state championship as a senior in 2011...Recorded 75 tackles in his senior campaign, including 53 tackles for loss and 11 sacks...Also made two deflections and blocked three extra points...A two-time All-Conference selection in 2010 and 2011 as a junior and senior...

Born October 28, 1993...Son of Anne Green...Has three brothers, Steven, Travis, and Dustin, and one sister, Maggie... Grandfather played baseball for the Cardinals...Major is undecided. 

Other Schools Considered:  Appalachian State, Georgia State, Elon, Furman, Charlotte, Richmond, and The Citadel 

"Academics, the fact it was a new football program, the facilities, and the coaching staff all played a part in coming to ODU." - Jacob Green on choosing ODU

Malique Johnson      -      DB       -     6-2       -     195        -    Glen Burnie, Md./Annapolis Area Christian School

Played free safety, wide receiver, tight end and linebacker at Annapolis Area Christian School for Ken Lucas...First Team Small School All-State Team...A First Team All-County and Second Team All-Metro selection...Helped the Eagles to the MIAA B Conference Championship in 2011 and a 10-2 overall mark...Led the team with seven interceptions as a senior in 2011, returning a pair for touchdowns...Totaled three touchdowns in his senior campaign....Helped Annapolis Area Christian to a 10-0 record and the MIAA C Conference Championship in 2010... the 2011 Gridiron Elite 8 Defensive Player of the Year...

Born May 26, 1994...Son of Curtis and Kristalyn Johnson...Has two brothers, Jaiden and Desmond...Planning to major in either sports medicine, exercise science or sports management. 

Other Schools Considered:  Penn State, Marshall, Northern Illinois, Towson, Villanova, Liberty, Howard, Bryant, Robert Morris, St. Francis (PA), Indiana State, Maryland, Maine, Virginia, Bucknell, Delaware, Wagner 

"I have a great relationship with the coaches and it's a young team on the uprise.  ODU was close enough where my family can see me play.  ODU not only has my major, but a strong program, a great relationship with the athletes, and a very high number of graduates in my field with jobs." - Malique Johnson on choosing ODU

Andrew Maddox     -        OL      -      6-5       -     280       -     Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge

Started at right and left tackle at Woodbridge High School for Kevin Smith...Two-time Cardinal District All-Star...Washington Post All-Met Watch List as a senior...Helped the Vikings' run game to rush for a combined total of 1565 yards...Captained the Woodbridge squad as a senior in 2011...Member of the Woodbridge team that captured the district championship in 2009 and were district runner-ups in 2010...Threw shot put and discus...Placed second in the district and qualified for Northwest Regionals...Also played hockey as a freshman and sophomore and was a part of the VHSL state championship team...Earned Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League All-Academic Team honors in 2009 and 2010...

Born November 28, 1993...Son of Stephanie and the late Gerry Maddox...Has one sister, Lauren...Grandfather, Gene Maddox, was the first baseball player from Prince William County to sign a pro baseball contract, signing with the Washington Senators...Undecided on a major but interested in marketing or sports management.

Other Schools Considered: Ohio, Buffalo, Western Michigan, Richmond, UMass, VMI, Bucknell, Delaware

"From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could see myself as a student and an athlete at ODU.  I was very impressed by the coaching staff, the excellent facilities, and fan support of the football program.  ODU offered the majors I was interested in pursuing.  All of this plus the school's obvious commitment to the football program made my decision to attend ODU an easy choice." - Andrew Maddox on choosing ODU

Colin McElroy        -     QB      -      6-0      -      185       -      Alpharetta, Ga./Milton

Played quarterback for at Milton High School for Howard DeCristofaro...Totaled 2,354 yards passing and passed for 16 touchdowns in his career...Also totaled 504 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in his career...Passed for 1,175 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior in 2011...Also ran the ball for 229 yards and six touchdowns...Named North Fulton Player of the Week...Came away with the Gold Gun Award at Elite 11 camp at both the University of Alabama and University of Georgia...Also served as team captain...

Born January 4, 1994...Son of Brian and Tammy McElroy...Father played linebacker at the University of West Georgia winning the DIII national championship in 1983...Has one brother, Connor...Plans to major in finance. 

Other School Considered: Richmond, Towson, Troy, Furman, Lehigh, Princeton

"The leadership of the coaching staff impressed me as well as the school's facilities and academics.  I also liked the location of the school." - Colin McElroy on choosing ODU

Anderson Miller      -      DE      -      6-2        -    230       -     Virginia Beach, Va./First Colonial

Played defensive end and tight end at First Colonial High School for Bill McTyre and Sam Scarborough....First Team All-Tidewater and First Team All-Beach District as a senior in 2011...Holds First Colonial's tackle record with 326 stops...Started 39 games for the Patriots with 326 tackles in his career, including 24 sacks and 49 tackles for loss along with six fumble recoveries... 

Born February 1, 1994....Son of Andy and Stacy Miller...Has one sister, Megan...Great grandfather is a member of the Ohio State Hall of Fame...Grandfather, father, and uncle all played Division I football...Undecided on a major. 

Other School Considered: Virginia, Miami (Ohio), Kent State, James Madison, Richmond

"The reason I chose ODU is because it has an amazing fan base within the community, an excellent program, great academics, and the coaching staff is first class." - Anderson Miller on choosing ODU

Fellonte Misher    -         S       -     6-2        -    190       -     Washington, D.C/Coolidge

Played wide receiver and safety at Coolidge High School for Natalie Randolph ...Two-time All-League at wide receiver and defensive back in 2010 and 2011...Named an All-Met defensive back in 2011...Helped the Colts to three playoff appearances and were DCIAA runner-ups in 2008 and 2011...Captured 13 touchdowns...Made 17 tackles in one game...

Born April 26, 1994....Son of Lawrence Misher and Star Rowell...Has two brothers, Lonell and Lawrence Jr...Major is undecided. 

Other Schools Considered: N.C State, East Carolina, Youngstown State

"I really liked the coaching staff and the program overall.  I know I will graduate with a quality degree while also being able to continue my career on the field." - Fellonte Misher on choosing ODU

Zach Pascal      -      WR       -     6-2       -     195      -      Upper Marlboro, Md./Wise

Played wide receiver and cornerback at Wise for Dalawn Parrish...As a senior made 21 catches for over 500 yards and eight touchdowns...Named First Team All- County and Third-Team All-State...Participated in the 2012 All-State Chic-fil-A Challenge Football Game...Helped Wise to a 9-2 overall mark in 2011 and were PG 4A runner-ups...As a junior, helped Wise to a 12-2 record as the Pumas captured the PG 4A championship and were 4A State runner-ups...

Born December 18, 1994...Son of Royan and Deslyn Pascal...Has one brother, Donnell, and one sister, Zoe...Plans to major in sports management.

Other Schools Considered: James Madison, Towson, New Hampshire, Villanova, Toledo

"I chose ODU for a couple of reasons.  I feel like I'm becoming part of a family and the players and coaching staff make me feel like I'm at home.  ODU's academics fill my expectations. I can't wait to be a part of the athletics organization.  I love ODU." - Zach Pascal on choosing ODU

Rashawn Proctor     -       WR     -       6-1      -      175      -      Hampton, Va./Bethel

Played wide receiver and defensive back at Bethel High School for Jeff Nelson...2011 First Team All-Eastern Region Team as a senior...Also a 2011 First Team All-Peninsula District Team selection at wide receiver...Also a First Team All-757 Preps, First Team Recruit 757.com, Virginia Preps.com, and First Team Daily Press honoree...Led the Eastern Region in receiving yards with 45 receptions for 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns his senior season...Is the first Bethel receiver with over 1,000 yards receiving and only the fourth receiver in Peninsula District history over 1,000 yards...Averaged 22.5 yards per catch...Named to the 2012 Virginia High School Coaches All-Star Game...Named the 2011 Bethel Football Most Valuable Player and the 2010 Bethel High School Player of the Year...Also ran three seasons of track...

Born January 13, 1994...Son of Reginald and Hazel Proctor...Has one brother, Reginald II, and one sister, Regina...Plans to major to criminal justice.

Other Schools Considered: Maryland, Navy, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, Towson, Hampton

"Old Dominion not only has a great family atmosphere, but prestigious academic programs, and tremendous athletic support.  ODU impressed me not only with the coaching staff, but the academic and athletic opportunities that help me in the future.  It's an up and coming program I'm proud to be a part of." - Rashawn Proctor on choosing ODU

Terrell Reid    -        LB    -        6-2       -     220        -    Washington, D.C./McKinley Tech

Played tight end, running back, defensive end, and linebacker at McKinely Tech High School for Antonio Price...Named DCIAA First Team Defense as an outside linebacker...Captained the 2011 McKinley Tech squad...Totaled 109 tackles in his career, including eight sacks and 10 tackles for loss...Also forced seven fumbles...Carried the ball 18 times for 300 yards and made 12 receptions for 185 yards during his senior campaign...Registered eight touchdowns...Was also a member of the basketball and baseball teams...

Born July 11, 1994...Son of Terrill Reid and Shara Thomas...Has one sister, Taleah...Plans to major in either computer science or marine biology.

Other Schools Considered:  Maryland, West Virginia, Rutgers, Utah, Towson

"The reason I chose ODU is because the academics are great, the football program is rapidly growing, and I can see myself starting life here." - Terrell Reid on choosing ODU

David Washington     -       QB     -       6-3       -     195     -       Raleigh, N.C./Southeast Raleigh

Played quarterback at Southeast Raleigh for Daniel Finn...Two-time Greater Neuse Conference (GNRC) Player of the Year as a junior and senior...Selected to the All-GNRC Team in 2010 and 2011...As a senior, completed 157 of his 271 passes throwing for 2,653 yards and a school record 34 touchdowns while rushing for 1,170 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns...Totaled a school record 51 touchdowns in his senior campaign in 2011...Completed 142-of-257 passes for 1,961 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 1,042 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior...Helped his Bulldog squad to playoff appearances in 2010 and 2011...Advanced to the second round of the state playoffs and were the GNRC conference runner-ups in 2011, finishing the year at 9-3 overall...Reached the third round of the state playoffs and were the GNRC conference runner-ups in 2010 ,finishing the year with a 12-2 overall record...Two-time Southeast Raleigh High School Most Valuable Player...

Born September 15, 1994...Son of Michael and Felecia Washington...Has two brothers, Michael and Mathew, and two sisters, Tiffany and Tiara...Plans to major in accounting.

Other Schools Considered: East Carolina, Wake Forest, Elon, Richmond, Charlotte, Liberty, Western Carolina, Gardner-Webb, Coastal Carolina

"When I was choosing a college, I was looking for a place where I could get a great education and have the opportunity to play football.  Once I visited the campus, I knew that it was the right fit for me.  I love the whole outlook of the program and the backing it gets from the community." - David Washington on choosing ODU