ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Coming off a second straight undefeated regular season and 11-1 overall record, Ouachita Tiger football added 32 recruits on National Signing Day.
The Tigers eyed recruits with the winning attitude in order to continue the winning pedigree. With 32 athletes coming in, Coach Knight is excited about the length and athleticism this group will bring to the field.
Coach Todd Knight said, "The depth and energy this class brings to the program will help sustain future success and greatness to Ouachita football. We couldn't be more pleased with this class; the recruitment of this class was led by coordinator Brett Shockley who put together another phenomenal year. The culture that our players have established has been a draw for elite players with great character."
The Tigers brought in 17 recruits from within the state lines. They also added nine players from Texas, four from Louisiana, one from Tennessee and one from Florida.
On the defensive side, the Tigers scored three defensive backs and seven defensive linemen. They also added three linebackers to the group as the Tigers look to build upon its hard-nosed defense that allowed a mere 16 points per game last season.
"The length, speed and athleticism on defense was a focal point in the recruitment of this class. We feel we made great progress in these areas," said Coach Knight.
On the offensive side, the Tigers made a move for six offensive linemen and five wideouts. They also added three running backs, two tight ends, one quarterback and one offensive athlete to a unit that averaged over 31 points per game.
Coach Knight said, "With several key players graduating, depth and the ability to play early was the goal in the recruiting on the offensive side. The class as a whole, very well, could be one of our best."
"Recruiting to Ouachita with improved football facilities and a great faith-based education, where young men can come and grow into the total man, has made our goal-oriented recruiting process a success," said Coach Knight.
The Tigers are currently in the midst of off-season workouts as they gear up to make a run at four straight Great American Conference championships. The Tigers will start spring ball on March 3.
Following is the list of 2020 signees in alphabetical order. Scroll past the list to see individual capsules and links to each player's highlight video on Hudl.
2020 Ouachita Tiger Football Signing Class
| NAME |
POS. |
HT |
WT |
HOMETOWN |
PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Brett Barbaree |
OL |
6-3 |
255 |
Benton, AR |
Benton HS |
| Joey Benson |
TE |
6-1 |
230 |
Jessieville, AR |
Jessieville HS |
| Malachi Bingham |
DL |
6-6 |
255 |
Houston , TX |
Houston Christian |
| Jaraylon Burks |
DL |
5-11 |
280 |
Ruston, LA |
Ruston HS |
| Bryce Dixon |
QB |
6-0 |
170 |
Searcy, AR |
Searcy HS |
| Isaac Edwards |
RB |
6-0 |
215 |
Hawkins, TX |
Harmony HS |
| Xaylon Falls |
ATH |
5-8 |
175 |
Camden, AR |
Harmony Grove HS |
| Connor Flanigan |
WR |
5-9 |
165 |
Fayetteville, AR |
Fayetteville HS |
| Jax Gasaway |
OL |
6-7 |
295 |
Star City, AR |
Arkansas State (Star City HS) |
| Carson Gagnon |
DB |
6-1 |
180 |
Eads, TN |
Evangelical Christian School |
| Kendel Givens |
RB |
5-9 |
220 |
Little Rock, AR |
Little Rock Christian Academy |
| Mikey Gonzalez |
DL |
6-4 |
235 |
Tampa, FL |
Tampa Catholic HS |
| Gabe Huskey |
RB |
5-10 |
175 |
Harrison, AR |
Harrison HS |
| Mekel Kentle |
WR |
5-9 |
170 |
Little Rock, AR |
Missouri Western (Robinson HS) |
| Trenton Kolb |
WR |
6-0 |
175 |
Bentonville, AR |
Bentonville HS |
| Melvin Kumwenda |
DL |
6-1 |
260 |
Fayetteville, AR |
Fayetteville HS |
| Jacob Marshall |
OL |
6-6 |
290 |
Bridgeport, TX |
Bridgeport HS |
| Hunter Mason |
FB |
5-11 |
215 |
Springdale, AR |
Shiloh Christian HS |
| Christopher McDaniel |
OL |
6-4 |
280 |
DeKalb, TX |
DeKalb HS |
| Jax Miller |
LB |
6-3 |
210 |
Keithville, LA |
Evangel Christian Academy |
| Clayton Nelson |
OL |
6-3 |
290 |
Crossett, AR |
US Naval Academy (Crossett HS) |
| Nathan Nethers |
DS |
6-1 |
215 |
Fort Smith, AR |
Greenwood HS |
| Cole Pennock |
OL |
6-3 |
280 |
Oak Grove, LA |
Oak Grove HS |
| Rickey Rogers, Jr. |
DL |
6-1 |
220 |
Arkadelphia, AR |
Arkadelphia HS |
| Milton Roundtree |
DB |
6-0 |
160 |
Dallas, TX |
Skyline HS |
| Jordyn Rosborough |
LB |
5-11 |
200 |
Missouri City, TX |
Hightower HS |
| Ethan Sluyter |
DL |
6-0 |
180 |
Bentonville, AR |
Shiloh Christian HS |
| Zane Stephens |
WR |
5-11 |
180 |
Mena, AR |
Mena HS |
| Chance Taylor |
DL |
6-2 |
225 |
Fort Worth, TX |
Everman HS |
| Perry Taylor |
DB |
6-2 |
180 |
Lancaster, TX |
Kimball HS |
Cole Turner
Jeremiah Turner |
LB
WR |
6-0
6-3 |
190
200 |
Arkadelphia, AR
Tyler, TX |
Arkadelphia HS
Tyler Lee HS |
Brett Barbaree OL 6'3 255 Benton HS; Benton, AR
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CU3HE
Brett was a multi-sport star while attending three different High Schools, (Gosnell, Ftn Lake, & Benton). He started 50 games & amassed 413 tackles, 78 TFL's, 28 sacks, and 76 pancakes. He was Four time All Conference & Three time All State player. As a Sr he helped lead Benton to State Runner Up. He earned 10 Letters throughout HS. He earned four in Football, three in track, two in basketball, and 1 in wrestling.
Joey Benson TE 6'1 230 Jessieville HS; Jessieville, AR
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6479918/5dd59f300dc9eb0c9003fee0
Joey was a three-year letterman at Jessieville High School. In Joey's 31 total games played for the Lions he totaled 1,238 receiving yards on 91 receptions for an average of 14.1 yards per catch. He found the endzone 22 total times in his career with 11 receiving and 11 rushing touchdowns respectively. His junior and senior seasons at Jessieville, Joey was awarded all conference in the 3A-4 with earning All-State honors his senior season.
Malachi Bingham DE 6'6 255 Houston Christian HS; Houston, TX
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12083584/5dbd1ad44deb8e0cec48a203
Malachi is a two-sport athlete who has only played football 1 year. His senior season he totaled 37 tackles, 7.5 TFL's, 6.5 Sacks, Two Fumble Recoveries, 1 Blocked FG, 1 TD. He was a 3x Letterman in Basket and was All-Conference as a Junior.
Jaraylon Burks DT 5'11 280 Ruston HS; Ruston, LA
http://www.hudl.com/v/2C90f8
Jaraylon was a Three-Year Letterman for the Bearcats & was voted his teams MVP as a SR. During his career he had 93 Tackles, 18 TFL's, 7 Sacks, & 3 Forced Fumbles. He was 2nd team All District in 2017. In '18 &'19 he was voted 1st Team All District and earned 1st Team All-State in 2019.
Bryce Dixon QB 6'0 170 Searcy HS; Searcy, AR
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CY98U
Bryce led his Searcy team to the 6A State Championship during his Senior campaign. He was voted the State Championship Game MVP, 2019 6A All State, 2019 All-Conference, 2019 Arkansas All Star Game Participant, 2019 Week 5 Democrat Gazette POTW, he ranked Top 50 in the Nation in Passing Yards. He also set the school record for Completions in a Single Season. Dixon threw for 4,027 yards, had 43 TD's, 302 yds Rushing, 6 Rushing TD's, 120 Yards Receiving, and 1 Receiving TD.
Isaac Edwards RB 6'0 215 Harmony HS; Hawkins, TX
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CDP1h
Edwards was a Three-year letterman for Harmony and starred on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side he rushed for 2,624 yards and 35 TD's in his career. He was named 2019 All Est Texas RB & LB. He was a 2019 1st Team All District RB, & 2018 1st Team All District LB. He was voted team captain as a Senior & Junior. He was Week 12 KETK Athlete of the Week.
Xaylon Falls Offensive Athlete 5'8 165 Harmony Grove HS; Camden, AR
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CNJ1U
Xaylon was an All Around Athlete at CHHS, he started on both sides of the ball. He was named All-State in '19 & '18. He set a school record for TD's in a career at 34. He amassed over 3,000 career All Purpose yards.
Connor Flannigan WR 5'9 170 Fayetteville HS; Fayetteville, AR
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CMfS0
Connor reset the record books while at Fayetteville HS. The multi-sport athlete lettered 3 years in football, two in track & lacrosse respectively. For his career he has 195 Receptions for 3,254 yards & 44 TD's. He also has 18 rushes for 163 yards and 2 TD's. On Special Teams he had 3 KOR's for 147 yards and 2 TDS; 12 Punt Returns for 89 yards. He holds the Arkansas Class 7A record for most TD Receptions w/ 44. He holds Fayetteville HS records in Most Receptions in a Season (102), Most Receptions in a Game (19), Receptions in a Career ( 195), Receiving yards in a game (302), Receiving yards in a Season (1,695), Receiving yards in a Career (3,254), Receiving TD's in a game (4), Receiving TD's in a Season #1 (21), #2 (19), Career Receiving TD's (44). He earned a plethora of awards of accolades during his career. He was 2x 7A All-State, 2x All NW Arkansas Democrat Gazette Team, 2x ArkansasVarsity.com AR Sports Media Super Team, 2x KURM Dream Team, 2018 5 News Player of the Year, 2018 USA Today All-USA Team, 2019 Elite Raw All-American, 2019 KURM Radio WR of the Year.
Jax Gasaway OL 6'7 295 Arkansas State University / Star City HS; Star City, AR
http://www.hudl.com/v/28AetL
Jax is transferring to Ouachita after Redshirting the past season at Arkansas State. While at Star City HS he was 2x All-State, 3x All-Conference selection. He earned 2017 USA Today All-Arkansas Team, 2017 All-Seark. He was also a multi-sport athlete who Lettered 4 years in Football and Baseball.
Carson Gagnon DB 6'1 180 Evangelical Christian School; Eads, TN
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CY2aJ
Carson helped lead ECS to the 2019 Tennessee Division 2 Class 2A State Championship. Carson earned 13 letters while at ECS, four in Football, Soccer, Track, and one in Basketball. He is the Career leader in Interceptions (14), most tackles in a game (17), most TD receptions in a game (4). He earned 1st Team All State, is selected to play in the Tennessee East-West Game.
Kendel Givens RB 5'9 220 Little Rock Christian Academy; Little Rock, AR
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CWpW9
Kendel was a 4 year letterman for the Warriors and he helped lead them to back to back Class 5A State Championship games, winning the 2018 State Championship. He rushed for 4,036 yards, 71 TD's, and averaged 11.4 yards per carry in his career. He was 2x All-State, he won the Fearless Friday Run of the Year award. He was 3x State Farm Player of the Week award winner, 2x Farm Bureau Player of the week award winner.
Mikey Gonzalez DE 6'4 235 Tampa Catholic HS; Tampa, FL
http://www.hudl.com/v/2ByHX6
Mikey was a three-year starter for the Crusaders of Tampa Catholic. He garnered 234 Total Tackles, and 16.5 sacks during his career. He was 2019 4A Region 3 All-Conference.
Gabe Huskey RB 5'10 175 Harrison HS; Harrison, AR
http://www.hudl.com/v/2AwBk1
Gabe was a standout RB for the Goblins as he was a three-year starter. He amassed 5,644 yards on 683 carries for an average of 8.3 ypc. He was named Class 5A All-State 2017-2019, was named 5A West Back of the Year 2018-2019, Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette Player of the Year 2018-2019. Huskey had 100 plus yards in 31 of his 36 career games played. Huskey's 91 rushing TD's is tied for the most All-Time in Arkansas HS history. He has 103 Career Total TD's.
Mekel Kentle WR 5-9 170 TR- Missouri Western Univ. - Little Rock, AR (Robinson)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2AAFpx
Kentle comes to Ouachita from Missouri Western where he redshirted during his freshman season at 2019. While at Robinson HS in Little Rock, Kentle was a member of the Senators' 2018 4A State -Runner Up team and was selected 4A All-State and 4A-7 All-Conference as a running back/wide receiver. Kentle was also named a finalist for the Landers Award which goes to the outstanding high school football players in the state of Arkansas.
Trenton Kolb WR 6-0 175 Bentonville, AR (Bentonville HS)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CPkQ2
Kolb was a two-time letter winner for the 2018 7A State Runner-up and three-time conference champion Bentonville High School Tigers. Kolb had 567 yards receiving on 35 receptions during his senior season and was a three-time Alpha Tiger selection. Kolb was named 7A West All-Conference and was a two-sport letter winner also earning a letter in track for the Tigers.
Melvin Kumwenda DL 6-1 260 Fayetteville, AR (Fayetteville HS)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CU4WD
Kumwenda was a three-year letterman for the Bulldogs and was a 7A All-State selection as a senior and 7A West All-Conference selection as a junior. His senior season, Kumwenda was name to the KFSM All-5 NewsHigh School Football Team as well as the KURM Dream Team. Kumwenda totaled 76 tackles including 8 sacks and one forced fumble as a senior for Fayetteville.
Jacob Marshall OL 6'6 290 Bridgeport HS; Bridgeport, TX
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CRgiD
Jacob was a Three-Year Starter at Bridgeport. He lettered in Football, Powerlifting, and Track. He was All-District and Academic All-District as a Senior. In the 2019 campaign he gave up 0 Sacks, had 71 knockdowns and graded out at 95% or higher in every game.
Hunter Mason FB 5'11 215 Shiloh Christian HS; Springdale, AR
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CbeBf
Hunter comes to Ouachita from Shiloh Christian High School where he was a three-year letterman for the Saints. His senior season he helped lead Shiloh to a state championship berth. He finished his senior season with 32 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles with 1 forced fumble. He also added 9 tackles for loss, 1 pass break up, and 3 sacks against his opponents. Hunter was awarded first team All-Conference for his efforts in the 2019 football season.
Christopher McDaniel OL 6'4 280 DeKalb HS; DeKalb, TX
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CNpQU
Christopher was a Three-Year starter for the Bears. He was named 2nd Team All-District 3A-2 in 2017 as a sophomore and 1st Team All-District 3A-2 in 2018 as a Junior. He was voted his team's Offensive MVP following his junior campaign. His senior year was cut short by injury. He lettered in Baseball, Powerlifting, and Track.
Jax Miller LB 6-3 210 Keithville, LA (Evangel Christian)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CRZDi
Miller comes to Ouachita from Evangel Christian in Shreveport where he totaled 122 tackles during his senior season to go with eight sacks, 3 forced fumbles and four interceptions - two of which he returned for touchdowns. Miller also caught passes for Evangel and ran the ball as a tight end. Miller was twice named to the Shreveport All-City team, was a two-time All-District LB and was selected to the Northeast Louisiana All-Star game.
Clayton Nelson OL 6'3 290 Naval Academy / Crossett HS; Crossett, AR
http://www.hudl.com/v/28L7wK
Clayton comes to Ouachita as a transfer from the US Naval Academy. While at Crossett he was a 3x All 8-4A selection and a member of the USA Today-All Arkansas Team. He had 67 KD's as Senior and graded out above 96% in every game.
Nathan Nethers DS 6'1 215 Greenwood HS; Greenwood, AR
Nethers was a three-year started for the Bulldogs in his career. In the 2019 football season, Nathan was awarded All-Conference, Max Preps River Valley Offensive Lineman of the Year, and was elected to the 2019 All-Star game.
Cole Pennock OL 6'3 280 Oak Grove HS; Oak Grove, LA
http://www.hudl.com/v/2B8aLL
Coleson helped lead the Tigers to the 2019 Louisiana Class 1A State Championship, he also helped them to a runner-up spot in 2018. He garnered All-State honors in 2018-'19, All Northeast La 2018-'19, Horizon Award Recipient in 2018-'19. He lettered in Track as well.
Jacob Marshall OL 6'6 290 Bridgeport HS; Bridgeport, TX
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CRgiD
Jacob was a Three-Year Starter at Bridgeport. He lettered in Football, Powerlifting, and Track. He was All-District and Academic All-District as a Senior. In the 2019 campaign he gave up 0 Sacks, had 71 knockdowns and graded out at 95% or higher in every game.
Rickey Rogers, Jr. DL 6-1 220 Arkadelphia, AR (Arkadelphia)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CTMXt
Rogers is a three-year letter-winner for the Badgers and was a starting defensive lineman for the 2017 and 2018 4A State Championship team. In the 2018 title game, Rogers was the 2018 Brandon Burlsworth Award winner, which was given to the game's outstanding lineman. Rogers was named 4A All-State and was a 4A-7 All-Conference selection for Arkadelphia. Rogers will also wrestle for Ouachita. Rogers had 135 tackles, 23 sacks and 27 tackles for loss during high school. Rogers is a two-time wrestling state champion and won the 2019 Most Outstanding Wrestler Award for the state.
Jordan Rosborough LB 5-11 200 Missouri City, TX (Hightower HS)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CBHkq
Rosborough was a three-year letterman at Hightower and earned post-season honors after his junior season (2nd-team All-District) and his senior season (1st team All-District and Academic All-State Honorable Mention). During his senior season, Rosborough totaled 135 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, six sacks, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Rosborough also competed in track and field throwing the shot and discus as well as the power lifting team as a sophomore.
Milton Roundtree DB 6-0 160 Dallas, TX (Skyline HS)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2Bpdjk
Roundtree was a three-year starter at Skyline and he was named All-Conference after his junior and senior seasons. Roundtree ended the 2019 season with 55 total tackles, five interceptions and 12 pass break-ups. Roundtree was a two-sports athlete at Skyline, running all sprint relays for the Skyline track team.
Ethan Sluyter DL 6-0 180 Bentonville, AR (Shiloh Christian)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2Cdp5V
Sluyter was a member of the 4A State Runner-Up Saints during his senior season in which he had 59 total tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack. Sluyter was a three-year letter winner for Shiloh Christian. A two-sport athlete, Sluyter was a two-year letter winner in wrestling and finished fourth in his weight class at the Arkansas State championships during his junior year.
Zane Stephens WR 5-11 180 Mena, AR (Mena)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CQUv0
Stephens totaled 4,710 all-purpose yards and scored 64 total touchdowns during his time as a Bearcat. Stephens was a two-time 1st team All 4A-4 selection and was named a Semper Fi All-American. Stephens lettered in four sports at Mena: three years in football, three years in basketball, two years in soccer and four years in track.
Chance Taylor DL 6-2 225 Forth Worth, TX (Everman)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CKvqt
Taylor was named the Everman Most Valuable Player after his senior season after totaling 68 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Taylor was a two-sport letter winner at Everman High School, earning letters in football and three years in track and field.
Perry Taylor DB 6-2 180 Lancaster, TX (Kimball HS)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CNLki
Taylor comes to Ouachita after a senior season at Kimball HS in which he totaled 50 tackles and intercepted two passes. During the 2019 season, Taylor averaged 4.3 tackles per game. Taylor was also an All-Region track qualifier and runs the 110- and 300-meter hurdles for Kimball.
Cole Turner LB 6-0 180 Arkadelphia, AR (Arkadelphia)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CgAFa
Turner was a member of two state championships in 2017 and 2018 at Arkadelphia HS, where he was a starting linebacker for two seasons. During those two seasons, Turner had 191 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 10 hurries, 6 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles, 9 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. Turner was a three-year letter winner in football, was named 4A All-State and was named to the Arkansas High School All-Star game. Turner has also earned three letters in baseball heading into this senior season.
Jeremiah Turner WR 6-3 200 Tyler, TX (Tyler Lee)
http://www.hudl.com/v/2CSdzA
Turner is a three-sport athlete at Lee, excelling in football, basketball and track. In football, Turner was a three-time All-District wide receiver and won the 2019 Leadership Award for Lee. During his senior season, Lee has 30 receptions for 465 yards and two touch downs.
