Football | 2/3/2016 5:00:00 AM

STATESBORO, Ga. - The Georgia Southern football program announced Wednesday a football recruiting class composed of 27 student-athletes, rated by numerous scouting services as the tops in the Sun Belt Conference for the year.

"I'm really excited about the class that we signed today," Summers said. "I do think that our staff did an exceptional job. We had less than three weeks to be able to put this class together, to be able to hold on to the committed guys that we wanted and be able to push forward and look for what we felt like were the best possible student-athletes in our recruiting area. We were able to go down the last three and four days, go down and win on the wire with three or four kids and for us to be able to close and finish the way we did, it is really a testament to the work and chemistry to that staff has together.

"I don't think it was any one individual that necessarily signed anybody, I think it was a collective group effort from our entire staff that worked, certainly with the nine on-the-field coaches and all of our off-the-field staff, our graduate assistants, our student assistants and really the community of Statesboro and the big community and family-feel of Georgia Southern that they get from our dining hall, to our dorms, to our campus and everybody that is associated with Georgia Southern. They're the reason that we're able to have such an outstanding class."

The Eagles added 24 student-athletes from the high school ranks along with one prep school player and two mid-year transfers in Darius Roper (ASA) and Alvin Ward, Jr. (Atlanta Sports Academy) to bolster the 2016 football roster.

GS welcomed 15 players from the state of Georgia, four from Florida, four from South Carolina and one apiece from New York, New Jersey, Texas and North Carolina.

The Eagles added three offensive linemen, five defensive backs, four wide receivers, four linebackers, two tight ends, one running back, five defensive linemen, two quarterbacks and a kicker.

"We were looking for guys, first and foremost, that obviously were high-character guys," Summers said. "The second feature we were looking for were guys who were good students, and that was the piece we were looking for from an off-the-field perspective. ,"

GS will open the 2016 football season on Sept. 3 against Savannah State.

2016 Georgia Southern Football Newcomers

Name, Position, Ht., Wt., Hometown, Last School

Darion Anderson, WR, 6-0, 176, Warner Robins, Ga., Houston County HS

Chris Barrett, TE, 6-3, 230, Clearwater, Fla., Countryside HS

Todd Bradley, LB, 6-0, 215, Valdosta, Ga., Valdosta HS

Monquavion Brinson, DB, 5-11, 170, Atlanta, Ga., Mays HS

Rashad Byrd, LB, 6-0, 205, North Augusta, S.C., North Augusta HS

Deshon Cooper, DE, 6-3, 240, Atlanta, Ga., Columbia HS

Tori Delesline, LB, 6-1, 205, Hampton, S.C., Hillcrest HS

Lawrence Edwards, OL, 6-6, 258, Port Orange, Fla., Spruce Creek HS

Tanner Hall, WR, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Ga., Lambert HS

Jermany Hawkins, RB, 5-10, 207, Sylvania, Ga., Screven County HS

Rakeem Hightower, DB, 6-0, 190, Moultrie, Ga., Colquitt Country HS

Michael Jackson, WR, 5-10, 169, Lake City, Fla., Columbia HS

Luis Martinez, K, 5-9, 194, Moultrie, Ga., Colquitt County HS

R.J. Merriweather, WR, 6-0, 180, Tift County, Ga., Tift County HS

Mark Michaud, TE, 6-4, 210, Brooklyn, N.Y., Avon Old Farms

Ty Phillips, DL, 6-3, 260, Moultrie, Ga., Colquitt County HS

Darius Roper *, DL, 6-3, 270, Jersey City, N.J., ASA

Seth Shuman, QB, 6-1, 195, Valdosta, Ga., Valdosta HS

Alex Smith, OL, 6-4, 290, Woodstock, Ga., Etowah HS

Amari Thompson, DB, 6-2, 180, Minneola, Fla., Lake Minneola HS

Kindle Vildor, DB, 5-11, 177, College Park, Ga., North Clayton HS

Traver Vliem, DE, 6-4, 237, Midland, Texas, Midland HS

Randy Wade, LB, 6-2, 230, Blakely, Ga., Early County HS

Alvin Ward, Jr. *, DE, 6-4, 235, Hertford, N.C., Atlanta Sports Academy

Martial Washington, DB, 6-3, 203, Hinesville, Ga., Liberty County HS

Shai Werts, QB, 5-11, 188, Clinton, S.C., Newberry HS

Drew Wilson, OL, 6-4, 300, Bamberg, S.C., Bamberg-Ehrhardt HS

* - already enrolled at Georgia Southern

Darius Roper

DT • 6-3 • 270

Jersey City, N.J. • St. Anthony HS (ASA)

Played at Colquitt County High for Coach Rush Propst … Helped team to a pair of state championships in his final two seasons, going 30-0 over that span … Squad was declared national champions his senior season … A first-team all-state selection to the Class AAAAAA team by the Georgia Sports Writers Association and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution … A four-star kicking recruit by Kohler's Kicking … Set the state record for consecutive PATs made … The Special Teams Player of the Year on the Region 1-AAAAAA football team … Kicked a 41-yard field goal in the Florida-Georgia War of the Border All-Star Game … Finished his high school career netting 34 field goals … Also made 164 out 166 PATs.Played at Colquitt County High for Coach Rush Propst … Helped team to a pair of state championships in his final two seasons, going 30-0 over that span … Squad was declared national champions his senior season … A three-star recruit as rated by ESPN Recruiting Nation … Named to the All-Region 1-AAAAAA first team … Listed as the No. 79 safety in the country and the No. 102 player in Georgia by ESPN Recruiting Nation … Rated the No. 110 safety in the country and the No. 149 player in the state of Georgia by the 247Sports Composite Rankings.Played for Coachat Valdosta High … A second-team selection to the 2015 Georgia Sports Writers Association All-State Football Team … Named honorable mention all-state by Atlanta Journal-Constitution … An all-region selection … Participated in the GACA North-South All-Star Classic … As a senior, completed 227 of 399 passes … Set a new single-season school record by throwing for 3,194 yards … Also tossed 25 touchdowns to just three interceptions.Born Griffin Shuman on Dec. 1, 1997 … Goes by "Seth" … Son of Bart and Becky Shuman.Played at Newberry High for Coach Phil Strickland … The 2015 HSSR-SCHSL Division I AA Offensive Player of the Year … Named to The State's All-Midlands football team as an honorable mention selection … Ranked as the No. 37 dual threat quarterback in the country and the No. 37 player in his state by 247Sports … Rated as the No. 60 dual threat quarterback in the country and the No. 33 player in the state of South Carolina by ESPN Recruiting Nation … Played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas … Had more than 6,000 total yards and 73 touchdowns in his career … Rushed for 1,308 yards and threw for 1,204 yards and 32 total touchdowns as a senior … Ran for 126 yards and passed for 106 more in his final prep contest, a state championship game defeat … A three-time all-region selection … Named to the all-academic team.Born Yafari Werts on Oct. 19, 1997 in Clinton, SC … Son of Shona Watts and Forrest Werts … Goes by "Shai" … Contemplated major is business management.Played two seasons at Co-Lin Community College for Coach Glenn Davis … A three-star recruit as rated by ESPN Recruiting Nation and Rivals … Listed as the No. 30 overall JUCO player and the No. 4 JUCO outside linebacker in the country by 247Sports … Rated as the No. 9 JUCO defensive end in the country by ESPN.Played at Columbia High, helping the program to a 6-4 overall record and to a play-in game against Banneker to qualify for the Class 4A playoffs as a senior … A three-star recruit according to Scout, Rivals and 247Sports … Earned a place on the Georgia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State First-Team Defense … Selected to play in the Georgia-Florida All-Star Game after final season … Helped defense allow 198 points in 10 games, an average of 19.8 per contest, in 2013 … Unit posted one shutout (McNair) and held two foes under 10 points during senior year … Tallied 49 tackles, 17.0 hits for lost yardage, 16.0 sacks, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery during senior year … On offense, made 18 receptions for 335 yards and three touchdowns … As a junior, booked 63 tackles with 6.0 sacks and four forced fumbles and helped the Eagles go 5-5 … Contributed on offense with 123 receiving yards and two scores … Defense surrendered 174 points, an average of 17.4 a contest … Squad limited four opponents to eight or fewer points during the campaign … Also suited up for the basketball squad at Columbia … Won the Georgia High School Association Class 4A state championship first two years before falling to Eagle's Landing 61-47 as a junior … Signed with Mississippi State out of high school.Played at Bemberg-Ehrhardt High for Coach Kevin Crosby … Selected to the Semper Fidelis All-American Game … A first-team selection to the 2015 American Family Insurance ALL-USA South Carolina Football Team … A three-star recruit as rated by ESPN Recruiting Nation, 247Sports, MaxPreps and Rivals … Rated as the No. 38 offensive guard in the country and the No. 11 player in the state of South Carolina by ESPN … Ranked as the No. 71 offensive guard in the country and the No. 20 player in the state of South Carolina by 247Sports … Rated as the No. 96 offensive guard in the country, the No. 2 offensive guard in South Carolina and the No. 34 offensive guard in the south by Scout.Born Paul Wilson on April 23, 1998 in Bamberg, SC … Son of Timmy and Rhonda Wilson … Goes by "Drew" … Contemplated major is sports management.Played at Valdosta High for Coach… A three-star recruit as rated by ESPN Recruiting Nation, 247Sports and MaxPreps … Rated as the No. 97 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 129 player in the state of Georgia by ESPN Recruiting … Ranked as the No. 99 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 116 player in his state by 247Sports … Missed a majority of his senior year due to injury … Played in the GACA North-South All-Star Classic.Born Todd Bradley on June 11, 1997 in Valdosta, GA … Son of James and Tomiko Glenn … Contemplated major is civil engineering.Played at Screven County High for Coach Ron Duncan … A three-star recruit, as rated by 247Sports … Ranked as the No. 66 running back in the country and the No. 92 player in his state by 247Sports … Rated as the No. 126 running back in the country, the No. 12 running back in Georgia and the No. 53 running back in the south by Scout … A first-team all-state selection at linebacker by the Georgia Sports Writers Association and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution … Totaled 99 tackles and two interceptions as a linebacker … Also, carrying the ball, rushed for 810 yards on 72 carries for 12 TDs … Participated in the Border Bowl III, totaling 10 tackles and a fumble recovery … The Region 3AA Player of the Year and honorable mention all-state as a junior … Had 115 tackles as a junior, including 12 for loss and 6.0 sacks … Also forced three fumbles and blocked three kicks … Rushed for 227 yards on a just 21 carries and scored four times that year.Played at Liberty County High for Coach Kirk Warner … Rated a three-star recruit by Scout … As a senior,playing only seven out of 12 games due to injury, still had 72 solo tackles, two interceptions, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble.Born Martial Washington on May 18, 1997 in Savannah, GA … Son of Martial Washington and lives with the White family … Contemplated major is business management.Played at Mays High for Coach Corey Jarvis … A three-star recruit as rated by Rivals and 247Sports … Rated the No. 38 cornerback in the country and the No. 39 player in the state by Rivals … Listed as the No. 84 cornerback in the country and the No. 84 player in Georgia by the 247Sports Composite rankings … Rated by ESPN Recruiting as the No. 101 cornerback in the country and the No. 131 player in the state by ESPN Recruiting … Ranked as the No. 107 cornerback in the country and the No. 103 player in the state by 247Sports … A first-team all-state selection to the Class AAAAA squad by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution … A first-team all-region selection.Born Monquavion Brinson on December 23, 1997 in Atlanta … Son of Nichole Brinson … Contemplated major is graphic design.Played at Early County High for Coach Randy Isom … Rated as the No. 94 outside linebacker in the country, the No. 8 outside linebacker in Georgia and the No. 33 outside linebacker in the south by Scout … Ranked as the No. 131 weakside defensive end in the country and the No. 203 player in his state by 247Sports … A first-team all-state selection to the Class AA team by the Georgia Sports Writers Association and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.Born Randy Wade, Jr., on April 20, 1997 in Albany, GA … Son of Janice Allen and Randy Wade, Sr. … Contemplated major is mathematics.Played at Tift County High for Coach Ashley Anders … Named first-team all-region to the 1-AAAAAA squad as a senior … An honorable mention all-region selection as a junior.Born Randolph Merriweather, Jr., on 5/26/1997 in Clearwater, FL … Son of Randolph and Sheila Merriweather … Goes by "R.J." … Contemplated major is computer science.Played at North Clayton High for Coach James Soza … A three-star recruit as rated by MaxPreps and 247Sports … Ranked as the No. 144 safety in the country and the No. 164 player in his state by 247Sports … Named first-team all-region and all-county … The Defensive MVP at the Cam Newton 7v7 Camp … Earned all-region honors as a sophomore and junior … Led the team with 892 all-purpose yards and three interceptions as a junior … Had 22 tackles, three interceptions, six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries that year, as well … Had six career interceptions and four fumble recoveries … Selected to play in the Clayton County Senior Bowl.Born Kindle Vildor on Dec. 11, 1997 in DeKalb, GA … Son of Merlissa Thompson … Contemplated major is journalism.Played for Coach Brian Allen at Columbia High … An honorable mention selection to the Florida Times-Union's 2015 All-First Coast football team … Had over 50 receptions his senior season, amassing over 1,200 yards of total offense … Had 13 total touchdowns.Played for Coach Dave Svehla at Etowah High … Rated as the No. 185 offensive tackle in the country by 247Sports' Composite Rankings … A two-star recruit, as rated by Rivals … An honorable mention all-state selection to the Class AAAAAA team by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution … Named to the Cherokee County Gridiron Club's all-county team and the best lineman … Selected to the Cherokee County Senior Bowl. First team all region.Born Alexander Smith on Oct. 25, 1997 in Woodstock, GA … Son of Kevin Smith and Letitia Smith … Contemplated major is business.Played at Lambert High for Coach Louis Daniel … Ranked as the No. 306 wide receiver in the country and the No. 182 player in his state by 247Sports … Named all-county and all-region … Had 11 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown in a win over Habersham Central his senior season … Caught 26 passes for 504 yards and six touchdowns as a junior.Born Tanner Hall on July 15, 1997 in Atlanta … Son of Tyler and Melissa Hall … Contemplated major is business.Played at Colquitt County High for Coach Rush Propst … Team went 30-0 his final two seasons, winning a pair of state titles and a national championship … Named to the All-Region 1-AAAAAA first team … Ranked as the No. 171 player in the state of Georgia and 126th defensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports … Recorded 48 solo tackles and 67 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, as a senior … In his final game, had 3.5 tackles for loss and broke up a pass in a 30-13 victory over Roswell in the Class AAAAAA final … Played in the War of the Border All-Star game.Born Ty'Kevious Phillips on Nov. 29, 1998 in Moultrie, GA … Son of Connie Phillips … Goes by "Ty" … Contemplated major is engineering.Prepped at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut for Coach Bill Mella … Played football, basketball and ran track.Played for Coach Chris Partridge at Paramus Catholic, won a state championship … A two-star recruit as rated by Rivals … Hauled in 42 receptions for 526 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior.Born Mark Michaud on Feb. 4, 1997…Son of Wilfred and Marie Michaud … Contemplated major is sports management.Played for Coach Walter Banks at Lake Minneola High … Named Most Improved Player on his team.Born Amari Thompson on Nov. 13, 1998 in Washington, DC … Son of Lisa and Greg Hardy … Contemplated major is communications.Played at Midland High for Coach Craig Yenzer … A three-star recruit as rated by Scout and 247Sports … Rated as the No. 79 defensive end in the country, the No. 16 defensive end in the midlands region and the No. 13 defensive end in the state of Texas by Scout … Listed as the No. 86 strongside defensive end in the country and the No. 233 player in his state by 247Sports … A defensive honorable mention selection on the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 6A all-state football team … Named all-district … Had 61 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks, four fumbles caused and two fumble recoveries for the Bulldogs.Born Traver Vliem on Sept. 22, 1997 in Midland, TX … Son of Tom Vliem and Kelly Cox … Contemplated major is business.: Played at North Augusta High for Coach Brian Thomas … Ranked as the No. 119 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 31 player in South Carolina by 247Sports … Rated the No. 168 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 49 player in the state by 247Sports Composite Rankings … A 2015 HSSR-SCHSL Division II AAAA All-State Defense first-team selection … The Augusta Chronicle's All-Area South Carolina football player of the year … The Aiken Standard Defensive Player of the Year in both 2014 and 2015 … Won the Deon Grant Player of the Year Award, presented by The Augusta Chronicle and the Augusta Sports Council … A first-team all-area pick … Had 172 tackles, five interceptions (returning two for touchdowns), a blocked punt, two sacks and 17 tackles for loss as a senior … Also threw two touchdown passes … Tallied 232 tackles as a junior to win his first player of the year award … Part of the South Carolina roster for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas … Was the All-Area South Carolina baseball player of the year as a junior.Born Thomas Byrd on June 30, 1998 in Augusta, SC … Son of Carolyn and Charles Byrd … Goes by "Rashad" … Contemplated major is biology.Played at Countryside High for Coach Eric Schmitz … Ranked the No. 75 tight end in the country by 247Sports … Also ranked the No. 218 player in the state by the same outlet … Listed as the No. 90 tight end in the country by the 247Sports Composite Rankings … Selected for the Pinellas County Senior All-Star Football Game.Born Christopher Barrett on May 26, 1998 in Clearwater, FL … Son of Wanda Elliott and Wayne Barrett … Contemplated major is broadcasting.Played at Houston County High for Coach Von Lassiter … A four-star recruit by ESPN Recruiting who's a member of the ESPN300 … Ranked the No. 176 overall player in the country, No. 12 athlete in the country, the No. 17 player in the state and the No. 85 player in the region … Ranked the by ESPN Recruiting Nation, along with the A Semper Fidelis All-American … Played in the Marines Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl at the StubHub Center in Santa Ana, CA … Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Rated the No. 69 player in the state of Georgia by Rivals … Ranked as the No. 94 wide receiver in the country and the No. 51 player in the state by 247Sports … Rated by the 247Sports Composite Rankings as the No. 468 player in the country, the No. 80 wide receiver in the country and the No. 40 player in Georgia … Listed as the No. 102 wide receiver in the country, the No. 43 wide receiver in the south and the No. 8 wide receiver in Georgia by Scout … Earned honorable mention all-state honors as a senior at defensive back … Caught 22 passes for 432 yards and six touchdowns … Named a first-team Class AAAAA all-state wide receiver as a junior … Caught 55 passes for 1,262 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior … Named as the Region 2-AAAAAA Player of the Year as a junior … Was also listed as a first-team wide receiver and defensive back for the All-Middle Georgia team and second-team kick returner … Caught 87 passes for 1,981 yards and 28 touchdowns for his career.Born Darion Anderson on Jan. 4, 1998 in Columbus, GA … Son of Timothy and Lasandra Anderson.Played his final two seasons at Hillcrest High for Coach Marquice Cole … Named South Carolina's defensive player of the year by USA TODAY High School Sports … A first-team selection to the 2015 American Family Insurance ALL-USA South Carolina Football Team … A 2015 HSSR-SCHSL Division I AAAA Defense First-Team selection … A three-star recruit as rated by 247Sports and MaxPreps … Ranked as the No. 81 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 22 player in his state by 247Sports … Played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas … Ranked among the state leaders in tackles with 148, including 21 for loss and six sacks, as a senior … Finished his career at Hillcrest High School with 158 total tackles, 90 being solo … Averaged 13 tackles a game, and totaled 7.0 sacks … Was awarded Defensive Player of the Game 11 times in his career … Began his high school career at Wade Hampton High.Born Reivyn Delesline on Dec. 18, 1997 in Orangeburg, SC … Son of Sonya Lawson … Goes by "Tori" … Contemplated major is industrial engineering.Played at Spruce Creek High for Coach Andy Price … A three-star prospect by ESPN …Ranked as the No. 59 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 124 player in the state by ESPN Recruiting.Born Lawrence Edwards on May 7, 1998 in Jersey City, NJ … Son of Jacqueline Jones … Contemplated major is physical therapy.

2015-16: Played his second season at ASA for Coach Chris Boden … Played in eight games as a sophomore … Recorded 23 tackles, including 1.5 sacks and 7.0 tackles for loss … Had an interception from his defensive line position … Enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.

2014-15: Played at ASA in New York … Played in five games, recording 15 tackles and two sacks.

DUQUESNE: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played at St. Anthony High for Coach Sean Fallon … The 2012 HCIAL White Division Defensive Player of the Year … Racked up 18 sacks and 63 total tackles … Also forced two fumbles and had a pair of fumble recoveries, helping lead St. Anthony to the NJSIAA, Non-Public, Group 1 semifinals … Was a four-year starter at right guard and defensive end … Was named All-Hudson County, HCIAL All-Conference White Division First-Team Offense and Defense and White Division Defensive Lineman of the Year after totaling 50 tackles, including 12 sacks as a sophomore … Turf toe and a knee injury helped limit him to five sacks as a junior … Helped Team New Jersey to a 14-7 overtime win over Team New York in the NY vs. NJ High School Football Classic in June of 2013 … Signed with Duquesne out of high school.

PERSONAL: Born Darius Montana Roper on Oct. 22, 1993 in Jersey City, NJ … Son of Omar Charlton and Tracy Roper … Has two older siblings, Jaime and James …

MAJOR: Criminal Justice

JANUARY ENROLLEE

Alvin Ward, Jr.

DE • 6-4 • 235

Ahoskie, N.C. • Hertford County HS (Atlanta Sports Academy)

2015-16: Enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.

PREP SCHOOL: Prepped at Atlanta Sports Academy … A two-star recruit by Rivals … Listed as the No. 19 prep school prospect by Rivals.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Terrance Saxby at Hertford County High … Was named all-conference … Recorded nine sacks as a senior.

PERSONAL: Born Alvin Lee Ward, Jr. on Jan. 9, 1997 in Ahoskie, NC … Son of Alvin and Darlene Ward … Has two older sister, Sheree and Shenae Ward.

MAJOR: Exercise Science