Blue Raiders ink 20 on national signing day

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee head football coach Rick Stockstill announced today the signing of 20 players to scholarship agreements on National Signing Day.

2012 Signees

"We initially could sign 19 student-athletes in this class but another scholarship opened up when we learned recently that Preston Bailey would have to take a medical and end his playing career,” said Stockstill. “We also have a couple more players in similar situations that could open a couple more scholarships but we will address that at a later date.

“As for the class itself, I thought we addressed our needs on both sides of the ball but unfortunately we lost two wide receivers today and a defensive lineman two days ago to power conference schools. That was disappointing but I am very excited about the quality of this class and can’t wait for them to get on campus.”

The Blue Raiders inked players from seven different states with 10 coming from Georgia, three each from Florida and Alabama, and one each from Tennessee, California, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Overall, 17 signees come from the high school ranks, including Jeremiah Bryson who sat out last year after transferring from Pittsburgh. The class also has two junior college transfers and wide receiver Anthony Amos who played with the Blue Raiders last year and was recently put on scholarship.

Stockstill and his staff addressed the loss of five starters on offense by signing 11 players on that side of the ball. The Blue Raiders added five offensive linemen, two running backs, two receivers, one tight end, and a quarterback. The offensive linemen average 6-foot-5, 302 pounds.

“I really like the size of our offensive linemen and we have a tight end who could be a very special player,” added Stockstill. “Our quarterback is a winner with excellent credentials and the running backs have bright futures.”

The Blue Raiders brought in three defensive linemen, three defensive backs, and two linebackers.

"I like what we did by bringing in some big bodies up front who are athletic,” said Stockstill. “They are very hard to find. (Raynard) Felton could grow into a lineman and our linebackers are athletic, have good size, and play with toughness. Our secondary guys give us size, speed, and athleticism.”

Middle Tennessee also signed a long snapper who is highly regarded.

“(William) Eads came to our camp and we evaluated him then,” added Stockstill. “His high school uses the same protection scheme as we do so it should be an easy transition.”

The Blue Raiders, who return 11 starters next year, will begin spring practice on March 17 with the Blue-White Spring Game set for April 14 at Floyd Stadium.

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