After the first day of signing football players to National Letters of Intent, the Prairie View A&M University list of recruits is holding at 15 – eight from high school, five junior college transfers and two transfers. “Overall, I’m pretty pleased with the players we’ve signed,” said Coach Henry Frazier III. “We addressed our needs, although we’re still looking to add one or two defensive tackles and maybe a tight end.
“With this class of recruits, we got faster as a team. We’ve added some size at defensive tackle and on the offensive line. This group will definitely bring more competition and depth at certain positions.
“We have high academic standards at the university and I’m confident that these student-athletes will excel in the classroom and on the field.”
The new recruits are:
Donald Babers (RB, 5-10, 175, Houston, Texas/Westbury)
Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.versatile athlete who’s a threat on either side of the ball.will be used in a variety of roles on the field.rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and recorded 282 receiving yards as a senior.scored 15 touchdowns.earned first team all-district honors at running back.
Anthony Beck (SS, 6-1, 175, Houston, Texas/Channelview)
A player who will add athleticism in the secondary.a member of the District 23-4A first team.recorded three interceptions last season.also one of the top basketball players in the Houston area.
Joe Fontenot (DB, 5-10, 175, Houston, Texas/Central Michigan)
A transfer who will add speed to the secondary.has the ability to return kicks and punts.a starter on a high school team that finished as the state runner-up in 2004.recorded a 104-yard kick return in high school.
Steven Gunns (ATH, 6-2, 185, Oklahoma City, Okla./Southeast)
Quick and explosive route runner.played quarterback and defensive back in high school.ability to play multiple positions.played in the 2005 Jim Thorpe All-Star Football Game.named to the Oklahoma Football Coaches Association Class 5A West team as a defensive back.
Mark Ison (WR, 5-11, 185, Ontario, Calif./Mt. San Antonio College)
Recorded 33 receptions for 508 yards with four touchdowns last season.led his team in receptions and receiving yards.
Steve Jackson II (OL, 6-1, 280, Fontana, Calif./Utah State)
Will add depth to the offensive line.hails from Kaiser High School in Fontana, Calif.earned all-county, all-area, all-valley, all-CIF and all-state honors as a senior.
Alphonso Johnson (OL, 6-3, 305, Montgomery, Ala./East Mississippi CC)
Expected to provide an impact on the offensive line at the center position.registered 49 pancake blocks and graded out over 80
percent.earned second team all-conference honors.selected Prairie View over Jackson State.
Evan Johnson (DE, 6-11?2, 235, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Dillard)
Accounted for 63 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a senior.participated in the Florida North versus South All-Star game.
Laureno Maximo (WR, 6-2, 195, Sugar Land, Texas/Dulles)
Earned first team 20-5A All-district honors.ranked seventh in the Houston area among wide receivers with 44 receptions for 836 yards.recorded a game-high 224 receiving yards this season.
Derrick Miles (TE, 6-2, 220, Missouri City, Texas/Hightower)
Averaged 15.8 yards per catch.finished the season with 126 yards on eight receptions…good blocker at the point of attack.will have an opportunity to play early.
Dalvin Nettles (OL, 6-2, 300, Houston, Texas/Forest Brook)
Hails from a strong high school program.earned District 20-4A first team honors at the center position.a solid run blocker.selected Prairie View over Southern and Texas Southern.
Anthony Nunley (DT, 6-1, 310, Los Angeles, Calif./Los Angeles SW CC)
Run-stuffer who’ll be expected to contribute immediately.registered 85 tackles and three sacks last season.earned honorable mention honors on the All-Western State Southern Conference team.selected Prairie View over San Diego.
Yavarian Richardson (DB, 5-9, 175, Dallas, Texas/Skyline)
All-district player who recorded 83 tackles and 13 pass break-ups.starter on a playoff team.will play cornerback for the Panthers.
Maurice Robinson (OL, 6-4, 320, Crawford, Miss/East Mississippi CC)
Junior college teammate of fellow signee Alphonso Johnson.will add experience, size and depth to the offensive line.expected to play tackle for the Panthers.selected Prairie View over Jackson State.
Mike Williams (WR, 6-1, 200, Los Angeles, Calif./Citrus CC)
Caught 39 passes for 735 yards.adds depth, size and speed to the receiving corps.also recruited by Northern Iowa.