One of the biggest days on the college football landscape is its annual Spring Signing Day. All throughout the Winter, Head Coach of Alcorn State University (ASU) Fred McNair was busy attempting to attract possible recruits. Certainly part of Coach McNair’s recruiting pitch included that the Braves are the 4-time reigning Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Eastern Division Champions. Following the disappointing loss to Grambling State in the SWAC Championship game Alcorn lost 16 seniors to graduation. Among the 16 seniors was star Running Back and All-American, DeLance Turner. In addition to losing Turner, the offense also lost two-year starting Quarterback LeNorris Footman. While the Braves took hits losing two offensive catalyst, they also lost leading sack getter Michael Brooks. Nevertheless, Alcorn State reloaded in this year’s Spring Signing Day with 17 new additions to the roster.
Roberto Aguirre signed to ASU as a kicker. Aguirre has a lengthy list of high school accolades out of Godby High School in Tallahassee, Florida. His achievements include two-time All-Big Bend Second-Team selection and being an All-State Second-Team honoree.
Creo Argue Jr. inked his name to be a Brave for the next 3 years at the Defensive End position. Argue is listed as the 51st best available Defensive End in the country. He comes from Crete, Illinois where he played his high school football at Crete-Monee. After high school, Argue went to Independence Community College in Kansas where he finished with three sacks and a forced fumble in 10 games.
Chris Blair signed to finish his remaining two-years of eligibility in purple and gold as he transfers from Hinds Community College. Blair, who is originally from Louisville, Mississippi turned down an offer from Mississippi State University to be a Brave. Being a 6’3″ Wide Receiver, Blair can make an immediate impact for Alcorn State’s offensive attack next season.
Delshun Bradwell, Joshua Brown and Wanya Morris make up the three Offensive Lineman in this year’s recruiting class for the Braves. Bradwell, a 6’4″ 290-pound Freshman out of Quincy, Florida, Brown, a 6’3″ 260-pound Freshman out of Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Texas and Morris, a 6’2″ 290-pound Mississippi native from Brookhaven High School will provide the line-of scrimmage push for Alcorn State for the next few years.
Donnell Buckner a 6’6″ Freshman Wide Receiver from Lumberton High School in Lumberton, Mississippi also signed with ASU. Buckner, with an impressive high school resume which includes 25 touchdowns and a highlight tape full of athletic catches, is a player to watch in years to come for the Braves. Daylon Burks, who was high school teammates with Buckner, also signed with Alcorn. Burks however, played his last two seasons at Pearl River Junior College and he is a 5’11″ cornerback. Burks will play his final two seasons with the Braves
Tight End Jerimiah Green decided to sign his letter of intent for the Mighty Braves. It is to be noted that Green signed as a Tight End but can also play Defensive End as well. The 6’4″ Freshman is from Richmond, Texas and attended Fort Bend Bush High School. Green ended his high school career by being named to the All-District Team 20-6A First-Team.
Keyron Kinsler Jr. and Alonzo Nelson are two more Defensive Backs for Alcorn’s Spring Signing day class. Kinsler Jr. is a Freshman out of Micanopy, Florida who was a 4-year letterman at North Marion High School. Nelson, who will also be a Freshman, is from Chicago, Illinois and was named to the All-Region First-Team at Alpharetta High School. Nelson chose Alcorn State over several other powerhouse Historical Black Institutions.
Tavarian McCullum also signed with the Braves. McCullum is a Freshman from Collin, Mississippi who attended Collin High School. He is perhaps the most athletic recruit for the Braves this year as he is skilled at both running the football as well as catching it. While he signed as a Wide Receiver, he could be easily converted into a Running Back or even a Defensive Back as he excelled on both sides of the ball in high school.
Louie Turner is a decorated Freshman Running Back out of Atmore, Alabama. Turner graduated from Escambia Academy while rushing for 675 yards and 15 touchdowns as a Senior. The two-sport standout was a part of a nationally ranked football and basketball team in high school.
Derrian Meminger signed with Alcorn State with just one year of eligibility remaining. Meminger, a Defensive End from Sparta, Georgia played at the University of Indiana the previous 3 years.
Jon Orso and Blake Thomas will complement the aforementioned Defense End Argue Jr. and Meminger on the Defensive Line. Orso, one of the quickest Defensive Lineman in the country reigns from Mount Vernon, Alabama and he graduated from Citronelle High School. Orso was voted All-State Honorable Mention in his senior campaign. Thomas is a 220-pound Freshman from Dallas, Texas who attended Duncanville High School. Thomas was named All-District and finished with 4 sacks in 2017.
Jyron Russell is a 6’3″ 195-pound Quarterback out of Grand Prairie, Texas and Timberview High School who signed to be a part of the Braves’ family. Head Coach McNair spoke very highly of Russell and his ability to not only making plays but his intelligence at the Quarterback position.
Alcorn State Football will be here before you know it. The schedule for the 2018-2019 season is available now at alcorn.edu.