National Signing Day 2010: Furman Adds 14 Recruits In Solid Class

Furman football head coach Bobby Lamb announced the signing of 13 recruits to national letters of intent and one transfer to the 2010 signing class.

Furman is coming off a 6-5 overall record and a 5-3 record in league play, and sporting a final ranking of No.23 in the Gridiron Power Index. They will return 13 starters to the fold for the 2010 season. The Paladins bring in eight players on the defensive side of the football, while signing five on the offensive side of the football.

Highlights for the class include:

4A first-team all-state Shrine Bowl linebacker Malcolm Howard (Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek HS),

4A first team all-state center Charles Emert (Statesboro, Ga./Statesboro H.S.),

6A Central Florida all-star defensive tackle Danny Palmer (Altamonte Springs, Fla./Lake Brantley H.S.)

2B Florida Coaches Association All-Star Game running back Hank McCloud (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Catholic H.S.).

Howard was a prize pickup for Lamb and the Paladins, who were extremely young at linebacker this past season, with a couple of sophomores in Kaddaron Anderson and Chris Wiley headlining the corps for the Paladins this past fall. Howard is talented enough to play next season, but the Paladins do have good depth at linebacker returning at linebacker for the 2009 season, returning young linebackers Tim Lawrence and Matt Solomon to the fold.

Fans will enjoy Howard's speed.  He isan active player and his 5'11", 201-pound frame gives him good size coming in, where he will likely play as an reserve outside linebacker. His overall athlecism mimics another former Paladin great at outside/middle linebacker in William Freeman.

During his prep career, Howard helped Goose Creek to a 10-4 record and played linebacker, free safety, strong safety and running back last season to highlight his overall athleticsm. He amassed 237 tackles and five interceptions for his prep career, including registering 158 stops as a senior, helping Goose Creek to the state semifinals.

Howard finished his career in style by garnering the Shrine Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player Honor for the Sandlappers. He was one of five statewide finalist for the "Mr. Football" in the state of South Carolina and garnered Associated Press first-team All-State honors for his performance as a senior.

Sticking with the defensive side of the football for the Paladins, watch for defensive tackle Danny Palmer (Longwood, FL./Lake Brantley HS) to be an immediate contributor for Furman along the defensive line as soon as the 2010 season. With the graduation of two-time All-SoCon nose tackle Justin Brown, the Paladins could enlist the help of Palmer as soon as this season.

The 6'3", 240-pound defensive tackle was another one of the big targets for Lamb and coaching staff, to help bulk up the defensive interior for the Paladins—an area where the Paladins struggled this season.

Palmer will join some other young Paladins along the defensive interior heading into the 2010 season, with the return of a pair of juniors in Bryan Poole and Cody Reynolds, while the lone senior returning on the depth chart at defensive tackle is Pete Sanders.

During his prep career at Lake Brantley HS, Palmer played defensive tackle, defensive end and offensive tackle to prove his all-around athleticism and ability. Palmer, who is the former teammate of Paladin safety Mitch McGrath and registered 133 tackles, including 79 solo stops, 22 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks and seven forced fumbles during his career. He’ll certainly help a Furman defense that ranked eighth of nine league members in rushing defense last fall, yielding 173.5 YPG. on the ground.

Palmer will also help a defensive line that struggled to get any kind pressure on opposing passers last season, as Furman’s eight sacks in ‘09 were easily the lowest total of the nine-member league.

Palmer led all Florida defensive tackles with 72 stops in 2009 and was rated the 40th best player in Central Florida by the Orlando Sentinel and among the state’s Top 10 defensive tackles by Scout.com.

Switching gears to the offensive side of the football for the Paladins, Furman was able to steal a decorated player right from under the noses of Georgia Southern, bringing in Statesboro, GA., native Charles Emery on board to help shore up some of the losses along the offensive line for the Paladins.

Emert, a 6'2", 282-pound center was recruited as a center, where he will likely serve as a reserve behind Daniel Spisak. Emert could see action as soon as the 2010 season, with the Paladins having to replace both guards, Heath Cockburn and Tyler Haynes, who have graduated.

He should compete with rising stars junior Jordan Eshelman, senior Nic Ayoob and  junior David Barrington for a spot at offensive guard, should he be asked to provide depth at guard this season.

At center, Emert would likely serve in an apprenticeship role behind the all-league candidate Spisak, battling rising sophomore Ryan Storms for those responsibilities.

Emert, one of Furman’s first commitments, garnered Atlanta Journal-Constitution first team all-state accolades in 2009 and participated in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Game.

Hank McCloud (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Catholic H.S.) was Furman’s most highly-regarded pickup in terms of skill position players.

McCloud had a huge senior season, rushing for 1,767 yards and 16 TDs as a senior in helping lead Tampa Catholic to an 11-2 overall record and a state runner-up finish. He turned in one of his top performances against the Bolles school, another Florida private school powerhouse, rushing for 193 in the state championship loss.

McCloud will likely redshirt considering the depth and talent the Paladins return in the backfield for the 2009 season.

Overall, Furman did an excellent job of addressing its needs, especially along the defensive line.

Listed below is a complete list of the 2010 recruiting class as well as the player bios. Special thanks to the Sports Information Department for this information.

Check back later this week for recruiting class rankings for the Southern Conference and other feature articles about the league’s 2010 recruiting classes.

2010 FURMAN FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

Shawn Boone, DE, 6'2", 233, Fr.,Lithia, Fla. (Newsome H.S.)

Jacoby Browder, CB, 5'9", 180, Fr., Prattville, Ala. (Prattville H.S.)

Ray Early, PK, 6'0', 175, Fr. Darlington, S.C. (Darlington H.S.)

Charles Emert, C, 6'2", 282, Fr., Statesboro, Ga. (Statesboro H.S.)

Malcolm Howard, LB, 5'11", 201, Fr., Goose Creek, S.C. (Goose Creek H.S.)

Ryan Marks, OT, 6'3", 264, Fr., Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth H.S.)

Cameron Mason, DE, 6'3", 255, R-Fr., Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood H.S./Navy)

Hank McCloud, RB, 5'9", 180, Fr., Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Catholic H.S.)

Marcus McMorris, S, 6'0", 204, Fr., Newberry, S.C. (Newberry H.S.)

Danny Palmer, DL, 6'3", 240, Fr., Longwood, Fla. (Lake Brantley H.S.)

Tyreek Phillips, DL, 6'0", 285, Fr., Brampton, Ontario (Avondale, Ga., H.S.)

Gary Robinson, WR, 6'0", 188, Fr., Hephzibah, Ga. (Hephzibah H.S.)

Grayson Weber, OT, 6'4", 268, Fr., Sarasota, Fla. (Cardinal Mooney H.S.)

Gary Wilkins, LB, 6'2", 204, Fr., Covington, Ga. (Alcovy H.S.)

PROFILES

Shawn Boone, DE

6'2", 241, Freshman

Lithia, Florida (Newsome High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of Newsome (5A) High School.

Football coach was Kenneth Hisock

Played defensive end, offensive tackle, offensive guard, and fullback...two-time second team all-conference selection as a defensive end...totaled 95 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries over his final two seasons, helping Newsome to a pair of district championships and playoff appearances...served as a team captain in both 2008 and `09....54 tackles and three sacks his senior year...freshman year was his first year of organized football participation...also played basketball and participated in track & field at Newsome, specializing in the shot put and discus.

Personal: Full name is Shawn Christopher Boone, Jr...born July 8, 1992, in Levittown, Pennsylvania...son of Cheryl Cummings and Shawn Boone, Sr...has three siblings, including Christian, Yasmin, and Sarah...uncle, Sam Boone, Jr., played baseball at LaSalle University, and another uncle, Ricky Boone, played football and baseball at Millersville University.

Jacoby Browder CB

5'9", 180, Freshman

Prattville, Alabama (Prattville High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of Prattville (6A) High School...football coach was Jamey Dubose...played cornerback and safety...former prep teammate of Furman running back and 2009 SoCon All-Freshman Team selection Jerry Williams...two-year starter who helped lead Prattville to state championships in both 2008 & `09...played at Marbury (Ala.) High School as a sophomore...compiled 67 tackles and four interceptions in three seasons of high school ball.

Personal: Full name is Jacoby Antonio Browder...born November 10, 1991, in Birmingham, Alabama...son of Lucinda and Philander Browder...has four siblings, Philander, Kayla, Joshua, and Lewis...brother, Philander, plays football at Tuskegee University.

Ray Early, PK

6'0", 175, Freshman

Darlington, South Carolina (Darlington High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of Darlington (3A) High School...football coach was Justin Danner...served as placekicker and punter...converted 13-of-22 field goal attempts and averaged 43.0 yards per punt in his career...career long field goal was 45 yards and longest punt covered 62 yards...recorded 48 touchbacks on 56 career kickoffs...twice earned first team all-region honors and was named 3A Kicker of the Year in 2009 after making 5-of-9 field goal attempts, scoring 58 points, and averaging 43.0 yards per punt...converted a 32-yard field goal attempt in South Carolina North-South All-Star Game...made 7-of-11 field goal tries his junior year, including a 45-yard effort in the rain against Camden that forced overtime...earned all-region honors in golf his junior year.

Personal: Full name is Raymond Joseph Early...born June 3, 1992, in Florence, South Carolina...son of John and Rebecca Early...credits his brother, John, who played football at Clemson (2006-09) for teaching him all that he knows about kicking...great-uncle, Lee Rhame `37 was an outstanding running back for Furman and charter member (1981) of the Furman Athletic Hall of Fame who is also in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.

Charles Emert, C

6'2", 282, Freshman

Statesboro, Georgia (Statesboro High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of (4A) Statesboro High School...football coach was Steve Pennington...played center but also saw action at guard, tackle, tight end, and served as a long snapper during his career...four-year letterman...2009 Atlanta Journal-Constitution first team all-state selection...played in the 2009 Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) All-Star Game, helping his south squad to a 27-20 victory over a north squad that included fellow Furman signee, offensive tackle Ryan Marks...three-time all-region pick as an offensive lineman and 2009 Statesboro Herald All-Area choice...served as team captain his senior season...helped Statesboro to an 11-2 season and state Elite 8 finish in 2008, his junior year...voted Mr. Senior by Statesboro High faculty and inducted into National Society of High School Scholars.

Personal: Full name is Charles F.G. Emert...born October 31, 1991, in Fort Hood, Texas...son of Dr. Richard and Dawn Emert...father is retired military...family has lived in Texas and in Heidelberg, Germany...sister, Jamie, is a graduate of Georgia Southern University...cousin, Matt Chatham played for the New England Patriots from 2000-05 and was a member of three Super Bowl championship teams...later spent two seasons with the New York Jets.

Malcolm Howard, LB

5'11', 201, Freshman

Goose Creek, South Carolina (Goose Creek High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of (4A) Goose Creek High School...football coach was Chuck Reedy...played linebacker, running back, free safety, and strong safety....compiled 237 tackles and five interceptions in his career, including 158 stops his senior year while helping lead Goose Creek to a 10-4 record and state playoff semifinals...Associated Press first team all-state selection...2009 Shrine Bowl defensive MVP...was one of five state-wide finalist for South Carolina Mr. Football...named Berkeley County Defensive Player of the Year, AP Defensive Player of the Year, and Lower State Back of the Year in 2009...two-time first team all-state selection by the High School Sports Report...also wrestled and competed in track & field, specializing in the long jump...senior class and student council president.

Personal: Full name is Malcolm Xavier Howard...born October 27, 1991, in Charleston, South Carolina...son of Alisha and Raymond Howard...has a sibling, Jerri...cousin, Kenyon Doyle, played football and ran track at The Citadel.

Ryan Marks, OT

6'3", 264, Freshman

Cumming, Georgia (North Forsyth High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of (5A) North Forsyth High School...football coach was Jared Zito...played offensive tackle....started 30 consecutive games over three years...first team all-county and all-region selection his senior year...starter in 2009 Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) All-Star Game along with Furman signee, center Charles Emert...also started in the inaugural 2009 Rotary Bowl...served as team captain this past fall and helped his squad to first winning season (7-4) in four seasons...team advanced to state playoffs for first in school history...headed up an offensive line that paved the way for three 1,000-yard rushers and new school season rushing yards standard...recipient of North Forsyth Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and Outstanding Leadership Awards...also played basketball...served as Special Olympics Peer Buddy and Miracle League Buddy his junior and senior years.

Personal: Full name is William Ryan Marks...born October 6, 1991, in Augusta, Georgia...son of Bill and Janet Marks...has a sister, Heather.

Cameron Mason, DE

6'3", 255, R-Freshman

Brentwood, Tennessee (Brentwood High School/Navy)

Medical discharge transfer from Navy who joined the program in January...will take part in spring practice...has four seasons of elgibility remaining...underwent shoulder surgery and an emergency apendectomy early last fall at Navy...2009 graduate of Brentwood High School...football coach was Ron Crawford...played defensive end and tight end...registered 102 tackles, 11 sacks, two interceptions as a senior in helping his squad to 12-2 record and region championship in 2008...region defensive player of the year, all-conference, all-midstate, and first team all-state honoree...also racked up 11 tackles and an interception in 2008 Tennessee All-Star Game...two-time all-state performer in lacrosse.

Personal: Full name is Cameron Charles Mason...born March 22, 1991, in Nashville, Tennessee...son of Chris and Lana Mason...has a brother, Matt, and a sister, Dana.

Hank McCloud, RB

5'9', 180, Freshman

Tampa, Florida (Tampa Catholic High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of (2B) Tampa Catholic High School...football coach was Bob Henriquez...played running back and cornerback...three-year starter...rushed for 3,962 yards and 37 touchdowns in his career...compiled 1,767 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior in helping his squad to an 11-2 record and second state runner-up finish in the last three years...ran for 193 yards in 21-7 state championship game loss to The Bolles School...first team all-county pick and Scholar-Athlete Award recipient in 2009...selected to play in the 2009 Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game...rushed for career high 230 yards against Southlake-Groveland...starter on three district championship teams...also stars in baseball...playing left field and batting leadoff, hit .381 with a home run, 20 RBI, and 15 stolen bases in 2009 on district championship team...will serve as a team captain this spring...National Honor Society.

Personal: Full name is Henry L. McCloud, Jr....born February 16, 1992, in Tampa, Florida...son of Henry and Donnette McCloud...has a sister, Jazmine...father was a golden gloves champion and heavyweight boxer...grandfather, Don Cherry, played football at Wichita State University...aunt, Darlene Stowers, played basketball at Texas Southern University and later professional golf on the LPGA Tour...aunt, Damu Cherry ran track at University of South Florida and was a fourth place finisher in the 100m hurdles at the 2008 Olympics.

Marcus McMorris, S

6'0", 204, Freshman

Newberry, South Carolina (Newberry High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of (2A) Newberry High School...football coach was Sam Baird...played running back, wide receiver, strong safety, cornerback, and linebacker...four-year starter...three-time all-region selection...served as team captain and was named team MVP his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons...2009 region defensive player of the year and South Carolina North-South All-Star Game selection...member of Newberry’s 2006 Upper State championship and state runner-up squad his freshman year...garnered all-region and all-state honors in track in 2009 with region championship and second place state finish in 4x400m relay...recipient of Wendy’s High School Heisman Award for Newberry High School...named to Newberry Touchdown Club Academic Team...National Honor Society...served as Beta Club president his senior year...Palmetto Boys State.

Personal: Full name is Marcus Terrell McMorris...born December 14, 1991, in Lexington, South Carolina...son of Bryant Keith and Constance McMorris...has two sisters, Chelsea and Lonette...father played football at Allen University.

Danny Palmer, DL

6'3", 240, Freshman

Longwood, Florida (Lake Brantley High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of Lake Brantley (6A) High School...football coach was George Clayton...played defensive tackle, defensive end, and offensive tackle...former prep teammate of Furman rover Mitch McGrath...registered 133 tackles, including 79 solo stops, 22 tackles for-loss, eight sacks, and seven forced fumbles in his career, helping Lake Brantley to playoff appearances each year...served as team captain and earned first team all-conference in 2009 after totaling 75 tackles (tops among all Florida defensive tackles), including 13 for-loss, and four sacks...recorded 13 stops, two sacks, and forced fumble in 14-7 loss to 2008 6A state champion Seminole last fall...2009 Central Florida All-Star selection...ranked among the state’s Top 100 players (No. 40) by the Orlando Sentinel and No. 1 defensive tackle in central Florida by Scout.com...three-time member of the Florida High School Athletic Association All-Academic Team pick...also competed in track & field, specializing in the shot put and discus.

Personal: Full name is Daniel James Palmer...born November 7, 1991, in Orlando, Florida...son of Jim and Lisa Palmer...has a sister, Nicole, and a brother, Jeff...has had two cousins attend Furman.

Tyreek Phillips, DL

6'0", 285, Freshman

Brampton, Ontario (Avondale, Ga., High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of Avondale (2A) High School...football coach was Michael Carson...played on both the offensive and defensive lines and also punted...compiled 77 tackles, nine tackles for-loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in one season of action at Avondale High School, earning all-county honors...strong work helped Avondale post its first winning record and state playoff appearance in 20 years...played his junior and sophomore years in Canada, where he was twice named team MVP and all-conference as a linebacker at St. Marguerite d’Youville School.

Personal: Full name is Tyreek Shaquille Phillips...born May 20, 1992, in Toronto, Canada...son of Pamela and Calvin Phillips...has a sister Thaliyah...cousin Verron Haynes, played football at Georgia, spent six years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and is currently with the Atlanta Falcons.

Gary Robinson, WR

6'0', 188, Freshman

Hephzibah, Georgia (Hephzibah High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of Hephzibah (2A) High School...football coach was John Bowen...played wide receiver, defensive back, and also served as a return specialist...earned first team all-area and all-region honors in 2009 after catching 37 passes for 655 yards (17.7 ypc) and six touchdowns in keying his squad to a 7-4 season...established new school records for most catches in a career (80) and most receiving yards (1,325)...also ran track, specializing in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.

Personal: Full name is Gary Darnell Robinson,..born March 3, 1992, in Augusta, Georgia...son of Felix and Grace Robinson...father was a walk-on member of the University of Florida’s football program (1987 & `88).

Grayson Weber, OT

6'4", 268, Freshman

Sarasota, Florida (Cardinal Mooney High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of Cardinal Mooney (2B) High School...football coach was Josh Smithers...played offensive tackle...three-year starter...suffered a knee injury prior to start of his senior year and missed half the season...came back to play in the final five games...served as team captain in 2009 and earned first team all-area honors...selected to play in Sarasota/Manatee County All-Star Game...recipient of Coaches Sportsmanship Award...as a junior helped pave the way for the school’s all-time leading rusher, Steve Ierulli (1,968 yards), and a 7-3 campaign...played his first full season of organized football in 2007.

Personal: Full name is Grayson Robert Weber...born November 10, 1991, in Tampa, Florida...son of Bob and Cecilia Weber...has a sister, Chelsea...father played football at the University of Pennsylvania.

Gary Wilkins, LB

6'2", 204, Freshman

Covington, Georgia (Alcovy High School)

Projected 2010 graduate of Alcovy (4A) High School...coach was Kirk Hoffman...played linebacker, tight end, and wide receiver...four-year starter...compiled 180 tackles, including 20 for loss and eight sacks, five interceptions, three blocked punts, three fumble recoveries during his career...served as team captain and earned all-region and all-county honors in 2009 after totaling 80 tackles, six sacks, four interceptions, three blocked punts...strong play helped key Alcoy to first playoff appearance in school history...had game winning interception against rival Eastside...registered 15 tackles and a blocked punt against North Clayton...also starred in basketball and track & field...holds Alcovy’s high jump record...finished sixth in the high jump at the 2009 state championships.

Personal: Full name is Gary Clifton Wilkins, Jr....born Feburary 9, 1990, in Decatur, Georgia...son of Gary and Beatrice Wilkins...father played football at Georgia Tech and spent six years in the NFL as a tight end with the Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons...has two cousins playing collegiate football: Walter Lunsford as a defensive lineman at the University of Minnesota-Crookston, and Joshua Wilkins as a cornerback at Fayetteville State University...three other cousins played collegiate basketball: Donnie McLendon, a 1,000-point scorer at The Citadel; younger brother, Warren McClendon, also at The Citadel; and sister Natalie McClendon played basketball at Samford University.