Shepherd football announces signees
Shepherd University head football coach Monte Cater announced that 26 student-athletes have signed letters-of-intent to play football for the Rams in 2013. Among the group are 13 from Maryland, eight from Virginia, two from West Virginia, and one each from Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C.
The recruits are listed below in alphabetical order. Additional recruits will be announced at a later date.
Marcus Alexander – RB/LB Liberty Christian Academy/Long Island, Va. A 5-11, 240-pound running back/linebacker from Liberty Christian Academy… Alexander helped LCA to its second consecutive state title for coach Frank Rocco… a two-way player, Alexander carried the ball 60 times for a 9.95 average and eight touchdowns. he also had 33 solo tackles, five for loss and five sacks, while forcing three fumbles from his outside linebacker position. was a big contributor on coverage special teams for the Bulldogs and will bring a physical identity with him to the field.
Tre Anderson – WR/LB North Hagerstown High School/Hagerstown, Md. A 5-10, 190-pound athlete who was a dynamic two-way captain for head coach Dan Cunningham’s 2012 MVAL conference championship team. the Hub’s leader contributed to his team’s success in all three phases of the game with: 41 rushes for 315 yards and four touchdowns, 25 receptions for 556 yards and seven touchdowns, 66 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception for a touchdown, 394 kickoff return yards and 2 touchdowns. his versatility earned him recognition as a First Team All-County and a First Team All-MVAL choice at wide receiver and outside linebacker… was selected to play in the Baltimore Touchdown Club All-Star game.
LaRue “Tre” Bradley – DB Liberty Christian Academy/Glenshaw, Pa. A 5-11, 170-pound defensive back/returner from Liberty Christian Academy. was an integral part of back-to-back state championships at LCA for coach Frank Rocco… playing cornerback, Bradley recorded 35 solo tackles, forced two fumbles and snared three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown in the state championship game vs. Fork Union Military Academy. originally from Pittsburgh, Bradley was an All-State performer and was regionally ranked as a defensive back.
Jamie Deason – TE Riverbend High School (VA)/Fredericksburg, Va. A 6-3, 235-pound tight end was a two-year captain and three-year letterwinner for head coach Tony Demarco’s Bears. his senior season Deason was asked to play tight end, defensive end, quarterback, fullback, linebacker, and long snapper. his versatility earned him team MVP honors, along with being named All-Commonwealth District as a tight end and utility player. he was also awarded two varsity letters for wrestling along with three academic varsity letters for carrying over a 3.5 GPA each year.
Caleb Dembeck – QB Musselman High School/Inwood, W. Va. A 6-2, 185-pound quarterback has been one of the top signal-callers in the state of West Virginia over the last few seasons. he threw for 2,122 yards and 28 touchdowns, while tacking on five rushing touchdowns as a senior. was voted First Team All-Area, First Team All-Conference, and First Team All-State this past season. as the team MVP he has been selected to the North-South Game this summer.
Marquis Ellis – WR Franklin High School/Reisterstown, Md. A 6-3, 175-pound wide receiver from Franklin High School. he starred for the Indians and played a key role in taking his team to the regional finals… his stats for the year included 37 catches for 537 yards and 7 touchdowns. Marquis was voted to the 2012 All-County team and the 2012 Crab Bowl. was also selected to try out for the Big 33 All-Star game scheduled for June 2013.
Reggie Ellis – Athlete Franklin High School/Reisterstown, Md. A 6-0, 175-pound athlete from Franklin High School, Ellis was a multi-purpose athlete who totaled 20 touchdowns… his 909 rushing yards and 632 receiving yards led the team in both categories. also starred on special teams… his ability to perform at a high level at multiple positions will bring a tremendous amount of talent to the program… was selected to the 2012 All-County team, the 2012 Crab Bowl, and Big 33 tryouts.
Shane Gaines: – CB Owings Mills High School/Randallstown, Md. A 5-6 165-pound cornerback from Owings Mills High School. played quarterback out of necessity and led his team to a 9-2 record and a playoff berth… recorded 43 total tackles, six for loss and had five breakups and an impressive five interceptions at cornerback… his enthusiasm and passion for the game are exciting attributes that he will bring to the program… participated in the Baltimore City/County All-Star game.
DeMarcus Garrett DL Arundel High School/Odenton, Md. A 6-1, 315-pound defensive lineman from Arundel High School. was the anchor of Arundel’s defensive line. named team captain and garnered All-County honors. selected to the Baltimore Touchdown Club All-Star game.
James Gupton – OLB/RB North Point High School/Waldorf, Md. James was an outstanding linebacker for the Eagles this past season… as a defender James had 77 tackles, with 13 tackles for loss… also had two interceptions along with seven sacks and three forced fumbles… was defensive team leader… a First Team All-SMAC choice and was selected to the PG vs. SMAC Chick-fil-A All-Star game.
Malik Harleston – RB McKinley Tech High School/Washington, D.C. A 5-6, 160-pound running back/return specialist from McKinley Tech High School.was a jack-of-all-trades during his senior year playing RB, WR, KR, PR, and CB. rushed for 758 yards on 99 attempts, caught 31 passes for 320 yards, while scoring nine touchdowns. . posted two interceptions on defense. was the leading rusher and punt returner in the DCIAA East Division. his academic resume, speed, acceleration, vision, and ability to make people miss in the open field are all the things that will make him successful at Shepherd University.
Rudie Henderson – LB/DE Forest Park High School/Hargrave Military Academy/Dumfries, Va. The versatile 6-3 230-pound athlete was a one-year player for head coach David Coccoli at Forest Park High School in 2011 before deciding to prep this past season for Troy Davis at Hargrave Military Academy…his abilities allowed him to be an All-District performer in both football and basketball at Forest Park. at Hargrave he split time between linebacker and defensive end for one of the top postgraduate teams in the nation.
Lavonte Hights – OL Meadowbrook High School/Richmond, Va. A 6-3 270-pound lineman. anchored the offensive front for head coach Troy Taylor’s Monarchs that went 9-2 and won the Central District Championship this season.was recognized for his outstanding play in the trenches by being named First Team All-Central District, First Team All-Central Region, First Team All-Metro by the Richmond Times Dispatch, Honorable Mention All-State will also be participating in the VHSCA All-Star game in July.
Myles Humphrey – DE Wise High School/Upper Marlboro, Md. A 6-3, 205-pound defensive end from Dr. Henry A. Wise High School. a member of the National Honor Society, Humphrey has been on the honor roll every quarter since the ninth grade. His relentless effort and high motor helped him finish his senior year with 118 tackles, 25 sacks, 39 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, and a two point conversion. .. helped Wise win the 2012 Maryland 4A State Championship and finish with the top defense in the state by only allowing 50 points in 14 games including eight shutouts. earned First Team All-County, First Team All-Gazette, Second Team All-State (Big Schools); Honorable Mention All-Met, and was awarded by the Washington Pigskin Club as defensive player of the year. was also selected to play in the Annual PG County vs. SMAC All-Star Game where his team won 47-24. brings great leadership, ability, and work ethic to the program here at Shepherd.
Dorian Jenkins – WR/DB Broad Run High School/Ashburn, Va. A 5-11 165-pound wide receiver/defensive back from Broad Run High School. helped the Spartans offense with 58 catches for 1,407 yards and 14 touchdowns. also had a nose for the ball on defense with six interceptions. was voted First Team All-Cedar Run District and Second Team All-Region at wide receiver and defensive back in 2011 and 2012.
Donnie Knox – OL/DL Century High School/Eldersburg, Md. A 6-2, 310-pound offensive and defensive lineman from Century High School. versatile lineman who started 41 games while playing for coach Jim Holzman. A two-year captain and a First Team All-Carroll County, All-Conference, and All-State player in 2011 and 2012…2 named to the Baltimore Sun All-Metro team the Baltimore Touchdown Club’s Super 22 team in 2012… was selected to the Maryland Crab Bowl, the Chesapeake Bowl (which he was a captain), and nominated for the Big 33 game.
Shaquille Melvin – DL Franklin High School/Owings Mills, Md. A 5-10 240-pound explosive defensive lineman from Franklin High School… was an anchor for a stout defense… totaled 45 tackles with an impressive nine tackles-for-loss and five sacks. his quickness and physicality should transfer well to a history of great defensive lineman at Shepherd University. was voted to the 2012 All-County team and the 2012 Maryland National Guard Crab Bowl.
Thomas O’Brien – OL Midlothian High School/Midlothian, Va. A 6-2, 275-pound lineman was the MVP of the offensive front for head coach Kevin Thomas’s Trojans. his play on the field earned him All-Dominion District Honors. his efforts also extend into the classroom as he has been recognized the last two seasons as an All-Academic performer.
David Owens DL Baltimore City College High School/Baltimore, Md. A 6-4, 250-pound defensive lineman from Baltimore City College High School,… was a two way starter on both offensive and defensive line… possesses the speed and the quickness to play in Shepherd’s defensive style of football…. led City with 68 tackles including eight sacks… named co-captain of the team and was selected to the Baltimore Touchdown Club All-Star game and the Maryland National Guard Crab Bowl. Deion Petty WR/DB Baltimore City College High School/Baltimore, Md. A 5-11, 170-pound athlete from Baltimore City College High School. was a two-way starter at wide receiver and defensive back. led the team with six interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns. also led the team with 19 receptions and six touchdowns. was selected to the Baltimore Touchdown Club All-Star game.
Cameron Reynolds – LB/FB Stonebridge High School/Ashburn, Va. A 5-11 210-pound linebacker and fullback for Mickey Thompson’s perennial state powerhouse Stonebridge High School. a team captain, he had 61 tackles, 24 assisted tackles, and two forced fumbles. earned First Team All-District and All-Region honors as well as Honorable Mention All-State accolades. ..has also been invited to play in the VHSL All-Star Game later this summer.
Shawn Reynolds – OL/DL Einstein High School/Kensington, Md. A 6-3 275-pound offensive/defensive lineman from Albert Einstein High School. a three-year starter on offense and defense, Reynolds recorded 17 sacks, 22 tackles-for-loss, 55 solo tackles, five batted passes, three blocked field goals, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery during his senior year as a team captain and was named to First Team All-County and Honorable Mention All-Gazette teams. comes to Shepherd University with a great academic background and his versatility to play on either side of the ball will help him tremendously with his transition at the collegiate level.
Benjamin Robinson – OLB/SS Wise High School/Suitland, Md. A 5-11, 190-pound outside linebacker from Dr. Henry A. Wise High School. was the leader of the best defense in the state of Maryland his senior year.. played middle linebacker in high school, but is expected to make a smooth transition to outside linebacker at Shepherd University. Fits the mold athletically and physically of the some of the great outside linebackers who have played at Shepherd over the years. helped lead his team to the 2012 Maryland 4A State Championship and finish with the top defense in the state by only allowing 50 points in 14 games (3.5 ppg) including eight shutouts.
Christian Strahin – FS/RB Stonebridge High School/Ashburn, Va. A 5-9, 175-pound free safety/running back from Stonebridge High School, helped the Bulldogs to another run at the Virginia State Championship in 2012.a Mickey Thompson coached product had 29 tackles, 15 assisted tackles, five interceptions (three for touchdowns), three fumble recoveries, and a pair of forced fumbles… was voted to All-District, All-Region, and All-Met teams this year.
Octavius Thomas- ILB Myrtle Beach High School /Myrtle Beach, S.C. A 5-8, 210- pound linebacker at Myrtle Beach High School… had 225 tackles (29 for loss), 10 sacks, and five forced fumbles (two returned for touchdowns) in 2012. also had 480 tackles over the past three years.. led his team to a South Carolina AAA State Championship in 2010… named a North/South All-Star, the Defensive Player of the Year, the Sun News Toast of the Coast, to the All-Region-7-AAA Team, and to the All-Zone Team this year… is excited about becoming a Ram and expects to contribute immediately to the program’s success.
Zach Wise-K/P Berkeley Springs High School/Berkeley Springs, W. Va. A 5-10, 164-pound kicker/punter from Berkeley Springs High School. a four-year letterman in football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. was 22-29 on field goals in high school career and 54-57 on extra points… holds the West Virginia State record with 149 career soccer goals. achieved All-State status in all four sports (First Team in football and soccer).a two-time finalist for The Journal All-Jay male athlete of the year award. won 2012 University of Alabama field goal competition with two 53-yard field goals..will major in Sports Management. parents are Carl and Joy Wise of Berkeley Springs.