Six players from Greensboro sign with Aggies on Signing Day(Brian Holloway reporting)
GREENSBORO, February 4, 2009 — During the press conference to announce him as North Carolina A&T’s new football coach, Alonzo Lee’s answer to a question about whether he will focus on signing local talent went like this: “I believe if you’re not taking care of your wife at home, someone else will.â€
On the day where college football teams around the country announced their initial recruiting classes, Aggies fans can be assured that the new marriage between Lee and the local talent in the city is a strong one.
Lee announced the signing of 22 players to national letters of intent on National Signing Day. Five of those players are from Greensboro. Four of the Greensboro players are from back-to-back Class 3-AA state champion Dudley High School.
“I’m super elated about the signings we had in Greensboro, particularly the ones we signed from Dudley,’’ said Lee. “I’m so energized about that I can climb the highest mountain and swim the deepest sea. Recruiting in your backyard is the foundation of a solid college football program.â€
Highlighting the Dudley signees is two-time state championship game MVP Rickie Lewis, Jr. Lewis played quarterback for the Panthers, but Lee said it is not clear at this time what position Lewis will play as an Aggie. Lewis rushed for more than 2,144 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior. He also completed more than 70 percent (94-for-134) of his passes for 1,424 yards and 10 touchdowns. In addition, he was named the Greensboro News & Record All-Area player of the year, and was 22-0 as a starter.
The Aggies went for defense with their other three signees from Dudley. Defensive lineman Darius Hall 146 tackles over the final two seasons of his high school career. Defensive end Chris Neal was also a part of the Panthers tenacious defensive line. He led the team in tackles and recorded 24 sacks. Rounding out the Dudley foursome is Tevin Williams, a linebacker/safety who made 85 tackles (six for loss), intercepted two passes and recovered three fumbles.
The other Greensboro product the Lee signed on Wednesday is Northwest Guilford running Chris Kennedy. Kennedy was a News & Record All-Area selection. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his final two seasons at Northwest.
“There is a lot of talent in this city, and I’m glad we were able to tap into it,’’ said Lee. “The young man from Northwest is outstanding runner. I’m happy about getting him too. He’s going to make some things happen.â€
On Lee’s first initial thrust through the recruiting scene, he signed five defensive linemen, four offensive linemen, three running backs, three players who are considered athletes, three linebackers and one quarterback, kicker punter and defensive back.
“We’re not done yet,’’ said Lee. “I would like to see add some older players by signing a few more (Division I) drop downs and junior college players. But we wanted to start by bringing in some young blood. We like what we have here now, but anytime you can add new blood you’re ahead of the game.â€
Name
Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Previous School
Hometown
Darius Hall
6-2
260
DT/DE
Dudley
Greensboro, NC
The Hall Skinny: Recorded 146 tackles over the final two seasons of his high school career…Had a combined 19 sacks his junior and senior seasons…Won two state championships at Dudley HS.
Name
Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Previous School
Hometown
Ricky Lewis, Jr.
5-10
170
ATH
Dudley
Greensboro, NC
The Lewis Skinny: Led the Panthers to two state titles and was the named the MVP in both title games from the quarterback position…He was first-team All-Area and named the area’s Player of the Year two straight seasons…Rushed for more than 2,100 yards and threw for more than 1,500 yards in his career.
Name
Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Previous School
Hometown
Chris Neal
6-1
230
DE
Dudley
Greensboro, NC
Neal Skinny: He is another talented member of the successful Dudley football program…Led the team in tackles and sacks (24)…He is an all-conference, All-Area and All-State performer.
Name
Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Previous School
Hometown
Tevin Williams
6-1
200
LB/S
Dudley
Greensboro, NC
The Williams Skinny: Recorded 85 tackles his senior season…He has also had six tackles for loss, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries…Williams also proved to be an effective pass rusher with five sacks…He was all-conference and the fourth player from Dudley’s two state championship teams to sign with the Aggies.
Name
Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Previous School
Hometown
Chris Kennedy
5-11
185
RB
Northwest Guilford
Greensboro, NC
Kennedy Skinny: He is one of six players in the recruiting class from Greensboro, N.C…He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his final two seasons at Northwest Guilford…He was also named to the All-Area team.