GREENSBORO, N.C. – Guilford College head football coach Chris Rusiewicz announced the intention of seven incoming students to play football for the Quakers Tuesday. The students have made their deposits to the college and will enroll for classes beginning in August. The announcement raises Rusiewicz’s third recruiting class at Guilford to 19 students.
Johnathan Chandler (Richfield, N.C.) lettered two seasons at North Stanly High School for coach Ralph Jackson. The 6-1, 190-pound linebacker was named team captain his senior year and served as the Comets’ long snapper. He earned a defensive player of the week honor and also received the team’s Iron Comet Award. He also competed four seasons on the school’s Marksmanship Team and has coached in the North Stanly Youth League Football program.
Walker Cummings III (Greenville N.C.) lettered four seasons at D.H. Conley High School for coach Brian Paschal. The 5-6, 175-pound running back was a two-time First Team All-Area and All-Coastal 3A Conference performer in his final two seasons. In 2012, he had 1,445 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, which helped earn the team’s Most Valuable Player Award. As a defensive back, Cummings led the conference in tackles and interceptions in 2011. Cummings intends to study criminal justice at Guilford.
C.J. Hobbs II (Sanford, N.C.) lettered three seasons at Western Harnett High School for coach Larry Brock. The 6-2, 180-pound wide receiver was a Second Team All-Cape Fear Valley Conference selection in 2012. He also lettered with basketball team and earned Academic All-Conference recognition. A relative of former NFL players Marion Motley and Fred Taylor, Hobbs intends to study sports medicine at Guilford.
Hunter Hoots (Winston-Salem, N.C.) lettered three seasons at North Davidson High School for coach Mark Holcomb. The 6-0, 215-pound linebacker was an All-Central Piedmont Conference (CPC) and All-Davidson County selection. In the 2012 season, North Davidson won the CPC championship and placed second in the North Carolina 4A Western Regional playoffs. Hoots led the state with four fumble recoveries for touchdowns and topped the Knights with 121 tackles. He was an A/B Honor Roll student and president of North Davidson’s Brutal Black Spirit Club.
Joe Mitchell (Winston-Salem, N.C.) lettered two seasons at R.J. Reynolds High School for coach Paul Hall. The 5-8, 140-pound all-purpose back saw time at running back, receiver, kick returner and cornerback over his career. He also lettered three seasons as a sprinter on the track and field team and intends to compete on Guilford’s team as well. Mitchell’s sister, Juleonna, played lacrosse at Shenandoah University. Mitchell looks to study business at Guilford.
Christian Swope (Weddington, N.C.) lettered three seasons at Weddington High School for coach Tim Carson. The 5-10, 240-pound offensive lineman was a Second Team All-Union County honoree and served as a team captain. Weddington was a perfect 9-0 in 2010. The team went 9-3 in 2012 and shared the Southern Carolina Conference title. Swope also played tennis and was a thrower on the track and field team.
James Yeldell IV (Charlotte, N.C.) lettered four seasons at Providence Day School for coach Bruce Hardin. The 6-1, 175-pound linebacker twice earned All-North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association Division I and All-Charlotte Independent School Athletic Association recognition. Yeldell was named the 2012 South Charlotte Defensive Player of the Year and the sack leader for Charlotte-area players in 2012 with 20 sacks. As a senior, Yeldell helped the Chargers to their first state championship. He intends to study sport management at Guilford.
Guilford opens the 2013 season Sept. 7 against Greensboro College in the Gate City Soup Bowl at 1:00 p.m.