GREENSBORO, N.C. – Guilford College head football coach Chris Rusiewicz announced the official commitment of five student-athletes to play football for the Quakers Friday. These students have paid their deposits to Guilford and will enroll for classes beginning in August. They are the first members of Rusiewicz’s seventh recruiting class.
Amari Crowell (Winston-Salem, N.C.) is a 5-9, 155-pound defensive back who lettered for coach Germane Crowell at Carver High School. Coach Crowell is Amari’s uncle and a veteran of five seasons as a wide receiver with the National Football League’s Detroit Lions (1998-2002). Three was the magic number for Amari as he lettered three years and earned First Team All-Western Piedmont Athletic Conference (WPAC) honors in all three. Crowell will graduate with Carver’s school record for interceptions in a game with three and played on the Yellow Jackets’ WPAC champions in 2014 and 2015. Crowell also sprints for Carver’s track and field team and is a two-time all-conference selection. An honors student and Student Government Association member, Crowell is one of the top students in his graduating class. His uncle, Angelo Crowell, played five years as a linebacker with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.
Eric “E.J.” James (Rose Hill, N.C.) is a 6-0, 270-pound defensive lineman from Wallace-Rose High School. James lettered three years for coach Joey Price and earned All-Duplin County recognition during his tenure. He helped the team to three consecutive North Carolina 1AA state championships from 2014-2016. James also throws the shot put for the Bulldogs’ track and field team, lettering four years. James is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and intends to major in criminal justice. He is akin to Reggie Kenan ’75, Guilford’s all-time rushing leader.
Jake Moore (Greensboro, N.C.) is a 5-10, 285-pound lineman who lettered under former Guilford assistant coach Erik Westberg at Northern Guilford High School. Moore received News & Record Second Team All-Area recognition and was a Blue-Grey All-American Bowl finalist. He also earned All Mid-State Conference honors and helped the Nighthawks to a 2014 3AA state championship. A multi-sport athlete, Moore also lettered in wrestling and was named the team’s 2014 Most Valuable Player. He also threw the shot put for three seasons and is playing lacrosse as a senior.
Jacob Milillo (Greensboro, N.C.) lettered three years for head coach Kevin Gillespie at Walter Hines Page High School. The 6-0, 265-pound offensive lineman helped the Pirates to consecutive state championship game appearances in 2015 and 2016, as well as a 2016 Metro Conference title. Milillo received All-Metro Conference and News & Record Second Team All-Area recognition as senior, as well as the 4AA all-state Sportsmanship Award.
Deven Williams (Villa Rica, Ga.) is a 5-11, 160-pound quarterback who twice lettered for coach Johnny White at Douglas County High School. He earned the team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player and Coaches’ Awards. Williams also lettered in basketball. He plans to major in biology while studying at Guilford.
Guilford expects 13 starters among 59 returning letterwinners from the 2016 team, which went 4-6. The Quakers open the 2017 campaign September 2 at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama.