Here's an updated look at some of the student-athletes who have signed to play football for the Concord Mountain Lions, including links and photos.
Interesting Trivia Note: Concord has signed two sets of identical twins.
(Go here for Casey Goetz's signing day story on WVVA-TV. Click on the link labeled “National Signing Day.”
MICHAEL DAVIS
Kenova, WV / Wayne HS (Head Coach Tom Harmon)
6'2” 265 OL/DL
Davis chose Concord for its “nice college atmosphere and newly respected football team.”
He was Captain of the 2009 West Virginia Class AA All-State Offense, 1st Team All-Cardinal Conference and runner-up for the Hunt Award, given to the state's top high school lineman.
Davis plans to major in Business.
Concord Offensive Line Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Garin Justice: “Mike, along with some of our other signees, is our ideal Concord lineman! He's tough, smart, and has a relentless work ethic. We're extremely excited to have Mike.”
ERIC DAVIS
Seth, WV / Sherman HS (Head Coach Shann Elkins)
6'5” 250 OT
Why Concord? “I like the coaching staff and fit in with the people.”
Davis was a 2009 All-State Honorable Mention and 2009 All-Boone County.
He plans to major in Business Administration.
Concord Offensive Line Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Garin Justice: “We feel Eric is a diamond in the rough for our needs at tackle. We're fortunate to find a lineman with his pure athletic ability and speed. He's a perfect fit for us.”
Genna, WV / Wayne HS (Head Coach Tom Harmon)
5'8” 165 RB
Damron chose Concord because “I believe they're really turning around their football program, and I like the campus.”
He was 2009 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Cardinal Conference, and winner of the Samuel A. Mumley Player of the Game Award for the AA Championship game.
Damron plans to major in Athletic Training and pursue a career as a trainer and/or a health teacher.
Concord Offensive Line Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Garin Justice: “Corey is a hard-nosed back who will battle and will make a contribution to our team. He's a quality player and an even better person.”
CHASE PERRY
Wayne, WV / Wayne HS (Head Coach Tom Harmon)
6'3” 200 TE
Why Concord? “I like how they're trying to turn the program around. They're working hard to win, and that's what I want to do.”
Perry was 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-Cardinal Conference.
He plans to major in Education and become a teacher and a high school basketball coach.
Concord Offensive Line Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
Garin Justice: “Chase is another hard-nosed athlete that will make an impact for us. He knows how to win and how to be successful.”
Here's a look at some of the student-athletes who have signed to play football for the Concord Mountain Lions, including links and photos.
Bluefield, VA / Graham HS (Head Coach Doug Marrs)
6'4” 290 OT
Carper chose Concord for “the location and the great education I will receive there. I also get to continue my love for football under a great coach and program.”
An honor roll student, Carper was nominated for the National Society of High School Scholars.
On the field, Carper earned a spot on Virginia's All-Southwest District Team three straight years.
He plans to major in Sports Management.
CU Head Coach Mike Kellar: “We committed to Darius during our season. He adds a big, physical presence to a very good offensive line class.”
Bluefield, WV / Bluefield HS (Head Coach Fred Simon)
5'11” 195 RB-LB
Lilly chose Concord because “it's close to home and I can play football in front of my family and friends.”
He was a four-time All-State selection – 2nd Team 2006, 1st Team 2007, 2008 and 2009. Lilly was captain of the '09 All-State Team. He's also a member of West Virginia's All-Decade Team and was the 2009 Pocahontas Coal Association Player of the Year.
CU Head Coach Mike Kellar: “We first listed Jake as 'football player' because he's capable of playing any position on the field. Whatever spot he winds up playing, he'll have an excellent college career.”
Bluefield, WV / Bluefield HS (Head Coach Fred Simon)
5'11” 170 CB-KR
Patterson chose Concord so he could be “close to home and my family.”
He plans to major in Criminal Justice and pursue a career in law enforcement.
Patterson was a four-time All-State selection – 2nd Team 2006, 1st Team 2007, 2008 and 2009. He made All-State at three different positions. Patterson was MVP of the 2009 West Virginia AA State Championship Game.
CU Head Coach Mike Kellar: “Marcus was a four-year starter for Fred Simon at Bluefield, and that says a lot. He was a big contributor at one of the most successful programs there is. He'll make an impact here.”
Miami, FL / Edison Senior HS (Head Coach Eddie Jackson)
5'8” 160 RB
Colson chose Concord because “this is a great opportunity for me.”
He plans to become a social worker, “to be able to give back to my community.”
Concord Wide Receivers Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Jason Woodman: “We feel Carlton headlines a tremendous class for us. We snuck him out of south Florida and we can't wait to get the ball in his hands. He has that big-play capability every time he touches the ball. He's a great person – you'll not find a better, more respectful kid. He'll fit in our scheme and our team with no issues at all.”
DONTAVIUS GILBERT
Rocky Mount, VA / Franklin County HS (Head Coach Chris Jones)
5'10” 175 RB-DB
He chose Concord because “it's a great school with great people, and I love the football team.”
Gilbert was the Western Valley District Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Region and 2nd Team All-State (Associated Press and VHSCA). He set Franklin County's single-season rushing record with 1672 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Concord Linebackers Coach Paul Price: “Dontavius is an explosive and dynamic athlete who will contribute to our program early and often.”
JASPER HUNTER
Odenton, MD / Arundel Senior HS (Head Coach Chuck Markiewicz)
6'3” 240 DE
Hunter hasn't decided on a major, but would like to pursue a football-related career after college.
He earned 1st Team All-Anne Arundel County honors.
Concord Defensive Backs Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Chris Bowers: “We really had a need on the defensive line after graduating three seniors, and we were immediately impressed with Jasper's size and athleticism. He's made a significant commitment to football over the past year and we have high expectations for him.”
Huntington Beach, CA / Edison HS (Head Coach Dave White)
Transfer from Orange Coast College (Head Coach Mike Taylor)
6'1” 211 LB
Keating chose Concord because “it was the best fit for me academically, as well as the football program.”
He plans to major in Business.
Keating was a 1st Team All-SCFA National Division/Southern Conference player and was Orange Coast College's 2009 MVP and a scholar-athlete award winner. He was OCC's 2008 Linebacker of the Year.
Concord Linebackers Coach Paul Price: “Jimmy is mature and a leader. On the field he has great range and the ability to cover sideline to sideline. Great intensity!”
Waldorf, MD / McDonough HS (Head Coach Luke Ethington)
6'3” 195 WR/DB/KR
Stamps caught 139 passes for 2056 yards and 20 touchdowns in his high school career.
Concord Wide Receivers Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Jason Woodman: "Devante is going to come in and compete right away. We felt the need for another big, lengthy receiver to play opposite Thomas Mayo and Devante was our top pick. After we got to know him, we loved him even more and if anyone is more anxious to get here and start working more than Devante, we haven't seen him."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWfR21tPX0Q
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHpu6U2foMg
White Plains, MD / McDonough HS (Head Coach Luke Ethington)
6'3” 195 WR/RB/LB/DE/KR
King was 2nd Team Maryland Small School All-State and 1st Team All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference in 2009.
Concord Wide Receivers Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Jason Woodman: "Another big receiver who can run. He's very athletic for his size, with the ability to play multiple positions and contribute early. He comes from a great high school program and has been well-schooled by 'Coach E.' Javarrus will make an impact."
NATHAN ROBERTS
Gallipolis Ferry, WV / Point Pleasant HS (Head Coach Dave Darst)
6'1” 195 HB/LB
Roberts chose Concord for “the football program and its excellent reputation in education.” He hopes to become a teacher and football coach after college.
He was captain of the West Virginia All-State 2nd Team and a two-time All-Cardinal Conference selection. Roberts was a nominee for the 2010 Kennedy Award, given annually to West Virginia's top high school player.
Concord Defensive Assistant Coach Drew Toth: “Nathan is a powerful running back with good speed, and he comes from a good program. We expect Nathan to step in and provide quality depth on offense and special teams.”
Drawdy, WV/ Sherman Senior HS (Head Coach Shann Elkins)
6'4” 190 WR
He chose Concord because “it's the best fit for me in terms of athletics and academics.”
Rollo was a two-time All-State selection in football (2008, 2009) and an All-State honoree in basketball (2008). He was a three-time 1st Time All-Coalfield Conference and All-County player in both sports (2007, 2008, 2009).
He plans to major in Sports Management.
CU Offensive Line Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Garin Justice: “Pound for pound, Jake may be the best athlete in the state of West Virginia. He comes from a great family and a great community. We're excited to see what his length and athleticism will bring to our offense.”
Columbus, OH / Beechcroft HS (Head Coach Bruce Ward)
5'10” 210 RB-LB
Hale chose Concord “because I see myself becoming a better man.”
He earned All-City, All-Metro and 1st Team All-District honors as a player.
Hale plans to pursue a degree in athletic training and business management.
NOTE: Hale's high school coach, Bruce Ward, played under CU Head Coach Mike Kellar when Kellar was an assistant at Fairmont State, and coached with Kellar for a year.
CU Recruiting Coordinator/Secondary Coach Chris Bowers: “Wallace is a big, powerful back. We expect him to play at 215-200 lbs., making him 40-50 pounds heavier than most of the backs on our board. Wallace possesses outstanding speed for his size and we expect him to have an immediate impact on our team.”
Chapmanville, WV / Chapmanville Regional HS (Head Coach George Barker)
6'3” 225 TE
Terry chose Concord because “it was the right school for me!”
He earned 1st Team All-State honors and was twice named 1st Team All-Cardinal Conference.
Terry plans to be a Health major.
CU Offensive Line Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Garin Justice: “Todd is a gifted athlete and we're glad to have him on board. He was an All-State player and one of the finer players in southern West Virginia.”
CHRIS RODRIGUEZ
Austinville, VA / Fort Chiswell HS (Head Coach Stephen James)
5'10” 205 RB
Rodriguez chose Concord for the “opportunity to play football at a high level in family-like surroundings.”
He comes to CU as Virginia's Mountain District and Region C Offensive Player of the Year, and was an Associated Press 1st Team All-State selection. He also earned a spot on the Fort Chiswell HS honor roll and was the school's Chemistry Award winner.
He plans to major in Athletic Training/Education.
CU Offensive Line Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Garin Justice: “C-Rod is a player we're really excited about. He was an All-State player at Fort Chiswell while playing every position on the field. His size and athleticism will transfer nicely to the college game.”
Pickerington, OH / Pickerington Central HS (Head Coach Jay Sharrett)
5'11” 170 WR
Miller chose Concord for its “small college environment and the beautiful area.”
He plans to major in Athletic Training.
CU Recruiting Coordinator/Secondary Coach Chris Bowers: “We expect Jared to contribute early in his career at CU. Jared didn't play football until his junior year in high school due to his focus on basketball. Fortunately, he decided to play football in college. He has the size to play outside and the athleticism to play in the slot. Jared will be a great player in this league.”
McGraws, WV / Wyoming East HS (Head Coach Kevin Grogg)
Transfer from Robert Morris University (PA)
6'3” 295 OG
McGraw chose to come to Concord because it's “close to home, a great campus with good people, and a fun place to be.”
He plans to major in Business.
At Wyoming East, McGraw was a three-time 1st Team All-Conference player and Honorable Mention All-State. He graduated in the top ten of his class.
NOTE: McGraw enrolled at Concord for the 2010 spring semester. He'll be a redshirt freshman in the 2010 season.
CU Head Coach Mike Kellar: “Kyle was one of the top guards on our board a year ago, and we're very excited he decided to transfer back to Concord. He's working very hard in our winter program and should compete immediately in Spring ball.”
DAVON MARION
Mount Hope, WV / Mount Hope HS (Head Coach Eddie Souk)
Transfer from West Virginia University
6'0” 205 DB
Marion says, “I chose CU because they showed a lot of interest in me. The coaches are great guys and a lot of my friends go here. Another reason is that the team is moving up and I want to be part of that success.”
He has yet to decide on a major.
Marion was a three-time All-State honoree and a three-time 1st Team All-Coalfield Conference selection. In 2008, he was West Virginia's leading high school rusher and scorer and the state's Impact Player of the Year.
NOTE: Marion enrolled at Concord for the 2010 spring semester and will be a redshirt freshman in the 2010 season.
CU Head Coach Mike Kellar: “We recruited Davon heavily a year ago. After spending time the fall at WVU he decided to transfer to us. Davon adds a ton of athleticism to our secondary and I have no doubt he'll have a great career here.”
Scott Depot, WV / Winfield HS (Head Coach Willie Wilson)
6'0” 175 S
Clark chose Concord because “the coaches are very personable and have turned the program around in just one year. Concord is academically sound and I'm looking forward to being part of the overall experience.”
Clark was a Class AAA All-State Honorable Mention and an All-Academic 1st Team. He was Winfield High School's Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year.
He plans to major in Pre-Pharmacy.
CU Secondary Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Chris Bowers: “Josh has strong family ties to Concord. He caught our attention by performing well at our summer camp. Josh runs very well for a kid his size – we anticipate him playing safety, but he has the skills to help us on the other side of the ball. He's a great fit for CU as a student, an athlete and a person.”
GARY SAYLOR
New Market, MD / Linganore HS (Head Coach Rick Conner)
6'0” 225 LB
Saylor chose Concord because “it's a nice campus and a great program with great coaches.”
He plans to major in Physical Education.
NOTE: Gary's twin brother Kevin has also signed with Concord (see below).
CU Special Teams/Wide Receivers Coach Jason Woodman: “Gary was a steal for us and we're excited to get him. It's not common for kids of his size to run as well as he does. We expect him to step in and make an impact early."
KEVIN SAYLOR
New Market, MD / Linganore HS (Head Coach Rick Conner)
6'1” 250 OG
Saylor chose Concord for its “nice campus and great coaches. And the program is a winning program.”
He was an All-State Honorable Mention, 1st Team All-County and 2nd Team All-Area.
Saylor plans to major in Physical Education.
NOTE: Kevin's twin brother Gary has also signed with Concord (see above).
CU Special Teams/Wide Receiver Coach Jason Woodman: “Kevin brings size and movement that we love to see in a lineman. He plays with a chip on his shoulder. We absolutely can't wait to get Kevin and Gary here.”
K.C. CAMP
King George, VA / Blue Ridge School (Head Coach Del Smith)
6'3” 285 G/C
Camp says, “I like the overall feel of Concord. The coaches and players are all respectable and passionate. Also, I want to be part of a program like Concord that's on the rise.”
He was a 1st Team All-State honoree, a 1st Team All-Old Dominion Football Conference offensive lineman and a 2nd Team ODFC selection as a defensive lineman.
Camp has yet to decide on a major, but hopes to pursue a career as a Secret Service agent.
CU Linebackers Coach Paul Price: “K.C. is a workhorse. He's a two-way player who'll bring depth to an already quality offensive line.”
MORGAN LUSK
Chesterfield, VA / Cosby HS (Head Coach Pete Mutascio)
6'2” 225 LB
Lusk chose Concord because it has the “best feel, and a winning atmosphere.”
He was 1st Team All-District, Honorable Mention All-Region and an All-Academic team honoree.
Lusk plans to major in Biology/Pre-Dental and plans to become an oral surgeon.
NOTE: Morgan's twin brother Chris has also signed to play at Concord (see below).
CU Linebackers Coach Paul Price: “Morgan is a consistent, intelligent and productive linebacker with a great future at Concord. He led his high school team in tackles. We expect him to be an immediate contributor on special teams.”
CHRIS LUSK
Chesterfield, VA / Cosby HS (Head Coach Mutascio)
6'3” 215 TE
Lusk chose Concord because “it felt right, and my grandparents live close by.”
He earned All-Academic team honors in high school.
Lusk plans to major in Athletic Training and pursue as career as a college athletic trainer.
NOTE: Chris's twin brother Morgan has also signed to play at Concord (see above).
CU Linebackers Coach Paul Price: “Chris is a top-shelf kid with great character. He's versatile and physical and will give us solid depth at TE and H-Back.”
ROB WILLIAMSON
Sicklerville, NJ / Winslow Township HS (Head Coach Mike McBride)
Transfer from L.A. Pierce Junior College (CA)
6'2” 255 DE
Williamson chose Concord because “they gave me the best opportunity. I could be a difference maker.”
He plans to major in Communications.
CU Linebackers Coach Paul Price: “Rob will have an immediate impact on the Mountain Lions. He has the ability to rush the passer and stuff the run. He's an ominous physical presence.”
JOSH YOUNG
Buckhannon, WV / Buckhannon-Upshur HS (Head Coach Bill Struble)
6'3” 220 OT
Young was a 2nd Team All-State selection.
CU Linebackers Coach Paul Price: “Josh has great range and speed. Put those together with an exceptional work ethic and those are great signs for his career. He got exceptional coaching in high school from Bill Struble.”
Anderson, CA / Anderson HS (Head Coach Lance Gosch)
Transfer from Shasta Junior College (CA)
5'10” 240 LB
Gibbins chose Concord because it gives him the “opportunity to take the program to the next level, and it's a quality institution.”
In 2009, Gibbins was 1st Team All-Region and was the top tackler out of all 70 of California's junior colleges. He was 1st Team All-Bay Valley Conference in 2008 and2009 and the league's Defensive MVP in 2008.
He plans to major in Mathematics.
CU Linebackers Coach Paul Price: “Zach will bring a physical presence and dominating play at linebacker. He's a seasoned and accomplished player who should make an immediate impact on our defense.”
KYLE WILSON
Salem, VA / Salem HS (Head Coach Stephen Magenbauer)
6'1” 250 OG
Wilson chose Concord for its academics, rising football program and its proximity to his home and family.
He was 1st Team All-District and All-Region, and 2nd Team Group AA All-State
Wilson has yet to decide on a major. He hopes to pursue a career in forestry.
