By David Rogers. IRVING, Texas — However legendary our athletic accomplishments might have been, in the end we are all mortal. From Los Angeles to Miami, from Syracuse to Seattle, from Birmingham to Fargo… all across the nation, our sports world lost a number of luminaries in the past year, including names like Vin Scully, John Madden, Mike Leach, Ray Guy, Hugh McElhenny and Vince Dooley, and so many others. The list below is not all-inclusive, of course, but these individuals wowed us. They entertained us. They inspired us. Some frustrated us with their competitive fire, whether we were fans or adversaries.

On Dec. 27, the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame remembered those who passed away in 2022 and played a role in improving the game of college football for future generations.

“It is always important at this time of year to reflect on those who have left us,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “Part of the mission of the National Football Foundation is to shine a light on the good in the game and to preserve its history. We lost some great ones in 2022, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and universities. We will work hard to ensure that their contributions are not forgotten.”

CLICK HERE to view the NFF Video, “In Memoriam 2022,” to better understand who these individuals were.

Bill Archie
Head Football Coach, Athletics Director
Norfolk State University
Dec. 25, 1930 – March 19, 2022

Jimmy Asato
Head Football Coach
University of Hawai’i
July 18, 1927 – May 11, 2022

* Bob Babich
1994 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
Miami University (OH)
May 5, 1947 – April 3, 2022

* Frank Beckmann
2014 NFF Chris Schenkel Award
Voice of the Michigan Wolverines
Nov. 3, 1949 – Feb. 12, 2022

Jerry Berndt
Head Football Coach
DePauw (IN), Pennsylvania, Rice, Temple
May 11, 1938 – Dec. 4, 2022

* Marlin Briscoe
2016 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Nebraska Omaha
Sept. 10, 1945 – June 27, 2022

* Ross Browner
1999 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Notre Dame
March 22, 1954 – Jan. 4, 2022

* Dave Butz
2014 Hall of Fame Inductee
Purdue University
June 23, 1950 – Nov. 4, 2022

Leland Byrd
Athletics Director – Glenville State (WV), West Virginia, Western Michigan
Executive Director – Atlantic 10 Conference
April 8, 1927 – Jan. 19, 2022

Bill Cain
Athletics Director
East Carolina University
Sept. 30, 1933 – June 8, 2022

* Frank Cignetti Sr.
2013 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
Head Football Coach
West Virginia, Indiana (PA)
Oct. 8, 1937 – Sept. 10, 2022

* Jake Crouthamel
1999 NFF Toner Award
Athletics Director – Syracuse University
Head Football Coach – Dartmouth College
June 27, 1938 – Nov. 6, 2022

Bill Dando
Head Football Coach
John Carroll (OH), Buffalo
April 30, 1932 – Feb. 15, 2022

* Vince Dooley
1994 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
2004 NFF Toner Award
Head Football Coach, Athletics Director
University of Georgia
Sept. 4, 1932 – Oct. 28, 2022

Bill Draddy
NFF Westchester (NY) Chapter Past President
Michigan State University
May 31, 1937 – May 22, 2022

Robert Epling
NFF Board Member
Orange Bowl Committee Past President
Former Furman University Football Player
Dec. 22, 1942 – Feb. 23, 2022

Lawrence Fan
Athletics Administrator
San José State University
Sept. 9, 1954 – Feb. 21, 2022

Bill Fulcher
Head Football Coach
Tampa, Georgia Tech
Feb. 9, 1934 – Sept. 23, 2022

Gary Gaines
Head Football Coach
Abilene Christian University
May 4, 1949 – Aug. 22, 2022

Ray Greene
Head Football Coach
North Carolina Central, Alabama A&M
Aug. 12, 1938 – June 17, 2022

Tim Griffin
San Antonio Express-News Sports Writer
FWAA Past President
University of Memphis
July 15, 1959 – July 8, 2022

* Ray Guy
2004 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Southern Mississippi
Dec. 22, 1949 – Nov. 3, 2022

* John Hadl
1994 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Kansas
Feb. 15, 1940 – Nov. 30, 2022

Charles Harris
Athletics Director – Pennsylvania, Arizona State, Averett (VA)
Commissioner – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
c. 1951 – Dec. 7, 2022

Jim Hilyer
Head Football Coach
University of Alabama at Birmingham
July 1, 1935 – Jan. 26, 2022

* Ernie Hoidal
2013 NFF Chapter Leadership Award
NFF Southern Idaho Chapter
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Past Chairman
University of San Francisco
Aug. 26, 1949 – Sept. 20, 2022

* Paul Hoolahan
2018 NFF Legacy Award
Sugar Bowl CEO
Athletics Director – Vanderbilt University
University of North Carolina
c. 1950 – Nov. 16, 2022

* Walt Hunt
2005 NFF Chapter Leadership Award
NFF King County/Seattle Chapter
University of Washington
June 29, 1963 – Jan. 30, 2022

Arnold Jeter
Head Football Coach
Delaware State, New Jersey City University
Feb. 28, 1939 – Jan. 1, 2022

Dr. Vannette W. Johnson
Head Football Coach, Athletics Director
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
May 27, 1930 – May 12, 2022

* Shelby Jordan
2013 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
Jan. 23, 1952 – Sept. 9, 2022

Larry Lacewell
Head Football Coach, Athletics Director
Arkansas State University
Feb. 12, 1937 – May 17, 2022

Mike Leach
Head Football Coach
Texas Tech, Washington State, Mississippi State
March 9, 1961 – Dec. 12, 2022

* Jim Lynch
1992 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
1966 NFF National Scholar-Athlete
University of Notre Dame
Aug. 28, 1945 – July 21, 2022

John Madden
Legendary Football Coach and Broadcaster
Cal Poly
April 10, 1936 – Dec. 28, 2021

* Hugh McElhenny
1981 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Washington
Dec. 31, 1928 – June 17, 2022

Gary Moeller
Head Football Coach
Illinois, Michigan
Jan. 26, 1941 – July 11, 2022

Guy Morriss
Head Football Coach
Kentucky, Baylor, Texas A&M-Commerce
May 13, 1951 – Sept. 6, 2022

* Darrell Mudra
2000 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
Head Football Coach – Adams State (CO), North Dakota State, Arizona, Western Illinois, Florida State, Eastern Illinois, Northern Iowa
Athletics Director – North Dakota State
Jan. 14, 1929 – Sept. 21, 2022

* Robert Mulcahy III
NFF Board Member
2010 NFF Toner Award
Athletics Director – Rutgers University
May 23, 1936 – Feb. 8, 2022

* Thomas Murphy
1994 NFF Gold Medal
Chairman of Capital Cities/ABC, Inc.
Cornell University
May 31, 1925 – May 25, 2022

Walt Nadzak
Head Football Coach – Juniata (PA), Connecticut
Athletics Director – Juniata (PA), The Citadel
July 14, 1936 – March 18, 2022

Stan Parrish
Head Football Coach
Wabash (IN), Marshall, Kansas State, Ball State, Eastern Michigan
Sept. 20, 1946 – April 3, 2022

* Marvin Powell
1994 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Southern California
Aug. 30, 1955 – Sept. 30, 2022

Bo Reardon
NFF Western Massachusetts Chapter President
Springfield College (MA)
May 26, 1951 – Sept. 27, 2022

* Rick Redman
1995 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Washington
March 7, 1943 – Sept. 30, 2022

Tom Reed
Head Football Coach
Miami (OH), North Carolina State
Jan. 7, 1945 – Sept. 26, 2022

Greg Robinson
Head Football Coach
Syracuse University
Oct. 9, 1951 – Jan. 5, 2022

Vin Scully
Legendary Broadcaster
Fordham University
Nov. 29, 1927 – Aug. 2, 2022

Chuck Stobart
Head Football Coach
Toledo, Utah, Memphis
Oct. 27, 1932 – Nov. 29, 2022

John T. Stuart III
Cotton Bowl Past President & Chairman
University of Texas
Aug. 12, 1936 – May 27, 2022

* Charley Trippi
1959 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Georgia
Dec. 14, 1921 – Oct. 19, 2022

Roger Valdiserri
Athletics Administrator
University of Notre Dame
May 16, 1927 – June 2, 2022

* Joe Yukica
Head Football Coach – New Hampshire, Boston College, Dartmouth
1995 NFF Chapter Leadership Award
NFF Joe Yukica/New Hampshire Chapter
May 27, 1931 – Jan. 22, 2022

Devin Chandler (2002-2022)
Lavel Davis Jr. (2002-2022)
D’Sean Perry (2000-2022)
University of Virginia Football Players

* College Football Hall of Fame inductee or NFF award recipient

About The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters in 47 states, NFF programs include the selection and induction of members of the College Football Hall of Fame; the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta; Future For Football; The William V. Campbell Trophy®; the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments; the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Award; and a series of initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include Catapult, Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Jostens, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the New York Athletic Club, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation and the Sports Business Journal. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NFFNetwork and learn more at footballfoundation.org.

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By Matt Present for App State Sports. BOONE, N.C. — Jacob “Hub” Roberts has been named App State Baseball’s Director of Operations, Head Coach Kermit Smith announced on Friday.

Roberts brings over a decade of experience in working with college and professional baseball programs to Boone. While earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Oklahoma State University, Roberts was an integral part of the baseball staff, beginning his time as the Equipment Manager in 2017, before being promoted to Assistant Director of Baseball Operations in 2019.

Roberts impacted a variety of facets of the Oklahoma State program, including coordinating team travel, planning recruiting visits, overseeing the utilization of video and analytics programs, and facilitating academic support for student-athletes.

“I am super excited to have Hub join our staff,” Smith said. “His skill set and references really set him apart from the rest of the applicant pool. He brings a wealth of experience in professional and college baseball to the High Country. I look forward to hitting the ground running with Hub as we prep for the 2023 season.”

A native of Birmingham, Ala., Roberts began working in baseball operations for the Birmingham Barons (White Sox Double-A affiliate) in 2012 as an assistant clubhouse manager. He served in that role through the 2017 season, and in 2021 the White Sox hired him to work as a Minor League Equipment and Clubhouse Manager at their spring training complex in Phoenix, Ariz. during their instructional league and Arizona Fall League play.

In addition to his work on the diamond, Roberts also possesses multimedia skills, working in journalism and graphic design. During his time in Stillwater, he served as a multimedia content producer for Pioneer Media, producing game stories, graphics, and video highlights.

What they’re saying about Roberts…

“I’m so thrilled for Hub. I know he will bring great energy to the program at App State and his talents will enhance the program. Coach Smith and the boys got a good one!”

-Josh Holliday – Head Baseball Coach, Oklahoma State

“I’ve known Hub since early on in my professional career. His selfless attitude and attention to detail played a vital role in every locker room he was associated with. Hub is always willing to go the extra mile for those around him and I think his impressive resumé is indicative of that mentality. I am excited he is a part of the Mountaineer family and look forward to watching him help Coach Smith continue to build a premier program.”

-Jeremy Dowdy – Catcher, Chicago White Sox Organization (App State class of 2012)

“Hub is a great addition to the staff at App State. He brings over a decade of experience at the pro and collegiate level to the program. His personality and work ethic are infectious. I have no doubt he’ll be a great fit, both to the baseball program and to the community.”

-Jay Barnhouse – Charlotte Knights Visiting Clubhouse Manager

By Bret Strelow for App State Sports. BOONE, N.C. — App State football head coach Shawn Clark and his staff assembled a signing class that ranks among the best among non-autonomous conferences on Dec. 21, the first day of December’s early period.

With 19 recruits signing to join the Mountaineers, App State’s total class score ranks No. 2 in the Sun Belt Conference from 247Sports, and the average prospect grade of 82.32 from On3.com is No. 2 in the Sun Belt. It also rates among the top 15 among schools from the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West and Sun Belt as of the end of Wednesday.

Signing day officially began at 7 a.m. local time, although that meant one Tuesday announcement from Boone given the time difference for Australian punter Mitchell Lake. The 18 remaining signees include three defensive ends, three linebackers, three safeties, two cornerbacks, two receivers, two quarterbacks, one running back, one offensive lineman and one tight end.

“We’re very excited about the future of App State Football,” Clark said. “Today’s signing class will help us compete for conference championships and bowl championships over the next four to five years. These are all outstanding young men who come from great families. They’ll represent our program both on and off the field.”

The four-star grade of 90.0 from 247Sports.com and 88.94 composite grade for 6-foot-3 receiver Grant Tucker, the final signee Wednesday and a Charlotte native, is the highest in program history. He’s part of a group of 14 high school prospects and four junior college transfers. FBS transfers heading to Boone will be announced at a later date, once the 2023 spring semester begins.

As of now, there are 11 signees from Wednesday who plan to enroll early and start classes in January.

The recruits in that category are junior college quarterback Joey Aguilar, junior college defensive end Kason Boston, running back Jaylon Calhoun, linebacker Cahari Haynes, defensive end Nate Johnson, Lake, receiver Chris Lawson Jr., quarterback Mason McHugh, defensive end AJ Mebane, junior college safety Jalik Thomas and junior college cornerback Trenton Alan Yowe.

In addition to the one international prospect, App State’s class brings together talent from South Carolina (six signees), Georgia (five), North Carolina (three), Alabama (two), California (one) and Idaho (one). Like Aguilar, Idaho native Mason McHugh is a quarterback who has trained in California.

Additional signees on the offensive side of the ball are tight end Max Drag and offensive lineman Cayden Sweatt. The defensive signees who plan to enroll either this summer or before the fall are linebacker Jayden Bethea, safety Zyeir Gamble, linebacker Ryan McKinnis and cornerback DJ Porter.

“A big thanks to our coaching staff and their families,” Clark said. “The last three weeks were tough on all of us. We were gone every single night trying to get the best class possible. It’s a wonderful, wonderful class. Thank you to Boone and all of App Nation. When we brought kids on campus, you were very hospitable to us. When we see fans out in the community, they talk App State Football, and that’s a positive our recruits talk about.”

Class of 2023 signees
Joey Aguilar — QB, Antioch, Calif. (Diablo Valley C.C.)
Jayden Bethea — LB, Lawrenceville, Ga. (Dacula)
Kason Boston — DE, Birmingham, Ala. (East Mississippi C.C.)
Jaylon Calhoun — RB, Lakeland, Ga. (Lanier County)
Max Drag — TE, Chapin, S.C. (Chapin)
Zyeir Gamble — DB, Sumter, S.C. (Sumter)
Cahari Haynes — LB, Shelby, N.C. (Burns)
Nate Johnson — LB, Gaffney, S.C. (Gaffney)
Mitchell Lake — P, Brisbane, Australia (Saint Peters Lutheran)
Chris Lawson Jr. — WR, Columbia, S.C. (Ridge View)
Mason McHugh — QB, Ferdinand, Idaho (IMG Academy)
Ryan McKinnis — LB, Buford, Ga. (Buford)
AJ Mebane — DE, Durham, N.C. (Southern Durham)
Colton Phares — SAF, Beaufort, S.C. (Beaufort)
DJ Porter — CB, Spartanburg, S.C. (Dorman)
Cayden Sweatt — OL, Bremen, Ga. (Bremen)
Jalik Thomas — SAF, Macon, Ga. (Hutchinson C.C.)
Grant Tucker — WR, Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian)
Trenton Alan Yowe — CB, Calera, Ala. (Coahoma C.C.)

DETAILED BIOS

Joey Aguilar — QB
6-3, 210
Antioch, Calif. (Diablo Valley C.C.)

Early enrollee … Played two seasons at Diablo Valley Community College in central California, northeast of San Francisco … In 2022, completed 126 of 197 passes (64.0 percent) for 1,446 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions in six games … Also rushed 65 times for 358 yards (59.7 yards per game) … Threw for more than 300 yards in two games and at least 242 yards in four of six games … In 10 games in 2021, completed 102 of 182 passes (56.0 percent) for 1,546 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions … Added 261 rushing yards with two scores … In final two prep seasons at Freedom High School, threw for 5,575 yards with 59 touchdowns and 14 interceptions … Threw 32 touchdown passes as a senior, when he passed for 3,074 yards … First-team All-Bay 6 two years in a row … Played for coach Gavin Cribb at Diablo Valley and Zach Sims at Freedom.

Jayden Bethea — LB
6-1, 220
Lawrenceville, Ga. (Dacula)

Made 93 tackles with eight tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles as an all-region performer during his senior year … Earned first-team All-Region 8-AAAAAA and first-team all-county as a junior after making 87 tackles … Also intercepted two passes, recovered three fumbles and scored two defensive touchdowns as a junior … Scored four defensive touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons … Over final two prep seasons, totaled 12 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hurries, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, three interceptions and four pass breakups … Played for coach Casey Vogt at Dacula … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Kason Boston — DE
6-3, 225
Birmingham, Ala. (East Mississippi C.C.)

Early enrollee … In 10 games in 2022, had 38 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks for an East Mississippi Community College team that went 8-3 and won its conference championship … Had 21 tackles, and 2.5 sacks in 2021 for a 9-1 team at East Mississippi … Ranked a top-40 junior college talent in the nation … Standout at Jackson-Olin High School, posting 37 tackles, 13 sacks and 11 more tackles for loss in seven games during the 2020 season … Was rated a top-10 player in the state of Alabama … Played for coach Buddy Stephens at East Mississippi and Tim Vakakes at Jackson-Olin … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Jaylon Calhoun — RB
6-0, 190
Lakeland, Ga. (Lanier County)

Early enrollee … Rushed for 1,110 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 420 yards (24.7 average) and four touchdowns in 12 games as a senior at Lanier County … Division II Offensive Player of the Year at the 2-A level as a senior … Totaled more than 2,000 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards with 24 touchdowns over his final three prep seasons … Had five 100-yard rushing games as a senior, highlighted by a 180-yard, three-touchdown effort against Turner County and a 174-yard, three-touchdown showing against Telfair County … Played for coach Kurt Williams as a senior.

Max Drag — TE
6-4, 230
Chapin, S.C. (Chapin)

Selected for South Carolina’s North-South All-Star game … As a senior, had 99 receiving yards to go with 35 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and three sacks … Ranked a top-40 overall prospect in the state of South Carolina … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Zyeir Gamble — SAF
5-10, 175
Sumter, S.C. (Sumter)

As a senior safety for an 11-2 team that reached the Class 5-A semifinals, recorded 71 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks … All-state selection and Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas pick as a senior … Totaled a school-record 18 interceptions with 354 return yards in his prep career, including nine interceptions with 209 return yards as a junior … Defended 15 passes as a junior and 23 over his final two seasons … Also totaled 179 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, five fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles as a prep standout … Had a three-interception game as a junior … Totaled more than 1,000 all-purpose yards with 14 TDs as a junior and nearly 900 yards with five TDs as a senior … Played for coach Mark Barnes at Sumter, helping the program go 39-6 during his four years there … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Cahari Haynes — LB
6-1, 215
Shelby, N.C. (Burns)

Early enrollee … Had 92 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups for a 13-2 team that reached the state semifinals during his senior year … Selected to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas … Named Defensive Player of the Year in the South Piedmont Conference … Over four varsity seasons, totaled 324 tackles with 41 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries … Recorded 101 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, six sacks and three blocked field goals as a junior … Played for coach David Devine at Burns and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 33-9 record over his final three seasons … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Nate Johnson — DE
6-5, 220
Gaffney, S.C. (Gaffney)

Early enrollee … As a senior, totaled 59 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 11 games for a team that went 9-4 and reached a Class 5-A state semifinal … Selected to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas … Class 5-A Upper State Defensive Player of the Year and an all-state selection from the South Carolina Football Coaches Association … Spartanburg Herald-Journal Player of the Year … Season-high 10 stops with four tackles for loss and two sacks in a 26-20 win against Spartanburg … Played for head coach Dan Jones at Gaffney … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports … Rated the No. 6 overall prospect in South Carolina and a top-50 edge rusher in the country by On3.

Mitchell Lake — P
5-11, 195
Brisbane, Australia (Saint Peters Lutheran)

Early enrollee … Trained with Prokick Australia, which has produced seven Ray Guy Award winners in the last 10 seasons … Left-footed punter who can kick traditional or rugby style … Rated a two-star prospect by 247Sports … Xavier Subotsch, who punted at App State from 2017-21, was also a product of Prokick Australia … Grew up playing Australian Rules football.

Chris Lawson Jr. — WR
6-0, 175
Columbia, S.C. (Ridge View)

Early enrollee … Had 40 receptions for 673 yards and five touchdowns as a junior … Sidelined by an injury during his senior season … Totaled 102 catches for 1,541 yards (15.1 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns in high school … Played for coach Derek Howard at Ridge View … Ranked as a top-30 recruit in South Carolina … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Mason McHugh — QB
6-2, 205
Ferdinand, Idaho (IMG Academy)

Early enrollee … Graduated from IMG Academy in the spring of 2022 and often trained in Boise (in his home state of Idaho) or in southern California (with Jordan Palmer) during the fall … In 2021, playing for IMG Academy’s White team in Bradenton, Fla., had 31 touchdown passes while completing 159 passes for 2,849 yards for a team that went 10-1 and reached the Sunshine State Independent Association title game … Set an IMG single-game varsity record with 376 passing yards in one game … Played in two spring games during a COVID-altered season in the spring of 2021 at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas … In 2019, threw 20 touchdown passes at Eagle High School in Idaho … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Ryan McKinnis — LB
6-2, 220
Buford, Ga. (Buford)

As a senior, totaled 87 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, eight quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles for a team that went 11-1 … All-Gwinnett County selection … Played as a two-way threat for coach Bryant Appling and helped Buford win state titles during a 14-1 season in 2021 and 13-1 season the year before that … Was a standout sprinter in track and field … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

AJ Mebane — DE
6-3, 245
Durham, N.C. (Southern Durham)

Early enrollee … In last three years of high school, totaled 229 tackles, 39.5 sacks, 50 tackles for loss and 74 quarterback hurries … Recorded 81 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks and 29 hurries for a team that went 8-5 and reached the third round of the playoffs in 2022 … Had 117 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks as a junior, when he was an honorable mention all-state performer … Had 10 multi-sack games as a junior, with four sacks against Vance County … Also had 433 receiving yards as a senior … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Colton Phares — SAF
6-2, 185
Beaufort, S.C. (Beaufort)

All-state honoree was MVP of South Carolina’s North-South All-Star game … Safety had 69 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one sack and five tackles for loss as a senior for a 13-1 team that won a Class 3-A state title (first state title since 1945) … Also dangerous with the ball in his hands, returned 11 punts for 363 yards with three touchdowns and 14 kickoffs for 388 yards with one touchdown … Rushed 49 times for 598 yards with six touchdowns and caught 19 passes for 349 yards with four touchdowns … Also kicked field goals for Beaufort … Scored two touchdowns while rushing for 198 yards, made seven tackles and broke up one pass in a 41-31 victory in the state championship game … Helped lead Beaufort to a state runner-up finish during a 12-3 season as a junior … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

DJ Porter — CB
6-0, 165
Spartanburg, S.C. (Dorman)

An all-region performer as an athlete during his senior season … Projects as a cornerback after contributing on both sides of the ball at Dorman … Totaled nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards as a senior, when he had five touchdown catches and seven rushing touchdowns … Rushed for 211 yards and had a 66-yard catch in the same game as a senior … Also played some quarterback for Dorman, passing for five more touchdowns … Played for a 9-3 team coached by Dustin Curtis as a senior … Excelled as one of the top sprinters in South Carolina … Ranked as the No. 10 overall prospect in his state and a top-60 cornerback in the country by On3 … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports … Attended the same high school as fellow Mountaineer Jacoby Pinckney.

Cayden Sweatt — OL
6-4, 285
Bremen, Ga. (Bremen)

An all-state and all-region performer as a prep standout at Bremen … Played in the GACA North-South Junior All-Star game following his junior season … Standout two-way lineman for the Blue Devils … Played for coach Davis Russell at Bremen … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Jalik Thomas — SAF
5-11, 195
Macon, Ga. (Hutchinson C.C.)

Early enrollee … Helped lead Hutchinson Community College to the NJCAA national championship game during a three-year stint, including the COVID-affected 2020-21 season, in which he totaled 11 passes defended, 46 tackles, one fumble recovery and 1.5 tackles for loss … Had three interceptions with 97 return yards during 11 games in 2022, including a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown during a two-pick game against Garden City Community College … Had 62 yards on interception returns in that game and a 35-yard interception return against Coffeyville Community College … Played in 10 games during the 2021 fall season … In the 2021 spring season, was named national special teams player of the week after scoring on a 100-yard kickoff return against Butler Community College … Averaged 28.9 yards per kickoff return that season and 23.1 yards for his Hutchinson career … Played safety and quarterback at Central High School, earning all-state honorable mention as a senior … Totaled 899 rushing yards and 820 passing yards as a senior after rushing for 1,052 yards and throwing for 931 more as a junior.

Grant Tucker — WR
6-3, 185
Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian)

Caught 73 passes for 1,020 yards and 18 touchdowns during his three-year varsity career at Charlotte Christian … Scored 12 receiving touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 529 yards during a senior season in which the Knights went 10-3 and reached the state championship game … Scored touchdowns on all three catches and totaled 141 receiving yards in a 2022 win against Harrells Christian … Also had three touchdowns during a nine-catch, 119-yard showing against Christ School … Rated a four-star prospect and the No. 12 overall recruit in North Carolina by 247Sports.

Trenton Alan Yowe — CB
6-2, 185
Calera, Ala. (Coahoma C.C.)

Early enrollee … Had six passes defended with one interception and 23 tackles in nine games during the 2022 season for Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Miss. … Scored on a 65-yard interception return during a win at Mississippi Delta Community College … Was a top-10 overall recruit in the state of Alabama and a four-star prospect during his prep career at Calera High School … Played in one game and recovered a fumble for Hutchinson Community College during the COVID-affected 2020-21 season … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

By Bobby Neal for App State Sports. PHOENIX, Ariz. – App State closed out its nonconference season on Dec. 21, in the Jerry Colangelo Classic at the Footprint Center, where the Mountaineers fell short against the Gauchos, 50-61.

Tyree Boykin led the team in scoring with 14, which was his fifth game of the season with 14 or more.

The Mountaineers led by two at the end of the first half, where they held the opposing team to 27 points before UC Santa Barbara pulled ahead in the second frame.

App State posted 25 bench points, including nine from Dibaji Walker, who scored on three consecutive possessions in the first half. The Mountaineers currently rank 18th in the nation and second in the Sun Belt (31.6).

Justin Abson blocked three shots, increasing his total to 31, which ties him for 10th in the country and second among freshmen.

CJ Huntley grabbed nine rebounds for the third time this season, four of which came on the offensive glass.

The Mountaineers look ahead to next week when they will open Sun Belt play against two of the top three teams in the league on the road. App State will visit Marshall on Dec. 29 and Southern Miss on Dec. 31.