Continuing to hit the recruiting trail hard after taking numerous forward steps in the fall, the Presbyterian College football coaching staff went to work on Wednesday and brought in a whopping 33 signees as part of National Signing Day.
Among the eclectic bunch that signed the dotted line, the Blue Hose welcomed 12 new faces from the state of Florida, 10 South Carolina commitments, seven from Georgia, and two apiece from North Carolina and Tennessee.
Head coach Steve Englehart and co. brought in 17 offensive prospects, 15 others on the defensive side of the field, and another purely in the special teams department.
Coach Englehart Comments
“I am extremely proud of our staff, players, and everyone on campus for making this great class a reality. As a whole, everyone pitched in and did an outstanding job finding a great group of student-athletes who fit our culture.
“Today, we were able to add size, length, and depth in virtually every position. Geographically, we focused on five different states and were able to bring a wealth of talent from our home area of South Carolina.
“Being able to add over 30 players from this region is no small feat, and I’m very pleased with the outcome of our National Signing Day class”.
GRANT BEATON
6’6” | 220 | TE
Florence, S.C. | West Florence HS
Was part of a roster that won 16 games throughout his upperclassmen tenure and 30 altogether, including an 11-2 season as a junior at West Florence High School…While competing for the Knights, Beaton was named Senior Vice President of the Beta Club as well as a member of National Honors Society, suiting up for the basketball team too…Son of Scott and Lori Beaton…Intends to pursue a Biology major while under the Blue Hose umbrella, aspiring to be a Chiropractor.
TUCKER BOLEN
5’10” | 150 | WR
Leesville, S.C. | Batesburg-Leesville HS
Selected as a Midlands Top 10 Player to Watch on his way to a Batesburg-Leesville High School Team Captain nod…Participated in both baseball and basketball while at BLHS, a member of the Beta Club and A/B Honor Roll during his prep career…Chose PC because of “the opportunity and resources I can use to help myself reach my goals”, an intended Business Management student…Son of Micah and Jeff Bolen…His uncle, Brian, played baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks before moving on to MLB where he’d compete for the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians…His uncle, Allen, enrolled at Furman University as a member of the Paladins’ tennis team.
MIKE BRENNAN
6’2” | 270 | OL
Weston, Fla. | Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
Part of a roster that compiled an immaculate high school record of 47-4 over his four seasons at Chaminade-Madonna, winning state championships as a sophomore and senior while going 14-0 last fall…The Lions scored at least 40 points against 10 opponents while Brennan was on the field in ’23, including a five-game stretch of outscoring the other side by a combined margin of 298-0…Tallied 14 pancake blocks during his final year at the prep stage, an All-County representative after claiming Freshman All-America earlier in his career…Was a member of the wrestling team as well during his time in the Sunshine State, the son of Daniel and Lori Brennan…Plans on majoring in Education after arriving in Clinton.
STEPHEN BROOKS
6’3” | 320 | OL
Waynesville, N.C. | Tuscola HS
Named All-Conference and All-Region while blocking for the Tuscola Mountaineers, part of a career-best 10-2 mark as a junior in 2022…Competed with the THS Track and Field clubs as well, earning numerous AP honors in the classroom…Son of Lee and Traci Brooks.
ELLINGTON BROOKS-LYTLE
6’3” | 305 | OL
Decatur, Ga. | Decatur HS
Blocked for a Decatur High School squad that published at least seven W’s in three of his four seasons with the Bulldogs…Aided a 2022 5A Region 4 title, a native of Philadelphia who chose the Blue Hose because “the people, coaching staff, and players are so welcoming which made PC instantly feel like another home”…Son of Aisha Brooks-Johnson and Alonzo Johnson…Will partake in Psychology courses after signing the dotted line to come to Presbyterian.
COURTLYN BRUNSON
6’0” | 170 | WR
Hartsville, S.C. | Trinity Collegiate School
Another multiversal athlete, Brunson balanced his time on the gridiron with track and field for the Trinity Titans, going on to establish a school record in the long jump competition…Participated in a 2022 state semifinalist squad who posted an 11-2 final record, gaining All-State and All-Region nods later in his prep career…Chose Presby because of the “amazing campus that really helped me decide that this is where I want to be”…Will major in Exercise Science, having a career goal of becoming an athletic trainer.
MATTHEW COVINGTON
5’10” | 155 | WR
Greenville, S.C. | Christ Church Episcopal School
Seized back-to-back state championships while suiting up for the Cavaliers, calculating 27 victories in his final two campaigns alone and ending his prep stint on an 11-game winning streak…Part of a passing attack that mustered 47 points per contest over the course of the aforementioned streak, an All-Region receiver in the Palmetto State…Also played for the Christ Church Episcopal basketball team, a three-time Honor Roll selection who will enroll in a Business major at PC with the ambition of working in Real Estate…Son of Stephanie Covington.
DALLAS COY
5’7” | 235 | DL
Orlando, Fla. | Jones HS
Gathered 42 wins during his spell at Jones High School in Orlando, claiming a double-digit number of W’s in each of his last three campaigns…Chose to play for Coach Englehart after “feeling like it was a great fit for me and I loved the attitudes of the entire staff”…Aspires to become a Finance major once coming to Clinton, a decorated honors student across his prep career.
ASHTON DRAYTON
6’0” | 195 | LB
Charleston, S.C. | Goose Creek HS
Part of a nine-win club over his junior and senior campaigns while playing for the Gators of Goose Creek, earning a W in five of his last seven appearances…Committed to Presbyterian because “it was the most well-rounded school that gave me the opportunity for the highest academic and football mix as I continue my career”…Will partake in Business Management studies at PC, the son of Chris and Kim Drayton.
KEENAN DUBOSE
6’0” | 175 | WR
Florence, S.C. | Darlington HS
Saw a four-win improvement from the previous campaign as a senior for the Darlington Falcons, an All-Region and All-State pass-catcher in both football and basketball…Was a tri-athlete at DHS thanks to a track and field membership as well…Will graduate in his class’s top 30 percent, aiming for a Sports Medicine major after signing with the Blue Hose…Son of Kenny and Sheila DuBose.
KALEB FERSCHKE
6’5” | 305 | OL
Stuart, Fla. | Martin County HS
Won either eight or nine games in three of his four seasons with the Martin County Tigers, an All-State Honorable Mention player in Florida as well as a two-time All-Area lineman…Selected coach Englehart’s system because “it felt like the greatest opportunity for me to grow as both a player and a person”…Intends on majoring in Business after signing with the Blue Hose, holding a career aspiration of being a financial advisor…Son of Corey Ferschke and Melinda How.
JOHNNY FUDGE III
6’4” | 210 | DE
Orlando, Fla. | Dr. Phillips HS
Gathered 40 tackles – 10 of which came behind the line of scrimmage – while registering five sacks at Dr. Phillips High School…Also competed with the Panthers’ wrestling program and was named an Honor Roll student, looking to classify as a Business major at the collegiate level…Son of Johnny Fudge, Jr. and Twaesha Hampton-Fudge.
DEBO HALL
5’11” | 196 | DB
York, S.C. | York Comprehensive HS
Lined up a career-best eight-win progression during his final bow for the York Cougars, finding a four-game winning streak during that stretch…Was a quadruple-sport athlete as a prep student, participating in soccer, baseball, and basketball on his way to All-State and All-Region attention…Has selected Political Science as his major, the son of Dometrious Hardy…Was a member of National, English, and Spanish Honor Society, choosing PC because it “felt like family”.
PAUL HARRINGTON
6’5” | 355 | OL
Roswell, Ga. | Blessed Trinity Catholic HS
Protected the offense at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School to the tune of 33 overall victories (minimum of seven in each season)…Went out with a 9-3 mark as a senior for the Titans, chosen as an All-Region performer three times beside an All-State Honorable Mention nod…Punched a ticket to the state quarterfinals or better twice, choosing PC because “I loved the community and am very excited about the education that the school can provide”…Intends to major in Physical Therapy with a career ambition in Neurology, the son of Michael and Kristan Harrington.
TARIQ HOLLINGER
5’11” | 180 | DB
Orlando, Fla. | Jones HS
Commits to the Blue Hose alongside his high school teammate Dallas Coy (listed above), part of a juggernaut that achieved at least 10 victories three times and won 42 contests overall…Named to the JHS Honor Roll and will choose a Marketing major in Clinton, selecting coach Englehart’s program because it “felt like home immediately”…Son of Ilontay Cannady.
MAX HOLTZCLAW
6’0” | 170 | QB
Brentwood, Tenn. | Ensworth HS
Picked up at least seven victories for three consecutive years at Ensworth High School, directing the Tigers’ offense to an 8-3 tally as a senior behind two separate eight-game winning streaks…The son of Jeffrey and Marcela Holtzclaw, he plans on majoring in Business before suiting up in the blue and garnet.
CHARLIE HUBBARD
6’4” | 285 | OL
Marietta, Ga. | Pope HS
Won two of his final three outings for the Pope Greyhounds in the trenches, named a second-team All-Region and Honorable Mention All-Country prospect…Selected as the MVP of the 2021 National Underclassmen Championship in Savannah, Georgia, balancing his football duties with stints on the PHS baseball team…The son of John and Katherine Hubbard, Charlie boasts a 3.7 grade-point average and will settle on a major of Business/Finance/Accounting when arriving to Presbyterian.
THATCHER HUTTON
6’3” | 185 | K/P
Bristol, Tenn. | Tennessee HS
Was part of a Vikings squad that achieved a personal-high seven-win spurt in 2023 (six of which came in succession), achieving an All-Conference award after notching the longest punt in THS history, the highest hangtime in school history, and the longest yardage per kick of any player to ever come through the program…Competed with the basketball and track clubs in addition to his football success, aspiring to be a sports broadcaster with an emphasis on a Communications degree at Presbyterian…Son of Mark and Sherry Hutton.
RYAN LARGIN
6’0” | 174 | DB
Murrells Inlet, S.C. | Saint James HS
Accumulated 203 tackles for the Saint James Sharks, responsible for a pair of picks and a forced fumble…Named an All-Region caliber performer, choosing PC because “it instantly felt right. I can’t wait to spend my athletic career at a place where I felt so welcome”…Son of David Largin…Plans on majoring in either Education or Exercise Science with a minor in Pre Allied Health Sciences.
CALEB MAKOVSKY
6’3” | 180 | DB
Coral Springs, Fla. | North Broward Prep
Named All-County and All-District while playing for the Eagles of North Broward Preparatory School, recording 60 tackles (five for a loss) and accounting for three defensive touchdowns over his tenure…Blocked three PAT’s and an additional punt as his squad produced 10 wins during his upperclassman years, forcing and recovering a fumble while also swatting down seven pass attempts…Was a member of the track and field squad as well, responsible for the school’s 400-meter record…The football team’s MVP, he will enroll in Communications courses at Presby…His brother, Devin, played baseball at nearby Newberry for five years…Son of Brian and Desiree Makovsky.
COLIN MAXWELL
5’11” | 170 | DB
Jacksonville, Fla. | Samuel W. Wolfson HS
Chosen as the Student Body President for the Wolfson Wolfpack, an A and B Honor Roll recipient who broke the school record for longest Javelin throw…Signed with the Blue Hose because of “the inviting coaches and success that the program is building”, enrolling in a Prelaw major once arriving to Clinton…Has an aspiration for joining the FBI, the son of Shawn and Rebecca Maxwell.
WALTER McGILL
6’1” | 225 | DL
Claremont, N.C. | Bunker Hill HS
Captured 34 W’s over his final three campaigns with the Bunker Hill Bears, winning a minimum of 10 outings in each of those trips…Garnered a seven-game win streak as both a sophomore and junior, saving the best for last in 2023 with a 13-1 mark and state semifinal berth…Plans on majoring in Exercise Science at PC after receiving back-to-back All-Conference memberships and an A/B Honor Roll nod…Son of Steven Harris and April Parker.
DAMION MOATE, JR.
5’9” | 190 | RB
Tifton, Ga. | Tift County HS
Ran for over 1,000 yards with seven all-purpose touchdowns while at Tift County High School, collecting over 2k rushing and receiving yards put together…Selected for All-Region twice while competing with the Blue Devils, named by the club as the Offensive Player of the Year on two occasions…Also competed with TCHS track and wrestling, looking to major in Business Management under PC’s umbrella…Son of Brittney Wallace…His cousin, KD McDaniel, played football for Georgia State over a five-year period.
J.J. MOORE
6’2” | 240 | DE
Orange Park, Fla. | Ridgeview HS
Named an Athletic Scholar at Ridgeview High School in the Sunshine State, choosing to come to Presbyterian because “it felt like the perfect place for me to be”…Will embark on an Engineering degree once officially becoming a Blue Hose, the son of Mark and Sherronda Nicholas.
WILL PATTON
6’2” | 190 | WR
Easley, S.C. | Easley HS
Landed All-State and All-Region designations for the Easley Green Wave in South Carolina, chosen as the team’s MVP during both his junior and senior seasons…Competed with both basketball and track during his prep days, choosing PC because “it feels like the perfect fit for me”…The son of Henry and Sonya Cruz, Will intends on majoring in the field of Exercise Science after signing the dotted line for the Blue Hose.
SLAYTON STOKES
6’3” | 320 | OL
Darlington, S.C. | Hartsville HS
Authored eight-win treks at the beginning and end of his high school career in Hartsville, helping the Red Foxes to a season-closing five straight wins as a freshman that later led to an average of 51 points per victory across his senior slate…Son of Marshall and Lorie Stokes.
BRYCE STRINGER
6’2” | 215 | DL
Miramar, Fla. | Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
Joins Michael Brennan as Presbyterian commits from vaunted Chaminade-Madonna, reaching a high school win percentage of .921 next to a pair of state championships…Bulldozed his way to the second of those trophies in 2023, going a perfect 14-0 and finishing off the season with an average margin of victory of 56 points over the last seven contests…Part of a team that was ranked second in the entire state of Florida, the son of Eddy Stringer and Tiffany Brown…Aspires to be a veterinarian and will enroll in Pre-Med classes at PC.
RYDER VARIS
6’1” | 195 | WR
Merritt Island, Fla. | Merritt Island HS
Caught 50 passes for a total of 709 yards and 12 touchdowns during a sensational senior slate for the Merritt Island Mustangs, an Elite 100 prospect in the Sunshine State while being chosen as the team’s Offensive Player of the Year…MIHS completed a 13-3 route during his sophomore campaign, going on to win 12 more meetings over the next two years…Will enroll with a Business Administration major for the Blue Hose, an Academic Honor Roll recipient who is the son of Jason and Jeanie Varis.
CHRIS VICKERSON
6’5” | 215 | TE
Columbus, Ga. | Brookstone School
Helped deliver a state championship to the Brookstone Cougars, the program’s first title in three decades…Named First Team All-Region while shifting between football and basketball duties, making the school’s Honor Roll on two separate occasions…Son of Kevin Vickerson and Lakitra Justice…Intends to major in Marketing after formally committing to Englehart’s system.
CHARLES WALDEN
6’3” | 210 | LB
Lithia Springs, Ga. | Lithia Springs HS
Honed in for 5.5 sacks for the Lithia Springs Lions while also racking up 117 receiving yards and four touchdowns when playing on the offensive side of the field…Selected for All-Region status in consecutive campaigns while maintaining a spot on the A/B Honor Roll…Will take on the workload of a Business major at Presbyterian with an emphasis on a career in real estate later in life…Son of Charles and Jonetta Walden.
JASON WIGGINS
5’11” | 170 | DB
Clermont, Fla. | Lake Minneola HS
Was a crucial piece for a Lake Minneola group that accomplished 11 wins during his freshman year, 10 as a sophomore, and nine throughout his last round with the program…Chose to play for Coach Englehart because “Presbyterian immediately felt like home”…Son of John and Donna Wiggins…Plans on attending Pre-Med courses after arriving in Clinton…Relative, Brody Jones, played football for the Virginia Tech Hokies.
E.J. YOUMAN, JR.
6’1” | 175 | DB
Miami, Fla. | Miami Southridge HS
Decided to enroll at Presbyterian because of “the great selection of academics, as well as a group of coaches that I instantly bonded with which made me feel at home”…Earned 14 combined victories for the Miami Southridge Spartans as an upperclassman, transitioning to a Sports Management pursuit while competing for the Blue Hose…Son of Shayla Groce.
CHAPEL YOUNG
6’0” | 180 | DB
Alpharetta, Ga. | Alpharetta HS
Named a Scholar Athlete in all four years that he suited up for the Alpharetta Raiders, while performing just as solidly on the field thanks to 160 tackles (nine for a loss), a pair of sacks, 14 pass deflections, six forced fumbles, and four interceptions…Also competed for the AHS lacrosse squad, choosing a major in Business once committing to PC…Chose Presbyterian because of the “inviting campus and community with a coaching staff that really looks out for a player’s best interests”.
