Harper talks recruiting class

“I am very excited about our incoming class,” said head football coach J.C. Harper, in a press release announcing the names of 22 high school seniors who signed National Letters of Intent to play football at SFA. 

A National Signing Day luncheon, held in the SFA Fieldhouse, was open to fans and members of the public. During the luncheon members of the SFA coaching staff answered questions and gave a brief background on the new additions to the team. 

The Lumberjacks were looking to shore up both sides of the ball, bringing in 13 offensive players and nine defensive players. The Jacks also signed one specialist, kicker Brett Rattan from Poteet High School.

“From day one we targeted guys that would be a fit academically for SFA,” Harper said. “Then we began looking for players who could fit into what we do both offensively and defensively.”

According to Harper, defensive tackle was the biggest need for the Jacks. It is a need that was filled by the signings of Shane Roberson of Little Elm, Randy Timmons of Irving and Juvon Gales of Hahnville, La. The trio of new defensive tackles have an average height and weight of 6-1, 285 pounds.

 The 2013 Jacks will look to replace All-American receiver Cordell Roberson. “We entered the recruiting season knowing we needed some impact guys at receiver,” Harper said. 

The Jacks did just that, signing five wide receivers including Justice Liggins of Tyler; De’Quann Ruffin of Humble; Joshawa West of Angleton, Texas; Aaron Doddy of Hooks, Texas, and Brian Walker of Sulphur, La. 

“This group consists of good size and great speed and the ability to stretch the field,” Harper said. “The thing that really impressed me about this group was their ability to make something happen after the catch.” 

Looking to replace three all-conference starters on the offensive line, the Jacks addressed this need with the additions of Andy McNew of Waco, Anthony Pullins of Cedar Hill, Texas, Justin Reasons of Groves, Texas, and Jalend Washom from Eisenhower High School in Houston. 

“The most impressive thing about them is how strong and athletic they are,” Harper said. The new additions to the Jacks’ offensive line average 6’3” and 284 pounds. 

The offensive line will look to protect two new quarterbacks, Colton Bretton and Dru Smith. Bretton threw for 4,700 yards and 40 touchdowns during his high school career, while Smith was named one of the state’s top 200 prospects. 

The Jacks also signed a transfer student Vedial Johnson from Trinity Valley Community College. He played running back at TVCC but will play linebacker for the Jacks in 2013. He will have two years left of eligibility. 

“Our coaches did a great job of targeting these players, and we look forward to coaching them over the next four to five years,” Harper said.