With the dust settled on perhaps the program’s most exciting finish to a season during the Division I era, the Presbyterian College football team brought in a massive haul of 38 commitments on National Signing Day.
Announcing their newest additions on Wednesday, the Blue Hose welcomed 14 athletes from the state of South Carolina, 12 commitments from Florida, seven from Georgia, two North Carolinians, and one each from Illinois, New York, and Washington.
Head coach Steve Englehart and his staff acquired 19 defensive prospects, 16 others on the offensive side of the ball, and three special-teamers.
In Englehart’s third campaign at PC, the Blue Hose took significant strides forward by publishing the school’s first six-win season since 2014. They did so by winning their final four games, landing a PFL-era record six All-Conference first-team selections.
ENGLEHART’S COMMENTS
“I can’t say enough about the job that our coaching staff has done to recruit quality players that fit exactly who we want to be. They worked extremely hard to identify and recruit winners both on and off the field.”
“Not only were we able to sign 10 mid-year additions that we expect to make a great impact, but we also added depth in every position with our incoming freshmen.”
“We’re very excited to get to work soon with this talented group that our staff has brought together.”
LUKE ANDERTON
6’4” | 165 lbs. | Wide Receiver
College Park, Fla. | Edgewater HS
An ambidextrous pass-catcher with a 4.5-second forty-yard dash, Anderton commits to PC after leading the Edgewater Eagles to a 10-2 record in the fall where they made an appearance in the Florida State Championship game. He played for the EHS basketball team as well, and was an A/B Honor Roll student. Luke’s uncle, Mike Stanley, played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. He is the son of Scott and Lisa Anderton and intends to major in Business at Presbyterian.
KYDEN BAILEY
6’0” | 225 lbs. | Linebacker
Clarkston, Wash. | Charles Francis Adams HS | Pasadena CC
Bailey transfers to Englehart’s program after a terrific stint at Pasadena Community College on the west coast, gathering 110 tackles, four interceptions, five sacks, and three pass breakups for a team that went a perfect 11-0 last year. A native of Washington where he was an All-Region defender, Kyden has FCS experience thanks to his college career starting at Weber State. His father played soccer at Brigham Young, while his sister was also a collegiate soccer player at Grand Canyon and Portland State. Bailey will look to major in Business for Presby and is the son of Kurt and Karen.
CAMRON BARBER
5’10” | 165 lbs. | Defensive Back
Atlanta, Ga. | Mays HS
Barber was a do-everything corner for the Mays Raiders en route to an 8-3 trek during his senior year, logging nine interceptions, 24 pass breakups, and even six touchdowns. Those number led to a region title and a spot on the All-Region team, while he also ran track and became an Honor Roll student. Camron is the son of Shaquala Barber and plans to major in Psychology under the Blue Hose umbrella.
DILLON BRYANT
6’1” | 235 lbs. | Defensive Line
Venice, Fla. | Venice HS
Part of 26 combined wins over his last two seasons with the Venice Indians, Bryant posted 121 tackles (78 solo) along with three sacks as VHS captured a 2024 State Championship. His prep squad was ranked number three in the hotbed of Florida, where Dillon is on track to graduate with honors. His brother, Tevin, also played collegiate football for the Ball State Cardinals in the early 2010’s. Bryant plans to major in Biology pre-med at PC, the son of Donald and Joy.
ETHAN CARTMEL
6’1” | 170 lbs. | Kicker / Punter
Bluffton, S.C. | Bluffton HS
An All-Region caliber special teamer for the Bluffton Bobcats roughly three hours away from PC’s campus, Cartmel connected on a career-long 45-yard field goal last season while averaging 44 yards per punt. His longest kick sailed 65 yards, participating in BHS golf as well. Ethan plans on majoring in Business for the Blue Hose, the son of Brian and Kristina Cartmel.
KEVIN CASCUDO
5’7” | 150 lbs. | Wide Receiver
Homestead, Fla. | Homestead Senior HS
A high school teammate of Darriel Harper (listed below), Cascudo’s junior round for the Homestead Broncos included an 11-game winning streak and a narrow defeat in the Florida State Semifinals. Kevin plans on a Business major once enrolled at Presby, the son of Jorge and Lisset.
OSCAR COLON
6’5” | 315 lbs. | Offensive Line
Brooklyn, N.Y. | IMG Academy | Gardner-Webb
Already familiar with Presbyterian after clashing with coach Englehart’s crew in September, Colon comes from the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs where he was a member of the G-W Dean’s List. Oscar intends to enroll in a Computer Science major at PC and is the son of Tiffany Johnson.
MARSHALL CONLEY
6’7” | 290 lbs. | Offensive Line
Merritt Island, Fla. | Merritt Island HS
Piling up 25 pancake blocks for the Merritt Island Mustangs while also playing for the MIHS basketball team, Conley was a part of back-to-back overtime victories last season on the way to a seven-win slate. Marshall is the son of Mike and Lisa Conley, and has sights set on a major in Psychology.
GERALD DANNER
6’1” | 275 lbs. | Defensive Line
Maiden, N.C. | Maiden HS
A multi-time honors student while playing for the Maiden Blue Devils, Danner was chosen for All-Conference status in 2024 during an eight-win campaign. Both of Gerald’s uncles played college football: Michael Ramseur (Mars Hill) and Chris Ramseur (Tennessee), who was a linebacker for the inaugural BCS National Champion Volunteers in 1998. He is the son of Gerald E. Danner and Dana Ramseur.
A.J. DAVIS
5’11” | 162 lbs. | Wide Receiver
Jacksonville, Fla. | Paxon School for Advanced Studies
Another Sunshine State prospect for the Paxon School Eagles, Davis was selected as an All-State kick returner on a roster that achieved a school record for wins in a sole season (eight). He was a dual-athlete during his prep tenure – also competing with track & field – and plans to enroll in Business Management at PC. An honors student, A.J. is the son of Allen Davis and Shiela Brantley.
ELIJAH DAVIS
6’0” | 170 lbs. | Defensive Back
Covington, Ga. | Eastside HS
Elijah commits to the Blue Hose following 19 combined wins over the past two years with the Eastside Eagles in the elite Georgia area, going 11-2 in 2024 en route to the State Quarterfinals. He was a member of the A/B Honor Roll at EHS and will carry that over to a major in Business Administration once arriving in Clinton.
MICHAEL DEAN
6’6” | 305 lbs. | Offensive Line
Miami, Fla. | Rise Prep Academy
A MaxPreps All-American during his junior season and an All-County representative for good measure, Dean’s tenure in South Beach led to a spot on the Honor Roll at Rise Prep Academy. Michael is the son of Isaac Wilcher and Rubie Bridgeman, planning on a major in Psychology after committing to the blue and garnet.
ZANDER ERASMUS
6’4” | 215 lbs. | Tight End
St. Augustine, Fla. | Tocoi Creek HS
Contributing for the Tocoi Creek Toros at the prep level while also throwing discus and competing in rugby, Erasmus qualified for the A/B Honor Roll and capped off with a first-team All-District nod. Zander plans to major in Business after signing the dotted line for the Blue Hose, the son of Lourens and Michelle.
JAIDYN FERGUSON
6’2” | 235 lbs. | Defensive Line
Greer, S.C. | Byrnes HS
Ferguson confirms his commitment to Presbyterian after being named All-State for the Byrnes Rebels, lining up 31 tackles for a loss and 23 sacks throughout his career which included a 10-2 mark as a junior. Three of Jaidyn’s cousins also played college football: Kyai Cook (Brown), Kwai Cook (Limestone), and Knai Cook (Charleston Southern). He plans to major in Business and is the son of Cedric Ferguson and Tiffany Dawkins.
CAYSEN GOSS
6’0” | 210 lbs. | Linebacker
Gainesville, Ga. | Chestatee HS
Voted for All-Region in consecutive seasons for a team that transformed an 0-10 record in 2023 into a playoff appearance last fall, Goss enrolled in numerous honors courses while suiting up for the War Eagles. CHS won their final two regular season contests to qualify for the postseason, leading Caysen to sign with PC and plan on a major in Education.
DARION GRIFFIN
6’5” | 235 lbs. | Tight End
Wellford, S.C. | Byrnes HS
The second Presby commit from Byrnes High School along with Jaidyn Ferguson (listed above), Griffin was chosen as All-Region for the Rebels and will enroll in Business courses after landing in Clinton. Darion is one of 13 South Carolina residents to pledge to PC on Wednesday.
DARRIEL HARPER
5’7” | 150 lbs. | Wide Receiver
Homestead, Fla. | Homestead Senior HS
Part of a six-man class of wide receivers to sign with the Blue Hose during the offseason, Harper helped guide the Homestead Broncos to a 12-2 record as a junior and a spot on the All-County lineup as a result. An Honor Roll student while competing in Track too, Harper will aim for a Business major at PC and is the son of Darriel and Tia Jones-Beckford.
KELIK HARRIS
6’4” | 280 lbs. | Defensive Line
Gaffney, S.C. | Gaffney HS
Located just over an hour from Presbyterian, Harris enjoyed a scintillating high school career for the Gaffney Indians where he contributed to 43 total wins and a perfect 15-0 season as a freshman. GHS’ 2024 unit started the year at 6-0 and closed the journey at 10 victories. Kelik plans on majoring in Business, and is the son of Josh Harris and Demetrice Wells.
JADEN HENRY
5’9” | 155 lbs. | Wide Receiver
Snellville, Ga. | Greater Atlanta Christian School
Another soon-to-be offensive weapon for Englehart and his staff, Henry was tabbed second-team All-Region for the Greater Atlanta Spartans where he aided a nine-win junior season. He was named the Gwinnett County Player of the Month during his prep stay, where he also participated in track & field and placed 6th in the State Finals for the 100-meter event. An honor roll student, Jaden aims to major in Computer Science while donning the Blue Hose colors.
SPEARS MARTIN
5’11” | 212 lbs. | Linebacker
Marietta, Ga. | North Cobb Christian School
Scattering 218 career tackles for a program that achieved 30 wins over his final three seasons, Martin’s North Cobb Eagles embarked on two separate winning streaks of six and five games last fall on their way to the State Quarterfinals. Spears additionally played Baseball over his prep career, following in the footsteps of his father who also played on the diamond at West Georgia. Martin was named All-State and All-Region in 2024, the son of Pat and Joanna.
CARTER McCOLLUM
5’8” | 170 lbs. | Running Back
Pickens, S.C. | Pickens HS
Situated less than 90 minutes from the home of the Blue Hose, McCollum acquired close to 2,000 all-purpose yards as a senior for the Pickens Flame. He rushed for 18 touchdowns at PHS along with one more score in the passing game, named both All-Region and the Pickens County all-around Player of the Year. Beside his gridiron success, Carter has received numerous scholarly accolades and will enroll in Business courses at PC. He is the son of Jeremy and Kayla McCollum.
NICK McGILL
6’0” | 180 lbs. | Defensive Back
North Charleston, S.C. | Fort Dorchester HS | The Citadel
McGill spent the first half of his collegiate career with a different institution in the Palmetto State, repping The Citadel Bulldogs out of the Southern Conference. After two years in Charleston where he made the Dean’s List in 2024, he’ll head two-and-a-half hours across SC to Blue Hose territory and major in Biology.
ETHAN McNUTT
6’5” | 295 lbs. | Offensive Line
Rock Hill, S.C. | South Pointe HS
The South Pointe Stallions tasted victory 40 times while McNutt was manning the offensive line – including a 13-1 State Championship run as a freshman – balancing football with track & field in addition to being a member of the National Honor Society. SPHS went 11-3 last fall, with McNutt now making the transition to Presbyterian with a major in Psychology. Ethan is the son of Clarence and Kimberly McNutt, and William and Kay Runyans.
TERRY MIKELL
6’1” | 275 lbs. | Defensive Line
Statesboro, Ga. | Southeast Bulloch HS | St. Olaf College
Already a seasoned collegiate player thanks to a two-year stretch at Division II St. Olaf in Minnesota, Mikell heads south to Blue Hose country after helping the Oles muster a 7-3 record in 2024. He was credited with 36 tackles (seven behind the line of scrimmage), four sacks, a couple of pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one blocked kick during his time in the MIAC. An honor roll student over his high school period in Georgia, Mikell is the son of Terry and Dorothy and will major in Business Management / Economics.
CONNOR NETTLES
6’1” | 215 lbs. | Punter
Walterboro, S.C. | Colleton Preparatory Academy
A key piece to a 2022 South Carolina state title and 16 more wins since that point, Nettles has averaged 43 yards per punt while playing for the War Hawks while also playing prep soccer. His father, Lonnie, was an offensive lineman at East Tennessee State in the late 90’s / early 00’s. Connor was an All-Region special-teamer for CPA, planning on a Biology major after committing to Presbyterian. He is the son of Lonnie and Mandi.
R.J. POOLER
6’2” | 165 lbs. | Defensive Back
Jacksonville, Fla. | Riverside HS
Pooler stuffed the stat sheet while shifting between free safety and corner for the Riverside Generals, picking off six passes next to 67 total tackles. Behind a 4.5-second forty-yard dash, he was chosen for All-District status and advanced deep into the playoffs nearly every year. R.J. has made the A/B Honor Roll in each semester of the prep stage, majoring in Psychology once arriving at PC. He is the son of Richard and Anetteya.
KEYISHAUN ROBINSON
6’0” | 185 lbs. | Defensive Back
Charlotte, N.C. | North Mecklenburg HS | West Virginia Wesleyan
Robinson most recently appeared with the West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats of the Division II Mountain East Conference, now headed to Clinton after spending his prep career in Charlotte. He held a perfect 4.0 GPA while with the North Mecklenburg Vikings, intending to major in Psychology once completing the switch to PC.
ANDREW RUPPE
6’1” | 230 lbs. | Linebacker
Gaffney, S.C. | Gaffney HS
One of three Gaffney High Indians to join Englehart’s system on Signing Day – joining Kelik Harris and Jayden Sims in a 2021 State Championship – Ruppe was named All-Region in all four years at GHS as they wrangled in 43 victories. As a senior, he upgraded to All-State honors and will take the next step as a Business major for the Blue Hose. He is the son of Alex Ruppe.
KYMANI SANTOS
6’2” | 300 lbs. | Defensive Line
Boynton Beach, Fla. | St. Thomas Aquinas HS
One of many all-stars for the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders – known by many as one of the best high school football programs in the nation – Santos never saw a season where he did not claim a state championship, winning a ridiculous 54 games in four years. Fresh off another trophy at 12-3 last fall and a 34-0 shutout in the title game, Kymani was labeled All-County twice in a row and would eventually try out weightlifting where he promptly placed 4th in the state of Florida. An Honor Roll student, he is the son of Omari and Candelle, set to major in Computer Science after committing to the Scotsmen.
JADEN SCOTT
6’0” | 193 lbs. | Wide Receiver
Charleston, S.C. | James Island Charter HS | Charleston Southern
After starting his football journey with the James Island Trojans, Scott enrolled at nearby Charleston Southern for three seasons (the same institution where his brother, Braxton, also played football). He will now migrate to Presbyterian with a major in Business. He is the son of Herbert and Chrissy Scott.
CARLOS SEXTON
6’0” | 205 lbs. | Long Snapper
Irmo, S.C. | Dutch Fork HS
Combining for a record of 27-1 as a sophomore and senior, which put the Dutch Fork Silver Foxes on the path to two South Carolina state championships, Sexton served as an underrated special-teamer who will take his talents to PC after also playing with DFHS lacrosse. Carlos aspires to major in Business or Pre-Law, the son of Matthew and Angelic.
LANDON SHARPE
6’0” | 180 lbs. | Quarterback
Lexington, S.C. | White Knoll HS
The lone QB to come out of the 2025 Signing Day Class, Sharpe led the White Knoll Timberwolves to an eight-win trek last fall and an appearance in the State Championship game versus Dutch Fork the prior season, winning 22 total games over that span. It was WKHS’s first-ever appearance in the state title matchup, earning 34 overall wins as White Knoll’s starter and selected for All-State three times in a row. Landon notched All-Region and All-Conference awards every single year at the prep level, while also maintaining a spot on the Honor Roll from his sophomore season onward. He is the son of Zach Sharpe, intending to major in Business under the Blue Hose wing.
JAYDEN SIMS
5’10” | 175 lbs. | Defensive Back
Gaffney, S.C. | Gaffney HS
Athlete number three from Gaffney High to decide on Presbyterian, Sims is fresh off a 10-win season with the Indians and hoisted a state championship trophy as a freshman. A southpaw cornerback, Jayden was a member of three first-place regional squads while becoming an all-A’s student over that time. He is the son of Shan and Allie Sims, aiming to major in Computer Science while wearing the blue and garnet.
RAKWON STRADFORD
5’11” | 180 lbs. | Defensive Back
Rock Hill, S.C. | Rock Hill HS
One of eight players in the secondary that committed to Englehart’s gang on Wednesday, Stradford suited up for the Rock Hill Bearcats who mustered an 8-3 record versus regional opponents over the last two years. He exceled on and away from the field, named All-Region as a senior while earning A/B Honor Roll plaudits. Rakwon is the son of Katricka Clifton, and will major in Business for the Scotsmen.
LAKOTA TANNER
6’4” | 290 lbs. | Defensive Line
Hollywood, Fla. | Western HS
Hailing from the same high school as the reigning Pioneer Football League Offensive Freshman of the Year Collin Hurst (the Western High Wildcats in Florida), Tanner was an All-County selection on the defensive front while also playing for WHS soccer. He’s set to major in Business after arriving on PC’s campus, the son of Wayne and Kimberly Tanner.
MIKE TORRES
5’11” | 200 lbs. | Defensive Back
Evergreen Park, Ill. | Evergreen Park Community HS | Saint Francis (Ill.)
Originally a two-time All-Conference recipient and two-time State placer in the sport of wrestling, Torres signs with Presby after a two-year stint at the University Saint Francis, an NAIA institution in his home state of Illinois. The Fighting Saints registered 14 wins with Torres on the roster, all while he qualified for the MSFA All-Academic team and Dean’s List both years. Mike plans on majoring in Business Management after transferring, the son of David Torres and Juanita Campos.
CHANCE WASHINGTON
5’11” | 214 lbs. | Running Back
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | St. Thomas Aquinas HS
The other half of PC’s Signing Day duo from the juggernaut known as St. Thomas Aquinas, Washington was a first-team All-County rep at tailback while winning four consecutive state championships on just five combined losses. A multi-time honors student, he plans on majoring in Pre-Dental after committing to Englehart’s staff. Chance is the son of Richard and Denise Washington.
JOSH WAYMACK
6’5” | 305 lbs. | Offensive Line
Flowery Branch, Ga. | Lanier Christian Academy
Signee number 38 in this momentous class, Waymack was a key cog in the trenches for the Lanier Christian Lightning as they secured a 2024 Georgia state title. Their nine-win slate last fall was a six-win improvement from the prior year, placing first in their region over all four seasons with Waymack up front. He allowed only two sacks through his entire high school career, holding a 97 percent win chance in pass blocking and 95% when opening up holes in the rushing attack. Selected for All-Region four straight times, he was an All-State honoree from his time as a sophomore all the way to graduation. Averaging a 3.9 GPA, he will look to major in Business with an administrative concentration. Josh is the son of Matt and Rebekah Waymack.
