CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Austin Peay State University's third recruiting class since returning to scholarship football?and the first under head coach Rick Christophel?has filled specific needs as the Governors program continues to evolve.
The Governors, who finished 7-4 overall with a third-place 5-3 Ohio Valley Conference record in 2007, signed five offensive and six defensive players to National Letters of Intent, Wednesday, the first day of the winter signing period. The line, on both sides of the ball, was targeted and APSU added three offensive linemen and three defensive linemen to the mix for 2008 and the future.
Offensively, the Governors also signed an H-back and quarterback (Jake Ryan). In addition, quarterback T.C. Jennings transferred to Austin Peay from Arkansas State at semester's start.
Defensively, the Governors added two defensive backs, including local product Amius Smith, and a linebacker, Zac Burkhart, who starred at Clarksville Academy.
“We filled all our needs,” Christophel said. “Everything we went after we got. I am very excited about the young guys we brought in. We have brought in some kids who have a chance to be quality football players and some real character people who will fit in nicely with kids we already have here.”
With the loss of starting tackle Brandon Hufstetler and starting guard Duncan Williams, Jr., both who came to APSU as non-scholarship players, stabilizing that area was a must.
“We lost two starting offensive linemen (Brandon Hufstetler and Duncan Williams Jr.) this past year and we will lose two next year (Cage Major and Travis Dumke) so we will have to go out and sign one or two next season. We think that Tim Schmid can come in and play in the middle for us while J.P. Washington and Jeremy Little can play the tackles. All three of them are very good athletes.
”Defensively we signed two guys (Skyler Springfield and Anthony Marion) who can really run. But we are hopeful, with the people we have coming back, that they won't have to come in and play right away. We also signed a defensive end in Nathaniel Dials who is someone that just gets better and better every time he steps onto the football field.”
The quarterback position, which became thin last fall because of injuries, should be buoyed this fall by the return of the injured freshman Scott Thomas, the addition of Jennings and the signing of Ryan.
“He (Ryan) was our guy from the get-go,” Christophel said. “We measured everyone against him. He was our guy. He is a really good football player with a chance to really succeed in our program.
“With the people we have back and the people we have added, the quarterback position should be in good hands as long as we can get it consistent and stable.”
ZAC BURKHART
6-2, 195, Linebacker
Clarksville, Tenn.
Clarksville Academy
Three-year starter...on defense, credited with 78 tackles, including four sacks...two-time all-region selection...named Leaf-Chronicle All-Area team...twice earned honorable mention All-State...offensively, rushed for 1466 yards, including 25 TDs.
NATHANIEL DIALS
6-3, 235, Defensive Line
Paintsville, Ky.
Johnson Central High School
Earned second-team All-State as senior...helped lead Johnson Central to consecutive district titles and one regional title...four-year starter...three-time all-district selection and two-time WYMT All-Mountain team... defensive player of the game in four bowl games.
JEREMY LITTLE
6-6, 285, Offensive Line
Loganville, Ga.
Grayson High School
Move into starting lineup as senior after playing behind some outstanding performers earlier in his career.
ANTHONY MARION
6-3, 249, Defensive Line
Memphis, Tenn.
Mitchell High School
Named All-Metro as defensive lineman...led team with 13 sacks...ranked 12th in state with yards lost (40) for sacks...ended year with 76 solo stops and 19 assists ...two-sport athlete also competes in track and field.
JAKE RYAN
6-1, 180, Quarterback
Knoxville, Tenn.
West High School
Passed for 2,430 yards and 21 touchdowns during the 2007 season....two-time All-State quarterback...also named to All Prep Extra team twice as well as All-Knoxville Interscholastic League...son of former NFL and Tennessee quarterback Pat Ryan.
PRESTON ROUSE
6-3, 215, H-Back/Outside Linebacker
Knoxville, Tenn.
Bearden High School
Helped lead Bearden to state semifinals...team captain finished with 102 tackles, including 10 for losses...also created three fumbles...had nine pass break ups... offensively, averaged more than seven yards per carry in limited play at tailback.
TIM SCHMID
6-2, 290, Offensive Line
Nashville, Tenn.
Father Ryan High School
Chosen to the 2007 Tennessee Football Coaches Association and Sports Writers Association All-State Division II team...selected to 2007 Tennessean
All-Midstate team...chosen to play in Tennessee Toyota East/West All-Star Classic.
AMIUS SMITH
6-2, 210, Safety
Clarksville, Tenn.
Kenwood High School
All-region selection as a wide receiver as junior and quarterback as senior...rushed for 754 yards on 129 carries as senior...on defense, recorded 62 tackles, including 14 for loss.
SKYLER SPRINGFIELD
6-3, 260, Defensive Line
Madisonville, Ky.
North Hopkins High School
Three-year starter on both sides of ball...finished 2007 with 65 tackles, including four sacks...two-time first-team All-Western Kentucky Conference...four-year placer for team that won four straight Kentucky power-lifting titles.
CHRIS TAYLOR
5-11, 170, Defensive Back
Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis University School
Named to 2007 Coaches All-Region team...named to Commercial Appeal “Best of the Preps”...selected to play in Liberty Bowl All-Star Classic...finished with 41 tackles.
J.P. WASHINGTON
6-4, 300, Offensive Tackle
Nashville, Tenn.
Hillsboro High School
Chosen to 2007 All-City team...also selected all-region and All-Midstate.
