STATESBORO - The Georgia Southern football program will welcome its newest members to the program Wednesday as the December signing period begins at 7 a.m. (ET). Be sure to follow us on
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Georgia Southern 2019 Signing Class (listed alphabetically)
Name, Pos., Ht., Wt., Hometown, High School (Last School)
Derrick Canteen, CB, 5-11, 175, Evans, Ga., Evans *
Griffin Carder, OL, 6-4, 300, Leesburg, Ga., Lee County
Caree Collier, ILB, 6-0, 190, North Augusta, Ga., North Augusta
Justin Ellis, DE, 6-2, 245, Roswell, Ga., Roswell, Syracuse ^
Reynard Ellis, ILB, 6-1 , 220, Birmingham, Ala., Shades Valley, Furman ^
Gerald Green, RB, 5-9, 185, Columbus, Ga., East Coweta *
Verneal Henshaw Jr., OL, 6-4, 250, Palm Coast, Fla., Flagler Palm Coast
Amaru Herring, DL, 6-1, 260, Beulaville, N.C., East Duplin
Jaden Jenkins, QB, 6-3, 195, Bartow, Ga., Jefferson County
Javonte McGriff, OL, 6-1, 270, Thomasville, Ga., Thomasville *
Tremaine Osborne, S, 6-0, 180, Montgomery, Ala., Park Crossing
Treun Pace, S, 6-0, 180, Pelham, Ga., Pelham *
Aaron Pyron, OL, 6-4, 310, Stone Mountain, Ga., Arabia Mountain
Java'n Singletary, S, 6-0, 185, Bonaire, Ga., Veterans
Emil Smith, WR, 6-1, 170, Attalla, Ala., Etowah
AJ Watkins, DL, 6-2, 270, Fairburn, Ga., Langston Hughes
Jordan Wiggins, OL, 6-4, 265, Tallahassee, Fla., Godby
Anthony Wilson, CB/S, 5-10, 185, Columbia, S.C., Spring Valley
^ - already enrolled at Georgia Southern
* - expected January enrollee
Georgia Southern 2019 Signing Class (listed alphabetically)
Player Bios
DERRICK CANTEEN
Cornerback
5-11 • 175 • Fr.
Evans, Ga.
Evans HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Evans High for Coach Lemuel Lackey … Ranked as the No. 268 cornerback in the country and the No. 207 player in Georgia by 247Sports … A first-team all-region selection and the Athlete of the Year for the 3-AAAAAA region … Named the county's defensive player of the year … Tallied 61 tackles, two interceptions and eight pass breakups as a senior on defense to go along with 14 catches for 473 yards and and four touchdowns, averaging 43 yards per catch … Selected for the Sixth Annual Border Bowl … Helped lead his team to a regional title as a junior … Had four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, 14 pass breakups, a fumble recovery and 46 tackles as a junior …Was a dual enrollment student at Georgia Military College for three years.
PERSONAL: Born Derrick Trevon Canteen on April 2, 2001 in Killeen, TX … Son of Bridgett and Derrick Canteen … Has one sister, Alayah Canteen.
INTENDED MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering
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GRIFFIN CARDER
Offensive Lineman
6-4 • 300 • Fr.
Leesburg, Ga.
Lee County HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Lee County High for Coach Dean Fabrizio … Helped lead his team to a state title as a junior … Had 30 pancakes and 15 knockdowns as a senior … Rated as the No. 172 offensive guard in the country and the No. 209 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports … Named first-team all region and second-team GSWA all state as a junior … A 2018 Albany Herald Dynamite Dozen selection.
PERSONAL: Born John Griffin Carder on June 5, 2001 in Albany, GA … Son of Clint and Margie Carder … Has one sibling, Talley.
INTENDED MAJOR: Undecided
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CAREE COLLIER
Inside Linebacker
6-0 • 190 • Fr.
North Augusta, Ga.
North Augusta HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at North Augusta High for Coach Brian Thomas … Selected to play in Border Bowl VI All-Star Game … Had 126 tackles, including 10 for loss and five sacks, five pass breakups, four interceptions and three forced fumbles as a junior … Also played soccer.
PERSONAL: Born Caree Tamarous Collier on January 4, 2001 in Augusta, GA … Son of Kimberly Collier and Monte Collier … Has one sibling, Monty.
INTENDED MAJOR: Undecided
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JUSTIN ELLIS
Defensive End
6-2 • 245 • r-So.
Roswell, Ga.
Roswell HS • Syracuse
2018-19: Enrolled at Georgia Southern and sat out due to NCAA transfer rules … Considered part of the recruiting class of 2019 … Used the season as a redshirt year … Practiced with the scout team all season.
2017-18: Played in two games at Syracuse as a true freshman … One of nine true freshmen to play for the Orange in 2017 … Made his Syracuse debut in the season opener versus Central Connecticut State and had one tackle … Also saw action against Central Michigan (9/16) … Member of the 2017 Fall SU Athletic Director's Honor Roll … Went through spring ball with the Orange … Transferred to Georgia Southern in the summer.
High School: Played defensive end for two seasons for Coach John Ford at Roswell High … Rated three stars and the No. 62 strongside defensive ends in the Class of 2017, according to the 247Sports.com composite index … Also earned a three-star rating from Rivals.com … Named to the 2016 Georgia Sports Writers Association Class 7A All-State First Team … Led Roswell to two state championship appearances and consecutive 14-1 records in 2015 and 2016 … Tallied 82 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 19 sacks as a senior.
PERSONAL: Born Justin Benjamin Ellis on July 26 in Atlanta … Son of Perry and Shelly Ellis … Has one brother and one sister.
MAJOR: Economics
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REYNARD ELLIS
Inside Linebacker
6-1 • 220 • r-So.
Birmingham, Ala.
Shades Valley HS • Furman
2018-19: Enrolled at Georgia Southern and sat out due to NCAA transfer rules … Considered part of the recruiting class of 2019 … Used the season as a redshirt year … Practiced with the scout team all season.
2017-18: Played in 12 games, starting 10 as a true freshman at Furman … totaled 92 tackles – five for loss – two sacks and an interception in 12 games, making the Southern Conference all-freshman team … Had 16 tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a sack, against Colgate … Tallied 13 tackles against Wofford and 10 against Western Carolina …Had seven or more tackles in each of the final seven games of the season.
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2017 graduate of Shades Valley (6A) High School, where he was coached by David Partridge … A heralded two-way performer who played linebacker and running back … Named to Alabama's All-Classification Super All-State Team at the athlete position and was a second-team all-state pick as an athlete by the Alabama Sportswriters Association … Tallied 142 tackles, including four sacks, and in his first season at running back rushed for 1,330 yards and 20 touchdowns … Ran for 230 yards and five touchdowns and racked up 10 tackles and two sacks in a 49-28 win over Parker … Rushed for 207 yards and compiled 12 tackles versus Pinson Valley … Ran for 140 yards and three scores, and registered 15 tackles versus Blackman.
PERSONAL: Born Reynard Nathanael Ellis on July 31 in Birmingham, Alabama … Son of Richard and Daniella Ellis … Has four sisters, Ronita, Rachael, DeAnna and DeShondra, and two brothers, Richard and Dominic.
MAJOR: Computer Engineering
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GERALD GREEN
Running Back
5-9 • 185 • Fr.
Columbus, Ga.
East Coweta HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at East Coweta High for Coach John Small … Named the Region 2AAAAAAA Player of the Year and first-team all-region as a senior … Rated as the No. 21 all-purpose back in the country and the No. 177 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports … Scored over 20 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 1,500 yards as a senior … Ran for 276 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Marietta in the first round of the Class AAAAAAA state playoffs … Rushed for 1,134 yards as a junior, scoring 21 touchdowns … Earned Coweta Score Player of the Year honors … An early enrollee at Georgia Southern.
PERSONAL: Born Gerald De'quanjay Green on December 15, 1999 in Columbus, GA … Son of Altine Tolbert and Randy Tolbert … Has two sisters, Shi'kia and Brandi, and two brothers, Randez and Randarius.
INTENDED MAJOR: Undecided
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VERNEAL HENSHAW JR.
Offensive Lineman
6-4 • 250 • Fr.
Palm Coast, Fla.
Flagler Palm Coast HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Flagler Palm Coast High for Coach Travis Roland … Rated as the No. 270 cornerback in the country and the No. 228 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports Composite Rankings … Named first-team all-area as a sophomore and junior in football and
second-team all-state as a junior in track & field.
PERSONAL: Born Verneal Kevin Henshaw Jr. on December 8, 2000 in Reynoldsburg, OH … Son of Verneal Henshaw Sr. and Shawnett Hess … Father played basketball and football at Norfolk State University … Has three sisters: Tamara, Jasmine and Brittany … Jasmine played basketball at Eastern Kentucky and Tamara plays basketball at South Florida.
INTENDED MAJOR: Business
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AMARU HERRING
Defensive Lineman
6-1 • 260 • Fr.
Beulaville, N.C.
East Duplin HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at East Duplin High for Coach Battle Holley … Named first-team all-area and all-conference as a senior … Helped lead his team to a state title as a senior, recording 10 tackles, including three for loss, in the championship game … Had 107 tackles in his final season, including 35 for loss and seven sacks … Just the third player in his school's history to be invited to the Shrine Bowl … Blocked four exptra points and had three forced fumbles … As a junior, had 111 total tackles, including 43 for loss and 10 sacks, to go along four blocked punts, one blocked PAT, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles … Named first-team all-area and all-conference.
PERSONAL: Born Amaru Kysheam Herring on December 21, 1999 … Son of Ayasha and Michel Herring … Has three siblings: Lyonna, Shaun and Desmond.
INTENDED MAJOR: Graphic Design
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JADEN JENKINS
Quarterback
6-3 • 195 • Fr.
Bartow, Ga.
Jefferson County HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Jefferson County High for Coach JB Arnold … Named the offensive player of the year for the 4AA level as a senior … Rated as the No. 40 dual-threat quarterback in the country and the No. 167 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports … Rated the No. 39 dual-threat quarterback in the country and the No. 137 player in the state by ESPN Recruiting … Rushed 29 times for 326 yards and four touchdowns in a victory over Harlem as a senior … A two-time second-team all-region selection … Totaled 1,120 passing yards, 935 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns while throwing only two interceptions as a junior … Selected for the Sixth Annual Border Bowl … Had 41 rushing touchdowns for his career … Also ran track.
PERSONAL: Born Jaden Terrell Jenkins on March 13, 2001 in Augusta, GA … Son of Demetris and Cora Jenkins … Has an older sister, Melanie Braddy … Both his father and sister attended Georgia Southern.
INTENDED MAJOR: Sports Medicine
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JAVONTE McGRIFF
Offensive Lineman
6-1 • 270 • Fr.
Thomasville, Ga.
Thomasville HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Thomasville High for Coach Zach Grage … Rated as the No. 84 offensive guard in the country and the No. 141 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports … A Class AA preseason all-state team pick by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
PERSONAL: Born Javonte Cortavias McGriff on June 26, 2001 in Thomasville, GA … Son of Patricia Hill and Greg McGriff.
INTENDED MAJOR: Undecided
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TREMAINE OSBORNE
Safety
6-0 • 180 • Fr.
Montgomery, Ala.
Park Crossing HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Park Crossing High for Coach Angelo Wheeler … Lettered four times … Caught six passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns against Bessemer City his senior season … Also played basketball and baseball.
PERSONAL: Born Tremaine K. Osborne on October 16, 2000 in Montgomery, AL … Son of Chaundreke Osborne and Nathaniel Lane … Has a younger sibling, Tremarious.
INTENDED MAJOR: Undecided
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TREUN PACE
Safety
6-0 • 180 • Fr.
Pelham, Ga.
Pelham HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Pelham High for Coach Dondrial Pinkins … Rated as the No. 270 cornerback in the country and the No. 228 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports Composite Rankings … Scored 12 touchdowns with 1,042 total yards of offense as a senior and tallied a pair of interceptions … Had 54 tackles, four interceptions as a sophomore … A first-team all-area pick … An early enrollee at Georgia Southern.
PERSONAL: Born Treun Jamal Price on August 11, 2000 in Pelham, GA … Son of Yolanda White and Derrick Pace.
INTENDED MAJOR: Communications
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AARON PYRON
Offensive Lineman
6-4 • 310 • Fr.
Stone Mountain, Ga.
Arabia Mountain HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Arabia Mountain High for Coach Stanley Pritchett … Rated as the No. 178 offensive guard in the country and the No. 212 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports … An all-region selection as both a senior and a junior.
PERSONAL: Born Aaron Jepaul Pyron on June 21, 2001 in Stone Mountain, GA … Son of Monique and Corey Pyron … Has an older sibling, Imani.
INTENDED MAJOR: Finance
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JAVA'N SINGLETARY
Safety
6-0 • 185 • Fr.
Bonaire, Ga.
Veterans HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played his final season of footbll at Veterans High for Coach Milan Turner … Named first-team all region as a senior for the 1-AAAAA Region.
PERSONAL: Born Java'n Lamar Singletary on September 2, 2000 in Hawkinsville, GA … Son of Warren and Cassandra Singletary … Has an older brother, Warren.
INTENDED MAJOR: Business administration or music production
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EMIL SMITH
Wide Receiver
6-1 • 170 • Fr.
Attalla, Ala.
Etowah HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Etowah High for Coach Drew Noles … Had 27 catches for 430 yards and six touchdowns as a senior … Ranked as the No. 272 wide receiver in the country and the No. 78 player in the state of Alabama by 247Sports … Named to the 2017 AHSAA All-State Team … Hauled in 28 passes for 419 yards and eight scores as a junior … Named to the All-Messenger Football Team … Also played basketball, helping lead his team to two regional titles.
PERSONAL: Born Cyrus Emil Smith on November 28, 2000 in Anniston, AL … Son of Sheretta Bostick and Cyrus Smith … Dad played running back at Alabama State.
INTENDED MAJOR: Exercise Science
DAVID SPAULDING
Cornerback
6-2 • 175 • Fr.
Hinesville, Ga.
Bradwell Institute
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Bradwell Institute … Rated as the No. 86 cornerback in the country and the No. 90 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports … Ranked the No. 104 player in the state by Rivals … Had 43 tackles and two interceptions as a senior … A member of the Big 22 Preseason Football Squad, as selected by WJCL in Savannah.
PERSONAL: Born David Devontae Spaulding on June 5, 2001 in Savannah, GA … Son of Lynwood Spaulding Sr and Elvette Spaulding … Has three brothers - Marquis, John and Lynwood Jr - and a sister, Latoya Sims.
INTENDED MAJOR: Undecided
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AJ WATKINS
Defensive Lineman
6-2 • 270 • Fr.
Fairburn, Ga.
Langston Hughes HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Langston Hughes High for Coach Willie Cannon … Named defensive player of the year in Region 5-6A as a senior … Had 91 total tackles, including 25 for loss and 10 sacks, with 25 quarterback hurries, an interception and a fumble returned for a touchdown as a senior … Rated as the No. 189 defensive tackle in the country and No. 221 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports … Ranked the No. 171 defensive tackle in the country by 247Sports' Composite Rankings … Named second-team all-region as a junior.
PERSONAL: Born Antonio Lamont Watkins Jr. on February 8, 2001 in Atlanta … Son of Tammy and Antonio Watkins … Has two siblings, Anna and Aiden … Uncle, Rokevious Watkins, played at South Carolina and in the NFL for Kansas City and St. Louis.
INTENDED MAJOR: Biomedicine or criminal justice
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JORDANÂ WIGGINS
Offensive Lineman
6-4 • 265 • Fr.
Tallahassee, Fla.
Godby HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Godby High for Coach Corey Fuller … Ranked as the No. 251 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 304 player in the state of Florida by 247Sports … Named the WTXL Scholar-Athlete of the Week … Named the Capital Outlook's Youth of the Year for his work on and off the field.
PERSONAL: Born Jordan Isaiah Wiggins on December 10, 200 in Tallahassee, FL … Son of the late Althea Jones.
INTENDED MAJOR: Medicine
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ANTHONY WILSON
Cornerback/Safety
5-10 • 185 • Fr.
Columbia, S.C.
Spring Valley HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Spring Valley High for Coach Robin Bacon … Selected for the 82nd annual Shrine Bowl … Cited as the best two way player in the Midlands by The State Newspaper … Named the 2018 Mr. Richland County Football Player of the Year … Had 68 tackles and two interceptions while rushing for 281 yards and eight scores as a senior … Ranked as one of the top 50 players in South Carolina … Named first-team all-state and first-team all-region as a defensive back for the 5A level … Nominated for the South Carolina Defensive Player of the Year and South Carolina Running Back of the Year by South Carolina High School Blitz … Played freshman season at Hammond, helping the team win a state championship … Named first-team all-state as a running back for the 3A level as a sophomore.
PERSONAL: Born Anthony Sinclair Wilson on July 5, 2001 in Columbia, SC … Son of Teshia McSwain and Anthony Wilson … Has two younger siblings and an older sibling.
INTENDED MAJOR: Sport medicine
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