STATESBORO - The Georgia Southern football program announced Wednesday a football recruiting class composed of 20 student-athletes who signed national letters of intent or grants in aid in the December signing period as part of new head coach Clay Helton's inaugural recruiting class.

"We are very excited to welcome 20 new Eagles to the Georgia Southern family," Helton said. "Today's signees represent some of the best people, students, and athletes within our recruiting footprint. They will help us satisfy specific needs as we head into the 2022 season. The future of our program is very bright with these young men on our football team."

Georgia Southern welcomed 17 players from the state of Georgia, two from South Carolina and one from North Carolina. The 17 Georgia natives signed are the most of any FBS school in the Peach State, topping Georgia, Georgia Tech and Georgia State.

Nineteen of the signees are from the high school ranks with one being a transfer.

The Eagles added 10 players on offense (four receivers, three linemen, two quarterbacks and a running back) and 10 defensive players (five secondary players, three defensive linemen and two linebackers).

The late signing period begins Feb. 2, 2022.

For full coverage of the class, go to GSEagles.com/NSD.

Georgia Southern 2022 Early Class (listed alphabetically)
Name, Pos., Ht., Wt., Hometown, High School (Last School)
Omari Arnold, RB, 5-9, 185, Fr., Valdosta, Ga., Brooks County
Dalen Cobb, WR, 5-10, 185, Fr., Washington, Ga., Washington-Wilkes
David Dallas, QB, 6-0, 195, Fr., Sharpsburg, Ga., Trinity Christian
Josh Dallas, WR, 6-1, 215, Fr., Sharpsburg, Ga., Trinity Christian
Da'Shawn Davis, DL, 6-3, 280, Fr., Charlotte, N.C., Hough
Jacob Hammonds, LB, 6-3, 215, Fr., Griffin, Ga., Griffin
Zyere Horton, DB, 6-2, 200, Fr., Woodstock, Ga., Milton *
Treston Jordan, DB, 6-0, 200, Fr., Alpharetta, Ga., Denmark
Nate Lewis, OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Hazlehurst, Ga., Jeff Davis *
Zak Rozsman, QB, 6-3, 200, Fr., Marietta, Ga., George Walton *
Marcus Sanders Jr., WR, 6-3, 195, Fr., Montezuma, Ga., Macon County
Kevin Speed, DB, 6-2, 200, Fr., Cairo, Ga., Cairo
Marc Stampley II, DB, 5-11, 180, Fr., Fayetteville, Ga., Starr's Mill
Chandler Strong, OL, 6-3, 290, Fr., Warner Robins, Ga., Houston County *
MJ Stroud, OLB, 6-4, 235, Fr., Covington, Ga., Alcovy
Ky Tayo, DL, 6-1, 290, Fr., Columbia, S.C., Spring Valley *
Joshua Thompson, WR, 5-11, 185, Fr., Johns Creek, Ga., Johns Creek
Kristian Varner, DL, 6-4, 300, r-Jr., Hiram, Ga., Hiram (North Carolina) *
Ashton Whitner, DB, 6-1, 195, Fr., West Greenville, S.C., Greenville  *
Pichon Wimbley, OL, 6-3, 315, Fr., Moreland, Ga., Newnan *

* - scheduled January enrollee

Omari ARNOLD
Running Back • 5-9 • 180 • Fr.
Valdosta, Ga. • Brooks County HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Maurice Freeman at Brooks County High School … Totaled over 6,500 yards on the ground with 95 rushing touchdowns for his high school career … Had 110 total touchdowns … Rushed for over 2,500 yards and 42 touchdowns as a senior in leading his team to a state title … Rushed for 320 yards and scored five touchdowns in the Class A Public Championship Game in leading his team to the title … Named AJC & RecruitGeorgia first-team all-state as a junior after ending the season with 1,666 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns along with 494 receiving yards and six touchdowns … The region's co-offensive player of the year as a sophomore after rushing for 1,796 yards and 24 touchdowns … Also had three receiving scores … Rushed for 552 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman … Invited to play in the 2020 Georgia Elite Classic … Also played basketball.


Dalen COBB
Wide Receiver • 5-10 • 185 • Fr.
Washington, Ga. • Washington-Wilkes HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Sid Fritts at Washington-Wilkes High … The Region 8-A Public Player of the Year and first-team all-region as a senior quarterback … The classification's 100-meter state champion … Rushed for 1,437 yards and 21 touchdowns and passed for 1,630 with 17 touchdowns his final season … Had a big game against Lincoln County his senior year, completing 11-of-13 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 168 yards on 21 carries and three scores … A second-team all-area selection as a junior by The Augusta Chronicle … Also played basketball.

PERSONAL: Born Dalen Demarcus Cobb on June 22 in Washington, GA … Son of Shirdrina Binns and Roosevelt Cobb.

INTENDED MAJOR: Sport Management


David DALLAS
Quarterback • 6-0 • 195 • Fr.
Sharpsburg, Ga. • Trinity Christian School

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Kenny Dallas at Trinity Christian School … The Region 4-A Private Most Valuable Player as a senior quarterback … Threw for 3,904 yards and 49 touchdowns as a senior against just five interceptions … Also ran for seven scores … Led his team to a state championship his final season … Threw for 2,272 yards and 17 touchdowns and a junior while rushing for eight scores … Threw for 2,283 yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore while rushing for five scores … For his career, threw for 8,846 yards and 92 touchdowns while rushing for 916 yards and 20 touchdowns … Also played basketball … Listed as the No. 67 pocket passing quarterback in the country and the No. 138 player in Georgia by ESPN Recruiting … Rated as the No. 91 quarterback in the country and the No. 132 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports Composite … Ranked the No. 121 quarterback in the country and the No. 141 player in Georgia by 247Sports  … Ranked as the No. 99 quarterback in the country and the No. 141 player in Georgia by On3 Consensus.

PERSONAL: Born David Guthrie Dallas on September 11 in Atlanta … Son of Kenny and Sharon Dallas … Has five siblings: Jake, Caleb, Josh, Elly and Zech … Brother, Josh, also signed with the Eagles to play football.

INTENDED MAJOR: Undecided


Josh DALLAS
Wide Receiver • 6-1 • 195 • Fr.
Sharpsburg, Ga. • Trinity Christian School

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Kenny Dallas at Trinity Christian School … The Region 4-A Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a senior wide receiver … Caught 60 passes for 1,169 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior … Also had over 30 tackles and eight interceptions on defense … Helped lead his team to a state title his senior season … Named a GPB sports all-star for all classifications … Finished his career with over 170 catches for over 2,700 yards and 25 touchdowns … Also played basketball … Rated as the No. 110 "athlete" in the country and the No. 129 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports Composite … Ranked the No. 157 "athlete" in the country and the No. 132 player in Georgia by 247Sports … Ranked as the No. 71 "athlete" in the country and the No. 133 player in Georgia by On3 … Ranked as the No. 78 "athlete" in the country and the No. 131 player in Georgia by On3 Consensus.

PERSONAL: Born Joshua Kenneth Dallas on September 11 in Atlanta … Son of Kenny and Sharon Dallas … Has five siblings: Jake, Caleb, David, Elly and Zech … Brother, David, also signed with the Eagles to play football.

INTENDED MAJOR: Undecided


Da'Shawn DAVIS
Defensive Line • 6-3 • 280 • Fr.
Charlotte, N.C. • Hough HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Matt Jenkins at Hough High … Rated three stars by ESPN and as the No. 83 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 33 player in North Carolina … The Queen City Board 4A Defensive Player of the Year … Had 68 tackles (36 solo), including seven sacks, his senior year … Had 129 tackles (59 solo), including 19 sacks, over his high school career.

PERSONAL: Born Da'Shawn A. Davis on April 14 in Charlotte … Son of Latricia Byers and Norman Davis … Has two siblings, Di'Andre and Vincent … Brother, Di'Andre, plays football at ETSU.

INTENDED MAJOR: Business Management


Jacob HAMMONDS
Linebacker • 6-3 • 215 • Fr.
Griffin, Ga. • Griffin HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Rusty Easom at Griffin High … Named to the first-team defense for region 2-5A as a senior … Posted 59 total tackles in his final season … An honorable mention all-region performer as a sophomore … Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports who was ranked as the No. 217 linebacker in the country and the No. 151 player in the state of Georgia … Listed as the No. 193 linebacker in the country and the No. 145 player in the state of Georgia by On3 … Rated as the No. 192 linebacker in the country and No. 150 player in the Peach State by 247Sports Composite rankings … Ranked as the No. 194 linebacker in the country and the No. 159 player in the Peach State by On3 Consensus.

PERSONAL: Born Jacob Avery Hammonds on October 29 in Griffin, GA … Son of Jennifer and Justin Hammonds … Has three siblings: Justin, Jaelyn and Joslynn.

INTENDED MAJOR: Business Management


Zyere HORTON
Defensive Back • 6-2 • 200 • Fr.
Woodstock, Ga. • Milton HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Adam Clack at Milton High … Played in the state championship game as a senior… Had nearly 80 tackles, including four for loss, two fumble recoveries and an interception his senior season … Named second-team all-region as a junior after tallying 44 tackles … Also ran track and played basketball … Played on the Cam Newton 7 on 7 team.

PERSONAL: Born Zyere Horton on November 20 in Newark, DE … Son of Heide Prouse and Travis Horton … Has three brothers, Izaiah Prouse-Lackey, Khalif Horton and Alijah Williams, and a sister, Alycia Cooper … Izaiah played football at Florida State.

INTENDED MAJOR: Business


Treston JORDAN
Defensive Back • 6-0 • 200 • Fr.
Alpharetta, Ga. • Denmark HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Mike Palmieri at Denmark High … A first-team Forsyth County News All-County Football Team selection as a senior … Collected 65 tackles, including five tackles for loss, with four interceptions and seven pass breakups … Also had two defensive touchdowns … Named second-team all-region as a junior … Rated three stars by Rivals.

PERSONAL: Born Treston Francois Jordan on July 29 in Southfield, MI … Son of Francoise and Richard Jordan … Has three siblings … Father was a seventh-round draft pick in the 1997 NFL Draft and played six seasons in the NFL with Detroit and Kansas City … Uncle, Raymond Jordan, played at Grambling State.

INTENDED MAJOR: Business Management


Nate LEWIS
Offensive Line • 6-4 • 280 • Fr.
Hazlehurst, Ga. • Jeff Davis HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Lance Helton at Jeff Davis High School … A member of the WJCL Big-22 Team as a senior … As a junior, was named first-team all-state by several publications, including the Georgia High School Football Daily Class AA All-State Team … A multiple-time all-region selection … Anchored an offensive line that paved the way for Jeff Davis High School to go 9-2 during the 2020 season … Ranked the No. 44 offensive guard in the country and the No. 108 player in Georgia by ESPN Recruiting.

PERSONAL: Born William Nate Lewis on March 8 in Hazlehurst, GA … Son of AJ and Lisa Lewis … Has two siblings, Austin and Ali … Austin attended Georgia Southern.

INTENDED MAJOR: Undecided


Zak ROZSMAN
Quarterback • 6-3 • 200 • Fr.
Marietta, Ga. • Walton HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for coach Daniel Brunner at Walton High School … Passed for 6,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in 37 career starts … Started 12 games as a senior … Passed for 1,125 yards his senior season with 10 touchdowns … Rushed 153 yards for five touchdowns … Named all-region as a junior after putting up 1,794 passing yards, 217 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns … As a sophomore starter in 2019, earned second-team 7A All-Region 4 honors after throwing for 1,646 yards … Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN … Ranked the No. 32 pocket passing quarterback in the country, the No. 286 player regionally and the No. 66 player in the state by ESPN … Rated three stars by 247Sports Composite with a No. 78 quarterback ranking nationally and a No. 122 ranking in Georgia … Rated three stars by 247 Sports and as the No. 155 quarterback nationally and the No. 160 player in the state … Rated three stars by Rivals … Ranked as the No. 74 quarterback in the country and the No. 117 player in Georgia by On3 Consensus.

PERSONAL: Born Zachary Nicholas Rozsman on September 21 in Marietta, GA … Son of Sofia and Zak Roszman … Mother attended Georgia Southern … Has a younger brother, Luke.

INTENDED MAJOR: Biochemistry


Marcus SANDERS JR.
Wide Receiver • 6-3 • 195 • Fr.
Montezuma, Ga. • Macon County HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Dexter Copeland at Macon County High … Totaled 47 catches for 1,092 yards and 21 touchdowns in his high school career … Caught 30 passes for 708 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior … Had nine touchdowns and 384 yards as a junior.

PERSONAL: Born Marcus Bernard Sanders Jr., on July 14 in Americus, GA … Son of Marcus Sanders Sr., and Sonya Hubbard … Has two brothers, Leonard Hubbard and DaQuan Hubbard, and a sister, Makhia Sanders.

INTENDED MAJOR: Computer Science


Kevin SPEED
Defensive Back • 6-2 • 200 • Fr.
Cairo, Ga. • Cairo HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Cairo High for Coach Steve DeVoursney … Totaled 626 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in his high school career … Had 28 total tackles and an interception his senior season … Rated as the No. 121 "athlete" in the country and the No. 129 player in the state of Georgia by ESPN Recruiting.

PERSONAL: Born Kevin Maurice Speed on January 26 in Cairo, GA … Son of Tangela Anderson and Kevin Speed … Has three siblings: Kendra Speed, Travis Anderson and Donovan Davis.

INTENDED MAJOR: Business


Marc STAMPLEY II
Defensive Back • 5-11 • 180 • Fr.
Peachtree City, Ga. • Starr's Mill HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Chad Phillips at Starr's Mill High … Totaled 35 tackles and four interceptions on defense, along with 421 yards receiving and seven scores, his high school career … Named the AJC 2-5A player of the year as a senior … Had a 99-yard kickoff return his final season … Named first-team all-county as a sophomore and junior … Named all-region as a sophomore and junior … A preseason all-state before his senior season … Also placed first in the region as a junior in the 300-meter hurdles … Listed as the No. 125 safety in the country and the No. 140 player in Georgia by On3 … Ranked as the No. 128 safety in the country and the No. 143 player in the Peach State by On3 Consensus … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports Composite rankings … Also ran track, running the 300m hurdles and competing in the long jump and triple jump … The region champion in the long jump, triple jump, 300m hurdles and 4x400 relay … The 2021 GHSA high point total champion after placing second in the 300m hurdles, third in the 4x400 relay and triple jump and fourth in the long jump … Played with the Cam Newton C1N 7 on 7 team, winning the 2021 national championship.

PERSONAL: Born Marc Antony Stampley II on November 13 in New Orleans … Son of Marc and India Stampley … Has two sisters, Kelsie Stampley and Taylor Ledet … Father played football at McNeese State.

INTENDED MAJOR: Engineering


Chandler STRONG
Offensive Line • 6-3 • 290 • Fr.
Warner Robins, Ga. • Houston County HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Philip Manning at Houston County High … Named first-team all-region and the co-offensive lineman of the year for the 1-6A group as a senior … Named honorable mention all-state … Also wrestled for Houston County, advancing to the state finals.

PERSONAL: Born Chandler Bryson Strong on October 22 in Warner Robins, GA … Son of Sherry and Bryant Strong … Has two older siblings, Bryant Strong Jr., and Adrian Nelson.

INTENDED MAJOR: Exercise Science


MJ STROUD
Outside Linebacker • 6-4 • 235 • Fr.
Covington, Ga. • Alcovy HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Jason Dukes at Alcovy High … Named first-team tight end for region 3-6A by the AJC … Had 32 tackles, including eight for loss and four sacks, as a senior … A two-way player as a junior who earned All-Covington News first-team honors on defense … Totaled 27 tackles, including 10 for loss and five sacks, along with two forced fumbles as a junior … Averaged 18 yards a catch on offense … Named to the 2020-21 GACA Coaches All-State Team at defensive end … Also ran track.

PERSONAL: Born Madison Jeremiah Stroud on February 9 in Covington, GA … Son of Keesha Stroud … Has two siblings, Meggan and Miata.

INTENDED MAJOR: Sport Management


Ky TAYO
Defensive Line • 6-1 • 290 • Fr.
Columbia, S.C. • Spring Valley HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Robin Bacon at Spring Valley High … An all-state selection as a senior after posting over 60 tackles, including 11 for loss and eight sacks … Selected for the South Carolina Shrine Bowl team … Also chosen for the Touchstone Energy Cooperative's North-South All-Star Game … Also played basketball and participated in track & field.

PERSONAL: Born Kyode Asin Tayo on October 7 in Columbia, SC … Son of Cheveralyn Townsend … Has two siblings, ​​Caryn Townsend and Cy Tayo.

INTENDED MAJOR: Business


Joshua THOMPSON
Wide Receiver • 5-11 • 185 • Fr.
Johns Creek, Ga. • Johns Creek HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Matt Helmerich at Johns Creek High … Had 50 catches for 1,178 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior, tops in the state for receivers … Also blocked seven kicks … Ran track, earning first-team all-region honors and qualifying for the state meet.

PERSONAL: Born Joshua Elijah Thompson on Sept. 11 in Queens, New York … Son of Andrea Thompson … Nicknamed "The Jet."

INTENDED MAJOR: Sports Broadcasting


Kristian VARNER
Defensive Line • 6-3 • 300 • r-Jr.
Hiram, Ga. • Hiram HS • North Carolina

2021-22: Played in six games for the Tar Heels before entering the NCAA Transfer Portal in November … Had two tackles on the season … Played 41 total snaps on defense, including 20 in the opener at Virginia Tech … Had both tackles in that game … Committed to Georgia Southern in November.

2020-21: Made three appearances on the defensive line at the University of North Carolina … Saw game action against Syracuse, Duke and Western Carolina … Notched a tackle for loss against the Catamounts.

2019-20: Played in one game for the University of North Carolina … Was redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Pete Fominaya at Hiram High … Listed as the No. 76 player in the state of Georgia by Rivals … Considered a three-star prospect according to ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports … Earned first-team all-region honors as a senior … Posted 44 tackles, including four sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles as a senior … Tallied 30 tackles, including two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, as a junior.

PERSONAL: Born Kristian Sean Varner on June 12 in Atlanta … Son of Emmadequann Bray and Keaton Johnson.

MAJOR: Sport Management


Ashton WHITNER
Defensive Back • 6-1 • 195 • Fr.
Greenville, S.C. • Greenville HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Greg Porter at Greenville Senior High … Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports who was ranked as the No. 119 safety in the country and the No. 39 player in the state of South Carolina … Rated as the No. 119 safety in the country and No. 29 player in the Palmetto State by 247Sports Composite rankings  … Rated a three-star recruit by ESPN as the No. 98 safety in the country and the No. 30 player in the state of South Carolina … Listed as the No. 128 safety in the country and the No. 28 player in South Carolina by On3  … Ranked as the No. 128 safety in the country and the No. 28 player in the Palmetto State by On3 Consensus … Had 59 tackles (47 solo), seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries his senior year … Had 141 tackles (119 solo), 13 interceptions and two forced fumbles for his high school career … A three-time all-region selection … Nominated for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas 2021 roster.

PERSONAL: Born Reginald Ashton Whitner on January 14 in West Greenville, SC … Son of Ashley Harris and Reggie Whitner … Has three siblings: Tay, Raymone and Reagan.

INTENDED MAJOR: Management


Pichon WIMBLEY
Offensive Line • 6-3 • 315 • Fr.
Moreland, Ga. • Newnan HS

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Chip Walker at Newnan High … Named first-team all-region as a senior after posting 34 knockdown blocks and seven pancakes … Named second-team all-region and second-team all-county as a junior after posting 42 knockdowns and 11 pancakes … Named second-team all-region and first-team all-county as a sophomore after posting 21 knockdowns and four pancakes … Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports who was ranked as the No. 121 interior offensive lineman in the country and the No. 154 player in the state of Georgia … Listed as the No. 98 interior offensive lineman in the country and the No. 114 player in Georgia by On3 … Rated as the No. 115 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 149 player in the Peach State by 247Sports Composite rankings … Ranked as the No. 121 interior offensive lineman in the country and the No. 134 player in the Peach State by On3 Consensus … Also played lacrosse, where he was named first-team all-county.

PERSONAL: Born Pichon Monte Wimbley on January 12 in San Antonio … Son of Kevin and Nina Wimbley … Has an older brother, Brandon.

INTENDED MAJOR: Exercise Science