STATESBORO - Georgia Southern head football coach
Clay Helton officially announced the addition of 19 new student-athletes to the program who enrolled in school in January and have been working out with the program. Fourteen of those newcomers are transfers and five are early high school graduates.
Of the 14 transfers, nine are from NCAA Division I programs, coming from programs such as Oklahoma, Auburn, Washington State, North Carolina and Indiana. Seven play offense, six play defense and one is a specialist. Here is the list of all 14 transfers, in alphabetical order:
Bryce Bernard, LS (Neptune Beach, Fla., Fletcher/South Florida)
LV Bunkley-Shelton, WR (Inglewood, Calif., Junipero Serra/Oklahoma)
Kyle Frazier, OL (Augusta, Ga., Glenn Hills/Savannah State)
Tyler Fromm, TE (Warner Robins, Ga., Warner Robins/Auburn)
Chance Gamble, DB (Fitzgerald, Ga., Fitzgerald/Kennesaw State)
Davon Hicks, LB (Fort Pierce, Fla., Vero Beach/Washington State)
Jeremiah Holmes, DB (Baxley, Ga., Appling County/Georgia Military)
Justin Kanyuk, OL (Bath, Pa., Bethlehem Catholic/North Carolina)
Deantre Morris, DB (Atlanta, Ga., Therrell/Kennesaw State)
Deuce Petty, WR (Warner Robins, Ga., Warner Robins/Tuskegee)
Demarcious Robinson, LB (Warner Robins, Ga., Warner Robins/Butler CC)
Deyandre Ruffin, WR (Savannah, Ga., New Hampstead/Allen)
Dorrian Smith, DB (Fort Valley, Ga., Peach County/Northeast Mississippi CC)
Dexter Williams II, QB (Macon, Ga., Mount de Sales/Indiana)
Five players graduated high school early and enrolled in January. They are:
Eli Anders, DL (Cornelius, N.C., Hough)
Tyler Budge, QB (Matthews, N.C., Weddington)
Skyler Malone, LB (Jacksonville, Fla., Bolles School)
Carmelo Mays, WR (Macon, Ga., Southwest Macon)
Zach Pearson, OL (Pembroke, Ga., New Hampstead)
Georgia Southern opens its 2024 season at home on Saturday, Aug. 31 against defending Mountain West champion Boise State as part of an exciting six-game home schedule at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. Ticket renewals are underway and information can be found at
GSEagles.com/PowerOfPaulson.
The Bios
Eli ANDERS
Defensive Line • 6-5 • 230 • Fr.
Cornelius, N.C.
Hough HS
2023-24: Graduated high school early and enrolled at Georgia Southern in the spring.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach David Baker at Hough High … A second-team 4A QCAC all-conference selection as a senior … Recorded 41 total tackles, including 7.0 for loss and 6.0 sacks, as a senior … Ranked the No. 149 edge rusher in the country and the No. 53 player in the state by On3 … Rated the No. 178 edge rusher in the country and the No. 62 player in the state of North Carolina by 247Sports … Listed as the No. 140 edge rusher in the country and the No. 46 player in the state by ESPN Recruiting.
PERSONAL: Born William Elijah Anders on May 3 in New Jersey … Son of Ingrid Langford and William Anders … Has a brother, Nolan, and a sister, Laila.
MAJOR: Construction Management
Bryce BERNARD
Long Snapper • 6-2 • 220 • r-Sr.
Neptune Beach, Fla.
Fletcher HS • South Florida
2023-24: Saw action in 12 games for USF, snapping primarily on field goal and PAT attempts … Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal in December and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: Saw action in all 12 games for the Bulls, snapping primarily on field goal and PAT attempts.
2021-22: Did not see any game action … Was redshirted … Honored as a member of the Military Bowl 3M STEM Scholar-Athlete Program … A member of the AAC All-Academic Team.
2020-21: After joining the team originally as a video assistant, injuries to the Bulls' long snappers moved Bernard from the video tower to the field … Was asked to come down from the video tower and join the team as a walk-on long snapper … Was introduced to the team as the new long snapper following an early season practice when the coach pointed to him high in one of the video lifts and the team gave him a round of cheers … Became the Bulls' starter at long snapper in the Bulls' game at Cincinnati … Served as the long snapper in six of the Bulls' nine games on the year during the COVID season … A member of the AAC All-Academic Team.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played three seasons at Fletcher High, the last two as a starter, for Coach Kevin Brown … Played on the offensive line as a center and as the long snapper … Helped the team reach the state playoffs … A two-time all-district selection … Also played baseball, where he was a left-handed reliever helping the team win 20 games.
PERSONAL: Born Bryce Bernard on June 11 in Daytona Beach, FL … Son of Brad and Kathy Bernard, both of whom went to Georgia Southern … His brother, Dylan, was a center and long snapper at Webber International … Father was a guard at Georgia Southern in the 1980s and later went on to serve as a college coach at Bethune-Cookman, Howard and Edward Waters College.
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering (Graduated; USF)
Tyler BUDGE
Quarterback • 6-3 • 205 • Fr.
Matthews, N.C.
Weddington HS
2023-24: Graduated from high school early and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Andy Capone at Weddington HS … Finished his senior season completing over 65% of his passes for 3,202 yards and 30 touchdowns … Also ran for 634 yards and 16 scores … Led his team to a North Carolina NCHSAA 4A state title as a senior … The SCC Offensive Player of the Year as both a junior and senior … Completed 230 of his 382 passing attempts for 3,219 yards and 34 touchdowns as a junior … A two-time Union County Offensive Player of the Year … A 2023 Shrine Bowl selection … Rated the No. 175 quarterback in the country and the No. 61 player in the state of North Carolina by 247Sports … Ranked the No. 61 quarterback (pocket passer) in the country and the No. 45 player in the state by ESPN Recruiting … Left as the school's all-time leader in career passing yards (6,521), career passing touchdowns (64), career completions, single-season passing yards, single-season passing touchdowns, single-season completions, passing yards in a game and passing touchdowns in a game … Had 1,017 career rushing yards and 20 touchdowns … Also played baseball.
PERSONAL: Born Tyler King Budge on April 18 in Charleston, SC … Son of Alexis and Stephen Budge … Has a sister, Hayden … Dad played quarterback at Lehigh.
MAJOR: Finance
LV BUNKLEY-SHELTON
Wide Receiver • 5-11 • 200 • Fifth Year
Inglewood, Calif.
Junipero Serra HS • Oklahoma
2023-24: Played in 12 games at Oklahoma … Registered 33 yards on three receptions, one kickoff return for 25 yards and two punt returns … Made two receptions for 32 yards in the season opener vs. Arkansas State … Notched a 1-yard reception at Tulsa … Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: Played in 12 games (including last nine) for the Sooners … Registered two receptions for 24 yards (long of 14) and two rushes for 5 yards … Returned one kickoff for 14 yards and one punt for 8 yards … Caught a 14-yard pass against Florida State in Cheez-It Bowl … Returned a kickoff for 14 yards vs. Texas … Had one rush for a season-best 5 yards at TCU … Caught a pass for 10 yards at Nebraska … Returned a punt for eight yards vs. Kent State.
2021-22: Played in 13 games at Arizona State, starting seven … Ranked third on the team with 418 receiving yards on 33 catches (12.7 average) and registered two receiving touchdowns … Also returned six punts for 28 yards … Caught a career-long 59-yard pass against Utah … Hauled in four passes against Colorado for a career-high 76 yards … Recorded a career-long 33-yard touchdown catch against UNLV.
2020-21: Appeared in all four of ASU's games during the abbreviated COVID season … Registered 11 catches for 100 yards … Earned his first career start against UCLA and made four catches for a season-high 43 yards … Made his collegiate debut at USC when he had four receptions for 28 yards.
HIGH SCHOOL: A consensus four-star prospect for Coach Scott Altenberg at Junipero Serra High … Was ranked as nation's No. 16 wide receiver in the 2020 class by Rivals … Finished his career with 156 receptions for 1,896 yards and 10 touchdowns … Played both ways … Totaled 76 tackles, six interceptions (returned one for a TD), three tackles for loss and seven pass breakups in the secondary over his final two seasons … Caught 51 passes for 630 yards (three touchdowns) as a senior … Selected for the 2020 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and 2020 Polynesian Bowl.
PERSONAL: Born Lavon Bunkley-Shelton on June 17 in Inglewood, CA … Son of Daisy Shelton … Has two brothers, King and Major.
MAJOR: Communication
Kyle FRAZIER
Offensive Line • 6-3 • 310 • Fifth Year
Augusta, Ga.
Glenn Hills HS • Savannah State
2023-24: Started all 10 games for the Tigers … Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal in November and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: A second-team All-SIAC selection as an offensive lineman … Started all 10 games for SSU.
2021-22: A second-team All-SIAC selection as an offensive lineman … Started five games for the Tigers.
2020-21: Played defensive line for the Tigers … Did not see any game action during the COVID season played in the spring and was redshirted.
2019-20: Enrolled at Savannah State in the spring of 2020 … Went through spring practice.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Brandon Tull at Glenn Hills High … A Region 4-AA first-team selection as an offensive lineman as a senior … Made the first team as a tight end as a junior … Also played basketball … Was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in May of 2019, but was declared cancer-free in August after chemotherapy and three surgeries, including two biopsies.
PERSONAL: Born Kyle Imahn Frazier on August 2 in Augusta, GA … Son of Kenya James and James Frazier … Has three siblings: Kyvan, Keasia and Kianna … Is a spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
MAJOR: Biology (graduated; SSU)
Tyler FROMM
Tight End • 6-5 • 245 • Sixth Year
Warner Robins, Ga.
Warner Robins HS • Auburn
2023-24: Played in 12 games for Auburn … Had three catches for 21 yards … A semifinalist for the National Football Foundation's Campbell Trophy, college football's premier scholar-athlete award after completing his bachelor's degree in professional flight management at Auburn with a 3.76 grade-point average … Named a CSC academic all-district honoree … Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal in December and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: Played in 12 games with one start for the Tigers … A reserve tight end … Caught three passes for 51 yards on the season … Had a 35-yard reception vs. LSU, a career long … Named a CSC academic all-district honoree and to the SEC academic honor roll.
2021-22: Played in 13 games with two starts … Caught eight passes for 93 yards and a score … Had his first three career receptions and first touchdown on a 24-yd pass from Bo Nix at LSU … Had an 11-yard reception at Arkansas … Hauled in a 31-yard catch vs. Ole Miss … Posted three catches for 11 yards vs. Mississippi State … A game captain against Georgia … Named to the SEC academic honor roll, AD Honor Roll and Chi Alpha Sigma national student-athlete honorary.
2020-21: Played in one game during the COVID season … First action of the season came against LSU … Named to the SEC academic honor roll.
2019-20: True freshman tight end who battled injuries at Auburn … Did not see game action and was redshirted … Named to the AD Honor Roll and SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll
HIGH SCHOOL: Coveted tight end prospect who enrolled at Auburn in January … A two-year starter for Coach Mike Chastain at Warner Robins High, helping the Demons to the Class 5A state championship title game … Named to the All-American Bowl … ESPN ranked him the No. 8 tight end recruit nationally … A top 40 overall prospect from the state of Georgia by Rivals and 247Sports … Was also a basketball letterman.
PERSONAL: Birthday is December 18 … Son of Lee and Emerson Fromm … Brothers Dylan (Mercer) and Jake (Georgia) also played college football … Chi Alpha Sigma national student-athlete honor society.
MAJOR: Professional Flight Management (graduated; Auburn)
Chance GAMBLE
Defensive Back • 6-2 • 180 • r-Jr.
Fitzgerald, Ga.
Fitzgerald HS • Kennesaw State
2023-24: Started four games at Kennesaw State and received a redshirt … Registered 13 tackles (eight solo) with two pass breakups … Recorded three tackles (two solo) at Chattanooga … Also recorded one pass breakup … Added five tackles (three solo) versus Furman … Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: Started all 10 games for the Owls … Made his first career start in the season opener at Samford … Finished the game with two tackles … Picked up two fumble recoveries at Jacksonville State … Posted three tackles (two solo) in the contest with one pass breakup that led to an interception … Recorded six tackles (four solo) in a double-overtime victory against North Alabama …Registered five tackles (three solo) against Central Arkansas … Posted seven tackles in a win over Charleston Southern … Also added one tackle for loss and one pass breakup … Tied the KSU record for most interceptions in a game with three at No. 15 UT-Martin and was named the FedEx Ground National Defensive Player of the Week ... Also set a new school record for longest interception return with an 89-yard pick six … Recorded a career-high eight tackles (seven solo) in the contest … Tied his career-high with eight tackles (six solo) against Austin Peay.
2021-22: Played in five games for the Owls … Recorded seven tackles (six solo), two pass breakups and one interception … His interception came against ETSU in the second round of the FCS Playoffs.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Fitzgerald High School under head coach Tucker Pruitt … Helped lead FHS to a 14-1 record and state runner-up finish … Was a triple threat for the Purple Hurricanes … Had 587 receiving yards, 783 rushing yards, and 305 return yards … Scored 23 total touchdowns … The Class 2A player of the year, region player of the year and first team all-state athlete … As a junior, had 22 tackles and seven interceptions … Racked up 900 receiving yards, 400 rushing yards, and 11 total touchdowns en route to earning region offensive player of the year and all-state defensive back honors … Named honorable mention all-state as a defensive back after recording 33 tackles, 12 PBUs, and a pick-six as a sophomore … Was a 2019 scholar athlete … Also was an all-state performer in basketball.
PERSONAL: Born Chance Gamble on March 18 in Forsyth, GA … Son of John and Ali Gamble … Has twin sisters Karlee and Alyssa.
MAJOR: Health & Physical Education
Davon HICKS
Linebacker • 6-0 • 205 • r-Jr.
Fort Pierce, Fla.
Vero Beach HS • Washington State
2023-24: Played in two games for Washington State … Was able to redshirt.
2022-23: Saw action in 11 games for USF with a start … Posted 33 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss … Made four tackles, including1.5 tackle for loss vs. Howard … Had six tackles at Cincinnati … Tallied a season-high nine stops (six solo) vs. Tulane … Made five stops, including a tackle for loss against SMU … Recorded at least one tackle in 10 games … Transferred to Washington State after the season.
2021-22: Saw action in 10 of the Bulls' 12 games … Logged two tackles against Houston.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Lenny Jankowski at Vero Beach High … Helped lead his team to the Class 8A, Region 3 final and an 8-3 record this season … As a senior, had 34 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, and two passes defensed playing in six games in 2020 … As a junior, was a first-team All-TCPalm selection, led his team with 86 tackles and four interceptions … That total included nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks … Also had a forced fumble while helping his team post an 11-1 record and make a state quarterfinals appearance … As a sophomore, posted 93 tackles, including 18.0 tackles for loss and a sack, two fumble recoveries, an interception and five passes defensed … As a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and Scout … Ranked No. 59 on the 247Sports top inside linebacker recruits list for 2021 … Rated No. 111 on the ESPN 300 top outside linebackers list for 2021.
PERSONAL: Born Davon Hicks on December 2 in Fort Pierce, FL … Son of Latangela and David Hicks … Has two sisters, Destiny Hicks and Lakevia Hicks.
MAJOR: Interdisciplinary Studies
Jeremiah HOLMES
Defensive Back • 5-10 • 180 • Jr.
Baxley, Ga.
Appling County HS • Georgia Military
2023-24: Played in six games at Georgia Military … Had five tackles … Enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: Participated in four games at GMC … Tallied two pass breakups.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Appling County High for Coach Rick Tomberlin … A two-time, first-team all-region quarterback … The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year … An all-state quarterback in 2020 … As a senior, tallied 2,890 rushing yards, 1,927 passing yards and had 57 total touchdowns … A two-time state qualifier in track, coming in the 100m, 200m, the 4x100 relay and 4x400 relay … Also played baseball.
PERSONAL: Born Jeremiah KeShaun Holmes on December 17 in Savannah, GA … Son of Chip and Tabitha Hill … Has a younger sister, Jasmine … Father played cornerback at Tennessee Tech.
MAJOR: Interdisciplinary Studies
Justin KANYUK
Offensive Line • 6-6 • 315 • r-So.
Bath, Pa.
Bethlehem Catholic • North Carolina
2023-24: Did not see any game action at North Carolina … Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal following the season and transferred to Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: A valuable squad member at UNC who added depth to the offensive line … Redshirted.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Kyle Haas at Bethlehem Catholic … A three-star prospect listed as the nation's No. 92 offensive tackle and the No. 23 player in Pennsylvania in the 247Sports Composite … Tabbed the nation's No. 84 offensive tackle and the No. 19 player in the state according to ESPN … Ranked as the No. 29 player in the state according to Rivals … Listed as the nation's No. 94 inside offensive lineman and the No. 25 player in the state by On3 … A Big 33 All-Star Game honoree … A two-time all-state and EPC All-Conference performer … Also earned Eastern PA first-team honors … Helped Bethlehem Catholic to a state semifinals appearance, a district championship and two other district finals appearances … A team captain … Earned the Dr. Michael & Richard Chaffier Award for most outstanding lineman … Also was the academic player of the year … Also played two years of basketball and three years of baseball.
PERSONAL: Born Justin Matthew Kanyuk on November 10 in Pennsylvania … Son of Lisa and Jon Kanyuk … Mother, Lisa, played basketball at Pittsburgh … Brother, Jacob, played football at Moravian University … A member of the National Honor Society … Earned High Honors all four years … Was also a Hawk Ambassador, a Key Club member, a Chess Club member and the first-place winner on National History Day.
MAJOR: Sport Management
Skyler MALONE
Linebacker • 6-1 • 210 • Fr.
Jacksonville, Fla.
Bolles School
2023-24: Graduated high school early and enrolled at Georgia Southern in the spring.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Matt Tobin at The Bolles School … Helped lead Bolles to two regional titles and two state runner-up finishes … Tallied 101 tackles, including 15 for loss and 6.0 sacks, along with four forced fumbles as a senior … Finished sixth in the state in wrestling, winning the district three times … Also participated in weightlifting.
PERSONAL: Born Skyler Malone on April 15 in Jacksonville … Son of Chris and Brandy Malone … Has an older brother, Austin … Father played football at Georgia Southern.
MAJOR: Exploratory
Carmelo MAYS
Wide Receiver • 6-2 • 195 • Fr.
Macon, Ga.
Southwest Macon HS
2023-24: Graduated high school early and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Joseph Dupree at Southwest Macon High … A first-team all-state selection his final season by RecruitGeorgia … The Region 2-2A Athlete/Specialist of the Year as a senior … An honorable mention all-state selection as a junior … A two-time all-region selection … Recorded 1,000 yards receiving two straight seasons … Rated the No. 229 wide receiver in the country and the No. 181 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports … Qualified for states in track.
PERSONAL: Born Carmelo James Mays on June 20 in Macon, GA … Son of Erica Albritton … Has a brother, Nasir, and a sister, Zariya.
MAJOR: Health & Physical Education
Deontre MORRIS
Defensive Back • 5-11 • 185 • r-Jr.
Atlanta, Ga.
Therrell HS • Kennesaw State
2023-24: Started all nine game for Kennesaw State at defensive back … Led the team in tackles with 48 total (32 solo) and added one tackle for loss, two interceptions, two pass breakups and one forced fumble … Registered five tackles (four solo) in the season-opening win against Tusculum … Also recorded his first interception of the season with a 79-yard return … Swiped another interception in game two at Chattanooga … Also led the team in tackles with six total … Recorded a career high in tackles with 16 total (seven solo) against Furman … Was one shy of tying the KSU single-game record … Posted five tackles, including one for loss, at Charleston Southern … Also added one pass breakup … Tallied six tackles (five solo) and recorded one pass breakup against Tennessee State … Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: Played in 10 games, starting the final nine … A HERO Sports All-American Sophomore Team member … Named to the ASUN Conference All-Defense Team … Recorded four tackles (three solo) at Cincinnati … Also added two pass breakups in the contest … Recorded an interception and returned it 26 yards in the home opener against Wofford … Led the team with seven tackles (four solo) and a pass breakup … Had an interception for 11 yards at Jacksonville State …Also posted five tackles (two solo) and picked up a fumble recovery … Registered eight tackles (five solo) against Central Arkansas … Also added one interception for his third on the season … Tallied seven tackles (five solo) in the win over Charleston Southern … Posted six tackles (three solo), one pass breakup, a forced fumble and an interception in the win at No. 15 UT-Martin … Collected eight tackles (seven solo) against Austin Peay … Also added one pass breakup and an interception in the contest.
2021-22: Appeared in two games at KSU and redshirted … Had one tackle against Monmouth.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Therrell High for Coach Greg Sullivan … As a senior, intercepted three passes and accumulated 242 all-purpose yards despite playing in only two games … Named all-region as a junior after six picks and 637 all-purpose yards … Had 357 all-purpose yards and one interception his sophomore season … Also competed in the 100 and 200-meter for the Panther track team and played basketball.
PERSONAL: Born Deontre Antonio Morris on November 18 in Atlanta … Son of Angelo Morris and Alfreda Smith.
MAJOR: Interdisciplinary Studies
Zach PEARSON
Offensive Line • 6-4 • 260 • Fr.
Pembroke, Ga.
New Hampstead HS
2023-24: Graduated high school early and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Kyle Hockman at New Hampstead High … A Region 3-4A first-team selection as an offensive lineman as a senior … A first-team all-state selection by RecruitGeorgia as a senior … Named GACA 4A all-state player as a junior and senior … Also named All-Region 3-4A first-team as a junior.
PERSONAL: Born Zachary Cole Pearson was born on March 28 in Glendale, AZ … Son of Drew and Cindy Pearson … Has two brothers, Nate and Luke, and two sisters, Sarah and Joy.
MAJOR: Business
Deuce PETTY
Wide Receiver • 5-11 • 180 • Jr.
Warner Robins, Ga.
Warner Robins HS • Tuskeegee
2023-24: Played in 11 games at Tuskeegee … Caught 30 passes for 508 yards and two touchdowns … Had two 100-yard games, 100 against Central State and 102 against Morehouse … Had a 71-yard catch against Morehouse … Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after the season and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: Played in 11 games at TU … Caught 24 passes for 313 yards and two scores … Had a 51-yard catch against West Alabama.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Marquis Westbrook at Warner Robins High … An all-region selection … Had 31 catches for 604 yards as a senior … Also had 42 tackles on defense … Also played basketball, volleyball and ran track … Uncle, Dantonio Burnette, played linebacker at NC State.
PERSONAL: Born Corey Kenyatta Petty II on April 27 in Warner Robins, GA … Son of Corey Petty Sr. and Yolanda Dodson Petty … Has a younger sister, Ayanna.
MAJOR: Biology
Demarcious ROBINSON
Linebacker • 5-9 • 210 • Jr.
Warner Robins, Ga.
Warner Robins HS • Butler CC
2023-24: Played in nine games for Butler CC … Recorded 14 tackles, including 1.5 for loss and half a sack … Transferred to Georgia Southern and enrolled in January.
2022-23: Played in nine games at Butler CC … Tallied 40 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks … Had a forced fumble.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Marquis Westbrook at Warner Robins High … A first-team all-state selection his final season … Recorded a school-record 370+ tackles for his career, including 129 as a sophomore.
PERSONAL: Born Demarcious Antwan Robinson on May 11 in Warner Robins, GA … Son of Deidre Robinson and Leon McCray … Has three sisters: Trinity Chatfield, Destiny Chatfield and Kambre McGown, and two brothers: Ethan Chatfield and Josiah McCray.
MAJOR: Management
Deyandre RUFFIN
Wide Receiver • 6-2 • 205 • Sixth Year
Savannah, Ga.
New Hampstead HS • Allen
2023-24: Started 10 games at Allen … Had 38 catches for 696 yards and four touchdowns … Had two 100-yard games … Transferred to Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: Started nine games … Had 15 catches for 263 yards and a score.
2021-22: Played in four games … Had 12 catches for 127 yards … Was granted a medical hardship waiver after tearing his meniscus.
2020-21: The Allen season was canceled due to COVID.
2019-20: Attended Allen and was redshirted.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Michael Moore at New Hampstead High … A 2018 first-team all-region quarterback … A seven-time player of the game in the 2018 season … Threw for 1,231 passing yards and 10 touchdowns and had 388 rushing yards that season … The 2018 team MVP … Also ran track and played baseball.
PERSONAL: Born Deyandre Ruffin on January 27 in Tarpon Springs, FL … Son of Megan Tracey and Marcus Ruffin … Has a brother, Joel Robinson, and a sister, Azaylea Sharp.
MAJOR: Management
Dorrian SMITH
Defensive Back • 6-0 • 185 • r-Jr.
Fort Valley, Ga.
Peach County HS • Northeast Mississippi CC
2023-24: Played in nine games at Northeast Mississippi CC … Had 22 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and an interception … Also had five pass breakups … Signed with Georgia Southern in December of 2023.
2022-23: Played in nine games at NMCC … Had 20 tackles and an interception … Also had five pass breakups.
2021-22: Attended Valdosta State, but did not see any action … Was redshirted.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Chad Campbell at Peach County High … A two-time first-team all-state selection by the GACA … A two-sport standout … Started three years in football and four years in basketball … Was first-team all-region in football … Had 20 catches for 534 yards and five interceptions as a senior … Named all-region in basketball.
PERSONAL: Born Dorrian Smith on July 7 in Warner Robins, GA … Son of Tabatha Hicks and Damian Smith … Has six siblings: Kaylie Mannm Tavarus Mann Jr., Malia Smith, Myleik Smith, Damian Smith Jr. and Daylen Smith.
MAJOR: Interdisciplinary Studies
Dexter WILLIAMS II
Quarterback • 6-2 • 210 • r-Sr.
Macon, Ga.
Mount de Sales Academy • Indiana
2023-24: Did not see any game action for Indiana … Was redshirted … Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal in November and enrolled at Georgia Southern in January.
2022-23: Appeared in four games with two starts … Made his collegiate debut against Penn State … First collegiate start came at Michigan State … Completed 4 of 11 passes for 41 yards … Rushed four times for 24 yards against the Nittany Lions … Completed 6 of 19 passes for 107 yards at No. 2 Ohio State … Threw the first two touchdowns of his career … Rushed 16 times for 46 yards … Connected with AJ Barner on a 7-yard scoring pass in the first quarter … Hit Donaven McCulley on a 19-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Buckeyes … Rushed 16 times for 86 yards and completed two passes for 31 yards in first collegiate start at Michigan State … Ran for a 34-yard touchdown on the opening possession … Completed a two-point conversion to AJ Barner in double overtime … Made the start and was injured (knee) at the end of the first quarter versus Purdue … Completed his lone pass for 5 yards … Rushed four times for 9 yards … A nominee for the National Comeback Player of the Year.
2021-22: Did not see any game action in 2021 … Suffered an ACL injury in the spring … Was granted a medical hardship waiver … An Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
2020-21: Enrolled in spring classes and participated in practice at Indiana … Did not play in any games in the fall during the COVID season.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Coach Keith Hatcher at Mount de Sales Academy … A two-time all-state selection … The two-time Region 7A Offensive Player of the Year … A three-time all-region honoree … A two-time team captain selected to play in the 2020 Blue-Grey All-American Bowl … Named the Macon Telegraph Middle Georgia Player of the Year three times … Totaled 2,508 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior … Completed 99 of 158 passes (62.7 percent) for 1,524 yards with 15 touchdowns … Rushed 135 times for 984 yards (7.3 average) with 14 scores … Led Mount de Sales to wins in 19 of his last 20 regular-season games and the school's first region championship in 23 years … Collected 5,088 total yards and 61 total touchdowns over his final two campaigns … Ranked the No. 21 dual-threat quarterback nationally by 247Sports … Also played basketball and baseball, and ran track … A three-time all-region selection in basketball.
PERSONAL: Born Dexter Lee Williams II on February 1 in Macon, GA … Son of Loretta Williams and Dexter Williams Sr. … Has a sister, Demeisha Mclin, and a brother, Donovan Williams.
MAJOR: Liberal Studies (Graduated; IU)
