 SIGNING DAY CENTRAL |
Florida Tech will announce its 2013 recruiting class in a press conference presented by Audi of Melbourne on National Signing Day Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Varsity Training Center. The class is FIT’s third overall, head coach Steve Englehart’s second at FIT and its last prior to the inaugural 2013 season.
Starting at 7 a.m. ET, FloridaTechSports.com will provide up-to-the-minute news on the class through a Signing Day Central webpage. The webpage will include bios and highlight videos of the newest Panthers. Updates will also be posted on Florida Tech Football’s Twitter account @FLTechFootball and at twitter.com/FLTechFootball.
For media members, Founders Club and Panther Club members, football season ticket holders and the FIT campus community, the recruiting class will be announced in a press conference Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the meeting room at the Varsity Training Center. A live webcast of the event will be available and it can be accessed by clicking on the Signing Day 2013 graphic above. Englehart will give an overview of the class with assistants Jayson Martin, Willie Tillman, Ray Herring, Mike Nahl, Dan Sabock, Austin Silvoy and Rod Hardy.
Appetizers courtesy of The Broken Barrel Tavern and drinks courtesy of Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market will be available at the press conference.
Per NCAA rules, FIT Athletics will announce a signee when the program has received and FIT Athletics Compliance has verified the signee's National Letter of Intent. Signees are not officially Panthers until approved and listed on this webpage.
|
| Time |
Signee |
Video |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Year |
Hometown (School) |
| Enrolled |
Justin Arcune |
Video |
ILB |
6-2 |
230 |
R-Jr. |
Los Altos, Calif./De Anza College |
| Enrolled |
Tyler Bass |
Video |
WR |
5-10 |
175 |
R-Jr. |
Jacksonville, Fla./University of Charleston |
| Enrolled |
Ishmael Brunson |
N/A |
OLB |
6-2 |
240 |
R-Sr. |
Fort Pierce, Fla./FAU |
| Enrolled |
Michael Gomez |
Video |
ILB |
5-11 |
220 |
Sr. |
Miami Lakes, Fla./Tiffin University |
| Enrolled |
Steven Oviedo |
Video |
OL |
6-4 |
305 |
R-Jr. |
Northridge, Calif./Los Angeles Pierce College |
| Enrolled |
Birchel Ralph |
N/A |
CB |
6-1 |
190 |
Jr. |
Cape Coral, Fla./Bluffton University |
| Enrolled |
Ramsey Sellers |
Video |
OL |
5-10 |
315 |
Jr. |
Wiggins, Miss./Mississippi Gulf Coast CC |
| Enrolled |
Kelvin Weaver |
Video |
RB |
5-8 |
195 |
Fr. |
Oviedo, Fla./Hagerty HS |
| Committed |
Cortney Jones |
Video |
WR |
6-1 |
195 |
Fr. |
Jacksonville, Fla./Eagle's View Academy |
| Committed |
Keegan Warwin |
Video |
OL |
6-1 |
285 |
Fr. |
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Ponte Vedra HS |
| 7 a.m. |
Cody Krueger |
Video |
OL |
6-5 |
290 |
Fr. |
Miami, Fla../Dr. Phillips HS |
| 7:06 a.m. |
Harry Brown |
Video |
OLB |
5-11 |
201 |
Fr. |
Clearwater, Fla./Largo HS |
| 7:35 a.m. |
Brion Ashley |
Video |
P |
6-4 |
195 |
Fr. |
Port Charlotte, Fla../Port Charlotte HS |
| 8:08 a.m. |
Jarvis Giles |
Video1
Video2 |
RB |
5-11 |
186 |
Jr. |
Tampa, Fla./Louisville |
| 8:50 a.m. |
Byron Mathews |
Video |
DL |
6-0 |
290 |
Fr. |
Wildwood, Fla../Wildwood HS |
| 9 a.m. |
Daniel De Paz |
Video |
TE |
6-3 |
230 |
Fr. |
Miami Lakes, Fla./Goleman HS |
| 9:13 a.m. |
Joey Batch |
Video |
CB |
5-11 |
170 |
Fr. |
Merritt Island, Fla../Merritt Island HS |
| 9:18 a.m. |
Skylar Sheffield |
Video |
DL |
6-3 |
305 |
Fr. |
Henderson, Tenn./Chester County HS |
| 10:10 a.m. |
Terrance Bynum |
Video |
WR |
6-5 |
180 |
Fr. |
Mount Dora, Fla../Mount Dora HS |
| 11 a.m. |
Zack Hall |
Video |
OL |
6-7 |
330 |
Fr. |
Port Charlotte, Fla../East Arizona College |
| 11:56 a.m. |
Peter Luton |
Video |
TE |
6-2 |
240 |
R-Jr. |
Pembroke Pines, Fla../Golden West CC |
| 12:23 p.m. |
Ahron Jackson |
Video |
DL |
6-3 |
230 |
So. |
San Lorenzo, Calif../De Anza College |
| 12:48 p.m. |
Tevin Kirkland |
Video |
DL |
6-1 |
255 |
R-So. |
Cantonment, Fla../Coffeyville CC |
|
| Justin Arcune |
ILB | R-Jr. | 6-2 | 230 | Palo Alto, Calif. | De Anza College
Biological Sciences/Pre-Med |
 |
Previous School: Played football at De Anza College in Cupertino, Calif. in 2012…selected NorCal First Team All-Conference at middle linebacker…helped team win NorCal Championship…saw action in 11 games…made 54 total tackles, with 31 solo tackles, two sacks and recorded one fumble…averaged 4.9 tackles per game.
High School: Attended Los Altos High School in Los Altos, Calif…played basketball and football…played safety and running back…selected all-league at running back in 2008 and was named defensive MVP for his league at linebacker and safety…during senior season, he totaled 41 total tackles, 35 were solo tackles, had one interception and four pass breakups…during junior season, he rushed for 335 yards at 6.1 yards per carry and six touchdowns to lead his team to a 10-2 season.
 Arcune Highlights |
|
| Tyler Bass |
| WR | R-Jr. | 5-10 | 175 | Jacksonville, Fla. | University of Charleston |
Previous School: Attended NCAA Division II University of Charleston in Charleston, W. Va…played in all 11 games as a true freshman…scored first college touchdown against Fairmont State University.
High School: Attended Ridgeview High School in Orange Park, Fla…played football…named all-state first team…had 66 catches for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns…rushed for three touchdowns and returned an interception…also brought a kick return in for a 94-yard touchdown.
Bass Highlights |
|
| Ishmael Brunson |
OLB | R-Sr. | 6-2 | 240 | Fort Pierce, Fla. | Florida Atlantic
Communication |
 |
| Previous School: Played one year of football at Louisburg College in Louisburg, N.C…named a scholar-athlete, earned dean’s list recognition and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society…then transferred to Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, Fla. |
|
| Michael Gomez |
ILB | Sr. | 5-11 | 220 | Miami Lakes, Fla. | Tiffin University
Sports Management |
 |
Previous School: Played football at NCAA Division II Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio for three years…selected All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Honorable Mention as a junior in 2011…played in 10 of 11 games, had 19 tackles, nine were solo tackles, and one was for a loss…as a sophomore in 2010, he had 34 solo tackles with 42 assists for 76 total tackles in 11 games…had 6.5 tackles for a loss with 2.5 quarterback sacks…had career-highs of 12 tackles and four for a loss against Ferris State (Sept. 24)…tied his career-high with 12 tackles versus Ashland (Oct. 8)…as a freshman in 2010, he had seven solo tackles with one assist for eight tackles in three games…had five solo tackles and recovered a fumble versus Northwood (Oct. 16).
High School: Attended Barbara Goleman High School in Miami Lakes, Fla…played football…received All-Dade Honorable Mention from Miami Herald in 2010.
Personal: Son of Alex and Ana Gomez…has one sister, Victoria…plans to coach college football and eventually become a pro scout after he graduates…chose Florida Tech because it is close to home, friends and family…admires his father because he is a hard worker.
Gomez Highlights |
|
| Steven Oviedo |
OL | R-Jr. | 6-4 | 305 | Northridge, Calif. | Los Angeles Pierce College
Biology |
 |
Previous School: Played football at Los Angeles Pierce College for two years…helped team win conference championship and Patriotic Bowl Championship Game to finish season with a 9-2 record as a sophomore in 2012.
High School: Attended Granada Hills Charter High School…played football and basketball.
Personal: Son of Wilson and Regina Oviedo…has two siblings, Roger and Kristel…plans to play in NFL or go to school to become a physician’s assistant…chose Florida Tech because of football program and impressive academics…admires his mother and father for being hard workers and hopes to be able to take care of them one day.
Oviedo Highlights |
|
| Birchel Ralph |
CB | Jr. | 6-1 | 190 | Cape Coral, Fla. | Bluffton University
Sports Management |
Previous School: Played football at NCAA Division III Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio…as a sophomore in 2011, he played in all 10 games, had 42 tackles, 29 were solo tackles, seven pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble…as a freshman in 2010, he played in three games and recorded three tackles, two were solo.
High School: Attended Island Coast High School in Cape Coral, Fla…listed as a DB and WR…during senior season, he totaled 35 tackles, 22 solo…recorded three interceptions, four pass breakups and caused one fumble.
Personal: Son of Birchel and Idesta Ralph…would like to become an athletic director after he graduates. |
|
| Ramsey Sellers |
OL | Jr. | 5-10 | 315 | Wiggins, Miss. | Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
Electrical Engineering |
 |
Previous School: Attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for two years…played football…named All- Mississippi Association of Community/Junior Colleges South First Team, team captain, an NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete award winner and participated in the 2012 MACJC All-Star Football Classic.
High School: Attended Stone County High School in Wiggins, Miss…played football and was on weight lifting team…listed as an offensive and defensive lineman…named second team all-state, all-district MVP and academic all-state during senior year…totaled 74 tackles, 42 were solo…averaged 6.7 tackles per game…recorded four sacks and two fumble recoveries…during junior year, collected 76 tackles, 61 solo, four sacks and one fumble recovery…part of FCA and student council.
Personal: Son of Wayne and Wanda Sellers…has five siblings: Dena, Jessica, Jacy, Cori and Tabitha…plans to become an electrical engineer and work for a while, then retire and coach football…chose Florida Tech for opportunity to be part of history and start a new program…admires his mother for being strong willed and persistent.
Sellers Highlights |
|
| Kelvin Weaver |
| RB | Fr. | 5-8 | 190 | Oviedo, Fla. | Hagerty HS |
 |
High School: Attended Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Fla…played football and was a running back…during junior season, rushed for 329 yards on 74 carries for an average of 4.4…longest run was 52 yards…caught one pass for 12 yards…also had five tackles, three were solo, and a half of a sack.
Weaver Highlights |
|
| Cortney Jones |
| WR | Fr. | 6-1 | 195 | Jacksonville, Fla. | Eagle's View Academy |
High School: Played football at Eagle’s View Academy in Jacksonville, Fla…threw for 429 yards and five touchdowns, while completing 32 of his 57 passes.
C. Jones Highlights |
|
| Keegan Warwin |
OL | Fr. | 6-1 | 285 | Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. | Ponte Vedra HS
Business and Environmental Sciences |
High School: Attended Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra, Fla…played football and was on weightlifting team…earned four varsity letters…helped football team in Class 5A District 4 Championship in 2011 and 2012…named to Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-District First Team, Florida Times Union All-First Coast Second Team, 2012 Florida High School Football Class 5A Elite Team and was selected to play in an all-star game.
Personal: Son of Jeff and Laura Warwin…has one brother, Brogan…chose Florida Tech for academics and to be part of first football team in school history…admires his parents for always supporting him and his dreams.
Warwin Highlights |
|
| Cody Krueger |
OL | Fr. | 6-5 | 290 | Miami, Fla. | Dr. Phillips HS
Business Administration |
 |
High School: Attended Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Fla…played football and was on wrestling team…football team went 23-3 while he was a starter…helped team win district and metro championship both years at varsity level…viewed as being big and physical.
Personal: Son of Lee and Annette Krueger…has two brothers, Nick and Kyle…plans to make money, play in NFL and become CEO of a major company after he graduates…chose Florida Tech for opportunity to succeed, football program, family feel on team and small classroom sizes…admires Jesus Christ for being ultimate example of sacrifice, toughness and love.
Krueger Highlights |
|
| Harry Brown |
OLB | Fr. | 5-11 | 201 | Clearwater, Fla. | Largo HS
Mechanical Engineering |
 |
High School: Attended Largo High School…played football, ran track and field, and was on wrestling team…earned eight varsity letters…in football, he was a two-star linebacker ranked by Rivals…ranked among top 100 players in Pinellas County…named Tampa Bay Times All-Pinellas County First Team, All-Pinellas County Athletic Conference, and was selected a Pinellas County All-Star junior and senior years…named defensive MVP in all-star game in 2012…as a senior in 2012, he had 60 tackles, six sacks and a fumble recovery…helped team go undefeated in regular season…team captain.
Personal: Son of Harry and Stephanie Brown…has three siblings, Soloman, Nyah and Leah…plans to play in NFL or pursue a career in engineering field after he graduates…chose Florida Tech because of outstanding engineering program, to be part of up and coming football tradition and because it is close to home…admires his father for guiding him throughout his high school career and putting him on right path.
Brown Highlights |
|
| Brion Ashley |
Punter | Fr. | 6-4 | 195 | Port Charlotte, Fla. | Port Charlotte HS
Sports Management |
High School: Four-sport athlete at Port Charlotte who competed in basketball, baseball, football and club swimming…won six varsity letters…named all conference in football all four years…named all-state honorable mention as a junior and earned the all-state honor as a senior…during his senior season, he averaged 46.3 yards per punt, recorded 48 touchbacks on kickoffs and went 7-of-10 on field goals…played in the South-Central Florida All-Star Classic…ranked No. 36 as a combo kicker/punter by Kornblue Fab 50…three-time all-area team kicker…in baseball, named 2012 Perfect Game Underclass All-American…named to 2012 Perfect Game 17U BCS All-Tournament Team…viewed as having a very strong leg and an extremely hard worker who is always looking to improve.
Personal: Son of Earl and Debra Ashley...grandson of Rubelle and Angela Ashley…has a younger brother, Damien…uncle, Ernie Dubose, played football for University of Florida—member of 1996 national champion team…cousin, Sharielle Smith, played basketball at University of Florida…uncle, Keith Dubose, played football at Duke University…great grandfather, George Brown, played football, track and basketball at Kansas University…great grandfather James McGowan played sports at Tuskegee University and was an engineer...chose Florida Tech for academics, community and opportunity to continue playing football and baseball…admires his family for their continued support and encouragement.
Ashley Highlights |
|
| Jarvis Giles |
| RB | Jr. | 5-11 | 186 | Tampa, Fla. | Louisville |
Previous School (Louisville): Transferred to Louisville, but did not play…at FIT, he is viewed as having the ability to be one of the most dynamic running backs in the Gulf South Conference…expecting him to be a workhorse.
Previous School (South Carolina): Played one year of football at South Carolina…in 2009 as a true freshman, he was third on squad with 277 yards rushing for an average of 5.3 yards per carry…rushed for 13 yards on five carries in season-opening win at NC State…rushed for a career-high 113 yards and a touchdown in win over Florida Atlantic…touchdown was first of his career and came from 12 yards out…also had a career-best 38-yard burst in that contest…became first Gamecock to rush for 100 yards in a game since 2008 season and became the first Carolina freshman to rush for 100 yards in a game since 2006…performance earned him SEC Freshman of the Week honors…led team with 74 yards rushing on just 11 carries against South Carolina State…did not play against Alabama or Florida.
High School: Graduated from Tampa's Gaither High School in December 2008…played for head coach Mark Kantor…rushed for over 1,500 yards as a senior…selected to participate in the Under Armour High School All-American Game in Orlando…rushed for 1,478 yards on 238 carries (6.2 yards per carry) with 20 touchdowns as a junior in 2007…a Rivals.com four-star prospect who was rated the No. 22 player in the state of Florida and the No. 3 all-purpose back by the website…considered a four-star prospect and the nation's 21st-best running back according to Scout.com…considered the state's 29th-best player by SuperPrep…ranked 53rd on the ESPNU 150…listed among both Rivals.com and PrepStar's Top 250…selected South Carolina over an original commitment to Tennessee and Nebraska among others.
Giles Highlights #1
Giles Highlights #2 |
|
| Byron Mathews |
| DL | Fr. | 6-0 | 290 | Wildwood, Fla. | Wildwood HS |
 |
High School: Attended Wildwood High School…named Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-District 8 as an offensive lineman following his senior season in 2012…as a junior in 2011, he had 46 total tackles, averaged 4.2 tackles per game and had four sacks.
Mathews Highlights |
|
| Daniel De Paz |
| TE | Fr. | 6-3 | 230 | Miami Lakes, Fla. | Goleman HS |
High School: Played football at Barbara Goleman High School in Miami Lakes, Fla…named All-Dade Honorable Mention by The Miami Herald following his senior season…seen as a big, athletic kid who can be an every down tight end.
De Paz Highlights |
|
| Joey Batch |
CB | Fr. | 5-11 | 170 | Merritt Island, Fla. | Merritt Island HS
Communication-Military Science |
 |
High School: Attended Merritt High School…played football and ran track and field…earned seven varsity letters…named captain and All-Space Coast Second Team in football in 2012…had 30 tackles, 17 were solo tackles, and one interception…selected All-Cape Coast in football in 2011…regional track finalist in 110 high hurdles in 2011.
Personal: Son of Bruce and Angela Batch…has two brothers, John and James…plans to join army once he graduates…chose Florida Tech for academics.
Batch Highlights |
|
| Skylar Sheffield |
| DL | Fr. | 6-3 | 305 | Henderson, Tenn. | Chester County HS |
High School: Played football at Chester County High School in Henderson, Tenn…two-star recruit by 24/7 Sports…defensive lineman of the district…selected to play in first West Tennessee All-Star Game…had 40 tackles and 15 solo tackles as a senior in 2012…team captain.
Sheffield Highlights |
|
| Terrance Bynum |
| WR | Fr. | 6-5 | 180 | Mount Dora, Fla. | Mount Dora HS |
 |
High School: Attended Mount Dora High School in Mount Dora, Fla…played football and was a wide receiver…basketball player turned football player his senior year…selected to Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 8 Team as a wide receiver his senior season…during that season, he totaled 490 receiving yards and averaged 14.9 yards per catch with five touchdowns…led team to an 8-3 record…belief that size and athleticism give him great potential to be a stand out wide receiver.
Bynum Highlights |
|
| Zack Hall |
OL | Fr. | 6-7 | 330 | Port Charlotte, Fla. | East Arizona College
Business Administration |
 |
Previous School: Attended Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, Ariz…gray shirted…viewed as a big, powerful, athletic lineman.
High School: Attended Port Charlotte High School in Port Charlotte, Fla…played football, ran track and field and was on wrestling team…earned three varsity letters.
Personal: Son of James and Danielle Hall…plans to start his own business after graduating…chose Florida Tech because of academics…admires his father for being hardest working man he knows.
Hall Highlights |
|
| Peter Luton |
| TE | R-Jr. | 6-2 | 240 | Pembroke Pines, Fla. | Golden West CC |
Previous School: Played football at Golden West Community College in Huntington Beach, Calif…as a sophomore in 2012, he caught seven receptions for 32 yards in six games…belief that his experience and work ethic will benefit the FIT family.
Luton Highlights |
|
| Ahron Jackson |
DL | So. | 6-3 | 230 | San Lorenzo, Calif. | De Anza College
Forensic Psychology |
 |
Previous School: Attended De Anza Community College in Cupertino, Calif…played football for two years with fellow Panther Justin Arcune…helped team win NorCal Championship…selected second team all-conference as a defensive end…in 11 games, recorded 41 total tackles, 27 solo, nine sacks and one forced fumble.
High School: Attended Arroyo High School in San Lorenzo, Calif…played football and participated in track & field…clocked in at a time of 22.5 in 200-yard dash.
Personal: Son of Wayne and Elise Jackson…chose Florida Tech because it gives him best opportunity to finish college, while playing football…after he graduates, he would like to look at becoming a parole officer or seek a different government job…admires his mom for being a very strong woman who has strong beliefs in God, has never been distracted by temptations and has always been there for him no matter the situation.
Jackson Highlights |
|
| Tevin Kirkland |
DL | R-So. | 6-1 | 255 | Cantonment, Fla. | Coffeyville CC
Sports Management |
 |
Previous School: Attended Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kan. for two years…played football for one season…viewed as being a high energy, enthusiastic player whose love for the game comes out in every play…will bring speed and physicality to defensive line.
High School: Attended Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Fla…competed in football and ran track…won three varsity letters.
Personal: Son of Kevin Clanton and Kathsya Kirkland…has two older brothers and three older sisters…chose Florida Tech for a great education, while getting to play football…admires his cousin Reggie Warren for making him a better person and a better athlete.
Kirkland Highlights |
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» Signing Day 2013
