Yearly Archives: 2014

Duke Basketball

On the Rebound – Duke Hits the Boards

Every season, narratives develop in college basketball, and at least one of them involves Duke. These narratives evolve a life of their own, the media clings to them, the fans shout them at each other. And, accurate or not, the narratives grow until they're larger than life. LK-65_Elon_at_DukeIn 2009-10, Duke rode the "alarmingly unathletic" narrative all the way to a title. But still today, you hear people refer to that team as unathletic.

This season, the narrative is that size matters: Duke is too small; the team has no "true center" and therefore can't defend big players; Amile Jefferson is too skinny; Jabari Parker plays like a small forward; teams with big front courts will eat Duke alive on the boards.

It's gotten louder this week, as Duke visits Chapel Hill, where the Tar Heels' "huge frontcourt" threatens to "pound" Duke on the boards.

But is any of it true? Is Duke to small to rebound effectively? Let's take a look and find out.

First of all, all numbers in this article will be minute-independent, tempo-free stats rather than counting stats. Because if you only look at how many rebounds a team gathers, you're not looking at the whole picture. For example, if a team plays at a fast tempo, there are more possessions and therefore more rebounding opportunities than if a team plays at a slow tempo. Similarly, if a team shoots for a high percentage, there would necessarily be fewer offensive rebounding opportunities than if a team couldn't hit the broad side of the proverbial barn. For an individual player, it's obviously hard to get a large quantity of rebounds if he doesn't play a large quantity of minutes. So, instead of "rebounds per game," we'll refer here to "rebounding percentage," meaning what percentage of available rebounds a team or player collects.

Second, this article will not actually refer to rebounds in general but will always distinguish between offensive and defensive rebounds. Why? Well, for starters, the two require different skills. Defensive rebounding is mostly about positioning and boxing out and bulk. Offensive rebounding relies more on quickness and hustle and slashing to the ball. Second, and this may sound obvious, but defensive rebounding is part of a team's defense and offensive rebounding is part of a team's offense. If a team shoots really well, there aren't so many misses and offensive rebounding becomes less important. If a defense forces lots of turnovers, there are fewer opposing shots to rebound. And so on.

It's not entirely clear, but it would seem that the narrative we've been discussing concerns defensive rebounding. Even if it didn't, for a Duke team that has been rated top five in the country on offense for the entire season (currently ranked #1 by the Pomeroy ratings) but has been rated defensively between the 60s and the 140s (currently ranked #93 by Pomeroy), defensive rebounding is clearly more important for Duke this season. So let's start there.

Well, before we start let's ask one more question: does it matter? If Duke rebounds poorly will that doom the team to a disappointing season?

When looking at team defensive rebounding percentages, the percentages generally range from the low 60s to the low 70s. A percentage of 64% would usually rank a team in the worst 100 teams in the country at defensive rebounding, while a percentage of 70% will in most years rank you in the top 100. Historically, Duke under Coach K has not been a good defensive rebounding team. In fact, twelve times in Coach K's 33 seasons at Duke, the team has had a defensive rebounding percentage worse than 64%:

1997: 59.5% (293rd in the country)
1990: 60.3%
1996: 60.7%
1994: 61.4%
1993: 61.5%
2000: 62.0% (278th in the country)
2006: 62.3% (309th)
1992: 62.8%
2004: 62.9% (291st)
2005: 63.3% (287th)
1991: 63.7
2001: 63.9 (249th)

More than half of Coach K's Final Four teams are on that list, including three of Duke's four national champions. So to the question of whether strong defensive rebounding is necessary for a successful season, the answer is a resounding no.

On the other hand, let's look at Coach K's Duke teams with the five best defensive rebounding percentages:

2007: 69.6% (55th in the country)
1989: 68.8%
2012: 68.1% (168th)
2013: 67.6% (194th)
2010: 67.5% (174th)

We have two final four teams, including one national champion, on that list so clearly defensive rebounding doesn't hurt, but it's interesting to see that two of Duke's best three seasons in this category, 2007 and 2012, are two of the most disappointing Duke seasons in Coach K's tenure.

Still, most would agree that you'd rather rebound well than poorly. So, how has this year's small Duke team with no true center been rebounding on the defensive end?

How about the best defensive rebounding team in all Coach K's time at Duke? You heard right. So far, the 2013-14 Duke team has rebounded 70.2% of available defensive rebounds, better than the team's previous record of 69.6%.

Not only has defensive rebounding not been a weakness for Duke this season, it has been one of the team's strengths. So much for that narrative.

But maybe you've heard a new narrative, that since Coach K changed his substitution pattern in the Virginia game, the team has been rebounding so much better. Maybe that explains it?

Not really. While it's true Duke's offensive rebounding has improved since the Virginia game (more on that later), Duke's defensive rebounding percentage has actually gone down in that period. Although still not bad, as we've rebounded 67.7% of available defensive rebounds in those games.

But how's all that possible, with "rail-thin" Amile Jefferson and "small forward" Jabari Parker manning Duke's frontcourt?

Because they're both really good rebounders. Parker currently leads the ACC in rebounds per game and is 5th in the conference in defensive rebounding percentage, at 22.9%. Jefferson's defensive rebounding percentage is even better -- 23.9% -- good for 2nd in the conference, trailing only UNC's Kennedy Meeks.

Going back to 1997, here's a list of Duke's ten best individual seasons for defensive rebounding percentage:

DEFENSIVE REBOUNDING PERCENTAGE (minimum 15 mpg)

1T. 2010 Brian Zoubek, 24.4%
1T. 2012 Mason Plumlee, 24.4%
3. 2014 Amile Jefferson, 23.9%
4. 2006 Shelden Williams, 23.4%
5T. 2013 Mason Plumlee, 23.3%
5T. 2011 Mason Plumlee, 23.3%
7. 2014 Jabari Parker, 22.9%
8. 2012 Miles Plumlee, 22.7%
9T. 2005 Shelden Williams, 22.0%
9T. 2004 Shelden Williams, 22.0%

Carlos Boozer's best defensive rebounding percentage was 19.6%. Elton Brand's best was 20.5%. Both squarely in Jefferson's and Parker's rear-view.

Jefferson's and Parker's combined percentage of 46.8% is the 2nd best Duke duo since at least 1997 (and probably a lot further back), just a smidgen behind Mason and Miles Plumlee combining for 47.1% in 2012.

Just imagine how successful Duke's current front line would be if they were big enough...

For completeness' sake, here's a brief tour of Duke's offensive rebounding. Historically, Duke's offensive rebounding is better than its defensive rebounding. On this end of the floor, 30% is generally bottom 100 and a little higher than 34% is top 100. In Coach K's time at Duke, the team has only been under 34% twice: last season (2013), at 28.8% (273rd in the country), and in 2006, at 30.9% (275th). Because, despite those low percentages, both those teams had top five (in the nation) offenses, one could fairly argue that it didn't matter whether they excelled in offensive rebounding or not.

On the other hand, here are the top 10 Duke offensive rebounding seasons under Coach K:

1999: 44.3% (3rd in the country)
1990: 40.9%
2010: 40.6% (6th)
1988: 40.5%
1998: 39.7% (39th)
1992: 39.5%
2004: 39.2% (16th)
1996: 38.3%
1991: 38.0%
1994: 38.0%

Wow, right? Eight of the ten teams on this list made the Final Four (including three of our four national champions). Only one team on the list didn't at least make the Elite Eight. So, maybe offensive rebounding is important, after all.

With that in mind, how's this year's team doing in this category? Well, that's where the new substitution pattern comes in. For the season, Duke's offensive rebounding percentage is 34.1%, good for 106th in the country. But since the Virginia game, we've corralled 42.3% of available offensive rebounds, which for a whole season would put us up at 1999/2010 levels.

Leading the charge on this side of the boards is, again, skinny Amile Jefferson. He's collected 15.2% of available offensive rebounds, which ranks 4th in the ACC (one spot ahead of UNC's Meeks) and 29th in the country. This number would rank fourth at Duke since 1997 (among players playing 15+ mpg):

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING PERCENTAGE (minimum 15 mpg)

1. 2010 Brian Zoubek, 21.6%
2. 2012 Miles Plumlee, 16.6%
3. 1998 Elton Brand, 16.4%
4. 2014 Amile Jefferson, 15.2%
5. 2003 Shelden Williams, 14.8%
6T. 2004 Shelden Williams, 14.7%
6T. 2003 Casey Sanders, 14.7%
8. 1999 Elton Brand, 14.3%
9. 2002 Carlos Boozer, 13.5%
10. 2011 Miles Plumlee, 13.3%

If you drop the minute requirement down to 7 mpg, the following enter into the table:

2007 Brian Zoubek, 16.9%
2009 Brian Zoubek, 16.7%
2008 Brian Zoubek, 16.1%
2005 Reggie Love, 15.9%
2000 Matt Christensen, 15.1%
2014 Marshall Plumlee, 14.9%

So the emergence of Marshall Plumlee in the rotation since the Virginia game may have something to do with Duke's improved performance in this statistic. (MP3 has yet to show a proficiency for defensive rebounding, however.)

But the season isn't over yet. Duke's run on the boards will face a big test this week against North Carolina. The Tar Heels collect 38.4% of available offensive rebounds (17th in the country) and 69.0% of available defensive rebounds. The game will feature the ACC's top two rebounders in Duke's Amile Jefferson (2nd in DR%; 4th in OR%) and UNC's Kennedy Meeks (1st in DR%; 5th in OR%), who also happens to outweigh Jefferson by 80 pounds.

Will Duke continue its historic (and some would say unlikely) success on the boards? Tune in Wednesday to find out.

Duke Basketball

Duke Blue Devils set to take on Boston College

duke-wf rick c 071

Duke travels north to take on Boston College this Saturday in their next ACC game and the Blue Devils do so at a time when they're playing good basketball.

Boston College has struggled mightily this season and are probably the ACC's most disappointing team considering they were picked to finish much better in the pre season media voting.  But like all other comers, when Duke comes to town, they'll bring their best effort knowing a win over the Blue Devils would make their season.

That simply means is that the Blue Devils will have to be grounded and prepared for the challenge and there is good reason to think that happens.  As I stated earlier, the Blue Devils are getting better. They're coming together as a team and doing so as the games start to really count.

Duke has been led by their talented freshman Jabari Parker, but he's had plenty of help of late be it seniors Andre Dawkins and Tyler Thornton or the resurgent play of Rasheed Sulaimon.  The point guard spot was manned by Sulaimon in the last outing and it looks as if that will happen again going into this game.

Some say that Quinn Cook is out of the line up per struggles with his play, others say he's hobbled by some ankle issues.  The truth is a bit of both are playing a role, so this will be something to keep an eye on.  Cook of course, has been the starter and any who follow Duke Basketball closely, knows they do not share any injury news past whether a player will be active or not.

A key for Duke not only in this game but moving forward is consistency. While some players are solidifying their roles, others have struggled to maintain a consistent level of play and that could be the last door to knock down for success as we approach March.

That said, I seriously doubt if we'll witness anything other than an all business trip for Duke where they'll have plenty of focus on gaining a key ACC win.  And ACC wins are oh-so important for a Duke team that as always has an upper tier schedule in conference play.

It could take Duke a half to gather themselves or they could try to deliver a quick knockout punch. Either way. I envision a win in this game.

I would expect Duke to try to push the ball if you will in this contest and use their depth which has been huge since Krzyzewski starting playing more players. In doing so, this has infused the team and made for a livelier bunch. It's also showed that Duke has players who can step up when needed.

The Eagles are led by a familiar name in Oliver Hanlan and they have some experience and the ability to rise to a higher level of play. But they are also 2-8 in their last ten outings and a mere 6-16 overall. They also sport two ACC wins but both came against the Hokies who are in the conference cellar.

Meanwhile, Duke comes into the game standing 18-5 record to go with a 7-3 ACC record, but with a team that has the air of one quickly heading up the polls to take a place with the nations best team.

I think Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski will have his Blue Devils in a mode of respect for the struggling Eagles which means don't look for a let down here.

And this is a game where Krzyzewski could be able to tinker a bit with varying lineups if he chooses. Anyhow, what the Blue Devils want to do here is get in and out of Boston with win and no injuries.  In other words, win, play pretty well in doing so and get back to the Triangle area when the mission is accomplished

There is obviously a possibility that they could look ahead to the North Carolina game. But while fans are apt to do that and the team to an extent, I expect the staff to have their guys ready and for Duke to head into the UNC game with added momentum.

Duke Football

Duke Football gains 18 new prospects

SONY DSCDURHAM, N.C. — Duke University head football coach David Cutcliffe and his staff announced on Wednesday that 18 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to join the Blue Devil gridiron program.

The class includes two quarterbacks, seven backs and nine linemen. A total of eight states are represented in the group as Duke signed a class-high four student-athletes from Florida. The group includes three student-athletes from Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio, two from California and one each from Alabama, Missouri and South Carolina.

The three in-state prospects include quarterback Johnathan Lloyd (Graham), lineman Trip McNeill (Advance) and back Shaun Wilson (Charlotte).

Lloyd, who participated in Duke’s on-campus, pre-bowl practices in December before enrolling last month, threw for 3,068 yards with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 755 yards and 11 additional scores to help Southern Alamance High School to the state playoffs as a senior. McNeill, a two-time all-state pick out of Davie High School, and Wilson, who rushed for over 5,500 career yards and 75 touchdowns in his career at West Mecklenburg High School, were teammates for North Carolina in the 77th annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas played on December 21, 2013 in Spartanburg, S.C.

Florida is represented with lineman Edgar Cerenord (Miami), back Trevon Lee (Plantation), quarterback Nicodem Pierre (Miami) and back Chris Taylor (Miramar). Cerenord, a first team all-state selection, helped American Heritage High School to the state 5A championship as a senior while Lee caught 83 passes for 1,447 yards and 16 touchdowns over his final two prep seasons en route to earning a national No. 33 ranking for wide receivers from ESPN.com. Pierre is rated as the No. 14 dual-threat quarterback in the nation by ESPN.com after throwing for 4,284 career yards and accounting for 68 total touchdowns while Taylor was a first team (4A) all-state pick after catching 47 passes for 856 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior at University High School.

Three linemen join the Blue Devils from the state of Georgia including Christian Harris (Suwanee), Jake Sanders (Carrollton) and Taariq Shabazz (Kennesaw). Harris is listed as the No. 57 offensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com and was selected to play in the Georgia Coaches Association North-South Classic while Sanders twice earned first team all-state honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Shabazz is charted as the No. 51 defensive end in the nation by ESPN.com.

Ohio natives Tinashe Bere (Cincinnati), Zach Harmon (Toledo) and Alonzo Saxton II (Columbus) signed with the Blue Devils. Bere, ranked as the No. 41 middle linebacker in the nation by Scout.com, was named the Greater Miami Conference Defensive Player of the Year following his senior season while Harmon, the No. 14 center in the nation according to Rivals.com, helped Central Catholic High School to 34 wins over three seasons including the 2012 state championship. Saxton, rated as the No. 33 cornerback in the country by Rivals.com, was a first team all-state selection in 2013 after registering nine interceptions.

Duke’s pair prospects from California are Davis Koppenhaver from Valencia and Kameron Schroeder from Elk Grove. Koppenhaver was an all-state pick at tight end after catching 85 passes for 981 yards and five touchdowns while Schroeder, also an all-state pick, was the Sierra Valley Conference Lineman of the Year as a senior.

Back Zavier Carmichael, a native of Eight Mile, Ala., is listed as the No. 30 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com and was one of five finalists for the Watkins Award, an honor presented annually to the top African-American high school student-athlete in the country. Lineman Quaven Ferguson of Easley, S.C., joined the program after registering 93 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, six sacks and two caused fumbles as a senior to earn first team all-state honors. A product of Chesterfield, Mo., back Zach Muñiz was an all-state pick in 2013 and helped Christian Brothers College High School to a three-year record of 33-5.

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Name Pos Ht. Wt. Hometown High School

Tinashe Bere B 6-1 220 Cincinnati, Ohio Sycamore

Zavier Carmichael B 6-0 210 Eight Mile, Ala. St. Paul’s Episcopal

Edgar Cerenord L 6-1 300 Miami, Fla. American Heritage

Quaven Ferguson L 6-2 305 Easley, S.C. Easley

Zach Harmon L 6-3 280 Toledo, Ohio Central Catholic

Christian Harris L 6-6 290 Suwanee, Ga. Collins Hill

Davis Koppenhaver L 6-4 210 Valencia, Calif. Hart

Trevon Lee B 6-1 175 Plantation, Fla. Cardinal Gibbons

Johnathan Lloyd QB 6-0 195 Graham, N.C. Southern Alamance

Trip McNeill L 6-5 300 Advance, N.C. Davie

Zach Muñiz B 5-11 170 Chesterfield, Mo. Christian Brothers College

Nicodem Pierre QB 6-2 205 Miami, Fla. Coral Reef

Jake Sanders L 6-5 330 Carrollton, Ga. Carrollton

Alonzo Saxton II B 5-11 170 Columbus, Ohio Bishop Hartley

Kameron Schroeder L 6-5 275 Elk Grove, Calif. Cosumnes Oaks

Taariq Shabazz L 6-3 230 Kennesaw, Ga. Kennesaw Mountain

Chris Taylor B 6-1 170 Miramar, Fla. University

Shaun Wilson B 5-9 180 Charlotte, N.C. West Mecklenburg

Tinashe Bere

B • 6-1, 220

Cincinnati, Ohio (Sycamore)

Four-year letterman at Sycamore under Scott Dattilo ... listed as the No. 41 middle linebacker in the country by Scout.com ... charted as the No. 44 inside linebacker in the nation by 247Sports.com ... helped squad to four-year ledger of 29-13 with a pair of state playoff berths ... in senior season, carded 75 tackles four sacks, four caused fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception ... named the Greater Miami Conference Defensive Player of the Year following senior campaign ... also tabbed to the Cincinnati Enquirer All-Star team ... as a junior, totaled 85 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks ... three-time All-Greater Miami Conference selection ... also participated in track and field and wrestling ... born August 2, 1995 ... son of Musatya and Thenjiwe Bere.

Zavier Carmichael

B • 6-0, 210

Eight Mile, Ala. (St. Paul’s Episcopal)

Four-year letterman at St. Paul’s under Steve Mask ... charted as the No. 30 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com ... helped team to four-year record of 42-10 with four state playoff appearances ... as a senior, posted 103 tackles with two sacks and two fumble recoveries ... logged 76 tackles, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries in junior season ... finished career with 283 tackles, eight sacks, nine fumble recoveries and four interceptions ... also lettered in track and field ... one of five finalists for the Watkins Award, an honor presented annually to the top African-American high school student-athlete in the country ... born October 24, 1995 ... son of Robbin and Sidney Carmichael.

Edgar Cerenord

L • 6-1, 300

Miami, Fla. (American Heritage)

Four-year letterman at American Heritage Plantation under Mike Rumph ... charted as the No. 39 defensive tackle in the country by 247Sports.com ... listed as the No. 49 defensive tackle in the nation by ESPN.com ... helped team to four-year record of 40-10 with four state playoff berths ... led squad to a 15-1 record and the Florida 5A state championship in senior season ... first team (5A) all-state pick by the Associated Press as a senior after posting 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks and one interception ... three-time all-county choice ... finished career with 268 tackles and 14 sacks ... also lettered in track and field and wrestling ... born October 11, 1995 ... son of Gary Cerenord.

Quaven Ferguson

L • 6-2, 305

Easley, S.C. (Easley)

Three-year letterman at Easley under Grayson Howell ... helped team to three-year record of 24-13 with three state playoff appearances ... recorded 93 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, six sacks and two caused fumbles as a senior to earn first team (Division II AAAA) all-state honors from the High School Sports Report ... also received Class 4A Upper State Lineman of the Year honors from the South Carolina Football Coaches Association ... had 63 tackles including 7.5 tackles for loss as a junior ... two-time all-region selection ... finished career with 216 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and five caused fumbles ... also lettered in basketball ... born January 4, 1996 ... son of April and Kevin Ferguson.

Zach Harmon

L • 6-3, 280

Toledo, Ohio (Central Catholic)

Three-year letterman at Toledo Central Catholic under Greg Dempsey ... listed as the No. 14 center in the nation by Rivals.com ... charted as the No. 20 center in the country by Scout.com ... helped squad to a three-year ledger of 34-6 record including the 2012 Ohio Division II state championship ... served as team captain as a senior ... suffered season-ending neck injury in week three of senior campaign ... first team all-conference and honorable mention all-state pick as a junior ... also participated in wrestling ... born June 27, 1996 ... son of Lisa and Wes Harmon.

Christian Harris

L • 6-6, 290

Suwanee, Ga. (Collins Hill)

Three-year letterman at Collins Hill under Kevin Reach ... listed as the No. 57 offensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com ... helped team to three-year record of 21-13 with three state playoff berths and a region championship in 2013 ... first team all-county as a senior ... selected to play in the Georgia Coaches Association North-South Classic and Gwinnett County All-Star Game ... born January 15, 1996 ... son of Danielle Lee-Hagwood and Scott Hagwood.

Davis Koppenhaver

L • 6-4, 210

Valencia, Calif. (Hart)

Three-year letterman at Hart under Mike Herrington ... charted as the No. 37 tight end in the country by ESPN.com ... helped squad to three-year record of 28-11 with three state playoff berths and the 2013 CIF championship ... named to the 2013 American Family Insurance ALL-USA California Football Team by USA Today ... all-state pick by both MaxPreps (2nd team) and Cal-Hi Sports (3rd team) ... first team all-league, all-area and all-CIF selection following senior season ... as a senior, caught 85 passes for 981 yards and five TDs ... career totals included 121 receptions for 1,525 yards and 10 TDs ... also lettered in basketball, earning all-league honors ... born January 24, 1996 ... son of Dave and Sharon Koppenhaver.

Trevon Lee

B • 6-1, 175

Plantation, Fla. (Cardinal Gibbons)

Three-year letterman at Cardinal Gibbons under Mike Morrill ... listed as the No. 33 wide receiver in the country and the No. 235 overall prospect nationally by ESPN.com ... consensus national top-100 wideout ... helped team to three-year record of 25-8 with three state playoff berths ... had 48 pass receptions for 743 yards and five TDs in senior season ... caught 35 passes for 704 yards and 11 TDs as a junior ... finished career with 115 catches for 2,154 yards and 26 TDs ... set school career records for pass receptions and receiving yardage ... became first player in school history with three seasons of 700+ receiving yards ... three-time all-county selection ... also lettered in track and field ... born December 4, 1995 ... son of Devon Lee.

Johnathan Lloyd

QB • 6-0, 195

Graham, N.C. (Southern Alamance)

Four-year letterman at Southern Alamance under Andrew Carrouth ... charted as the No. 28 athlete in the nation and the No. 13 overall prospect in North Carolina by Rivals.com ... as a senior, threw for 3,068 yards with 26 TDs and seven INTs while rushing for 755 yards and 11 TDs to earn Offensive Player of the Year honors for the region from the Burlington Times-News ... compiled 2,663 yards of total offense along with 33 total TDs as a junior ... four-time all-conference and three-time all-region pick ... in prep career, threw for over 5,500 yards with 48 TDs while rushing for over 3,000 yards and 39 TDs ... also participated in basketball and baseball ... in December, 2013, participated in Duke’s on-campus practices prior to the program’s appearance in the 46th annual Chick-fil-A Bowl ... enrolled at Duke in January, 2014 ... born December 4, 1995 ... son of Angela and Heith Lloyd.

Trip McNeill

L • 6-5, 300

Advance, N.C. (Davie)

Four-year letterman at Davie under both Doug Illing and Devore Holman ... listed as the No. 28 offensive tackle in the nation by ESPN.com and the No. 50 offensive guard in the country by Scout.com ... helped team to four-year record of 31-21 with three state playoff berths ... two-time first team all-state pick by the Associated Press ... named to the 2013 American Family Insurance ALL-USA North Carolina Football Team by USA Today ... two-time all-conference selection ... member of the North Carolina squad for the 77th annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas played on December 21, 2013 in Spartanburg, S.C. ... also participated in track and field and wrestling ... born August 13, 1996 ... son of Frank and Donna McNeill.

Zach Muñiz

B • 5-11, 170

Chesterfield, Mo. (Christian Brothers College)

Three-year letterman at Christian Brothers under Scott Pingel ... charted as the No. 57 cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com ... helped team to three-year ledger of 33-5 with three state playoff berths ... logged four interceptions and 10 pass breakups as a senior en route to earning second team all-state (Class 6) honors from both the Missouri coaches and media ... in junior campaign, posted three interceptions and 14 PBUs ... two-time all-conference selection ... born May 21, 1996 ... son of Cheryl and Edgar Muniz.

Nicodem Pierre

QB • 6-2, 205

Miami, Fla. (Coral Reef)

Four-year letterman at Coral Reef under Chevas Clements ... charted as No. 14 dual-threat quarterback in the nation by ESPN.com ... listed as the No. 19 dual-threat quarterback in the country by Rivals.com ... charted as the No. 30 pro-style quarterback in the nation by 247Sports.com ... helped team to four-year record of 27-15 ... finished career with 4,284 passing yards with 68 total TDs (48 passing & 20 rushing) ... also lettered in basketball ... born May 15, 1994 ... son of Gerard Bapist and Michline Jean.

Alonzo Saxton II

B • 5-11, 170

Columbus, Ohio (Bishop Hartley)

Four-year letterman at Bishop Hartley under Brad Burchfield ... listed as the No. 33 cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com ... helped team to four-year record of 50-6 with four state playoff berths including two appearances in the state championship game ... Ohio Division V first team all-state and defensive player of the year pick in 2013 ... posted nine interceptions as a senior ... also participated in track and field ... born February 22, 1996 ... son of Deandra Boll and Alonzo Saxton.

Jake Sanders

L • 6-5, 330

Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton)

Three-year letterman at Carrollton under Rayvan Teague ... charted as the No. 51 offensive guard in the country by 247Sports.com ... listed as the No. 53 offensive guard in the nation by Scout.com ... helped team to three-year record of 32-8 with three state playoff berths including two appearances in the 2013 state championship game ... two-time first team all-state (AAAA) selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in both 2012 and 2013 ... also earned all-state honors following senior season from the Associated Press, Athlon Sports and Georgia Sportswriters Association ... as a junior, served as team captain in the AT&T Rising Seniors Bowl ... three-time all-area pick ... born February 11, 1995 ... son of Collier and Joan Sanders ... father played tennis at Troy University ... brother, Mark, played baseball at Georgia College.

Kameron Schroeder

L • 6-5, 275

Elk Grove, Calif. (Cosumnes Oaks)

Three-year letterman at Cosumnes Oaks under Ryan Gomes ... listed as the No. 71 offensive tackle in the country by Scout.com ... helped team to three-year record of 24-11 with three state playoff berths ... served as team captain as a senior ... as a senior, earned Sierra Valley Conference Lineman of the Year honors as well as first team all-metro accolades from the Sacramento Bee ... second team all-state pick by Cal-Hi Sports ... first team All-Northern California pick by both Sports Stars Magazine and Max Preps ... three-time all-conference pick ... selected to play in both the North-South Optimist Game and West Coast Bowl ... born February 22, 1996 ... son of Diane and Eric Schroeder.

Taariq Shabazz

L • 6-3, 230

Kennesaw, Ga. (Kennesaw Mountain)

Two-year letterman at Kennesaw Mountain under Andy Scott ... charted as the No. 38 weakside defensive end in the nation by 247Sports.com ... listed as the No. 51 defensive end in the nation by ESPN.com ... played in just four games as a senior due to injury, compiling 25 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks ... had 59 tackles including 16 tackles for loss and five sacks as a junior ... born May 11, 1996 ... son of Pamela Miller.

Chris Taylor

B • 6-1, 170

Miramar, Fla. (University School)

Lettered one season at University School under Roger Harriott ... helped team to a 9-3 record and state playoff berth ... first team all-state (4A) selection by the Associated Press after catching 47 passes for 856 yards and 12 TDs as a senior ... in junior campaign, had 25 receptions for 560 yards and 15 TDs at North Broward Prep ... two-time all-county selection ... born January 5, 1996 ... son of Christine and Rowan Taylor.

Shaun Wilson

B • 5-9, 180

Charlotte, N.C. (West Mecklenburg)

Four-year letterman at West Mecklenburg under Jeff Caldwell ... listed as the No. 46 running back in the nation by ESPN.com ... over final two seasons, helped team to 18 wins and two state playoff berths ... as a senior, rushed for 1,857 yards and 32 TDs ... first team All-Mecklenburg selection by the Charlotte Observer following senior season ... rushed for over 5,500 yards along with 75 TDs in prep career ... four-time all-conference selection ... member of the North Carolina squad for the 77th annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas played on December 21, 2013 in Spartanburg, S.C. ... also played basketball ... born December 2, 1995 ... son of Lakesha Huntley and Andre Wilson