BC’s National Signing Day Recap

It’s the start of the early signing period, and BC’s recruiting class is shaping up nicely. Interestingly, today is exactly one year after Hafley was announced as BC’s next head coach. It’s only appropriate he announced his first class today as well. With 25 players in, here’s a look at the list and what Coach Hafley had to say about his first full recruiting class.

Speaking about the recruiting class, Hafley explained the priorities in his second year and his first true class. ”We need to get faster. We have to get faster,” Hafley explained. “You’ll see we’re heavy with athletes and guys who can play up front.” The coaching staff is prioritizing athletes who can get after the quarterback They understand they need to bring quarterbacks down, especially mobile ones. Many of the recruits will be listed as defensive back or wide receiver, but they each have “size, length, and can run.”

Hafley came to BC ranked the second-rated recruiter in the country, but he’s giving all of the credit to the staff. He lauded their ability to build relationships with kids without even getting to spend time with them in person. They delivered a great class. They typically assign coaches based on region and then positionally, but without travel had more focus on position. Despite not even recruiting for a full calendar year, they feel they delivered an exceptional class. And they’ve already hit the ground running with the 2022 class, and it’s all because of the staff’s effort.

It was tough not getting a chance to meet many local high school coaches in person given the current circumstances. The staff did meet plenty online, and Hafley still thinks they’re doing well —hopefully better when they can shake hands in person. Local prospects are key, and he’s excited to get some tape to see how players they aren’t able to see in person and how they’ve grown. They still have some scholarships left too.

This recruiting class was fittingly heavy on defensive back. It’s also one of the best ranked recruiting classes in BC history:

BC prides itself on the developmental aspect, but Hafley doesn’t care about just picking up top national recruits. “It goes back to what are we looking for”, he said. “Looking at this list, couldn’t tell you anyone’s stars.” The staff is looking for culture fits, guys that will come in, compete and win football games. We’ll find out in a couple of years how the class turns out.

ATH Jamareeh Jones, Virginia

Jones is the first signee and projects at receiver.

OL Ilija Krajnovic, Serbia

Hafley said that Coach Applebaum did a great job with Krajnovic. He has great size of course, a giant with a great story. He sacrificed a lot to get here to have a chance and has huge upside. His skills are growing by the day.

S Jaylen Blackwell, Georgia

Blackwell is a three-star safety with great size. Coach Duggan described him as rangy with great quickness.

DB Jalen Cheek, New Jersey

Cheek is a top corner prospect in Jersey with quick feet and length.

DB Shawn Gates, Ohio

Another DB Gates joins the group

K/P Connor Lytton, Virginia

Big strides on the kicking front looking to continue with Connor Lytton

LB Casey Phinney, Massachusetts

Tough three star linebacker from Marshfield

LB Owen McGowan, Massachusetts

One of the first commits from the class stays home.

DB Shawn Asbury II, Virginia

Three-star defensive back. A great, versatile athlete with exceptional ball skills

S Bryce Steele, North Carolina

Hafley recalled how he met Steele at an Ohio State summer camp. He personally clocked him on his 40 and was shocked. He double took and had him go again. Steele showed great speed despite his bigger size. They offered, and whil he committed to SC, Hafley gave credit to Coach Duggan and Lukabu for staying on him. They love his length and speed.

QB Emmett Morehead, California

That’s my quarterback

DE/OLB Neto Okpala, Georgia

“Tough, physical, and relentless.”

RB Xavier Coleman, New Jersey

Speed that kills

DT Owen Stoudemire, Ohio

Size that will cause major problems

DT Nigel Tate, DC

Really building up the front

DB Clinton Burton Jr., Virginia

Hafley met CJ at Ohio State, and Coach Aazaar knew him well being from the area. He stayed on him after he committed to Florida, and they were able to flip him. He could have gone anywhere but believed in the Eagle staff’s ability to develop him. Hafley believes he has all of the traits necessary with good feet, instincts, ball skills, and the ability to play off, man, or zone.

DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, New Jersey

“A smart, quick, and savvy player that loves ball, is a game changer, and a natural born leader” - Coach Vince Oghobaase

DL Tyeus Clemons, Alabama

Expanding the base here

WR/RB Lewis Bond, Illinois

Bond and Reynolds, teammates again

WR Dante Reynolds, Illinois

OL Otto Hess, Illinois

The second offensive lineman of the class

DB Jalon Williams, Texas

Texas corner is IN

WR Jaden Williams, Texas

Another Texan, speed on offense

DE Quintayvious Hutchins, Alabama

Another top edge rusher finds his way to a new home

S Cole Batson, California

Round it out with a west coast ballhawk

Recruiting Class by Location:

Alabama (2)

California (2)

District of Columbia (1)

Georgia (2)

Illinois (3)

Massachusetts (2)

New Jersey (3)

North Carolina (1)

Ohio (2)

Serbia (1)

Texas (2)

Virginia (4)

Recruiting Class by Position:

Defensive Back (5)

Safety (3)

Wide Receiver (2)

Defensive End (2)

Defensive Tackle (2)

Linebacker (2)

Offensive Line (2)

Athlete (1)

Defensive End/Outside Linebacker (1)

Defensive Line (1)

Kicker/Punter (1)

Quarterback (1)

Running Back (1)

Wide Receiver/Running Back (1)

February 3rd, is the next date to keep an eye on in the recruiting world. Once this early period ends on Saturday, it’ll National Signing Day next year when we expect to finalize this class.

Welcome to the Heights to All!