Exciting News for ETSU Football in Johnson City!
Hey there, sports fans of Johnson City! Let’s talk football! The early signing period kicked off with a bang, and our very own East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is welcoming a talented new class of student-athletes to the Buccaneers team. Head coach Tre Lamb made the announcement on Thursday, revealing that eight promising players will be joining the Bucs family.
A Blend of Talent and Potential
This year’s recruits highlight a mix of offensive flair and defensive prowess. The newcomers consist of six offensive players and two defensive standouts, packed with skill and depth. Let’s give a warm welcome to these young athletes!
Quarterback Extraordinaire: Jackson Byrd
Let’s start with Jackson Byrd, a 6’0, 190 lb quarterback from Clayton, North Carolina. Byrd has an impressive track record at Cleveland High School, where he led his team to a stellar 50-3 record and claimed four conference championships. Notably, he achieved over 10,000 passing yards and threw 114 touchdowns during his high school career. Talk about a game-changer!
Cornerback with a Playmaking Family: Ramani Bruton
Next up is Ramani Bruton, a 5’11, 170 lb cornerback from Greenville, South Carolina. Ramani was selected to play in this year’s prestigious Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, showcasing his talent at a high level. He comes from a family that values athletics; his father played basketball at Missouri State and his uncle was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. We can’t wait to see the legacy continue!
Running Back with Record-Breaking Skills: Jaiden Daniels
Another fantastic addition is Jaiden Daniels, a dynamic 5’8, 165 lb running back from Commerce, Georgia. Jaiden made waves during his high school years, running for an impressive 5,750 yards and scoring over 70 touchdowns. As a freshman, he showcased his prowess by earning the title of Offensive Player of the Year, and by the time he was a junior, he found himself on the All-State team. What a talent!
Standout Linemen: Eli Dorton and Cole Norred
ETSU also beefed up their offensive line with the addition of Eli Dorton and Cole Norred. Eli, a 6’5, 290 lb lineman from Norris, Tennessee, was named the 2024 Region 2 4A Offensive Lineman of the Year and earned recognition as one of the Knox News Elite 8 recruits. On the other hand, Cole Norred at 6’3, 280 lb from Bremen, Georgia, helped his high school team achieve a remarkable 24-2 record and reach the State Playoffs all four years. Depth in the trenches is crucial, and these guys will make a difference!
Defensive Prominence: Brycen Dowdell
Defensively, Brycen Dowdell from Madison, Alabama, brings his skills as a 6’2, 180 lb cornerback. Over his high school career, he racked up 103 tackles, 8 interceptions, and created major disruptions, including blocking four field goals. With a family history of talent (his dad played for Alabama), he’s sure to make an impact!
Dynamic Wide Receivers: Jeremiah Harrison and Trenton Wanjogu
And how about the wide receivers? Jeremiah Harrison, a 6’1, 178 lb player from Charlotte, North Carolina, racked up 61 receptions for 896 yards and 9 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Trenton Wanjogu, also standing at 6’1 and weighing 185 lb from Marietta, Georgia, showcased impressive numbers with 32 catches for 563 yards. These guys are ready to light up the scoreboard!
A Bright Future Ahead
With these additions, the future looks bright for ETSU football! Fans can look forward to a thrilling season with this talented group as they strive for excellence and aim to bring home more victories. So, let’s rally behind the Buccaneers and support them every step of the way!
Welcome aboard, newbies! Let’s make some noise!
