RUSTON - Louisiana Tech head coach Jack Bicknell announced the signing of 19 future Bulldogs Wednesday during national signing day as Tech inked 13 high school seniors and six junior college transfers.

Bicknell said he felt like his coaching staff did a great job with this year's class.

"I think of all my years (at Tech), this was the best as far as us filling our needs," Bicknell said. "A lot of times it doesn't quite work out that way, but this year's class is a perfect fit for what we need."

High school seniors highlighting the class, which is ranked No. 26 in the nation by recruiting guru Max Emfinger, include Texas-product and kicker Zach Myatt, who is believed to be the first Parade All-American ever signed by the Bulldogs, Mangham wide receiver Johnathan Holland, Alabama-based quarterback Zac Champion and Washington-Marion linebacker Brannon Jackson.

"We wanted to sign a quarterback; that was one of our big needs," said Bicknell referring to Champion, who helped lead Bessemer High School to a perfect 13-0 record and the 2002 Alabama Independent Schools Association state title. "(Champion) really reminds me of Tim Rattay, although I hate to put that label on anyone. He has a very smooth release; can throw the ball and has a good arm. The Auburn coaches really liked him when he went to their camp (last summer) and that mean's a lot to us. He is a great kid who we think is a winner."

Myatt, who is scheduled to red-shirt the 2003 season while seniors Josh Scobee and Dustin Upton complete their eligibility, was named a first team Parade All-American kicker at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station, Texas, after hitting 17 of 23 field goals and 49 of 51 extra points as a senior. During his three-year career, Myatt hit 35 of 44 field goals and 94 of 100 extra points.

"Zach is a great kicker," Bicknell said. "He is obviously getting a lot of press and a lot of honors, which he deserves. We think he will continue Tech's great tradition of kickers. He has a very, very strong leg. We really didn't want to wait until next year to find a kicker so we are really excited to sign Zach."

Bicknell and company feel like they signed a playmaker of the future in the 6-foot-1-inch Holland, who chose Tech over Oklahoma State in a recruiting battle. Holland earned all-state honors in both 2001 and 2002 while catching 95 passes for 1,457 yards and 24 touchdowns in his high school career for the Dragons. The two-sport star also won numerous stat championships as part of the Mangham track and field team, including being a member of the Louisiana Class A record setting 400- and 800-meter relay teams.

"He is just a stud receiver; we've loved him since day No. 1," Bicknell said. "We think he will be a great player for us. He runs; he catches; he can do it all. He has some size and can stretch the field for us. He could possibly be someone who can come in and play immediately for us."

Brannon Jackson, a 6-foot-2-inch linebacker from Lake Charles, La., could be another steal for the Bulldogs as the two-time District 4-4A Most Valuable Player was heavily recruited before selecting Tech to be his future home. Jackson, who is rated as the No. 17 linebacker in the country by espn.com, recorded 140 tackles and seven sacks his senior year at Washington-Marion.

"He is a guy that we have liked for a long time," Bicknell said. "At first we really didn't think we had a shot at him, but we hung in there and ended up getting him. He is one of the better linebackers in the state. He is big, strong, physical and can run. He could play either middle or outside linebacker, but right now we are thinking outside."

The Bulldogs also inked some very impressive looking junior college players, including defensive back Hiram Eugene, linebacker Terrance Jackson and defensive lineman Johnny Jackson.

"On the defensive side of the football, we wanted to sign defensive linemen and linebackers," Bicknell said. "We wanted to try to get a great cornerback. As in every year, you just don't pass up on great players. We wanted some junior college players who could come in and help immediately, and I am very pleased with what we were able to sign."

Eugene, who starred for Pearl River Community College the past two years after playing high school football at Jeanerette, will give Tech some much needed height in the defensive backfield. The 6-foot-2-inch Eugene earned second team All-South Division honors this year in the Misssissippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges.

"Hiram is an absolute stud corner," Bicknel said. "He possesses a 40 inch vertical jump; just an absolute stud. We are excited about him. We feel like he can be a great player for us. We need some size at corner, and he will provide that for us."

Terrance Jackson is a 6-foot-1-inch, 235-pound linebacker from Pearl River who was selected to play in the Mississippi JUCO All-Star game after registering 107 tackles in 2002, including a 20-tackle performance against Holmes Community College in the MACJC playoffs. The former Columbia (Miss.) High School prep star also lettered in basketball and track and field prior to his Pearl River days.

"Terrance is one of the guys when we looked at his tape, we decided he was one of our top guys that we wanted to get," Bicknell said. "He is really important for us because he gives us some experience having played junior college football. Obviously, we lost some linebackers off of last year's team and wanted to bring in some junior college linebackers. We just got one, but he is a good one. He could play middle or outside, but chances are we will start him out at middle linebacker."

Johnny Jackson signed with the Bulldogs in the fall after playing at Holmes Community College one year and East Mississippi Community College one year. The 6-foot-7-inch, 290-pounder signed with Louisville out of Aliceville (Ala.) High School before going to Holmes. Jackson registered 50 tackles and five sacks while helping ECCC to the South Division state runner-up title in 2002.

"Johnny is a huge guy for a defensive lineman," Bicknell said. "I think he could possibly play defensive end or on the inside for us. He is a great looking player who hasn't played since two years ago. He will be here in the spring for practice. He's another guy we are really excited about."

Other players signing national letters of intent with Tech are defensive lineman James Atkins (Pearl River CC), offensive lineman Kevon Bagot (Willowridge (Tex.) HS), running back Kermit Givens (Crescent City Baptist HS), tight end/offensive lineman Jason Gooch (Vidor (Tex.) HS), wide receiver Kentrell Gransberry (Woodlawn HS), offensive/defensive lineman Jason Lewis (St. James HS), offensive lineman Tyler Miller (Waco (Tex.) HS), defensive lineman Eddie Moss (East Mississippi CC), defensive lineman Josh Muse (Denham Spring HS), running back Shelton Richardson (Holmes CC), defensive end Thaddeus Williams (Independence HS) and linebacker Byron Young (Bossier HS).


2003 Louisiana Tech Signees

James Edward Atkins, DE, 6-2, 250, Hattiesburg, Miss., Hattiesburg HS (Pearl River CC): Lettered for three years for head coach Doug Merchant and the Tigers in high school ... Helped lead Hattiesburg to the 1998 district title and the state championship game ... Honors: Earned all-district honors in 1998, 1999 and 2000 ... Named second team All-South Division in the Mississippi Junior Colleges in 2002 ... Stats: Fourth on the Pearl River CC team with 61 tackles, including 19 solo stops and 42 assisted tackles ... Also forced two fumbles and recovered another ... Personal: Son of Genice Nette Beckum ... Born Feb. 10, 1983, in Hattiesburg ...

Bicknell on Atkins: "James is a very hard playing guy, who is strong and physical. We wanted to bring in a couple of junior college defensive ends and we were able to do that with him. We feel like he is a wonderful young man."

Kevon Bagot, OT, 6-7, 320, Houston, Texas, Willowridge HS: Lettered three years for Coach Scurlock and the Eagles ... Helped lead Willowridge to the 2000 district title ... Honors: Earned second team all-district honors as a junior and a senior ... Voted to the All-Greater Houston squad as a senior ... Personal: Son of Ronald Charles and Marcia Bagot ... Born Jan. 30, 1984 in Houston, Texas ... Also played basketball and participated in track and field at Willowridge ... Named to the Who's Who Among American High School Students three consecutive years ...

Bicknell on Bagot: "An outstanding looking young man; just huge. Kevon is a great person. He is the type of tackle we like to sign here with our passing offense; we want to get big, tall guys. To me, he looks like Willie Roaf. I feel like he is a sleeper, who has hit best football in front of him."

Zachary Scott Champion, QB, 6-2, 190, Birmingham, Ala., Bessemer Academy HS: Lettered for one year for Coach Mark Freeman and the Rebels ... Helped lead Bessemer Academy to the 2002 Alabama Independent Schools Association state championship title and a perfect 13-0 record; 2002 Honors: A 2002 Mr. Football in Alabama nominee ... 2nd team all-state by the Birmingham News... 1st team all-metro by the Birmingham News ... Ranked as the 40th best quarterback in the country by Rivals.com ... Ranked No. 55 by Theinsiders.com ... 2002 Stats: Completed 101 of 175 passes for 1,948 yards 19 touchdowns and six interceptions ... Also rushed for 784 yards ... Personal: Goes by Zac ... Son of Jeff and Jackie Champion ... Has one brother, John (17) and one sister, Katie (15) ... Born June 29, 1984 in Jasper, Ala. ... Also played baseball in high school and will play at Tech ... Will participate in spring practice ...

"He really reminds me of Tim Rattay, although I hate to put that label on anyone. He has a very smooth release; can throw the ball and has a good arm. The Auburn coaches really liked him when he went to their camp and that mean's a lot to us. He is a great kid who we think is a winner. He hasn't played all that much football yet. We are very excited to have him. I just kept saying to myself, that he reminded me of Tim Rattay as I watched the tape."

Hiram Eugene, DB, 6-2, 200, Jeanerette, La., Jeanerette HS (Pearl River CC): Lettered three years at Jeanerette ... Played two years at Pearl River Community College ... Honors: Earned all-district honors and all-state honors in both 1997 and 1999 at free safety and wide receiver ... Also earned all-state honors in basketball and track and field (high jump and long jump) in 1999 ... Named second team All-South Division of the Mississippi Junior Colleges in 2002 ... Personal: Son of Jeanette and Wayne Eugene ... Born Nov. 24, 1980, in Lafayette, La. ...

Bicknell on Eugene: "An absolute stud corner; 40 inch vertical jump; just an absolute stud. We are excited about him. He was a wide receiver when we had him in our camp a few years ago, but obviously changed positions at Pearl River. We feel like he can be a great player for us. We need some size at corner and he will provide that for us."

Kermit Juanquil Givens, RB, 6-0, 195, New Orleans, La., Crescent City Baptist HS: Lettered for two years for head coach Steve Ceravalo and the Pioneers ... Honors: Named first team all-district in 2001 and 2002 ... Also named first team all-metro in 2001 and 2002 ... Earned honorable mention all-state honors in 2002 ... A Rivals.com Top 100 running back ... Stats: Rushed 196 times for 1,661 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior ... Averaged 8.5 yards per rush attempt ... Also caught 31 passes for 427 yards and two touchdowns ... Personal: Son of Donise Rogers ... Born Aug. 12, 1985 in New Orleans, La. ... Also ran track in high school ... Will sit out one year to concentrate on academics ...

Bicknell on Givens: "Love him. Really a hard playing guy who is another great kid. I think he could be a very physical player. He is going to fill out and be a big kid. He is more of a hard running type of back than a shifty one. He has descent hands but it is hard to tell exactly how good of a receiver he is because most high schools don't throw the ball to their running backs very often.

Jason Lee Gooch, TE/OL, 6-6, 255, Vidor, Texas, Vidor HS: Lettered for three years for Coach Jeff Mathews and the Pirates ... Honors: 1st team all-district tight end in 2001 ... 1st team all-district offensive tackle in 2002 ... 2nd team all-state in 2002 ... Personal: Son of James and Jessie Gooch ... Has one brother, Jerrod (14) ... Born Sept. 25, 1984 in Beaumont, Texas ... Also played baseball (pitcher/1st base) and basketball in high school ...

Bicknell on Gooch: "A big, physical offensive lineman who hustles all the time and can run really well. He is going to get bigger, and a guy we just really like. He could possibly play tight end for us; he is that good of an athlete. However, I think he is going to end up growing into an offensive lineman."

Kentrell Gransberry, WR, 6-8, 240, Baton Rouge, La., Woodlawn HS: Lettered for two years for Coach Dru Nettles and the Panthers ... Helped lead Woodlawn to the District 4-5A title in 2002 ... Honors: Named all-district and all-metro in 2002 ... Stats: Recorded 36 catches for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior and 42 receptions for 888 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior ... Basketball Achievements: Helped lead Woodlawn to the Louisiana Class 5A State Championship in 2002 ... Named the MVP of the 2002 State Championship game ... Personal: Son of Delores Gransberry ... Born Aug. 1, 1985 in Baton Rouge ...

Bicknell on Gransberry: "He is an exciting guy for us. He is definitely going to play wide receiver. I just can't figure out how anyone is going to stop him. He can run, he can catch and he is athletic. He is a guy that if he had the grades would be very heavily recruited."

Johnathan Darell Holland, WR, 6-0, 180, Archibald, La., Mangham HS: Lettered for four years for head coach Alan Ensminger and the Dragons ... Honors: Earned all-district honors as a tight end in 2000 and 2001, as a free safety in 2001 and as a wide receiver in 2002 ... Named all-state by the state coaches in 2001 and by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2002 ... Also named All-Northeast Louisiana in 2001 and 2002 ... Stats: Returned nine kicks for touchdowns in his career (5 punt returns, 4 kickoffs) ... Caught 95 passes for 1,457 yards and 24 touchdowns in his high school career ... Also rushed 59 times for 506 yards and five scores in 2002 ... Recorded 102 tackles and nine interceptions in two years at free safety ...Track Achievements: Was the state champion in the 400 meters in 2001 (49.98) and a member of the state runner-up 800-meter relay team (1:30.23) ... Was a member of the 400-meter (42.07), 800-meter (1:27.57) and 1600-meter (3:23.23) relay teams in 2002 ... The 400-meter and 800-meter relay times were Louisiana Class A records ... Was also the state runner-up in the 400-meters (49.80) in 2002 ... Recorded times of 10.69 in the 100-meters and 21.47 in the 200-meters during 2002 ... Personal: Son of Vernon and Elizabeth Holland ... born Feb. 18, 1985 in Monroe, La. ... Also played basketball in high school ...

Bicknell on Holland: "Just a stud receiver; we've loved him since day No. 1. We think he will be a great player for us. He runs, he catches, he can do it all. He has some size and can stretch the field for us. He is in the mold of a Tramissian Davis. He could possibly be someone who can come in and play for us."

Brannon Joseph Jackson, LB, 6-2, 220, Lake Charles, La., Washington-Marion HS: Lettered for four years for Coach Ed Thomas and the Indians ... Helped lead Washington-Marion to four straight district titles ... Honors: Two-time 1st team all-district ... Two-time District 4-4A MVP ... 1st team all-state as senior ... 2nd team all-state as junior ... 1st team all-southwest Louisiana ... all-southwest Louisiana MVP ... Rated as the No. 17 linebacker in the country by ESPN.com ... No. 32 by Rivals.com ... No. 56 by Theinsiders.com ... Stats: 136 tackles in 2001 ... 140 tackles, seven sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception in 2002 ... Personal: Son of Connie Jackson ... Has one sister, Jessica (14) ... Born April 13, 1985, in Lake Charles ... Also participated in the track and the power lifting team at Washington-Marion ...

Bicknell on Jackson: "He is a guy that we have liked for a long time. At first we really didn't think we had a shot at him, but we hung in there and ended up getting him. He is one of the better linebackers in the state. He is big, strong, physical and can run. He is a guy when he hits you, you know it. He has a knacked for getting leverage on you. He could play either middle or outside, but right now we are thinking outside."

Johnny Terrill Jackson, DL, 6-7, 290, Aliceville, Ala., Aliceville HS (East Central CC): Lettered three years for head coach Jackie Hurst and the Aliceville High School Yellow Jackets ... Helped lead Aliceville to the 1997 Class 3A State championship ... Also helped lead Aliceville to district titles in 1997, 1998 and 1999 ... Played at Holmes Community College in 2001 and then played at East Mississippi Community College in 2002 ... Honors: Earned first team all-state, all-district and all-county honors in 1999 at Aliceville HS ... Earned second team all-state and all-district honors in 1998 at Aliceville ... Named second team all-state at East Mississippi CC in 2002 ... Named one of the top five JUCO defensive ends in Mississippi ... Stats: Recorded 50 tackles, five sacks in 2002 helping lead ECCC to a 7-4 record and the South Division state runner-up title ... Personal: Son of Johnny and Ruby Lee Jackson ... Born May 7, 1982 in Green County, Ala. ... Committed to Auburn out of high school ... Signed with Louisville out of high school but did not qualify ... Signed with Tech in the fall ... Will participate in spring drills ...

Bicknell on Jackson: "A big, huge looking guy for a defensive lineman. I think he could possibly play defensive end or inside. A great looking player who hasn't played since two years ago. He will be here in the spring for practice. He's another guy we are really excited about."

Terrance Jackson, LB, 6-1, 235, Columbia, Mississippi, Columbia HS (Pearl River CC): Lettered for three years for head coach Joey Porter and the Columbia HS Wildcats ... Helped lead Columbia to the 1998 and 2000 district titles ... Columbia was the South State Champs in 1998 ... Also played two years for Pearl River Community College ... Honors: Named all-district in 1998 at linebacker ... Named honorable mention all-state in 1999 ... Earned all-state and all-region honors in 2000 ... Selected to the Mississippi JUCO All-State team in 2002 ... Stats: Recorded 118 tackles in 1998, 70 tackles in1999 and 120 tackles in 2000 ... Recorded 107 tackles in 2002 at Pearl River CC, including a 20-tackle performance against Holmes CC in the MACJC playoffs ... Personal: Son of Almeida and Robert Jackson ... Born April 2, 1982, in Hattiesburg, Miss. ... Also played basketball and participated in track and field ... Finished second in the state in the shot put in 2000-01 ... Goes by T.J. ...

Bicknell on Jackson: "Terrance is one of the guys when we looked at his tape, we decided he was one of our top guys that we wanted to get. He is really important for us because he gives us some experience having played junior college football. Obviously, we lost some linebackers off of last year's team and wanted to bring in some junior college linebackers. We just got one, but he is a good one. We feel like physically, he is a guy that has a chance to come in and play right away. He could play middle or outside, but chances are we will start him out at middle linebacker."

Jason Paul Lewis, OL/DL, 6-4, 295, St. James, La., St. James HS: Lettered for four years for Coach Rick Gaille and the Wildcats ... Helped lead St. James to the state quarterfinals as a freshman and sophomore and the state semifinals as a senior ... Also helped lead St. James to the district runner up all four years; Honors: honorable mention all-district as a junior ... All-district, all-bayou, all-River Parish and all-state as a senior; Stats: was the lead blocker on a team that rushed for over 2100 yards and passed for over 1,500 yards in 2002 ... Personal: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lewis, Sr. ... Born April 21, 1985, in Thibodeaux, La. ... Also participated on the track and field team and the power lifting team at St. James ...

Bicknell on Lewis: "A good athlete who played offense and defense. He is a guy who never came off the field, but played hard on every play. He is a good looking guy who we will probably put on the offensive line; either guard or tackle."

Tyler Miller, OT, 6-7, 285, Waco, Texas, Waco HS: Lettered two years for Coach Johnny Tusa and the Lions ... Helped lead Waco to the 2002 district title ... Honors: Earned all-district honors in 2002 ... Personal: Son of Jeff and Ruth Miller ... Born Feb. 18, 1985, in Waco, Texas ... Also played basketball for Waco High School ...

Bicknell on Miller: "This is a guy I am really excited about. He is someone who I think has tremendous upside. He is a kid that is going to get bigger. When I first saw him I was worried that when I looked at the tape he might be tripping all over himself, but he didn't. He has good flexibility and moves well."

Eddie Moss, DE, 6-3, 250, Meridian, Miss., Meridian HS (East Mississippi CC): Lettered two years for Tom Goodz at East Mississippi Community College ... Played fullback his first year at East Mississippi and defensive end his second year ... Honors: Selected to play in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges All-Star game ... Named second team all-state by the MACJC ... Stats: Recorded 39 solo tackles and 46 total tackles in 2002 ... Also registered two tackles for loss, eight sacks, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery and 16 quarterback pressures ... Personal: Son of Bertha Moss ... Born April 1, 1983, in Meridian, Miss. ...

Bicknell on Moss: "Eddie plays extremely hard and is a physical guy. I am very impressed with him as a person; great character. He is another guy who can probably come in and play for us immediately."

Joshua Woodrow Muse, DL, 6-4, 285, Baton Rouge, La., Denham Springs HS: Lettered three years for head coach Nolan Gill and the Yellow Jackets ... Honors: Named first team all-district on defense and second-team all-district on offense as a senior... Honorable mention all-state and honorable mention Superdozen in 2002... Named all-metro first team ... Played in the Metro All-Star game ... As a junior he was named 1st team all-district defense and all-metro ... Also named first tam all-district as a sophomore Member of the Rivals.com Louisiana Top 30 team ... Stats: Recorded 79 tackles including 10 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2002 ... Also registered three fumble recoveries and one interception ... Recorded 89 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior ... Personal: Son of Woodrow and Brenda Muse ... Born Nov. 23, 1984 in Baton Rouge ... Also played basketball as a sophomore and junior and participated on the track and field team as a sophomore and senior ...

Bicknell on Muse: "A big, strong, physical, inside-type defensive lineman. He plays hard and we think he has great upside. He is still young, but if he works hard, I think he will be a great player for us."

Zachary Wade Myatt, Kicker/Punter, 5-11, 180, College Station, Texas, A&M Consolidated HS: Lettered for three years for head coach Jim Slaughter and the Tigers ... Helped lead A&M Consolidated to the 2002 Bi-District title, regional championship and state quarterfinals ... 2002 Honors: 1st team PARADE All-American ... 1st team Student Sports Magazine All-American ... 2nd team Kicking.com All-American ...1st team 13-5A All-District kicker ...1st team all-area kicker ... 1st team Associated Press All-State kicker ... 2nd team TSWA All-State kicker ... Ranked as the No. 3 kicker in the nation by Theinsiders.com ... Ranked as the No. 6 kicker in the nation by Rivals.com; 2001 Honors: 1st team 16-5A All-District punter ... 2nd team 16-5A All-District kicker ... 1st team all-area kicker ... 2nd team TSWA All-State kicker; Stats: 4-5 FG, 28-32 XP in 2000; 14-16 FG, 17-17 XP in 2001; 17-23 FG, 49-51 XP in 2002; Career: 35-44 FG, 94-100 XP, Long FG of 53 yards; Personal: Goes by Zach ... Son of Wade and Yolanda Myatt ... has one younger brother Josh (14) ... Born Nov. 12, 1984 in Bryan, Texas ... Also played baseball in high school ... Believed to be Louisiana Tech's first Parade All-American

Bicknell on Myatt: "Zach is a great kicker. He is obviously getting a lot of press and a lot of honors, which he deserves. We had him in camp last summer, which is where we first saw him. We offered him early and we ended up getting him. We think he will continue Tech's great tradition of kickers. We didn't want to wait until next year to find a kicker. He can come in here and red-shirt this year behind Josh or if one of our kickers goes down, he can step in for us. He has a very good leg."

Willie Shelton Richardson, RB, 6-2, 235, Grenada, Miss., Grenada HS (Holmes CC): Lettered for two years for head coach Hugh Shurden at Holmes Community College ... Helped lead Holmes to the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior College (MACJC) state championship title in 2002 ... Played both quarterback and running back during junior college career ... Honors: Named first team All-MACJC, first team NJCAA All-Region 23 and an NJCAA All-American nominee at Holmes this year... Also named the Most Valuable Offensive Player ... Stats: Rushed 128 times for 627 yards and six touchdowns in only nine games in 2002 ... Averaged 4.9 yards per carry and 69.6 yards per game ... Also completed 11 of 38 passes for 116 yards and two scores ... Personal: Son of Eileen Richardson ... Born Feb. 22, 1982 in Jackson, Miss.... Goes by Shelton ...

Bicknell on Richardson: "A big, strong running back who we are very excited about. I just feel like he can be a real good player, and anyone who has seen him can see what I'm talking about. He is a Joe Smith type of running back. He played quarterback some at Holmes Community College so that shows what type of athlete he is."

Thaddeus Isaac Williams, DE, 6-3, 210, Independence, La., Independence HS: Lettered two years for coach Keith Carona and the Tigers ... Helped lead Independence to the co-district championship in 2001 and district runner up title in 2002 ... Honors: Named first team all-district and honorable mention all-state in 2002 ... Named honorable mention all-district as a junior ... Stats: Recorded 80 tackles, nine sacks and one fumble recovery in 2002 ... Personal: Son of Issac and Audrey Williams ... Born Dec. 19, 1984 in Hammond, La. ... Also ran track for four years in high school ... Will sit out one year to concentrate on academics ...

Bicknell on Williams: "A very, very fast guy who is a good pass rusher. Kind of a quiet kid, but he plays extremely hard. He just flies around the field. A good athlete, who is a little undersized right now, but we think he will get bigger. He could probably play linebacker or defensive end."

Bryon Dewayne Young, LB, 6-1, 250, Haughton, La., Bossier HS: Lettered three years for head coach Billy Don McHalfey at the Bearkats ... Helped lead Bossier to the 1-4A District title in 2000 and to the LHSAA state playoffs three straight years ... Honors: Named all-parish linebacker in 2000 ... Named all-district linebacker and all-parish tight end in 2001 ... Named all-district and all-parish linebacker and fullback in 2002 ... Named the District 2-4A and parish MVP at linebacker as a senior ... Also named all-city and all-state at linebacker in 2002 ... Stats: Ran for 1,036 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior while recording 86 tackles and two interceptions ... Track Achievements: Named all-city and all-parish in the shot put ... Finished fifth in the state in the shot with a mark of 54-9 ... Personal: Son of Alexis and Jeanette Young ... Born June 26, 1985 in Shreveport, La. ...

Bicknell on Young: "Really just an outstanding player. He played both ways in high school and was a very good running back as well. He is a great kid, and a very physical player at 250 pounds. He is a kid who could possibly play immediately for us. He is young but physically looks a lot older. I'm excited about him."