RUSTON ? Louisiana Tech head coach Jack Bicknell knew his coaching staff had some holes to fill with this year?s recruiting class, namely at running back and in the defensive backfield.

Bicknell knew he had to find some depth at running back for the departed Ryan Moats and immediate help in a secondary that lost three starters to graduation.

On Wednesday, Bicknell and his staff were successful in doing just that as Tech?s 24-man Class of 2005 included three running backs and seven defensive backs/safeties.

Three-time first team all-state running back Patrick Jackson of West St. John?s High School joins Bossier High School prep star Weldon Brown and Arlington-Martin High School stud Josh Lewis as the three tailbacks signing with Tech.

Although Tech does return Freddie Franklin, Mark Dillard and Shelton Richardson in the backfield, Bicknell said he needed more depth and that all three newcomers were versatile enough to play multiple offensive positions in college.

?We are excited about all three guys,? Bicknell said. ?I think all three of them have a great future ahead of them here. The great thing about all three is that they can also play wide receiver if we need them to. You could eventually see one or all of them playing multiple positions for us on the offense.?

Jackson rushed for over 3,000 yards and a Louisiana high school record 58 touchdowns this year while leading West St. John?s to its second consecutive Class 2A state title. The Edgard, La., native was named the Louisiana 2A State Most Valuable Player and is expected to enter the university?s engineering program.

Brown lettered three years for coach Billy McHallfey at Bossier High while leading the Bearkats to the state playoffs all three seasons while earning first team all-district accolades. Brown, who was named the District 2-4A Offensive MVP as a senior, rushed for a school record 1,875 yards and 27 touchdowns this year despite missing two games with an injury.

Lewis rushed for over 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns for Arlington Martin High School in Texas. The son of former Washington Redskins running back Timmy Smith was named the District 7-5A Sophomore of the Year in 2002 and first team all-district in 2004 while also being named to the Ft. Worth Star Telegram Super Team as a senior.

Among the seven defensive backs, Tech signed six junior college players in Sandy Ray Collins, Melvin Ellis, Keeven Moore, Anthony Moss, Marquis Surgon and Lurico Woods, and one area high school standout in Chad Beverage.

Collins, Moore, Spurgon and Woods were all December signees along with linebacker Jason Anthony and all five will enroll and participate in spring drills.

?We had to get some experience in the secondary; some immediate help,? Bicknell said. ?I feel like we accomplished that with this class. Every one of these seven have a chance to come in here and help us immediately, starting this spring.?

Beverage was a late addition to the Tech list as the former Airline High School standout chose the Bulldogs less than a week ago. The 6-foot-1-inch, 230-pound safety led Airline to the quarterfinal round of the 2004 state playoffs, registering 98 tackles and seven interceptions on the year. Bicknell said Beverage, who was recently named the Defensive MVP in Max Emfinger?s All-Star game played in Shreveport, could possibly be moved to linebacker.

Ellis played running back and defensive back at Port Gibson High School before signing with Itawamba Community College where he starred in the secondary the past two years. The preseason NJCAA All-American was named the Defensive MVP in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star game this year while also registering 16 pass breakups during the regular season.

Moss comes to Tech after one year at Jones Junior College in Ellisville, Miss. The former University of Wisconsin signee who starred at Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis, Missouri, was a Prep Star All-American choice in high school while leading the Spartans to the Class 5A state championship game as a senior. Moss, who was the district champ in the 100-meters as a senior in high school, redshirted one year at Wisconsin before transferring to Jones.

Tech also signed a pair of big, physical wide receivers in Liberty-Eylau prep star Josh Wheeler and Woodlawn High School star Brian Jackson. The 6-foot-5-inch Wheeler is a three-sport star in Texarkana, Texas, earning unanimous first team all-district honors in football, district co-MVP honors in basketball and a district title in the high jump in track and field.

Jackson, who was a member of the Woodlawn 2002 Class 5A state championship basketball team, set school receiving records with 84 career receptions and 24 career touchdown receptions. The 6-foot-3-inch wide receiver who didn?t start playing football until his junior year in high school is a first team all-district selection in both football and basketball.

Another local signee for Tech is Springhill High School linebacker Brian White who helped lead the Lumberjacks to four straight District 1-2A titles. White registered an impressive 165 tackles this year, including 18 tackles for loss and five sacks, earning second team all-state honors and first team all-district, all-parish and all-area accolades.

Other members of this year?s Tech signee class include Carencro High School offensive lineman Dwight Alexander, Northwest High School defensive end Mark Cassimere, John Ehret High School defensive lineman Chris Guient, Kinkaid (TX) High School tight end Anthony Harrison, Lutcher High School quarterback Dustin Mitchell, Landry High School quarterback Michael Mosley, Hastings (TX) High School linebacker Leanard Powell, John Ehret High School quarterback Kendrick Ussin, Rummel High School defensive lineman David Washington, and St. Pius X High School linebacker Michael Washington.


2005 Louisiana Tech Football Signing Class

Dwight David Alexander 6-6, 310, OL Carencro, La. (Carencro HS)
Jason Terrel Anthony* 5-10, 233, LB Augusta, Ga. (Holmes CC/Richmond Academy)
Chad Michael Beverage 6-1, 230, LB/S Bossier City, La. (Airline HS)
Weldon LaMarc Brown 5-10, 175, RB Shreveport, La. (Bossier HS)
Mark Lamar Cassimere 6-4, 240, DE Opelousas, La. (Northwest HS)
Sandy Ray Collins* 5-10, 190, DB Foxworth, Miss. (Pearl River CC/West Marion HS)
Melvin DeQuan Ellis 5-11, 170, DB Port Gibson, Miss. (Itawamba CC/Port Gibson HS)
Christon Guient 6-2, 270, DL Marrero, La. (John Ehret HS)
Anthony Drew Harrison 6-3, 215, TE Houston, Texas (Kinkaid HS)
Brian Reche Jackson 6-3, 190, WR Baton Rouge, La. (Woodlawn HS)
Patrick Anthony Jackson 5-11, 195, RB Edgard, La. (West St. John's HS)
Joshua Raye Lewis 5-9, 195, RB Arlington, Texas (Arlington Martin HS)
Dustin Floyd Mitchell 6-4, 225, TE Lutcher, La. (Lutcher HS)
Keeven David Moore* 5-11, 195, S Enid, Okla. (Northeast Okla. A&M JC/Enid HS)
Michael Anthony Mosley 6-1, 185, QB New Orleans, La. (Landry HS)
Anthony James Moss 5-11, 185, DB St. Louis, Missouri (Jones JC/Hazelwood East HS)
Leanard Dewayne Powell 6-0, 200, LB Winnfield, La. (Hastings HS)
Marquis E'Armon Spurgon* 6-0, 183, DB Verona, Miss. (Itawamba CC/Shannon HS)
Kendrick Anthony Ussin 5-11, 190, Athlete New Orleans, La. (John Ehret HS)
David Joseph Washington 5-11, 275, DL New Orleans, La. (Archbishop Rummel HS)
Michael Quintin Washington 6-1, 210, LB Houston, Texas (St. Pius X HS)
Joshua Robert Wheeler 6-6, 195, WR Texarkana, Texas (Liberty-Eylau HS)
Brian Rachard White 6-2, 208, LB Springhill, La. (Springhill HS)
Lurico Danyea Woods* 5-10, 170, DB Corinth, Miss. (Northeast Mississippi CC/Corinth HS)

*, December signee (will enroll in spring)


Biographical Information

Dwight David Alexander III
6-6, 310, OL
Carencro, La. (Carencro HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Mac Barousse at Carencro High School in Louisiana ? Helped lead the Bears to the District 3-5A title in 2002 and 2003 ? Carencro advanced to the state semifinals in 2003 ? Named second team all-district as a senior ? Also threw the discus for the Carencro track and field team for four years ? Personal: Son of Dwight and Monique Alexander ? Has two sisters, Brittany and Bethany ? Goes by Dwight ? Born June 21, 1987 in Ogden, Utah ? Age 17.


Jason Terrel Anthony
5-10, 233, LB
Augusta, Ga. (Holmes CC/Richmond Academy)

High School: Lettered four years for Coach Jim Turner at Richwood Academy in Augusta, Georgia ? Helped lead the Muskateers to the 1998 District 3-4A title ? Named first team all-state at running back as a senior ? Named second team all-state at linebacker as a freshman and junior ? Named first team all-district as a freshman, junior and senior ? Named the team MVP three times ? Also a member of the Richwood Academy track and field team all four years ? Participated in the 100-meters, on the 400-meter relay team and threw the shot put ? Junior College: Lettered two years for Coach Hugh Shurden at Holmes Community College in Goodman, Miss. ? Named second team all-state as a sophomore and honorable mention all-state as a freshman ? Played in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star game ? Led the state in tackles with 115, including eight tackles for loss, in 2004 ? Personal: Son of Bernadette Anthony ? Has one brother, Troy ? Goes by Jason ? His cousin, Tony Berry, played football for Rutgers ? Born Oct. 25, 1983, in Augusta, Georgia ? Age 21.


Chad Michael Beverage
6-1, 230, LB/S
Bossier City, La. (Airline HS)

High School: Lettered at safety his senior year for Coach Mike Greene at Airline High School ? Lettered his first three years for Coach Jim Gatlin at Parkway High School ? Helped lead Airline to the quarterfinal round of the 2004 5A playoffs before losing to West Monroe ? Registered 98 tackles, seven interceptions and eight forced fumbles in 2004 ? Returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown in the loss to West Monroe ? Named All-District 2-5A first team as a senior ? Also named first team all-city and all-parish by the Shreveport Times ? Named second team all-state ? Named first team All-District ?-4A at Parkway as a freshman (wide receiver), sophomore (linebacker, wide receiver) and junior (running back, linebacker) ? Also played baseball for three years, including junior year at Airline ? Personal: Son of Pam and Richard Burnside (stepfather) ... Has two sisters, Dawn Beverage and Mandi Beverage ? Has two brothers, Chuck Beverage and Brandon Burnside ? Goes by Chad ? Born Dec. 31, 1986, in Dallas, Texas ? Age 18.


Weldon LaMarc Brown
5-10, 175, RB
Shreveport, La. (Bossier HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Billy McHalffey at Bossier High School in Louisiana ? Helped lead the Bearkats to the state playoffs all three years ? Named first team All-District 2-4A three straight years (including as both a cornerback and running back in 2003) ? Named all-city by the Shreveport Times three straight years ? Named honorable mention all-state as a junior ? Named team MVP as a junior and senior ? Named District 2-4A Offensive MVP as senior ? Rushed for a school record 1,875 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2004 despite missing two and a half games with injury ? Also played baseball as a freshman at Bossier ? Was a member of the Bearkat track and field team running on the 400-meter relay team that went to state in 2004 ? Personal: Son of Roosevelt Brown ? Has two brothers, Tremell and Shay, and two sisters, Casey Farris and Crystal Davis ? Goes by Weldon ? Born May 12, 1987, in Shreveport, La. ? Age 17.

Mark Lamar Cassimere
6-4, 240, DE
Opelousas, La. (Northwest HS)

High School: Lettered for years for former Louisiana Tech Bulldog Rodney Lloyd at Northwest High School in Louisiana ? Helped lead the Raiders to the 3A state playoffs in 2001 and 2004 ? Earned first team all-district honors as punter and tight end in 2004 ? Named second team all-district at defensive line as a senior ? Named first team all-district at tight end as junior ? Named honorable mention all-district at defensive line as junior ? Named second team all-district at defensive line as junior ? Played basketball for four years for Northwest High School ? Named honorable mention all-state as a junior ? Also a member of the Northwest track and field team ? Threw the shot put and discus ? Was the district champ in the shot put and discus as a junior ? Finished second in state in the discus as a junior ? Personal: Son of Joseph and Patricia Cassimere ? Goes by Mark ? Born July 11, 1987, in Tioga, La. ? Age 17.

Sandy Ray Collins
5-10, 190, DB
Foxworth, Miss. (Pearl River CC/West Marion HS)

High School: Lettered four years at running back and cornerback for Coach Perry Coggins at West Marion High School in Mississippi ? Helped lead the Trojans to the District 8-3A title as a senior ? Named all-district at running back as a sophomore, junior and senior ? Named all-area by the Hattiesburg American as a sophomore, junior and senior ? Played basketball for West Marion for three years ? Named all-district at guard as a junior and senior ? Junior College: Lettered for two years at Pearl River for Coach Tim Hatten ? Helped lead Pearl River to the 2004 MACJC and National Junior College national title and a 12-0 record ? Member of a Pearl River defense that ranked eighth nationally in total defense ? Led the team with over 100 tackles as a sophomore ? Named best defensive back on the team ? Nominated to play in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star game ? Personal: Son of Janice Tyson and Richard Hill ? Has one sister, Shawanda Collins ? Goes by Sandy Ray ? Born July 10, 1983, in Columbia, Miss. ? Age 21.


Melvin DeQuan Ellis
5-11, 170, DB
Port Gibson, Miss. (Itawamba CC/Port Gibson HS)

High School: Lettered two years for Coach Gary Wright at Port Gibson High School in Mississippi ? Played both running back and defensive back for the Blue Waves ? Named first team all-area at running back as a junior ? Also ran track for Port Gibson ? Was named a high school All-American in the 400-meters (50.24) ? Participated in the Junior Olympics in 2001 in Sacramento, Calif. ? Finished 10th in the 200-meters and 9th in the 400-meters at the Junior Olympics ? Junior College: Lettered two years for Coach Jeff Terrell at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Miss ? Helped lead Itawamba to the playoffs and a second place finish in the North Division in 2004 ? Played in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star game and was named the Defensive MVP of the game ? Named Preseason honorable mention All-American ? Registered 16 pass break ups, 38 tackles and one interception for Itawamba as a sophomore ? Personal: Son of Mary Berry ? Goes by Melvin ? Born Sept. 8, 1984, in Port Gibson, Miss. ? Age 18.

Christon Guient
6-2, 270, DL
Marrero, La. (John Ehret HS)

High School: Lettered four years at defensive tackle and end for Coach Billy North at John Ehret High School in Louisiana ? Helped lead the Patriots to the 2001 and 2004 District 7-5A titles ? Named first team all-district as a senior ? Named first team all-metro and all-West Bank by the New Orleans Times Picayune as a senior ? Named second team all-state in 2004 ? Personal: Son of Juanita Simmons and Vincent Guient ? Has three sisters, Christie Yerks, Chrischel Guient, Chrishona Guient ? Has five brothers, Vincent Guient Jr., Damien Guient, Christopher Guient, Chrischon Guient and Joshua Guient ? Goes by Chris ? His uncle Chandler Mouton played running back at Ole Miss in the 1990s ? Born Oct. 8, 1985, in New Orleans, La. ? Age 19.


Anthony Drew Harrison
6-3, 215, TE
Houston, Texas (Kinkaid HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Gary McMillian at The Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas ? Helped lead the Falcons to the 2003 Southwest Preparatory Conference title and the Texas Private School championship title ? Played running back, tight end, wide receiver, safety and linebacker during his high school career ? Named first team All-SBC at linebacker in 2003 and at tight end in 2004 ? Named honorable mention All-SBC at safety in 2002 ? Ranked 70th by Rivals.com in the Texas Top 100 ? Ranked No. 124 in the state of Texas by Max Emfinger ? Caught 22 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns as a senior ? Caught 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in his career ? Played baseball as a freshman and sophomore (CF, 1B, and P) ? Played varsity basketball as a sophomore and senior ? Made the all-tournament team at the Magnolia Tournament as a sophomore ? Named honorable mention All-SBC as a sophomore ? Personal: Son of Tony and Denise Harrison ? Has four sisters, Tonya, Teacia, Elizabeth and Essance ? Has one brother, Allen ? Goes by Anthony ? His cousin Tony Harrison played wide receiver at Texas A&M from 1990-93 ? Born June 12, 1986, in Houston ? Age 18.

Brian Reche Jackson
6-3, 190, WR
Baton Rouge, La. (Woodlawn HS)

High School: Lettered two years for Coach Drew Nettles at Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge ? Helped lead the Knights to the 5A state playoffs as a junior ? Named all-district second team as a junior and all-district first team as a senior ? Named honorable mention all-state as a senior ? Set school career receiving records with 84 receptions and 24 touchdowns ? Caught for over 800 yards and a school single season record 13 touchdowns as a junior ? Caught for over 700 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior ? Also played basketball for three years for Woodlawn ? Was a member of the 2002 Louisiana Class 5A state championship team ? Named all-district as a junior, averaging over 14 points and 12 rebounds per game ? Personal: Son of Lloyd and Adele Ellis ? Has two brothers, Chris and Cory ? Goes by Brian ? Uncle Robert Lee Jackson played football at Grambling State ? Born July 31, 1986, in Baton Rouge, La. ? Age 18.


Patrick Anthony Jackson
5-11, 195, RB
Edgard, La. (West St. John's HS)

High School: Lettered four years for Coach Laury DuPont at West St. John's High School in Louisiana ? Helped lead the Rams to four straight District 9-2A titles and the Louisiana State 2A title in 2003 and 2004 ? Three-time all-state, all-district, all-metro and all-River Parish ? Named the Louisiana 2A state Most Valuable Player in 2004 ? Named the district and All-Metro Offensive MVP in 2004 ? Named to the SuperPrep All-Regional team ? Set a Louisiana state record by scoring 58 touchdowns (53 rushing, 5 receiving) in 2004 ? Rushed for 3,013 yards in 2004 ? Rushed for 263 yards and four touchdowns in West St. John's 46-2 win over St. Helena Central in the 2004 state championship game ? Named the game's Most Outstanding Player ? Listed as the 52nd best running back in the country by Rivals.com ? Also a member of the West St. John's High School track team ? Ran the 100-meters, 200-meters and on the 400-meter and 800-meter relay teams ? Personal: Son of Henry and Collete Jackson ? Has one sister, Megan ? Goes by Patrick ? Carries a 4.1 grade point average in college prep courses ? Cousin Tyson Jackson plays at LSU ? Born Sept. 10, 1987, in LaPlace, La. ? Age 17.


Joshua Raye Lewis
5-9, 195, RB
Arlington, Texas (Arlington Martin HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Ronnie Laurence at Arlington Martin High School in Texas ? Was a standout running back for the Warriors of District 7-5A ? Named the District 7-5A Sophomore of the Year in 2002 ? Named first team all-district as a senior ? Named to the Ft. Worth Star Telegram Super Team as a senior ? Nominated for the Workman Award ? As a senior, led the district in rushing with 1,408 yards and 14 touchdowns on 222 carries ? Recorded 296 yards rushing against Halton as a senior ? Had three runs of over 80 yards in 2004 ? Also a member of the Arlington Martin track and field team ? Ran the 100 meters and was a member of the 400-meter relay team ? Personal: Son of Abbie Lewis and Timmy Smith ? Has one brother, Ryan ? Goes by Josh ? His father was a member of the Washington Redskins and ran for a Super Bowl record 204 yards and two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos in a 42-10 win in Super Bowl XXII ? Born Oct. 26, 1986, in Lubbock, Texas ? Age 18.


Dustin Floyd Mitchell
6-4, 225, TE
Lutcher, La. (Lutcher HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Tim Detillier at quarterback and free safety at Lutcher High School in Louisiana ? Helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2003 District 10-3A title and the Louisiana Class 3A state title ? Lutcher defeated Notre Dame 15-7 in the state title game ? Passed for over 1,900 yards as a senior while rushing for over 400 yards and 10 scores ? Threw for over 2,700 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior ? Named first team all-district at quarterback as a junior and senior ? Named All-River Parish and honorable mention all-metro as a junior ? Lettered four years for the Lutcher basketball team ? Helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2004 district title ? Averaged 14.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game at small forward as a junior while earning second team all-district honors ? Played baseball for three years ? Named second team all-district as a pitcher as junior ? Personal: Son of Floyd and Cynthia Mitchell ? Has one sister, Tatum ? Goes by Dustin ? Cousin of former Bulldogs Jerron Wishom and Jemelle Cage ? Born Jan. 11, 1987, in LaPlace, La. ? Age 17.


Keeven David Moore
5-11, 195, S
Enid, Okla. (Northeast Oklahoma A&M JC/Enid HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Ed Jones at Enid High School in Oklahoma ? Played running back and helped lead the Plainsmen to the 2000 state playoffs ? Named first team All-District 6-4A as a junior and senior ? Also ran track for Enid High School ? Participated in the 100-meters, 200-meters and as part of the 400-meter relay team ? As a junior won district and conference in the 100-meters and finished fourth at state in the event ? Junior College: Lettered two years at Northeast Oklahoma A&M Junior College in Miami, Oklahoma ? Played safety for Coach Dale Patterson as a freshman and for Coach Steve Patterson as a sophomore ? Helped lead Northeast Oklahoma A&M to the Southwest Conference championship and the Dalton Defenders Bowl as a freshman ? Registered 76 tackles as a sophomore ? Personal: Son of David and Linda Moore ? Has one sister, Jennifer ? Born Feb. 15, 1985, in Hollis, Okla. ? Age 19.


Michael Anthony Mosley
6-1, 185, QB
New Orleans, La. (Landry HS)

High School: Lettered two years at quarterback for Coach Skip Lamothe at Landry High School in Louisiana ? Helped lead the Buccaneers to the state playoffs in 2004 ? Named first team All-District 11-3A as a junior and senior ? Named first team All-West Bank by the New Orleans Times Picayune in 2004 ? Named honorable mention all-metro by the New Orleans Times Picayune in 2004 ? Named a Blue Chip prospect by the Baton Rouge Advocate ? Named team MVP as a senior ? Completed 108 of 212 passes for 1,623 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior ? Rushed 64 times for 451 yards and four scores ? Played baseball for three years ? Named all-district at pitcher as a junior ? Played basketball as a freshman and sophomore ? Ran track as a junior and senior ? Ran the 400-meters and threw the javelin ? Personal: Son of Debbie Lenier ? Has one sister, Mallen Mosley, and one brother, LeRoy Mosley ? Goes by Mike ? Born May 23, 1987, in New Orleans, La. ? Age 17.


Anthony James Moss
5-11, 185, DB
St. Louis, Missouri (Jones JC/Hazelwood East HS)

High School: Lettered two years for Coach Corey Johnson as running back and cornerback at Hazelwood High School in St. Louis, Missouri ? Helped lead the Spartans to the Suburban North District titles in 2000 and 2001 and the 5A state championship game as a senior ? Prep Star All-America choice ? Named to the Prep Football Report and Super Prep All-Midlands teams ? Named all-St. Louis ? Named honorable mention all-state and second team all-conference choice as a senior after rushing for 1,068 yards and 14 touchdowns ? Signed with the University of Wisconsin out of high school ? Redshirted as a freshman and then transferred to Jones Community College ? Also played basketball as a freshman and sophomore at Hazelwood High School ? Ran the 100-meters and the 400-meter relay for the Hazelwood track and field team ? Was the district champ in the 100-meters as a senior and finished fifth in state ? Junior College: Lettered in 2004 for Coach Parker Dykes at Jones Community College in Ellisville, Miss. ? Helped lead Jones to a 7-4 mark and the Golden Isles Bowl vs. Blinn Community College ? Personal: Son of Rosetta Moss and Edward Knowlton ? Has one sister, Aviana Ward ? Goes by Tony ? His cousin Benny Broyles Jr. played football at Arkansas State ? Born Nov. 10, 1983, in West Memphis, Ark. ? Age 21.


Leanard Dewayne Powell
6-0, 220, LB
Winnfield, La. (Hastings HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Wade Luker at Hastings High School in Houston, Texas ? Helped lead the Bears to the District 19-5A title in 2002 and the state quarterfinals ? Named second team all-district in 2004 ? Named academic all-state as a senior ? Will play in the Lone Star Bowl in Prairieland, Texas ? Also a member of the Hastings track and field team for three years ? Competes in the shot put ? Personal: Son of Dianne Powell and Mitchell Rowe ? Has four sisters, Ryan, Eryn, Tori and Kaci ? Has three brothers, Troy, Dexter and Bryant ? Goes by Leanard ? Cousin of Chicago Bears running back Anthony Thomas ? Cousins Garlon Powell and Greg Powell played at Louisiana Tech in the 1980s ? Born April 29, 1986, in Natchitoches, La. ? Age 18.

Marquis E'Armon Spurgon
6-0, 183, DB
Verona, Miss. (Itawamba CC/Shannon HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Porter Casey at Shannon High School in Mississippi ? Played free safety and wide receiver for the Red Raiders ? Helped lead Shannon High School to the District 2-3A title in 2000 and the 1-4A title in 2001 ? Named all-area by the Lee County Daily Journal at wide receiver as a senior ? Named all-district at free safety as a junior and at wide receiver as a senior ? Also lettered in basketball for four years at small forward ? Played baseball as a freshman, sophomore and senior ? Member of the Shannon High School track and field team as a freshman and senior ? Participated in the 400-meters, 800-meters and triple jump ? Also a member of the 400-meter and 1,600-meter relay teams ? Junior College: Lettered two years for Coach Jeff Terrel at Itawamba Junior College in Fulton, Miss. ? Named second team all-state in 2004 ? Ranked fourth in the state as a freshman with six interceptions ? Led Itawamba with 85 tackles and four interceptions in 2004 ? Personal: Son of Melvin and Brenda Spurgon ? Has two brothers, Martez and Tevin ? Goes by Marquis ? Born May 17, 1985, in Tupelo, Miss. ? Age 19.


Kendrick Anthony Ussin
5-11, 190, Athlete
New Orleans, La. (John Ehret HS)

High School: Lettered four years for Coach Billy North at John Ehret High School in Marrero, Louisiana ? Played quarterback and led the Patriots to the 2004 District 7-5A title and the state quarterfinals ? Named all-district as a junior and senior ? Named all-metro by the New Orleans Times Picayune in 2004 ? Named first team All-West Bank in 2004 ?Named a Blue Chip prospect by the Baton Rouge Advocate ? Passed for over 2,000 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior ? Rushed for over 800 yards and eight scores ? Also a member of the John Ehret track and field team ? Ran the 100-meters and also was a member of the 400-meter and 800-meter relay teams ? Personal: Son of Kim Triple and Kenneth Ussin ? Has three brothers, Anthony Roussell, Joseoph Triple and Kenny Ussin ? Goes by Kendrick ? Born Sept. 8, 1986, in New Orleans, La ? Age 18.


David Joseph Washington
5-11, 275, DT
New Orleans, La. (Archbishop Rummel)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Jay Roth at Archbishop Rummel High School in Louisiana ? Helped lead the Raiders to the District 10-5A title as a sophomore and junior ? Registered 110 tackles, five forced fumbles, four sacks and two fumble recoveries as a senior ? Had 32 tackles and three sacks as a junior ? Had 24 tackles and two sacks as a sophomore ? Named first team all-district as a senior ? Named first team All-East Jefferson Parish as a senior by the New Orleans Times Picayune ? Named All-Catholic League by the coaches ? Also a member of the Rummel wrestling team ? Personal: Son of James and Gloria Washington ? Has two sisters, Trina Soloman and Toyja Washington ? Has two brothers, James Washington III and Alvvin Morrison Jr. ? Goes by David ? His cousin Donovan Morgan played wide receiver at UL-Lafayette in 2001 and has played in NFL Europe ? Born Aug. 25, 1987, in New Orleans, La. ? Age 17.


Michael Quintin Washington
6-1, 210, LB
Houston, Texas (St. Pius X HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Robin Kirk at St. Pius X High School in Texas ? Three-time all-district at running back ? Named the 2003-04 District Athlete of the Year by TAPPs ? Also played basketball for St. Pius X for three years ? Named second team all-state in basketball ? Member of the St. Pius X track and field team ? Participated in the triple jump, long jump, 400-meter relay and 800-meter relay ? Personal: Son of April and Michael Washington ? Has one sister, Delazray, and one brother, Rayshawn ? Born Nov. 1, 1985, in Houston, Texas ? Age 19.


Joshua Robert Wheeler
6-6, 195, WR
Texarkana, Texas (Liberty-Eylau HS)

High School: Lettered for three years for head coach Pat Brady at Liberty-Eylau High School in Texarkana, Texas ? Played both wide receiver and punter ? Helped lead the Leopards to the 2004 District 14-3A title, the first for the school in 37 years ? Caught 35 passes for 702 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior ? Earned unanimous first team all-district honors as a senior at wide receiver ? Was named first team all-district as a junior at punter ? Named to the Texarkana Gazette's All-Area team as a junior and senior ? Named first team academic all-state ? Also ran track for Liberty-Eylau ? Was the state's 3A champion in the high jump (6'11") as a junior ? Finished third at state in the 300 hurdles as a junior ? Member of the 1,600-meter relay team that finished second at state as a junior ? Member of the mile relay team that finished second at state as a sophomore ? Also lettered in basketball ? Named the District Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore ? Named the District Co-MVP as a junior ? Named second team all-area by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches as a junior ? Named preseason all-state as a senior ? Personal: Son of Robin and Raydean Wheeler ? Has one brother, Raydean Wheeler Jr., and one sister, Courtney Nelson ? Goes by Josh ? Ranks in top 5 in senior class academically ? Scored 28 on ACT as a freshman ? Father played basketball at Arkansas College (now Lyon College) ? Born Jan. 11, 1987, in Searcy, Ark. ? Age 17.


Brian Rachard White
6-2, 218, LB
Springhill, La. (Springhill HS)

High School: Lettered four years for Coach Benny Reeder at Springhill High School in Louisiana ? Helped lead the Lumberjacks to four straight District 1-2A titles and the state playoffs ? Totaled 165 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, five sacks and eleven blocked kicks as a senior ? Named second team all-state as a senior ? Named first team all-district, all-parish and all-area as a junior and senior ? Also a member of the Springhill track and field team ? Participated in the 400-meter relay, 800-meter relay, high jump and shot put ? Personal: Son of Kathleen and Bobby White ? Has one brother, Brandon ? Goes by Brian ? His cousin, DJ Curry, lettered for Louisiana Tech for four years ? Born Oct. 26, 1986, in Shreveport, La. ? Age 18.


Lurico Danyea Wood
5-10, 170, DB
Corinth, Miss. (Northeast Mississippi CC/Corinth HS)

High School: Lettered three years for Coach Jimmy Mitchell at Corinth High School in Mississippi ? Helped lead the Warriors to the district title in both 2001 and 2002 and the state championship game in 2002 ? Named first team all-state as a senior ? Named the County Defensive Player of the Year by the Daily Corinthian in 2001 ? Played in the Mississippi High School Coaches Association All-Star Game (North-South) in 2001 ? Led the state with 15 interceptions as a senior ? Played basketball for four years at Corinth ? Helped lead Corinth to the Mississippi 3A state championship title as a sophomore and junior ? Named the team's Defensive MVP as a junior and senior ? Junior College: Lettered two years for Coach Andy Green at Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville ? Named all-state as a sophomore ? Named as a Preseason NJCAA All-American in 2004 ? Named the team's Best Defensive Back as a sophomore ? Recorded three interceptions in 2004, returning two for scores ? Personal: Son of Angela Massey and Carlton Wood ? Has two brothers, Deonta Herman and Cord Wood, and one sister, Tyesha Patterson ? Goes by Rico ? Born April 27, 1984, in Corinth, Miss. ? Age 20.