ADA – The East Central University football team has announced the addition of 25 new student-athletes for the 2016 season on national signing day. 

The Tigers are adding 21 freshman and four transfers for next season.  The list includes 19 players from Texas, three from Oklahoma, two from California and one from New Mexico.

"We are excited about the speed, toughness and overall ability of this class," said head coach Tim McCarty.  "This class has a chance to do something special for the ECU football program."

2016 Football Signing Class
Click on a student-athletes name to see a highlight video

DaJuan Adkinson, S, 6-0, 180, Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster)—Played for head coach Chris Gilbert…all-district HM…recorded 107 tackles, two interceptions and a 107 yard interception return for TD…played a major role in helping Lancaster to a 10-4 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the 5a playoffs.

Jordan Barge, OL, 6-4, 330, Valley Glen, Calif. (LA Valley College)—Played for head coach Juan Navarro…second team all-America, first team all-conference.

Tysean Boykins, MLB, 6-0, 220, Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster)—Played for head coach Chris Gilbert…second team all-district…tallied 130 tackles, four forced fumbles and seven sacks…played a major role in helping Lancaster to a 10-4 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the 5a playoffs.

Camnick Campbell, LB, 6-1, 230, Roswell, N.M. (New Mexico Military Institute)—Played for head coach Joe Forchtner…recorded 86 tackles, 0.5 sacks and one forced fumble…earned honorable mention all-conference.

Kyle Copeland, QB, 6-5, 205, Bonham, Texas (Bonham)—Coached by Tony Johnson…2015 All-Texomaland QB…2015 honorable mention all-district…2015 academic all-state…recorded 1,989 yards passing and 16 total TDs.

Lynden Edwards, S, 6'0, 180, Kimball, Texas (Kimball)—Coached by Henry Cofer…first team all-district…garnered 40 tackles, six forced fumbles, four interceptions and three defensive returns for TD's.

Trooper Elwonger, QB, 6-5, 225, Mesquite, Texas (Mesquite)— Coached by Robbie Robinson…2015 academic all-state.

Emerson Espinoza, WR, 6-2, 185, Denton, Texas (Denton)—Coached by Kevin Atkinson…recorded 48 receptions for 743 yards and 10 TDs…first team all-district and second team all-area.

Jordan Gipson, S, 6-3, 175, Jefferson, Texas (Jefferson)— Coached by Antwain Jimmerson…First Team All-District 8-3A…tallied 105 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception.

Kelvin Harris Jr., DT, 6-1, 270, Kimball, Texas (Kimball)—Coached by Henry Cofer…named Defensive MVP, first team all-district three times and Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman…recorded 68 tackles, 28 TFL, three forced fumbles and one TD.

Datavian Irving, DE, 6-5, 235, Jefferson, Texas (Jefferson)—Coached by Antwain Jimmerson…District 8-3A Defensive Lineman of the Year…Class 3A First Team All-State…tallied 114 tackles, seven forced fumbles, 13 sacks, 24 TFL and 14 QB hits.

Saveion James, CB, 5-10, 170, Justin, Texas (Northwest)—Coach by Bill Poe…first team all-district…also earned all-state honor in track & field. 

Mark Mims, WR, 6-0, 180, Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster)—Coached by Chris Gilbert…first team all-district…recorded 660 yards and 10 TDs…played a major role in helping Lancaster to a 10-4 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the 5a playoffs...rated a two star athlete by Yahoo! Sports.

Hayden Moore, OL, 6-5, 275, Duncan, Okla. (Duncan)—Coached by Craig Benson… two time all-district selection…earned all-state honorable mention honors….team captain…named to Max Emfinger All-America team…a three year starter.

Parker Rampy, OL, 6-4, 260, Midlothian, Texas (Midlothian)—Coached by Doug Wendel…team captain…two time all-district honorable mention selection. 

Austin Smith, CB, 6-1, 185, Chula Vista, Calif. (Southwestern College)—Coached by Ed Carberry…recorded 22 tackles and 10 PBUs in 2015.

Stacy Sublett, LB, 6-0, 200, Mesquite, Texas (North)—Coached by Mike Robinson…three year starter…earned first team all-district honors.

Xavier Scott, RB, 5-11, 215, Denton, Texas (Denton)—Coached by Kevin Atkinson…tallied 2,343 yards…named first team all-state, district MVP and co-offensive player of the year.

Jernell Sutherland, DE, 6-3, 245, Culver City, Calif. (West LA College)—Coached by Marguet Miller…recorded 41 tackles, 19 TFL, 10.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one TD….earned First Team All-Pacific League honors.

Montrae Toliver, CB, 5-10, 175, Justin, Texas (Northwest)—Coached by Bill Poe…second team all-district…caught two interceptions.

Ray Trent, ATH, 6-2, 205, Sulpher, Okla. (Sulpher)—Coached by Jim Dixon…All-Ardomorite Super Team Wide Receiver…an all-district corner back...also a member of the National Honors Society…earned all-district honors in basketball.

Hayward Turner, DE, 6-3, 240, Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster)—Coached by Chris Gilbert…first team all-district…tallied 10 Sacks…played a major role in helping Lancaster to a 10-4 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the 5a playoffs.

Ashanti White, LB, 6-0, 200, Mesquite, Texas (West)—Coached by Jeff Neill…named to the first team all-district lists twice…recorded 253 total tackles in two seasons… was the runner up for district MVP.

Carson Young, TE, 6-5, 215, Plano, Texas (East)—Coached by Joey McCullough…garnered 20 catches for 223 yards and two TDs…earned 2015 first team all-district deep snapper, honorable mention all-district tight end/wide receiver and 2014 second team all-district deep snapper honors.

Je'Qualon Wright, RB, 5-9, 185, Dallas, Texas (Seagoville)—Coached by Andy Gutierrez…District 13-5A Offensive MVP…recorded 1327 yards rushing with 14 TDs.