EMU FOOTBALL INKS 18 in 2019 EARLY SIGNING PERIOD Head Coach Chris Creighton Adds Players from 10 Different States

Athletic Media Relations Office

Assoc. AD/Media Relations: Greg Steiner 799 North Hewitt Road Asst. Director of Media Relations: Katie Gonzales Convocation Center Suite 307 Asst. Director of Media Relations: Kyler Ludlow Ypsilanti, MI 48197 AMR Senior Associate Graduate Assistant: Tim Hepler 734.487.0317 / 734.487.0318 AMR Graduate Assistant: Trent Hanselmann & Maddie Heaps @EMUAthletics / #EMUEagles Student Assistants: Jessica Crusan & Barry Keyes EMUEagles.com Dec. 19, 2018 For Immediate Release EMU FOOTBALL INKS 18 IN 2019 EARLY SIGNING PERIOD Head Coach Chris Creighton adds players from 10 different states

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Chris Creighton officially welcomed 18 student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Dec. 19, during the Early Signing Period. All have committed to join the Eagles for the 2019 campaign.

The class includes 11 defensive and seven offensive players representing 10 different states. On defense, EMU adds five recruits in the defensive backfield, four defensive linemen, and two linebackers, while also signing four offensive linemen, a wide receiver, a running back, and a tight end on offense.

“This is another strong class,” said Creighton. “We found what we were looking for, so today is a huge day. There is serious talent in this group, but there is also high character, crazy work ethic, and intense determination to be great. With their excitement and conviction about being a part of the Eastern Michigan football family – this class makes us better.”

The highly anticipated class features all 18 players ranked by the national recruiting services, including 10 rated as three-star prospects.

In its second year, the early signing period was approved by the NCAA in May 2017. It allows high school seniors a 72- hour window in December to sign a national letter of intent with the school of their choice. It comes about two months before National Signing Day, which is Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019.

Eastern Michigan finished its 2018 season with a 7-6 record and its second postseason bowl appearance in the last three seasons with a trip to the Camellia Bowl. EMU closed the regular season with five straight Mid-American Conference victories for its first winning record in conference play since 1995. Furthermore, the Green and White’s 22.1 points allowed per game tied for the 11th-best mark in school history in the modern era (since 1976), and the best since 1993.

On the national scale, Eastern owned the third-best redzone defense in the NCAA, while holding opponents to 150.0 passing yards per game, the third-fewest in the nation. EMU ranked 11th in turnover margin, 12th in passing efficiency defense, 13th in turnovers gained, 17th in fumbles recovered, 18th in blocked kicks, 21st in fourth down conversion defense, 28th in interceptions, and 33rd in scoring defense.

Eastern Michigan kicks off the 2019 season at Coastal Carolina University, Aug. 31, before heading to Lexington, Ky. to battle the University of Kentucky, Sept. 7. The Eagles then look for their third consecutive victory over a Big Ten Conference opponent with a visit to the University of Illinois, Sept. 14. The Eagles return home Saturday, Sept. 21, against Central Connecticut State University to open a new-look Rynearson Stadium that will feature the new Student-Athlete Performance and Success Center.

In Mid-American Conference play, the Eagles will host Ball State, Buffalo, Kent State, and Western Michigan. Road games will be at Akron, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, and Toledo.

The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU’s signees... page 2 - football announces 2019 recruiting class

2019 Eastern Michigan University Football Recruits

Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School De’Anthony Ball WR 6-1 175 Fr.-Fr. Atlanta, Ga.-Carver Richard Bates Jr. OL 6-3 300 Jr.-Jr. Kenner, La.-Scotlandville Magnet-Independence C.C. Darius Boone RB 5-11 190 Fr.-Fr. Tulsa, Okla.-Union DeZaun Brooks DL 6-4 240 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis. Ind.-Lawrence Central Charles Brown Jr. LB 6-1 215 Fr.-Fr. Edgewood, Md.-Hartford Technical Brandon Burks LB 6-2 240 Jr.-Jr. Reynoldsburg, Ohio-Pickerington-Tiffin-Butler C.C. Bryson Cannon TE 6-2 240 Jr.-Jr. Columbia, S.C.-Dutch Fork-Independence C.C. Aaron Hamilton DL 6-2 270 Fr.-Fr. Alpharetta, Ga.-Johns Creek Korey Hernandez DB 6-0 180 Jr.-So. Decatur, Ga.-Cedar Grove-Arkansas-Iowa Western C.C. Kendric Nowling DB 6-2 195 Fr.-Fr. Chicago, Ill.-Marist Broderick Jordan OL 6-3 295 Fr.-Fr. Lansing, Mich.-Okemos Mark Lee DB 6-0 185 Fr.-Fr. Columbus, Ohio-Northland Jimi McAdams OL 6-5 290 Fr.-Fr. Parma, Ohio-Padua Franciscan Alex Merritt DL 6-2 270 Fr.-Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio-Moeller William Racely OL 6-4 290 Fr.-Fr. Flushing, Mich.-Flushing Kempton Shine DB 6-0 175 Fr.-Fr. Chicago, Ill.-St. Rita Corry Thomas Jr. DB 5-10 183 Fr.-Fr. Atlanta, Ga.-Westlake Grant Trueman DL 6-3 240 Jr.-Jr. Chino Hills, Calif.-Chino Hills-Citrus College page 3 - football announces 2019 recruiting class

Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School

De’Anthony Ball WR 6-1 175 Fr.-Fr. Atlanta, Ga.-Carver

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Carver High School and played under Head Coach Darren Myles as a Panther...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals...Earned First Team All-Region honors at 6-AAAAA...Grabbed 43 passes for 876 yards and eight touchdowns in 2018...Recognized by the Georgia Sports Writers Association’s All-State football team as a junior...Racked up 978 yards receiving in 2017... PERSONAL: Full name: De’Anthony Bernarde Ball...Son of Ronarde Ball and Lencia Brathwaite...Has two sisters, Niyanna and Tamia...Exercise science major.

Richard Bates Jr. OL 6-3 300 Jr.-Jr. Kenner, La.- Scotlandville Magnet-Independence C.C.

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...INDEPENDENCE CC: Spent two seasons at Independence Community College playing under Head Coach Jason Brown...Played in 11 games during the 2017 campaign but only made one appearance in 2018...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Scotlandville Magnet High School and played under Head Coach LaVonta Davis as a Hornet...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Was named captain his junior and senior seasons, where his team went 22-3 during that span...Named all-district his sophomore, junior, and senior year, as well as all-state in his junior and senior years...Played in the Louisiana Army All Star game...PERSONAL: Full name: Rich- ard Calvin Bates Jr....Son of Richard Bates Sr. and Deidre Ashton...Has one brother, Jeffery Burton, and one sister, Raivyn Bates...Business management major.

Darius Boone Jr. RB 5-11 190 Fr.-Fr. Tulsa, Okla.-Union

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Union High School and played under Head Coach Kirk Fridrich as a Redskin...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and a two-star by Rivals... Listed as the 17th overall prospect in the OKPreps 2019 rankings and is also ranked as the fourth overall running back in the state of Oklahoma...During his senior season, had 238 rushes for 1,542 yards and 24 touchdowns...Also had 13 catches for 185 yards in 2018...Had three catches for 105 yards, seven rushes for 68 yards and three total TDs in a 65-7 win over Southmoore...Had 29 carries for 153 yards and a score in a 27-24 loss to Jenks...Was No. 17 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 rankings for top recruits in the state after rushing for 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior...PERSONAL: Full name: Darius Duane Boone Jr...Son of Darius Boone Sr. and LaQuisha Delonia...Has one brother, Corey Sango Jr., and one sister, Zuri-Ocean Boone...Business management major.

DeZaun Brooks DL 6-4 240 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis. Ind.-Lawrence Central

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lawrence Central High School and played under Head Coach John Rodenburg as a Bear...Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports...Was given an All- MIC honorable mention honors...In his senior year, put together 48 tackles, 20 of them being solo stops and had five sacks...Also participated in wrestling and track and field...PERSONAL: Full name: DeZaun Kyonte’ Brooks (pronounced duh-shawn)...Son of Justin Dunham and Sharii Tubonemi...Has two brothers, Justin and Mekhi, and a sister, Nevaeh... Pre- Engineering major. page 4 - football announces 2019 recruiting class

Charles Brown Jr. LB 6-1 215 Fr.-Fr. Edgewood, Md.-Hartford Technical

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Hartford Technical High School and played under Head Coach Timothy Plamer as a Cobra...Was a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain...Played linebacker and defensive end...Finished his senior year with 65 tackles, 7.5 sacks, five tackles-for-loss, and four forced fumbles while carrying the ball 28 times for 287 yards and five touchdowns...Added eight tackles and a fumble recovery in a 52-25 win at Bo Manor...Selected to the Maryland Crab Bowl as a two-time all-conference and all-county honoree... Is also the school record holder for discus...PERSONAL: Full name: Charles Yusef Brown Jr....Son of Charles Brown Sr. and Victoria Brown...Has one brother, Taron Little, and three sisters, Eternity, Beverly, and Tanasia...Sports performance and fitness entrepreneurship major.

Brandon Burks LB 6-2 240 Jr.-Jr. Reynoldsburg, Ohio - Pickerington-Tiffin-Butler C.C.

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...BUTLER CC: Attended Butler (Kan.) Community College and played for Head Coach Tim Schaffner as a Grizzly...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports...Notched five tackles...TIFFIN UNIVERSITY: Earned Second Team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors...Turned in a breakout season for the Dragons, leading the team with 91 tackles...Had a team-best 13 tackles-for-loss, which led the GLIAC...Had 6.5 sacks for a total of 42 yards and one interception for nine yards...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Pickerington High School and played under Head Coach Jay Sharrett as a Tiger...A three-time letter-winner and a single year captain... Won four Ohio Capital Conference titles...Also lettered in basketball and track where he was named all-district in the 4x100 and shot put...PERSONAL: Full name: Brandon Alexander Burks...Son of David and Alisha Burks...Father played football at the University of Wisconsin from 1985-89...Has one brother, Isaiah, and two sisters, Brea and Shardi Serrano... Education major.

Bryson Cannon TE 6-2 240 Jr.-Jr. Columbia, S.C.-Dutch Fork-Independence C.C.

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...INDEPENDENCE CC: Spent two seasons at Independence Community College racking up 21 games played and 40 receptions under Head Coach Jason Brown...Ranked as a three- star recruit by 247Sports and a two-star by Rivals...Played in 10 games in 2018, recording 15 catches for 106 yards and a TD...As a freshman, appeared in 11 games with 25 receptions for an average of 9.2 yards a catch...HIGH SCHOOL: At- tended Dutch Fork High School and played under Head Coach Thomas Knotts as a Silver Fox...Helped his team record a 15-0 record as a senior with a pair of state championships...Was also a three-year member of the basketball team... PERSONAL: Full name: Bryson Averey Cannon...Son of Curtis Sean and Andreas Cannon...Has one brother, Curtis Sean Cannon Jr., and one sister, Morgan Cannon...Exercise science major.

Aaron Hamilton DL 6-2 270 Fr.-Fr. Alpharetta, Ga.-Johns Creek

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Johns Creek High School playing under Head Coach Matt Helmerrich as a Gladiator...Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports...Named a captain his junior and senior year while lettering all four years...First team all-region selection as well as second team all-region selection...Also lettered in wrestling...PERSONAL: Full name: Aaron Bernard Hamilton...Son of Walter McCarthur and Lakisha Fedd...Has two brothers, Jalan and Jaden, and one sister, Abby...Entrepreneurship major. page 5 - football announces 2019 recruiting class

Korey Hernandez DB 6-0 180 Jr.-So. Decatur, Ga.-Cedar Grove-Arkansas-Iowa Western C.C.

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...IOWA WESTERN CC: Attended Iowa Western Community College and played for Head Coach Scott Strohmeier as a Reiver...Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals... Earned First Team All-Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) honors...Played in 11 games during the 2018 season recording 56 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, and two forced fumbles...Had nine stops against Garden City Com- munity College...Added eight tackles and two forced fumbles at Ellsworth Community College...ARKANSAS: Redshirted during initial year on campus...Enrolled in January 2017 and participated in spring practice....HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cedar Grove High School and played under Head Coach Jimmy Smith as a Saint...Was listed as a three-star recruit in high school according to Rivals... Consensus three-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports...Ranked the No. 65 player at his position by ESPN and No. 71 by Scout...Tabbed the No. 8 cornerback in the state of Georgia and No. 26 in the south by Scout...Rated the No. 91 player in the state by ESPN and No. 98 by Rivals...Started at defensive back and also contributed on special teams and wide receiver...Helped the Saints take home its first football state championship in Class AAA with a 30-18 victory over Greater Atlanta Christian, finishing the season with 13-2 overall record and a 6-1 mark in league play in 2016...Finished senior season with 64 total tackles, 27 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and three interceptions en route to earning all-region first-team honors...Totaled over 1,000 all-purpose yards through the air, kick returns and punt returns...Scored three different ways in the team’s 40-0 win over Decatur Columbia as he returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown, caught a 29-yard TD pass and returned an interception 46 yards to the 15-yard line...Tallied six tackles, including one for loss, broke up two passes and recorded one interception in the team’s 28-3 victory over Jenkins...Had 85 tackles, three interceptions and 12 pass break ups as a junior...PERSONAL: Full name: Korey Hernandez...Son of Curtis Hernandez and Yolande Caine....Has three brothers, Kyle, Joshua, and Kenzo, and a sister, Madison...Undecided major.

Broderick Jordan OL 6-3 295 Fr.-Fr. Lansing, Mich.-Okemos

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Okemos High School and played under Head Coach Mike Krumm as a Chief...Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports...Graded as the No. 1 center in the state of Michigan’s 2019 class and the No. 51 recruit in the class....Named to the all-conference and all-area teams his junior and senior seasons...Also participated in track and field where he was named to the 2017 all-conference discus team...PERSONAL: Full name: Broderick Lerpy Jordan...Son of Chad and Rebecca Jordan...Has one brother, Connor... Business major.

Mark Lee DB 6-0 185 Fr.-Fr. Columbus, Ohio-Northland

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Northland High School and played under Head Coach Brian Staats as a Viking...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and a two-star by Rivals... Listed as the 84th best recruit in the state of Ohio by 247Sports...Was part of a defense that gave up a combined 28 points in the team’s first four City League-North Division games in 2018...On offense, had 10 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown through the first six weeks of the season...Was second team All-Central District as a senior after collect- ing second team All-Ohio honors in 2017...As a junior, was one of central Ohio’s leaders in interceptions with seven... Elected not to play football as a sophomore while focusing on competing for the basketball team before returning as a junior to make a major impact...Broke his right thumb during the opening week of his freshman season and missed the next two months...Returned that season to grab an interception despite wearing a cast...PERSONAL: Full name: Mark Anthony Lee Jr....Son of Mark and Michelle...Has one brother, Isaiah, and one sister, Jazmine...Sports performance and fitness entrepreneurship major. page 6 - football announces 2019 recruiting class

Jimi McAdams OL 6-5 290 Fr.-Fr. Parma, Ohio-Padua Franciscan

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Padua Franciscan High School playing under Head Coach Michael Polevacik as a Bruin...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and ESPN while listed as a two-star by Rivals...Was selected first team all-state, all-district, and all-conference while serving as a team captain in 2018...Recorded 140 pancakes to go along with three sacks as a senior...Was a 2017 OPSWA Division III All- Ohio third team selection that graded out at 95 percent with 85 knockdowns as a junior...Selected the recipient of the 2018 Champions in the Community Award from Our Lady of the Wayside as one of three high school students to re- ceive an award for his philanthropic work in the community by volunteering with the Adapted Football League for four years...PERSONAL: Full name: James Louis McAdams IV...Son of Jimi and Colleen McAdams...Has one sister, Alyson... Sports management major.

Alex Merritt DL 6-2 270 Fr.-Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio-Moeller

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Moeller High School and played under Head Coach Doug Rosfeld as a Crusader...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports...Listed as one of the top 100 players in the Cincinnati area by WCPO and TriStateFootball.com...Was named First Team All-Greater Catholic League as a senior on offense to go along with four sacks and 47 stops on defense...Helped his team to a conference championship with a 6-5 record in 2018...Collected First Team All-GCL accolades in 2017 for his play on the offensive line while turning in two sacks and 27 tackles on the other side of the field...PERSONAL: Full name: Alexander Thomas Merritt...Son of Tom and Paula Merritt...Has one sister, Hanna...Undecided major.

Kendric Nowling DB 6-2 195 Fr.-Fr. Chicago, Ill.-Marist

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Marist High School and played under Head Coach Ron Dawczak as a RedHawk...Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals...A five-time letterwinner that helped his team to a 12-2 record in 2018 and an 11-7 mark in 2017...As a senior, racked up six fumbles, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery...Named to the all-conference team...Prevented a touchdown in the red zone with a strip fumble in a 28-6 playoff victory over Stevenson...Recovered an errant punt snap in the end zone in a 23-14 victory over Brother Rice during his junior campaign...Also lettered in wrestling and track and field...PERSONAL: Full name: Kendric Dubois Nowling...Son of Keith Nowling and Rhonda Duncan...Has one brother, Kendal...Mechanical engineering major.

William Racely OL 6-4 290 Fr.-Fr. Flushing, Mich.-Flushing

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Flushing High School and played under Head Coach Robert Oginsky as a Raider...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports...Listed as one of the state’s top interior lineman by The D Zone...As a senior, was a unanimous First Team All-Flint Metro League selection...Selected to the Division II All-State team as selected by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association...In his final year at Flushing, spent time at both guard and center on a team that went 7-3...Helped his school become 2018 league champions and 2017 district champions...Also participated in power lifting and track and field...Was a honor student all four years...PERSONAL: Full name: William Austin Racely...Son of Bill and Brandy Racely...Has one sister, Annelise... Marketing major. page 7 - football announces 2019 recruiting class

Kempton Shine DB 6-0 175 Fr.-Fr. Chicago, Ill.-St. Rita

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended St. Rita High School and played under Todd Kuska as an Mustang...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and a two-star by Rivals...Was a three-year starter...Team won the 89th version of the Chicago Prep Bowl defeating Public League champion Taft, 56-6, to finish the season at 7-6 after a 1-5 beginning to the year...The 2017 squad finished in second-place finish in the Chicago Catholic League Blue Conference and earned a berth in the Class 7A quarterfinal round...Earned Second Team All-CCL Blue honors as a sophomore...Also a part of the track team...PERSONAL: Full name: Kempton Earl Shine...Son of Kempton and Lufreda Shine...Has one brother, Marcellous Moore, and one sister, Kimberly Shine...Undecided major.

Corry Thomas Jr. DB 5-10 183 Fr.-Fr. Atlanta, Ga.-Westlake

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Westlake High School and played under Head Coach Kareem Reid as a member of the Lions...Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals...Was a captain for two years...Played as a wide receiver and a cornerback, totaling 345 receiving yards, four touchdowns, seven pass break-ups, and 18 tackles in his senior season...Was apart of the team which won a regional title...Also participated in track and field...Originally from Ecorse, Mich. and played at River Rouge High School...PERSONAL: Full name: Corry Kenyon Thomas Jr....Son of Anthony and Latonya Thomas...Has one brother, Cobe...Business major.

Grant Trueman DL 6-3 240 Jr.-Jr. Chino Hills, Calif.-Chino Hills-Citrus College

EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...CITRUS COLLEGE: Played under Head Coach Ron Poncian as a defensive end...Played in 21 career games for the Owls, recording 98 tackles, 32 tackles-for-loss, 14 sacks, four pass breakups, and three blocks...Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports...As a sophomore, notched 43 stops, 15.5 TFLs, and seven sacks...Recognized as First Team All-California Region IV when he posted 55 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, and seven sacks in 2017...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Chino Hills High School and played under Head Coach Chris Stevens as a member of the Huskies...Played defensive end, tight end, and kicker...Amassed 87 total tackles with 14 sacks as a senior after coming up with 65 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2015...Earned second team all-state honors at defensive end...Twice selected first team all-league at defensive end while grabbing second team honors as a kicker...Also played basketball with teammates LaMelo and LiAngelo Ball...PERSONAL: Full name: Grant Kendall Trueman...Son of Todd and Heather Trueman...Has one brother, Brandon, and one sister, Heather...Sports management major.