2023 National Signing Day: Shorter University
 
Rome, GA – After Shorter's season came to end in mid-November the football coaching staff took to road and met with coaches, recruits and watched thousands of clips of student-athletes from across the Southeast.  "I have to give credit to my amazing staff.  Their tireless dedication and work ethic helped bring in one of the most talented classes in school history, exclaimed Coach Morrison.  The last two seasons Shorter football has seen 50 seniors graduate and walk across the stage to receive their diploma.  "Today is a day of celebration and God has blessed us with an amazing group" said Morrison. The football coaching staff was able to add 43 new players on this 2023 signing day.
 
The Hawks graduating class was the 2^nd largest in Coach Morrison's tenure as the head football coach with 23 graduating.  The Senior Hawks had a tremendous senior class that graduated which included players like Aeneas Dennis (QB), Cedric Lynch II (DB), Mason O'Neal (OL) and Bruce Guyton (DL) just to name a few so getting more talent on campus is a must. "I have been extremely excited about the 80+ players on campus right now who are working their tails off," stated Morrison. There are current student-athletes here that are primed and ready for the opportunity to compete for the starting position, but when we bring in this talented class it will bring a new level of competition to the forefront.  
 
"We know we are going to have to replace some major production and talent from both sides of the ball.  Also, losing 2X All-American Kyle Morlock (TE) to Florida State University and Dorian Anderson (WR) to Southeast Missouri State will leave a hole in the offensive production, but we were able to recruit an amazing class as well," said Morrison.   
 
The 2023 class of players that just signed with Shorter University will make the Hawks program even stronger and will bring some excellent competition when fall camp arrives.  They current players know that they need to be ready because many of the incoming players will be hungry for an opportunity.
 
Coach Morrison was adamant about thanking his staff for working so hard to develop relationships with the incoming student-athletes, their families and coaches at the high school level.  "First & foremost I like to thank the leadership at the University in President, Dr. Dowless and Athletic Director, Richard Hendricks for allowing myself and the staff to pour into the players and this amazing opportunity to work at Shorter University.  Then to our staff Blake Robles, Harlen Jacobs, Ryne Strickland, Trae Owens, Scott Curd, Brandon White, Cornell Washington and John Klein for all the hard work they have put into making this great class come together. We are blessed to sign 43 players from Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. 
 
Coach Morrison said, "We speak about a "Brick by Brick" mentality when it comes to Shorter football.  I want every player to work to be 1% each day; in the classroom, weight room, on the field of play and most importantly in growing their relationship with Christ.  This team that is currently on campus as well as the new players who will be arriving shortly embody this and our culture and foundation is as strong as ever."
 
Shorter spring practice starts in March and they will be able to see the growth and development of the current team.  The first game of Fall is currently scheduled for September 2nd at Samford University.
 
Below are the names and information on this year's signing class:
 
Bryan Gilmore- @BryanGilmore20
High School: Gardendale (AL)
Position: LB
Senior Stats: 100 Tackles, 1 INT
High School Awards: Team Captain, 1^st Team All Region
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Love the city and coaching staff
Fun Fact About Me: I like music
 
TJ Massey- @Fields_Massey
High School: Osceola (FL)
Position: WR
Senior Stats: YDS-713, AVG-24.8, REC-28, Y/G-53.4, TD-6
High School Awards: Player of the game 4x, all district and all county first team
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I picked Shorter as my new home because when I visited it just felt like home and where I needed to be
Fun Fact About Me: I play basketball and run track
 
Lionell Twitty- @lionelltwitty
High School: Brunswick (GA)
Position: LB
Senior Stats: 60 Tackles
High School Awards: 1^st Team All Region
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Because Shorter welcomed me with open arms and I feel like it's somewhere I could call home
Fun Fact About Me: I don't like watermelon or pretzels
 
Aiden Dujoud- @ADujoud2023
High School: West Point (AL)
Position: OL
Stats: 63.5 TOT
High School Awards: First team All-Cullman County, First team All-Area, 5A region 8 Defensive Line MVP
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: My desired major. What the coaches preach about the sport and also in preparation for the life ahead. The location!
Fun Fact About Me: My father is an Immigrant from Haiti, and it was his dream to have his children going to college on scholarship.
 
Jacob Strunk- @JacobStrunk11
High School: Southside (AL)
Position: OL
Stats: 55 pancakes in 10 games
High School Awards: 2x All Region, 3x All County, Best OL Award
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I felt that it was my home since the first visit. It felt different than the rest the schools I've been too.
Fun Fact About Me: I play golf and hunt in my free time
 
Jason Eligwe- @JasonEligwe
High School: Loganville (GA)
Position: H-BACK
Senior Stats: 1 Touchdown, 66 Yards Receiving, 86 Tackles, 8 Sacks, 14 Tackles for Loss, 2 Blocked Kicks, 2 Forced Fumbles, 2 Fumble Recoveries,
High School Awards: Principal's List in all 3 years, AP Government student of the semester, All Walton County 1st team, All state honorable mention OLB (Recruit Georgia and Georgia High School Football Daily), Region 8-AAAAA two way player of the year, Region 8-AAAAA Champion and 5A State Runner-Up (wrestling)
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: It was the best decision for my family and it's close to home, and Coach Morrison reminded me of my head coach.
Fun Fact About Me: I moved to Georgia in 5th grade from Port Harcourt, Nigeria
 
Cameron Ellis- @cameronellis01
High School: Meadowcreek (GA)
Position: QB
Senior Stats: 2,664 yds 35 TDs 70% completion rating
High School Awards: 7-A All region, All county honorable mention
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: They have amazing coaches and I liked what I saw as far as what the school looked like the campus is not too big nor too small and they have what I'm trying to major in
Fun Fact About Me: I love playing video games and I like to cook sometimes
 
Darreontae Jackson- @Darreontae3
High School: Early County (GA)
Position: OL
Senior Stats: 14 Solo Tackles, 38 Assists, 4 Pancakes per Game
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Because I feel like it's a good opportunity to play football at the next level and learn new things
Fun Fact About Me: I like to eat and fish.
 
Frederico Freeman- @RicoFreeman260
High School: Boca Ciega (FL)
Position: DE
Senior Stats: 60 total tackles, 46 solo 14Tfl, 7 sacks 1 defensive TD, 4 blk punts, 2 fumble rec, 2 caused fumble
High School Awards: Principals list, honor roll
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Because I felt like it was my match when on my visit
Fun Fact About Me: I am a gamer
 
AJ Howard- @ajfrom478
High School: Warner Robins (GA)
Position: DB
Senior Stats: 3 interceptions, 15 pbu's, 32 tackles, 2 TFL
High School Awards: N/A
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Fits me as far as academic and athletic
Fun Fact About Me: I'll lock your favorite receiver up
 
Tobias Lewis- @tfgl21
High School: Landmark Christian (GA)
Position: DB
Senior Stats: 766 total offense yards, 76 total tackles, 9 forced fumbles, and letting up 5 catches out of 30 with only one touchdown allowed!
High School Awards: NHS and honor roll
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Best fit and football
Fun Fact About Me: I am a music producer
 
Miller Allen- @iammillerallen
High School: Georgia Force (GA)
Position: TE
Senior Stats: 18 receptions for 231 yards and 4 rec touchdowns; Led team in sacks and TFL's with 8, 21 tackles at the EDGE position.
High School Awards: All American, NHFA All-Star
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I picked Shorter because it's a great place to grow and develop as a football player and in my faith. The whole coaching staff believed in me and the brotherhood there is different. Me and my parents knew it would be a great fit from the start. Can't wait to be the next product of TEU baby!
Fun Fact About Me: I'm crazy about music and all things outdoors, constantly listening to or playing something on my guitar, and always looking to get into some trouble exploring
 
Ryan Monroe- @ryanworld15
High School: Ovideo (FL)
Position: TE
Senior Stats: 16 Rec, 286 Yards, 4 TDs
High School Awards: N/A
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I want to be the next All American and the campus looks very nice
Fun Fact About Me: I never give up
 
Amaris Binns- @amarisbinns5
High School: Tri Cities (GA)
Position: OLB/DE
Senior Stats: 20 Tackles, 3 TFL's, 3 Sacks
High School Awards: Team MVP
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: It's close to me and it's small enough to where I can meet lots of people.
Fun Fact About Me: I like to look through my telescope from time to time
 
Andrew Waldrep- @andrew_waldrep
High School: Fannin County (GA)
Position: LB
Senior Stats: 50 total tackles 11 Tfls 3 sacks
High School Awards: 2x 1st team all-region awards, 2x all state honorable mentions, and 1x 2nd team all-region award
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I picked Shorter as my new home because of the great coaching staff, amazing academics, and the promising future for football.
Fun Fact About Me: My favorite food is pizza
 
Trent McCord-@tyr33k1
High School: Spalding (GA)
Position: DB
Senior Stats: 50 Tackles, 3 INT, 2 FF
High School Awards: 1^st Team All Region, Leadership Award
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I felt as if shorter was a perfect fit for me
Fun Fact About Me: I love GOD I love my family I love money and I love football
 
Collin Jackson- @Collinjackson70
High School: Southeast Bulloch (GA)
Position: TE
Senior Stats: 18 rushes 47 yards 7 touchdowns, 19 receptions 253 2 touchdowns
High School Awards: 1st team all-region 21-22, All State Honorable Mention 21
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I loved the campus and the facilities and it's small which makes it feel like home. They can provide a better education for me, and I can still play the game I love
Fun Fact About Me: Me and my dad rebuild cars and work on cars regularly
 
Nakobi Spurrier- @SpurrierNakobi
High School: Tucker (GA)
Position: DL
Senior Stats: 50 TT, 9 Sacks, 10 TFL, 2 FF
High School Awards: A Honor Roll, Defensive MVP, Best DL, All Region 1st team, All-State Mention.
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: The Coaching staff made me feel comfortable. Me and my mom loved the culture and what shorter was building and had to offer to her son. My mom loved how I could sit and talk to every coach without having to worry about anything. I loved the way the coaches provided for me while I was in Shorter, I loved the culture. Also, I chose shorter because I want to help build a winning program. I love what they are bringing in our future as Hawks. Thank you so much! #GOHAWKS
Fun Fact About Me: I stopped playing football in 6th and 7th grade and started playing again in 8th grade.
 
Kevin Thomas Jr.- @kevinthomasjr34
High School: Brunswick (GA)
Position: WR
Senior Stats: 17 rec, 247 yards, 4 TDs
High School Awards: 2nd Team All-Region
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: An opportunity to further my education and career
Fun Fact About Me: I love music
 
TJ Holmes Jr.
High School: Pebblebrook
Position: WR
Senior Stats: 700 yards, 7 red TDs, 3 KOR TDs
High School Awards: 1st team region, 2nd team special teams, Claw(best hands) award
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Close to home, great staff and campus
Fun Fact About Me: I play basketball and enjoy peace
 
Tyler Simpson- @Tysimpson_2023
High School: South Forsyth
Position: K/P
Senior Stats: Went 86 percent on touchback senior year. Punt avg was about 44 yards.
High School Awards: All county all three years starting from sophomore to senior year
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Great environment, staff, and football program
Fun Fact About Me: I love to snowboard.
 
DJ Walker- @Dj_4_walker
High School: Athens Christian (GA)
Position: ATH
Senior Stats: 1,115 Passing Yards, 6 Passing TDs, 205 Rushing Yards, 2 TDs
High School Awards: 2nd Team All-Region Junior and Senior year, 2x Golden Eagle Leadership Award, 4x Highest GPA, First team All-region/ All state sophomore year.
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Shorter has a family-oriented program that I loved and the campus is also great. I like how the football team operates and involves Christ on a daily basis. I feel like I will be a great fit for the offensive system, and I want to be a part of it!
Fun Fact About Me: I am double jointed in both thumbs and can bend them to my wrist.
 
Zy'Marrion Starling- @MarrionZy
High School: Westover
Position: OL
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I love the Coaching staff and the love they give their players
Fun Fact About Me: I love to do fun things
 
Lanear McCrary- @MccraryLanear
High School: Rockmart
Position: RB
Stats: 40 Carries, 500 Yards, 6 TD's
High School Awards: 2^nd Team All Region
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I get to do 2 sports and can improve my relationship with God
Fun Fact About Me: I like to fish
 
Daniel Jolly- @danieljolly2_
High School: Model (GA)
Position: WR
Senior Stats: 17 catches, 11 TD's, 342 receiving yds, 144 rushing yds, 58 tackles, 10 TFL's,  8 sacks
High School Awards: 1st Team All- Region, 1st Team All- Area (All-Purpose),
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I chose Shorter as my new home because I love the culture and vibe of everyone, it's close to home, I get to continue both football and track, and it was the best choice financially.
Fun Fact About Me: I love to make beats and play the piano and drums in my free time.
 
Jeb Walls- @JebWalls
High School: Central Fellowship Christian Academy (GA)
Position: QB
Senior Stats: 2865 passing yards on 65% and 36 passing touchdowns and a 135.8 QB rating 874 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns
High School Awards: All-Region and All-State all four years of High school
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I picked Shorter because it felt like that's where God wants me to be and because of the Christ-like centered coaching staff!
Fun Fact About Me: I really enjoy singing Christian music!
 
Martavious Jones- @MartaviousJJ1
High School: Piedmont Academy (GA)
Position: DB
Senior Stats: 50 total tackles, 30 solo, 20 assisted ,8 pass break ups ,1TD ,1 Force fumbles, 1 fumble rec , 1 tackle for loss
High School Awards: final 4 in baseball, 4x1 region champ in track, region baseball champ
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I chose to attend Shorter because of the family-oriented environment. I wanted to be somewhere that displayed togetherness and community and I felt that on my previous visit to campus. I believe that by attending Shorter is one step closer to accomplishing my goals and dreams.
Fun Fact About Me: I collect shoes, I grew up playing soccer and it was very small in the town I grew up in then moved to Georgia an I've forgot all about it and became a dual sport athlete
 
CJ Hawkins- @_CJhawkins_
High School: Calhoun (GA)
Position: WR
Senior Stats: 1 INT, 25 Tackles, 10 Assists, 6 PBU
High School Awards: LB for LB champion, player of the week 9/22
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Because it felt like I was wanted there, and the coaching staff was very down to earth. In all shorter was the best fit for me because it felt like home
Fun Fact About Me: I've done Dancing with The Stars for 2 years in a row
 
Justin Reynolds- @JustinR_05
High School: Piedmont Academy (GA)
Position: QB
Senior Stats: 2550 Yards and 30 TDs
High School Awards: 2x All Region, 2x All State, All-Star
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: It seems like a great environment with a team full of coaches and players who really want to compete and succeed.
Fun Fact About Me: I've loved and played football ever since I was 3 years old.
 
Mekhi Blocker- @mekhi_blocker
High School: Greater Atlanta Christian (GA)
Position: QB
Senior Stats: N/A
High School Awards: Kelvin Maloof Team Award
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I picked Shorter because of the how the coaches really care for the players not only on the field but off the field as well. Along with the players who spoke on my visit just made everything feel like home to me.
Fun Fact About Me: I have a sneaker resell business.
 
Kelly Wells- @kellywells76
High School: Calhoun (GA)
Position: DE
Senior Stats: 29 tackles 21 assists 4TFL 3sacks 3 fumble rec
High School Awards: Freshman state champion, 5th place state wrestling 5A 220 junior year, 4 year varsity starter for wrestling, 2022 offensive line region honorable mention, 2 way varsity starter for football offense and defense, Varsity letter in football wrestling and bass fishing, 2022-2023 co-captain of the wrestling team
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I picked shorter as my new home because of the coaching staff and the education department.
Fun Fact About Me: I have started varsity for wrestling all 4 years
 
Clinton Chase Jr.- @ClintonChase13
High School: Tabernacle Christian School (AL)
Position: WR/TE
Senior Stats: 1,929 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns 600 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns
High School Awards: All American, Offensive MVP of All-American Bowl, 2x CFA Offensive Player of the Year (Junior and Senior season) 3x Team Captain (Sophomore-Senior season) Gridiron Offensive Player of the Week, 5x Max Preps Offensive Player of the Week
 
Anthony Mareus- @AMareus63
High School: Tift Area Academy (GA)
Position: OL
Senior Stats: 53 Pancakes
High School Awards: 2nd Team All-Region 2021 All-State Team Honorable Mention 2021 1st Team All Region 2022
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I picked Shorter because they gave me the best opportunity and I took advantage of it.
 
TJ Finch- @TjFinch7
High School: Athens Christian (GA)
Position: RB
Stats: 1,250 Yards rushing yards
High School Awards: Offense player of the year
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I would love to be apart of the Shorter community, I would love to be a part of the football team at Shorter. Shorter is a big opportunity for me to show my talents and furthermore better myself
Fun Fact About Me: I cut hair, I love music, I am a peoples person , and I'm definitely fun to be around.
 
Levi Taylor- @LeviTaylor21
High School: Niceville (FL)
Position: LB
High School Awards: Pensacola Athletics All Star
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I love the atmosphere and the culture that has been built
Fun Fact About Me: I'm a pastor's son
 
Chase Jarvis- @ChaseJarvis15
High School: Murray County (GA)
Position: DB
Senior Stats: Defense (GP-10 TFL-2 tot tckls-58 T/G-5.8 DFP-2 ) Offense( GP-10 Car-119 yds-411 Avg-3.47 Y/G. Lng TD-35. KR-238 Lng-37)
High School Awards: I made 2nd Team All- Region and All area my Junior year and Senior year.
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I picked Shorter as my new home because it makes me feel like I'm at home and it's a very great school, along with very friendly people.
Fun Fact About Me: I'm a very respectful man always willing to get the job done when it needs to be done and I'm always outgoing!
 
Wyatt Walters- @walt_wyatt
High School: Lamar County (GA)
Position: Punter
Senior Stats: ‪40.8 yards averaged per punt, ‪3 punts inside the 1-yard line, ‪3 punts inside the 10-yard line, ‪4 punts inside the 20-yard line, ‪4/4 ‪56 passing yards
High School Awards: 2nd team all-region punter, Player of the week 3 times, Eagle Scout
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I enjoyed the players, coaches, and the environment.
Fun Fact About Me: I love sports and enjoy coaching.
 
Tyler Deems- @Tyler_Deems40
High School: Rockmart (GA)
Position: LS
Senior Stats: 99% Snap Conversion, 1 Tackle
High School Awards: 4 Time Region Champ
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: There are many reasons why I picked Shorter to be my new home, but the biggest reason is to get closer to God and the family atmosphere with the team and community.
Fun Fact About Me: I love to hunt and fish
 
Malachi Futch- @themalachifutch
High School: ELCA (GA)
Position: LB
Senior Stats: 97 TOT, 7 TFLs, 3 FF, 1 INT
High School Awards: 1^st All Region, Selected to All State Team
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Felt like home and it has a good community and family behind it.
Fun Fact About Me: I enjoy writing
 
Anthony Chirombo- @AnthonyChirombo
High School: Riverside Preparatory Academy (GA)
Position: ATH
Senior Stats: 1st team all-region, 60 tackles, +1000 all-purpose yards, 1INT, 7PBU, 37 solo tackles, 23 assist tackles
High School Awards: Athlete of the Year, Gold Star, Basketball All-Region Honorable Mention
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Shorter made me feel at home and put me in the best position for me to be able to succeed. I love their football program and their hunger mentality. #Brickbybrick
Fun Fact About Me: I can sleep with my eyes open
 
Marshall Combee- @marshall_combee
High School: Georgia Force (GA)
Position: LB
Senior Stats: 70 solo tackles, 10 TFLS, 2 Sacks, 2 FR, 628 yds rushing, 6.3 ypc, 5 TDS
High School Awards: 2020 All American, 2021 NHFA ALL-STAR, 2022 NHFA ALL-STAR, 2022 Gatlinburg ALL AMERICAN, 2022 Georgia Force Defensive MVP.
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: Great program that's only getting better, with a great staff focused on football as well a faith.
Fun Fact About Me: I'm a middle child from a football family. My older brother plays football at Tusculum University in Tennessee, and my younger brother still plays in high school.
 
Trey Creed
High School: Harris County (GA)
Position: OL
Senior Stats: Varsity Starter, 0 Sacks Allowed
High School Awards: Second team all-region, Varsity Team Captain
Why I picked Shorter as my new home:
 
Canyon Thrasher- @CanyonTO95
High School: Creekside Christian Academy (GA)
Position: DT
Senior Stats: 30 Tackles, 13 TFLs, 15 Solo T
High School Awards: All State and All Region
Why I picked Shorter as my new home: I chose Shorter to be my new home cause of how much they made me feel a part of the family and the coaches showed me how they would be there for me not to only make me a better player but a better person and better man, to help me be successful in every aspect of life not just football.
Fun Fact About Me: My favorite food is Tacos