ROME, Ga. – In a landmark moment for Shorter University football, Head Coach Zach Morrison has assembled what he calls "the most talented recruiting class we've had in my time here." With an emphasis on skill, leadership, and spiritual commitment, the 2025 class brings a wave of high-caliber athletes eager to leave their mark on the program.
"This group is different," Morrison said. "Not only are they gifted athletes, but they embody the culture we are building here at Shorter—one of faith, discipline, and relentless pursuit of greatness. I'm excited to see what they will do in a Hawks uniform." Coach Morrison added, ""I can't say enough about the job that our coaching staff has done to recruit quality players that fit exactly who we want to be. They worked extremely hard to identify and recruit winners both on and off the field."
Breaking down the class by position, the depth and talent are undeniable.
Quarterbacks
Signees: Devin Edmonds, Elijah Seaney, Sammy Freitas.
Shorter adds three standout quarterbacks in Devin Edmonds (Jones County High School), Sammy Freitas (Mosley High School), Elijah Seaney (North Forsyth). Edmonds, a two-time All-Region selection and four-time Macon Touchdown Player honoree, brings a winning mentality and leadership presence to the quarterback room. Freitas, with over 7,000 total yards and 85 touchdowns, provides a proven ability to lead a high-powered offense. Seaney, a record-breaking dual-threat quarterback, brings precision and poise, having set school marks for completion percentage and lowest interception rate.
Running Backs
Signees: Hunter Atkins, Zeke Clanton, Jyshughn Turner, Kash Jones / Transfer: Trakell Murray
The backfield is bolstered by dynamic playmakers like Trakell Murray (Newberry College) 900 All-Purpose Yards and 9 TD's over the past two seasons. Hunter Atkins (Evangel Christian), a two-time state champion and national championship MVP who tallied 1,372 yards and 33 touchdowns in a single season. Zeke Clanton (Bethlehem Christian Academy) arrives with an eye-popping 6,000+ all-purpose yards and three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Their explosive abilities will add depth to an already potent Hawks ground game.
Wide Receivers
Signees: Kyree Jenkins, Joshua Tyson-Gueh, Alex Garnett, Davien Williams, Jarrett Brown, Bryson Campbell, Isaiah Eggleston.
Shorter's receiving corps gets a major boost with players like Kyree Jenkins (Boca Ciega), Joshua Tyson-Gueh (Plant City High School), Davien Williams (Mount De Sales), Jarrett Brown (Harvester Christian Academy), Alex Garnett (Norcross High School), and Bryson Campbell (Athens Christian). Garnett, an All-Region and Second Team All-County selection, recorded 27 receptions for 572
yards and six touchdowns, in addition to his contributions in the rushing game. Jenkins and Tyson-Gueh each finished their senior season with over 1000 yards receiving and snag 18 total TDs.
Tight Ends
Signees: Tristan Keigley, Roman Caliendo, Logan Stokes, Wade Combee.
Tight ends Tristan Keigley (Pensacola Catholic), Roman Caliendo (Flagler Palm Coast), Logan Stokes (Trion High School), and Wade Combee (Georgia Force) provide size and versatility. Caliendo was a standout performer in high school, racking up 736 yards and 46 receptions in his senior season, accumulating 1,370 career yards on 80 catches. A multiple MaxPreps Player of the Game recipient and an all-star game selection, he adds a proven offensive weapon to Shorter's attack. Keigley brings size and ability with over 1000 receiving yards over the past few seasons. Combee finished with 1300 scrimmage yards and 14 TDS in 2024,
Offensive Line
Signees: Courtney Benas, Lukas Brown, Jukoriin Thomas, Casey Scott, Jonah Davenport, Aiden Watford, Caden Oliver, Ethan Goggans.
The offensive line will be anchored by a talented and physically dominant group, led by Courtney Benas (North Paulding), Lukas Brown (Pensacola Catholic), Jukoriin Thomas (Perry High School), Casey Scott (Colquitt County). These linemen bring the size, skill, and toughness necessary to compete at the collegiate level, ensuring Shorter's offense remains strong in the trenches. Their experience and strength will be instrumental in shaping the Hawks' ground attack and protecting their quarterbacks.
Defensive Line & Edge Rushers
Signees: Camari Edwards, Geremiah Humbert, Dixon Morris, Kyon Wilcox, William Peden, Aidan Townsend, Preston Evans, and Bray Williamson.
The Hawks have landed elite defensive disruptors such as Kyon Wilcox (St. Augustine HS) and Camari Edwards (Jackson HS), a three-time All-Region player and Region Player of the Year candidate. Additional key recruits include Preston Evans (George Walton Academy), who led his team in pass deflections, as well as All-State selection Geremiah Humbert (Thomasville HS), 2x Defensive Player of the Year, Dixon Morris (Pierce County HS), Aidan Townsend (George Walton Academy) and Bray Williamson (Robert Toombs), all of whom bring tenacity and playmaking ability to Shorter's defensive front.
Linebackers
Signees: Michael Gibbons Jr., Jaise Davis, Jayden Rubbo, Jaxson James, Dean Paulson, Cooper Born, Anson Talcott, Kain Brown.
Anchoring the defense, this year's linebacker class is stacked. Jayden Rubbo (Thomas County Central) is a tackling machine, he was a 2x 1st Team All Region and 2x All State Honorable Mention while also winning the 2023 State Championship. Jaxson James (Brookstone HS) and Michael Gibbons Jr. (Cedartown) bring leadership and physicality, while Jaise Davis (Mary Persons) adds a relentless motor, showcased by his 110-tackle senior season. Additional talent comes from Dean
Paulson (North Atlanta), who was 1st team all region and led his team in tackles, Kain Brown (Ridgeland HS), Anson Talcott (Tattnall Square Academy), and Cooper Born (Fannin County), with Born also excelling as a long snapper.
Defensive Backs
Signees: Makadan Griffin, David Eberly, Kellen Edeburn, DJ Baums
The secondary sees an influx of playmakers, including Makadan Griffin (Calhoun High School), a state champion and multi-sport athlete, and David Eberly (George Walton Academy), who led his county in tackles. Their ball-hawking skills will strengthen the Hawks' pass defense. Transfers Nick Martin (West GA) and David Price (St. Andrews) bring experience and knowledge to the position.
Special Teams
Signees: Brady Reeder, Talan Thomas, Mark Myles, Mitchell Cullen
No recruiting class is complete without specialists, and Shorter landed one of the best in long snapper Brady Reeder (Auburn High School), ranked 52nd nationally at his position. Kicker Talan Thomas (Alpharetta High School) was named Special Teams MVP, while Mark Myles (Piedmont Academy) brings a dual-sport pedigree.
A Class Built for the Future
Beyond their on-field accolades, what makes this class unique is their shared commitment to Shorter's mission. Many recruits cited the university's faith-based environment and strong coaching relationships as deciding factors in their commitments.
"These young men are not just here to play football," Morrison said. "They're here to grow as leaders, as students, and as men of faith. That's what makes this class truly special."
With this level of talent and passion, the future of Shorter football looks brighter than ever. Hawks fans, get ready—this class is built to soar.
