Norfolk State announces football signees
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State football coach
Pete Adrian announced Wednesday that four high school players and one junior
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college player have signed to play for the Spartans beginning this fall.
The Spartans return 16 starters and more than 60 players, including
letterwinners and redshirts, from last year's young squad which finished 5-7.
With that in mind, Adrian's recruiting focus this year was more on quality than
quantity, and he is encouraged by the makeup of this year's group.
"This is the kind of year we've been waiting for," Adrian said. "We've taken at
least 20 players the last three years, and we're to the point this year where we
didn't have a lot of spots open. We could be selective in what we took at each
position, and that is what we've done."
Adrian also said that additional signees are possible in the coming days and
weeks. Following is a look at Wednesday's signees, with notes and Adrian's
comments on each.
Karl Butler, OL, 6-5/310, Fredericksburg, Va./Riverbend HS
Notes: Was an honorable mention all-district pick as a senior.
Adrian says: "Butler is very athletic and comes off ball well. He is excellent
in pass protection."
Quartez Carter, TE, 6-5/250, Spotsylvania, Va./Spotsylvania HS
Notes: Two-time first-team All-Battlefield District selection at tight end…also
named honorable mention All-Region I as a junior and senior…selected to the
all-district second team at defensive end in his final prep season…caught 24
passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns as a senior…also an all-district pick in
basketball.
Adrian says: "He has a chance to help us right away. He runs well for his size,
has good hands, and is big for a tight end."
Kevin
Leatherwood, QB, 6-2/205, Charlottesville, Va./Charlottesville HS
Notes: A three-year starter at quarterback for Charlottesville…missed most of
his senior season due to injury…was an all-district and all-region performer as
a junior, when he accounted for 2,000 yards of total offense and 12
touchdowns…also the Jefferson District Player of the Year and an all-state
selection in basketball as a junior.
Adrian says: "Leatherwood is an exceptional athlete. He's a smart player who
throws the ball with good velocity and understands the game."
Victor Martin, DL, 6-2/270, Fort Meade, Fla./Independence (Kan.)
CC/Fort Meade HS
Notes: A second-team All-Jayhawk Conference selection last year…team
captain…tallied 62 tackles, 12 for loss, and eight sacks…a first-team All-State
Class 1A selection as a senior at Fort Meade HS, when he helped the Miners win
the state title…redshirted his first year at Independence, and has three years
of eligibility remaining.
Adrian says: "Martin has a great 'motor.' He is tailor-made for our defense
because he moves well and is always around the football."
Cameron
Williams, OL, 6-4/295, Alexandria, Va./St. Stephen's & St. Agnes HS
Notes: A second-team all-state (VISAA) offensive lineman as a senior.
Adrian says: "Williams is another athletic lineman who has excellent strength
and movement."