ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Ouachita Tigers football team is coming off their tenth straight winning season and third Great American Conference Championship.

Ouachita Tigers head coach Todd Knight and his coaching staff signed 32 student athletes that make up a class that will bolster the program towards its 11^th straight winning season. It is currently the longest active streak in the state of Arkansas.

"We always talk about quality over quantity with this program and that is what we got with this year's signing class." Ouachita head football coach Todd Knight said, "We are trying to find the right fit for OBU and I think we have over 30 student athletes that will fit in with our team mentality. We've had two great recruiting classes in back-to-back seasons that will set us up in good position for the regular season."

Ouachita once again dominated recruiting in the Natural State as they picked up 23 commitments from in-state high schools. The Tigers also signed three players from Louisiana, five players from Texas and one from Tennessee.

"First of all everything starts with recruiting coordinator Brett Schockley," Knight responded. "He has a great rapport with all the coaches and the players in the state. Our staff they work so hard, coach Jay Derby runs the biggest team camp in the state with our high schools and high school coaches. We just worked really hard in the state of Arkansas to have those great relationships. These Arkansas kids have helped us win three GAC titles and they understand the traditions and the rivalries."  

Eighteen student-athletes signed to help strengthen an offense that averaged 37.8 points per game last season. Including eight offensive linemen, five wide receivers, two quarterbacks, two running backs and a fullback. With the Tigers potent offense only losing three starters from last season, the group will look to add depth and make key contributions.

"We signed a pair of quality quarterbacks and picked up a big receiver and some slot receivers that will help us." Knight said, "We signed some quality offensive lineman and running backs as we look to build depth towards the future of our program."

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers added fourteen student athletes including five defensive lineman, four linebackers, three defensive backs and two defensive athletes. This group of defenders is expected to make an early impact on a defense that saw six seniors graduate from the program.

"On defense we only have about six or seven returners," Knight responded. "The defensive line was the main recruiting emphasis this cycle. Across the board, I feel like we have guys that can make an immediate impact."

The Ouachita Tigers football team is currently in spring workouts and will set their sights on repeating as GAC champions this fall.
 
Offensive Lineman: 8 signed
Jacob Barker: An offensive lineman out of Searcy, Ark. Barker was a team captain for Searcy High School and was named to the All-Conference team. Barker has 62 career pancake blocks.

Nathan Burrow: The dual sport athlete out of Conway, Ark comes to Ouachita after a stellar high school career. Burrow stands at six-foot-three and weighs in at 260 pounds adding to a very stout signing class at the offensive line position. Burrow was named player of the week twice and was also named to the All-Conference and All-State teams twice in his career. During his senior season Burrow had 87 pancake blocks and graded out at 89 percent. Burrow also a two-year starter on the basketball team.

Anthony Chairez: Chairez makes his way to Arkadelphia via Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Ark. The 6-foot-5 225 pound offensive lineman is one of eight linemen to be signed in this year's recruiting class. Prior to his senior football season Chairez moved to Arkansas from Nebraska. While in Nebraska, Chairez was named All-District his sophomore and junior seasons. During his junior campaign Chairez was named to the All-Conference and All-State teams in Nebraska. In 2017 Chairez was a member of United States National U-17 team. Chairez finished out his prep career as an All-Conference selection in Arkansas.

Sawyer Cranford: A six-foot-five 260 pound offensive lineman out of Shreveport, La. During his career Cranford was named First-Team All-District, Second-Team All-State, was named twice to the Academic All-State Team and was named to the North Louisiana All-Star Game. During his senior season Cranford had 72 pancake blocks and graded out at 91 percent.

CJ Knighton: The six-foot, 270 pound Livingston, Texas native comes to Arkadelphia after a solid prep career at Livingston High School. After his junior season Knighton was named to the Second Team All-District Team and was an All East Texas News Honorable Mention. Knighton was team captain during his senior season and was named First Team All-District at season's end.

Kentravious Moore: Moore a six-foot, 265 pound prospect comes to Ouachita from El Dorado, Ark. While at El Dorado High School Moore was a three-year letterman and a three time 6A Academic All-Conference selection. Over the last two seasons Moore had 170 knockdowns and was named All-Conference for his performance on the field. During his senior campaign Moore graded out at 82 percent for the year and was named to both the All-Conference Team and All-State Team.

Nathan Turner: The Conway, Ark. native comes to Ouachita standing in at 6-foot-2 and weighing 255 pounds and is member of a strong recruiting cycle at the offensive line position. While in high school, Turner was named to the All-Conference team twice and was named All-State after his senior season. In his final prep season, Turner allowed just two sacks, pancaked blocked 76 opponents and graded out at 92 percent. 

Ethan Gasaway: Comes to Arkadelphia from Vilonia, Ark. and is a member of a strong offensive line recruiting cycle. 

Defensive Lineman: 5 signed
Luke Brinkerhoff: A 6-foot-2 275 pound defensive lineman out of Celina, Texas.

Marterious Daniel: A two-time All-State selection and a three-time All-Conference pick, Daniel arrives at Ouachita from Wynne High School, located in Wynne, Ark. During his senior season Daniel was named the 5-A linebacker of the year, 2017 Best Under The Sun and an invite to the All-World game. Over his career at Wynne High School, Daniel compiled over 315 tackles, 35 tackles for a loss, 6 interceptions, 1 interception for a touchdown and 10 forced fumbles.  

Anthony Freeman: The Monroe, La. native capped off a stellar senior season by being named to the All-State First-Team. Freeman also picked up a First-Team All Louisiana Football Coaches Association selection, First-Team All-Northeastern Louisiana and a First-Team All-District nod. During his senior season at Neville High School, Freeman recorded 56 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 8 sacks and he also had 3 fumble recoveries.  

Sam Johnson: Johnson originally out of Ferriday, La. is a part of a strong defensive line class. During his senior year, Johnson tallied 65 total tackles, 26 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, 14 quarterback hurries and 5 forced fumbles.

Hunter Swoboda: A former FCA leader and team captain, Swoboda makes his way to Ouachita from Bentonville, Ark. Swoboda's accolades include, 3 First-Team All-Conference selections, 7A First-Team All-State linebacker, 2017 All Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette Division One First-Team and a 2017 All-USA Arkansas football team Second-Team defense. On the field Swoboda collected 372 career tackles. Off the field Swoboda was an honor student with a 3.8 GPA and he scored a 29 on the ACT.

Wide Receivers: 5 signed
Jackson Coleman: Coleman was a three-year letterman at Sheridan High School in Sheridan, Ark. Coleman was named to the 2017 All-Conference team and was a four-time Farm Bureau Player of the Game. Coleman was named a Top Ten Arkansas Next Level TE/HBack, was no.34 on Hootens Arkansas Top 50 Recruits, Top prospects for the Natural State recruits and was chosen by the fans to the 2018 All Prospect Team.

Taliq Ellis: Ellis was a two-way player coming out of El Dorado High School. He was named to the All-Area, All-District and All-State teams. Ellis caught 32 passes for 752 yards and 8 touchdowns his senior season.

Brayden Johnson: Johnson is the tallest receiver out of the group standing at 6-foot-4, he comes to Ouachita with his teammate quarterback Garrison Jensen. Johnson was a two-time All-State selection out of Alma High School. During his senior year he was named the Most Outstanding 5A receiver and was selected to the All Star Game. In his final season at Alma, Johnson had 85 catches for 1,180 yards and 16 touchdowns. Johnson finished his prep career with 220 receptions, 2,926 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns.

Dalvonte Lewis: Lewis comes to Ouachita from Camden, Ark. While at Camden Fairview High School, Lewis was named a 5A South All-Conference wide receiver both his junior and senior seasons. Lewis was named to the 5A All-State Team following his senior season. During his junior season, Lewis compiled 867 receiving yards, 63 rushing yards, 443 return yards, converted 11 2-point conversions and had 16 total touchdowns. During his senior season, Lewis had 521 receiving yards, 427 rushing yards, 583 return yards and 12 total touchdowns.

Colin McWhorter: McWhorter comes to Ouachita from Rogers, Ark. While at Rogers High School McWhorter was named to the First-Team All-Conference, Kurm Dream Team, Team MVP and NWA Touchdown Club Student Athlete of the Year Finalist. During his senior season he rushed for 405 yards, had 806 receiving yards, 293 return yards and 8 touchdowns. 

Linebackers: 4 signed
Will Broussard: Broussard comes to Ouachita with a slew of accolades from Livingston, Texas. During his sophomore season, Broussard was named to the Second-Team All-District Team and the Academic All-District Team. After his junior season, Broussard picked up another Second-Team All-District honor, was named to the First-Team All East Texas News, Second-Team All-State (TSWA), Third-Team All-State (Padilla Poll) and the Academic All-All District Team. During his final prep school season, Broussard was named team captain, picked up his third consecutive Second-Team All-District and Academic All-District honor, was named to the Second-Team Academic All-State Team and was named the Max Preps player of the week twice. Broussard had a three-year total of 390 tackles, 64 tackles for a loss, 22 sacks and 30 quarterback pressures.

Josh Burnham: Burnham and his brother Jack decided to stay close to home and play college ball at Ouachita together. The two brothers helped lead Arkadelphia to a State Championship during their senior season. Burnham was named defensive captain for Arkadelphia High School and he was also named to the All-Conference team his junior and senior seasons. During his junior year, Burnham made 89 tackles, forced 2 fumbles, made an interception and scored a touchdown. In his final season, Burnham made 65 tackles, had 4 sacks, forced a fumble, had 2 interceptions and scored 5 touchdowns.

Caleb Porchia: Porchia joins his high school teammate TJ Cole at Ouachita. The Texarkana native capped off his senior season with a 4A Texas State Championship. In the State Championship game Porchia recorded 9 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks in the game. For his efforts Porchia was named the Defensive MVP of the game. During his senior season Porchia recorded 208 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks and an interception. For his efforts on the field Porchia was named the 4A All-State Defensive Player of the Year, All East Texas Linebacker, All-District Defensive MVP and All-District First-Team linebacker.

Oshae Pruitt: Pruitt was a three-time letterman and three-time All-Conference selection out of Newport, Ark. While at Newport, Pruitt was also named to the All-State team and was named a Hootens Scholar athlete. As a two-way player at Newport High School, Pruitt finished his offensive career with 35 receptions for 299 yards and 5 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball Pruitt finished with 251 career tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
 
Athletes: 2 Signed
Ty Compton: Compton is making his way to Ouachita out of Sherwood, Ark. Compton was a two-time All-State player that made over 100 tackles his senior season. During his final year at Sylvan Hills High School, Compton recorded 77 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries.

Tommy Crumpton III: Crumpton III is signing as an athlete out of McClellan High School in Little Rock, Ark. During his career at McClellan High School Crumpton III had 160 tackles, 10 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 8 interceptions and 3 defensive touchdowns. Crumpton III was also named to two All-Conference Teams and one All-State selection.
 
Defensive Backs: 3 signed
Justin Dean: Dean was a two-way player coming out of Mena, Ark. On the offensive side of the ball, Dean finished his career with 2,982 rushing yards on 404 carriers, 2,241 receiving yards and accounted for 49 total offensive touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Dean tallied 336 career tackles and 9 interceptions, 3 of which went back for touchdowns. On special teams, Dean had 4 kickoff returns for touchdowns and 2 punt returns for touchdowns. Dean left high school with 58 career touchdowns. For his efforts on the field Dean was named to the All-Conference team three times and was named to the All-State team at the conclusion of his senior season. The Mena native will also take part in an All-Star game.

Dillion Scott: Scott joins former Arkadelphia High School teammates Jack and Josh Burnham at Ouachita.

Cole Edrington: Comes to Arkadelphia from the Volunteer State. While in high school, Edrington was the captain of the football team and was named a Second-Team All-Region defensive back. Edrington compiled 58 tackles, 4 pass break ups, 3 fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a block punt his senior season. 
 
Running backs/Fullbacks: 3 signed
Jack Burnham: Burnham chose to stay and play for his hometown football team as a full back. During his senior season at Arkadelphia High School, Burnham had 15 receptions for 267 yards and also carried the ball 18 times for 206 yards. Burnham had 12 total touchdowns his senior year. The Arkadelphia native was named All-Conference in both his junior and senior season. Burnham's brother Josh will also be signing with Tigers on the defensive side of the ball as a linebacker.

TJ Cole: A six foot, 185 pound running back out of Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana, Texas. Cole was named a second team All-District quarterback during his junior year when he rushed for over 400 yards and passed for 515 yards. The Texarkana native also had 18 total touchdowns during his junior season. Cole helped guide Pleasant Grove to an undefeated season his senior year that ended with 41-21 victory in the class 4A Division II Texas State Championship Game. Cole was named the offensive MVP of the game after gaining 188 total yards and scoring three different times during the game. At the conclusion of the season Cole was named the Offensive MVP of his district and was named a First Team All-State Running Back. Over the course of his senior year Cole accumulated 1,750 rushing yards, 25 rushing touchdowns, 414 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. 

Spencer Sutterfield: Makes his way to Ouachita via Greenbrier High School. Sutterfield was named to the All-State team after his senior year. During his career, Sutterfield carried the ball 303 times for 1754 yards and 31 scores. Sutterfield also caught 30 passes for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns.
 
Quarterbacks: 2 signed
Garrison Jensen: Jensen comes to Ouachita via Alma, Ark. During his prep career at Alma High School, Jensen was named to the All-State team twice, was named the 2017 5A Most Outstanding Offensive Back and Quarterback and was named to the All-Star game. Jensen was a dual threat quarterback for Alma, as he threw for 2,430 yards and ran for another 1,051 yards. Jensen ended his senior season with 45 total touchdowns.

Caleb Salisbury: One of two quarterbacks signed by Ouachita in the 2018 signing class. Salisbury played at Van Buren High School in Van Buren, Ark. Although he was only able to play half of his senior year due to injury, Salisbury still threw for 1,035 yards, rushed for 485 yards and scored a total of 8 touchdowns.