Feb. 28, 2008

Ibn Ali
5-10, 170 lbs., CB
Salisbury, N.C. (Salisbury HS)
Prior to Western: Was a three-year letter-winner that garnered All-Central Carolina Conference (CCC) accolades each of his final two seasons as a prep ... Helped Salisbury HS to at least of a share of the CCC title in each of his high school season ... As a senior, spent time under center as the quarterback, completing 21 passes for 294 yards and four TDs while also rushing for 475 yards and six scores ... Recorded 11 career interceptions as a defensive back, taking two back for TDs during his junior season ... Was elected to play in the 2007 Shrine Bowl as a defensive back ... Played running back as a sophomore and junior rushing for 792 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2006 while also returning a pair of kickoffs back for touchdowns ... Off the gridiron, also participated in boys basketball and track & field ... Finished fifth in the triple jump at the AAU Track & Field Nationals in 2006.
Personal: Is the son of Sharon Davis ... Has two older siblings, Aisha and Nicole.

Anthony Amos
6-0, 180 lbs., WR
Fayetteville, N.C. (Westover HS)
Prior to Western: Was named All-MidSoutheastern 4-A Conference as a senior after garnering Honorable Mention accolades as a junior in `06 ... Last season, scored on a 98-yard touchdown reception last season against Terry Sanford HS.
Personal: Is the son of Anthony and Vonda Amos ... Has three younger siblings.

Blake Cain
6-0, 190 lbs., Punter
Kennesaw, Ga. (Harrison HS)
Prior to Western: Helped Harrison HS to the Georgia State Playoffs in three of his four seasons ... Averaged 43.9 yards per punt as a senior, including a career-best 65-yard boot which also ranked as the longest punt in Cobb County ... Dropped eight of his punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line ... Was a two-time Special Teams Player of the Week last season and earned All-County and Second Team All-State accolades ... As a junior, averaged 40 yards per kick with a seasonal-long of 52 yards ... Also played four years of prep basketball at guard, garnering his team's 2005 Defensive Player award and the Coaches' Award in 2006.
Personal: Is the son of Marty and Renee Cain ... Comes from a football family as his grandfather (Tommy Rose) played end at Georgia Tech; uncle (Tommy Rose, Jr.) played center at Tulane; brother, Grant, played cornerback at Catawba and currently coaches linebackers at Coastal Carolina; and brother, Travis, played safety at Coastal Carolina.

Justin Collins
6-2, 266 lbs., DL
Fort Worth, Texas (Kilgore JC / Brewer HS)
Prior to Western: Originally signed with the University of Iowa out of high school ... Took a red-shirt his first season ... Was listed on the Hawkeyes' second team as a defensive tackle following spring Iowa's practice ... Transferred to Kilgore Junior College ... Suffered a deep thigh contusion the first half of the season ... Returned to action in the second half of the year, finishing with 60 tackles, eight sacks and 15 QB hurries.
High School: Earned first team all-state as a defensive tackle as a senior after garnering second team accolades during his junior season ... Recorded 102 career tackles - including 60 his senior year along - and 16 quarterback sacks as a prep ... Won three letters in football and power lifting while also receiving two in track & field ... Ranked first in the state of Texas in the 242-lbs. power lifting division.
Personal: Is the son of Julius and Laura Collins.

Levon Curtis
5-8, 180 lbs., WR/RB
Elon, N.C. (Western Alamance HS)
Prior to Western: Was a three-time All-Triad 3-A Conference performer, garnering first-team accolades both his junior and senior seasons ... Also earned three All-Area and two All-Region honors as a prep ... Earned first team All-State accolades in his final season after finishing with 68 catches for 1,298 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns, while also rushing for another 743 yards and 13 scores ... Helped lead Western Alamance to the 2007 3-A North Carolina State Championship after consecutive runner-up finishes as a sophomore and junior ... Scored four touchdowns and threw for a fifth en route to garnering Most Outstanding Player accolades in the 2007 title game ... Finished the championship game with seven catches for 153 yards while also adding 96 yards rushing ... Was named the Triad Conference Offensive Most Valuable Player as a junior.
Personal: Is the son of Alice Pinnix.

Jarmarcus Douglas
5-9, 175 lbs., DB
Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland County HS)
Prior to Western: Originally signed out of high school by Western Carolina in 2007 ... An All-MidSoutheastern 4-A Conference (MSEC) selection at defensive back each of his final two seasons ... Returned four interceptions back for touchdowns last season ... Earned All-MSEC honorable mention as a cornerback as a sophomore.
Personal: Is the son of Dennis Smith and Eunice Douglas ... Has two brothers, Key-Key and Hikeem, and three sisters, Drika, Fionda and Bianca ... Two of his cousins play college football - Jacoby Watkins (North Carolina) and Michael Moody (Elon).

Josh Gossett
6-0, 195 lbs., LB
Fletcher, N.C. (T.C. Roberson HS)
Prior to Western: Was a three-year All-Mountain Athletic Conference (MAC) and All-Western Carolina performer, garnering the conference's Defensive Player of the Year honor as a senior ... Recorded a team-high 177 tackles, including 10 for loss and a pair of sacks and an interception last season ... Averaged 12.6 tackles per game, including posting 20 total hits in a win over South Point HS ... Named first team All-State by both the Associated Press and NC Preps ... Was selected to participate in the 2007 Shrine Bowl ... Was also an accomplished high school wrestler, winning the 189-lbs. weight class state championship and Associated Press all-state honors as a junior.
Personal: Is the son of Mac and Renee Gossett ... Has one sibling, Tyler.

Brandon Hribar
6-7, 280 lbs., OL, Jr.
San Diego, Calif. (Palomar CC / La Costa Canyon HS)
Prior to Western: Played the past two seasons at Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif. ... Helped PC go 7-3 last season as the starting left offensive tackle, falling in the Southern California Bowl at season's end ... Earned second team All-Mission Conference accolades last season.
High School: Was a two-time All-Avocado League selection out of La Costa Canyon HS.
Personal: Is the son of Krista Hribar ... Has one sibling, Jake.

Torez Jones
6-1, 165 lbs., DB
Wilson, N.C. (James Hunt HS)
Prior to Western: A versatile athlete that was used as a wide receiver, defensive back and on kick returns during his prep career ... Was named the Eastern Carolina Conference co-Player of the Year, All-State and Ironman of the Year as a senior ... Hauled in 49 passes for 953 yards and 14 TDs at receiver as a part of amassing 1,578 all-purpose yards and a school single-season record 18 touchdowns ... Concluded his high school career with 85 total tackles and 11 interceptions defensively and 965 yards in returns ... Also is a four-year letter winner in boy's basketball as a prep.
Personal: Is the son of Curtis and Keyoka Barnes.

Ryan Kurzec
6-2, 245 lbs., OL
Jamestown, N.C. (Ragsdale HS)
Prior to Western: A four-year scholar athlete who played varsity his final two seasons as a prep ... Billed as a tough lineman with excellent feet ... Graded out at 87-percent for the season according to his high school coaches to earn Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman ... Recorded 78 pancake blocks over his final two seasons including a career-best 58 as a senior to garner All-Mid-Piedmont 3-A Conference honors ... Helped anchor an offensive line that produced rushing and passing totals over 3,100 yards ... Off the gridiron, wrestled for four years.
Personal: Is the son of Jim and Marla Kurzec ... Has two siblings, Brittny and Megan.

Adrian "Bubba" McLeod
6-1, 215 lbs., LB, Jr.
Oxon Hill, Md. (West Hills CC / Potomac HS)
Prior to Western: Was a two-time All-Valley Conference selection at West Hills College in Coalinga, Calif. ... Led his team in sacks both seasons, while also pacing the Falcons in total hits as a sophomore.
High School: Was a three-year All-County selection and twice earned All-State accolades at Potomac HS ... Finished his four-year career with 509 career tackles, including a single-season best 205 as a senior ... Also finished his prep career with 25 quarterback sacks and 13 interceptions ... As a junior, garnered conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in helping his squad go a perfect 14-0 ... On offense, rushed 209 times for 1,629 yards and 21 TDs, including a seasonal-best 895 yards and 10 scores as a senior.
Personal: Is the son of Anthony and Michelle McLeod ... Has three siblings, Kisha and twin brothers Anthony, Jr., and Alex.

Breyan McQueen
6-0, 185 lbs., S, Jr.
Garner, N.C. (Palomar CC / Garner HS / Camden Military Academy)
Prior to Western: In two seasons at Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif., recorded 100 tackles including a career-best 69 as a sophomore ... Added a combined 25 pass break-ups, three tackles for loss and a pair of interceptions for the Falcons ... Was named Player of the Game versus Long Beach City.
High School: Earned All-Kershaw County accolades as a senior at Camden (S.C.) Military Academy.
Personal: Is the son of Ervin and Pearlie McQueen ... Has two siblings ... Brother, Jermaine, is a wide receiver at the University of New Mexico.

Nathan Postelle
6-3, 250 lbs., OL
Tunnel Hill, Ga. (Northwest Whitfield HS)
Prior to Western: As a senior, graded out as a team-best 88-percent blocker ... Earned second team All-State accolades, as well as All-Area, All-Region and All-North Georgia honors in his final year as a prep ... Helped Whitfield HS finish ranked 10th in the final AP AAAA rankings and tie for the winningest class in school history.
Personal: Is the son of Jack and Betty Postelle ... Has two siblings, Kendra and Hannah.

Immanuel Rich
6-2, 185 lbs., WR
Raleigh, N.C. (East Wake HS)
Prior to Western: Was a two-year, All-Greater Neuse River Conference selection in each of his final two seasons as a prep ... As a senior, averaged just under six yards per rush (15 for 104 yards) and two touchdowns ... Caught 24 passes for 312 yards and four scores ... Defensively, tallied 21 total hits in his last season as a free safety with four interceptions ... In addition to football, played basketball and ran track in high school.
Personal: Is the son of Jerome and Catherine Rich ... Has four siblings.

Eric Robinson
5-11, 200-lbs., LB
Canton, Ga. (Sequoyah HS)
Prior to Western: Was a four-year varsity letter winner, starting each of his final three seasons at cornerback and linebacker earning All-County honors his final two seasons ... Posted 258 total hits in four seasons including a career-high 115 with nine for loss as a senior ... Recorded seven career interceptions ... Set a school-record with 18 tackles in a single-game as a senior ... On offense, rushed 81 times for 559 yards and seven touchdowns while also catching seven passes for 164 yards and a score ... Averaged 21.1 yards per kickoff return and 11.5 yards per punt return ... In his final two seasons, was a six-time Defensive Player of the Week and garnered the offensive equivalent twice ... Also ran track as a prep, setting a personal best in the 100-meter dash at 11.2 seconds.
Personal: Is the son of Gary and Anne Robinson ... Has one sibling, Marisa.

Jerry Saxon
6-3, 252-lbs., DL
Williamston, S.C. (Palmetto HS)
High School: Was a three-time All-Region selection ... In three seasons, accumulated 172 total tackles, including 109 solo stops, and 16 career sacks ... Recorded one career interception, returning it for a touchdown his sophomore season ... Also caught 36 career passes as a tight end for 582 yards and five career touchdowns, including two as a senior ... Also played boy's basketball, earning all-conference accolades.
Personal: Is the son of Jerry Saxon and Amanda Henry ... Has two siblings, Andrew and Jessie.

Ricky Schwarz
6-1, 185 lbs., LB
Ormond Beach, Fla. (Seabreeze HS)
Prior to Western: A four-year letter winner who played primarily on defense after his freshman season ... Helped guide his squad to the state championship game his senior season ... Played three years as a safety, spending his junior year at linebacker ... Recorded 293 career tackles including a career-best 150 during his junior campaign to earn defensive MVP honors ... Finished his four years with 22 quarterback sacks, six interceptions and five fumble recoveries ... In his first season, rushed 80 times for 400 yards and two scores ... Away from football, participated in wrestling and also captained his track & field squad, garnering MVP honors as a junior after earning first team All-Volusia County accolades in the 400-meter dash and 4x800-meter relay.
Personal: Is the son of Richard and Stephanie Schwarz ... Has two siblings, Ali and Maddie ... His uncle (Jim) was a linebacker for the University of Cincinnati.

Andrerius Thomas
6-3, 180 lbs., WR
Stone Mountain, Ga. (Redan HS)
Prior to Western: Hauled in 142 career catches for 3,595 yards and 34 touchdowns as a prep ... As a senior, played in the first-ever DeKalb County All-Star game after garnering first team All-Region honors ... Caught a career-best 41 passes for 965 yards and 11 scores as a sophomore helping Redan HS advance to the state semifinals ... Also plays boys basketball, earning All-Region honors as a junior, and track & field.
Personal: Is the son of Keishan and Melva Heath.

Randy Triplett
6-1, 185 lbs., QB
Youngstown, Ohio (Youngstown Christian)
Prior to Western: Was a four-year letter winner and a two-time first team All-East Suburban Conference recipient ... Completed 54-percent (193-of-358) of his passes in this final two seasons as a prep for 3,312 yards and 36 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,578 yards and 17 scores out of the spread formation ... As a senior, led the Tri-County Area with a 177.66 passer rating to hear honorable mention All-District and was a member of Ted Ginn Football Prospects team ... Garnered All-District honors as a junior after amassing 2,664 yards of total offense including 1,787 yards through the air.
Personal: His guardian is Susan Revere Robinson.

Brandon Vaught
6-3, 180-lbs., S
Cleveland, Ga. (White County HS)
Prior to Western: A three-time All-Area selection, garnering the honor at three different positions (wide receiver as a sophomore, linebacker as a junior and first team at free safety as a senior) ... Help guide White County High to its first-ever state playoff appearance in his final season ... As a receiver, caught 69 passes for 1,047 yards and 13 touchdowns ... Defensively his final two years, accumulated 172 total stops including 95 solo stops with seven interceptions and two scores ... Finished with a career-best 104 total hits and five picks as a senior ... Off the gridiron, helped establish the school benchmark on the track in the boy's 4x100-meter relay.
Personal: Is the son of Anthony Vaught and Tracy Thomason ... Has two siblings, Amanda Vaught and Brookly Rose Thomason ... His grandfather (Don Carter) was a high school All-American and played collegiate football at LSU ... Was born in Sylva.

Evan Williams
5-10, 220 lbs., RB, Jr.
Vacaville, Calif. (Santa Rosa CC / Vacaville HS)
Prior to Western: Began his collegiate career at City College of San Francisco in 2005 before taking a red-shirt in 2006 ... Transferred to Santa Rosa CC, which finished 7-4, prior to last season ... Suffered a sprained right ankle early in the season, but recovered to rush 29 times for 127 yards (4.4 yards per carry).
High School: Was a three-time All-Monticello Empire League selection ... Is the only running back in Vacaville High history to rush for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons ... Gained 1,257 yards as a sophomore in 2002; 1,292 as a junior in 2003; and a career-best 1,541 yards during his senior season in 2004 ... Continues to rank second on the school's all-time rushing charts with 4,090 yards, and second in rushing touchdowns (57) and total touchdowns with 61 in his prep career ... Out of the backfield, caught 31 passes in three seasons for 544 yards and four TDs ... WCU head coach Dennis Wagner recruited Williams out of high school while at Nebraska.
Personal: Is the son of Clarence Williams and Karen Evans-Williams.