Jacksonville, AL – Fresh off the New Orleans Bowl victory, Gamecocks have added 10 high school players and three transfers during the early time of signing.

Joe Medley Joe Medley

Jacksonville State’s football’s first recruiting class following a historic performance by winning a bowl game in the Gamecocks’ debut FBS season is half-way through.

The Gamecocks revealed 13 signings at the start of Wednesday’s early signing period. This includes 10 high school players as well as three transfers. Jax State coach Rich Rodriguez stated that more players signed, but he wanted to wait until February’s time period for signing to recognize the fact publicly.

The class is comprised of five prospects who are three stars.

Five days ago, Jax Sate beat Louisiana 34-31 in overtime at the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. The Gamecocks were 9-4 in their debut FBS season.

“I believe it was a boost for us,” Rodriguez said. “The bowl game did help slightly obviously due to the fact that it was broadcast on national television however, those five games that were on national television, and because there was so much excitement around Jax State throughout the season which not only helped the recruiting process. I’m sure it benefited the school’s enrollment and also.

“We may not be the most least amount of downs in Division I-A, however we’re not the most well-known.”

Jax State signed transfer quarterback Zevi Eckhaus following the loss of seven-year veteran Zion Webb. Eckhaus was a junior and played three seasons in the football program at Bryant University.

Wide receiver Samario “Flip” Rudolph (UAB) and offensive lineman Cam Jones (Cincinnati) also were transferred through the portal.

The five three-star prospects include the wide receiver Jeremiah Colbert, offensive lineman Bubba Grayson, running back Justus Savage linebacker Zedrick Washington, and security Marc Woods.

For the needs of the players, Jax State signed a quarterback and an athlete who begins his career as a quarterback. He will be joined by three wide receivers as well as a running back. two offensive linemen a tightend and a defensive lineman. two linebackers as well as an safety.

“We required skilled linebackers that could play the game,” Rodriguez said. “We needed to find athletes with the ability to play offense regardless of whether they play slots receiver, or an outside receiver. We’re in search of running backs, and if we’ll go for, as well as a tightend and we found.

“We need safety and we’re not done addressing those issues, as well as the D-line as well as safety.”

Portal poaching

Rodriguez has said that he will bring an unidentified college into the police for tampering with an unknown Jax State player. Rodriguez claims the alleged act occurred on the morning of Tuesday.

“We have one person who was bought, and subsequently enrolled into the portal, and was clearly altered before he was able to access the portal” the man said. “I have this information because I spoke with him prior to his being inside the portal, and he revealed to me the school he went to and then he informed me of the amount they would be paying him.

“That does not happen by itself. Someone isn’t going to be able to collect a certain amount without someone on the staff who is helping to facilitate that move We’ll submit it. I tried calling Coach Head. There was no response.”

Jax State offensive lineman Xavier Bausley has entered the portal on Wednesday. There is no school listed as his destination.

Jax State early signees

Jeremiah Colbert — WR, 5-10, 165, FR, Atlanta/Buford HS

Zevi Eckhaus — QB, 6-1 205, SR, Los Angeles/Culver City High School/Bryant University

Amare Grayson – Amare Grayson – O.L., 6-2, 282, FR Stockbridge (Ga.) High School

Nick Igbeare — DL, 6-4, 260, FR, Suwanee, Ga./Collins Hills HS

Cam Jones — OT, 6-8, 330, R-SR, Knott County, Ky./Fredrick Douglass HS/Cincinnati

Alex Moore — TE, 6-6, 230, FR, Huntsville HS

Nick Pace — LB, 5-11, 190, FR, Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County HS

Samario “Flip” Rudolph — WR 5-9, 180, R-SR, Mobile/Cottage Hill/UAB/Mobile

Justus Savage– 5-10, RB 295, FR, Atlanta/Langston Hughes High School

Wyatt Sonderman — WR, 6-1, 175, FR, Marietta, Ga./Walton HS

Zedric Washington, Jr. – – LB, 6-3 215 f, Magnolia, Miss./Parklane Academy

A.J. Watkins A.J. Watkins ATH 6-1 5-1, 195, FR, Lithonia, Ga./Norcross High School

Marc Woods, Jr. — SAF, 6-4, 187, FR, Madison/James Clemens HS

Early bios of early signees


includes quotes by Jax State coach Rich Rodriguez about recruits that he discussed at Wednesday’s media zoom:

JEREMIAH COBERT

A three-star prospect from 247Sports and a two-star prospect according to Rivals.com … was a senior in Buford High School in Buford, Ga. … mostly an open player and kick returner at BHS … as well as an outstanding track player during his time at Buford … participated in in the 2022 season at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga. … A big play threat, who is fast both at the receiver position as well as an extra-team returner … picked Jax State over several offers which included Army, Georgia State, James Madison, Liberty, Maryland, Middle Tennessee, Missouri, Ole Miss, South Florida and Western Michigan.

Rich Rodriguez on Jeremiah Colbert: We have some speed on Jeremiah Colbert.

ZVI ECKHAUS

Moving from Jax State from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, where he was named the Big South OVC Offensive Player for the year in 2023 … during his final season, he threw for 2,907 yards and set the single season record by passing for 28 touchdowns … ended his career at Bryant as the team’s top total offense leader with 9,287 yards and completions of 724 as well as passing touchdowns 75 … The quarterback threw 8 513 yards in his career during his time at Bryant … Averaged 315 yards of passing per game during the conference as an alumnus … chosen for be named to the All-New England Team by the New England Football Writers Association … was an All-Big South second-team quarterback in 2022 after he threw for 26,228 yards and 3,228 scores … when he was an undergraduate in 2021, he was named All-NEC First Team and 4th in the contest to win the Jerry Rice Award, given to the best freshman in FCS every year, after completing passes for 2,392 yards with 21 touchdowns … was a prep in Culver City High School in Culver City, Calif., where was named the Los Angeles Times Back of the Year in his senior year … the two-time all-state player who threw for 10210 yards as well as 137 scores during his entire career … He chose Jax State over several offers which include Akron, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois and Buffalo.

Rich Rodriguez on Zevi Eckhaus He was a player for Bryant in the past and played a fantastic three years there. Now, the time is now for him to come to the team. We’re extremely looking forward to his arrival. He’s an older, mature man and was incredibly efficient. He is extremely precise and timing. He’s a very athletic player who runs, but every throw is to the point. Very intelligent, very mature. We needed an older man. We lost an older man from Zion (Webb) Webb, and we’re in need of an older player to step to the table and be competitive immediately.”

AMARE “BUBBA” GRAYSON

A three-star prospect from 247Sports and a two-star prospect from Rivals.com … trained for the state championship at Stockbridge High School situated in Stockbridge, Ga. … an all-state offensive lineman as well as an all-region first-teamer at SHS …led SHS Tigers to 12-3 overall and an overall runner-up finish at the 2023 GHA Class 4A State Championship … selected to the GPB Sports 2023 All-Finals team … selected Jax State over several offers which comprised West Virginia, Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, James Madison, Liberty, Maryland, Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion and Western Kentucky.

Rich Rodriguez on Bubba Grayson: Bubba Grayson was one of the top offensive linemen in high school that we were able to recruit We’re thrilled about him.

NICK IGBEARE

The team was prepped for the varsity team at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Ga. … was an all-region defensive lineman on the first team for the Region 8AAAAA AAAAAAA of the Eagles as an high school senior … He was awarded the Gwinnett County player of the month for the month of October … in the course of an senior recorded 66 tackles and 27.0 tackles for loss, which included 11.0 Sacks as well as 25 quarterback-hurries … The team chose Jax State over several offers which comprised UCF, Georgia Southern, and Buffalo.

Rich Rodriguez on Nick Igbeare: We believe he has a lot of potential as offensive lineman.

CAM JONES

The previous five seasons were spent as a player in the football team at Cincinnati and had an unique route towards an offensive line … began with his UC professional career at a 6-foot-1 205-pound quarterback who signed as a four-star signal calling player from Frederick Douglass High situated in Lexington, Ky. … changed to tight end during his redshirt year in 2019. He was a reserve tight-end in 2020 before transferring onto the offensive line in the beginning in 2021 … played during 12 matches in the Bearcats offensive line in 2023, after playing the entirety of 2022 and ten matches for the 2021 season … for the Bearcats as high school quarterback, was ranked as the no. seventh player for Kentucky and a top 30 quarterback across the country … picked Jax State over several offers which include Western Michigan, Marshall and UAB.

ALEX MOORE

The team was prepped for the upcoming season at Huntsville High School in Huntsville, Ala. … listed as one of the top Tight End prospects from Rocket City Preps prior to the 2023 season … was an integral part of the Panthers offense as a tight end who was a crucial blocker in the run game, and was also a viable option for passing.

NICK PACE

He was a prep at Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Ga. … played in the Packers to win their second straight regional championship at the end of 2023 … CCHS finished his senior year with a 12-1-0 record following being eliminated during the final round of the GHSA 7-A playoffs … was named the Packers Defensive Player of the Year as well as a Team Captain in his senior season … was a First-Team selection to the All-Region 1-7A team following his final campaign … Also, he was selected First Team All-Region in his junior year in 2022. He was the leading player for in the Packers in tackles, with the number of 160 … picked Jax State over several offers which include Charlotte, Georgia Southern and UMass.

Rich Rodriguez on Nick Pace: Nick Pace is a very good player on defense.

SAMARIO “FLIP” RUDOLPH

Transfer from UAB with one year of eligibility left … during his season finale with the Blazers the team scored 22 receptions for 318 yards and a score … during the span of his UAB career, he threw 45 receptions, gaining 545 yards with five touchdowns … training in Cottage Hill Christian in Mobile, Ala., where he was named a first-team all-state wide receiver, and was named was named the AHSAA class 2A back of the year following his senior year in 2018 … The Warriors to a 10-2-2 record with a region championship, and into two rounds of playoffs as an high school senior … Was named the Coastal Alabama Offensive MVP in 2018. He caught the ball 81 times for 24,677 yards and also returning 10 kickoffs to five17 yards, three scores and a touchdown.

JUSTUS SAVAGE

A three-star prospect according to 247Sports … prepared for the upcoming season at Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Ga. … 247Sports ranked him as the no. 49 running back United States in 2024’s class and the no. 63 player from Georgia … He ran for more than 11,000 yards and 18 touchdowns during the regular season in his final season … started this season roaring way, rushing for one hundred and two points in the win of 39-34 against Carrollton at ESPN2 … when he was an underclassman, he running the ball more than 153 times and scored 12,028 yards in leading LHHS towards a 15-0 win as well as winning the GHSA class 6A state championship … The team chose the Gamecocks over other teams which comprised Indiana as well as Toledo.

Rich Rodriguez on Justus Savage He had a few Power 5 opportunities for him. I felt he was an extremely energetic high schoolers we had on our list. We believe that he’s able to be a major influencer very quick. … As we viewed him more and then ranked him, he rose in the rankings to be at the top of our list simply because of his the ability to make people make a mistake that fits to a lot of the things we do. He’s an impressively sized man, also 5-10 and with 195. I’m not sure if first player ever had a chance to tackle him. He was extremely active. I loved him when he visited to visit. Very nice person.

WYATT SONDERMAN

The team was prepped in Walton High School situated in Marietta, Ga. … an all-state wide receiver in the Class 7A division within Georgia … played in the Georgia State Championships and led WHS in a win-loss mark and a finish as runner-up during the GHSA Class 7A Playoffs in 2023 … Walton finished the season 18th in the MaxPreps National HS Football Rankings after having been ranked among the top 10 before losing during the championship match of their state … selected the First-Team All-Region Five for Class 7A in the senior year following catching 32 balls to gain 7 touchdowns and 506 yards … when he was a junior in 2022 was able to catch 42 passes, resulting in seven44 yards, and scored 11 touchdowns … as well

were offered by UMass, Charleston Southern and Wofford.

Rich Rodriguez on Wyatt Sonderman: He’s an open wide receiver who could play at least four wide receiver positions.

ZEDRIC WASHINGTON, JR.

A three-star prospect according to 247Sports and an all-star player according to Rivals.com … 247Sports classified him as the no. 1313 Edge player in the United States and the number. 51 player from Mississippi within his division … trained for the game at Parklane Academy in McComb, Miss. … chosen to participate at the MAIS 4A-5A-6A All-Star Football Game, where he was named the Defensive MVP on the Blue Team … and an MAIS All-State pick … picked the Gamecocks from a list of options which include Louisiana, Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Middle Tennessee, Southern Miss and UAB.

Rich Rodriguez on Zedric Washington: Zedrick Washington is a linebacker who is athletic.

A.J. WATKINS

The team was prepped for the team at Norcross High School in Norcross, Ga. … was Norcross quarterback and was named first-team All Region 7 for GHSA Class 7A as a senior … was named the Class 7A Region 7 Player of the Year for his 17 touchdowns rushing as well as nine passing touchdowns, and 3 receiving touchdowns … throwing at 1,114 yards and rushed for 1,103 yards, and gained 370 yards receiving to his final year … selected the Gamecocks over other schools which comprised Air Force, Army, Kennesaw State and Toledo.

Rich Rodriguez on A.J. Watkins A.J. Watkins: He’s going take a look at quarterback first and have an opportunity to understand the system quickly. He could possibly assist with other aspects of the team however, we’ll give him a chance. Very athletic. I’m sure he was not noticed in a variety of ways due to the fact that people were not sure which position he was playing, however he’s a great runner and is an excellent athletic player. We’ll place him in the quarterback position to help him master the system, and move from there.

MARC WOODS JR.

A three-star prospect was rated by 247Sports and 247Sports, who named him as the No. 158 safety, and the number. 55 in Alabama for his age group … trained for the game at James Clemens High School in Madison, Ala. … an All-First team All-Region 4 selection in Class 7A in his senior year after registering 67 tackles. six tackles to lose and two interceptions. He also had seven pass breakups, and 3 forced fumbles.

Rich Rodriguez on Marc Woods: Mark Woods is a huge safe at 6-4 from the bottom from Madison. Marc’s going to be an extremely great player.