Alabama State University’s football program is gearing up for an electrifying future, officially welcoming 29 new signees on National Signing Day. During a dinner in the Stadium Lounge of the university’s stadium Feb. 5, the Hornets celebrated their incoming talent—11 offensive standouts and 18 defensive powerhouses—aiming to build on last season’s impressive 7-4 record as they set their sights on the 2025-26 campaign.
To begin, Juwan Lewis, Hornets running back coach and recruiting coordinator, came forward to the podium to break down the demographics for the 2025 signees. Lewis mentioned that the university was in the top four schools in the state of Alabama for the highest number of in-state players on their roster. He also noted that 90% of the 2025 freshmen class attended one of the university’s football camps and would sign to play for the Hornets.
The Hornets would have 12 signees in December 2024 and 17 signees in February 2025. The home states of the signees include Alabama (17), Florida (5), Georgia (3), Illinois (1), Ohio (1), Tennessee (1), Washington (1), and Quebec, Canada (1).
The Hornets will add two quarterbacks, four running backs, three offensive lines, one tight end and one wide receiver to the offense. As for the defense, they will have two defensive tackles, four defensive ends, four linebackers, four cornerbacks, three safeties and one athlete.
Chris Barnette, offensive coordinator, and Billy Gresham, assistant coach, introduced each signee, stating their name, where they are from and why they will be a good addition to the team next season.
Devin “D.J.” Brown was the first of the December signees announced. Brown is a 5’11” running back coming out of Hurtsboro, Alabama. He previously attended Russell County High School, where he earned All-Chattahoochee Valley honors as a running back in 2024.
Next was Kevin Gaines, a 6’0” cornerback from Mobile, Alabama, who previously attended Baker High School. Gaines recorded 60 tackles with eight passes defended while averaging three tackles per game. Gaines has a 3.9 GPA and will graduate with honors.
Zamari Hall, a 6’0” safety out of Tampa, Florida, previously attended Armwood High School. Terrence Johnson Jr. is a 5’10” defensive back from Pompano Beach, Florida. Johnson went to Cardinal Gibbons High School, where he recorded 124 tackles and four sacks.
The remaining December signees include Tykerius “Tye” Tucker, a 6’2” center from Pritchard, Ala.; Christian Williams, a 6’3” defensive end from Tallahassee, Fla.; Patrick Smith Jr., a 6’3” defensive end out of Birmingham, Ala.; Elijah Owens, a 6’3” safety out of Mobile, Ala.; Ricky Nichols, a 6’0” linebacker from Mobile, Ala.; Azariel Todd, a 6’0” linebacker from Webb, Ala.; Aaron Ford Jr. is a 6’2” offensive linebacker from Boca Raton, Fla.; and Austin Candler is a 6’0” offensive tackle from Jacksonville, Fla.
As for the February signees, Chris Boner is a 6’3” defensive end from Selma, Alabama, and is a transfer from Delta State University, where he spent his last three seasons. Bonner played in eight games with 10 tackles and three sacks.
Dylan Djete, a 6’0” wide receiver from Levis, Quebec, is a transfer from Wofford College. He is also a member of Team Canada and had four interceptions in three games as a defensive back. Te’Sean Smoot is a 6’0” quarterback transfer from Jacksonville State University and is originally from Springfield, Ohio. Smoot was a three-star prospect by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN coming out of Springfield High School. He was rated the 84th-best quarterback in his class and one of the top 50 players in Ohio.
The remaining February signees include Vincent Burrell from Midfield, Ala.; J.R. Garden from Montgomery, Ala.; Jaylen Jarrett from Pike Road, Ala.; Marvin Lee, Jr. from Huntsville, Ala.; Detrick Jones from Huntsville, Ala.; Jalil Lenore from Chicago, Ill.; Karl Ligon from Prattville, Ala.; Deontre Morris from Atlanta, Ga.; Aydden Moody from Birmingham, Ala.; Drew Nywangweso from Tacoma, Wa.; Braylen Ragland from Memphis, Tenn.; Te’Sean Smoot from Springfield, Ohio; Manny Thompson from Warner Robins, Ga.; Dezmon Thomas from Enterprise, Ala.; and Alan Wright from Fayetteville, Ga.