William & Mary announces football class of 2010
Coming off one of the most successful seasons in school history, William and Mary Head Football Coach Jimmye Laycock announced the College’s signing of 13 prep players to National Letters of Intent this afternoon. Also included in the Tribe’s incoming class is UNC transfer, quarterback Mike Paulus.
“We came into this off-season looking to improve in some specific areas, especially along the offensive and defensive fronts,” stated Laycock. “I think the staff did a tremendous job of addressing those needs, both on the front and in other areas. As we move forward, I anticipate this class will have the opportunity to contribute greatly to our future success.”
The incoming freshman class is comprised of players from five states along the east coast from North Carolina to New Jersey. In addition to five signees from Virginia, the class also includes players from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina. The group consists of three defensive linemen, three offensive linemen, one quarterback, one linebacker, one kicker/punter and three wide receivers/defensive backs.
Additionally, the College previously announced the transfer of former high school All-America quarterback, Mike Paulus from the University of North Carolina. Paulus, a native of Syracuse, N.Y., came out of Christian Brothers Academy as one of the more heralded scholastic quarterbacks in the nation, and was ranked the No. 1 player in New York by SuperPrep and was the state's Gatorade Player of the Year. He is already enrolled at classes at William and Mary and will participate in spring practice. Paulus will have two seasons of eligibility for the Tribe.
After posting one of the best seasons in the program’s history in 2009, W&M will look to build upon that success during the upcoming campaign. The College will return 13 letter winners (seven offense/six defense) from last season’s team that equaled a school record with 11 wins, advanced to the NCAA Semifinals for the second time in the last six years and ranked as high as third in the final national polls.
W&M will open its season against a Colonial Athletic Association opponent for the second time in the last four years when it plays at Massachusetts on Sept. 4.
2010 Tribe Football Signees
George Beerhalter, DL, 6-3, 250, Pittsburgh, Pa., Montour H.S.
Alex Berry, OL, 6-4, 275, Roanoke, Va., Cave Spring H.S.
John Carpenter, K/P, 6-1, 190, Cumberland, Md., Allegany H.S.
Jake Franklin, OL, 6-4, 263, New Bern, N.C., New Bern H.S.
Alex Goodman, LB, 6-0, 215, Fredericksburg, Va., Brooke Point H.S.
Baron Goodman, OL, 6-3, 284, Smithfield, Va., Nansemond-Suffolk Academy
Jordan King, WR/DB, 5-10, 185, Stafford, Va., Mountain View H.S.
Darnell Laws, RB, 5-11, 211, Sicklerville, N.J., St. Augustine Prep
Jesse McNeal III, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Spotsylvania, Riverbend H.S.
Raphael Ortiz, QB, 6-2, 214, Rahway, N.J., St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City)
* Mike Paulus, QB, 6-4, 215, Syracuse, N.Y., Christian Brothers Academy (North Carolina)
Mike Reilly, DL, 6-4, 240, Old Tappan, N.J., Northern Valley Regional H.S.
Stephen Sinnott, DL, 6-3, 222, Lansdale, Pa., La Salle H.S.
Ivan Tagoe, DB/WR, 6-0, 203, Burtonsville, Md., Paint Branch H.S.
*Indicates transfer with two years of eligibility remaining.
For additional biographical information and video highlights of signees, visit Tribe Athletics.
