LORMAN — Alcorn State University head football coach
Cedric Thomas and his staff proudly unveiled the full 2025 National Signing Day class, a well-balanced group of high school standouts and experienced collegiate transfers designed to strengthen the Braves across all positions. With a focus on size, athleticism, and depth, this class provides an immediate boost to Alcorn State's roster and sets the stage for future success.
"We focused on addressing our needs and all three phases of the game, but overall, we got bigger and stronger as a team," said Coach Thomas. "Most importantly, we added size, physicality, and depth to our roster, positioning us to compete at a higher level."
Defensive Reinforcements
The Braves made significant improvements to their defensive unit, particularly in the secondary.
Jakobie Anderson (CB, 5-10, 175, McDonough 35, New Orleans, LA) brings elite coverage skills as a 1st Team All-State selection.
Patrick Kince (CB, 6-3, 190, Coahoma CC, Shaw, MS) adds length and physicality, having earned 1st Team 3A All-Region honors.
Damion Miller (CB, 6-3, 195, Southern Miss CC, Port Gibson, MS), a former 247 3-star recruit, brings experience and a high football IQ.
At safety, Alcorn welcomes
Elijah Ruffin (SAF, 6-2, 200, Northwest CC, Philadelphia, MS), a 1st Team All-State performer, and
Ricardo Butler Jr. (SAF, 5-10, 185, Co-Lin CC, Clarksdale, MS), a standout student-athlete who earned All-State Academic Honors.
Brent Barnes (SAF, 6-1, 190, Co-Lin CC, McCalla, AL), a team captain and Defensive Player of the Week recipient, brings leadership to the defensive backfield.
The defensive front has been fortified with proven playmakers.
Deshawn Palmer (DL, 6-2, 295, Co-Lin CC, Cleveland, MS) and
Rosco Malloy (DL, 6-1, 290, East Miss CC, Anniston, AL) add size and physicality to the interior, while
Tony Deloach (DL, 6-1, 270, East Central CC, Macon, MS) was one of the most disruptive linemen in junior college, recording 80 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 3 sacks.
Korey Robinson (DE, 6-2, 230, Madison Central, Madison, MS) provides an edge-rushing presence, having totaled 80 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 3 sacks last season.
At linebacker,
Jakel Irving (LB, 6-3, 200, Natchez High, Natchez, MS) and
Nyair Graham (LB, 5-10, 220, Lackawanna CC, Camden, NJ) bring athleticism and tackling ability. Graham, a JUCO All-American, was once the No. 1-ranked linebacker in New Jersey.
Tobias Hinton (LB, 6-3, 235, Mississippi State, Hattiesburg, MS), a former 4-star prospect and SEC Honor Roll member, adds Power Five experience.
Offensive Playmakers and Line Reinforcements
At quarterback, the Braves add
Jaylon Tolbert (QB, 6-2, 175, Howard, Fort Lauderdale, FL), who started four games last season, and
Andre Washington (QB, 6-4,215, Charlotte/South Carolina State, Hopkins, SC), a dual-threat athlete who threw for over 5,800 yards in high school.
The running back group has been bolstered with
Reggie Davis (RB, 6-0, 200, UT-Chattanooga, Montgomery, AL), an All-SoCon First-Team selection who rushed for 850 yards in 2024.
Traylon Minor (RB, 5-10, 180, Co-Lin CC, Natchez, MS) was one of the top JUCO running backs in the country.
At wide receiver, Alcorn secured
Elijah Griffin (WR, 6-5, 215, Garden City CC, St. Louis, MO), a three-time All-Conference performer, and
Jarvis Rush (WR, 6-4, 180, Akron, Louisville, MS), a former 3-star recruit.
Jacoby Matthews (WR, 5-10, 170, FIU, McComb, MS) and
Neico Sandifer (WR, 6-4, 210, Central Georgia Tech, Macon, GA) bring depth to the receiver room.
The offensive line has been strengthened with
Jordan Towns (OL, 6-5, 295, LA Valley College, Los Angeles, CA),
Jaden Nguyen (OL, 6-4, 305, Cisco CC, Austin, TX), and
Jaden Bryant (OL, 6-4, 320, Norfolk State, Norfolk, VA), who started all 12 games last season.
Derrick Cooper (OL, 6-4, 325, Rancho Cucamonga, CA) was named 2024 Lineman of the Year, and
Elijah Husser (OL, 6-7, 300, Lackawanna CC, Newark, DE) had offers from multiple FBS programs.
Special Teams Enhancements
Alcorn secured two proven specialists in
Grandin Wilcox (K, 5-11, 220, Norfolk State, Ocala, FL), a 2nd Team All-MEAC kicker, and
Demetrion Duvall (K/P, 5-10, 190,Hampton, Akron, OH), the former No. 1 punter in Ohio.
A Strong Foundation for Future Success
With this well-rounded class, Coach Thomas and his staff have positioned the Braves for continued growth and competition at the highest level of SWAC football.
"We believe this class brings a great balance of talent and leadership that will help us continue to build a championship-caliber program," Thomas added. "We're excited to see these young men develop and contribute to the Braves family."
For more information and updates on Alcorn State Football, visit
AlcornSports.com.
