NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State football coach Pete Adrian announced Wednesday that four high school players and one junior college player have signed to play for the Spartans beginning this fall.
The Spartans return 16 starters and more than 60 players, including letterwinners and redshirts, from last year's young squad which finished 5-7. With that in mind, Adrian's recruiting focus this year was more on quality than quantity, and he is encouraged by the makeup of this year's group.
“This is the kind of year we've been waiting for,” Adrian said. “We've taken at least 20 players the last three years, and we're to the point this year where we didn't have a lot of spots open. We could be selective in what we took at each position, and that is what we've done.”
Adrian also said that additional signees are possible in the coming days and weeks. Following is a look at Wednesday's signees, with notes and Adrian's comments on each.
Karl Butler, OL, 6-5/310, Fredericksburg, Va./Riverbend HS
Notes: Was an honorable mention all-district pick as a senior.
Adrian says: “Butler is very athletic and comes off ball well. He is excellent in pass protection.”
Quartez Carter, TE, 6-5/250, Spotsylvania, Va./Spotsylvania HS
Notes: Two-time first-team All-Battlefield District selection at tight end…also named honorable mention All-Region I as a junior and senior…selected to the all-district second team at defensive end in his final prep season…caught 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns as a senior…also an all-district pick in basketball.
Adrian says: “He has a chance to help us right away. He runs well for his size, has good hands, and is big for a tight end.”
Kevin Leatherwood, QB, 6-2/205, Charlottesville, Va./Charlottesville HS
Notes: A three-year starter at quarterback for Charlottesville…missed most of his senior season due to injury…was an all-district and all-region performer as a junior, when he accounted for 2,000 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns…also the Jefferson District Player of the Year and an all-state selection in basketball as a junior.
Adrian says: “Leatherwood is an exceptional athlete. He's a smart player who throws the ball with good velocity and understands the game.”
Victor Martin, DL, 6-2/270, Fort Meade, Fla./Independence (Kan.) CC/Fort Meade HS
Notes: A second-team All-Jayhawk Conference selection last year…team captain…tallied 62 tackles, 12 for loss, and eight sacks…a first-team All-State Class 1A selection as a senior at Fort Meade HS, when he helped the Miners win the state title…redshirted his first year at Independence, and has three years of eligibility remaining.
Adrian says: “Martin has a great 'motor.' He is tailor-made for our defense because he moves well and is always around the football.”
Cameron Williams, OL, 6-4/295, Alexandria, Va./St. Stephen's & St. Agnes HS
Notes: A second-team all-state (VISAA) offensive lineman as a senior.
Adrian says: “Williams is another athletic lineman who has excellent strength and movement.”
Adrian will be one of the guests Wednesday night on NSU's weekly radio talk show, "Inside Spartan Sports," which airs from 7-8 p.m. on WXTG 102.1 FM The Game and 1490 AM in the Hampton Roads area.
