Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Raiders ink 11 on early signing day
12/20/2017 12:27:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee head football coach Rick Stockstill announced today the signing of 11 players to scholarship agreements during the initial early National Signing Day.
"We had some obvious needs we needed to fill due to graduation and we needed more depth along the offensive line," said Stockstill. "The offensive line was critical but we also brought in two very good quarterbacks and a productive receiver. Defensively, the most immediate need we had was in the back end and we brought in two guys in the secondary to go with a linebacker. Chris Stamps is a really good player who we are excited to have in this class.
"We are not done yet but I am really pleased so far with the way things have gone with this class."
Of the 11 signees today, eight came on the offensive side of the ball with five linemen, two quarterbacks and a receiver.
Defensively, the Blue Raiders inked a safety, a cornerback and a linebacker.
The Blue Raiders will complete the 2018 class on February 7, which is National Signing Day.
2018 MIDDLE TENNESSEE SIGNEES
NAME POS HT WT CL HOMETOWN/LAST SCHOOL
Tyler Falvey OL 6-4 310 Fr. Altamonte Springs, FL/Lake Brantley HS
Will Gilchrist OL 6-3 295 Jr. Pasadena, TX/Blinn College
Kendricks Gladney S 6-0 195 Jr. Capitol Heights, MD/ASA College
Marcus Greer OL 6-2 297 Fr. St. Louis, MO/Chaminade College Prep
Devon Jackson WR 6-2 190 Jr. Renton, WA/Santa Ana College
Avery Jones LB 6-1 235 Jr. Anaheim Hills, CA/Golden West College
Matt Martin OL 6-3 285 r-So. Pasadena, TX/Trinity Valley CC
Chance Nolan QB 6-2 195 Fr. Menifee, CA/Paloma Valley HS
Jahlil Ryles OL 6-3 305 Fr. Phenix City, AL/Central HS
Luke Shiflett QB 6-2 185 Fr. Dalton, GA/NW Whitfield HS
Chris Stamps CB 6-1 180 r-Jr. Vicksburg, MS/NW Mississippi CC
BOLD indicates players who will enroll in January
SIGNEE BIOS
TYLER FALVEY
OL, 6-4, 310, Fr., Altamonte Springs, FL
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Falvey: "Tyler is as equally smart on the football field as he is in the classroom. His awareness and strength are two factors that drew us to him immediately. Tyler's size is a great upside as well. We are excited to add Tyler to the Blue Raiders."
High School
• Lettered in football, wrestling and weight lifting at Lake Brantley High School
• Was all-district and all-conference in football
• A member of the National Honor Society and an Eagle Scout
• Played for Coach Dave Delfiacco
Personal
• Full name: Tyler Paul Falvey
• Parents: Rodger and Jessica Falvey
• Born: 3/6/00
• Major: Engineering
WILL GILCHRIST
OL, 6-3, 295, JJr.r., Pasadena, TX
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Gilchrist: "Will is one of those players that loves contact. He's constantly searching for the next block and works hard getting to the second level of defenders. Recruiting Will was fun because he was high school teammates with fellow signee, Matt Martin.
Blinn College
• Played in eight games at offensive tackle as a freshman and 10 games as a sophomore
High School
• Lettered in football at Deer Park High School
• Earned first team all-district honors and second team all-area recognition
• Played for Coach Chris Massey
Personal
• Full name: William Anthony Gilchrist
• Parents: Anthony and Michelle Gilchrist
• Born: 6/13/98
• Major: Undecided
KENDRICKS GLADNEY
S, 6-0, 195, Jr., Capitol Heights, MD/ASA College
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Gladney: "Kendricks joins us from ASA College in New York City. Kendricks is a hard worker and a hard hitter. In both run fits and pass coverage, Kendricks will have an opportunity to make an impact with our team next season. We look forward to seeing him in Middle Tennessee Blue."
ASA College
• Rated a 3-star recruit by 247Sports and the 13th best safety in JUCO
• Had 35 tackles to go with two sacks, seven TFLs, eight pass breakups and an interception in 2017
• Led team in pass breakups and was sixth in tackles
High School
• Lettered in football at Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Personal
• Full name: Kendricks Andre Gladney Jr.
• Parents: Kendricks Gladney Sr. and Star Payne
• Born: 8/21/97
• Major: Undecided
MARCUS GREER
OL, 6-2, 297, Fr., St. Louis, MO
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Greer: "Everyone we spoke to about Marcus could not say enough about how tough he was. Whether our staff was on the road at summer camps, in high schools, talking with area coaches – everyone said the same thing… Marcus is tough. Needless to say, we wanted that toughness here in Murfreesboro."
High School
• Lettered in football four years at Chaminade College Prep
• Earned all-state, all-conference and all-district honors
• Named offensive lineman of the year in St. Louis
• Played for Coach Antoine Torrey
Personal
• Full name: Marcus Issac Paul Greer
• Parents: Matt and Lisa Greer
• Born: 5/28/99
• Major: Undecided
DEVON JACKSON
WR, 6-2, 190, Jr., Renton, WA
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Jackson: "It's hard not to like Devon Jackson when you meet him. Devon is a highly productive player and competes for every ball thrown his way. Devon's work after the catch is also very impressive. We are excited for him to make the trip from his hometown of Renton, Washington to Middle Tennessee."
Santa Ana College
• Earned CCCFCA First Team All-America honors in 2017 while also garnering first team all-region IV recognition
• Led SAC in receiving with 67 receptions for 1,270 yards (second in the state) and 14 touchdowns
• Had 13 catches for 232 yards as a freshman
High School
• Lettered in football, basketball and track at Lindbergh High School
• Earned the Offensive Back of the Year award and was also a first team all-conference pick as a wide receiver and defensive back as a junior and senior
• Owns single-season records in receptions (67) and receiving yards (1,270)
• Played for Coach Geoff Jones
Personal
• Full name: Devon Jackson Jr.
• Parents: Devon Jackson Sr. and Corrina Wells
• Born: 6/21/97
• Major: Undecided
AVERY JONES
LB, 6-1, 235, Jr., Anaheim Hills, CA
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Jones: "Avery is an exciting linebacker to watch. He's constantly around the football as a middle-backer. At one point in his career, Avery played on the defensive line, and we loved the idea of taking an athletic middle linebacker with some DL experience."
Golden West College
• Collected 45 tackles (second on team) to go with two sacks, eight TFLs, an interception and two fumble recoveries in 2017
• Earned second team all-conference honors in 2017
High School
• Lettered in football, basketball and track at Canyon High School
• Named All-Orange County and selected to the Orange County All-Star team
• Voted the league's defensive player of the year in 2015 after posting 120 tackles
• A four-time scholar athlete winner and received the presidential award for academic excellence
Personal
• Full name: Avery Alexander Jones
• Parents: David and Christina Jones
• Born: 4/7/98
• Major: Undecided
MATT MARTIN
OL, 6-3, 285, r-So., Pasadena, TX
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Martin: "The moment you turn on Matt's film you notice the consistency with which he finishes blocks. Doesn't matter if he's blocking on the line, or out in the flat, Matt is going to put everything into his finish. Adding that mentality was a priority for us with this signing class, and Matt will provide that."
Trinity Valley
• Named NJCAA First Team All-American
• Earned NJCAA First Team All-Conference honors
• Was the TVCC Player of the Month in 2017
• Was redshirted in 2016
High School
• Lettered in football, choir and academics at Deer Park HS
• Was all-district in football and was selected to the Bayou All-Star Bowl
• Earned honorable mention all-state honors in academics
• Played for Coach Chris Massey
Personal
• Full name: Matthew Keith Martin
• Parents: Donald and Kimberly Martin
• Born: 5/13/98
• Major: Undecided
CHANCE NOLAN
QB, 6-2, 195, Fr., Menifee, CA
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Nolan: "Chance is a great quarterback and competitor. His football intelligence and driven personality make him a great fit for what Coach Stockstill and Coach Franklin want in their quarterbacks. Chance is a record setter in high school and we hope to see that same productivity here at Middle Tennessee."
High School
• Lettered in football and basketball at Paloma Valley High School
• Named the league's Offensive MVP as a junior and senior and was All-CIF as a junior and senior
• For his career, he set school records in passing yards (9,000) and touchdown passes (104)
• Graduated in top 10 of his class academically
• Played for Coach Juan Merida
Personal
• Full name: Chance Joseph Nolan
• Parents: Mark and Sheri Nolan
• Born: 9/7/99
• Major: Actuarial Science
JAHLIL RYLES
OL, 6-3, 305, Fr., Phenix City, AL
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Ryles: "Jahlil continues the theme of tough-nosed offensive lineman. He was an Alabama vs. Mississippi All-Star selection and his work this season proved that. Jahlil has seen lots of success on and off the football field and we are excited he will be joining us here in Murfreesboro."
High School
• Lettered in football four years at Central High School
• Earned all-state honors in 2016 and 2017
• Helped lead team to an 11-1 record his senior year
• Played for Coach Jamey DuBose
Personal
• Full name: Jhalil Ja'tez Ryles
• Parents: Khalil and Shalanda Ryles
• Born: 12/6/99
• Major: Undecided
LUKE SHIFLETT
QB, 6-2, 185, Fr., Dalton, GA
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Shiflett: "Luke is a fantastic quarterback and athlete from the Dalton, Georgia area. Luke is a 3-sport letterman and his athleticism really shows when you turn on his tape. We witnessed his ability at our summer camps over the years and knew he would be a player for us to keep an eye on."
High School
• Lettered in football, basketball and track at NW Whitfield High School
• Earned 6-AAAA honorable mention all-state honors
• Was the Region 6-AAAA Offensive Player of the Year and the 6-AAAA Athlete of the Year
• A 2017 finalist for Chattanooga Best of Prep Male Athlete of the Year
• Threw for over 5,000 yards and had nearly 2,000 rushing yards for his career (2 ½ years) to go with 52 TD passes and 25 rushing TDs
• Holds school record for touchdown passes in a game (5) and single-season completions
• Earned all-state honors in basketball and was the 6-AAAA Player of the Year
• Honor student and scholar athlete
• Played for Coach Josh Robinson
Personal
• Full name: Randall Luke Shiflett
• Parents: Chris and Stacy Shiflett
• Born: 2/24/00
• Major: Undecided
CHRIS STAMPS
CB, 6-1, 180, r-Jr., Vicksburg, MS/NW Mississippi CC
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Stamps: "Chris is a great football player and young man. He has SEC experience, which will be nice to add in our secondary, and was a target early in the recruiting process for us. Coupled with his leadership skills and athletic ability, Chris has the makeup to be a special player at MT."
NW Mississippi JC
• In his lone season, Stamps had 34 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in 2017
• Team finished 8-3 overall and was 7th nationally in the final poll
Mississippi State
• Redshirted with the Bulldogs in 2015 and played in nine games during the 2016 season
• Had two tackles in a reserve role in 2016
High School
• Played for Coach Josh Morgan at Warren Central High School
• Rated a 4-star defensive back by 247Sports and a 3-star by ESPN.com
• Ranked the No. 10 player in the state of Mississippi by Scout.com, No. 11 by 247Sports and No. 14 by Rivals.com
• In four seasons at receiver, accumulated 902 receiving yards on 65 receptions to go with eight touchdowns
• Recorded 112 tackles and two-for-loss in 36 games on the defensive side of the ball
• Over his career, intercepted 13 passes and returned them for a total of 123 yards and deflected 21 passes, recorded two forced fumbles and blocked one field goal his final three seasons
Personal
• Full name: Chris Stamps
• Parents: Charles and Lelia Stamps
• Born: 11/16/96
• Major: Undecided
"We had some obvious needs we needed to fill due to graduation and we needed more depth along the offensive line," said Stockstill. "The offensive line was critical but we also brought in two very good quarterbacks and a productive receiver. Defensively, the most immediate need we had was in the back end and we brought in two guys in the secondary to go with a linebacker. Chris Stamps is a really good player who we are excited to have in this class.
"We are not done yet but I am really pleased so far with the way things have gone with this class."
Of the 11 signees today, eight came on the offensive side of the ball with five linemen, two quarterbacks and a receiver.
Defensively, the Blue Raiders inked a safety, a cornerback and a linebacker.
The Blue Raiders will complete the 2018 class on February 7, which is National Signing Day.
2018 MIDDLE TENNESSEE SIGNEES
NAME POS HT WT CL HOMETOWN/LAST SCHOOL
Tyler Falvey OL 6-4 310 Fr. Altamonte Springs, FL/Lake Brantley HS
Will Gilchrist OL 6-3 295 Jr. Pasadena, TX/Blinn College
Kendricks Gladney S 6-0 195 Jr. Capitol Heights, MD/ASA College
Marcus Greer OL 6-2 297 Fr. St. Louis, MO/Chaminade College Prep
Devon Jackson WR 6-2 190 Jr. Renton, WA/Santa Ana College
Avery Jones LB 6-1 235 Jr. Anaheim Hills, CA/Golden West College
Matt Martin OL 6-3 285 r-So. Pasadena, TX/Trinity Valley CC
Chance Nolan QB 6-2 195 Fr. Menifee, CA/Paloma Valley HS
Jahlil Ryles OL 6-3 305 Fr. Phenix City, AL/Central HS
Luke Shiflett QB 6-2 185 Fr. Dalton, GA/NW Whitfield HS
Chris Stamps CB 6-1 180 r-Jr. Vicksburg, MS/NW Mississippi CC
BOLD indicates players who will enroll in January
SIGNEE BIOS
TYLER FALVEY
OL, 6-4, 310, Fr., Altamonte Springs, FL
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Falvey: "Tyler is as equally smart on the football field as he is in the classroom. His awareness and strength are two factors that drew us to him immediately. Tyler's size is a great upside as well. We are excited to add Tyler to the Blue Raiders."
High School
• Lettered in football, wrestling and weight lifting at Lake Brantley High School
• Was all-district and all-conference in football
• A member of the National Honor Society and an Eagle Scout
• Played for Coach Dave Delfiacco
Personal
• Full name: Tyler Paul Falvey
• Parents: Rodger and Jessica Falvey
• Born: 3/6/00
• Major: Engineering
WILL GILCHRIST
OL, 6-3, 295, JJr.r., Pasadena, TX
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Gilchrist: "Will is one of those players that loves contact. He's constantly searching for the next block and works hard getting to the second level of defenders. Recruiting Will was fun because he was high school teammates with fellow signee, Matt Martin.
Blinn College
• Played in eight games at offensive tackle as a freshman and 10 games as a sophomore
High School
• Lettered in football at Deer Park High School
• Earned first team all-district honors and second team all-area recognition
• Played for Coach Chris Massey
Personal
• Full name: William Anthony Gilchrist
• Parents: Anthony and Michelle Gilchrist
• Born: 6/13/98
• Major: Undecided
KENDRICKS GLADNEY
S, 6-0, 195, Jr., Capitol Heights, MD/ASA College
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Gladney: "Kendricks joins us from ASA College in New York City. Kendricks is a hard worker and a hard hitter. In both run fits and pass coverage, Kendricks will have an opportunity to make an impact with our team next season. We look forward to seeing him in Middle Tennessee Blue."
ASA College
• Rated a 3-star recruit by 247Sports and the 13th best safety in JUCO
• Had 35 tackles to go with two sacks, seven TFLs, eight pass breakups and an interception in 2017
• Led team in pass breakups and was sixth in tackles
High School
• Lettered in football at Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Personal
• Full name: Kendricks Andre Gladney Jr.
• Parents: Kendricks Gladney Sr. and Star Payne
• Born: 8/21/97
• Major: Undecided
MARCUS GREER
OL, 6-2, 297, Fr., St. Louis, MO
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Greer: "Everyone we spoke to about Marcus could not say enough about how tough he was. Whether our staff was on the road at summer camps, in high schools, talking with area coaches – everyone said the same thing… Marcus is tough. Needless to say, we wanted that toughness here in Murfreesboro."
High School
• Lettered in football four years at Chaminade College Prep
• Earned all-state, all-conference and all-district honors
• Named offensive lineman of the year in St. Louis
• Played for Coach Antoine Torrey
Personal
• Full name: Marcus Issac Paul Greer
• Parents: Matt and Lisa Greer
• Born: 5/28/99
• Major: Undecided
DEVON JACKSON
WR, 6-2, 190, Jr., Renton, WA
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Jackson: "It's hard not to like Devon Jackson when you meet him. Devon is a highly productive player and competes for every ball thrown his way. Devon's work after the catch is also very impressive. We are excited for him to make the trip from his hometown of Renton, Washington to Middle Tennessee."
Santa Ana College
• Earned CCCFCA First Team All-America honors in 2017 while also garnering first team all-region IV recognition
• Led SAC in receiving with 67 receptions for 1,270 yards (second in the state) and 14 touchdowns
• Had 13 catches for 232 yards as a freshman
High School
• Lettered in football, basketball and track at Lindbergh High School
• Earned the Offensive Back of the Year award and was also a first team all-conference pick as a wide receiver and defensive back as a junior and senior
• Owns single-season records in receptions (67) and receiving yards (1,270)
• Played for Coach Geoff Jones
Personal
• Full name: Devon Jackson Jr.
• Parents: Devon Jackson Sr. and Corrina Wells
• Born: 6/21/97
• Major: Undecided
AVERY JONES
LB, 6-1, 235, Jr., Anaheim Hills, CA
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Jones: "Avery is an exciting linebacker to watch. He's constantly around the football as a middle-backer. At one point in his career, Avery played on the defensive line, and we loved the idea of taking an athletic middle linebacker with some DL experience."
Golden West College
• Collected 45 tackles (second on team) to go with two sacks, eight TFLs, an interception and two fumble recoveries in 2017
• Earned second team all-conference honors in 2017
High School
• Lettered in football, basketball and track at Canyon High School
• Named All-Orange County and selected to the Orange County All-Star team
• Voted the league's defensive player of the year in 2015 after posting 120 tackles
• A four-time scholar athlete winner and received the presidential award for academic excellence
Personal
• Full name: Avery Alexander Jones
• Parents: David and Christina Jones
• Born: 4/7/98
• Major: Undecided
MATT MARTIN
OL, 6-3, 285, r-So., Pasadena, TX
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Martin: "The moment you turn on Matt's film you notice the consistency with which he finishes blocks. Doesn't matter if he's blocking on the line, or out in the flat, Matt is going to put everything into his finish. Adding that mentality was a priority for us with this signing class, and Matt will provide that."
Trinity Valley
• Named NJCAA First Team All-American
• Earned NJCAA First Team All-Conference honors
• Was the TVCC Player of the Month in 2017
• Was redshirted in 2016
High School
• Lettered in football, choir and academics at Deer Park HS
• Was all-district in football and was selected to the Bayou All-Star Bowl
• Earned honorable mention all-state honors in academics
• Played for Coach Chris Massey
Personal
• Full name: Matthew Keith Martin
• Parents: Donald and Kimberly Martin
• Born: 5/13/98
• Major: Undecided
CHANCE NOLAN
QB, 6-2, 195, Fr., Menifee, CA
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Nolan: "Chance is a great quarterback and competitor. His football intelligence and driven personality make him a great fit for what Coach Stockstill and Coach Franklin want in their quarterbacks. Chance is a record setter in high school and we hope to see that same productivity here at Middle Tennessee."
High School
• Lettered in football and basketball at Paloma Valley High School
• Named the league's Offensive MVP as a junior and senior and was All-CIF as a junior and senior
• For his career, he set school records in passing yards (9,000) and touchdown passes (104)
• Graduated in top 10 of his class academically
• Played for Coach Juan Merida
Personal
• Full name: Chance Joseph Nolan
• Parents: Mark and Sheri Nolan
• Born: 9/7/99
• Major: Actuarial Science
JAHLIL RYLES
OL, 6-3, 305, Fr., Phenix City, AL
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Ryles: "Jahlil continues the theme of tough-nosed offensive lineman. He was an Alabama vs. Mississippi All-Star selection and his work this season proved that. Jahlil has seen lots of success on and off the football field and we are excited he will be joining us here in Murfreesboro."
High School
• Lettered in football four years at Central High School
• Earned all-state honors in 2016 and 2017
• Helped lead team to an 11-1 record his senior year
• Played for Coach Jamey DuBose
Personal
• Full name: Jhalil Ja'tez Ryles
• Parents: Khalil and Shalanda Ryles
• Born: 12/6/99
• Major: Undecided
LUKE SHIFLETT
QB, 6-2, 185, Fr., Dalton, GA
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Shiflett: "Luke is a fantastic quarterback and athlete from the Dalton, Georgia area. Luke is a 3-sport letterman and his athleticism really shows when you turn on his tape. We witnessed his ability at our summer camps over the years and knew he would be a player for us to keep an eye on."
High School
• Lettered in football, basketball and track at NW Whitfield High School
• Earned 6-AAAA honorable mention all-state honors
• Was the Region 6-AAAA Offensive Player of the Year and the 6-AAAA Athlete of the Year
• A 2017 finalist for Chattanooga Best of Prep Male Athlete of the Year
• Threw for over 5,000 yards and had nearly 2,000 rushing yards for his career (2 ½ years) to go with 52 TD passes and 25 rushing TDs
• Holds school record for touchdown passes in a game (5) and single-season completions
• Earned all-state honors in basketball and was the 6-AAAA Player of the Year
• Honor student and scholar athlete
• Played for Coach Josh Robinson
Personal
• Full name: Randall Luke Shiflett
• Parents: Chris and Stacy Shiflett
• Born: 2/24/00
• Major: Undecided
CHRIS STAMPS
CB, 6-1, 180, r-Jr., Vicksburg, MS/NW Mississippi CC
Director of Player Personnel Will Redmond on Stamps: "Chris is a great football player and young man. He has SEC experience, which will be nice to add in our secondary, and was a target early in the recruiting process for us. Coupled with his leadership skills and athletic ability, Chris has the makeup to be a special player at MT."
NW Mississippi JC
• In his lone season, Stamps had 34 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in 2017
• Team finished 8-3 overall and was 7th nationally in the final poll
Mississippi State
• Redshirted with the Bulldogs in 2015 and played in nine games during the 2016 season
• Had two tackles in a reserve role in 2016
High School
• Played for Coach Josh Morgan at Warren Central High School
• Rated a 4-star defensive back by 247Sports and a 3-star by ESPN.com
• Ranked the No. 10 player in the state of Mississippi by Scout.com, No. 11 by 247Sports and No. 14 by Rivals.com
• In four seasons at receiver, accumulated 902 receiving yards on 65 receptions to go with eight touchdowns
• Recorded 112 tackles and two-for-loss in 36 games on the defensive side of the ball
• Over his career, intercepted 13 passes and returned them for a total of 123 yards and deflected 21 passes, recorded two forced fumbles and blocked one field goal his final three seasons
Personal
• Full name: Chris Stamps
• Parents: Charles and Lelia Stamps
• Born: 11/16/96
• Major: Undecided
Players Mentioned
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