2019 National Signing Day: Football

Photo by: Zamani Feelings

2019 National Signing Day: Football

12.17.19 | Football

Signing Day Live Rod Carey Press Conference

PHILADELPHIA – Temple Football signed 21 student-athletes to the Class of 2020 today as part of the early signing period. Eighteen players will enter Temple directly from high school, two will transfer from community college, and one, Darius Pittman, is a graduate transfer from Purdue.

Tune in at 8:00 p.m. tonight for Signing Day Live 2019 with Kevin Copp. Kevin will have interviews with head coach Rod Carey, offensive coordinator Mike Uremovich, and defensive coordinator Jeff Knowles as they breakdown the Class of 2020. Temple fans can tune in via Facebook Live at 8:00 p.m. The complete show will then be posted to owlsports.com.

The 2019 season will conclude next week when the Owls take on the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Military Bowl on Friday, December 27. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-204-TIXX or at owlstix.com

The 2020 season will get underway on Saturday, September 5, when Temple travels to Miami to take on the Hurricanes. The Owls host Idaho (9/12) and Rutgers (9/19), and travel to UMass (10/10) for their non-conference opponents. For conference play, Temple will host Cincinnati, ECU, SMU, and USF. The Owls will head to Memphis, Tulane, UCF, and Navy.

The 21 players hail from eight different states with one player from Europe (Germany): Georgia (1), Illinois (2), Mississippi (2), New Jersey (6), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (4), South Carolina (1), and Virginia (3).

With the signing of OL Miles Zietek from Germany, Temple continues to boast one of the most internationally diverse rosters in the FBS. Twelve countries are now represented on the roster- Canada, Cameroon, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Germany, Jamaica, Liberia, Nigeria, Sweden, Turks and Caicos, Uganda, and the United States.

The Owls signed three transfers and two from Power Five schools. Nazir Burnett, a Harrisburg, Pa., native, is transferring from Georgia Tech and Darius Pittman is a graduate transfer TE from Purdue. Jalen Ware is transferring to Temple following a two-year stint at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Dyshier Clary and Muheem McCargo both come from Woodrow Wilson High in Camden, N.J. They join DE Travon King as three former Woodrow Wilson Tigers who are now Temple Owls.

Zae Baines from Roanoke, Va., will be following in his father's footsteps playing football at the collegiate level. Baines' father, Shannon, played his college ball at Virginia and then went on to play in the NFL for the Chargers, Jaguars, and Ravens.

Nick Bagashvili    DT    6-3    280    New Jersey        Tottenville
High School: Transferred to Tottenville in Staten Island as a senior finishing 11-2 and playing in PSAL Championship … had 19 tackles, 4.0 sacks and one fumble recovery and also caught one touchdown as a tight end … played in 11 games as a junior at DePaul High in Wayne, N.J. with 38 tackles, 11.0 TFLs, and 2.0 sacks … also attended Monsignor Farrell in Staten Island … Personal: Born Nick Bagashvili … goes by Nick Bags … mother Nikkia.

Zae Baines            WR    6-2    180    Roanoke, Va.    North Cross School
High School: Played wide receiver and defensive back at North Cross High for coach Stephen Alexander … was a four-year letterwinner who earned All-Virginia and All-Virginia Independence Conference at both wide receiver and cornerback from 2016-19 … finished 11-1 and won the VISAA Division II State Championship as a senior when he amassed 1,133 total yards (842 receiving) and 14 touchdowns … also had 35 tackles and five interceptions … was the team's MVP and Virginia offensive player of the year as a junior … also starred in basketball as an all-state and all-conference performer … was the Chance Harmin Classic MVP in 2017 … Personal: Born ZaeWuan Daviona Baines in Long Beach, Calif. … goes by Zae … father is Shannon Taylor … has two brothers Sean and Amare and one sister Ataijah … father played college football at Virginia and in the NFL for San Diego, Baltimore, and Jacksonville … list of favorites include: The Interview, Step Brothers, and the "Friday" series (movies), The Great Gatsby (book), All-American (TV show).

Trey Blair                SAF    5-11    183    Havertown, Pa.    Haverford Senior
High School: Led Haverford Senior High to 11-3 record and District 1 Class 6A finals with 500+ rushing yards and nine TDs in three playoff games … Delaware County Daily Times Player of the Year … played QB and DB … was a running back until his senior year when he was converted to quarterback … in 2019 he rushed for 2,165 yards and 28 touchdowns on 183 carries and completed 85 of 120 passes for 1,154 yards and 14 scores … also intercepted two passes and scored on a kickoff and punt return … set the school record with 13 career interceptions … Personal: Born Trey Blair.

Nazir Burnett                     WR         6-0         175         Harrisburg, Pa.                  Bishop McDevitt / Ga. Tech
College: Played in two games at Georgia Tech as a true freshman … High School: Played wide receiver for coach Jeff Weachter at Bishop McDevitt in Harrisburg, Pa. … tabbed as the #24 player in the state of Pennsylvania by 247Sports and the #25 player in the state by ESPN … two-time first-team all-state honoree … three-time letterwinner and all-conference performer … 2018 Eastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year … caught 78 passes for 1,746 yards and a school-record 25 touchdowns as a senior in 2018 … recorded 52 receptions for 1,110 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior in 2017 … holds school records for single-game receptions (10), receiving yards (258) and touchdown receptions (3) … helped lead Bishop McDevitt to district championships as a freshman (2015) and senior (2018) … selected to represent Pennsylvania in the prestigious Pennsylvania-Ohio Big 33 Football Classic all-star game … Personal: Born Nazir L. Burnett in Harrisburg, Pa. … goes by Naz … parents are Latoya and Gernaro Elam … list of favorites include: Bad Boys (movie), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (book), All-American (TV show) … finance major.

Dyshier Clary                     DE          6-2         204        East Camden, N.J.            Woodrow Wilson
High School: was a two-year letterwinner at defensive end for coach Preston Brown at Woodrow Wilson High in Camden, N.J. … went 10-2 and won the NJSIAA South/Central Group 3 Regional Championship as a senior when he collected 17.0 sacks, 70 tackles and three forced fumbles en route to all-state recognition … had 10.0 sacks and 60 tackles earning all-conference as a junior … Personal: Born Dyshier Anthony Clary in Camden, N.J. … parents are Lakisha Pulliman and Teron Clary … brothers, Antonio Clary (11) and Jauen Rivera (15) … list of favorites include: My Name is Ivan (book), Kevin Durant (pro athlete), Green bay packers (professional team) … expected major is dentistry.

Sam Davis                           OL          6-3         268        Rock Creek, Ohio             Geneva
High School: Was a three-year letterwinner at offensive tackle and defensive end for coach Chip Sorber at Geneva (Ohio) High … was first-team all-conference as a junior and senior … was voted Ashland County lineman of the year and first-team Northeast Great lakes District as a senior … also lettered twice in track and field … earned first-team all-academic as a senior … Personal: Born Samuel Lee Davis in Chardon, Ohio … Parents are Leigh and Dan Davis … has a sister Taylor (22) … list of favorites include: Stranger Things (TV show), Cleveland Browns (pro team), Joe Thomas (pro athlete) … plans to study sports management.

James Della Pesca           TE           6-2         230        River Vale, N.J.                  Pascack Valley
High School: Played tight end and linebacker at Pascack Valley High in Hillsdale, N.J., for coach Len Cusumano … did not play as a senior due to torn ACL … earned three letters and was second-team all-league as a sophomore … also lettered for four seasons in lacrosse … Personal: Born James Richard Della Pesca in River Vale, N.J. … parents are Geralyn and Mark Della Pesca … has a brother, John (22) , and three sisters Gabrielle (28), Madeline (26), and Amelia (24) … list of favorites include: Remember the Titans (movie), The Office (TV show), Lord of the Flies (book) … expects to major in sports management.

Matt Duncan                      QB          6-1          213         Summerville, S.C.             Ashley Ridge
High School: Played quarterback for coach Kenny Walker at Ashley Ridge High in Summerville, S.C. … was a four-year letterwinner … played in 39 games with 474 completions on 837 attempts for 6,807 yards and 40 touchdowns … as a senior, completed 105 passes for 1,172 yards and four touchdowns adding five scores and 488 yards on the ground … as a junior, completed 150 passes for 2,412 yard and 14 touchdowns … Personal: Born Matthew Clark Duncan in Greenville, S.C. … parents are Von and Steve Duncan … older brother Steve plays QB at Western Kentucky … has two sisters, Avery (4) and Skyler (3) … list of favorites include: The Great Gatsby (book), Cleveland Browns (professional team), ESPN's 30 for 30 (TV show) … wants to be a teacher.

Daiyaan Hawkins             CB          6-1          185         West Philadelphia, Pa.   Haverford School
High School: Played defensive back and running back at The Haverford School in Havertown, Pa., for coach Michael Murphy … played in 25 games with 87 carries for 636 yards and seven touchdowns … also had 50 tackles and three interceptions … earned first-team all-conference honors as a senior after earning second-team honors as a junior … lettered in track and field … Personal: Born Daiyaan Hawkins in Overbrook, Pa. … parents are Takiyah Hamilton and James Hawkins … has three brothers, Zakee (21), A.J. (21), and James (10), and one sister, Alana (23) … his cousin, Reginald Ward Jr., plays football at Holy Cross … grandfather, Tyrone Hamilton, served in the military.

Muheem McCargo            LB           5-10        200        Camden, N.J.                      Woodrow Wilson
High School: Played running back and linebacker for coach Preston Brown at Woodrow Wilson High in Camden, N.J. … team finished 10-2 and won the NJSIAA South/Central Group 3 Regional Championship … as a senior, gained 1,106 yards and 14 touchdowns on 162 carries and added 38 catches for 554 yards and five scores receiving … also had 133 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and two interceptions returned for touchdowns … as a junior collected 105 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception … Personal: Born Muheem McCargo.

Demerick Morris               DT          6-3         284        Chicago, Ill.                         Phillips Academy
High School: Played four seasons and offensive and defensive line at Wendell Phillips Academy in Chicago … team won at least nine games all four years: 11-1, 14-0, 10-2, and 9-2 … Personal: Born Demerick Carnell Morris in Chicago, Ill. … parents are Loren Thomas and Derrick Morris … has three brothers, Avery (31), Ashton (24), and Demetrius (18) … list of favorites include: Avengers (movie), Flash (TV show), Chicago Bears (pro team), Aaron Donald (pro athlete) … plans to major in sports medicine.

Alex Odom                          SAF        6-0         191          Swedesboro, N.J.              Kingsway
High School: Played running back and safety for coach Mark Hendricks at Kingsway High in Swedesboro, N.J. … as a senior, had 206 carries for 1,113 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns and added 17 catches for 262 yards and four more scores … collected 10 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery on defense … also lettered in basketball and lacrosse … Personal: Born Alex Odom … parents are Dawn and Alex Odom … has two brothers, Shawn and Alen.

Darius Pittman                   TE           6-3         250        Gulfport, Miss.                   St. Stanislaus / Purdue
College: A graduate transfer from Purdue … played in 23 career games and recorded two receptions for 23 yards for head coach Jeff Brohm … played in 10 games in 2017 and all 13 in 2018, mostly on special teams … caught first collegiate pass (7 yards) vs. Arizona in the Foster Farms Bowl (12/27/17) … added a 16-yard reception at Illinois (10/13/18) … High School: Excelled as a pass catching tight end at St. Stanislaus High … had 61 catches for 690 yards (11.3 avg.) and nine touchdowns in 12 games as a senior … had 56 receptions for 926 yards (16.5) and nine touchdowns and returned 23 kickoffs for 572 yards (24.9 avg.) and eight punts for 71 yards (8.9 avg.) in 15 games as a junior … selected as a member of Team America for the Offense-Defense All-America Bowl in Atlanta … also lettered in basketball … Personal: Born Darius Jamal Pittman in Gulfport, Miss. … parents are Kayana and Damien Pittman … father served in the military … has four sisters, Kearl, Damiyana, Daniya, and Damani … list of favorites include: Norbit (movie), Atlanta (TV show), San Diego Chargers (professional team) … is ambidextrous … business management major.

Bryce Thoman                   OL          6-4         268        Harrisburg, Pa.                  Central Dauphin
High School: Played four seasons at offensive and defensive line for coach Glen McNamee at Central Dauphin High … earned all-conference honors as a senior when the team finished 12-3 and played in the PIAA Class 6A State Championship Game … was tree-time letterwinner going 6-3 as a sophomore and 10-3 as a junior … Personal: Born Bryce Allen Thoman in Harrisburg, Pa. … mother is Judy Thoman … has a sister Moriah (21) … list of favorites include: Remember the Titans (movie), rap (music), Dallas Cowboys (professional team).

Chevez Trask                     DT          6-4         252        Chicago, Ill.                         Evans
High School: Played defensive line and tight end for coach Lackey at Evans (Ga.) High … was a two-year letterwinner … participated in the CSRA and All Star Bowls … also played basketball and track … Personal: Born Chevez Marshawn Trask in Chicago, Ill. … nicknamed Chevy … parents are Barbara Nicole and Chevez M. Trask Sr. … has three sisters Bethany, Samaria, and Zion … his father, uncle and both grandfathers served in the military … list of favorites include: That 70's Show and Martin (TV show), Holes (book), Dubai (favorite place in the world) … would like to be a veterinarian.

Darian Varner                    DT          6-2         248        Norfolk, Va.                        Maury
High School: Played offensive tackle and defensive line for coach Dyrri McCain at Maury High … led team to a 35-8 record over four years, including 10-0 as a senior … three-year letterwinner … earned numerous awards including first-team all-conference as a junior when he amassed 79 tackles, 20.0 TFLs and five forced fumbles … also lettered twice in basketball and once in track … Personal: Born Darian Christopher Varner in Novelty, Ohio … parents are Stephanie and Desmond Varner …has a brother, Desmond Jr. (21), and sister, Danielle (19) … both his father and brother have served in the military … list of favorites include: Any Given Sunday (movie), Diary of a Wimpy Kid (book), Kansas City Chiefs (pro team) … is ambidextrous … plans to study business management.

Jalen Ware                          SAF        6-0         170         Starkville, Miss.                 Starkville / Copiah-Lincoln CC
College: Played in nine games with 34 tackles, 2.0 sacks, one interceptions and one forced fumble as a sophomore at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in 2019 … played eight games as a freshman with 20 tackles … High School: Attended Starkville (Miss.) High …Personal: Born Jalen Ware.

Garrett Williams                 SAF        5-11         191          Suffolk, Va.                         King's Fork
High School: Lettered at safety for four years for coach Kermit Buggs at King's Fork High in Suffolk, Va. … team won Southeastern District Championship during freshman season … Personal: Born Garrett Michael Williams in Suffolk, Va. … parents are Davida Harrell-Williams and Jeronn Williams … has two sisters Brittany Williams (31) and Taylor Harrell (22) … father served in the military … list of favorite include: The Hate You Give (movie), The Son of Neptune (book), Deion sanders (professional athlete), pizza (food) … aspires to be an attorney.

Kobe Wilson                       LB           5-11         210         Snellville, Ga.                     Parkview
High School: Played four years at Parkview High in Lilburn, Ga. For head coach Eric Godfree … was a three-year letterwinner … team finished 12-2 his senior year … Personal: Born Kobe Brandon Wilson in Lawrenceville, Ga. … mother is Khadija Thomas … has two brothers, Bryce Wilson (19) and Roman Thomas (14) … Bryce plays football at Akron … expects to major in communications.

D.J. Woodbury                   LB           6-0         182         Burlington City, N.J.        Burlington City
High School: Played numerous positions for coach Ray Robinson and Burlington City (N.J.) High … threw for over 100-yards while rushing for 600+ yards as a senior when he was responsible for 26 touchdowns … also had seven interceptions … was a four-year letterwinner scored 13 touchdowns as a junior when he totaled 903 receiving yards … had nine interceptions in his first two seasons also lettered in basketball … first attended Rancocas Valley (N.J.) High … Personal: Born Deonte Jamar Woodbury … goes by D.J. … parents are Annette Woodbury (mother) and Gary Crump (stepfather) … has two brothers, Darryl and Antoine, and three sisters, Joi, Romeka, and Jamillah … his grandfather and uncle, both named Edward Woodbury, served in the military … list of favorites include: Remember the Titans and Love & Basketball (movies), Martin, Fresh Prince, SpongeBob (TV shows), Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Lakers (professional teams).

Miles Zietek                        OL          6-5         282        Germany                              Georg-Christoph-
Lichtenberg-Schule
High School: Attended Georg-Christoph-Lichtenberg-Schule in Hessen Germany … played for a club team in Germany … Personal: Born Miles Zietek in Germany, Hessen, Darmstadt … parents are Marion and Michael Zietek … has a brother Marvin (23) … list of favorites include: This is Us (TV show), J.J. Watt (pro athlete), spaghetti (meal), rap (music) … thinks that studying abroad in the craziest thing he's ever done … plans to study engineering.

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