MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football has added four more signees to its first recruiting class, coach Joey Jones said Wednesday on the Joey Jones Show, including Mobile’s Keairon Wilson of Davidson High School.
Jones appeared with host Lee Shirvanian at Wings Sports Grill. The show has been extended through March.
The Late Additions
Keairon Wilson, DB, Davidson
Wilson, a 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back, chose South Alabama late in the process after drawing interest from several schools. Jones said Wilson could play safety, linebacker or a role in the nickel package. He was named first-team all-region as a senior after recording 90 tackles and five interceptions.
Darious McMullen, DL
McMullen, a 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive lineman, is ranked by Scout.com as the No. 33 defensive lineman nationally, the No. 21 player in Alabama and the No. 5 player at his position in the state. He drew interest from Florida and later committed to Vanderbilt, but Vanderbilt took another lineman late in the process. Defensive coordinator Bill Clark, who was recruiting in the area, learned of McMullen’s availability and invited him to visit. After taking a week to consider, McMullen chose South Alabama.
Mardavian Martin, DB/WR, Millbrook
Martin, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound player from Millbrook, was a first-team all-county and all-metro selection as a senior. Jones said he could develop as a cover cornerback or receiver. Martin also drew interest from Georgia Tech.
Mytez Madden, LB, Anniston
Madden, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound inside linebacker from Anniston, earned honorable mention all-state and first-team all-county honors. Jones described him as very physical and said he runs well.
Specialists
The Jaguars may also add a kicker from Davidson as a walk-on. Another incoming kicker previously attended Florida before transferring to Alabama, and a long snapper is joining the program as a transfer from Alabama.
Jones also reviewed the full signing class, which was announced last Wednesday at the Mitchell Center after the previous week’s show.
Redshirt Decisions
Asked how many freshmen the staff hopes to redshirt so they remain on the roster when South Alabama moves to Division I football in 2013, Jones called it a very difficult question that cannot be answered yet. He said the staff will know more after spring and summer workouts. The Jaguars need enough players to field a team this fall, but where depth allows, the staff will look for redshirt candidates.
Spring Practice Logistics
Some spring practices will be open to the public, though the first week will likely be closed.
Jones said the team will hold some workouts at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, but most practices will be held on campus. Many players finish classes at 2 p.m. and have classes again at 6 p.m., leaving too little time to bus to the stadium, dress, practice, shower and return. Practicing on campus allows players to return to their dorms before evening classes.
Jones said the arrangement is not ideal but is temporary until the program’s field house is completed in late May.
South Alabama begins play this fall, with home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
