High school recruits from across the nation recently committed themselves to collegiate athletic programs. Head coach Jimmye Laycock announced William and Mary’s 2014 signing class Wednesday, a group of 15 athletes that hail from seven states.
“We approached this class looking to address some specific needs,” Laycock told TribeAthletics. “Beyond that, our focus was to bring in a balanced and versatile class. I am very pleased with the results, as our staff did an outstanding job of identifying and securing qualified student-athletes from all over the eastern seaboard. We are looking forward to working with this group of young men and help them reach their potential, both on the field and in the classroom.”
Four of the commits hail from Virginia, and five come from Maryland. The 2014 signing class also features recruits from North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia and Delaware. Two of the commits chose to stay in Williamsburg, coming from Warhill High School and Lafayette High School. Positions include three offensive linemen, three defensive backs, two defensive linemen, two linebackers, a tight end, a wide receiver, a quarterback and one without a position yet to be determined.
The College’s annual Green and Gold Spring Game is scheduled for Apr. 12.
DeVonte Dedmond
Williamsburg native B.W. Webb’s ’13 cousin DeVonte Dedmon signed as an athlete for fall 2014. Dedmon played quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back at Warhill High School and is ranked 49th in the state of Virginia by Athlon Sports Magazine. Dedmond finished his high school career as the Bay Rivers District all-time scoring leader from the line of scrimmage.
Raeshawn Smith
Chantilly High School’s Raeshawn Smith signed as a defensive back for fall 2014. Smith received first-team all-state honors as a wide receiver and punt returner as a senior. In his senior year, Smith racked 47 receptions for 868 yards, 72 rushes for 475 yards, two interceptions, two punt returns for touchdowns and 13 total touchdowns. The Roanoke Times ranked Smith the 77th best recruit in Virginia.
David Carlisle
The College signed David Carlisle as a wide receiver for fall 2014. From New Market, Md., Carlisle finished his career at Oakdale High School as the record holder in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns. Carlisle played in the Maryland Crab Bowl All-Star Game and is ranked one of the top 80 players in Maryland by www.marylandvarsity.rivals.com.
Isaiah Kinder
Isaiah Kinder, from Greenbrier East High School in Lewisburg, W.Va., signed as a quarterback for fall 2014. Kinder threw for 2,096 yards with 24 touchdowns his senior year while also rushing for 460 yards and 10 touchdowns. He earned honorable mention all-state honors as both a junior and senior and lettered in basketball and track during his high school career.