The Blinn College football program had a busy but productive day during National Signing Day today, signing 40 players who should contribute this fall.
"I really feel like this is one of the better recruiting classes that I have put together as a whole," head coach Keith Thomas said. "Our biggest concerns were the offensive and defensive lines and I think we signed a great bunch of kids at those positions."
The Buccaneers signed 10 offensive linemen and five defensive linemen. They also added seven athletes, nine defensive backs, four wide receivers, two running backs and a quarterback and a tight end.
Blinn signed three Brenham High School players in quarterback Caleb Hill, wide receiver Jaquay Cross and running back/athlete Earnest Patterson Jr.
"We are excited about Caleb Hill and I thought that he was one that we might lose because he is that good of player," Thomas said. "Earnest Patterson speaks for himself as a player at Brenham and Jaquay Cross is a really good receiver."
Four players listed in the Houston Chronicle top 100 signed with Blinn: athlete Timon Nolan (George Ranch High School), running back Davon Crookshank (Fort Bend Marshall High School), wide receiver and University of Memphis transfer Tre'veon Hamilton (Atascocita High School) and defensive lineman and Texas State University transfer Javier Edwards (Aldine Davis High School).
Two of the signees were named to the Dave Campbell's all-state team – offensive lineman Abdul Beecham (Judson High School) and running back D'Anthony Hopkins (Cuero High School). Offensive lineman Jacob Perez (Cuero High School) was named to the Texas High School Coaches Association all-state team.
"Overall I would give us a grade of 90 or above on the recruiting class," Thomas said. "Besides being great players, they are also great human beings and I am looking forward to the 2015 season."
Blinn started the season with a 4-1 record in 2014 but lost the final three games to finish 4-4 in the first season under Thomas. With improvements expecting with the 2015 recruiting class the Buccaneers are expecting a better season this fall.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 30 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
About Blinn College
Founded in 1883, Blinn is a comprehensive community college committed to educational excellence and to individual and community enhancement. With an enrollment of 19,317 students, Blinn ranks among the nation's leaders in transferring students to leading four-year universities and has received national recognition for affordable educational excellence.
As part of its commitment to student success, Blinn is implementing a Quality Enhancement Plan titled "Destination Success: First-Year Focus," which utilizes learning communities to support first-year college students.
For enrollment information and to learn about financial aid opportunities, visit: www.blinn.edu.
