ROCKINGHAM — As the clock inched closer to the 2:30 p.m. start time, dozens of students, teachers, family members and teammates piled into the Richmond Senior High media center to find 13 nameplates placed intricately next to each other in the front of the room.
The nameplates spanned three tables, just long enough to hold the bodies of 13 student-athletes anxiously sitting behind them, awaiting their turn to tell the audience where they planned to play college football in the fall.
Richmond coach Bryan Till has yet to have such a deep signing day class and says he respected each player’s aptitude and decision-making throughout the process.
“Every part of a great football program, we want to have that here at Richmond and I think this is just another opportunity for you to see all the different things we’re trying to give these young men and to put in their lives,” said Till after the event.
“It says a lot about their drives as individuals,” he added. “And of course all of them, with the ambition to go to college and further their education, is big.”
Listed below are all the Richmond players that took part in the celebration along with their respective position, and the school they plan to attend.
Defensive Players
D’Marcus Harrington, CB, Campbell University
Career stats: 2x all-conference selection; 88 total tackles, 21 passes deflected, blocked punt.
“It made it special because they (Richmond teammates) contributed to me being able to sign with (Campbell). I want to come in and compete and try to help my team right away.”
Joerail White, ILB, Shaw University
Career stats: 2019 all-conference selection; 106 total tackles; seven sacks.
“The school felt like home, it wasn’t too close and it’s not too far away from home. It’s kind of special getting to play with a former Raider, Devon Hunt, (who plays) at the same position, and being able to look up to somebody who comes from the same program, who doesn’t mind and is willing to make you better at anything and everything you need.”
Xavion Lindsey, FS, Fayetteville State University
Career stats: 2018 all-conference selection; 87 total tackles; five interceptions.
“I actually imagined myself being there (FSU) on the visit. Their Coach (Richard Hayes Jr.) just said he needed a true free safety…So I’m that guy.”
Dereck Barringer, DB, Barton College
Career stats: 2x all-conference selection; 171 total tackles; four interceptions.
“It’s a new program and I feel like I got a chance to get playing time. Their defensive coach (Treiston Burnette) got to me. You can tell he really cares about the players first and it’s not just about football.”
Gavin Russell, ILB, Barton College
Career stats: 2019 all-conference selection; 120 total tackles; seven sacks; two forced fumbles.
“It means a lot because I’m a first-generation college student. It sums up my whole high school career since 9th grade. I like the coaching staff the best…it’s a new program and we just got to come through and set the legacy.”
Javon Little, OLB/DE, Greensboro College
Career stats: 2019 all-conference selection; nine sacks; 21 QB hurries; 62 total tackles; two forced fumbles.
“What made me pick Greensboro is because of the respect the coach gave me, and I felt very comfortable. My goals are to make a bond with the coaches and players, and at least try to lead the team in sacks/QB hurries.”
Zyier Baldwin, CB, Louisburg College
Career stats: 2019 all-conference selection; two interceptions; 14 passes deflected; 42 total tackles.
“I really didn’t think I was going to play at the next level, but the Louisburg coach contacted coach Till…and he told me to apply. I saw the whole school, I thought about it and I committed.”
Omarion Mason, LB, Johnson C. Smith University
Career stats: 2019 all-conference selection; 49 total tackles; four sacks.
Offensive Players
Jaheim Covington, RB, South Carolina State
Career stats: 2x all-conference selection; 2,467 yards rushing; 48 total touchdowns.
“Really, SCSU was the only school that really believed in me, so I took the scholarship and ran with it. My goal at the college level is to be bigger, faster and better than I was in high school.”
Brian Bowden, OL, Fayetteville State
Career stats: 2019 all-conference selection.
“It took a lot to get here…a lot of hard work. It’s a blessing to be here. Coach (Kevin) Alfonso said he made all-conference as an offensive lineman and I want to be at least like him.”
Noah Altman, QB, Brevard College
Career stats: 15.6 passing yards per attempt, five total touchdowns.
“When I took my visit up there, I felt it was a family atmosphere. I think going from a winning tradition here at Richmond Senior High School up there to a new winning tradition, that just started within the past couple of years, I think that that’s something I want to be a part of.”
Armond Martin, WR, Greensboro College
Career stats: 13.5 yards per reception.
“It’s going to be a great experience playing with my high school teammates. I’m excited to see what we can do to contribute to the team.”
Justin Morman, WR, Greensboro College
Career stats: 12.0 yards per reception.
“It was a big day for all us. It was really nice and we’ve been talking about playing college ball since 9th grade. Dreams turn into reality.”
