Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State football program and head coach Eddie George announced the signing of 15 new players to join the Tigers for the 2023 season. The Tigers signed six players on early signing day to bring their total to 21 players for the class of 2023. Click here to view the six early signees.
Romello Watson
Offensive Line | 6-4 | 300
Arlington, Texas | Grambling State/Kilgore JC
A transfer offensive lineman that brings both junior college and FCS level experience to the team. Watson appeared in three games last season for Grambling State after spending the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons at Kilgore Junior College.
Jalen Bell
Defensive Line | 6-1 | 280
Detroit, MI. | Mississippi Valley State
Comes to TSU after having a stellar four-year career at Mississippi Valley State. Played in 31 career games for the Delta Devils on the defensive line, earning All-SWAC third-team honors in 2021 and 2022. Racked up 113 career tackles (55 solo, 58 assists). Was a force in the backfield during his four years, picking up 26.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Finished the 2022 season with 43 tackles, 10.5 TFL’s, and 4.5 sacks.
Willie Eldridge
Running Back | 5-11 | 190
Houston, Texas | UTEP/Blinn JC
A former FBS running back that spent two seasons at UTEP in 2020 and 2021, before transferring to Blinn Junior College for the fall of 2022. Played in nine games for the Buccaneers last fall, racking up 523 yards and five scores on the ground on 95 carriers. Tallied a season-high 131 yards on 19 carriers against Rezolution Prep. Played in six career games in two years for UTEP, racking up 123 yards on 28 attempts. Finished with 118 yards on the ground against Bethune Cookman before utilizing a redshirt year for the remainder of the 21′ season.
Monroe Beard III
Linebacker | 6-1 | 200
Chattanooga, Tenn. | Arkansas Pine Bluff
An All-SWAC linebacker that returns to his home state after spending four seasons at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Since 2019, the now-former Golden Lion recorded 141 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, an interception, three pass deflections, and three fumble recoveries in 28 total games. He earned 2nd team All-SWAC in 2021 after finishing the season with 78 tackles, 8.5 TFL’s and five sacks. Was named to the preseason All-SWAC first team prior to the 22′ season. Earned All-State at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.
Antwone Parker
Running Back | 6-0 | 218
Fort Worth, Texas | Butler CC
A former Texas high school running back that has racked up 463 rushing yards across two different junior colleges. Was a member of the Butler Community College football program this past season. Tallied 192 yards and three scores on 34 attempts as a Grizzly. Parker racked up 271 yards on the ground on 44 carries and one score at Cisco JC in 2019.
Canen Adrian
Wide Receiver | 5-10 | 180
Kingwood, Texas | Houston/Blinn JC
A sneaky athletic wide receiver that makes his way to TSU after spending time at Houston and Blinn JC. Transferred to Blinn JC for the 2022 season and made an immediate impact after not seeing playing time at UH. Played in nine games while hauling in 28 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns. Finished with three grabs on 83 yards and one touchdown against Rezolution Prep. Returned six kicks for 122 yards.
Darius Neals
Offensive Line | 6-4 | 325
Ellenwood, Ga. | Cedar Grove HS
A highly decorated high school offensive lineman that comes to TSU from Cedar Grove HS in Georgia. Looks to add immediate depth to the Tiger offensive line. Was named Class 3A First Team All-State and earned two-time All-Region honors. Led his team to a State Championship.
Antonio Fondren
Offensive Line | 6-4 | 300
Osseo, Minn. | Osseo HS
A three-star defensive lineman from Minnesota will join the team as an offensive lineman. Ranked as the 18th best player in Minnesota for the class of 2023 according to 24/7 sports. Chose TSU over Eastern Kentucky, Florida A&M, Hawaii, Jacksonville State, and Louisville. He also had interests from Iowa, Notre Dame, and Minnesota.
Hadine Diaby
Offensive Line | 6-3 | 285
Loganville, Ga. | Grayson HS
An All-County and All-Region player that comes to the Music City and TSU from Grayson HS in Loganville, Ga. Earned the Walton EMC Offensive Lineman award after allowing no sacks. Committed to TSU in early August after receiving an offer from the Tigers last February.
Eriq George
Defensive Line | 6-3 | 260
Nashville, Tenn. | Montgomery Bell Academy
A local product that played his high school ball at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. Decided to stay home and play for his father after receiving offers from Eastern Kentucky, Marshall, and UT Martin. George was a D2AAA All-State player,and First Team All-Region performer who recorded 42 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks in his senior season. Recorded 80 tackles, 20 TFL’s and nine sacks while at MBA.
Rayqwon Smith
Defensive Line | 6-1 | 275
Tallahassee, Fla. | Chiles HS
Comes to TSU from the Sunshine State. A physical defensive lineman that played his high school ball at Chiles HS. Was named to the 1st Team Big Bend twice, while also being named the Defensive Player of the Year twice. Recorded 79 tackles, 14.5 TFL’s and seven sacks his senior year.
Ethan Jones
Defensive Line | 6-2 | 275
Memphis, Tenn. | Lausanne Collegiate School
An in-state product that comes to TSU from Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis. He also had interest from Austin Peay, Chattanooga, and Miami (OH).
Terence Carpenter II
Linebacker/DE | 6-3 | 215
Murfreesboro, Tenn. | Blackman HS
A 615 product from right down the road in Murfreesboro. Played at Blackman high school where he tallied 39 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception during his senior season. Has the ability to play both defensive end and outside linebacker.
Bryant Loving
Defensive Back | 6-2 | 185
Nashville, Tenn. | Lipscomb Academy
A local product from right here in Nashville. A multi-sport athlete that plays football, basketball, and baseball for Lipscomb Academy. Helped lead his football team to a State Championship this past fall.
Ahmed Mohamed
Kicker/Punter | 5-11 | 180
Suwanee, Ga. | Peachtree Ridge HS
An Honorable Mention All-State kicker/punter from Georgia that can kickoff, punt, and kick field goals. Also earned 1st Team All-Country at Peachtree Ridge HS. Ranked a 4.5-star kicker and the 18th-best kicker in the nation., according to National Kicking Rankings (NKR). Went 11-of-12 on field goal attempts with a long of 50 yards this past fall, while hitting 25-of-26 extra points. Totaled 14 touchbacks on 39 kickoff attempts.
