JACOB NEWMAN VIA TWITTER

South Mecklenburg High running back Jacob Newman, who rushed for 1,816 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior, signed with Johnson C. Smith. Newman's father, Tim, was a Golden Bulls running back in the 1980s.

Maurice Flowers lived up to his pledge to recruit local talent to Johnson C. Smith.

The Golden Bulls’ new head coach signed nine high school players on National Signing Day, including eight from the Charlotte area. Six of them play defense, long a problem area for JCSU, which went 1-7 last year under former coach Kermit Blount.

Even with the early additions, the door to signing more players is open, primarily because college programs are bypassing high school seniors for transfers who can contribute immediately.

“There’s going to be a lot of very good high school football players that do not sign on Signing Day, and that’s because of the transfer portal,” Flowers said last month. “And because of that, we’re going to take our time and we’re going to sign the young men that we feel are going to be the best academic and athletic fit for our program as we move forward.”

The Golden Bulls signed two defensive linemen in Mallard Creek High’s Maurice Morris and Porter Ridge’s Montele Burton to shore up the CIAA’s worst run defense as well as linebackers Kijerius Jackson of Chester High and Chris Jackson of Mosley High in Lynn Haven, Florida.

For the second straight year, JCSU landed one of Mecklenburg County’s top tailbacks in South Meck’s Jacob Newman, who helped the Sabres to a 9-3 record and a tie for the best record in the SoMeck 4A conference at 4-1. Flowers also signed a pair of receivers: Desmond Herbert of Union County (S.C.) High and Indian Land’s Sean McCray.

Johnson C. Smith football signees, position, size and high school:

Carlton Anthony (DB) 6-2, 170; Porter Ridge, Indian Trail. Tallied 43 tackles (32 solo) with an interception as a senior. Athletic enough to also play varsity basketball.

James Brown (DB) 5-11, 180; Berry Academy. Ball-hawking cornerback could always be found around the ball. As a senior, Brown snagged five interceptions and broke up three passes for the Cardinals. Fun fact: He’s an Eagle Scout.

Montele Burton (DT) 6-3, 250; Porter Ridge, Indian Trail. Tallied 35 tackles (16 solo) as a senior. Added eight quarterback hurries, one pass defensed, and a fumble recovery.

Desmond Herbert (WR/CB) 5-11, 185; Union County (S.C.). Two-way player who could chip in at receiver with the Golden Bulls, who’ll emphasize up-tempo passing from spread formations.

Chris Jackson (OLB/Edge) 6-1, 215; Mosley, Lynn Haven, Fla. Racked up 58 tackles (32 solo), 7.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries at Mosley High.   

Kijerius Jackson (LB) 6-0, 225; Chester (S.C.)

Jacob Newman (RB) 5-11, 190; South Mecklenburg. The Golden Bulls’ prize recruit put together a stellar senior season in his lone campaign at South Mecklenburg with 272 carries for 1,816 yards (6.7 yards per attempt) with 14 touchdowns. Newman, who also earned honorable mention all-state, added 13 receptions for 282 yards and a score. Fun fact: Follows his dad Tim, who was a standout running back with the Golden Bulls in the 1980s.

Sean McCray (WR) 5-9, 170; Indian Land (S.C.) Ranked No. 48 among South Carolina players by MaxPreps, McCray has the speed to be an immediate contributor opposite second-team All-CIAA Reggie Bryant.

Maurice Morris (DT) 6-1, 300; Mallard Creek. Adds size and strength to a defensive interior that lacked both at the point of attack 2021. Bench presses 345 pounds and squats 550 pounds.

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