Skip To Main Content

Edinboro University Athletics

Scoreboard

Scoreboard

2018 Football National Signing Day Header

Football Bob Shreve, Sports Information Director

Bradford Announces Nine New Fighting Scots for First Recruiting Class

EDINBORO, Pa. – Edinboro University head football coach Wayne Bradford today announced the addition of nine players for 2018. That list includes four mid-year transfers who are currently enrolled at Edinboro, along with four incoming freshman and a junior college transfer who will join the team this fall.

With the funds available, Bradford feels he and his staff were able to address many of their concerns as 2018 approaches. "With nine starters returning on offense, our biggest priority was to search for a quarterback(s) to create great competition in the spring," related Bradford.  "We couldn't have scripted it any better in getting two great student-athletes with college experience.  We now have a redshirt junior, Jarrod Kellar, a redshirt sophomore, Andrew Tomko, and two redshirt freshmen, Levi Becker and Keshawn Howard, vying for the starting job.  It should be great competition this spring.
 
19548
Branson Smith signs with Edinboro.
"We also wanted to get more size and speed on the perimeter and were really fortunate to get both Jon Long and Khalil Jackson," he continued.  "Both come from great programs with rich histories.  Jon can play inside or outside receiver and Khalil gives us great size outside. Our offensive line has improved dramatically and we have great depth.  We really took our time in evaluating and choosing Tanner Wells.  He has all the tools to be a great offensive tackle."

The Fighting Scot coaching staff didn't neglect the defense, and paid particular attention to rebuilding and reinforcing the defensive line. "Defensively, we lose most of our seniors on the defensive line," he stressed.  "It was important to recruit players who can come in and compete and contribute right away.  Myles Turner and Zach Sley give us needed depth in the spring.  They get an opportunity to learn our system and our expectations now so they can be ready when fall camp begins.

"The addition of Joseph Wilkins-Jones gives us another "experienced" defensive lineman and bolsters our depth and talent at this position," he exclaimed.  "Adding three big, physical guys who have competed in college is exciting.  Having teammates (Jones & Turner) who have played side by side and know one another is a big advantage, as well.

"Branson Smith gives us some versatility in the defensive backfield.  He will have an opportunity to compete at corner and may give us some flexibility at the nickel position."

Bradford also noted that Joel Fulton has returned to the team after sitting out the 2017 season. Fulton saw action in 2014 and '15 and brings a veteran presence to the linebacking corps. Bradford believes he'll be a leader on and off the field.

Edinboro finished with a 7-4 record a year ago in Bradford's first season as head coach.

Here's a look at the 2018 recruiting class:
 
JARROD KELLAR – QB, 6-2, 205 lbs., R- Jr., Shinnston, WV/Lincoln/Lenoir-Rhyne
KELLAR BIO:  Was the starting quarterback the last two years at Lenoir-Rhyne, where he played for his father, Mike Kellar … in 2017, he appeared in 10 games, completing 127-of-231 passes for 1,274 yards with 9 TDs and 11 INTs … top game came against Mars Hill, completing 25-of-51 passes for 289 yards and 4 TDs … completed 25-of-33 passes for 170 yards and 2 TDs vs. North Greenville … appeared in 11 contests in 2016, completing 109-of-220 passes for 1,248 yards with 6 TDs and 11 INTs … threw for a season-high 282 yards with 2 TDs vs. UNC Pembroke, completing 26-of-41 passes … added 164 yards and a TD against Brevard, completing 13-of-22 passes … redshirted at California(Pa.) as a freshman in 2015 … attended Lincoln High School … lettered all four years in football and was a two-year letterman in basketball … departed as all-time leading passer in Harrison County history … three-time honoree as an all-state, all-conference, and all-county performer.
 
BRADFORD COMMENTS:  "Has been around football his entire life.  Trained by his father, Mike Kellar, a very successful offensive coordinator and head football coach.  Jarrod started 21 games in the ultra-competitive SAC.  He was put in a unique position as Lenoir-Rhyne transitioned from a triple option (run, run, run) offense to a spread offense.  Jarrod can make all the quick game throws, has good mobility, and has a great understanding mentally of the game.  Has good size.  He comes from a system very similar to ours.  We look for great competition at the QB position this spring."
 
MYLES TURNER – DL, 6-0, 270 lbs., Jr., Harrisburg, Pa./Bishop McDevitt/ Lackawanna CC
TURNER BIO: Played the last two years at Lackawanna CC … in 2017, appeared in eight games and finished with 18 tackles, with 3.5 sacks … helped the Falcons to a 7-2 record a year ago and 10-1 in 2016 … was a highly-touted standout at Bishop McDevitt High School … was selected for the Big 33 football game following his senior year in 2014, and was nominated for Mr. Pa. Football … was a first team Mid-Penn Football All-Star Keystone Division selection … also named to The Pennsylvania Football News second team All-State team … helped Bishop McDevitt to a 14-1 record, winning the District 3 Class AAA championship for the fifth straight year … lost to Central Valley, 26-21, in the PIAA Class AAA state semifinals … finished with 75 tackles, with 19 tackles for losses and 5.5 sacks … the Crusaders finished with a 14-2 record in 2013, losing to Archbishop Wood, 22-10, in the PIAA Class AAA state championship game … defeated Cathedral Prep, 47-42, in the semifinals … was a second team Keystone Division All-League choice after finishing with 47 tackles, with 5 TFL and 2 sacks.

TURNER HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

BRADFORD COMMENTS:  "Great quickness and change of direction for a player his size.  Also possesses great strength.  He brings a little more size to our front, as well.  We expect Myles to bring great competition to our interior defensive line.  Myles played with and against great competition at Bishop McDevitt High School and Lackawanna College.  Recruited by FCS and FBS schools out of high school."
 
JOSEPH WILKINS-JONES – DL, 6-2, 267 lbs., Jr., Washington, DC/Perry Street Prep/Lackawanna CC
WILKINS-JONES BIO:  Teammate of fellow Lackawanna CC transfer Myles Turner … helped the Falcons to a 7-2 record a year ago and 10-1 in 2016 … played in all nine games, with 12 solo and 10 assisted tackles for 22 total tackles … had 7.5 tackles for losses and 6 sacks, the latter figure ranking third on the team … had one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, and blocked a kick … played in one game in 2016 … earned first team Capitol Area Football Conference Division-A honors in 2014 as an offensive lineman … standout two-way lineman at Perry Street Prep.

BRADFORD COMMENTS:  "Teammate of mid-year enrollee Myles Turner at Lackawanna. Joseph is very athletic, quick off the ball, and has great lateral movement.  Played primarily as a 3-4 defensive end for Lackawanna.  He can play inside or outside in a 4-3 scheme. Very good pass rusher with great hands and strength. Watching tape of Myles and Joseph playing side by side at Lackawanna has our staff very excited about our depth and talent at the defensive line position."
 
LEVI BECKER – QB, 6-2, 185 lbs., R-Fr., Erie, Pa./McDowell/Ohio Dominican
BECKER BIO: Redshirted last year at Ohio Dominican … former standout at McDowell High School, where he set career records for yards passing (4,796) and TDs passing (43), along with season records for passing yards and passing TDs … led the Trojans to a 9-2 record as a senior, losing to State College in the PIAA Sub-regional … completed 132-of-256 passes for 1,846 yards with 15 TDs and just 4 INTs … added 258 yards and 9 TDs rushing … the passing yards rank second in a season to his 2,537 yards passing as a junior in 2015 … also set a school record with 23 TDs passing … completed 174-of-362 passes … added 408 yards and 5 TDs rushing … McDowell finished with a 7-6 record, reaching the second of PIAA sub-regional play … won the  District 10 Class 6A championship, defeating General McLane, won first round sub-regional vs. Brashear, before losing to State College, 48-40, in second round of sub-regional … threw for 401 yards and 3 TDs vs. State College … earned second team All-Region honors in 2015, and was an All-Western PA second team selection … also played basketball and baseball.

BECKER HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

BRADFORD COMMENTS:   "Local product we recruited last year.  Happy to have him in our program.  Excellent student!  Levi has good size and mobility, as well.  Levi played great competition in high school.  Once again, Levi comes from a system very similar to ours in scheme and vocabulary.  He can make all the quick game throws and has a great understanding of the game.  Jarrod (Kellar) and Levi have a lot of similar characteristics that will make for some great competition with Andrew Tomko and Keyshawn Howard."
 
ZACH SLEY – DL, 6-0, 265 lbs., R-Fr., Elma, N.Y./Iroquois/Univ. at Buffalo
SLEY BIO:  Redshirted last year at the University at Buffalo as a preferred walk-on … was a standout on the line at Iroquois High School … as a senior in 2016, finished with 26 tackles, with 6 TFL and 3 sacks … earned second team All-Football Weekly honors as an offensive lineman in 2015, and was a first team Class A South Coaches All-League selection.

SLEY HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

BRADFORD COMMENTS:  "Zach is a young man we recruited last year, as well.  While not as big as Myles (Turner), Zach has great quickness and is also very strong.  Zach gets off the ball quickly, changes direction, and plays with great effort.  He is a typical blue collar, high motor, effort player.  We look for him to add quality depth to our interior defensive line."
 
KAHLIL JACKSON – WR, 6-2, 175, Fr., Upper St. Clair, Pa./Upper St. Clair
JACKSON BIO:  Played in just one game in 2017, suffering a season-ending injury … had 3 tackles and a pass broken up and returned a kickoff 17 yards against Steubenville … Upper St. Clair would finish at 8-4 after going 6-4 in 2016 … played in seven games as a junior, finishing with 9 receptions for 124 yards, along with three kickoff returns for 25 yards. 

JACKSON HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
 
BRADFORD COMMENTS:  "Khalil has great size at 6'2".  We need an outside receiver with that length.  He has very good speed and is smooth for a taller receiver.  He runs great routes and catches the ball well with his hands.  Once again, we needed an outside receiver as we graduate James Clark and Blake Reddick next year.  Very good student."
 
JON LONG -- WR, 6-0, 185 lbs., Fr., Sidman, Pa./Forest Hills
SMITH BIO:  Enjoyed outstanding career at Forest Hills High School … as a senior, finished with 64 receptions for 1,146 yards, a 17.9 yard average, with 10 TDs … added 651 yards rushing and 5 TDs … on defense, played defensive back and had 48 solo tackles and 25 assists for 73 tackles, adding 5 INTs for 86 yards, and 10 passes broken up … served as team's punter, averaging 33.2 yards on 29 punts … scored 17 total TDs, returning an interception and punt for touchdowns … team finished 11-2, losing to Sharon in the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals after beating Huntingdon in the first round … won District 6 Class AAA championship … named to 2017 Pennsylvania Football Writers' Class 3A All-State Team as an athlete … also named to 2017 All-EPA/WPA All-State Super 25 Class 3A Team … was named the Tribune-Democrat Offensive Player of the Year, along with all-area and all-conference accolades … in 2016, caught 48 passes for 818 yards, a 17.8 yard average, with 8 TDs, adding 202 yards rushing and 2 TDs on 42 carries … on defense, had 46 solo and 20 assisted tackles for 66 tackles, with 3 INTs for 191 yards and 15 passes broken up … had 12 total TDs as team went 5-6 … earned first team Class AAA All-Western first team honors on offense, and was All-Laurel Highlands Conference choice at wide receiver … named to All-Tribune Democrat Team at defensive back … in 2015, had 11 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown, adding 51 tackles, with 4 INTs for 32 yards, 4 passes broken up and 3 fumbles recovered … finished career with 124 receptions for 2,138 yards, a 17.9 yard average, and had 19 TDs … on defense, had 12 INTs for 309 yards, with 30 passes broken up.   

LONG HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

BRADFORD COMMENTS:   "Great athlete.  Excels at track & field as well as football.  Jon has great speed and athletic ability.  Recruited Jon as a WR but is someone who has the ability to play DB as well.  He is as physical as he is fast.  Jon also has the ability to return punts and kickoffs.  We look for Jon to compete for playing time in 2018.  Great student – looking at our nursing program."

BRANSON SMITH -- CB, 5-10, 145 lbs., Fr., McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport
SMITH BIO:  Earned honorable mention all-league honors at cornerback as a senior, helping McKeesport finish with an 8-3 record … totaled 17 tackles, with 2 interceptions, 3 passes broken up, and a pair of fumble recoveries … caught 3 passes for 94 yards and a TD … returned three kickoffs for 55 yards and six punts for 35 yards … caught 2 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown in 2016. 

SMITH HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
       
BRADFORD COMMENTS:  "Branson has great feet and hips.  Really transitions well in and out of breaks as a cornerback.  Has really good speed and is a physical corner who will tackle well.  Also an aggressive, risk-taker who will compete for the football.  Excellent student!"
 
TANNER WELLS – OL, 6-5, 255 lbs., Fr., Brentwood, Pa./Brentwood
WELLS BIO:  Three-year starter and letterwinner for the Spartans … earned first team All-WPIAL Class 2A Three Rivers honors as an offensive lineman as a senior … nominated for Mr. Pa. Football Class 1A to 3A … Brentwood finished with a 5-5 record in 2017 after going 8-3 in 2016 … started 23 games … also plays basketball, where he is a 3-year starter and letterwinner ... has started over 50 games … member of the National Honor Society … member of the Steering Committee.

WELLS HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

BRADFORD COMMENTS:  "Tanner is a great athlete at 6'5", 255 lbs.  Tall, lean, and long.  We really were looking for an OT prospect as we graduate Alex Molik and Trey Staunch after this year.  We believe Tanner has great feet and balance and can be a very good OT in this league.  Very good student."
 
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

James Clark

#1 James Clark

WR
6' 1"
Junior
Alex Molik

#62 Alex Molik

OT
6' 5"
Junior
Blake Reddick

#6 Blake Reddick

WR
6' 1"
Redshirt Junior
Trey Staunch

#69 Trey Staunch

OT
6' 4"
Junior
Andrew Tomko

#7 Andrew Tomko

QB
6' 5"
Redshirt Freshman
Keshawn Howard

#15 Keshawn Howard

QB
5' 11"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

James Clark

#1 James Clark

6' 1"
Junior
WR
Alex Molik

#62 Alex Molik

6' 5"
Junior
OT
Blake Reddick

#6 Blake Reddick

6' 1"
Redshirt Junior
WR
Trey Staunch

#69 Trey Staunch

6' 4"
Junior
OT
Andrew Tomko

#7 Andrew Tomko

6' 5"
Redshirt Freshman
QB
Keshawn Howard

#15 Keshawn Howard

5' 11"
Freshman
QB