Murray State University Athletics
Murray State Football Announces 2009 Recruiting Class
2/8/2009 6:00:00 AM | Football
Wednesday is the first day that potential recruits can sign with the program of the their choice.
“We are very excited about this year's group of signees,” said
The group of incoming players includes four linebackers, two offensive lineman, one cornerback, one running back, one quarterback and one tight end.
The Racers return nine starters on offense and nine on defense from the 2008 squad that went 5-7 overall and 4-4 in Ohio Valley Conference action.
Below is a list of the student athletes that will join the MSU football program in the fall.
Darren Baker, 6-4, 275, OL,
Played for coach Earl Garcia at
“Darren is very coachable and is a strong run blocker.”
Randell Bell, 5-11, 215, RB,
Played two season's for coach Troy Morrell at
“Randell is a very physical downhill runner that can also make a defender miss in the hole. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in helping lead us to the National Championship.”
Chuck Brooks, 6-5, 220, TE,
Played one season for coach David Harris at
“Chuck only played football for one season and has great hands and speed. He has the ability to go vertical down the field as a wide receiver, but can block like a tight end.”
Raquan Durrante, 6-1, 185, CB,
Played four years for coach Shawn Berner at Ft. Campbell High School...helped the Falcons claim back-to-back state championships...two-time first-team all-West Kentucky Conference, Ky. New Era and Leaf Chronicle selection...garnered second-team all-state accolades as a senior...younger brother of current Racer corner Dexter Durrante.
“Raquan is a very smart, coachable player. He will be able to help
Jacob Goodman, 6-6, 290, OL,
Played for coach James Bridges at Fulton County High School...two-time all-West Kentucky Conference selection...named Lineman of the Year as a junior and senior...graded out at 98-percent as a senior after grading out at 90-percent his junior season...voted team's most improved as a sophomore.
“Jacob is very athletic for a big man. He is a very good pass blocker.”
Darius Lightfoot, 5-11, 215, LB,
Played for coach Charles Nassar at
“Darius is one of the best players in
Tarvis Milam, 6-3, 210, QB,
Played for coach Greg Howard at
“Tarvis is a young man who can be a great contributor. He has leadership skills that a quarterback must have to lead a team.”
Mark Ornella, 6-3, 215, OLB/DE,
Played for coach Tom Bolden at
Colerain Head Coach Tom Bolden
“Mark is a very physical, tough, aggressive run stopper who has a high motor and runs hard to the ball.”
Blake Salter, 5-11, 205, LB/S,
Played for coach Alvin Briggs at Florence High School...earned honorable mention all-area honors as a senior after posting 96 tackles, six tackles-for-loss and four forced fumbles...named the defensive MVP as a junior and senior...voted the special teams MVP as a sophomore...named to the all-region team as a junior in helping team to regional championship.
“Blake is one of the hardest working linebackers I have seen in a long time. He is a tremendous leader and leads by example.”
Robert White, 5-8, 180, LB/S,
Played his senior season for coach Josh Niblett at Hoover High School...helped team to a 13-2 record and state runner-up finish...posted 100 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, six sacks, six quarterback pressures and two pass break-ups...finished in the top 10 in sacks in the Alabama...helped Bucs post 24-4 record as a sophomore and junior under coach Rush Propst...received the Swarm Award after registering 92 tackles as a junior...recorded 75 stops as a sophomore.
“Robert is an outstanding player and an outstanding kid. He made a lot of big plays for us at
