Jacksonville State adds size on the offensive front during recruiting

The goal for Jacksonville State, at least during the January portion of recruiting, was to get bigger on the offensive line.

Mission accomplished.

Jax State head coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff added four big offensive linemen during Wednesday's National Signing Day. The offensive line additions were Kaiden Arnold (6-7, 335) of Escambia County High, Bryce Causey (6-7, 315) of Macon, Georgia, Marvin Lee (6-6, 310) of Sparkman High and Cameron Griffin (6-4, 300) of Pinson Valley High. They join December signees Daveion Harley (6-2, 305) and Maddon Sunderman (6-4, 300) to give the Gamecock some added size up front.

"(Offensive line coach Rick) Trickett knew that we needed some size, and he got that," Rodriguez said. "And, we have our eye on some other guys. We knew that we had to get bigger up front, but the big thing is we wanted to (get) guys that are athletic and can move. They're all big, athletic guys. We have to get them stronger, but we will get them in the weight room and teach them technique."

Jax State also got some help at safety with Maine transfer Anthony Ambush (6-3, 210) and high school players Nehemiah Pgouda (6-2, 200) of South Paulding High in Georgia and Zechariah Poyser (6-2, 170) of Wildwood, Florida. Ambush was a midyear transfer and is already enrolled in school.

"Safety was probably our thinnest defensive position," Rodriguez said. "We knew that we needed a whole bunch of guys there and we signed some guys that we think can help us. They are bigger, taller athletic guys."

Rodriguez said they've already brought in 10-12 preferred walk-on players. He added they would announce them at a later date.

Wednesday's signees

*Austin Ambush, S, Maine

Kaiden Arnold, OL, Escambia County HS

Bryce Causey, OL, Macon, Georgia

*J'Wan Evans, RB, San Mateo College

Tae Floyd, DE, Forest HS, Ocala, Florida

*Jamayre Joiner, WR, Arizona

Marvin Lee, OL, Sparkman HS

Cameron Griffin, OL, Pinson Valley HS

Shane Payton Hodges, DE, St. Augustine HS, New Orleans

Geimere Latimer, CB, Sandy Creek HS, Fairburn, Georgia