Benedict Football Team Signs 27 for the 2013 Season | News

Benedict College head football coach James Woody announced the signing of 24 players to National Letters of Intent to play for the Tigers in 2013, along with three players who enrolled in January.

"I'm really excited about this recruiting class. I think we addressed a lot of needs,” Woody said. “I think our coaching staff did a phenomenal job of getting out there. I think we increased our overall team speed in the backfield and receiver corps. They look good on paper. We'll see how that transfers onto the field in August.”

The Tigers signed five players from South Carolina, including Juawan Etheredge from nearby Batesburg-Leesville High School.

“I think he's a real steal. He's a power back, real strong,” Woody said.

Another running back Woody is excited to see suit up for the Tigers is Kenneth Hurley from Leesburg, Ga. Hurley scored 23 touchdowns and had more than 2,000 all-purpose yards. But the bigger schools shied away from him because of his size - 5-9, 165 pounds.

“If this kid was taller and a little bigger, we wouldn't have had a chance. The big schools would have snatched him up. He's a real fast kid,” Woody said.

Four players enrolled in January, including Leroy Hollins III, a transfer quarterback from Arkansas Baptist Junior College who threw for 1,580 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

“He's going to push for that starting spot,” Woody said.

The Tigers also got some national exposure on national signing day. One of the nation's top recruits, Stacy Coley from Northeast High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., made his choice to sign with the University of Miami on ESPNU Wednesday morning. He was one of several players from his school to sign NLI's during the live televised event, including two teammates – running back Jamal Wallace and offensive lineman Kyante Belvin - who wore Benedict caps while signing their papers.