FORK UNION, VA – Nine Blue Devils from the Fork Union Military Academy Postgraduate football program their signed National Letters of Intent or celebratory commitment documents Wednesday on Early Signing Day.
All nine student-athletes are going to Division I programs. Seven signed National Letters of Intent, while two accepted preferred walk-on opportunities.
Balogun is a 6-foot-7, 240-pound defensive end from Oshogbo, Nigeria. Balogun attended St. Francis Academy prior to Fork Union. He signed with Marshall University and will enroll in January.
"Emmanuel Balogun is a great person with tremendous abilities and an eagerness to dominate. Marshall University is lucky to have him," said head coach Frank Arritt.
Larry Elder – Long Island University
Elder is a 6-foot-0, 181-pound wide receiver and defensive back from Richmond, Virginia. Elder has been enrolled at the Academy since the sixth grade and is the grandson of Marva Williams. He signed with Long Island University and will enroll in January.
"Larry Elder is a Fork Union man through and through. He masters everything he does on and off the field. He will thrive at Long Island University," said Arritt.
Travon Jones – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Jones is a 6-foot-5, 190-pound wide receiver and strong safety from McDonough, Georgia. He is the son of Thomas Jones and attended Dutchtown High School prior to the Academy. Jones signed with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and will enroll in January.
"Travon Jones is a positive young man with high energy all day. He has tremendous ability and is exciting to watch," added Arritt.
Jeremiah Katt – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Katt is a 6-foot-4, 200-pound offensive and defensive lineman from Meza, Arizona. He is the son of Wanda and Rick Katt and attended Mountain View High School prior to the Academy. Katt also signed with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and will enroll in January.
"Jeremiah Katt is a warrior. He works hard every single day on mastering his craft. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is getting two phenomenal athletes," said Arritt.
Knighton is a 6-foot-3, 255-pound offensive and defensive lineman from Cape Coral, Florida. He is the son of Carole Knighton and attended Oasis High School prior to the Academy. Knighton accepted a preferred walk-on opportunity with the University of Florida.
"Hayden Knighton battles on and off the field every day. He strives for perfection and is a great competitor," said Arritt.
Murphy is a 6-foot-4, 280-pound offensive and defensive lineman from Fairfax, Virginia. He is the son of Laura and Thomas Murphy and attended Bishop O'Connell High School prior to Fork Union. Murphy accepted a preferred walk-on opportunity with Marshall University.
"Jack Murphy has a work ethic like no other. He continues to push himself in everything he does. He will definitely make an impact at Marshall," added Arritt.
Roach is a 6-foot-5, 245-pound tight end and defensive lineman from Celina, Texas. He is the son of Kari and Brian Roach and attended Celina High School prior to the Academy. He signed with West Point.
"Kaghen Roach is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. He has high energy with constant drive and focus on and off the field," said Arritt.
Rashaud Thomas – Duquesne University
Thomas is a 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker from Washington, DC. He is the son of Tiffany Jewell and Carlos Crawford and attended Quince Orchard High School prior to arriving at Fork Union. He signed with Duquesne University and will enroll in January.
"Rashaud Thomas has a high motor with great athleticism. He has yet to reach his athletic potential. He will excel at Duquesne," said Arritt.
Antwane Wells – James Madison University
Wells is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound wide receiver and strong safety from Richmond, Virginia. He is the son of
Antwane Wells and attended Highland Springs High School prior to the Academy. He signed with James Madison University and will enroll in January.
"Antwane Wells has a professional attitude with phenomenal hands. He is a bigtime playmaker who will shine at James Madison University," said Arritt.
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