Recruit Biographies

Photo by Mark Campbell

NEWARK, Del. -- Using the word “dynamic” to describe many of the newcomers, University of Delaware football head coach K.C. Keeler announced Wednesday the signing of 16 high school standouts and three transfer students to NCAA National Letters of Intent to attend the University on an athletics scholarship.

The talented group was comprised of student-athletes from nine different states, including four from Florida, three from Maryland, and two each from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Virginia, and New Jersey, and included five defensive linemen, three defensive backs, three wide receivers, two offensive linemen, two running backs, two linebackers, one quarterback, and tight end.

“We are very excited about this year’s group and really feel that we hit our target,” said Keeler, who will begin his ninth season at the helm of the Blue Hens this fall. “We were excited about our class last season as well, but if you look at it position by position, this year’s group might be even better. We feel good about what we have coming back and this recruiting class just adds to it.”

Delaware will be looking to improve upon last seasons’ 6-5 mark this fall and return to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs for the first time since advancing to the championship game in 2007.

The Blue Hens, who captured the 2003 national title and tied Villanova for the most wins by any Colonial Athletic Association team during the last decade, return 26 players with starting experience this fall led by quarterback Pat Devlin and All-CAA defensive backs Anthony Walters and Anthony Bratton.

“We accomplished what we wanted to offensively,” said Keeler of the Hens’ recruiting efforts. “Our staff worked hard and did a great job of identifying kids who fit our system. We were happy to get a quarterback in place and bring some talented skill players in as well. Defensively, our theme was to add some dynamic players and we think we have solved some of those issues. We are bringing in young players who should certainly make an impact.”

In addition to the 16 high school standouts, the Hens also announced the addition of three transfers in sophomore defensive end Quincy Barr from Hofstra, sophomore linebacker Kyle Hunte from Northeastern, and senior defensive back Darryl Jones from Northeastern. Hofstra and Northeastern, both long time foes of Delaware in the Colonial Athletic Association, each dropped their football program following the 2009 campaign.

Delaware will open spring practice March 19 with the annual Blue-White Spring Game set for Friday, Apr. 23 at 7 p.m. at Delaware Stadium. The CAA’s largest venue with a capacity for 22,000 fans, Delaware Stadium had its grass surface replaced with FieldTurf this winter.

The Hens will open the 2010 season Sept. 2 at home vs. West Chester and will face four teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament a year ago, including taking on defending national champion Villanova in the regular season finale on Nov. 20 at Delaware Stadium.

2010 UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE FOOTBALL RECRUITS

PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES

JUSTIN BURNS - QB - 6-5 - 215 - Alpharetta, Ga. / Alpharetta HS
Played quarterback for head coach Jason Dukes at Alpharetta High School...completed 171 of 295 pass attempts (59 percent) for a school record 2,144 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior in 2008...led Fulton County in passing...served as team captain...earned a spot on the North Fulton All-Star team...finished his career No. 2 all-time at Alpharetta High School in total offense...was quarterback champion and 7-on-7 champion at the Rivals.com NUC Combine in Atlanta on March 8, 2009 and at Rivals.com Ultimate 100 Combine for the Southeast Region on June 21, 2009...rated as a top five quarterback at the Rivals.com Ultimate 100 National Top Prospect Camp on July 24, 2009...was recruited by several NCAA FBS programs...plans to major in business at Delaware...son of Brent and Linda Burns.

K.C. Keeler Says...: “Jason has played in this (Delaware) offense throughout high school so he will be able to walk right in and pick up what we are doing. He has poise and intelligence and is big and physical kid. He and Trevor Sasek (a redshirt freshman in 2010) give us two great young prospects for the future.”

BRANDON CHEATON - DB - 6-2 - 180 - Middletown, Del. / Caravel Academy HS
Standout running back and defensive back at nearby Caravel Academy under high school head coach Mike Aruanno…one of two Delaware natives in 2010 recruiting class...had 120 carries for 1,247 yards and 19 touchdowns during senior season…third in state for touchdowns and points…second in state for yards per carry: 10.4 yards, 17 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns…tallied career totals of 2,475 yards, 28 touchdowns, 229 carries, and 10.8 ypc…recorded 73 tackles, five for losses, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns as a defensive back in 2009…led his team to the state finals in 2006 and 2007 and the semifinals in 2008…named a 2009 first team All-State defensive back and third team All-State running back…also selected as a 2008 third team All-State defensive back…a basketball and track & field athlete in high school…helped lead his 2008 basketball team to a state championship…a member of the 2007 4x100 meter relay Division II state champions....plans to major in engineering at Delaware...son of Leo and Bernadette Cheaton.

Keeler: “Brandon had a lot of interest from other schools but was one of our first commitments. He has that great hip movement and we loved watching him play running back. He is a hard hitter who plays downhill. We are excited to see what he can do here as a safety.”

JAMAUL CHRISTOPHER - DL - 6-2 - 240 - Jacksonville, Fla. / Fletcher HS
Played linebacker and defensive end for head coach Joe Reynolds at Fletcher High School...was a high school teammate of fellow UD recruit Jake Giusti...led team to three-year record of 27-6...team won conference titles in 2007 and 2008, district titles in 2008 and 2009, and advanced to the state playoffs all three years...earned first team All-First Coast honors as a defensive lineman...named conference Lineman of the Year...ranked No. 10 defensive end in the state as a senior by the Orlando Sentinel...two-time first team all-district and all-conference selection...registered 72 tackles, eight sacks, and two fumble recoveries as a senior...plans to major in criminology at Delaware...son of Theo and Whelma Christopher.

Keeler: “Jamaul is a physical player who just mauls opponents. He might be as good as any player in our recruiting class. He can really give us a presence on the pass rush and is the type of kid who can probably play for us right away.”

STEPHEN CLARK - WR - 6-2 - 160 - Hampton, Va. / Bethel HS
Played wide receiver and safety for head coach Jeff Nelson at Bethel High School...two-way standout who led squads to a three-year record of 23-12 and three playoff appearances...team went 10-2 his sophomore year and advanced to the second round of the playoffs...team went 7-5 his junior year and advanced to the second round...earned second team all-district honors as a wide receiver as a senior in 2009...three-year starter who caught 47 passes for 706 yards and nine touchdowns...caught eight passes for 68 yards and a touchdown in 2007, 18 for 117 yards and two touchdowns in 2008, and 21 for 521 yards and six touchdowns this past fall...also a standout tennis player at Bethel High School...advanced to the district match qualifier for both singles and doubles during his career...plans to major in biology or zoology at Delaware...son of Terry and Cynthia Clark.

Keeler: “We heard so many good things about Stephen in high school. He went up against the top defensive backs in his area and excelled and was as good as any receiver in the area. He has great speed and can make you miss. He also is an outstanding student who will graduate in the top 10 percent of his class.”

JOHN “JD” DZURKO - OL - 6-3 - 285 - North Wales, Pa. / North Penn HS
Standout offensive lineman at North Penn High School for head coach Dick Beck…Big 33 selection…team captain...consensus second team All-State pick this season…first team All-Southeast Pennsylvania selection by the Philadelphia Inquirer…named first team All-League Suburban One Continental…selected North Penn’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman…served as team captain in 2009…North Penn went a combined 27-2 during the last two seasons, advancing to the 2008 state semifinals and the 2009 state quarterfinals…team was nationally ranked by USA Today...two-year member of the wrestling team...plans to major in engineering or physics at Delaware...son of John and Laurie Dzurko....last name pronounced “zurko”.

Keeler: ”JD comes from a great high school program at North Penn (UD three-year starting OT Kevin Uhll is a product). He is an athletic kid who can play center, guard, or tackle. He was high on our list from the beginning.”

SAM FELECCIA - TE - 6-3 - 230 - Ambler, Pa. / La Salle HS
Played tight end and wide receiver for head coach Drew Gordon at La Salle High School...led team to Pennsylvania state AAAA (Big School) title as a senior....led team to Philadelphia Catholic League titles in 2008 and 2009 and the District 12 championship this past fall...enjoyed an outstanding career that saw him post 130 receptions for 2,522 yards and 20 touchdowns...two-time All-State selection, earning first team honors in 2009 when he was ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver in Southeast Pennsylvania...three-time All-Catholic League pick...earned first team All-Southeastern Pennsylvania in 2008 and all-city in 2009...Big 33 game nominee...named to the Philadelphia Catholic League All-Decade team...also earned All-Catholic League honors in track and field in 2007...plans to major in business at Delaware...son of Ron and Mary Feleccia...last name pronounced “fuh-leesha”.

Keeler: “Sam is a special player. Anyone who watched the Pennsylvania high school championship game last fall could see how dominating he is. He had a lot of schools pursuing him but he picked Delaware without even visiting campus. He is a versatile player who can be an H-type back for us and also spread to the outside.”

KYLE GAYLE - LB - 6-2 - 195 - Montclair, N.J. / Montclair HS
Played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, safety, and quarterback at Montclair High School under head coach Ed Lebida…twice named first team All-State Group 4…selected first team All-Essex County on defense…named Montclair’s Offensive Player of the Year and Team Most Valuable Player in 2009…also served as team captain…earned Volken Spirit Award in 2008…scored 11 touchdowns during senior season…amassed 410 receiving yards, 53 tackles, and two interceptions…ran for 254 yards and four touchdowns during his final Thanksgiving game…also was a three-year starter on the baseball team, and competed for the track team as a senior....plans to major in sport management at Delaware...son of Lonnie and Lovette Gayle...last name pronounced “gail.”

Keeler: “Kyle is a such a versatile kid that he got offers as a running back, wide receiver, and safety. We even considered him at wide receiver. He gives us a lot of options. He can rush the passer from the ends and drop back in coverage.”

JAKE GEISER - OL - 6-3 - 275 - Columbia, Md. / DeMatha HS
Played center for head coach Bill McGregor at DeMatha Catholic High School...two-year starter and three-year varsity player who led team to a three-year record of 31-5 and two WCAC league championships...team captain as a senior...two-time All-Washington Catholic Athletic League (WCAC) selection...invited to play in the Maryland Crab Bowl in 2009...voted team’s Most Valuable Lineman as a senior...key blocker for standout RB Marcus Coker who ran for a school record 341 yards vs. Gilman in 2009...lettered as a sophomore in wrestling...Maryland Distinguished Scholar and National Honor Society student...plans to major in engineering at Delaware...son of Jim and Elaine Geiser...last name pronounced “guy-zur”.

Keeler: “Some coaches told us that Jake reminds them a lot of Rob McDowell (current two-year starting OL at Delaware out of DeMatha) and maybe even ahead of him at this stage of their careers. We think Jake can give us a lot and become a great college center. He is a high academic kid as well. We have been fortunate to have a lot of success at DeMatha.”

JAKE GIUSTI - DB - 5-11 - 180 - Neptune, Fla. / Fletcher HS
Played cornerback for head coach Joe Reynolds at Fletcher High School...was a high school teammate of fellow UD recruit Jamaul Christopher...led team to three-year record of 27-6...team won conference titles in 2007 and 2008, district titles in 2008 and 2009, and advanced to the state playoffs all three years....named to North Florida Super 24 team as a senior when he was named the North Florida District Defensive Player of the Year and First Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year...three-time first team all-conference and all-district selection...collected 114 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, five blocked kicks, 25 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and three interceptions as a senior...scored five defensive touchdowns as a senior...had 12 career blocked kicks...averaged 31 yards per punt return....named Florida “Buddy of the Year” for the Tops Soccer Association for developmentally challenged youths...attended Delaware Camp in June...plans to major in sport management...son of Larry and Mikie Giusti...last name pronounced “justy.”

Keeler: “Jake was on of our first commitments and wowed our staff at his one-day workout. He was phenomenal. He is a terrific football player who has outstanding speed, breaks on the ball well, and makes plays. He is a special player who put up some big numbers playing against some great competition.”

MICHAEL JOHNSON - WR - 6-2 - 205 - Gainesville, Fla. / Gainesville HS
Played wide receiver at Gainesville High School for head coach Ryan Smith...enjoyed outstanding two-year high school career before suffering a season-ending knee injury prior to his senior year...was receiving interest from several SEC schools...caught 15 passes for 413 yards and five touchdowns and ran for three others scores as a junior in 2008....earned All-Area honors as a junior...caught 12 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore in 2007...two-year starter who led squad to record of 19-4 and two state playoff appearances...team went 9-2 in 2008 and 10-2 in 2009...also competed in track and field...son of Gwendolyn Johnson.

Keeler: “Michael is one of the more intriguing players in this class. He was getting plenty of interest from LSU, Arkansas, and Mississippi before being injured in his senior year. He is way ahead of schedule on his knee rehab and we are excited about what he can bring to our team. He has a tremendous upside.”

KARIM JONES - WR - 6-3 - 210 - Gaithersburg, Md. / Quince Orchard HS
Standout wide receiver at Quince Orchard High School for head coach Dave Mencarini…earned honorable mention All-Gazette honors…ranked as the 68th best player in the area by Rivals.com and the 138th best wide receiver in the nation by ESPN.com…accumulated 1,100 yards receiving and six touchdowns in his career…helped guide Quince Orchard to an 11-1 record and the regional finals as a senior…also led the basketball team to the 2008 state championship…intends to major in sports and fitness administration at Delaware....son of Karim Jones Sr. and Taliscia Hebron...first name pronounced “kuh-rim”.

Keeler: “He is a big, strong kid as a receiver who really impressed us at our one-day camp. He is a great target with his big hands and long arms and he runs routes very smoothly.”

JAMAL MTSHALI - DL - 6-2 - 245 - Columbia, S.C. / Northwood HS (Md.) / Army Prep
Standout defensive lineman for one year each at Richland Northeast (S.C.) High School (2007), Northwood (Md.) High School (2008) and at the U.S. Military Academy Prep School (2009)...played for head coach Dennis Harris at Northwood and for Tom Simi at Army Prep...led Richland Northeast HS to a 6-6 record and regional co-championship in 2007...collected 52 tackles in seven games as a senior at Northwood HS in 2008 and had 51 stops in just nine games at Army Press in 2009...ranked as the No. 33 prospect at strong linebacker by Scout.com and No. 64 at inside linebacker by ESPN.com coming out of high school...participated in the All-American Bowl as a two-way lineman...was the top overall performer at the 2008 Scout.com Baltimore Combine...plans to major in pre-law at Delaware...son of Progress Mtshali and Marya Parker....last name pronounced “met-shawli.”

Keeler: “Jamal can play either end position and is a dynamic pass rusher who can help the UD front four. He has great size at 6-2 and 245 lb., runs a 4.6 40-yard dash, benches 400 lbs.,and has a 41-inch vertical jump.”

ANDREW PIERCE - RB - 5-11 - 200 - Bridgeton, N.J. / Cumberland Regional HS
Enrolled at Delaware this spring and will take part in spring drills...graduate from high school last May and took classes at a local junior college last fall...standout running back at Cumberland Regional High School for head coach Tom Lake…one of the top running backs in South Jersey…led team to back-to-back playoff appearances…2007 berth was the school’s first in school history…set single-season school records with 1,640 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2009…Cumberland Regional’s all-time leading rusher with 4,537 yards…selected to the All-Group III, All-Conference, All-Press and second team All-South Jersey…named Touchdown Club of South Jersey’s Running Back of the Year…awarded the Maxwell Club Mini Max Award…doubled as a standout track & field athlete…won sectional titles in the javelin…finished fifth at the Penn Relays…holds school record with toss of 191-5…named to All-South Jersey track & field team....plans to major in fitness management at Delaware...son of Steven and Wanda Pierce.

Keeler: “We liked Andrew a lot last year and we are looking forward to having him here this spring. He is an athletic kid who can be a short-yardage back and does a good job catching the ball coming out of the backfield.”

DERRICK SAULSBERRY - DE - 6-3 - 210 - St. Mary’s, Ga. / Camden County HS
Played defensive end and tight end for head coach Jeff Herron at Camden Country High School...led team to perfect 15-0 mark as a junior when team won state title, captured the regional title, and was ranked No. 3 in the nation...as a senior, led team to 13-2 record, state and regional titles, and a No. 5 national ranking...earned first team all-region honors as a senior....honorable All-State selection as a senior...posted 73 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, five fumble recoveries, seven forced fumbles, two touchdowns, and eight quarterback sacks as a senior...plans to major in sport management at Delaware...son of Shelly Ortiz.

Keeler: “Derrick comes from one of the best programs not only in Georgia but in the country. He is dynamic and just jumps out at you when you watch him on film. He was the most dominant player in the state championship game this past fall.”

LAITH WALLSCHLEGER - DE - 6-4 - 245 - Alexandria, Va. / St. Stephens & St. Agnes HS
Standout defensive lineman and tight end at St. Stephens and St. Agnes School under head coach Dave Holm…first team All-State selection as both a defensive end and tight end…named first team all-conference as a defensive end…honored as team’s Most Valuable Player…posted 21 sacks as a senior to break the school single-season record…recorded 112 tackles, 46 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, and five recoveries in nine games as a defensive end...caught 15 passes for 423 yards as a tight end…also blocked a punt and field goal, and led the team in special teams tackles…St. Stephens and St. Agnes went 16-12 during his three seasons and advanced to the 2007 state playoffs…also was a member of the basketball, track and baseball teams....plans to major in business at Delaware...son of Kurt and Mayla Wallschleger...last name is pronounced “wall-shlay-gur.”

Keeler: “Laith is a physical player who we will probably move over to defensive tackle. He has a great body and can bulk up to 270 lbs. without a problem. He has a great frame and we are excited about having him join us.”

MALCOLM YOWK - RB - 5-10 - 175 - Dover, Del. / Caesar Rodney HS
Excelled as a running back, defensive back, and kick returner at Caesar Rodney High School for head coach Mike Schonewolf, a former Blue Hen football player in 1977-79 and a teammate of K.C. Keeler…one of two Delaware natives in 2010 recruiting class...earned first-team All-State honors as a running back and second team honors as a returner during his senior season…also honored as a first team all-purpose player and running back as a junior…named to Rivals All-State team...rated the 89th best running back in the nation by Scout.com…compiled 1,517 yards on 143 carries for a state-high 10.6-yards-per-carry as a senior… posted a combined 2,777 yards rushing and 35 touchdowns during his final two campaigns…helped lead Caesar Rodney to an 11-1 record and a state championship as a junior…plans to major in business management at Delaware....son of Michael Yowk and Ronnette Gordon.

Keeler: “We are fortunate that Malcolm decided to stay close to home. He is an explosive player who ran a 4.4 40-yard dash during his one-day workout. He can be one of those hybrid players (similar to current UD senior Philip Thaxton) in the slot who can run the ball and also move outside as a receiver. We love his demeanor and personality. He was a high priority for us.”

TRANSFERS

QUINCY BARR - DE - So. - 6-3 - 250 - Brandon, Fla. / Riverview HS / Hofstra
Two-year player at defensive end at Colonial Athletic Association rival Hofstra where he played for former UD assistant coach Dave Cohen...Hofstra dropped football following the 2009 season...sat out as a redshirt during the 2009 campaign...as a true freshman in 2008, played in 10 games with two starts...tallied 10 tackles, including three solo stops...had two tackles each vs. James Madison and Connecticut...led team in sacks with 2.5 for 24 yards and was No. 3 on team with 4.5 tackles for loss...also had two forced fumbles and recovered one fumble...football and basketball standout at Riverview High School...earned All-State honors as a senior...had 62 tackles and five sacks as a senior when he also earned all-county honors.

Keeler: “Quincy is another dynamic athlete who will help us on defense. He sat out last season as redshirt so we will have him for three more years. Dave Cohen (former Hofstra coach and Delaware assistant) thought he was one of a few guys on his team who was a I-A (FCS) level player. He is a great pass rusher who has all-conference potential and can play for us right away.”

KYLE HUNTE - LB - So. - 6-2 - 205 - Brookline, Mass. / Brookline HS / Northeastern
Transfer after spending the 2009 season at Colonial Athletic Association foe Northeastern University under head coach Rocky Hager…school dropped sport following the 2009 campaign...twice named Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week in 2009…earned the Huskies’ Co-Rookie of the Year award…made 32 tackles, three interceptions, one sack, and forced two fumbles in seven games…played three years of varsity football at Brookline High under head coach and former Northeastern football letterman Laz Mitjans...manned the safety and wide receiver positions...named a Bay State All-Star his senior season...once had a nine-catch, 150-yard game with two touchdowns...also ran track for four years at Brookline High...played basketball for one season…played in Shriner’s All-Star game....majored in business at Northeastern...a member of the African American Scholars program at Brookline High...father, Alan, lettered in football at Northeastern from 1978-81...twin brother, Chad, was also a member of the Northeastern football team...brother, AJ, wrestles at Pittsburgh.

Keeler: “We are very excited to bring Kyle to Delaware. He is an electric kid who goes out and just makes plays. He is a former safety who is big enough to move to outside linebacker and be a dynamic player for us out on the edge.”

DARRYL JONES - DB - Sr. - 5-10 - 184 - Glen Burnie, Md. / St. John's College HS / Northeastern
Three-year letterwinner at Colonial Athletic Association rival Northeastern University where he played for head coach Rocky Hager...school dropped sport following the 2009 campaign...played in 33 career games at defensive back for Huskies and recorded 122 tackles, including 71 solo stops...also had three interceptions, nine pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries...registered 60 tackles as a junior in 2009 when he also had six pass breakups, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries...posted 10 tackles and intercepted a pass vs. Youngstown State and had 12 tackles against No. 2 Villanova in 2009...started 11 games and made 57 tackles as a sophomore in 2008...played in 10 games as a freshman in 2007 and returned a block punt for 26 yard for a touchdown vs. Rhode Island...played three varsity seasons at St. John’s College High School for Joseph Patterson...two-time All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference selection...team recorded an 8-3 overall record and finished the season ranked No. 20 in the state by The Washington Post in 2006...also a member of the basketball and track teams...majored in management at Northeastern.

Keeler: “Darryl is a real good fit for us because we were looking for a corner who can also go in and play safety if needed. He brings so many great intangibles, experience, and leadership. He is hungry to win a championship.”

2010 University of Delaware Football Recruiting/Transfer Class