Originally published in The Western Carolina Journalist.
Western Carolina University football team is getting 30 new players hoping for an even better season than the 2021 season.
The WCU Catamount Club and the Western Carolina Football coaching staff hosted a national signing day event via Zoom on Feb.3 and presented the new members of the team.
Not all of the signees are coming out of high school. Some are from junior colleges, or they are transferring from different universities.
“We got a lot of skill players and got some big guys who can be the key to our program the next couple of years. We picked up speed with this recruiting class, we got some of the fastest guys in Florida to commit over bigger schools…We want guys who truly love the game and want to win championships,” said Head Football Coach Kerwin Bell, during the event.
WCU Athletic Director Alex Gary was excited to have this event.
“As you all know there was a change in the leadership of this football program 9 months ago. It was a tough decision to make a change but I knew what this program needed to go in the direction and I’m looking forward to watching this program grow over the years,” Gary said.
During the event, the coaches explained the recruiting process, how the new signees will fit into the program and what they’re trying to build as a team.
There were specific details given about each player and what they bring to the table. As each coach talked about the players, there was a slideshow playing each of the signee’s highlights to show the viewers what they’re getting on the field next season.
There were some names mentioned by the coaches who they think can come in and make an impact right away for the team, Ed Jones (LB), Desmond Reid (RB), Brandon Smiley (DL), Hayward Mcqueen ll (LB), Va Lealaimatafao (LB), and David White (WR).
This is the first time this event had to happen via Zoom but Western Carolina and the Catamount Club wants it to be in person next year.