Feb. 11, 2010
Cullowhee, N.C. -
Western Carolina's 2010 incoming class has been ranked first in the Southern Conference according to SouthernPigskin.com it was announced this week. The staff members at SouthernPigskin.com evaluate and rank each SoCon school's recruiting classes.
WCU, which boasted the third-best recruiting class a season ago by Rivals.com that included SoCon Freshman of the Year Michael Johnson, was tabbed fifth in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) with this year's class. WCU was ranked 127th overall out of all NCAA football levels.
However, Rivals.com does not include transfers from NCAA institutions in its ranking, something SouthernPigskin.com does take into account.
Among those listed by the report include its "star watch" in Connecticut transfer quarterback, Casey Turner, and a "sleeper" pick in offensive lineman, junior Edixon Pino-Alvarez, who comes to Cullowhee from Georgia Military College.
Western Carolina was ranked first in the SoCon in recruiting this off-season by the web site, just ahead of arch-rival Appalachian State, followed by Chattanooga, Samford and The Citadel to round out the top five.
Head coach Dennis Wagner, who is entering his third season, and his staff inked 11 student-athletes on the defensive side of the ball and eight on offense including three linemen, a pair of quarterbacks, two wide receivers and a running back. Defensively, the Catamounts inked four linemen and backs, with three linebackers.
The Catamounts signees are from 10 different states ranging from Florida to Massachusetts, and as far west as Kansas. Thirteen of the incoming players are from the southeast region with four from North Carolina including local standout, Austin Chambers from nearby Tuscola HS in Waynesville. Four recruits are from Georgia with three from South Carolina and one from Virginia.
