University of Connecticut Athletics
Edsall Analyzes Today's 16 Signees
12/16/2020 3:41:00 PM | Football
The UConn football program had a successful early signing day with 16 players signing their letters of intent to play for the Huskies.
"It was a good day for us, this morning," head coach Randy Edsall said on a Zoom call Wednesday morning.
Edsall said that while this was a much different year for recruiting, one thing remained the focus and that was building relationships.
"This year was unlike any other year from a recruiting standpoint," Edsall said. "I think the big thing is when you recruit and develop relationships with coaches and getting to know who the players are, not just in the year you're recruiting them, but getting to know them and understand who they are in their sophomore years, in their junior years I think led to the success that we had."
Edsall said the staff really put their all into the virtual visits the recruits had to make when they couldn't travel to campus, which was key for successful recruiting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Edsall also said that not playing games this fall actually gave them a little bit of an advantage in recruiting.
"We could put a little bit more time into the recruiting part of it," Edsall said. "We were able to spend probably more time than you would've in other times just because of the fact you're not game planning."
Edsall noted that seven out of the 16 recruits didn't get to play a senior high school season this fall, but he really didn't think that was a big deal because he got to see some of them play in person previously and the others had good film from their previous seasons.
Overall, Edsall said he was "very happy" overall with this class, so let's take a look at what he had to say about each of his new players.
Kaleb Anthony, Eagles Landing Christian Academy (GA), 6-1, 175, DB
Background: A defensive back from Locust Grove, Georgia. He played at Eagles Landing Christian Academy, where he won three state championships. His father Karl played in the Canadian Football League.
Edsall's words: "Very athletic, can play both the safety and a corner position. Somebody who is a leader. Somebody who really stood out when you watched him on tape."
Malcolm Bell, Clarkson Football North (Ont.), 6-2, 180, DB
Background: A defensive back from Montreal, Quebec. He played for Clarkson Football North and College Sainte-Anne. He will enroll early in January and join the team.
Edsall's words: "Big, tall corner who gives you the length that you're looking for."
Stan Cross, Iowa Central CC (IA), 5-11, 185, DB
Background: A defensive back from Nashville, Tennessee. He layed a season at Iowa Central Community College after a successful career at East Nashville Magnet High School. He's going through some hard times right now, as his father recently passed away. He will also enroll early in January.
Edsall's words: "Another solid corner we were looking at."
Langston Hardy, Sandalwood HS (FL), 6-3, 225, DL
Background: A defensive end from Jacksonville, Florida. He played at Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville and was a two-time All-State selection. His father is Kevin Hardy, a longtime NFL linebacker who Edsall coached when he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Edsall's words: "A talented young man. Stand-up guy, can put his hand down, can do a lot of different things. He understands the grind it takes to be good."
Christopher Johnson, Westside HS (FL), 6-2, 215, TE
Background: A tight end from Jacksonville, Florida. He played both tight end and linebacker at Westside High School in Jacksonville, where he was also a standout basketball player.
Edsall's words: "Very athletic, really good athlete and can do a lot of really good things."
Haydn Kerr, St. Dominic's College (Australia), 6-2, 195, P
Background: A punter from Sydney, Australia. He attended St. Dominic's College for high school in Australia. He's the oldest member of the recruiting class at 29 years old. He wasn't cleared by the NCAA until a few days before signing day, but now he will be enrolling early in January as well.
Edsall's words: "We knew we needed a punter, found out about Haydn, got in touch with him and watched him on tape and everything. Just felt he was good."
Joe McFadden, Southlake Carroll HS (TX), 5-11, 180, K
Background: A kicker from Grapevine, Texas. He played at Southlake Carroll High School, where current UConn offensive lineman Robby Rochester played. He was an Adidas All-American and is considered one of the top high school kickers in the nation. He turned down Power Five offers to come to UConn. He will also be enrolling early in January.
Edsall's words: "Very strong leg. He's somebody who's gonna be coming in and competing right away."
Deon McLean, The Lawrenceville School (NJ), 6-1, 196, DB
Background: A defensive back from Trenton, New Jersey. He played at The Lawrenceville School and was also a track star in high school. He will also enroll early in January.
Edsall's words: "A big, tall, long defensive back. I like his athleticism."
Max Modeste, Byron Nelson HS (TX), 6-1, 190, RB
Background: A running back from Trophy Club, Texas. He played at Byron Nelson High School, where he also lettered in track and field. He got hurt this season but came back with a couple of big games recently.
Edsall's words: "A running back who gives us a little bit more size than what we've had at running back, so we're happy about that."
Tyler Phommachanh, Avon Old Farms (CT), 5-11, 190, QB
Background: A quarterback from Stratford, Connecticut. He played at Avon Old Farms. His brother Taisun currently plays at Clemson. One of two in-state recruits in this class. He will enroll early and join the team in January.
Edsall's words: "I like his skillset, like his mannerisms, like his leadership, like everything about him. He's one of those guys who has that 'it' factor as a quarterback. He's confident, not cocky. He's smart, he takes everything in."
Femi Sakiri, Byron Nelson HS (TX), 6-5, 277, OL
Background: An offensive lineman from Roanoke, Texas. He played at Byron Nelson High School, where he was a teammate of Modeste's. Seems like he will be more of an interior lineman, according to Edsall.
Edsall's words: "A good kid, a leader. He's one of those kids that's versatile."
Deondrick Speight, Champagnat Catholic (FL), 6-2, 205, LB
Background: A linebacker from West Park, Florida. He played at Champagnat Catholic High School, where he actually was playing in the Florida state championship game on Wednesday afternoon. He previously played on the defensive line before moving to linebacker.
Edsall's words: "Tough kid, versatile. Got that length you're looking for as a linebacker."
Josh Tracey, Avon Old Farms (CT), 5-10, 170, WR
Background: A wide receiver from Bridgeport, Connecticut. He played at Avon Old Farms along with Phommachanh. Edsall called them "two peas in a pod." He's the second Connecticut native in the class. He will also enroll early in January.
Edsall's words: "A very sure-handed wide receiver. He's one of those guys who plays a lot faster than what his time is on a watch. Really understands how to get open, has great hands."
Aaron Turner, Gonzaga College HS (Washington, D.C.), 5-9, 180, WR
Background: A wide receiver from Ellicott City, Maryland. He played at Gonzaga College High School in Washington D.C., where he was an all-conference player.
Edsall's words: "Guy's a shifty wide receiver."
Yakiri Walker, DeSoto HS (TX), 6-3, 265, OL
Background: An offensive lineman from DeSoto, Texas. He played at DeSoto High School, where current Huskies tight end Jayce Medlock came from. His team is still competing in the Texas high school playoffs.
Edsall's words: "Really good, versatile kid on the offensive line."
Pryce Yates, Reagan HS (TX), 6-4, 240, DL
Background: A defensive lineman from San Antonio, Texas. He played at Reagan High School, where he was an All-District player.
Edsall's words: "Really plays hard, good kid. I really like the way his motor runs. Really good player on tape."
