Updated: February 7, 2024
FLORENCE, Ala. (December 20, 2023) – The University of North Alabama football program added 28 signings during the 2024 National Signing Period, most of which signed during the early signing period in December. Additional freshmen and transfers were announced in January and February, including the signing of Arkansas 7A Defensive Player of the Year Drake Fowler as the final addition on Feb. 7.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST
On the first day of the signing period, the Lions added 19 early signees to the Class of 2024. This includes 13 incoming freshmen and six transfers. On Jan. 5, UNA also announced the signing of former four-star linebacker prospect from Muscle Shoals, Jackson Bratton, as a transfer from UAB. Two more in-state freshmen were added later that day with Grissom High School's Jalin Edwards and Hartselle High School's Ri Fletcher signing.
On the Feb. 7 signing day, Fowler was added as a freshman. The Lions also announced five more transfers who joined in January, including players from Florida Atlantic, Kansas, Lehigh, Tennessee State and United Athletic Conference rival Central Arkansas.
Of the 28 total signees, 14 are from the state of Alabama and nine more come from bordering states — three from Tennessee, three from Florida, two from Georgia and one from Mississippi. The Lions also added a high school signee from Louisiana and transfers from New York, Texas and Arkansas.
UNA's most targeted position this period was defensive back with eight signees. The "Purple Swarm" also added six defensive linemen and two linebackers. Rounding out the class are four running backs, five wide receivers, two offensive linemen and a kicker.
Fans are also encouraged to welcome our newest Lions on social media using the hashtag #RestoreTheRoar24 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (X).
Jayvian "Juice" Allen — RB — Transfer — Freeport, N.Y. — Tennessee Tech
- Redshirt Junior Transfer
- Played three seasons at Tennessee Tech from 2021-23
- Has played both sides of the ball, moving from defensive back to running back
- Finished with 101 rushes for 435 yards and a touchdown in his TTU career
- Also had 37.0 tackles, 2.0 tackles and two forced fumbles in his TTU career
- Prepped at Grayson High School and Freeport High School
- Graduated high school in 2021
- Two-time LIC State Champion
- Three-time All-State and All-County selection
- Set the school record for most forced fumbles in high school
- Also lettered in track, lacrosse and wrestling in high school
- Honor Roll
- Plans to major in Exercise Science
- Son of Kevin and Chatese Allen
- Has three siblings — Devaughn, Lachaye and Tazmeya
- Comes from an athletic family
- His uncle, Jimmy Jones Jr., played four seasons of football at Hofstra
- His sister, Lachaye, played four seasons of lacrosse at SUNY Old Westbury
Jahbari Hill — DB — Transfer — Delray Beach, Florida — FAU
- Junior Transfer
- Prepped at Atlantic High School for Coach Tavarius Jackson
- Graduated high school in 2021
- Spent two seasons at Florida Atlantic University
- Appeared in 13 games for the Owls, making eight tackles
- Plans to major in Public Safety
- Son of Tanyn Rowell and Larry Hill
- Has three siblings — Jamirah, Jatanya and Janay
Josh Anglin — LB — Freshman — Buford, Georgia — Mill Creek High School (GA)
- Born in Orlando, Florida … From Buford, Georgia
- Prepped at Mill Creek High School in Georgia for Coach Josh Lovelady
- Helped the Hawks finish 12-1 overall and 5-1 in 7A Region 8 this season
- Won the 2022 State Championship
- Appeared in the playoffs all four years
- Recorded 117 total tackles as a senior
- Holds the school record for longest fumble return for a touchdown at 81 yards
- First team county and region selection in 2022 and 2023; first team state in 2022
- Second team all-region as a sophomore in 2021
- Also lettered in track at Mill Creek
- Plans to major in Science in Information Technology
- Son of Michael Anglin and Ingrid Duncombe-Anglin
- Has two siblings — Makayla and Jeremy
Scott Payne — K — Transfer — Signal Mountain, Tennessee — MTSU
- Redshirt Senior Transfer
- Played four seasons at Middle Tennessee State from 2020-23
- Appeared in 44 games for the Blue Raiders
- Served as the kickoff specialist where he had 222 kickofs for a 60.1 yard average
- Prepped at Signal Mountain Middle High School
- Graduated high school in 2019
- Two-time All-Region selection
- Also lettered in baseball in high school
- Plans to get his masters in sports and recreational management
- Son of Rob and Melinda Payne
- Has three siblings — Brent and Savannah
Jalen Fletcher — RB — Freshman — Trinity, Alabama — West Morgan High School
- Prepped at West Morgan High School for Coach Drew Phillips
- Three-sport athlete — football, basketball, track
- Starred on both sides of the ball as a running back, wide receiver and cornerback
- Led the Rebels to a 12-1 record and a perfect 7-0 record in 4A Region 7
- Won 4A Region 7 and advanced to the third round of the playoffs in 2023
- Broke the school record for touchdowns in a game (7) this season
- Second Team All-State selection
- Three-time First Team All-Region selection
- First Team All-Huntsville and First Team All-County
- Plans to major in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity
- Son of Fredrick and Christel Fletcher
- One sibling — JaKobe
- Has two cousins that played football at the collegiate level — Ron Fletcher at Alabama A&M and George Scruggs at the University of Alabama
Kingston Lowe — DL — Freshman — Gulf Shores, Alabama — Gulf Shores High School
- Prepped at Gulf Shores High School under former UNA head coach Mark Hudspeth
- Spent four seasons on the varsity squad at linebacker, defensive end and running back
- Helped lead the Dolphins to two state championships, his freshman and senior year
- Also lettered in track and basketball in high school
- Plans to major in business administration
- Son of Vonica Lowe
- Has two siblings — Kaleb and Karter
- His grandfather played collegiate tennis
Jackson Ward — DL — Freshman — Pace, Florida — Pace High School
- Prepped at Pace High School for Coach Kent Smith
- Helped the Patriots finish 8-2 with a 3-1 record in 4S District 1
- Had 359 career tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in his career
- Also recorded three interceptions and three forced fumbles at Pace
- Plans to major in Business
- Son of Brandon Ward and Jennifer Ward
- Has five siblings — Riley, Wes, Julia, Caleb, Brin
- His father played at Texas A&M
- His grandfather played at Baylor
Fred Vili — DL — Freshman — Enterprise, Alabama — Enterprise High School
- Born in American Samoa
- Prepped at Enterprise High School in Alabama for Coach Ben Blackmon
- Helped the Wildcats finish 9-3 overall and 6-2 in 7A Region 2
- Starred at defensive end on a team that allowed just 16.8 PPG in 2023, including eight games with less than 14 points allowed
- Named to the Alabama squad for the 2023 Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game
- Plans to major in Business
- Son of Alofalusi Abston
- Has six siblings
Leo Glover — S — Freshman — Florence, Alabama — Florence High School
- Prepped locally at Florence High School for Coach Kenny Morson
- Earned two All-Region selections
- 7A Region 4 First Team selection in 2022
- Played quarterback and safety
- Also lettered in basketball in high school
- Son of Casey and Penni Glover
- Has two siblings — Taylor and Avery
- Sister, Avery, played beach volleyball at UNA
Carson Wheeler — OL — Freshman — Killen, Alabama — Brooks High School
- Prepped locally at Brooks High School for Coach Timothy Bowens
- Helped Brooks finish with an 8-5 record and a 5-2 record in 4A Region 7
- Appeared in the AHSAA playoffs three times, including two quarterfinal appearances
- Starred on both sides of the football at guard, center and defensive tackle
- Named to the Alabama squad for the 2023 Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game
- Two-time first team All-Region and All-Area selection
- Also lettered in track and field with the Lions
- Placed second in the shotput at the 2023 State Championship
- Made all A's, earning an honors diploma, the Duke Award and honors society
- Son of Jerry Wheeler and Linsey Hood
- His father, Jerry, played baseball at Bevill State
- His stepmother, Jessica Wheeler, is a UNA graduate
- Has eight siblings — Elijah, Maddie, Caleb, Callen, Caden, Jerry, Chance and Bella
Kemon Folse — DB — Freshman — Thibodaux, Lousiana — Thibodaux High School
- Prepped at Thibodaux High School for Coach Drey Trosclair
- Three-sport athlete
- Helped the Tigers finish with a 3-2 record in 5A District 7 and a playoff appearance
- Second team All-District selection
- Led a defense that allowed the fewest touchdowns at THS over the last six years
- Also lettered in track and basketball
- Plans to major in Business at UNA
- Son of Corey Bailey and Kiera Folse
- Has two siblings — Khyren and Ke'Arie
Jermaine Ray Jr. — DB — JUCO Transfer — Memphis, Tennessee — Northeast & Itawamba CC
- Prepped at Desoto Central High School for Coach Shelby Ford
- 2022 Graduate
- Was the leading tackler among defensive backs at DCHS with 106 tackles
- Also lettered in track while in high school
- Played two seasons of JUCO in Mississippi
- Played as a freshman at Itawamba CC, finishing with 22 tackles and an interception over six games
- Had a breakout sophomore season in 2023 at Northeast Mississippi in Booneville
- Had 48 tackles, 33 solo and 5.3 tackles per game as a sophomore
- Ranked second in the MACCC with four interceptions in 2023, including three in conference games
- Plans to major in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Son of Jermaine Ray Sr. and Sheryl Johnson
- Has two siblings — Caitlin and David
Roderick Taylor — RB — Freshman — Mobile, Alabama — Baker High School
- Prepped at Baker High School for Coach Steve Normand
- Led the Hornets to an 8-3 record and a runner-up finish in 7A Region 1
- Had 132 carries for 1,052 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023 (according to Max Preps)
- Averaged 8.0 yards per carry and 95.6 rushing yards per game as a senior
- Plans to major in Sports Management
- Son of Tiffany Bush and Roderick Taylor
Jon Lawrence — OL — Freshman — Greenville, Alabama — Fort Dale Academy
- Born in Montgomery, Alabama
- Prepped at Fort Dale Academy in Greenville, Alabama for Coach Eric Folmar
- Three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track & field)
- Led the Eagles to a 9-3 record with a 5-2 record in AISA 3A
- Starred at left tackle while also playing defensive end, outside linebacker and H-back
- All-State and All-County selection at OL
- Also lettered in track & field, winning the state championship in shotput
- Comes from an in-state football pedigree that includes three generations
- His grandfather, Jimmie Lawrence, played at the University of Alabama
- His father, Jimmie Lawrence Jr., played at Troy University and East Mississippi CC
- His uncle, Wes Lawrence, played at Jacksonville State
- Pro Fortnite Player
Christopher Burnett — DB — Transfer — Jackson, Mississippi — Copiah-Lincoln CC
- Junior transfer
- Comes to UNA by way of Copiah-Lincoln Community College
- Had 18 tackles this season, including 14 solo
- Prepped at Yazoo City High School under Sherrod Gideon
- Plans to major in health and physical education
- Son of Arlisha Stewart and Christopher Burnett Sr.
- Has five siblings — Kemion, Tatiana, K'Christione, Chatavia, and Celestine
- Has two children — A'Miya and Christopher
Myron Dunklin — WR— Freshman — Saraland, Alabama — Saraland High School
- Prepped at Saraland High School for Coach Jeff Kelly
- Key part of a team that went 14-1 and made an appearance in the Class 6A state championship game this season
- Helped the Spartans finish a perfect 8-0 in 6A Region 1
- Part of an offense that outscored opponents 754-221 in 2023
- Also lettered in track and baseball at Saraland
- Plans to pursue a career in either athletic training or architectury
- Son of April and Myron Thomas
- Has four siblings — Amaya, Demaron, Carmello and Amyria
Anthony "Tre" Young — ATH — Freshman — Birmingham, Alabama — Wenonah High School
- Prepped at Wenonah High School for Coach Nickolas Howard
- Played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back
- Was a two-time Player of the Week
- Also lettered in baseball and track
- Plans to major in Exercise Science
- Son of Sonya Watts
- Has two siblings — Layla and Skyla
- Full name is Anthony Young…goes by "Tre"
Clint Houser — WR — Freshman — Montgomery, Alabama — Saint James High School
- Prepped at Saint James in Montgomery for Coach Neal Posey
- Played wide receiver, running back and defensive back for the Trojans
- Led the team to an 11-3 record and a perfect 6-0 record in 3A Region 3
- Won the 2022 AHSAA 3A State Championship
- Also lettered in baseball, basketball and track & field
- Plans to major in Exercise Science
- Son of Willie and LaShonda Houser
- Has one brother — Cameron
- His father, Willie, played baseball at Faulkner University
- His cousin is Marlon Anderson, who played in the MLB from 1998-2009 primarily with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies
Logan Collier — WR — Transfer — Nashville, Tennessee — Lindsey Wilson College
- Graduate transfer
- Played four seasons at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Ky.
- Won the 2020 NAIA National Championship with the Blue Raiders
- Three-time Mid-South Conference Champions (2019, 2020, 2021)
- Helped the Blue Raiders achieve a No. 19 ranking and a 7-3 record in 2023
- Was a 2023 AFCA NAIA All-American as a specialist
- Two-time All-Mid-South Conference selection (2022, 2023)
- Finished the 2023 season with 1,090 all-purpose yards, the ninth-most in school history
- LWC's all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns
- Prepped at Mount Juliet Christian Academy for Coach Dan Davis
- Was an All-State WR in 2017 and an All-State CB in 2018
- Set the single season school record with 1,001 receiving yards in 2017
- Also lettered in track & field, basketball and soccer for the Saints
- Set four school records in track & field (100m, 200m, long jump, triple jump)
- Son of Shea Duke and Ron Collier
- Has seven siblings — Austin, Kasen, Dominique, London, Autumn, Bryson, Sullivan
- His brother, Austin, played at Chattanooga and is currently signed to play arena league football
Jackson Bratton — LB — Transfer — Muscle Shoals, Alabama — Alabama / UAB
- Senior transfer
- In-state player who was rated as one of top middle linebackers of his class (2020)
- Four-star linebacker by all major recruiting sites while at nearby Muscle Shoals High School
- Rated the No. 6 player from Alabama, the No. 9 linebacker and the No. 141 overall player by 247Sports
- Rated the No. 3 inside linebacker by ESPN300
- 2017 and 2018 All-State selection
- Named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award as a senior
- Totaled 155 tackles, including 12 for loss, to go with seven sacks as a junior
- Recorded 118 tackles and four sacks as a sophomore
- Also lettered in baseball at Muscle Shoals
- Committed to Alabama over Auburn, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Nebraska out of high school
- Spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons at Alabama
- Transferred to UAB for the 2022 and 2023 seasons
- Completed his redshirt junior year in 2023, recording 70 tackles for the Blazers with 4.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks and 3 hurries
Jalin Edwards — DE — Freshman — Huntsville, Alabama — Grissom High School
- Prepped at Grissom High School at the Class 7A level for Coach Richard Dutton
- Played outside linebacker and defensive end as an edge rusher for the Tigers
- Three-star recruit ranking by Recruit Certified, Rivals, On3 and Recruit Louisiana
- All-State, All-Region, All-City and All-Area first team selection in 2023
- All-City and All-Area team in 2022
- Alabama Class 7A sack leader in 2022
- Alabama Class 7A Region 4 sack leader in 2022 and 2023
- Broke the Grissom school record for sacks in a game against Albertville in 2022
- Also broke the Grissom record for sacks in a season in 2023 (Max Preps Era) — 10.5 sacks over 10 games
- Team MVP in 2023
- Hiley Mazda Key Athlete of the Week in 2023
- Also lettered in basketball
- A&B Honor Roll
- Son of Jasmine Lewis and Lindell Edwards
- Father, Lindell, played football at Alabama A&M
- Has two siblings — Justyce and Shiloh
- Plans to major in business at UNA
Ri Fletcher — WR — Freshman — Hartselle, Alabama — Hartselle High School
- Prepped at Hartselle High School for Coach Bryan Moore
- Played runningback and wide receiver for the Tigers at the 6A level
- Won two region championships as a sophomore and junior
- Made the AHSAA state playoffs all four years
- Also lettered in track and basketball
- Originally born in Decatur, Alabama
- Son of Zach Fletcher and Nikki Kennedy
- Has three siblings — Izayah, Haizen and Noah
- His brother, Izayah, just completed his freshman season at UNA as a wide receiver
- Their father, Zach, played wide receiver for the University of Alabama in 2002 and 2003
- Full name is Azariah Fletcher ... goes by "Ri"
- Plans to major in Human Resource Management/Development
Drake Fowler — DB — Freshman — Bryant, Arkansas — Bryant HS
- Prepped at Bryant High School in Arkansas for Coach Quad Sanders
- Graduated in 2024
- Played defensive back, receiver and punt returner
- Three-time state champion
- 7A Defensive Player of the Year
- Two-time all-state selection
- Also lettered in track and basketball
- A&B Honor Roll
- Plans to major in business at UNA
- Born in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Son of Trey and Lori Fowler
- Has one sibling, Gage
- His father, Trey, played football at Central Arkansas
Marlon Krakue — DL — Transfer — Marietta, Georgia — FAU
- Fifth-year transfer
- Played four seasons at Florida Atlantic from 2020-23
- Had six tackles last season, including three against Monmouth
- Had an 11-yard sack against South Florida
- Had 33 career tackles over four seasons, including 7.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks
- Had three forced fumbles over his career
- All-Academic Team
- Prepped at Sprayberry High School in Georgia
- Graduated in 2020
- First Team All-County and Second Team All-State
- Voted by the league's coaches as First Team All-Region for 6A after tallying nearly 90 tackles and 6.5 sacks
- Multiple playoff appearances with the Yellow Jackets at the 6A level
- Plans to major in sociology at UNA
- Son of Madia and Magnus
- Has two siblings, Maynard and Magnus
Michael Jordan — DB — Transfer — Katy, Texas — Lehigh
- Transfer from Lehigh
- Appeared in eight games last season
- Had 15 tackles, one sack and two pass breakups
- Played high school at Paetow HS in Katy, Texas
- All-District selection 10-5A and Academic All-District
- Member of the 2021 5A Texas State Championship Panthers
- Also long jumped for the track & field team
- Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana before relocating to the Houston area
- Plans to major in business at UNA
- Son of Monica and Michael Jordan
- Has one sibling, Matthew
- His father, Michael, played football at Tulane
Tanaka Scott — WR — Transfer — Mobile, Alabama — Kansas
- Transfer from Kansas University
- Played in 23 games over three seasons at KU
- Finished with 11 receptions for 140 yards for the Jayhawks
- Had a 21-yard catch in a win over Iowa State last season
- Prepped at Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama for Coach Muskingum Barnes
- Three-star recruit out of high school by Rivals.com and 247 Sports
- Collected 20 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns in the first nine games of the season as a senior
- Nominee for AL.Com Player of the Week in September after accounting for three touchdowns in a game with a pair of touchdown receptions and a rushing score
- Played defensive back and notched an interception against Daphne
Rayqwon Smith — DL — Transfer — Tallahassee, Florida — Tennessee State
- Transfer from Tennessee State University
- Prepped at Lawton Chiles High School
- Recorded 72 tackles with 47 solo as a senior
- Also recorded 13 tackles for loss and six sacks as a senior
- Two-time defensive player of the year
- From Tallahassee, Florida
- Plans to major in criminal justice at UNA
- Son of Bridjette Brown
- Has one sibling, Chris
Travelle Anderson — RB — Transfer — Gosnell, Arkansas — Central Arkansas
- Transfer from Central Arkansas
- Ran five times for 37 yards and a touchdown against Texas College
- Prepped at Osceola High School in Arkansas
- Graduated in 2022
- Ran for 3,655 yards and 30 touchdowns in his high school career
- Also had 515 reception yards and five touchdowns
- Was rated a three-star prospect in high school by 247 and Rivals
- 14th rated prospect from Arkansas in his class (247)
- 2020 and 2021 3A All-State selection
- 2021 3A Region 3 Offensive Back of the Year
- Hooten's Magazine 12th-rated prospecte in the state of Arkansas
- Born in Blytheville, Arkansas
- From Gosnell, Arkansas
- Plans to major in sports management at UNA
- Son of Pamela Smith and Terrance Anderson Blackburn
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
