AMERICUS, Ga. - Georgia Southwestern State University men's
soccer head coach Warren Russ has announced his recruiting class
for the 2008 season.
"I'm very excited about my first recruiting class here at GSW,"
said Russ. "I believe that we have addressed many of our weaknesses
by adding players at almost every position. We now have depth,
talent, and experience in the team and I can't wait to begin
working with them. This new group of players will be the foundation
of our program for the next four years and their additions are
vital to our future successes."
This year's class consists of 10 players, including one from
Trinidad and Tobago and one from England. The signees are: Caleb
Brinkley (Cairo, Ga.); Jesse Davis (St. Joseph, Trinidad and
Tobago); Harry Garston (London, England); Kevin Huet (Conyers,
Ga.); Taylor Jennings (Savannah, Ga.); Michael Morgan (Conyers,
Ga.); James Romaniw (Lawrenceville, Ga.), Josh Rudisill
(Douglasville, Ga.); Michael Smith (Albany, Ga.) and Ethan Vick
(Coolidge, Ga.).
Brinkley, a 5-foot-6 midfielder, comes to GSW from Cairo High
School where he was an All-Region I-AAA performer.
"Caleb is currently undergoing rehabilitation for knee surgery,"
said Coach Russ. "He is on the road to recovery and we believe he
will be contributing to our midfield in the near future."
Davis is a 5-foot-6 transfer midfielder from Trinidad and Tobago
via South Georgia College. Davis received GJCAA All-Region XVII
honorable mention accolades in 2007 at SGC.
"Jesse brings a high level of skill and effort to our midfield,"
stated Russ. "Also, his experience as an incoming junior will be of
great value to us."
Garston, a 5-foot-9 midfielder/forward, comes to GSW from London,
England via The University of West England. Garston was a Trinity
Schools Cup winner with his high school, Colfe's School. In
addition, his club team, London Athletic, was a Dennis Wells Cup
winner.
"His skill and work-rate will be a great asset to our program,"
said Russ.
Huet was a four year letter winner at Heritage High School
garnering numerous honors. The 5-foot-11 defender was a 2007 first
team All-Region VIII-AAAA selection and first team All-County
Defender.
"Kevin is good on the ground and in the air and can help bring the
ball into the attack," said Russ. "Also, he has the versatility to
play on the left, right or in the center, so we are looking forward
to his contribution."
Jennings is another transfer from South Georgia College. The
5-foot-10 sophomore midfielder scored two goals and had two assists
in 14 games last season for the Tigers.
"Taylor brings strength and a powerful shot to our front line,"
said Russ. "He brings a different look to our corps of
frontrunners."
Morgan is a 6-foot-1 central defender from Rockdale County High
School. Morgan was the 2006 Rockdale Citizen Defender of the Year,
as well as a three-time Rockdale Citizen All-Area selection. In
addition, Morgan was an Atlanta Journal Constitution East Team
honorable mention in 2006 and 2007.
"Michael brings speed confidence, skill and leadership to the
Hurricane back line," said Russ. "He has had a standout high school
career and we expect him to continue at that level here at Georgia
Southwestern."
Romaniw comes to GSW from the renowned Peachtree Ridge High School
program. Romaniw, a 6-foot-2 defender, was the 2007 MVP at the Paul
Banta Coastal Carolina Soccer Camp in Rome, Ga.
"James is a central defender that brings physicality as well as
skill to our back line," said Russ. "His vision and passing ability
along with his hard-nosed defensive style will make a valuable
addition to our team."
Rudisill is a three-time All-County selection out of Alexander High
School. The 6-foot-2 midfielder was a captain in 2007 and for the
2008 Region V-AAAA championship squad. In addition, Rudisill was a
Douglas County Athlete of the Week in 2007.
"He has a good touch and is a good passer of the ball," said Russ.
"His possession game fits right in with what we're trying to do
here."
Smith is a transfer goalkeeper from Anderson University. He spent
the 2007 season on the sidelines due to an injury, but has
completely recovered and has arrived to compete for the goalkeeping
position. Michael is the younger brother of current GSW player
Jonathan Smith.
Vick comes to GSW from the highly touted, state semi-finalist
Thomas County Central High School program. The 6-foot-1
midfielder/defender was a 2007 first team All-Region I-AAAA
selection.
"Ethan was a standout performer in high school," said Russ. "We
expect his skill and versatility to help us the next four
years."
GSW finished last season 0-18.