Norfolk State football announces 10-player recruiting class

NORFOLK — Norfolk State coach Dawson Odums wanted instant production, and 10 new recruits hope to give him that.

The Spartans signed 10 players, including Cox High standout safety Jahiel Mitchell, as they hope to turn around a program that finished 2-9 this season.

“I really thought we addressed some needs,” Odums said in a release. “I thought that was the main focus as a staff as we entered recruiting — focusing on our needs.”

NSU also had to replace several key players who entered the transfer portal: leading wide receiver Da’Quan Felton, leading tackler Tyler Long, offensive linemen Lamar Robinson and Jeff Woods and backup quarterback Jaylan Adams.

Three offensive linemen and two receivers head the class on offense: OL Steward Harris (Pearland, Texas), OL Malcolm Kennion (Greensboro, North Carolina), OL Austin Pittman (Winston-Salem, North Carolina), WR Jamarii Robinson (Monroe College) and WR Elyjah Mitchell (Fork Union).

“I really think Elyjah and Jamarii are going to improve our length at that position,” Odums said.

Athlete Jamare Robinson (Kannapolis, North Carolina) is also a player to watch.

The secondary received a boost with two cornerbacks and two safeties signing: Mitchell, Kamaree Wells (Fork Union) and corners Joshua Austin — an Alabama transfer — and Ola Salimonu (Norcross, Georgia).

“He’s going to provide us with great leadership, transferring in from the University of Alabama,” Odums said of Austin. “He has the length and size (6-2, 190) we’ve been looking for.”

Norfolk State ended a four-game skid with a 42-38 win over South Carolina State in the regular-season finale. Odums is 8-14 in two seasons with the Spartans.

Ray Nimmo, ray.nimmo@pilotonline.com