A Closer Look at Gretna HS OL Ethan Winn

Back in the summer months of 2008, many of Catawba's football players were hard at work in the weight room preparing for another winning season.

However, not many Indian fans knew that the Tribe's coaching staff had offered a scholarship to one of Virginia's top prep offensive lineman in the meantime.

It is rare for Division II coaching staffs to offer high school players prior to their senior season, but Gretna High School's Ethan Winn is just that.

Rare.

Winn has started since his freshman year for the Hawks, which adds up to 51 consecutive starts on the offensive line.

If that statistic did not grab your attention, then take a gander at this one.

The superb combination of Winn and Maryland Terrapin commit Bennett Fulper upfront helped pave the way for 14,000 rushing yards during their stint at Gretna, Va. The two are cousins and have not played on different teams since they were only seven years old. Perhaps "knee-high to a grasshopper."

If you do not have a calculator present, let us help you do the math. Winn was an integral force that allowed running backs to pile up 3,500 ground yards per season. That is not even including their passing yardage.

Winn was a bully on the offensive line, as he was responsible for more than 50 pancakes on opposing defenders during his final season.

Add some eggs and bacon, and that is a balanced breakfast.

Obviously Gretna High School was a very successful program during Winn's tenure, winning back to back state titles during his final two years.

Winn is even more successful in the class room, boasting a 3.4 GPA.

Hawk coach Chris Thurman described Winn as the "more physical of the two and may be a bit stronger than Fulper" and believed he could play offensive or defensive line.

As a defensive tackle, Winn overwhelmed centers and guards with his 6'4 295 pound presence.

He accumulated a dozen sacks as a senior and tallied seven sacks during his junior campaign.

Winn will see some familiar faces this August when he reports to fall camp in defensive backs Tyon Bennet and Bryant Vennable, whom are Hawk alums.

Bennett was a former all-state quarterback that loved playing behind Winn and Fulper, while Vennable was an all-state cornerback that assisted the two linemen in making tackles.

And how did Catawba land the two time all-state and four-time all-district offensive lineman over Liberty, University of Charleston, and Virginia Tech?

"I picked Catawba because from day one they were always up front with me," said Winn. "They always expressed how they not only wanted me, but they said they needed me."

The Tribe will have three senior starting offensive lineman in two-time All-American Terence Crosby, All-SAC Hunter Carnes, and four-year starter Kevin Hamaker.

"The coaches and staff are great, down to earth people who stood out to me during the recruiting process," commented Winn. "Coaches Hubbard, Hepler, and Barrett told me that I was exactly what they were looking for in a offensive lineman."

"And that is why they offered me back in July."

Catawba is historically known for producing high-caliber offensive linemen. In the past decade, the Indians have recognized five offensive linemen as All-Americans.

Perhaps Winn will be the sixth in the near future. Full Story

Dreams Come True in Beddingfield

By Tom Ham
Wilson Times Newspaper

On National Signing Day, the dream came true Wednesday morning for Beddingfield High football standouts Jumal Rolle and Tobias Brown.

And they will pursue the dream together. Each signed a national letter-of-intent to accept a football scholarship from Catawba College of the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Conference.

The big moment for each came during an informal ceremony. Rolle was joined by his mother, Latitia, and sister, Tinija. Brown was accompanied by his parents, Odell and Jenai. Also in attendance were Bruins head coach Tyrone Johnson and assistant principal Marquis Spell. "Catawba was the right fit for me to stay focused and play football," Rolle, a wide receiver and cornerback, said of choosing the Indians over East Carolina University, Winston-Salem, Wingate and Delaware.

"I've always had a dream to play Div. I, but it didn't work out. But wherever I go, I'm going to succeed," remarked Brown, who selected Catawba over North Carolina Central.

The 6-foot-2, 255-pound defensive lineman is the younger brother of Everette Brown, who recently completed an illustrious career at Florida State and is projected as a top-12 pick in the upcoming National Football League Draft.

Tobias Brown played four varsity seasons for the Bruins, notching 80 tackles his senior season with 26 tackles for loss and six sacks.

Rolle's varsity career spanned three seasons. He wound up with 21 career interceptions and, in just two years of playing offense, amassed 79 receptions.

As a senior, the 6-0, 175-pound Rolle notched nine interceptions, 72 tackles, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. He caught 38 passes for 620 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Rolle anticipates playing cornerback collegiately, while Brown was recruited as a defensive end following duty at end and tackle with Beddingfield.

Johnson termed Catawba's ability to land Rolle and Brown as a "steal" and credited head coach Chip Hester for an outstanding job in recruiting Rolle. The Bruins' duo is entering a program that boasts 14 consecutive winning seasons.

Rolle expects to play as a freshman, while Brown anticipates being red-shirted. Rolle intends to pursue a degree in sports management and physical therapy, while Brown's likely field of study will be business management and sports marketing.

"I am very proud of them," Johnson said. "One of my goals was to see all of them go to college. I hope we have more (signees) to come.

"Jumal brings a winning attitude and tradition, and he's a player that can be used anywhere. Tobias has a lot of potential that people haven't seen yet."

Being accompanied by a teammate appeals to each, and they anticipate being roommates.

"There will be somebody there that I know and have been playing with the last three years," Brown said of being joined by Rolle.

Added Rolle: "We were like the heart of the defense, and we know what it takes to win games."

The 2008 Bruins started strong (9-0) before finishing with a 9-3 record and exiting in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A playoffs.

Rolle deemed his senior season his best, pointing out: "I really worked hard this summer."

Brown regrets he did not perform up to expectations his junior season -- when he also struggled in the classroom.

"I will possibly red-shirt because they are stacked with defensive ends," Brown explained. "I have to succeed academically before I get to the field. The athletic part comes second.

"I just have to become bigger, faster and stronger, and change my study habits."

Rolle anticipates stepping into a new role (no pun intended) and demonstrating a hard work ethic. He hinted that he prefers defense over offense.

"I want to bring (Catawba) more wins," he emphasized. "Defense wins games. I enjoy defense the most because it's more physical. Offense was the fun part because I knew I could do it.

"(Catawba) needed defensive backs, and I think I will be a good addition. The major adjustment will be staying focused and improving my knowledge of the game."

Rolle's mother is optimistic that her son will continue to wear No. 6 on his jersey and, of his opportunity, exclaimed she was probably more excited than her son.

"We are very excited," Odell Brown said in behalf of his wife. "Tobias had some goals he had to reach."

And Like Tobias Brown's brother, the two Catawba recruits also include the NFL within the realm of possibilities. Full Story

L-R CB Marcus McFadden Transfers to Catawba

Coach Chip Hester announced on Monday that former starting Lenoir-Rhyne cornerback Marcus McFadden has transferred to Catawba College.

McFadden sat out the 2008 season during the Bear's 3-8 mark.

During his junior season at Lenoir-Rhyne University, McFadden finished with 34 tackles and played in all eleven games. He was also the team's primary punt returner with 13 returns.

As a sophomore in 2006, McFadden led Lenoir-Rhyne in kickoff returns with 294 yards and punt returns with 121 yards. He finished No. 32 nationally with an impressive 23 yard average.

McFadden also captured the team's lead for pilfered passes with a pair of interceptions.

Prior to redshirting in 2005, the 5'9 165 pound corner played in three games as a true freshman. In limited action, he made three tackles in a non-conference game against Kentucky State University.

McFadden will be a significant piece to a secondary that graduated three players a year ago. Full Story

A Closer Look at DE Damien Lee

How often does a defensive end earn MVP honors in a state championship game?

About as frequent as Paula Deen not using butter.

Reidsville's world-renowned defensive end Damien Lee was apart of the Ram's second straight 2AA title and 16-0 season as a senior.

The NCPreps.com 2A first team all-state nominee's presence was far greater than his dominating title game statistics. Although Lee acumulated 10 tackles, 4 for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two pass deflections in the convincing 24-7 win over East Lincoln, his harrassing pass-rushing tendencies disoriented quarterback Josh Wilson.

On the afternoon, the once-high powered Mustang offense scored only once and gave up an astonishing seven sacks.

East Lincoln head coach Mike Byus told reporters to take nothing away from Reidsville's defense and their effort.

"“We’d sprint out and get a pass batted down or we’d sprint out and get sacked from behind," said Byus to the Dan River Newspaper. "We went to our quick game and we had people right in our face. Those guys were just super quick up front.”

Wilson had seen enough of Reidsville's Lee throughout the contest, and he also gave high praise to Catawba's latest marquee recruit.

“I give him special congratulations,” Wilson said. “He’s what, 6-4 and 250. He’s a big kid and he’s quick.”

Wilson was being generous on Lee's size, which is 6'3 235 pounds.

On that day however, and throughout his final prep season, Lee played like a giant.

Not only can Lee boast about racking up 108 stops, 37 behind the line of scrimmage, nine sacks, and five forced fumbles, but he can also recall not suffering defeat in two years.

During his junior and senior seasons, Lee enjoyed a 32 game winning streak that included two straight state crowns. His winning nature will fit in great at the next level, Catawba College.

The Indians haven't suffered a losing season in nearly 15 years, and with players like Lee wearing Catawba blue and white, the tradition shall continue. Full Story

Richmond County CB Chooses Tribe

Richmond County HS senior cornerback Alex Ingram officially committed to the Catawba Indians on Monday.

Ingram was a 2008 NCPreps.com Preseason 4A All-State pick at defensive back prior to the Raiders 4AA state championship title.

Ingram earned some post-season hardware as well, garnering All-Mid Southeastern Conference honors at defensive back . Fellow Richmond County cornerback Sammy Houston inked with the Indians too, which raises the total number of former Raiders that have committed to the program to six in three years.

Ingram is a 5'8 167 pound cornerback that also shared time at running back with Sammy Houston.

The two future Catawba defensive backs combined for 1,539 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as juniors. Full Story

Sammy Houston Signs with Catawba

Richmond County HS senior defensive back Sammy Houston has signed a letter of intent to play for Catawba College. Houston played on both sides of the ball for the Raiders in 2008, playing in the secondary and at running back. Full Story

Louisburg JUCO Linebacker Transfers

In addition to Western Carolina running back Josh Wright, Catawba announced that Louisburg Junior College linebacker Dustin Morgan has transferred to Catawba College. Morgan is a 6'2 220 pound defender that hails from Davie County High School, where he was a senior in their 2004 season.

According to head coach Chip Hester and the Salisbury Post, Morgan is already enrolled in the day program for the spring semester. He will be allowed to take part in team workouts and spring drills. Full Story

Chip Hester Announces Ten Commitments

Snow may have been the topic of conversation around Salisbury, NC, on Wednesday morning, but by day's end, all eyes were on Catawba's National Signing Day class for the football program.

Fresh off of a 6-4 record and 14th consecutive winning season, Indian head coach Chip Hester announced the commitments of nine prep student-athletes and one college transfer.

The loss of single-season rushing leader Jamelle Cuthbertson to graduation will be felt in 2009, but the Tribe has aspirations to pound the rock and be more forceful when carrying the pigskin. Western Carolina University running back Josh Wright transferred to Catawba College over the winter break, and is already enrolled in the school's spring semester. Wright is currently involved in team workouts and will be an integral part to spring practice and the annual Blue and White extravaganza.

A future blocker for Wright and returning running backs Antonio Hall and Bobby Morrison will be Bessemer City's Aaron Rainey, who signed a letter of intent to further his football career in Salisbury, NC.

Rainey was a terror at fullback during his tenure at Bessemer City. "Aaron is a big, physical fullback that can do it all," said Hester. "Rainey can run, catch, and block upfield."

Describing Rainey as physical is probably a mild adjective. His Bessemer City teammates nickmaed the 6'0 230 pound fullback "The Bull."

He rushed for a team-high 964 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets in a banner senior season. It should be noted that the all-conference pick also started at linebacker for Bessemer City, collecting 104 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, five sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one interception.

Rainey is being honored for that banner season with an invitation to play in the annual NC East-West All-Star Classic in Greensboro, NC.

He was also drawing interest from FCS Appalachian State and Western Carolina of the Southern Conference.

Another recruit that Catawba natched from the Division I ranks was energetic Harding University High School cornerback LJ McCray.

"LJ is a cover corner that is physical enough to play safety as well," said Hester. "Another talent that LJ possesses is his excellent ability as a return man."

At 6'1 180 pounds, McCray was named to the 3A/4A All-Queen City team after a terrific final prep season at Harding.

McCray drew late interest from Clemson and Applachian State prior to National Signing Day with his blazing 4.48 forty. He accounted more than 500 all-purpose yards on offense, and tallied many interceptions on defense.

You can also tally another Gretna High School commitment towards Catawba's corner as offensive lineman Ethan Winn signed a letter of intent.

It appears that the Tribe coaching staff is beginning to start a vital pipeline into the state of Virginia. Last year's pair of defensive backs Tyon Bennett and Bryant Vennable also committed to Catawba from Gretna.

Winn stands 6'4 295 pounds and was a crucial anchor for the Hawks back to back state championship teams.

"He is an outstanding student that has all of the physical attributes, along with the tough competitiveness to be a real impact player on the line," said the jubilent Indian head coach.

Winn earned first team all-district honors and VirginiaPreps.com Group A first team all-state honors during his final season at Gretna. As a junior, Wynn earned second team all-district and all-region accolades.

The Hawks went 13-1 during 2008 and won the 2008 Group A state title 35-20 against Floyd County.

Perhaps the biggest commitment from the signing day class came from West Craven High School quarterback Brett Mooring. The 6'4 235 pound signal-caller was invited to play in the prestigious Shrine Bowl back in December, and is the first Shrine Bowl passer to commit since All-American Brad Roach.

"Another outstanding student, like Winn, who has a tremendous skill set," Hester commented. "He has impressed our coaches with his leadership qualities."

According to MaxPreps.com, Mooring led the state of North Carolina in passing with over 4,000 yards and 47 total touchdowns as a senior. For his efforts, Mooring was named first team all-conference and first team all-state by NCPreps.com.

He combined to throw for over 5,000 yards during his sophomore and junior seasons, becoming one of the few quarterbacks in state history to compile more than 9,000 passing yards in only three prep seasons.

The Coastal Conference's Offensive Player of the Year led his Eagles to a 15-1 record and the school's first ever state title game appearance.

The Fayetteville Observer released a story earlier in the week about Jack Britt High School's Cory Johnson's intention on playing linebacker at Catawba. On Wednesday, Hester confirmed that Johnson's verbal is now an official letter of intent.

The 5'11 228 pound first team all-conference selection racked up a team-high 158 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions.

"We think Cory is an old school linebacker," said Hester. "Not only is he physical and fast, but his high school coaches raved about him as a super citizen and a super leader."

Johnson helped lead the Vikings to a 14-2 record and a thrilling appearance in the 4AA state championship game.

Speaking of thrilling, if there is a freshman that is capable of playing right away for the Indians, look no further than Beddingfield High School's cornerback Jumal Rolle.

In high school, he was not a two-way talent for the Bruins, but a three-way standout instead.

Rolle ranked as the area's number two receiver with 35 catches for 620 yards and 10 touchdowns. On defense, he accounted for over 70 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 11 interceptions.

What made Rolle a "trifecta contributor" was his knack for making heart-stopping plays in the return game. His head coach commented that Rolle never came out of games because he was involved in all three phases, making him the perfect choice for Ironman of the Year for the Wilson, NC, area.

"Jumal is an outstanding all-around athlete that brings a lot to the table," said an excited Hester. "He was always making the big plays in high school for his team."

One of the more intriguing signings of the 2009 recruiting class is 6'2 265 pound defensive lineman Tobias Brown. He played alongside Rolle, who also inked with Catawba earlier on Wednesday.

Brown is the younger brother of Florida State defensive end Everette Brown, a future first round pick in April's NFL Draft.

"Tobias' athleticism at 265 pounds is what stood out to our coaching staff," Hester gleamed. "We think he fits the same mold of the outstanding defensive linemen we have had in the past."

For his dominating presence on the defensive line and athleticism as a tight end, Brown was named to the 2008 Wilson Daily Times All-Area team.

Reidsville High School defensive end Damien Lee is another dominant pass rusher that inked with the Tribe on National Signing Day, despite Catawba returning all ten defensive linemen from last year's 6-4 team.

Lee may be joining a standing-room only defensive line as a freshman, but his mark will be left at Catawba once his career is all said and done.

The 6'3 235 pound pass rusher was one of the state's rare MVP's of a state championship game, earning the honors after Reidsville capped an undefeated 16-0 season with a dominating 24-7 win over East Lincoln.

In the championship victory, Lee recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and made life miserable for East Lincoln star quarterback Josh Wilson.

"Damien is a playmaker at the defensive end spot," noticed Hester. "He was the MVP of the state championship game for Reidsville. He is someone that stood out every time you watched film on him."

During his senior campaign, Lee was honored as a 2008 NCPreps.com 2A all-state pick after totaling 108 tackles, eight sacks, and four fumble recoveries.

Shortly before the day's end, Hester also noted that defensive end Robbie Aldridge from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama committed to the program.

Aldridge was named to the Alabama Class 6A first team all-state squad after a successful senior season. Full Story

Jumal Rolle 6'0 175 CB Beddingfield HS

If there is a freshman that is capable of playing right away for the Indians, look no further than Beddingfield High School's cornerback Jumal Rolle.

In high school, he was not a two-way talent for the Bruins, but a three-way standout instead.

Rolle ranked as the area's number two receiver with 35 catches for 620 yards and 10 touchdowns. On defense, he accounted for over 70 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 11 interceptions. What made Rolle a trifecta contributor was his knack for making heart-stopping plays in the return game. His head coach commented that Rolle never came out of games because he was involved in all three phases, making him the perfect choice for Ironman of the Year for the Wilson, NC, area.

"Jumal is an outstanding all-around athlete that brings a lot to the table," said an excited Hester. "He had a knack for always making the big plays in high school.". Full Story

Damien Lee 6'3 235 LBS DE Reidsville HS

Reidsville defensive end Damien Lee signed with the Tribe on National Signing Day, despite Catawba returning all ten defensive linemen from last year's 6-4 team.

Lee may be joining a standing-room only defensive line as a freshman, but his mark will be left at Catawba once his career is all said and done.

The 6'3 235 pound pass rusher was one of the state's rare MVP's of a state championship game, earning the honors after Reidsville capped an undefeated 16-0 season with a dominating 24-7 win over East Lincoln.
In the championship victory, Lee recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and made life miserable for East Lincoln star quarterback Josh Wilson.

"Damien is a playmaker at the defensive end spot," noticed Hester. "He was the MVP of the state championship game for Reidsville. He is someone that stood out every time you watched film on him."

During his senior campaign, Lee was honored as a 2008 NCPreps.com 2A all-state pick after totaling 108 tackles, eight sacks, and four fumble recoveries. Full Story

Brett Mooring 6'4 235 LBS QB West Craven HS

Perhaps the biggest commitment from the signing day class came from West Craven High School quarterback Brett Mooring. The 6'4 235 pound signal-caller was invited to play in the prestigious Shrine Bowl and is the first Shrine Bowl passer to commit since All-American Brad Roach.

"Another outstanding student who has a tremendous skill set," Hester commented. "He has impressed our coaches with his leadership qualities."

According to MaxPreps.com, Mooring led the state of North Carolina in passing with over 4,000 yards and 47 total touchdowns as a senior. For his efforts, Mooring was named first team all-conference and first team all-state.

He combined to throw for over 5,000 yards during his sophomore and junior seasons., becoming one of the few quarterbacks in the state's history to compile more than 9,000 passing yards in only three prep seasons. The Coastal Conference's Offensive Player of the Year led his Eagles to a 15-1 record and the school's first ever state title game appearance. Full Story

LJ McCray 6'1 180 LBS CB Harding University HS

"LJ is a cover corner that is physical enough to play safety as well," said Hester. "Another talent that LJ possesses is his excellent ability as a return man."

At 6'1 180 pounds, McCray was named to the 3A/4A All-Queen City team after a terrific final prep season at Harding University High School.

McCray drew late interest from Clemson and Appalachian State prior to National Signing Day. He accumulated more than 500 all-purpose yards on offense, while picking off four passes on defense.
Full Story

Aaron Rainey 6'0 230 LBS FB Bessemer City HS

Aaron Rainey was a terror at fullback during his tenure at Bessemer City. "Aaron is a big, physical fullback that can do it all," said Hester. "Rainey can run, catch, and block upfield."

Describing Rainey as physical is probably a mild adjective. His Bessemer City teammates nicknamed the 6'0 230 pound fullback "The Bull."

He rushed for a team-high 964 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets in a banner senior season. It should be noted that the all-conference pick also started at linebacker for Bessemer City, collecting 104 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, five sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one interception.

Rainey is being honored for that banner season with an invitation to the annual NC East-West All-Star Classic in Greensboro, NC.

He was also drawing interest from FCS Appalachian State and Western Carolina of the Southern Conference. Full Story

National Signing Day: Catawba Signs Nine

Signings

Aaron Rainey Bessemer City FB 6-0 230

LJ McCray Harding CB 6-1 180

Ethan Winn Gretna, VA OL 6-4 295

Brett Mooring W. Craven QB 6-4 230

Corey Johnson Jack Britt LB 5-11 220

Jumal Rolle Beddingfield CB 5-11 175

Tobias Brown Beddingfield DL 6-2 265

Damien Lee Reidsville DE 6-3 235

Robbie Aldridge Hewitt-Trossville, AL DE
Full Story

Chris Pittman Picks Catawba

According to the Rocky Mount Telegram Newpaper, Rocky Mount HS outside linebacker Chris Pittman has committed to further his football career in Salisbury, NC.

The 6'1 193 pound defender committed to Catawba College after a spectacular career for the Gryphons. Pittman was named as a first team 3A all-state linebacker by NCPreps.com and was voted as the NEW 6 Conference's Defensive Player of the Year.

Pittman collected 114 tackles during his final prep season, helping anchor Rocky Mount to a stellar 13-2 record and the tenth best program in the state.

As a junior in 2007, Pittman racked up 120 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Rocky Mount HS, according to MaxPreps.com, is listed as the 500th rated program in the country.
Full Story