Cardinals Ink 17 Student-Athletes During Early Signing Day
December 15, 2021 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville head football coach Scott Satterfield announced the signing of 17 players to the 2022 signing class, with six student-athletes enrolling in January.
The group includes 11 offensive players, which features four wide receivers and three offensive linemen. The defensive side features six players, including two defensive linemen and a pair of linebackers.
In total, 13 states are represented, with Florida leading the way with five student-athletes.
The class is headlined by four Power 5 transfers in running back Tiyon Evans (Tennessee), wide receiver Dee Wiggins (Miami), linebacker Momo Sanogo (Mississippi) and safety M.J. Grifffin (Temple).
Evans played one season at Tennessee, leading the team with 525 yards and six touchdowns, including 120 yards and a touchdown in the season opener versus Bowling Green.
A highly-touted wide receiver, Wiggins played two seasons at Miami. He finished fourth on the team in both receptions with 31 and receiving yards with 358.
Sanogo, a four-year player at Mississippi, finished the 2021 season with 26 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss and an interception. His best season came in 2020 with 60 tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss.
A two-year player at Temple, Griffin closed the 2021 season as the Owls' second-leading tackler with 65.
Head coach Scott Satterfield inked one of the top players in the state of Kentucky in defensive end Selah Brown. A product of Male High, Brown was a four-star prospect who was a finalist for the Kentucky Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Award.
Outside linebacker Popeye Williams is one of the highest rated players in the class. A four-star prospect, Williams was a three-time all-state honoree and finished his senior season with 96 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
The Cardinals added a quarterback in the class with the signing of 6-foot-2, 220-pound Khalib Johnson from Pinson, Ala.. Johnson threw for 5,478 yards and 72 touchdowns.
Besides the transfer of Wiggins, the Cardinals added three other wideouts in Chris Bell from Yazoo City, Miss., Chance Morrow from Charlotte, N.C., and Devaughn Mortimer from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Bell is a speedster who guided Greenville Christian to a state title and has been timed at 22.5 in the 200-meter run. Morrow is a big target at 6-foot-6, while Mortimer caught five touchdown passes to lead Dillard High to a state title.
Nate Kurisky, a tight end from Washington, D.C., caught 30 passes for 570 yards and two touchdowns at Gonzaga.
The Cardinals beefed up the offensive line with the signing of Max Cabana from Easthampton, Mass., Makhete Gueye from Bradenton, Fla., and Izaiah Reed from Jackson, Tenn.
Running back Maurice Turner from Nicholls, Ga., is a four-time all-conference performer who was named the Region 1-5A Athlete of the Year as a junior.
D'Angelo Hutchinson from St. Petersburg, Fla., recorded 213 career tackles and 15 interceptions at Northeast High.
Tawfiq Thomas. a defensive tackle from Tampa, recorded over 200 career tackles at Gaither High.
Chris Bell (WR, 6-2, 220)
Hometown: Yazoo, Miss.
School: Greenville Christian School
High School: Played for Jon Reed McLendon at Greenville Christian School …three-start prospect by 247Sports … listed as the 22nd-best receiver in Mississippi and the 114th-best wide receiver … transferred from Yazoo City (Miss.) over to Greenville Christian (Miss.) … helped his team win the 3A MAIS state title … had touchdown receptions of 65 and 71 yards during his senior season … caught three passes for 52 yards and a touchdown in the state championship game … totaled over 1,000 yards of total offense … ran track for Greenville Christian and recorded a 22.5 in the 200-meter dash … chose Louisville over Mississippi State, Mississippi, Maryland, Southern Mississippi, Baylor, Florida State.
Selah Brown (DL, 6-2, 250)
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
School: Louisville Male High
High School: Played for Chris Wolfe at Male High … four-star prospect … listed as the No. 4 player in the state by the ON3 Consensus rankings … ranked as the No. 78 defensive lineman and the No. 6 athlete in Kentucky by ON3 … rated the No. 2 player in the state of Kentucky and the No. 1 defensive end in the state … committed to Louisville on Nov. 21, 2021 … four-star prospect by 247Sports … checks in as the No. 327 nationally overall and the No. 43 defensive lineman in the 247Sports Composite rankings … ranked as the No. 55 defensive end … named a finalist for the Kentucky Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Award … named Class 6A Player of the Year by Kentucky Football Coaches Association … led Male High to a 13-1 record and a runner-up finish at the 6A State Championship …finished with 31 tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss as a senior … had two tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a sack in a 43-0 win over Fern Creek in the first round of the playoffs … credited with 50 tackles and 15.0 tackles for loss in 15 games as a sophomore … guided Male to four state championship appearances and a 49-5 overall record… credited with 38 tackles, 12/5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks as a junior … played in only three games as a freshman … played DE and DT in multiple fronts as a junior in 2020 … chose Louisville over Illinois, Kentucky, Boston College, Northwestern, Missouri, Tennessee, Stanford, Purdue, UCF, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia.
Max Cabana (OT, 6-6, 285)
Hometown: Easthampton, Mass.
School: Williston-Northampton School
High School: Played for Thomas Beaton at Williston-Northhampton School …three-star prospect by 247Sports and On3 … listed as the No. 95 offensive linemen and the eighth-best in the state by 247Sports … rated as the No. 108 interior offensive linemen by ON3 and the No. 10 player in the state of Massachusetts … ranked by 247sports as the ninth-best offensive lineman in Massachusetts … listed by Football Chat as the eighth-best player and third-best offensive tackle in Canada … earned first place in Western Massachusetts and Vermont in a French National Language contest … named first team all-conference in 2019 … earned the Steve MacDonald Trophy for the Offensive Lineman of the Year … chose Louisville over Wake Forest, Central Michigan, UMass, Dartmouth, and Penn.
Tiyon Evans (RB. 5-11, 220)
Hometown: Hartsville, S.C.
School/Previous College: Hutchinson CC/Tennessee
Previous School: Played one season at Tennessee … recorded 525 yards on the ground on 81 carries for six touchdowns along with four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in seven games for the Vols. Did not play in the final two games of the 2021 season. Had an impressive debut in a Tennessee uniform, rushing for 120 yards and a touchdown against Bowling Green … The No. 1-rated junior college running back and No. 3-ranked junior college player overall by the 247Sports Composite by way of Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College … Enrolled at
Tennessee in January 2021 and went through spring practice … A four-star prospect and the No. 2 national junior college player by the 247SportsJUCO … Ranked No. 2 on the ESPN
JC50 list … Did not play in 2020 as the NJCAA football season was canceled due to COVID-19 … rushed for a Salt City Bowl record 194 yards and two touchdowns to lead Hutchinson to its first 10-win season since 2014 … Tallied 538 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019, averaging 8.8 yards per attempt … returned 16 kickoffs for 608 yards and two touchdowns in his freshman campaign …prepped at Hartsville High School where he was one of South Carolina's top running backs in 2018… competed in the North-South game where he earned the South's offensive MVP honor after rushing for 142 yards and collecting 53 yards on one reception … Rushed for over 2,000 yards as a sophomore and junior … Played quarterback as a senior at Hartsville, rushing for over 1,400 yards
Makhete Gueye (OT, 6-7, 270)
Hometown: Bradenton, Fla.
School: Venice Senior High
High School: Played for John Peacock at Venice Senior High … started off on the defensive line and tight end before moving to offensive tackle … born and raised in the Senegal … moved to the United States in 2019 … standout on the basketball team … squad finished 13-1 and 4-0 in the district …
M.J. Griffin, (S, 6-1, 200)
Hometown: Ypsilanti, Mich.
School/Previous College: Saline, Mich./Temple
Previous School: Played two seasons at Temple … finished second on the team in tackles in 2021 with 65 … recorded 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack … saw game action as a core member of all special teams units and played safety, while making seven tackles at Rutgers ... got the start at safety and led the team in tackles (10) against Boston College earning defensive player of the game honors ... started at safety for the second straight week, making 7 tackles and a fumble recovery in the win vs. Memphis ... made first career collegiate sack and tied career high in tackles (11) against Houston earning defensive player of the game honors … closed the shortened season with 22 tackles in six games … saw his first game action rotating in on defense in the home opener vs. USF ... recorded his first career TFL at Memphis ... recorded his first career forced fumble at the goal line to stop a touchdown and set a new single-game career-high in tackles (3) at Tulane ... tied his single-game career-high in tackles (3) at UCF ... led the team in tackles (11) vs. ECU, a new single-game career-high in his first career start which earned him Defensive Player of the Game ... lettered … was part of the 2019 recruiting class ... was an early enrollee and began classes in January ... made his collegiate debut in the season opener against Bucknell ... made first career tackle vs. UConn in the regular season finale ... redshirted … four-year letterwinner at defensive back for coach Joe Palka at Saline (Mich.) High … went 11-2 as a senior ... received all-state honors his junior and senior seasons … made the Detroit Free Press Dream Team as a senior … born Myles Jordan Griffin in Detroit, Mich. ... parents are Aliya and Ryan Griffin ... brothers, Jori (28) and Tre (21) ... sister Mia (18) ... godfather, Aaron Bailey, played college football at Louisville ... uncle, Richard Griffin, served in the military ... list of favorites include: Training Day (movie), Family Guy (TV show), Against the Darkness (book), Baltimore Ravens (NFL team), Geno's (place to get a cheesesteak), Twitter (social media platform) and Africa (place in the world) ... communications major.
D'Angelo Hutchinson (DB, 6-3, 185)
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida
School: Northeast High
High School: Played for Shawn Davis at Northeast High … three-star prospect from Northeast High … rated as the No. 72 safety by ON3 … played for Shawn Davis at Northeast High … rated the No. 75 safety by 247Sports … rated as the No. 87-ranked safety … two-star Rivals prospect … two-time team captain … earned the team's Most Valuable Player honors … named all-state and two-time all-conference … played on both sides of the ball at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back for Northeast … recorded 213 career tackles and 15 interceptions … completed 33 of 56 passes for 511 yards and five TDs in seven games at quarterback … rushed 66 times for 500 yards and five touchdowns, while catching five passes for 115 yards and two more TDs … had an 85-yard kickoff return for a TD and a pair of two-point conversions … recorded 40 tackles, one quarterback hurry, five interceptions - including one returned for a TD - eight pass breakups, and one forced fumble. helped Northeast to 4-4 record and was one of the team's top contributors on offense, defense, and special teams as a junior … ended up with the third-most tackles on the team (41) and the third-most forced fumbles (1) … was the team's leading receiver and caught seven passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns … leader in kickoff and punt returns. Played varsity basketball for Northeast … committed to Louisville on Nov. 18, 2021 … chose Louisville over Iowa State, UCF, Western Kentucky, USF, Wake Forest.
Khalib Johnson (QB, 6-2, 220)
Hometown: Pinson, Ala.
School: Clay-Chalkville High
High School: Played for Drew Gilmer at Clay-Chalkville High … two-time team captain ... earned a pair of all-conference and all-state accolades ... three-star prospect … checks in as the No. 38 quarterback nationally by the industry-generated 247Sports Composite … listed as the No. 25 overall target in Alabama … led team to an undefeated season …selected as the No. 38 quarterback and the No. 27 player in the state by Rivals … named the Player of the Year … passed for 5,478 yards and 72 career touchdowns … two-time team captain … selected all-conference an all-state … selected runner-up for Mr. Football in Alabama … named the Birmingham Athlete of the Week after leading his school to the state title game … was named MVP of the game after hitting on 11 of 14 passes for 217 yards and four TDs and also rushing for another TD in a 57-40 win over Hueytown … named MVP for Clay-Chalkville, after beating Jackson-Olin 46-14 … completed 20 of 28 passes for 296 yards and five TDs and rushed three times for 15 yards and one more TD … led Clay-Chalkville High to a 2021 6A State Championship over Hueytown, completing 15 of 19 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns … passed for 307 yards and four touchdowns in a playoff win over Decatur … threw for 3,271 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2021 … had over 3,000 total yards and 31 touchdowns … chose Louisville over Kansas, FIU, San Diego State, Virginia Tech.
Nate Kurisky (TE, 6-3, 225)
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
School: Gonzaga College High
High School: Played for Randy Trivers at Gonzaga High … three-star recruit by 247Sports … rated the No. 3 player in Washington, D.C. area and the No. 69 tight end … ranked by Rivals as the No. 2 player in the state … listed as the No. 38 tight end … pledged his commitment to Louisville on Dec. 10 … a three-time first team All-WCAC selection … two-time team captain … caught 30 passes for 570 yards and two touchdowns as a senior … Chose Louisville over offers from Boston College, Georgia Tech, Miami, Michigan State, Nebraska, Wake Forest, Pittsburgh.
Chance Morrow (WR, 6-6, 200)
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
School: West Charlotte High
High School: Played for Sam Greiner at West Charlotte High … Ranked by 247sports as the 22nd-best wide receiver in North Carolina … rated as the No. 855 player nationally by Rivals and the No. 132 wide receiver … tabbed as the No. 21 player in the state of North Carolina … checks in as the No. 96 wide receiver in the Class of 2022 and is the No. 23 player in the state of North Carolina … team finished at 7-4 … named to the Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase Watchlist … had five catches for 111 yards and three touchdowns as West Charlotte beat West Mecklenburg 62-13 …recorded four touchdown receptions in a loss to Chambers … lost in the second round of the state playoffs … named to the Channel 9 Big 22 Team … recorded 33 receptions for 755 yards and 12 touchdowns while posting a catch average of 22.9 in his junior season … named to the second team All-Charlotte Offense by the Charlotte Observer … standout on the hardwood … chose Louisville over Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Miami.
Devaughn Mortimer (WR, 5-9, 160
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
School: Dillard
High School: Played for Tyler Tate at Dillard High … listed as the No. 62 wide receiver and the No. 43 player in Florida in the ON3 rankings … four-star prospect by 247Sports … listed as the No. 331 player in the composite ratings … listed as the No. 50 wide receiver and the No. 41 player in Florida … considered the No. 604 player nationally, No. 76 wide receiver, and No. 82 player in Florida … speedster with a verified 100-meter of 10.8 less with playmaking ability in the punt return game ….finished 8th at FHSAA 3A state track meet as a junior in the 100-meter dash … Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald All-Broward 8A-6A first-team selections … caught 24 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns for a Dillard team that went 6-0 and won a Class 6A-1A tri-county gold-level championship after opting out of FHSAA state playoffs … was a threat from multiple positions as he recorded touchdowns via reception, punt return, and kickoff return … made biggest impact on special teams where he returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns … also runs track … recorded a 10.95 in the 100 meters in 2020 … state qualifier in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes as a junior … chose Louisville over Arizona State, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, Penn State, Syracuse, Texas A&M.
Izaiah Reed (OL, 6-6, 295)
Hometown: Jackson, Tenn.
School: North Side High School
High School: Played for Jesse Powell at North Side High … committed on June, 30, 2021 … three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports … ranked by 247sports as the 23rd-best offensive lineman in Tennessee … rated as the No. 63 offensive lineman … listed by ON3 as the No. 121 player in the nation … ranked as the No. 10 offensive tackle and the fifth-ranked player in the state of Tennessee … two-time team captain ... invited to the Elite Underclassmen Camp … 247Sports places Reed as the No. 61 offensive tackle nationally and the No. 21 overall target in Tennessee … recorded 65 pancake blocks as a senior ... debuted in the rankings with an 87 grade … helped open holes for RB Tyrik Pirtle, who had 193 yards rushing in a 28-14 win over Obion County … played on both sides of the football … recorded 42 tackles and 5.0 sacks on defense … played left offensive tackle … three-year starter … chose Louisville over Mississippi, Boston College, Colorado, Memphis, Army, Western Kentucky.
Momo Sanogo (LB, 6-2, 240)
Hometown: Plano, Texas
High School/Previous School: Plano West/Mississippi
Previous School: Played four seasons at Mississippi …appeared in 12 games in 2021, making 26 tackles … recorded 1.0 tackles for loss and an interception … appeared in all 10 games with six starts at linebacker in 2020 ... tallied 60 tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss ... registered three quarterback hurries and three pass breakups ... vs. #5 Florida (9/26/20): Played 44 snaps at will linebacker ... Tallied three total tackles vs. the Gators ... at Kentucky (10/3/20): Saw action at mike linebacker and ranked second on the team with seven tackles ... Recorded a key fourth quarter sack in the victory ... Was the highest-rated Rebel pass rusher ... vs. #2 Alabama (10/10/20): Started at will linebacker and led the team with nine tackles, including five solo tackles ... at Arkansas (10/17/20): Started at mike linebacker and recorded seven tackles, including one tackle for a loss and a pass breakup ... Also ran a fake punt for 47 yards ... vs. Auburn (10/24/20): Started at will linebacker and played 77-of-80 defensive snaps ... Broke up one pass and tallied five tackles ... at Vanderbilt (10/31/20): Recorded five total tackles and combined on a tackle for loss ... vs. South Carolina (11/14/20): Appeared on 49 snaps as a reserve will linebacker, totaling five tackles ... vs. Mississippi State (11/28/20): Registered seven tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and broke up a pass in the Egg Bowl victory ... at LSU (12/19/20): Started and played 79 snaps on defense, recording seven total tackles and a pass breakup ... vs. #7 Indiana (1/2/21): Tallied five tackles in 90 snaps at outside linebacker … appeared in two games, with one start, before suffering season-ending injury to his right ankle in second game of the season in 2019 ...tallied four tackles as a starter in 2019 debut versus Memphis … suffered injury in first quarter of 31-17 win against Arkansas ... named to the Butkus Award Watch List ... Preseason All-SEC third team selection by Lindy's and fourth team by Athlon and Phil Steele … started at linebacker in all 12 games in 2019 ... one of just three players to start every game on defense for the Rebels ... Third in the SEC with 9.3 tackles per game ... Fifth in the SEC in total tackles with 112 ... One of just two Rebels in the last 12 years to tally 100 or more tackles in a season ... Made his 2018 debut, the first start of his career, against Texas Tech (9/1/18) and recorded five tackles and one tackle for loss ... vs. Southern Illinois (9/8/18): Started at linebacker and recorded a team-high 11 tackles in the win ... vs. #1 Alabama (9/15/18): Started at middle linebacker and recorded four total tackles including three solo stops ... vs. Kent State (9/22/18): Made the start at middle linebacker and tallied seven total tackles and one forced fumble ... at #5 LSU (9/29/18): Started at middle linebacker and tallied 12 tackles and one forced fumble ... vs. ULM (10/6/18): Earned the start at middle linebacker and recorded a career-high five total tackles and one tackle for loss ... at Arkansas (10/13/18): Started at middle linebacker and tallied five total tackles ... vs. Auburn (10/20/18): Made the start at middle linebacker and recorded a career-high 16 total tackles ... The 16 tackles were the most by an Ole Miss defender since 2007 ... vs. South Carolina (11/3/18): Tallied 11 total tackles, including his first career sack and two quarterback hurries ... at Texas A&M (11/10/18): Tied career with 16 total tackles, including one tackle for loss ... Second time in the last three game he tallied 16 tackles ... That had only been done twice in the last 20 years prior to the 2018 season ... at Vanderbilt (11/17/18): Recorded double-digit tackles for the fourth straight game ... Finished with 12 total tackles, including two tackles for loss ... Also tallied a pass breakup ... vs. #18 Mississippi State (11/22/18): Started at middle linebacker, recording eight total tackles … played in 11 games in 2017 ... Recorded eight total tackles ... Named a National Football Foundation Ole Miss Chapter Scholar-Athlete ... Made his collegiate debut in vs. UT Martin (9/9/17) ... Also saw playing time at Cal (9/16/17) ... Recorded the first tackles of his career at Alabama (9/30/17), finishing with two stops on special teams ... Had a tackle vs. Vanderbilt (10/14/17) ... Continued to see playing time on special teams vs. LSU (10/21/17) ... Had one tackle against Arkansas (10/28/17) ... Made two stops on special teams in the win at Kentucky (11/4/17) ... Played on special teams vs. Louisiana (11/11/17) ... Saw action on special teams against Texas A&M (11/18/17) ... Had two assisted tackles on kickoffs in the Egg Bowl win at No. 14 Mississippi State (11/23/17) … selected to play in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl ... A 4-star recruit according to Rivals and Scout ... Rated by Scout as the No. 13 linebacker nationally and No. 2 in the state of Texas, as well as the No. 299 overall recruit in the country ... Rated by Rivals as the nation's No. 14 linebacker ... Ranked the No. 55 recruit in the state of Texas in the 247Sports composite rankings ... Played on USA Football's U-18 national team for the North American Championships ... Named Team USA MVP after a 26-0 win over Canada ... Named second team all-district as a senior ... Collected first team all-district honors with 110 tackles and two sacks during his junior season ... Coached by Scott Smith … Son of Hamed and Jennifer Sanogo ... Full name is Mohamed Ben Sanogo ... Born Feb. 18, 1999 ... Related to former Arsenal FC and current Toulouse FC Striker Yaya Sanogo ... 2019 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar third team honoree ... SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 ... Dean's Honor Roll in fall 2018 ... Athletic Director's Honor Roll in fall 2020 and spring 2021 ... Graduated with a bachelor's in managerial finance in May 2020 ... Pursuing his MBA.
Tawfiq Thomas (DT, 6-4, 325)
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
School: Gaither High
High School: Played for Kirk Karsen at Gaither High … … committed to Louisville on Nov. 13, 2021 … ranked as a three-star prospect by 247 Sports … rated as the No. 161 defensive lineman and No. 156 in the state of Florida … ranks as high as the No. 58 recruit in the talent-rich state of Florida according to Rivals, while the 247Sports Composite places him as the No. 1,094 prospect in the nation … named team captain as a senior … recorded 200 career tackles … two-time all-conference and all-state performer … invited to the Recruit My Lineman National Showcase … named first team all-state and all-conference the last two seasons … selected as the Most Valuable Defensive Lineman at the Miami Rivals Camp … helped Gaither go 11-1 and make a deep run in the 6A state playoffs in 2020 … logged 58 tackles (37 solo), 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and six quarterback hurries as a senior ... finished with a 6-4 record during the regular season … recorded a season high seven tackles in a pair of games … had six tackles, including one sack, and a quarterback hurry in a 17-14 loss to Mitchell … also had two catches for 16 yards and one TD in the game … was a force on the line who clogged up the middle as a junior … tallied 53 total tackles (38 solo), three sacks and five quarterback hurries, and surprisingly, two interceptions … helped lead the Cowboys to an 11-1 record, and an appearance in the Florida Class 6A quarterfinals … standout on the basketball team … scored a season high 30 points in a game … chose Louisville over Iowa State, Michigan, Kansas and Arkansas.
Maurice Turner (RB, 5-10, 180)
Hometown: Nicholls, Ga.
School: Coffee High
High School: Played for Robby Pruitt at Coffee High … three-star prospect by Rivals … rated as the No. 158 wide receiver and the No. 107 player in the state … listed as the 1,104 player in the ON3 composite rankings and the No. 159 wide receiver and the No. 108 player in the state … ranked as the No. 97 wideout and the No. 58 player in Georgia by On3 … named Offensive Player of the Game in a 10-7 win over Camden County after rushing 15 times for 85 yards … ran for 689 yards and 12 touchdowns on 97 carries and caught 42 passes for 712 yards and six touchdowns in his junior season … recorded five catches for 60 yards and two TDs in a 46-0 win over Salem … had the fastest shuttle run - 4.2 seconds - and the longest broad jump - 135 inches.at the East Carolina Camp … was named Region 1-5A Athlete of the Year … helped lead Coffee High to a 10-3 record and a berth in the 5A semifinals … chose Tennessee, Cincinnati, Western Kentucky, Tulane, East Carolina, Coastal Carolina.
Dee Wiggins (WR, 6-3, 185)
Hometown: Miami, Fl.
School/Previous College: Miami Southridge/Miami
Played two seasons at Miami … started all 11 games and ranked among team's offensive leaders…ranked fourth on team in both receptions (31) and receiving yards (358)…finished with three touchdown receptions…started season opener against UAB (Sept. 10) and finished with three catches for 25 yards…started and finished with two catches totaling 15 yards, including long catch of 11 yards, in road win at top-20 Louisville (Sept. 19)…recorded first touchdown of season on 40-yard score in win over rival Florida State (Sept. 26)…started and finished with three catches for 54 yards against Seminoles…started and had one 24-yard reception at top-ranked Clemson (Oct. 10)…Made start in win over Pittsburgh (Oct. 17)…started and finished with three catches totaling 36 yards, including long reception of 26 yards, in win over Virginia (Oct. 24)…caught career-high seven passes and totaled 77 yards, including one touchdown, and started in come-from-behind win at NC State (Nov. 6)…posted first 100-yard receiving game of career in start at Virginia Tech (Nov. 14), finishing with 106 receiving yards on career-high eight receptions…started and had three catches for 14 yards, including one touchdown reception, in road win at Duke (Dec. 5)…started regular season finale against North Carolina (Dec. 12)…finished with one catch in start in 2020 Cheez-It Bowl against Oklahoma State (Dec. 29) … saw action in 12 games and made five starts in 2019…totaled 20 catches for 335 yards…ranked second on team with four receiving touchdowns…On receiving end of two longest pass plays of season – 67-yard TD vs. Louisville and 56-yard TD vs. Florida State…Made season debut at North Carolina (Sept. 7), hauling in 3-yard reception…had 14-yard reception and 33-yard rush in home opener against Bethune-Cookman (Sept. 14)… had one rush in win over Central Michigan (Sept. 21)…had four catches totaling 64 yards against Virginia Tech (Oct. 5)… made first start of season and caught two passes totaling 62 yards, including 50-yard reception, against Georgia Tech (Oct. 19)…started in win at Pittsburgh (Oct. 26) and had 12-yard reception…had impressive outing in win at Florida State (Nov. 2), finishing with four receptions and totaling 74 receiving yards… scored first touchdown of career on 56-yard reception in win over Seminoles… delivered among best performances of career in win over Louisville (Nov. 9), recording 85 yards on three receptions with two touchdowns …scored on career-long 67-yard reception and added 10-yard touchdown against Cardinals…started and finished with three catches, including 3-yard touchdown reception, against FIU (Nov. 23)…Started regular season finale at Duke (Nov. 30) … saw action in all 13 games and made three starts as a freshman in 2018 … caught seven passes for 73 yards with long reception of 24 yards…saw action in season opener against LSU (Sept. 2)…saw time in win over Savannah State (Sept. 8)…played in wins at Toledo (Sept. 15) and vs. FIU (Sept 22)…saw action in win over North Carolina (Sept. 27)…caught first pass of career in win over Florida State (Oct. 6)… drew three pass interference penalties against Seminoles to help ignite second-half comeback…made first start of career at Virginia (Oct. 13) and finished with two catches totaling 16 yards…started at Boston College (Oct. 26)…Had one 8-yard reception vs. Duke (Nov. 3)…started and finished with 31 receiving yards on two catches at Georgia Tech (Nov. 10)…caught one pass in win at Virginia Tech (Nov. 17)…saw action in regular season finale vs. Pittsburgh (Nov. 24)…Saw action in New Era Pinstripe Bowl vs. Wisconsin (Dec. 27) … rated as four-star prospect by ESPN.com…earned three-star rating from 247Sports.com and Rivals.com…ranked No. 71 wide receiver in country and No. 72 player in Florida by ESPN.com…rated as 76th-best wide receiver and 78th-best prospect in state of Florida by 247Sports.com…listed as No. 65 player at his position by Rivals.com…named 2017 Miami Herald All-Dade honorable mention…was high school teammates with fellow 2018 recruits Mark Pope and Delone Scaife…played two seasons at Miami-Killian High School with Hurricane defensive backs Jaquan Johnson and Sheldrick Redwine…scored four touchdowns and nearly 300 yards receiving over the final two seasons of prep career…named to 2016 Miami Herald All-Dade Honorable Mention…chose Miami over offers from Georgia, Alabama and Florida, among others.
Popeye Williams (DE, 6-3, 230)
Hometown: Westfield, Ind.
School: Westfield High
High School: Played for Jake Gilbert at Westfield High … ranked by 247 sports as the 15th-best edge rusher in Indiana … ranked by industry-generated 247Sports Composite as the No. 339 overall prospect nationally and the No. 20 edge rusher … rated as the No. 416 player in the nation by Rivals and the No. 32 ranked defensive end … tabbed as the 10 player in the state of Indiana … won two-straight state titles … member of the 2021 Indiana Football Coaches Association All-State Top 50 team … an ESPN300 prospect, coming in as the No. 267 in the nation according to their recruiting rankings … named to the Indiana Preps All-State Top 22 … selected to the 2021 Max Preps Indiana All-State team … recorded 10 tackles in a 42-15 win over Noblesville and was credited with10 tackles, including four solo stops and one sack, as Westfield beat Hamilton Southeastern 34-21 … had 11 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for a loss and one sack, but Westfield lost 27-21 to Center Grove in the 6-A state championship game … the Shamrocks finished the season with a 12-2 record … credited with 90 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks during his senior season … voted to the SI All-American Watch List as one of the top 20 edge rushers … totaled played defensive end as a junior in 2020 for a Westfield team that went 12-2 and lost in the Indiana 6A state championship game … scheduled to play in the Under Armour All-American game … recorded 44 tackles, ten tackles for loss, and five sacks in 2020 … credited with a pair of sacks in the state semifinal win … played at defensive end for varsity as a sophomore in 2019; helped lead Westfield to a 6-5 record and an Indiana 6A first-round playoff appearance … chose Louisville over Arkansas, Boston College, Cincinnati, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan State. Minnesota, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, Indiana.
The group includes 11 offensive players, which features four wide receivers and three offensive linemen. The defensive side features six players, including two defensive linemen and a pair of linebackers.
In total, 13 states are represented, with Florida leading the way with five student-athletes.
The class is headlined by four Power 5 transfers in running back Tiyon Evans (Tennessee), wide receiver Dee Wiggins (Miami), linebacker Momo Sanogo (Mississippi) and safety M.J. Grifffin (Temple).
Evans played one season at Tennessee, leading the team with 525 yards and six touchdowns, including 120 yards and a touchdown in the season opener versus Bowling Green.
A highly-touted wide receiver, Wiggins played two seasons at Miami. He finished fourth on the team in both receptions with 31 and receiving yards with 358.
Sanogo, a four-year player at Mississippi, finished the 2021 season with 26 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss and an interception. His best season came in 2020 with 60 tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss.
A two-year player at Temple, Griffin closed the 2021 season as the Owls' second-leading tackler with 65.
Head coach Scott Satterfield inked one of the top players in the state of Kentucky in defensive end Selah Brown. A product of Male High, Brown was a four-star prospect who was a finalist for the Kentucky Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Award.
Outside linebacker Popeye Williams is one of the highest rated players in the class. A four-star prospect, Williams was a three-time all-state honoree and finished his senior season with 96 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
The Cardinals added a quarterback in the class with the signing of 6-foot-2, 220-pound Khalib Johnson from Pinson, Ala.. Johnson threw for 5,478 yards and 72 touchdowns.
Besides the transfer of Wiggins, the Cardinals added three other wideouts in Chris Bell from Yazoo City, Miss., Chance Morrow from Charlotte, N.C., and Devaughn Mortimer from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Bell is a speedster who guided Greenville Christian to a state title and has been timed at 22.5 in the 200-meter run. Morrow is a big target at 6-foot-6, while Mortimer caught five touchdown passes to lead Dillard High to a state title.
Nate Kurisky, a tight end from Washington, D.C., caught 30 passes for 570 yards and two touchdowns at Gonzaga.
The Cardinals beefed up the offensive line with the signing of Max Cabana from Easthampton, Mass., Makhete Gueye from Bradenton, Fla., and Izaiah Reed from Jackson, Tenn.
Running back Maurice Turner from Nicholls, Ga., is a four-time all-conference performer who was named the Region 1-5A Athlete of the Year as a junior.
D'Angelo Hutchinson from St. Petersburg, Fla., recorded 213 career tackles and 15 interceptions at Northeast High.
Tawfiq Thomas. a defensive tackle from Tampa, recorded over 200 career tackles at Gaither High.
Chris Bell (WR, 6-2, 220)
Hometown: Yazoo, Miss.
School: Greenville Christian School
High School: Played for Jon Reed McLendon at Greenville Christian School …three-start prospect by 247Sports … listed as the 22nd-best receiver in Mississippi and the 114th-best wide receiver … transferred from Yazoo City (Miss.) over to Greenville Christian (Miss.) … helped his team win the 3A MAIS state title … had touchdown receptions of 65 and 71 yards during his senior season … caught three passes for 52 yards and a touchdown in the state championship game … totaled over 1,000 yards of total offense … ran track for Greenville Christian and recorded a 22.5 in the 200-meter dash … chose Louisville over Mississippi State, Mississippi, Maryland, Southern Mississippi, Baylor, Florida State.
Selah Brown (DL, 6-2, 250)
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
School: Louisville Male High
High School: Played for Chris Wolfe at Male High … four-star prospect … listed as the No. 4 player in the state by the ON3 Consensus rankings … ranked as the No. 78 defensive lineman and the No. 6 athlete in Kentucky by ON3 … rated the No. 2 player in the state of Kentucky and the No. 1 defensive end in the state … committed to Louisville on Nov. 21, 2021 … four-star prospect by 247Sports … checks in as the No. 327 nationally overall and the No. 43 defensive lineman in the 247Sports Composite rankings … ranked as the No. 55 defensive end … named a finalist for the Kentucky Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Award … named Class 6A Player of the Year by Kentucky Football Coaches Association … led Male High to a 13-1 record and a runner-up finish at the 6A State Championship …finished with 31 tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss as a senior … had two tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a sack in a 43-0 win over Fern Creek in the first round of the playoffs … credited with 50 tackles and 15.0 tackles for loss in 15 games as a sophomore … guided Male to four state championship appearances and a 49-5 overall record… credited with 38 tackles, 12/5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks as a junior … played in only three games as a freshman … played DE and DT in multiple fronts as a junior in 2020 … chose Louisville over Illinois, Kentucky, Boston College, Northwestern, Missouri, Tennessee, Stanford, Purdue, UCF, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia.
Max Cabana (OT, 6-6, 285)
Hometown: Easthampton, Mass.
School: Williston-Northampton School
High School: Played for Thomas Beaton at Williston-Northhampton School …three-star prospect by 247Sports and On3 … listed as the No. 95 offensive linemen and the eighth-best in the state by 247Sports … rated as the No. 108 interior offensive linemen by ON3 and the No. 10 player in the state of Massachusetts … ranked by 247sports as the ninth-best offensive lineman in Massachusetts … listed by Football Chat as the eighth-best player and third-best offensive tackle in Canada … earned first place in Western Massachusetts and Vermont in a French National Language contest … named first team all-conference in 2019 … earned the Steve MacDonald Trophy for the Offensive Lineman of the Year … chose Louisville over Wake Forest, Central Michigan, UMass, Dartmouth, and Penn.
Tiyon Evans (RB. 5-11, 220)
Hometown: Hartsville, S.C.
School/Previous College: Hutchinson CC/Tennessee
Previous School: Played one season at Tennessee … recorded 525 yards on the ground on 81 carries for six touchdowns along with four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in seven games for the Vols. Did not play in the final two games of the 2021 season. Had an impressive debut in a Tennessee uniform, rushing for 120 yards and a touchdown against Bowling Green … The No. 1-rated junior college running back and No. 3-ranked junior college player overall by the 247Sports Composite by way of Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College … Enrolled at
Tennessee in January 2021 and went through spring practice … A four-star prospect and the No. 2 national junior college player by the 247SportsJUCO … Ranked No. 2 on the ESPN
JC50 list … Did not play in 2020 as the NJCAA football season was canceled due to COVID-19 … rushed for a Salt City Bowl record 194 yards and two touchdowns to lead Hutchinson to its first 10-win season since 2014 … Tallied 538 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019, averaging 8.8 yards per attempt … returned 16 kickoffs for 608 yards and two touchdowns in his freshman campaign …prepped at Hartsville High School where he was one of South Carolina's top running backs in 2018… competed in the North-South game where he earned the South's offensive MVP honor after rushing for 142 yards and collecting 53 yards on one reception … Rushed for over 2,000 yards as a sophomore and junior … Played quarterback as a senior at Hartsville, rushing for over 1,400 yards
Makhete Gueye (OT, 6-7, 270)
Hometown: Bradenton, Fla.
School: Venice Senior High
High School: Played for John Peacock at Venice Senior High … started off on the defensive line and tight end before moving to offensive tackle … born and raised in the Senegal … moved to the United States in 2019 … standout on the basketball team … squad finished 13-1 and 4-0 in the district …
M.J. Griffin, (S, 6-1, 200)
Hometown: Ypsilanti, Mich.
School/Previous College: Saline, Mich./Temple
Previous School: Played two seasons at Temple … finished second on the team in tackles in 2021 with 65 … recorded 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack … saw game action as a core member of all special teams units and played safety, while making seven tackles at Rutgers ... got the start at safety and led the team in tackles (10) against Boston College earning defensive player of the game honors ... started at safety for the second straight week, making 7 tackles and a fumble recovery in the win vs. Memphis ... made first career collegiate sack and tied career high in tackles (11) against Houston earning defensive player of the game honors … closed the shortened season with 22 tackles in six games … saw his first game action rotating in on defense in the home opener vs. USF ... recorded his first career TFL at Memphis ... recorded his first career forced fumble at the goal line to stop a touchdown and set a new single-game career-high in tackles (3) at Tulane ... tied his single-game career-high in tackles (3) at UCF ... led the team in tackles (11) vs. ECU, a new single-game career-high in his first career start which earned him Defensive Player of the Game ... lettered … was part of the 2019 recruiting class ... was an early enrollee and began classes in January ... made his collegiate debut in the season opener against Bucknell ... made first career tackle vs. UConn in the regular season finale ... redshirted … four-year letterwinner at defensive back for coach Joe Palka at Saline (Mich.) High … went 11-2 as a senior ... received all-state honors his junior and senior seasons … made the Detroit Free Press Dream Team as a senior … born Myles Jordan Griffin in Detroit, Mich. ... parents are Aliya and Ryan Griffin ... brothers, Jori (28) and Tre (21) ... sister Mia (18) ... godfather, Aaron Bailey, played college football at Louisville ... uncle, Richard Griffin, served in the military ... list of favorites include: Training Day (movie), Family Guy (TV show), Against the Darkness (book), Baltimore Ravens (NFL team), Geno's (place to get a cheesesteak), Twitter (social media platform) and Africa (place in the world) ... communications major.
D'Angelo Hutchinson (DB, 6-3, 185)
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida
School: Northeast High
High School: Played for Shawn Davis at Northeast High … three-star prospect from Northeast High … rated as the No. 72 safety by ON3 … played for Shawn Davis at Northeast High … rated the No. 75 safety by 247Sports … rated as the No. 87-ranked safety … two-star Rivals prospect … two-time team captain … earned the team's Most Valuable Player honors … named all-state and two-time all-conference … played on both sides of the ball at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back for Northeast … recorded 213 career tackles and 15 interceptions … completed 33 of 56 passes for 511 yards and five TDs in seven games at quarterback … rushed 66 times for 500 yards and five touchdowns, while catching five passes for 115 yards and two more TDs … had an 85-yard kickoff return for a TD and a pair of two-point conversions … recorded 40 tackles, one quarterback hurry, five interceptions - including one returned for a TD - eight pass breakups, and one forced fumble. helped Northeast to 4-4 record and was one of the team's top contributors on offense, defense, and special teams as a junior … ended up with the third-most tackles on the team (41) and the third-most forced fumbles (1) … was the team's leading receiver and caught seven passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns … leader in kickoff and punt returns. Played varsity basketball for Northeast … committed to Louisville on Nov. 18, 2021 … chose Louisville over Iowa State, UCF, Western Kentucky, USF, Wake Forest.
Khalib Johnson (QB, 6-2, 220)
Hometown: Pinson, Ala.
School: Clay-Chalkville High
High School: Played for Drew Gilmer at Clay-Chalkville High … two-time team captain ... earned a pair of all-conference and all-state accolades ... three-star prospect … checks in as the No. 38 quarterback nationally by the industry-generated 247Sports Composite … listed as the No. 25 overall target in Alabama … led team to an undefeated season …selected as the No. 38 quarterback and the No. 27 player in the state by Rivals … named the Player of the Year … passed for 5,478 yards and 72 career touchdowns … two-time team captain … selected all-conference an all-state … selected runner-up for Mr. Football in Alabama … named the Birmingham Athlete of the Week after leading his school to the state title game … was named MVP of the game after hitting on 11 of 14 passes for 217 yards and four TDs and also rushing for another TD in a 57-40 win over Hueytown … named MVP for Clay-Chalkville, after beating Jackson-Olin 46-14 … completed 20 of 28 passes for 296 yards and five TDs and rushed three times for 15 yards and one more TD … led Clay-Chalkville High to a 2021 6A State Championship over Hueytown, completing 15 of 19 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns … passed for 307 yards and four touchdowns in a playoff win over Decatur … threw for 3,271 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2021 … had over 3,000 total yards and 31 touchdowns … chose Louisville over Kansas, FIU, San Diego State, Virginia Tech.
Nate Kurisky (TE, 6-3, 225)
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
School: Gonzaga College High
High School: Played for Randy Trivers at Gonzaga High … three-star recruit by 247Sports … rated the No. 3 player in Washington, D.C. area and the No. 69 tight end … ranked by Rivals as the No. 2 player in the state … listed as the No. 38 tight end … pledged his commitment to Louisville on Dec. 10 … a three-time first team All-WCAC selection … two-time team captain … caught 30 passes for 570 yards and two touchdowns as a senior … Chose Louisville over offers from Boston College, Georgia Tech, Miami, Michigan State, Nebraska, Wake Forest, Pittsburgh.
Chance Morrow (WR, 6-6, 200)
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
School: West Charlotte High
High School: Played for Sam Greiner at West Charlotte High … Ranked by 247sports as the 22nd-best wide receiver in North Carolina … rated as the No. 855 player nationally by Rivals and the No. 132 wide receiver … tabbed as the No. 21 player in the state of North Carolina … checks in as the No. 96 wide receiver in the Class of 2022 and is the No. 23 player in the state of North Carolina … team finished at 7-4 … named to the Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase Watchlist … had five catches for 111 yards and three touchdowns as West Charlotte beat West Mecklenburg 62-13 …recorded four touchdown receptions in a loss to Chambers … lost in the second round of the state playoffs … named to the Channel 9 Big 22 Team … recorded 33 receptions for 755 yards and 12 touchdowns while posting a catch average of 22.9 in his junior season … named to the second team All-Charlotte Offense by the Charlotte Observer … standout on the hardwood … chose Louisville over Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Miami.
Devaughn Mortimer (WR, 5-9, 160
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
School: Dillard
High School: Played for Tyler Tate at Dillard High … listed as the No. 62 wide receiver and the No. 43 player in Florida in the ON3 rankings … four-star prospect by 247Sports … listed as the No. 331 player in the composite ratings … listed as the No. 50 wide receiver and the No. 41 player in Florida … considered the No. 604 player nationally, No. 76 wide receiver, and No. 82 player in Florida … speedster with a verified 100-meter of 10.8 less with playmaking ability in the punt return game ….finished 8th at FHSAA 3A state track meet as a junior in the 100-meter dash … Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald All-Broward 8A-6A first-team selections … caught 24 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns for a Dillard team that went 6-0 and won a Class 6A-1A tri-county gold-level championship after opting out of FHSAA state playoffs … was a threat from multiple positions as he recorded touchdowns via reception, punt return, and kickoff return … made biggest impact on special teams where he returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns … also runs track … recorded a 10.95 in the 100 meters in 2020 … state qualifier in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes as a junior … chose Louisville over Arizona State, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, Penn State, Syracuse, Texas A&M.
Izaiah Reed (OL, 6-6, 295)
Hometown: Jackson, Tenn.
School: North Side High School
High School: Played for Jesse Powell at North Side High … committed on June, 30, 2021 … three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports … ranked by 247sports as the 23rd-best offensive lineman in Tennessee … rated as the No. 63 offensive lineman … listed by ON3 as the No. 121 player in the nation … ranked as the No. 10 offensive tackle and the fifth-ranked player in the state of Tennessee … two-time team captain ... invited to the Elite Underclassmen Camp … 247Sports places Reed as the No. 61 offensive tackle nationally and the No. 21 overall target in Tennessee … recorded 65 pancake blocks as a senior ... debuted in the rankings with an 87 grade … helped open holes for RB Tyrik Pirtle, who had 193 yards rushing in a 28-14 win over Obion County … played on both sides of the football … recorded 42 tackles and 5.0 sacks on defense … played left offensive tackle … three-year starter … chose Louisville over Mississippi, Boston College, Colorado, Memphis, Army, Western Kentucky.
Momo Sanogo (LB, 6-2, 240)
Hometown: Plano, Texas
High School/Previous School: Plano West/Mississippi
Previous School: Played four seasons at Mississippi …appeared in 12 games in 2021, making 26 tackles … recorded 1.0 tackles for loss and an interception … appeared in all 10 games with six starts at linebacker in 2020 ... tallied 60 tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss ... registered three quarterback hurries and three pass breakups ... vs. #5 Florida (9/26/20): Played 44 snaps at will linebacker ... Tallied three total tackles vs. the Gators ... at Kentucky (10/3/20): Saw action at mike linebacker and ranked second on the team with seven tackles ... Recorded a key fourth quarter sack in the victory ... Was the highest-rated Rebel pass rusher ... vs. #2 Alabama (10/10/20): Started at will linebacker and led the team with nine tackles, including five solo tackles ... at Arkansas (10/17/20): Started at mike linebacker and recorded seven tackles, including one tackle for a loss and a pass breakup ... Also ran a fake punt for 47 yards ... vs. Auburn (10/24/20): Started at will linebacker and played 77-of-80 defensive snaps ... Broke up one pass and tallied five tackles ... at Vanderbilt (10/31/20): Recorded five total tackles and combined on a tackle for loss ... vs. South Carolina (11/14/20): Appeared on 49 snaps as a reserve will linebacker, totaling five tackles ... vs. Mississippi State (11/28/20): Registered seven tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and broke up a pass in the Egg Bowl victory ... at LSU (12/19/20): Started and played 79 snaps on defense, recording seven total tackles and a pass breakup ... vs. #7 Indiana (1/2/21): Tallied five tackles in 90 snaps at outside linebacker … appeared in two games, with one start, before suffering season-ending injury to his right ankle in second game of the season in 2019 ...tallied four tackles as a starter in 2019 debut versus Memphis … suffered injury in first quarter of 31-17 win against Arkansas ... named to the Butkus Award Watch List ... Preseason All-SEC third team selection by Lindy's and fourth team by Athlon and Phil Steele … started at linebacker in all 12 games in 2019 ... one of just three players to start every game on defense for the Rebels ... Third in the SEC with 9.3 tackles per game ... Fifth in the SEC in total tackles with 112 ... One of just two Rebels in the last 12 years to tally 100 or more tackles in a season ... Made his 2018 debut, the first start of his career, against Texas Tech (9/1/18) and recorded five tackles and one tackle for loss ... vs. Southern Illinois (9/8/18): Started at linebacker and recorded a team-high 11 tackles in the win ... vs. #1 Alabama (9/15/18): Started at middle linebacker and recorded four total tackles including three solo stops ... vs. Kent State (9/22/18): Made the start at middle linebacker and tallied seven total tackles and one forced fumble ... at #5 LSU (9/29/18): Started at middle linebacker and tallied 12 tackles and one forced fumble ... vs. ULM (10/6/18): Earned the start at middle linebacker and recorded a career-high five total tackles and one tackle for loss ... at Arkansas (10/13/18): Started at middle linebacker and tallied five total tackles ... vs. Auburn (10/20/18): Made the start at middle linebacker and recorded a career-high 16 total tackles ... The 16 tackles were the most by an Ole Miss defender since 2007 ... vs. South Carolina (11/3/18): Tallied 11 total tackles, including his first career sack and two quarterback hurries ... at Texas A&M (11/10/18): Tied career with 16 total tackles, including one tackle for loss ... Second time in the last three game he tallied 16 tackles ... That had only been done twice in the last 20 years prior to the 2018 season ... at Vanderbilt (11/17/18): Recorded double-digit tackles for the fourth straight game ... Finished with 12 total tackles, including two tackles for loss ... Also tallied a pass breakup ... vs. #18 Mississippi State (11/22/18): Started at middle linebacker, recording eight total tackles … played in 11 games in 2017 ... Recorded eight total tackles ... Named a National Football Foundation Ole Miss Chapter Scholar-Athlete ... Made his collegiate debut in vs. UT Martin (9/9/17) ... Also saw playing time at Cal (9/16/17) ... Recorded the first tackles of his career at Alabama (9/30/17), finishing with two stops on special teams ... Had a tackle vs. Vanderbilt (10/14/17) ... Continued to see playing time on special teams vs. LSU (10/21/17) ... Had one tackle against Arkansas (10/28/17) ... Made two stops on special teams in the win at Kentucky (11/4/17) ... Played on special teams vs. Louisiana (11/11/17) ... Saw action on special teams against Texas A&M (11/18/17) ... Had two assisted tackles on kickoffs in the Egg Bowl win at No. 14 Mississippi State (11/23/17) … selected to play in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl ... A 4-star recruit according to Rivals and Scout ... Rated by Scout as the No. 13 linebacker nationally and No. 2 in the state of Texas, as well as the No. 299 overall recruit in the country ... Rated by Rivals as the nation's No. 14 linebacker ... Ranked the No. 55 recruit in the state of Texas in the 247Sports composite rankings ... Played on USA Football's U-18 national team for the North American Championships ... Named Team USA MVP after a 26-0 win over Canada ... Named second team all-district as a senior ... Collected first team all-district honors with 110 tackles and two sacks during his junior season ... Coached by Scott Smith … Son of Hamed and Jennifer Sanogo ... Full name is Mohamed Ben Sanogo ... Born Feb. 18, 1999 ... Related to former Arsenal FC and current Toulouse FC Striker Yaya Sanogo ... 2019 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar third team honoree ... SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 ... Dean's Honor Roll in fall 2018 ... Athletic Director's Honor Roll in fall 2020 and spring 2021 ... Graduated with a bachelor's in managerial finance in May 2020 ... Pursuing his MBA.
Tawfiq Thomas (DT, 6-4, 325)
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
School: Gaither High
High School: Played for Kirk Karsen at Gaither High … … committed to Louisville on Nov. 13, 2021 … ranked as a three-star prospect by 247 Sports … rated as the No. 161 defensive lineman and No. 156 in the state of Florida … ranks as high as the No. 58 recruit in the talent-rich state of Florida according to Rivals, while the 247Sports Composite places him as the No. 1,094 prospect in the nation … named team captain as a senior … recorded 200 career tackles … two-time all-conference and all-state performer … invited to the Recruit My Lineman National Showcase … named first team all-state and all-conference the last two seasons … selected as the Most Valuable Defensive Lineman at the Miami Rivals Camp … helped Gaither go 11-1 and make a deep run in the 6A state playoffs in 2020 … logged 58 tackles (37 solo), 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and six quarterback hurries as a senior ... finished with a 6-4 record during the regular season … recorded a season high seven tackles in a pair of games … had six tackles, including one sack, and a quarterback hurry in a 17-14 loss to Mitchell … also had two catches for 16 yards and one TD in the game … was a force on the line who clogged up the middle as a junior … tallied 53 total tackles (38 solo), three sacks and five quarterback hurries, and surprisingly, two interceptions … helped lead the Cowboys to an 11-1 record, and an appearance in the Florida Class 6A quarterfinals … standout on the basketball team … scored a season high 30 points in a game … chose Louisville over Iowa State, Michigan, Kansas and Arkansas.
Maurice Turner (RB, 5-10, 180)
Hometown: Nicholls, Ga.
School: Coffee High
High School: Played for Robby Pruitt at Coffee High … three-star prospect by Rivals … rated as the No. 158 wide receiver and the No. 107 player in the state … listed as the 1,104 player in the ON3 composite rankings and the No. 159 wide receiver and the No. 108 player in the state … ranked as the No. 97 wideout and the No. 58 player in Georgia by On3 … named Offensive Player of the Game in a 10-7 win over Camden County after rushing 15 times for 85 yards … ran for 689 yards and 12 touchdowns on 97 carries and caught 42 passes for 712 yards and six touchdowns in his junior season … recorded five catches for 60 yards and two TDs in a 46-0 win over Salem … had the fastest shuttle run - 4.2 seconds - and the longest broad jump - 135 inches.at the East Carolina Camp … was named Region 1-5A Athlete of the Year … helped lead Coffee High to a 10-3 record and a berth in the 5A semifinals … chose Tennessee, Cincinnati, Western Kentucky, Tulane, East Carolina, Coastal Carolina.
Dee Wiggins (WR, 6-3, 185)
Hometown: Miami, Fl.
School/Previous College: Miami Southridge/Miami
Played two seasons at Miami … started all 11 games and ranked among team's offensive leaders…ranked fourth on team in both receptions (31) and receiving yards (358)…finished with three touchdown receptions…started season opener against UAB (Sept. 10) and finished with three catches for 25 yards…started and finished with two catches totaling 15 yards, including long catch of 11 yards, in road win at top-20 Louisville (Sept. 19)…recorded first touchdown of season on 40-yard score in win over rival Florida State (Sept. 26)…started and finished with three catches for 54 yards against Seminoles…started and had one 24-yard reception at top-ranked Clemson (Oct. 10)…Made start in win over Pittsburgh (Oct. 17)…started and finished with three catches totaling 36 yards, including long reception of 26 yards, in win over Virginia (Oct. 24)…caught career-high seven passes and totaled 77 yards, including one touchdown, and started in come-from-behind win at NC State (Nov. 6)…posted first 100-yard receiving game of career in start at Virginia Tech (Nov. 14), finishing with 106 receiving yards on career-high eight receptions…started and had three catches for 14 yards, including one touchdown reception, in road win at Duke (Dec. 5)…started regular season finale against North Carolina (Dec. 12)…finished with one catch in start in 2020 Cheez-It Bowl against Oklahoma State (Dec. 29) … saw action in 12 games and made five starts in 2019…totaled 20 catches for 335 yards…ranked second on team with four receiving touchdowns…On receiving end of two longest pass plays of season – 67-yard TD vs. Louisville and 56-yard TD vs. Florida State…Made season debut at North Carolina (Sept. 7), hauling in 3-yard reception…had 14-yard reception and 33-yard rush in home opener against Bethune-Cookman (Sept. 14)… had one rush in win over Central Michigan (Sept. 21)…had four catches totaling 64 yards against Virginia Tech (Oct. 5)… made first start of season and caught two passes totaling 62 yards, including 50-yard reception, against Georgia Tech (Oct. 19)…started in win at Pittsburgh (Oct. 26) and had 12-yard reception…had impressive outing in win at Florida State (Nov. 2), finishing with four receptions and totaling 74 receiving yards… scored first touchdown of career on 56-yard reception in win over Seminoles… delivered among best performances of career in win over Louisville (Nov. 9), recording 85 yards on three receptions with two touchdowns …scored on career-long 67-yard reception and added 10-yard touchdown against Cardinals…started and finished with three catches, including 3-yard touchdown reception, against FIU (Nov. 23)…Started regular season finale at Duke (Nov. 30) … saw action in all 13 games and made three starts as a freshman in 2018 … caught seven passes for 73 yards with long reception of 24 yards…saw action in season opener against LSU (Sept. 2)…saw time in win over Savannah State (Sept. 8)…played in wins at Toledo (Sept. 15) and vs. FIU (Sept 22)…saw action in win over North Carolina (Sept. 27)…caught first pass of career in win over Florida State (Oct. 6)… drew three pass interference penalties against Seminoles to help ignite second-half comeback…made first start of career at Virginia (Oct. 13) and finished with two catches totaling 16 yards…started at Boston College (Oct. 26)…Had one 8-yard reception vs. Duke (Nov. 3)…started and finished with 31 receiving yards on two catches at Georgia Tech (Nov. 10)…caught one pass in win at Virginia Tech (Nov. 17)…saw action in regular season finale vs. Pittsburgh (Nov. 24)…Saw action in New Era Pinstripe Bowl vs. Wisconsin (Dec. 27) … rated as four-star prospect by ESPN.com…earned three-star rating from 247Sports.com and Rivals.com…ranked No. 71 wide receiver in country and No. 72 player in Florida by ESPN.com…rated as 76th-best wide receiver and 78th-best prospect in state of Florida by 247Sports.com…listed as No. 65 player at his position by Rivals.com…named 2017 Miami Herald All-Dade honorable mention…was high school teammates with fellow 2018 recruits Mark Pope and Delone Scaife…played two seasons at Miami-Killian High School with Hurricane defensive backs Jaquan Johnson and Sheldrick Redwine…scored four touchdowns and nearly 300 yards receiving over the final two seasons of prep career…named to 2016 Miami Herald All-Dade Honorable Mention…chose Miami over offers from Georgia, Alabama and Florida, among others.
Popeye Williams (DE, 6-3, 230)
Hometown: Westfield, Ind.
School: Westfield High
High School: Played for Jake Gilbert at Westfield High … ranked by 247 sports as the 15th-best edge rusher in Indiana … ranked by industry-generated 247Sports Composite as the No. 339 overall prospect nationally and the No. 20 edge rusher … rated as the No. 416 player in the nation by Rivals and the No. 32 ranked defensive end … tabbed as the 10 player in the state of Indiana … won two-straight state titles … member of the 2021 Indiana Football Coaches Association All-State Top 50 team … an ESPN300 prospect, coming in as the No. 267 in the nation according to their recruiting rankings … named to the Indiana Preps All-State Top 22 … selected to the 2021 Max Preps Indiana All-State team … recorded 10 tackles in a 42-15 win over Noblesville and was credited with10 tackles, including four solo stops and one sack, as Westfield beat Hamilton Southeastern 34-21 … had 11 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for a loss and one sack, but Westfield lost 27-21 to Center Grove in the 6-A state championship game … the Shamrocks finished the season with a 12-2 record … credited with 90 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks during his senior season … voted to the SI All-American Watch List as one of the top 20 edge rushers … totaled played defensive end as a junior in 2020 for a Westfield team that went 12-2 and lost in the Indiana 6A state championship game … scheduled to play in the Under Armour All-American game … recorded 44 tackles, ten tackles for loss, and five sacks in 2020 … credited with a pair of sacks in the state semifinal win … played at defensive end for varsity as a sophomore in 2019; helped lead Westfield to a 6-5 record and an Indiana 6A first-round playoff appearance … chose Louisville over Arkansas, Boston College, Cincinnati, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan State. Minnesota, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, Indiana.
The Card Tape: Boca Raton Bowl
Friday, December 26
FB: Bush's Boca Raton Bowl Postgame Press Conference
Wednesday, December 24
FB: Highlights vs. Kentucky
Sunday, November 30
The Card Tape: Virginia Tech
Monday, November 03
