Norfolk State (Photo: Lance Hinton/recruit757)
Norfolk State has nailed down three early signings including two in-state
by Andy Hilton, recruit757
This early signing period is non-traditional with video feeds and socially distanced celebrations, but why shouldn’t it be different? It’s 2020 after all.
In a Wednesday morning press release, Norfolk State Athletics announced the early signing of three athletes to the football program.
Ocean Lakes lineman Shawn Fahey (2021 OL 6-3 280), Chancellor lineman Andrew Nickens (2021 OL 6-4 300) and Jireh Prep lineman Dyral McMillen (2021 OL 6-2 275) give the Spartans some new beef on the offensive line.
The trifecta of trench warriors gave Norfolk State head coach Latrell Scott cause to celebrate.
“All three of these student-athletes will add depth, length and athleticism to our line,” Scott said. “We think all will fit into our scheme seamlessly and make a big impact on and off the field during their careers.”
In the press release, Coach Scott took the time to outline a little of what he likes about each athlete now that they’re in the stable at NSU.
“Shawn is a super-talented tackle who impressed us the more we watch him on film,” Scott said. “He will learn under (two-time All-MEAC tackle) K.J. Kirby and will hopefully follow in his shoes and be a tremendous player for us.”
Where Fahey comes from a powerhouse program in Ocean Lakes, Nickens labored somewhat quietly at Chancellor. The Chargers finished the 2019 season 5-5 with Nickens earning second-team All-District honors at offensive line. He’s also an athlete on the Chancellor track and field team.
“Andrew has an outstanding work ethic that will help him get on the field sooner rather than later,” Scott said. “He will fit right in with the culture of our offensive line.”
McMillen went the prep school route after attending high school at West Charlotte High School in North Carolina.
“Dyral is an athletic, skilled lineman,” Scott said. “We think he can help pretty early on at center, and he also has the athleticism to play the guard positions if needed.”
Norfolk State announced that additional signings could happen over the winter. A smaller recruiting class is expected since the NCAA ruled that the 2020-21 academic year will not count against the eligibility of current football players. Many of the athletes currently on the roster could return for the fall 2021 season, and that would leave fewer scholarship opportunities for incoming athletes.
– Andy Hilton
