Morehead moves on with in-state help

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July 13, 2012

Morehead moves on with in-state help

Rowan’s Prater, Central’s Davis members of Eagles’ recruiting class

Rocky Stanley The Independent The Daily Independent Fri Jul 13, 2012, 01:16 AM EDT

MOREHEAD — All-area football players Dan Prater of Rowan County and Trent Davis of Johnson Central are among 14 Kentuckians in Morehead State’s 2012 recruiting class.

The group includes five players on offense, seven on defense and two on special teams.

Head coach Matt Ballard, entering his 19th season at MSU, said he is especially excited about the in-state commitments.

“Our goal is always to recruit the best student-athletes available, regardless of location, but it’s a bonus when you can attract high-quality individuals from your home state,” Ballard said.

Prater, 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, chose to remain in his hometown after posting 130 pancake blocks each of the past two seasons to earn All-Area honors.

Rowan County topped 40 points six times last year and finished 8-3. Prater, a team captain, was an honorable mention All-State selection by the Courier Journal.

Davis excelled as a kicker and punter throughout his four-year high school career at Johnson Central. As a senior, he converted five field goals and 57 extra points as the Golden Eagles won nine games and averaged 41.7 points.

Davis connected on a 47-yard field goal and his longest punt was 57 yards. The two-time honorable All-State pick also left his mark in soccer, leading the state in scoring last season.

MSU, looking to improve on last year’s 3-8 finish, adds the brother combination of Hunter and Matt Brewer from powerhouse Louisville Trinity.

The two Brewers, both linebackers, combined for more than 100 tackles and combined for five takeaways — three interceptions and two fumble recoveries for the Class 6A state champions. Hunter also registered nine sacks.

As a team, the Shamrocks steamrolled opponents all season, capped by a 62-21 blitz of Scott County for the state title.

Other in-state newcomers for the Eagles include: Kameron Able (LB, Desales); Adaris Barnett (DB, Warren East); Chase Fisher (OL, North Hopkins); Markell Hayes (DB, Garrard County); Jake Hymore (OL, Boone County); Logan johnson (QB, Letcher County Central); Rob Lewis (DL, Southwestern); Caleb Noe (P, Central Arkansas transfer from Mt. Washington); C.J. Phillips (OL, St. Xavier); and Keith Thielemann (DL, Boyle County).

“These young men have certainly accomplished a lot in their high school careers,” Ballard said. “This is a new chapter for all of them and it should be an exciting one. We are happy they chose Morehead State for their college educations and a quality football experience. We look forward to watching these young men grow on and off the field.”

Overall, Morehead State will welcome 44 new players this fall. The list of out-of-state recruits will be released shortly.

MSU opens the new season Aug. 30 at home against Southern Virginia.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.

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