Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Cary Edmondson
National Signing Day delivers 14 to class of 2021
12/16/2020 1:00:00 PM | Football
*Signing Day Media Handout (PDF)*
FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State football team received 14 National Letters of Intent on Wednesday morning, ushering in a new crop of players for the 2021 season. Prospective student-athletes have an early period to sign, Dec. 16-18, while the second signing period resumes Feb. 3.
OFFENSE
QB Jaylen Henderson | 6-3 | 190 | Encino, Calif. (Chaminade)
RB Johnathan Arceneaux | 5-9 | 175 | Los Angles, Calif. (Lawndale)
RB Jordan Hornbeak | 6-1 | 185 | Fresno, Calif. (San Joaquin Memorial)
TE Tre Watson | 6-5 | 215 | Rio Rancho, NM (Cleveland-NM)
OL Braylen Nelson | 6-5 | 300 | Denver, Colo. (Vista Peak- CO)
DEFENSE
DE Frankco Gratton Jr. | 6-4 | 215 | Seattle, Wash. (Rainer Beach-WA)
DT Tito Chikere | 6-4 | 245 | Sugarland, Texas (Fort Bend Kempner-TX)
DT Julius Lewis | 6-4 | 280 | Modesto, Calif. (Central Catholic)
LB Charlotin Charles | 6-0 | 190 | Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman-NV)
H Malik Brooks | 6-2 | 195 | Las Vegas, Nev. (Desert Pines-NV)
H Emari Pait | 6-2 | 185 | Los Angeles, Calif. (Culver City)
CB Alzillion Hamilton | 6-0 | 160 | Castro Valley, Calif. (Hayward)
CB Jalen Williams | 5-11 | 190 | Lancaster, Calif. (Paraclete)
S Julian Neal | 6-4 | 200 | San Francisco, Calif. (Mission)
What head coach Kalen DeBoer said about ... :
RB Johnathan Arceneaux: "Johnathan is a great kid who really loves football. He is coachable and looking forward to the structure that being a college student-athlete provides. Johnathan is a very versatile running back who can also be a significant contributor as a kick or punt returner. He has the ability to really put his foot in the ground and go. We are looking forward to his growth under Coach McKeefery and our strength program. Johnathan is a confident player who will compete the day he steps on campus."
H Malik Brooks: "Malik is a versatile player whose skills fit what we are looking for in our Husky position, which is a key piece to the success of our defense. He was the first commitment in the 2021 class. Malik has good size and is very athletic. He also played running back in high school and is truly an all-around great football player!"
LB Charlotin Charles: "Charlotin is a hybrid linebacker who moves well and can play in space. He is an aggressive player who is explosive and physical. His best football is ahead of him. Charlotin's skill set is unique which allows us to use his versatility in many different ways. He comes from a great program and absolutely loves football!"
DT Tito Chikere: "Tito is already a 245 pound defensive end with a lot of athleticism. Even with that size and physical maturity, he still has plenty of room to grow. Tito's frame and ability made him a priority for us in the recruiting process. He has a huge upside and I'm confident that he will be extremely successful because of his work ethic and desire to be great. Tito is a high character kid who is very focused on making an impact both on the field and in the community."
DE Frankco Gratton Jr.: "Frankco is a dual-sport athlete who also played basketball at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. His length and athleticism were just a couple of the things we really liked about Frankco. He has the frame to add some good weight and he plays really hard. His great effort jumps off the film and supports his love for playing football!"
CB Alzillion Hamilton: "Alzillion is a dual sport athlete who also excels on the baseball field. He is very natural and smooth and we are excited about his ability to play early at the corner position. He is very natural and makes everything look really easy. Alzillion tracks the football really well in the air and has great ball skills. He is a humble kid, but very competitive."
QB Jaylen Henderson: "Jaylen encompasses everything we are looking for in a Bulldog quarterback. He is a dual threat playmaker who can make all the throws from in the pocket or on the run. Jaylen is also a proven winner who has all the character traits that are consistent with being a great leader. He is the cousin of Bulldog football alum, Chris Carter, and is excited to carry on the tradition of Fresno State Football and all the great quarterbacks who have come through the program. The sky is the limit for Jaylen and his dynamic presence and ability will be a great fit for our team and offensive system."
RB Jordan Hornbeak: "Jordan is a local product who is both mentally and physically mature. He is a tough runner with good speed and we couldn't be more excited to keep him here in the "Valley"! Jordan's on-field ability along with his dynamic personality and leadership skills will make our program better the day he steps on campus. Jordan is humble and hungry for success and it's been impressive seeing how focused and motivated he is on reaching both his short and long term goals."
DT Julius Lewis: "We are so excited to have kept Julius here in the Valley and feel he will be a force up front for many years. He already has the unique combination of size and explosiveness. He is one of the most motivated guys I have met and is fired up to be on campus and get to work. Julius has all the makings of being something special in our program."
S Julian Neal: "Julian is a big kid who is extremely athletic. On the basketball court, he can be seen running the floor, catching lobs and dunking the basketball. He played wide receiver, defensive end and safety. He could grow into a variety of positions. He has a great frame and could put on a lot of weight in our strength program. His length is noticeable and his change of direction impressed our staff."
OL Braylen Nelson: "Braylen is an offensive tackle and exactly what we are looking for when it comes to his size and athleticism. He has a ton of potential both in pass protection and as a run blocker. Being a great player and person is important to Braylen and as he develops in our strength program, we are expecting him to be a big-time offensive lineman for us!"
H Emari Pait: "Emari is an all-around great athlete. He could really play a lot of different positions. We have him slotted as the Husky position because it's such an important position but he can do it all. His competitiveness and ability are evident the minute you turn on the film. We are so excited to have Emari in our program and confident that he will make a major impact on our defense!"
TE Tre Watson: "Tre is another dual sport athlete who is also a really good basketball player. He will give us a lot of versatility in our offense and do a lot of things for us. At 6-5, Tre has a great frame to grow into. He is a hybrid tight end that can stretch the field and has great ball skills. Tre is another high character guy who is a great leader both on and off the field."
CB Jalen Williams: "Jalen Williams' is a huge addition to our program. His commitment happened late in the recruiting process and we feel he has the ability to come in early and make an impact at the corner position. Jalen's film is very impressive and our staff was immediately convinced that we should offer him. He is a playmaker who is developed physically and also technically."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State football team received 14 National Letters of Intent on Wednesday morning, ushering in a new crop of players for the 2021 season. Prospective student-athletes have an early period to sign, Dec. 16-18, while the second signing period resumes Feb. 3.
Notes
• Fresno State received 14 National Letters of Intent on Wednesday as the 2021 early signing period kicked off.
• The Bulldogs signed eight recruits who call California home, including two products from the San Joaquin Valley.
• The Bulldogs signed six recruits from outside the state. Two from Nevada, and one each from Washington, Colorado, New Mexico & Texas.
• All 14 signed were high school products. There were no Juco players during the early period.
• The early class consisted of nine from the defensive side of the ball, and five that will play offense.
OFFENSE
QB Jaylen Henderson | 6-3 | 190 | Encino, Calif. (Chaminade)
RB Johnathan Arceneaux | 5-9 | 175 | Los Angles, Calif. (Lawndale)
RB Jordan Hornbeak | 6-1 | 185 | Fresno, Calif. (San Joaquin Memorial)
TE Tre Watson | 6-5 | 215 | Rio Rancho, NM (Cleveland-NM)
OL Braylen Nelson | 6-5 | 300 | Denver, Colo. (Vista Peak- CO)
DEFENSE
DE Frankco Gratton Jr. | 6-4 | 215 | Seattle, Wash. (Rainer Beach-WA)
DT Tito Chikere | 6-4 | 245 | Sugarland, Texas (Fort Bend Kempner-TX)
DT Julius Lewis | 6-4 | 280 | Modesto, Calif. (Central Catholic)
LB Charlotin Charles | 6-0 | 190 | Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman-NV)
H Malik Brooks | 6-2 | 195 | Las Vegas, Nev. (Desert Pines-NV)
H Emari Pait | 6-2 | 185 | Los Angeles, Calif. (Culver City)
CB Alzillion Hamilton | 6-0 | 160 | Castro Valley, Calif. (Hayward)
CB Jalen Williams | 5-11 | 190 | Lancaster, Calif. (Paraclete)
S Julian Neal | 6-4 | 200 | San Francisco, Calif. (Mission)
What head coach Kalen DeBoer said about ... :
RB Johnathan Arceneaux: "Johnathan is a great kid who really loves football. He is coachable and looking forward to the structure that being a college student-athlete provides. Johnathan is a very versatile running back who can also be a significant contributor as a kick or punt returner. He has the ability to really put his foot in the ground and go. We are looking forward to his growth under Coach McKeefery and our strength program. Johnathan is a confident player who will compete the day he steps on campus."
H Malik Brooks: "Malik is a versatile player whose skills fit what we are looking for in our Husky position, which is a key piece to the success of our defense. He was the first commitment in the 2021 class. Malik has good size and is very athletic. He also played running back in high school and is truly an all-around great football player!"
LB Charlotin Charles: "Charlotin is a hybrid linebacker who moves well and can play in space. He is an aggressive player who is explosive and physical. His best football is ahead of him. Charlotin's skill set is unique which allows us to use his versatility in many different ways. He comes from a great program and absolutely loves football!"
DT Tito Chikere: "Tito is already a 245 pound defensive end with a lot of athleticism. Even with that size and physical maturity, he still has plenty of room to grow. Tito's frame and ability made him a priority for us in the recruiting process. He has a huge upside and I'm confident that he will be extremely successful because of his work ethic and desire to be great. Tito is a high character kid who is very focused on making an impact both on the field and in the community."
DE Frankco Gratton Jr.: "Frankco is a dual-sport athlete who also played basketball at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. His length and athleticism were just a couple of the things we really liked about Frankco. He has the frame to add some good weight and he plays really hard. His great effort jumps off the film and supports his love for playing football!"
CB Alzillion Hamilton: "Alzillion is a dual sport athlete who also excels on the baseball field. He is very natural and smooth and we are excited about his ability to play early at the corner position. He is very natural and makes everything look really easy. Alzillion tracks the football really well in the air and has great ball skills. He is a humble kid, but very competitive."
QB Jaylen Henderson: "Jaylen encompasses everything we are looking for in a Bulldog quarterback. He is a dual threat playmaker who can make all the throws from in the pocket or on the run. Jaylen is also a proven winner who has all the character traits that are consistent with being a great leader. He is the cousin of Bulldog football alum, Chris Carter, and is excited to carry on the tradition of Fresno State Football and all the great quarterbacks who have come through the program. The sky is the limit for Jaylen and his dynamic presence and ability will be a great fit for our team and offensive system."
RB Jordan Hornbeak: "Jordan is a local product who is both mentally and physically mature. He is a tough runner with good speed and we couldn't be more excited to keep him here in the "Valley"! Jordan's on-field ability along with his dynamic personality and leadership skills will make our program better the day he steps on campus. Jordan is humble and hungry for success and it's been impressive seeing how focused and motivated he is on reaching both his short and long term goals."
DT Julius Lewis: "We are so excited to have kept Julius here in the Valley and feel he will be a force up front for many years. He already has the unique combination of size and explosiveness. He is one of the most motivated guys I have met and is fired up to be on campus and get to work. Julius has all the makings of being something special in our program."
S Julian Neal: "Julian is a big kid who is extremely athletic. On the basketball court, he can be seen running the floor, catching lobs and dunking the basketball. He played wide receiver, defensive end and safety. He could grow into a variety of positions. He has a great frame and could put on a lot of weight in our strength program. His length is noticeable and his change of direction impressed our staff."
OL Braylen Nelson: "Braylen is an offensive tackle and exactly what we are looking for when it comes to his size and athleticism. He has a ton of potential both in pass protection and as a run blocker. Being a great player and person is important to Braylen and as he develops in our strength program, we are expecting him to be a big-time offensive lineman for us!"
H Emari Pait: "Emari is an all-around great athlete. He could really play a lot of different positions. We have him slotted as the Husky position because it's such an important position but he can do it all. His competitiveness and ability are evident the minute you turn on the film. We are so excited to have Emari in our program and confident that he will make a major impact on our defense!"
TE Tre Watson: "Tre is another dual sport athlete who is also a really good basketball player. He will give us a lot of versatility in our offense and do a lot of things for us. At 6-5, Tre has a great frame to grow into. He is a hybrid tight end that can stretch the field and has great ball skills. Tre is another high character guy who is a great leader both on and off the field."
CB Jalen Williams: "Jalen Williams' is a huge addition to our program. His commitment happened late in the recruiting process and we feel he has the ability to come in early and make an impact at the corner position. Jalen's film is very impressive and our staff was immediately convinced that we should offer him. He is a playmaker who is developed physically and also technically."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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