The 2015 college football off-season will officially begin next Wednesday with National Signing Day. High school recruits around the country will sign Letters of Intent that bind them to the school of their choosing.
Middle Tennessee will bring a respectable class made up of 23 prospects that will add depth to a team on the rise. The team has already brought five of their 23 newcomers on campus as early enrollees.
Nick Beasley, Sophomore – Safety
Copiah-Lincoln C.C., Wesson, Mississippi
Height: 6’2, Weight: 205 lbs.
Rivals – ★★
247 Sports – ★★
ESPN – NR
Nick Beasley is a lengthy safety that brings great speed and sure tackling to the Blue Raider secondary. While Kevin Byard and Xavier Walker are holding down the starting safety roles, Beasley should be able to work himself into the rotation, as he makes few mistakes.
Beasley racked up 44 tackles, a sack and an interception last season for Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
Held offers from: Georgia St., Memphis, North Texas, Southern Miss, Western Kentucky
Khalil Brooks, Freshman – Cornerback
Mays High School, Atlanta, Georgia
Height: 5’10, Weight: 180 lbs.
Rivals – ★★
247 Sports – ★★
ESPN – NR
Brooks is the definition of a cover corner. He’s more likely to go for the sure tackle over the interception. Brooks doesn’t have elite speed, but has great pursuit. He will be given every chance to play with the graduations of Khari Burke and Chris Sharpe.
While leading his high school to a 12-3 record, Brooks amassed 78 tackles and three interceptions.
Held offers from: Georgia St., Kent St., UMass, Western Kentucky
Rod Ducksworth, Sophomore – Wide Receiver
Jones County J.C., Ellisville, Mississippi
Height: 6’1, Weight: 185 lbs.
Rivals – ★★
247 Sports – ★★
ESPN – NR
A speedy receiver, Rod Ducksworth brings raw talent to the Blue Raiders receiving corps. He’s great in the slot and could remind Blue Raider fans of a young Ed’Marques Batties. He may not have an immediate impact, but given a year to polish his skills, Ducksworth will certainly prove his worth.
Ducksworth caught 20 passes for 346 yards and a touchdown in 2014.
Held offers from: Alcorn St., Florida A&M, UT Martin, Texas Southern
Myles Harges, Junior – Linebacker
Itawamba C.C., Fulton, Mississippi
Height: 6’2, Weight: 220 lbs.
Rivals – ★★
247 Sports – ★★
ESPN – NR
A great pass rusher with the ability to shed blocks with ease, Harges is a excellent rush linebacker that has a nose for getting into the backfield and terrorizing the quarterback. The junior college transfer will make for a good situational pass rusher.
Harges had 57 tackles, seven sacks and a forced fumble last season.
Held offers from: Arkansas St., California, Memphis, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas St.
I’Tavius Mathers, Senior – Running Back
Ole Miss via Blackman High School, Murfreesboro
Height: 5’11, Weight: 190 lbs.
Rivals – ★★★★
247 Sports – ★★★★
ESPN – ★★★★
Due to NCAA transfer rules, Ole Miss transfer I’Tavius Mathers will not be eligible to play for Middle Tennessee till the 2016 season. However, when he is deemed eligbile immediate game changer for the Blue Raiders in 2016.
Ranked as a consensus 4-star prospect in 2012, the former Blackman star combines decent size with breakaway speed. He will be a great change of pace back with Shane Tucker handling short yardage duties.
In three seasons with the Rebels, Mathers carried the ball 189 times for 1061 yards and seven touchdowns.
In 2012, held offers from: Alabama, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt
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To contact sports editor Connor Grott, email [email protected] or reach him on Twitter at @Connor_Grott.
