RELEASE DATE: 4/5/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mounties to Open Spring Football Practice on Thursday – 27 More Recruits Commit for 2006

MANSFIELD – The Mansfield University football team will open spring practice this Thursday and conclude spring ball with the Annual Red & Black Spring Game set for Saturday April, 29.

Fifty-one players appear on the spring roster for the Mountaineers with another 27 players committed for the fall season.

“I think to a man, were ready to get going,” said head coach Jim Shiffer on entering his third season at the helm of the Mountaineer program. “It’s been a productive off-season. Were pleased with our recruiting class and expect to sign more players in the near future. It also been the best winter conditioning we’ve had since I’ve been here and were very pleased with that.”

The Mountaineers were 1-10 last season but return a number of outstanding players including three-time All-PSAC selections Poohbear McNeal, Jamar Foulks and Andre Turner.

The team will practice on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the next three weeks before ending spring ball with the Red & Black game.

Committed Players Class of 2006
As of 3/23/06

Xavier Thomas – WR - Johnstown

Justin Athens – QB - West Seneca West

Mike Taylor – OLB – Pottsgrove

Greg Hopkins – DB – Alfred St.

Tramaine Young – WR/DB – Cheektowaga

Jesse Hinkley – DL – Scranton

Rickey Jones – DB – Erie CC

Josh Miller – LB – Johnstown

Brian Burke – QB – Downingtown

Tucker Berry – RB – Lower Dauphin

Adelaja Crossdale – DL – Wilson Magnet

Donald Ferrell – RB – Woodrow Wilson

Jacob Krantz – QB – Williamsville South NY

Andre Morrison- DB- Johnstown

Kevon Calhoun – RB- Richard Montgomery

Gary Tillman – LB – Richard Montgomery

Joseph Hudson – DE – Woodrow Wilson

Eric Spotts – DL – Southern Columbia

Terrill Barnes – WR – Gettysburg 

Mike Faust – WR – Danville

Justin Watson – Woodrow Wilson

Steven Afero – DL – Woodrow Wilson

Branigan Donahue – WR – Newfield NY

Corey Roland – DB – Hollidaysburg

Terry Mimms – OL – McKinley NY

Jiles Ross – QB – Watertown NY

Ryan Hastings – LB - Williamsport