Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: Bruce Waterfield
Cowboy Football Welcomes Six Early Enrollees
January 18, 2017 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State football program welcomed six additions to the team this week, as three freshmen, two junior college transfers and an FBS transfer began their first week of classes on campus in Stillwater.
Quarterback Jelani Woods, athlete Lamarcus Morton and linebacker Brendan Vaughn all arrived after graduating their respective high schools a semester early, while linebacker Patrick Macon and offensive lineman Arlington Hambright transferred in after completing their junior college careers and Tyler Moore transferred in from Minnesota.
All three transfers will have two years of eligibility remaining, but Moore will have to sit out next season due to NCAA transfer rules.
The early enrollees represent four states, as Woods is from Ellenwood, Georgia, Hambright grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Macon is from Memphis, Tennessee and Morton, Vaughn and Moore hail from Texas. All of them come with considerable accolades, as each of them earned at least a three-star rating by multiple major recruiting services.
Additionally, Woods led Cedar Grove high school to its first state championship last season, while Macon and Hambright faced each other in the 2016 NJCAA National Championship game with Macon later named the National Junior College Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year.
All six athletes will join the Cowboys for practice this spring and, with the exception of Moore, be eligible for the 2017 season. Full biographical information for all six early enrollees is listed below:
Arlington Hambright | OL | Ypsilanti, MI (Belleville/Garden City CC) | 6-5 | 305 lbs
A physical player who started at left tackle for a national championship team in junior college … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Rivals named him the No. 34 JUCO prospect in the class and Scout listed him at No. 59.
Junior College: Played for coach Jeff Sims at Garden City CC … Part of a team that finished unbeaten and won the NJCAA National Championship as a sophomore in 2016 … Helped pave the way for a Garden City rushing attack that averaged 194.8 yards per game … Also saw some time on the defensive line during his time at Garden City … Chose Oklahoma State over offers from Houston, N.C. State, Memphis, Toledo, South Alabama, Colorado State, Florida Atlantic and others.
High School: Attended Belleville High School in Belleville, Michigan, where he was coached by Matt Davenport … Weighed 254 pounds and played defensive end during his high school days … Also played basketball.
Personal: Arlington Hambright was born Jan. 30, 1996, in Ypsilanti, Michigan … Son of Stacey Ford.
Lamarcus Morton | WR/CB | Gilmer, TX (Gilmer) | 6-1 | 185 lbs
A two-way player who excelled as a receiver and defensive back in high school … Rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN and a three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … ESPN lists him as the No. 63 wide receiver prospect in the nation, while Scout ranks him as the No. 69 cornerback … ESPN also lists him as the No. 59 overall prospect in Texas.
High School: Played wide receiver and cornerback for coach Matt Turner at Gilmer, finishing his high school career with 2,108 receiving yards, 23 receiving touchdowns, 72 tackles, 12 pass break ups and two interceptions … As a senior he finished with 1,368 yards and 15 touchdowns on 67 receptions and was the leading receiver on a team that finished 13-2 and reached the state semifinals … Also had 32 tackles and five pass break ups on defense … Named to the Texas APSE Class 4A all-state second team as a senior … Junior season numbers included 589 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 34 catches while making 18 tackles, six pass break ups and two interceptions on defense … Caught eight passes for 151 yards and a touchdown and made 22 tackles and one pass break up as a sophomore … The Buckeyes had a record of 43-3 during his time on the varsity team, with a state championship his sophomore year and state semifinal appearances his junior and senior years … Chose Oklahoma State over reported offers from Texas Tech, Indiana, Houston, Memphis, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, Colorado State, UTSA and others.
Patrick Macon | LB | Memphis, TN (Millington Central/Arizona Western) | 6-3 | 240 lbs
The National Junior College Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year … Rated as a four-star prospect by Scout and as a three-star by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports … Rivals ranks him as the No. 23 JUCO prospect in the country and 247Sports lists him as the No. 4 JUCO inside linebacker in the class.
Junior College: Attended Arizona Western College, where he was coached by Tom Minnick … Named the National Junior College Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2016 … Also earned Western States Football League co-defensive player of the year and first-team all-conference honors after leading the Matadors to an 11-1 record in 2016 and an appearance in the national championship game … Was the leading tackler for a defensive unit that ranked among the top five teams nationally in both rushing defense and passing defense and surrendered an average of only 8.0 points per game during the regular season … Bagged 122 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and nine forced fumbles as a sophomore … His 122 tackles ranked fourth in the nation and his 27.5 tackles for loss and nine fumbles forced both led the nation … Also credited with two fumble recoveries, an interception and seven pass break-ups his sophomore year … Recorded 82 tackles and four sacks as a freshman in 2015 … Chose Oklahoma State over reported offers from Arizona, San Diego State and Utah State.
High School: Attended Millington Central HS in Millington, Tennessee, where he was coached by Chris Michael … Earned all-state honors from the Tennessee Sports Writers Association and was all-district and a Liberty Bowl High School All-Star his senior year.
Personal: Patrick Macon, Jr. was born Nov. 8, 1996, in Memphis, Tennessee … He is the son of Tanya and Patrick Macon.
Tyler Moore | OL | Galena Park, TX (North Shore/Minnesota) | 6-4 | 305 lbs
Comes to the Cowboys after starting 20 games at center in his first two seasons at Minnesota … Became the first true freshman to start at center for Coach Jerry Kill in 2015 … Will sit out the 2017 season due to NCAA transfer rules but will then have two seasons of eligibility.
2016 (Sophomore at Minnesota): Started all 12 regular season games at center… Protected for an offense that rushed for 150 yards and four touchdowns and passed for 130 yards against Oregon State … Paved the way for Minnesota to gain 593 yards of offense (292 rushing and 301 passing) against Indiana State, which is the most the Gophers have gained since they racked up 704 yards against Toledo in 2004 … Started against Rutgers and helped pave the way for Minnesota to rush for 243 yards and three touchdowns … Blocked for an offense that rushed for five touchdowns at Illinois and one that rushed for 235 yards and five touchdowns against Purdue.
2015 (Freshman at Minnesota): Started the final eight games of the season at center … In his first start, the Gophers rushed for 326 yards (most in a Big Ten game since 2005) and in his next four starts, Minnesota tied a school record as it passed for at least 250 yards in each game … Made his season and collegiate debut at center at Purdue and blocked for an offense that rushed for 326 yards … Was the first true freshman ever to start at center for Coach Jerry Kill.
High School: Attended North Shore High School, where he was a three-year starter for the Mustangs and coached by John Kay … Finalist for the Touchdown Club of Houston Offensive Player of the Year as a senior … His team advanced to the third round of the Texas state playoffs and finished with an 8-5 record … Received all-district 21-6A first team recognition … Ranked as a three-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports and Scout … 247Sports listed him as the No. 8 center, Scout as the No. 9 and ESPN as the No. 55 center … 247Sports also had him as the No. 62 prospect in Texas, while ESPN has him at No. 118 … Also competed in track and field.
Personal: Tyler Moore was born Oct. 18, 1996 … Son of Samson and Mary Moore.
Brendan Vaughn | LB | Forney, TX (Forney) | 6-1 | 213 lbs
One of Oklahoma State's earliest commitments in the 2017 class … Rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Did not start playing football until his sophomore year of high school … Ranked as the No. 38 outside linebacker prospect in the country by Scout and the No. 48 outside linebacker by ESPN … Scout also tabbed him as the No. 6 outside linebacker in the state of Texas and 247Sports listed him as the No. 110 overall prospect in Texas.
High School: Played for coach Kevin Rush at Forney … Played a hybrid safety-linebacker position on defense and saw time at wide receiver during his senior season … Had a huge year numbers-wise as a junior, totaling 101 tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks, three fumble recoveries, four pass break ups, a blocked field goal and a fumble return for a touchdown … Received second team all-district 12-5A honors for the season despite it only being his second year to play football … Played both ways as a senior, totaling 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, two fumble recoveries and a safety on defense while making 27 catches for 519 yards and six touchdowns on offense … Also competed for the track and field team … Committed to the Cowboys early in the recruiting process and stayed true through his arrival on campus.
Personal: Brendan Vaughn was born March 5, 1999 … Son of Veronica and Sidney Vaughn.
Jelani Woods | QB | Ellenwood, GA (Cedar Grove) | 6-7 | 230 lbs
A big, mobile quarterback who comes from a high school offense that is similar to Oklahoma State's … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout, ESPN and 247Sports … Rivals ranks him as the No. 20 dual threat quarterback prospect in the nation, while ESPN tabs him as the No. 25 pocket passer in the country and Scout lists him as the No. 41 overall quarterback prospect nationally.
High School: Played for coach Jermaine Smith at Cedar Grove … Led Cedar Grove to its first state championship with a 13-2 overall record as a senior … Named the Montlick and Associates Region 5 Athlete of the Year … A first team selection to the all-region 5 3A team after throwing for 2,316 yards and 26 touchdowns, and also an honorable mention all-state selection … As a junior, completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,992 yards, with 20 TD passes against six interceptions … Cedar Grove finished his junior season with an 11-2-1 record and advanced to the state semifinals … Sophomore season numbers included a 66.7 completion percentage, 1,489 passing yards and 16 touchdowns while helping lead the team to the second round of the playoffs … Was also a talented basketball player, earning honorable mention honors to the AJC all-state team as a junior … Chose Oklahoma State over offers from Michigan, Louisville, Kansas State, South Carolina, Colorado State, Florida Atlantic, South Alabama, South Florida and others.
Personal: Jelani Woods was born Oct. 9, 1998 … Son of Greg and Shaheerah Woods.
Quarterback Jelani Woods, athlete Lamarcus Morton and linebacker Brendan Vaughn all arrived after graduating their respective high schools a semester early, while linebacker Patrick Macon and offensive lineman Arlington Hambright transferred in after completing their junior college careers and Tyler Moore transferred in from Minnesota.
All three transfers will have two years of eligibility remaining, but Moore will have to sit out next season due to NCAA transfer rules.
The early enrollees represent four states, as Woods is from Ellenwood, Georgia, Hambright grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Macon is from Memphis, Tennessee and Morton, Vaughn and Moore hail from Texas. All of them come with considerable accolades, as each of them earned at least a three-star rating by multiple major recruiting services.
Additionally, Woods led Cedar Grove high school to its first state championship last season, while Macon and Hambright faced each other in the 2016 NJCAA National Championship game with Macon later named the National Junior College Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year.
All six athletes will join the Cowboys for practice this spring and, with the exception of Moore, be eligible for the 2017 season. Full biographical information for all six early enrollees is listed below:
Arlington Hambright | OL | Ypsilanti, MI (Belleville/Garden City CC) | 6-5 | 305 lbs
A physical player who started at left tackle for a national championship team in junior college … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Rivals named him the No. 34 JUCO prospect in the class and Scout listed him at No. 59.
Junior College: Played for coach Jeff Sims at Garden City CC … Part of a team that finished unbeaten and won the NJCAA National Championship as a sophomore in 2016 … Helped pave the way for a Garden City rushing attack that averaged 194.8 yards per game … Also saw some time on the defensive line during his time at Garden City … Chose Oklahoma State over offers from Houston, N.C. State, Memphis, Toledo, South Alabama, Colorado State, Florida Atlantic and others.
High School: Attended Belleville High School in Belleville, Michigan, where he was coached by Matt Davenport … Weighed 254 pounds and played defensive end during his high school days … Also played basketball.
Personal: Arlington Hambright was born Jan. 30, 1996, in Ypsilanti, Michigan … Son of Stacey Ford.
Lamarcus Morton | WR/CB | Gilmer, TX (Gilmer) | 6-1 | 185 lbs
A two-way player who excelled as a receiver and defensive back in high school … Rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN and a three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … ESPN lists him as the No. 63 wide receiver prospect in the nation, while Scout ranks him as the No. 69 cornerback … ESPN also lists him as the No. 59 overall prospect in Texas.
High School: Played wide receiver and cornerback for coach Matt Turner at Gilmer, finishing his high school career with 2,108 receiving yards, 23 receiving touchdowns, 72 tackles, 12 pass break ups and two interceptions … As a senior he finished with 1,368 yards and 15 touchdowns on 67 receptions and was the leading receiver on a team that finished 13-2 and reached the state semifinals … Also had 32 tackles and five pass break ups on defense … Named to the Texas APSE Class 4A all-state second team as a senior … Junior season numbers included 589 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 34 catches while making 18 tackles, six pass break ups and two interceptions on defense … Caught eight passes for 151 yards and a touchdown and made 22 tackles and one pass break up as a sophomore … The Buckeyes had a record of 43-3 during his time on the varsity team, with a state championship his sophomore year and state semifinal appearances his junior and senior years … Chose Oklahoma State over reported offers from Texas Tech, Indiana, Houston, Memphis, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, Colorado State, UTSA and others.
Patrick Macon | LB | Memphis, TN (Millington Central/Arizona Western) | 6-3 | 240 lbs
The National Junior College Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year … Rated as a four-star prospect by Scout and as a three-star by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports … Rivals ranks him as the No. 23 JUCO prospect in the country and 247Sports lists him as the No. 4 JUCO inside linebacker in the class.
Junior College: Attended Arizona Western College, where he was coached by Tom Minnick … Named the National Junior College Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2016 … Also earned Western States Football League co-defensive player of the year and first-team all-conference honors after leading the Matadors to an 11-1 record in 2016 and an appearance in the national championship game … Was the leading tackler for a defensive unit that ranked among the top five teams nationally in both rushing defense and passing defense and surrendered an average of only 8.0 points per game during the regular season … Bagged 122 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and nine forced fumbles as a sophomore … His 122 tackles ranked fourth in the nation and his 27.5 tackles for loss and nine fumbles forced both led the nation … Also credited with two fumble recoveries, an interception and seven pass break-ups his sophomore year … Recorded 82 tackles and four sacks as a freshman in 2015 … Chose Oklahoma State over reported offers from Arizona, San Diego State and Utah State.
High School: Attended Millington Central HS in Millington, Tennessee, where he was coached by Chris Michael … Earned all-state honors from the Tennessee Sports Writers Association and was all-district and a Liberty Bowl High School All-Star his senior year.
Personal: Patrick Macon, Jr. was born Nov. 8, 1996, in Memphis, Tennessee … He is the son of Tanya and Patrick Macon.
Tyler Moore | OL | Galena Park, TX (North Shore/Minnesota) | 6-4 | 305 lbs
Comes to the Cowboys after starting 20 games at center in his first two seasons at Minnesota … Became the first true freshman to start at center for Coach Jerry Kill in 2015 … Will sit out the 2017 season due to NCAA transfer rules but will then have two seasons of eligibility.
2016 (Sophomore at Minnesota): Started all 12 regular season games at center… Protected for an offense that rushed for 150 yards and four touchdowns and passed for 130 yards against Oregon State … Paved the way for Minnesota to gain 593 yards of offense (292 rushing and 301 passing) against Indiana State, which is the most the Gophers have gained since they racked up 704 yards against Toledo in 2004 … Started against Rutgers and helped pave the way for Minnesota to rush for 243 yards and three touchdowns … Blocked for an offense that rushed for five touchdowns at Illinois and one that rushed for 235 yards and five touchdowns against Purdue.
2015 (Freshman at Minnesota): Started the final eight games of the season at center … In his first start, the Gophers rushed for 326 yards (most in a Big Ten game since 2005) and in his next four starts, Minnesota tied a school record as it passed for at least 250 yards in each game … Made his season and collegiate debut at center at Purdue and blocked for an offense that rushed for 326 yards … Was the first true freshman ever to start at center for Coach Jerry Kill.
High School: Attended North Shore High School, where he was a three-year starter for the Mustangs and coached by John Kay … Finalist for the Touchdown Club of Houston Offensive Player of the Year as a senior … His team advanced to the third round of the Texas state playoffs and finished with an 8-5 record … Received all-district 21-6A first team recognition … Ranked as a three-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports and Scout … 247Sports listed him as the No. 8 center, Scout as the No. 9 and ESPN as the No. 55 center … 247Sports also had him as the No. 62 prospect in Texas, while ESPN has him at No. 118 … Also competed in track and field.
Personal: Tyler Moore was born Oct. 18, 1996 … Son of Samson and Mary Moore.
Brendan Vaughn | LB | Forney, TX (Forney) | 6-1 | 213 lbs
One of Oklahoma State's earliest commitments in the 2017 class … Rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Did not start playing football until his sophomore year of high school … Ranked as the No. 38 outside linebacker prospect in the country by Scout and the No. 48 outside linebacker by ESPN … Scout also tabbed him as the No. 6 outside linebacker in the state of Texas and 247Sports listed him as the No. 110 overall prospect in Texas.
High School: Played for coach Kevin Rush at Forney … Played a hybrid safety-linebacker position on defense and saw time at wide receiver during his senior season … Had a huge year numbers-wise as a junior, totaling 101 tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks, three fumble recoveries, four pass break ups, a blocked field goal and a fumble return for a touchdown … Received second team all-district 12-5A honors for the season despite it only being his second year to play football … Played both ways as a senior, totaling 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, two fumble recoveries and a safety on defense while making 27 catches for 519 yards and six touchdowns on offense … Also competed for the track and field team … Committed to the Cowboys early in the recruiting process and stayed true through his arrival on campus.
Personal: Brendan Vaughn was born March 5, 1999 … Son of Veronica and Sidney Vaughn.
Jelani Woods | QB | Ellenwood, GA (Cedar Grove) | 6-7 | 230 lbs
A big, mobile quarterback who comes from a high school offense that is similar to Oklahoma State's … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout, ESPN and 247Sports … Rivals ranks him as the No. 20 dual threat quarterback prospect in the nation, while ESPN tabs him as the No. 25 pocket passer in the country and Scout lists him as the No. 41 overall quarterback prospect nationally.
High School: Played for coach Jermaine Smith at Cedar Grove … Led Cedar Grove to its first state championship with a 13-2 overall record as a senior … Named the Montlick and Associates Region 5 Athlete of the Year … A first team selection to the all-region 5 3A team after throwing for 2,316 yards and 26 touchdowns, and also an honorable mention all-state selection … As a junior, completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,992 yards, with 20 TD passes against six interceptions … Cedar Grove finished his junior season with an 11-2-1 record and advanced to the state semifinals … Sophomore season numbers included a 66.7 completion percentage, 1,489 passing yards and 16 touchdowns while helping lead the team to the second round of the playoffs … Was also a talented basketball player, earning honorable mention honors to the AJC all-state team as a junior … Chose Oklahoma State over offers from Michigan, Louisville, Kansas State, South Carolina, Colorado State, Florida Atlantic, South Alabama, South Florida and others.
Personal: Jelani Woods was born Oct. 9, 1998 … Son of Greg and Shaheerah Woods.
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