Aug. 6, 2000

Nacogdoches, Texas - CONTACT: Rob Meyers

Twenty-seven newcomers reported this afternoon at the SFA athletic field house for the first day of fall camp for the Lumberjack football team. Included among the twenty-seven newcomers are four transfers and 23 incoming freshmen.

Among the four transfers are Scott Keys, a wide receiver from McNeese State, and Jared Williams, a linebacker from Northwestern State. Keys ran track last spring for the Lumberjack track squad and will take play for the Lumberjack football team this fall. The Houston senior is expected to see time in the receiver rotation this fall. He was a provisional qualifier for the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships last spring in the hurdles.

Williams, a 6-2 240 pound sophomore from Bridge City signed with the Demons out of high school, but left Northwestern State prior to last fall and will fill a role at linebacker for the Lumberjacks.

One of the highlights among the class is the late addition of Greg Barnum, a 6-1 300 pound transfer from the University of Tennessee. Barnum was projected as the starter at center for the Volunteers following last spring's workouts, but chose to transfer to a school closer to his home in Killeen.

The fourth transfer is Kevin Pesic, a junior college transfer from El Camino College in California. Pesic, at 6-4 255 pounds is expected to see substantial playing time at defensive tackle this fall.

"I am extremely excited about the freshmen and transfers getting here and the beginning of fall camp. Last February when we signed this recruiting class I was very anxious for this day to come, now it's time for all of us to get to work and get ready for August 31," said Mike Santiago.

"Not only do we have some quality freshmen on campus, but with the addition of the transfers, I feel that we have as strong a recruiting class as anyone in I-AA football. Greg Barnum, Scott Keys, Jared Williams and Kevin Pesic add a great deal of maturity and talent to an already talented group of freshmen," said Santiago.

One member of the SFA freshman signing class, Brandon Warfield of Crockett, did not meet NCAA freshman eligibility requirements and will enroll at Kilgore Junior College. Another signee, Braxton O'Banion of Kilgore Junior College is expected on the SFA campus later this week.

Veterans report for fall camp on August 9, with the first full squad workout scheduled for August 10. Media Day is set for Saturday, August 12 at Homer Bryce Stadium with a team photo and interview opportunities scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. in Homer Bryce Stadium.