Hoping to rebound from a 1-11 record in his first season, Norfolk State coach Michael Vick on Wednesday signed nine players from South Hampton Roads, including five from state champions Oscar Smith and Maury.
Vick signed four players from Oscar Smith as the regular national signing period began:linemen Dayvion Martin and Drean Wallace, athlete Quali Price and linebacker Malachi White.
The quartet helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back Class 6 state titles and White was a first-team All-Tidewater selection after last season.
Vick also landed Maury defensive back Jacoby Marshall, who played a huge role for the Commodoresin their run to a third consecutive Class 5 state championship.
Nansemond River wide receiver Keontae Bumpers, Kempsville linebacker Jason Galloway, Green Run defensive back Darion Spence and Salem defensive back Christian Henry also signed with the Spartans.
“It’s a very special day,” said Marshall, who had 11 tackles in the state championship game win over Highland Springs. “I’ve done a lot, and I’ve been through a lot. But this day means a lot to me. And it means a lot to be able to play for (Vick). I’m excited, very excited.”
So are the Oscar Smith players.
“They’re giving me an opportunity, and I’ll be playing with guys that I’ve been playing with since I was young,” Wallace said. “That’s a crazy feeling to be playing for (Vick), especially him growing up here and seeing highlights of him, and him coaching people in this area. He’s giving all of us a chance. It’s a good feeling. Actually, it’s a great feeling.”
Price agreed.
“It means a whole lot to be able to get a chance to play at the next level,” he said. “It means a lot because Mike Vick is from here. He went through trials and tribulations, and he’s still been able to come out and succeed. So, I feel like that’s the right place for me. I feel like he can keep my head on straight and keep me on the narrow path.”
Martin said he’s excited about trying to help the Spartans win.
“I do like that there’s something new going to be built there, and I’m happy to be a part of it,” he said.
Tigers assistant coach Jahvoni Simmons said he was glad to hear how many players from the area want to help the Spartans be successful.
“I’m just happy to see them stay so close to home, but also getting ready to play for Michael Vick,” he said. “We’re giving him some of the best-coached guys in the state. I’m very excited for them. And I wish them nothing but the best.”
A host of other South Hampton Roads players also signed Wednesday.
Salem linebacker Markus McCoy is going to the Midwest to play for former All-Tidewater quarterback Bobby Rome II at Chicago State University. Rome begins the school’s first Division I football program as the Cougars play a full Football Championship Subdivision season in 2026.
“I have a good chance to go there and get playing time, and possibly start, in my first year,” said McCoy, a two-time All-Tidewater selection. “It’s an amazing feeling and I thank God and my mom, Rebecca Mahanes, for this opportunity. And I like the culture that coach Bobby Rome is trying to build there.”
Other players who signed Wednesday include: Maury defensive back Isaiah McDaniel (William & Mary), Great Bridge quarterback William Englert (William & Mary), Green Run defensive back Shawn Church (Delaware), Cox kicker/punter Brycen Widhalm (Army), King’s Fork athlete D’Andre Artis Boone (North Carolina Central) and King’s Fork wide receiver Zy’Dar “Eyus” Wynn (North Carolina Central).
Players who are headed to Division II and Division III schools: Lake Taylor’s Magerald Clark (Virginia Union), Lake Taylor’s Casaun Hesson (Bluefield), Lake Taylor’s Jeremiah Ferebee (Bluefield), Lake Taylor’s Dominic Clanton (Virginia Union), Lake Taylor’s Keon Johnson (Virginia Union), Lake Taylor’s Ziyon Knight (Virginia State), Great Bridge’s Trenton Yakich (Christopher Newport), Green Run’s Luke Ashcraft (Ferrum), Kellam’s Brandon Prater (Christopher Newport), Cox’s Elias Field (Hampden-Sydney), Nansemond River’s Taivon Douglas (Virginia State), King’s Fork’s Ernest Jones Jr. (Virginia State), King’s Fork’s Korion Key (Christopher Newport), King’s Fork’s Joey Applewhite (Christopher Newport), King’s Fork’s Isaiah Gilliam (Virginia State), King’s Fork’s Cameron Britt (Shenandoah), King’s Fork’s Dere’on Knight (Christopher Newport) and King’s Fork’s Preston Hall III.
