University of Houston Athletics
Houston Signs 15 During Early Signing Period
12/18/2019 5:03:00 PM | Football
The group is comprised of four junior college transfers and 10 high school seniors along with one graduate transfer
HOUSTON – University of Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen announced the signing class of 15 members Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA's early signing period.
The group is comprised of four junior college transfers and 10 high school seniors along with one graduate transfer. Members of Houston's class hail from four states and three different countries. The state of Texas is represented by eight signees.
Eight of Houston's signees will join the program in January as early enrollees: wide receiver Nathaniel Dell, offensive lineman James Faminu, quarterback Sofian Massoud, linebacker Malik Robinson, cornerback Jayce Rogers, safety JoVanni Stewart, punter Laine Wilkins and defensive tackle Sedrick Williams.
Punter Laine Wilkins from Perth, Australia, was the first Cougar signee to send in his NLI to open the day at 7:01 a.m. CT.
The early signing period runs through the end of the day Friday with National Signing Day scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020.
After joining the program in 2019, Houston's Eyabi Anoma, Kelvin Clemmons, Hasaan Hypolite, Bryson Jackson and Marcus Jones will all be eligible to compete for the Cougars beginning in January 2020 after sitting this past season as due to NCAA transfer rules.
HOUSTON 2020 EARLY SIGNING PERIOD SIGNEES
Derek Bowman - OL
Magnolia HS (Magnolia, Texas)
6-5 / 270
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 21 offensive guard and No. 61 overall prospect in Texas by 247Sports…Played for Sterling Doty at Magnolia High School … Texas Top 100 prospect… named District 8-5A Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior… helped the Bulldogs to Bi-District Championship in 2019… chose Houston over offers Arizona, ECU, Memphis and Minnesota, among others.
Nathaniel Dell - WR
Independence CC (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
5-10 / 155
Prior to Houston: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 24 wide receiver, No. 38 prospect in Florida and No. 124 national prospect by 247Sports… appeared in 10 games as a redshirt freshman… Pirates leading receiver and return specialist… hauled 52 receptions for 766 yards (76.6 yards per game) and eight touchdowns… posted 12 kick returns for 394 yards (32.8 yards per return) and one touchdown… also had three punt returns for 105 yards (35.0 yards per return)… finished 2019 with 1,278 all-purpose yards… spent 2018 season at Alabama A&M, appearing in four games before redshirting… recorded 12 receptions for 364 yards and three touchdowns… chose Houston over offers from Central Michigan, New Mexico State, Old Dominion and USF, among others… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee… will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Darius Edmonds - WR
Atascocita HS (Humble, Texas)
6-4 / 205
High School: Three-star prospect by 247Sports… rated the No. 70 tight end and No. 207 prospect in the state of Texas… named District 22-6A First Team as a senior… played for head coach Craig Stump at Atascocita… helped the Eagles to third straight district championship… pulled in a 65-yard touchdown reception in regional semifinal… had 38 receptions for 702 yards for five touchdowns as a junior… chose Houston over offers from Louisiana Tech, North Texas, UTSA, Utah State and Texas State, among others.
James Faminu - OL
London Academy (London, England)
6-6 / 350
Prior to Houston: Two-start prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 243 offensive tackle by 247Sports… former rugby player who turned to American football… played for two years with London Blitz, an under-19 team in the British American Football Association… made move to offensive line after in year two after playing nose guard first year… took part in DreamChasers Tour… chose Houston over offers from UMass, among others… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
Sofian Massoud - QB
Cy Lakes HS (Katy, Texas)
6-1 / 190
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 47 overall athlete and No. 100 prospect in Texas listed by 247Sports...played for head coach Ronald Patton at Cy Lakes High School… Texas Top 100 prospect… threw for 3,106 yards and accounted for 42 touchdowns with 32 passing scores to be named District 14-6A Offensive MVP… finalist for Greater Houston for the Offensive Player of the Year… played at Bronx (N.Y.) Cardinal Hayes prior to senior season… previously listed as the No. 3 overall prospect from the state of New York… named MaxPreps Second Team Sophomore All-American in 2017… tabbed MaxPreps First Team Freshman All-American and Second Team All-NYC in 2016… chose Houston over offers from Boston College, Rutgers, Temple and Virginia, among others… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
Ugonna Nnanna - OL
Seguin HS (Arlington, Texas)
6-4 / 265
High School: Three-star prospect by 247Sports…played for head coach Joe Gordon at Seguin High School… rated the No. 103 offensive tackle and No. 168 overall prospect in Texas by 247Sports… chose Houston over offers from Arizona State, SMU, Vanderbilt and Washington State, among others.
Chidozie "Dot" Nwankwo - DT
Foster HS (Richmond, Texas)
5-11 / 293
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 51 overall defensive tackle and No. 84 prospect in Texas by 247Sports… Texas Top 100 prospect… recorded 31 tackles, including four for loss, to be named a finalist for The Touchdown Club of Houston Defensive Player of the Year… named District 10-5A Defensive MVP as a junior and senior… unanimous first-team all-district as a sophomore… also named first-team all-district selection as a freshman… chose Houston over offers from Arkansas, Baylor, LSU and Minnesota, among others.
Dylan Robinson - WR
Atascocita HS (Humble, Texas)
6-1 / 190
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 137 wide receiver and No. 117 overall prospect in Texas by 247Sports...played for head coach Craig Stump at Atascocita… tabbed District 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year as a senior... pulled in 63 receptions for 1,117 yards with 13 touchdowns… also threw one touchdown pass… helped the Eagles to third straight district championship… had 55 catches for 1,208 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior… chose Houston over offers from Arizona, Kansas State, Memphis, Texas Tech, and Utah, among others.
Malik Robinson - LB
Fort Scott CC (Snellville, Ga.)
6-0 / 220
Prior to Houston: Three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN... Ranked No. 2 JUCO linebacker by ESPN at outside linebacker… rated the No. 8 outside linebacker, No. 44 overall prospect in Georgia and No. 181 national prospect by 247Sports… posted 42 tackles, including two for loss, with a forced fumble and pass breakup across six games for Fort Scott Community College in 2019… spent two seasons at UNC, but did not see action in 2018… appeared in 11 games as a true freshman in 2017… contributed primarily on special teams and finished the season with six tackles… posted tackles against Old Dominion, at Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and at NC State… chose Houston over offers from Auburn, Iowa, Miami, Notre Dame and Georgia, among others… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
High School: No. 22 rated inside linebacker by ESPN out of high school… considered the No. 30 inside linebacker in the country and the No. 80 player in Georgia by 247Sports… ranked the No. 56 outside linebacker in the country by Rivals.com… four-year letterwinner at South Gwinnett High School... Twice earned All-County honors and was tabbed honorable mention all-state by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Jayce Rogers - CB
Northwest Mississippi CC (Valdosta, Ga.)
5-8 / 165
Prior to Houston: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 19 cornerback, No. 34 overall prospect in Georgia and No. 159 national prospect by 247Sports… two-year starter who helped Rangers to two berths in MACJC Championship… named to All-MACJC First Team and All-Region XXIII Team as a sophomore… started all 11 games and posted 30 tackles, including two for loss, with eight pass breakups and two interceptions… recorded career-high seven tackles in MACJC Championship… helped NWCC climb to as high as No. 2 and finish No. 6 in final NJCAA polls… started all 10 games as a freshman… finished second on the team with eight passes defended and seven breakups… compiled 37 tackles, including 4.5 for loss… proved to be a reliable force as a kick return specialist, returning 14 kicks for 383 yards… gave the Rangers the only kickoff return touchdown of the season, an 83-yard return in a win at Mississippi Delta… chose Houston over offers from Coastal Carolina, Louisville, New Mexico and Western Kentucky, among others.
High School: Ranked as the No. 12 prospect in Georgia by Rivals… named Region 1-6A Special Teams Player of the Year… helped Valdosta to a 14-2 overall record, the 2016 Class 6A State Championship and an appearance in the Geico Bowl against Chandler (Ariz.)… recorded an average of 33 yards across 14 kick returns and averaged 13 yards on 30 punt returns, scoring two touchdowns... plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
Stacy Sneed - RB
Mansfield Timberview HS (Arlington, Texas)
5-11 / 175
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 63 running back and No. 126 overall prospect in the state of Texas… played for head coach James Brown at Mansfield Timberview… No. 34 in SportsDay's Area Top 100… named to All-District 6-5A First Team as a senior, finishing with 824 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns... Rushed for seven touchdowns and 618 yards as a senior… as a junior, averaged 9.7 yards per carry and ran for 1,241 yards with 15 touchdowns… finished high school career with 2,607 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns, along with 53 receptions for 951 yards and 10 scores… also won two Class 5A state titles with basketball team… chose Houston over offers from Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Missouri and Texas Tech, among others.
JoVanni Stewart - S
West Virginia/Katy HS (Katy, Texas)
5-8 / 195
Prior to Houston: Will join the program as graduate transfer from West Virginia... played four seasons with the Mountaineers, including three under UH head coach Dana Holgorsen... appeared in 41 career games and made 16 career starts... appeared in four games at WVU in 2019, before taking a redshirt for the remainder of the year... as a junior, tied for fourth on the team with 54 tackles (38 solo), while adding four sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss... recorded 83 career tackles... graduated with a degree in sports and exercise psychology...plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
High School: Three-year starter for coach Gary Joseph at Katy High School... helped Katy to a 6-0 record and eighth straight 6A DII state title... part of Katy defense that allowed just 3.9 points per game and finished with 101 tackles, 10 sacks and eight forced fumbles as a senior... also scored five touchdowns during senior season and was a two-time All-District 19-6A selection... high school teammate of UH running back Kyle Porter.
Trevonte Sylvester - TE
Breaux Bridge HS (Breaux Bridge, La.)
6-5 / 220
High School: Three-star prospect by 247Sports… rated the No. 122 defensive end and No. 99 overall prospect in Louisiana by 247Sports...played for head coach Chad Pourcia at Breaux Bridge High School… also saw time as a defensive end… chose Houston over offers from Louisiana Tech, among others.
Laine Wilkins - P
ProKick Australia (Perth, Australia)
6-2 / 203
Prior to Houston: Arrives at Houston after picking up the art of punting at ProKick Australia… Trained at the same academy as former Cougar punter Dane Roy… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
Sedrick Williams - DT
Kilgore College (Houma, La.)
6-1 / 302
Prior to Houston: Three-star prospect by 247Sports… rated the No. 10 defensive end and No. 12 overall prospect in Louisiana by 247Sports… two-year standout at Kilgore college… named first-team JUCO All-American and the Southwest Junior College Football Conference MVP as a sophomore… posted 48 tackles with seven sacks and three pass breakups… also recorded two blocked kicks… as a freshman, recorded 60 tackles with 4.5 sacks and two blocked kicks… chose Houston over offers from Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Southern Miss and Western Kentucky, among others...plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
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The group is comprised of four junior college transfers and 10 high school seniors along with one graduate transfer. Members of Houston's class hail from four states and three different countries. The state of Texas is represented by eight signees.
Eight of Houston's signees will join the program in January as early enrollees: wide receiver Nathaniel Dell, offensive lineman James Faminu, quarterback Sofian Massoud, linebacker Malik Robinson, cornerback Jayce Rogers, safety JoVanni Stewart, punter Laine Wilkins and defensive tackle Sedrick Williams.
Punter Laine Wilkins from Perth, Australia, was the first Cougar signee to send in his NLI to open the day at 7:01 a.m. CT.
The early signing period runs through the end of the day Friday with National Signing Day scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020.
After joining the program in 2019, Houston's Eyabi Anoma, Kelvin Clemmons, Hasaan Hypolite, Bryson Jackson and Marcus Jones will all be eligible to compete for the Cougars beginning in January 2020 after sitting this past season as due to NCAA transfer rules.
HOUSTON 2020 EARLY SIGNING PERIOD SIGNEES
Derek Bowman - OL
Magnolia HS (Magnolia, Texas)
6-5 / 270
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 21 offensive guard and No. 61 overall prospect in Texas by 247Sports…Played for Sterling Doty at Magnolia High School … Texas Top 100 prospect… named District 8-5A Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior… helped the Bulldogs to Bi-District Championship in 2019… chose Houston over offers Arizona, ECU, Memphis and Minnesota, among others.
Nathaniel Dell - WR
Independence CC (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
5-10 / 155
Prior to Houston: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 24 wide receiver, No. 38 prospect in Florida and No. 124 national prospect by 247Sports… appeared in 10 games as a redshirt freshman… Pirates leading receiver and return specialist… hauled 52 receptions for 766 yards (76.6 yards per game) and eight touchdowns… posted 12 kick returns for 394 yards (32.8 yards per return) and one touchdown… also had three punt returns for 105 yards (35.0 yards per return)… finished 2019 with 1,278 all-purpose yards… spent 2018 season at Alabama A&M, appearing in four games before redshirting… recorded 12 receptions for 364 yards and three touchdowns… chose Houston over offers from Central Michigan, New Mexico State, Old Dominion and USF, among others… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee… will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Darius Edmonds - WR
Atascocita HS (Humble, Texas)
6-4 / 205
High School: Three-star prospect by 247Sports… rated the No. 70 tight end and No. 207 prospect in the state of Texas… named District 22-6A First Team as a senior… played for head coach Craig Stump at Atascocita… helped the Eagles to third straight district championship… pulled in a 65-yard touchdown reception in regional semifinal… had 38 receptions for 702 yards for five touchdowns as a junior… chose Houston over offers from Louisiana Tech, North Texas, UTSA, Utah State and Texas State, among others.
James Faminu - OL
London Academy (London, England)
6-6 / 350
Prior to Houston: Two-start prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 243 offensive tackle by 247Sports… former rugby player who turned to American football… played for two years with London Blitz, an under-19 team in the British American Football Association… made move to offensive line after in year two after playing nose guard first year… took part in DreamChasers Tour… chose Houston over offers from UMass, among others… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
Sofian Massoud - QB
Cy Lakes HS (Katy, Texas)
6-1 / 190
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 47 overall athlete and No. 100 prospect in Texas listed by 247Sports...played for head coach Ronald Patton at Cy Lakes High School… Texas Top 100 prospect… threw for 3,106 yards and accounted for 42 touchdowns with 32 passing scores to be named District 14-6A Offensive MVP… finalist for Greater Houston for the Offensive Player of the Year… played at Bronx (N.Y.) Cardinal Hayes prior to senior season… previously listed as the No. 3 overall prospect from the state of New York… named MaxPreps Second Team Sophomore All-American in 2017… tabbed MaxPreps First Team Freshman All-American and Second Team All-NYC in 2016… chose Houston over offers from Boston College, Rutgers, Temple and Virginia, among others… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
Ugonna Nnanna - OL
Seguin HS (Arlington, Texas)
6-4 / 265
High School: Three-star prospect by 247Sports…played for head coach Joe Gordon at Seguin High School… rated the No. 103 offensive tackle and No. 168 overall prospect in Texas by 247Sports… chose Houston over offers from Arizona State, SMU, Vanderbilt and Washington State, among others.
Chidozie "Dot" Nwankwo - DT
Foster HS (Richmond, Texas)
5-11 / 293
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 51 overall defensive tackle and No. 84 prospect in Texas by 247Sports… Texas Top 100 prospect… recorded 31 tackles, including four for loss, to be named a finalist for The Touchdown Club of Houston Defensive Player of the Year… named District 10-5A Defensive MVP as a junior and senior… unanimous first-team all-district as a sophomore… also named first-team all-district selection as a freshman… chose Houston over offers from Arkansas, Baylor, LSU and Minnesota, among others.
Dylan Robinson - WR
Atascocita HS (Humble, Texas)
6-1 / 190
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 137 wide receiver and No. 117 overall prospect in Texas by 247Sports...played for head coach Craig Stump at Atascocita… tabbed District 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year as a senior... pulled in 63 receptions for 1,117 yards with 13 touchdowns… also threw one touchdown pass… helped the Eagles to third straight district championship… had 55 catches for 1,208 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior… chose Houston over offers from Arizona, Kansas State, Memphis, Texas Tech, and Utah, among others.
Malik Robinson - LB
Fort Scott CC (Snellville, Ga.)
6-0 / 220
Prior to Houston: Three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN... Ranked No. 2 JUCO linebacker by ESPN at outside linebacker… rated the No. 8 outside linebacker, No. 44 overall prospect in Georgia and No. 181 national prospect by 247Sports… posted 42 tackles, including two for loss, with a forced fumble and pass breakup across six games for Fort Scott Community College in 2019… spent two seasons at UNC, but did not see action in 2018… appeared in 11 games as a true freshman in 2017… contributed primarily on special teams and finished the season with six tackles… posted tackles against Old Dominion, at Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and at NC State… chose Houston over offers from Auburn, Iowa, Miami, Notre Dame and Georgia, among others… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
High School: No. 22 rated inside linebacker by ESPN out of high school… considered the No. 30 inside linebacker in the country and the No. 80 player in Georgia by 247Sports… ranked the No. 56 outside linebacker in the country by Rivals.com… four-year letterwinner at South Gwinnett High School... Twice earned All-County honors and was tabbed honorable mention all-state by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Jayce Rogers - CB
Northwest Mississippi CC (Valdosta, Ga.)
5-8 / 165
Prior to Houston: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 19 cornerback, No. 34 overall prospect in Georgia and No. 159 national prospect by 247Sports… two-year starter who helped Rangers to two berths in MACJC Championship… named to All-MACJC First Team and All-Region XXIII Team as a sophomore… started all 11 games and posted 30 tackles, including two for loss, with eight pass breakups and two interceptions… recorded career-high seven tackles in MACJC Championship… helped NWCC climb to as high as No. 2 and finish No. 6 in final NJCAA polls… started all 10 games as a freshman… finished second on the team with eight passes defended and seven breakups… compiled 37 tackles, including 4.5 for loss… proved to be a reliable force as a kick return specialist, returning 14 kicks for 383 yards… gave the Rangers the only kickoff return touchdown of the season, an 83-yard return in a win at Mississippi Delta… chose Houston over offers from Coastal Carolina, Louisville, New Mexico and Western Kentucky, among others.
High School: Ranked as the No. 12 prospect in Georgia by Rivals… named Region 1-6A Special Teams Player of the Year… helped Valdosta to a 14-2 overall record, the 2016 Class 6A State Championship and an appearance in the Geico Bowl against Chandler (Ariz.)… recorded an average of 33 yards across 14 kick returns and averaged 13 yards on 30 punt returns, scoring two touchdowns... plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
Stacy Sneed - RB
Mansfield Timberview HS (Arlington, Texas)
5-11 / 175
High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports… rated the No. 63 running back and No. 126 overall prospect in the state of Texas… played for head coach James Brown at Mansfield Timberview… No. 34 in SportsDay's Area Top 100… named to All-District 6-5A First Team as a senior, finishing with 824 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns... Rushed for seven touchdowns and 618 yards as a senior… as a junior, averaged 9.7 yards per carry and ran for 1,241 yards with 15 touchdowns… finished high school career with 2,607 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns, along with 53 receptions for 951 yards and 10 scores… also won two Class 5A state titles with basketball team… chose Houston over offers from Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Missouri and Texas Tech, among others.
JoVanni Stewart - S
West Virginia/Katy HS (Katy, Texas)
5-8 / 195
Prior to Houston: Will join the program as graduate transfer from West Virginia... played four seasons with the Mountaineers, including three under UH head coach Dana Holgorsen... appeared in 41 career games and made 16 career starts... appeared in four games at WVU in 2019, before taking a redshirt for the remainder of the year... as a junior, tied for fourth on the team with 54 tackles (38 solo), while adding four sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss... recorded 83 career tackles... graduated with a degree in sports and exercise psychology...plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
High School: Three-year starter for coach Gary Joseph at Katy High School... helped Katy to a 6-0 record and eighth straight 6A DII state title... part of Katy defense that allowed just 3.9 points per game and finished with 101 tackles, 10 sacks and eight forced fumbles as a senior... also scored five touchdowns during senior season and was a two-time All-District 19-6A selection... high school teammate of UH running back Kyle Porter.
Trevonte Sylvester - TE
Breaux Bridge HS (Breaux Bridge, La.)
6-5 / 220
High School: Three-star prospect by 247Sports… rated the No. 122 defensive end and No. 99 overall prospect in Louisiana by 247Sports...played for head coach Chad Pourcia at Breaux Bridge High School… also saw time as a defensive end… chose Houston over offers from Louisiana Tech, among others.
Laine Wilkins - P
ProKick Australia (Perth, Australia)
6-2 / 203
Prior to Houston: Arrives at Houston after picking up the art of punting at ProKick Australia… Trained at the same academy as former Cougar punter Dane Roy… plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
Sedrick Williams - DT
Kilgore College (Houma, La.)
6-1 / 302
Prior to Houston: Three-star prospect by 247Sports… rated the No. 10 defensive end and No. 12 overall prospect in Louisiana by 247Sports… two-year standout at Kilgore college… named first-team JUCO All-American and the Southwest Junior College Football Conference MVP as a sophomore… posted 48 tackles with seven sacks and three pass breakups… also recorded two blocked kicks… as a freshman, recorded 60 tackles with 4.5 sacks and two blocked kicks… chose Houston over offers from Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Southern Miss and Western Kentucky, among others...plans to enroll at Houston in January as a mid-year enrollee.
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Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
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