TOWSON, Md. – An outstanding group of high school seniors, led by four All-State performers from Maryland and the Delaware Player of the Year, make up the Tigers' largest recruiting class as 18 student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Towson University and play football, it has been announced by Coach Gordy Combs.

"This is the largest recruiting class we've had since our first year of scholarship football," says Combs. "In the past few years, our recruiting classes weren't as large because we were using some scholarships on walk-on players who had done well.

"One of the nicest things about this group is that 90 per cent of these players had given us verbal commitments before they visited our campus in December," added Combs, who will start his 17th season as the Tigers' coach. "That is a testimony to how our program has grown in the last five years. We have reached the point where young men know about our football program and they are decisive about wanting to come here."

Darius Hill, a first team All-State linebacker from Springbrook High School, and Rob Osbourne, a first team All-State defensive lineman from Clarksburg High School, lead a contingent of seven newcomers from the state of Maryland.

Linebacker Todd Cox of Linganore High School and tight end Tony Zaccarelli of Westlake High School also bring All-State credentials to the Tiger football program.

Defensive back Dan Atwood and linebacker Brian Boateng-Bowe, who were teammates at Gaithersburg High School, have also signed to attend Towson. Offensive lineman Colin Bass of Thomas Johnson High School rounds out the group of seven Maryland natives who will play for the Tigers.

Although seven newcomers are from Maryland, there is a lot of geographic diversity in the Tigers' recruiting class.

Four of the Tigers' incoming freshmen come from New Jersey while there are three Virginia natives in the class. Towson will also add two newcomers from Pennsylvania while Delaware and New York each have one representative.

"The Middle Atlantic region has always been our strongest recruiting area and this class is a reflection of that," adds Combs.

Wide receiver Erron Banks of Bound Brook High School, linebacker Frank Beltre of Randolph High School, defensive end Mike Hurley of Old Tappan High School and running back Trevor Walker of Pennington School are the four New Jersey products who will attend Towson.

Another pair of high school teammates, wide receiver Dominique Booker and defensive back Justin Carr of Hermitage High School, lead the Virginia representation in the Tigers' recruiting class. In addition, linebacker Danzel White of C.D. Hylton High School has joined the program.

"We like having high school teammates joining the program," says Coach Combs. "Coming from Gaithersburg High School and Hermitage High School, we know the young men are coming from outstanding high school programs. In each case, it was a matter of one player leading us to another."

Tight end Matt Morgan from Horseheads High School in New York and quarterback Brian Potts of Caravel Academy in Delaware complete the Tigers' recruiting class.

A four-year starter at quarterback, Potts was a first team All-State selection who was named as the Gatorade Player of the Year in Delaware.

DAN ATWOOD, 6-0, 190-lb. Defensive Back, Gaithersburg H.S., Gaithersburg, Md.: Two-way standout at running back and safety for the Trojans … honorable mention All-Metro pick three times … named All-Montgomery County twice … four-year starter who ended career with school record 3,600 rushing yards … ran for 1,093 yards on 154 carries as a senior … averaged 7.1 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns … intercepted seven passes in scholastic career … also made 150 tackles … set a school record by intercepting a pass and returning it 99 yards for a touchdown … helped Coach Kreg Kephart's Trojans post a 6-4 record … All-County performer for track and field team … also played lacrosse for the Trojans … Coach Kreg Kephart says: "Dan may be one of the best football players I've ever coached. He's the only person we've had who has started every game since the ninth grade. He is a very versatile athlete with tremendous offensive and defensive capabilities. We think he is an outstanding recruit for Towson and perhaps a future All-American."

ERRON BANKS, 6-1, 170-lb. Wide Receiver, Bound Brook H.S., Bound Brook, N.J.: All-County wide receiver who caught 44 passes for 671 yards and 6 touchdowns as a senior … led the Crusaders to an 8-2 record and a second place finish in the Skyland-Valley League … named all-conference and All-Area for Coach Kevin Carty … outstanding basketball player who has led the Crusaders to a top ten ranking in New Jersey … Coach Kevin Carty says: "Erron is a tremendous leader and the toughest kid on our team. What really sets him apart is his aggressiveness. He catches the ball very well and did a great job this year by showing his toughness and going over the middle to make a lot of plays. Erron is a great athlete and is showing that on the basketball court this winter. He also practices harder than anyone we had on the team."

COLIN BASS, 6-6, 256-lb. Offensive Lineman, Thomas Johnson H.S., Frederick, Md.: Named first team All-Monocacy Valley League at offensive tackle … led Patriots to a 10-3 record in 2007 … honorable mention All-State selection … honorable mention All-Metro pick … named first team All-Area for Coach Ben Wright … helped team post a 9-1 record as a junior … competes for Patriots' track and field team … Coach Ben Wright says: "Colin is a self-made player who is a tireless worker and he's very coachable. He is a relentless blocker who is an outstanding young man with a great passion for the game." FRANK BELTRE, 6-3, 215-lb. Linebacker, Randolph H.S., Randolph, N.J.: Two-way standout at defensive end and running back … team captain for the Rams … helped the Rams post a 6-4 record … rushed for 213 yards against West Morris for Coach Joe Lusardi … also served as captain of the Rams' track and field team … ranked as one of the top 25 prospects in New Jersey by New Jersey Prep Star … earned all-conference honors as a senior … Coach Joe Lusardi says: "Frank is 'football young' in terms of experience. I'm sure that his best football is in the future. He is a great young man who was an important part of our football program."

BRIAN BOATENG-BOTWE, 6-1, 232-lb. Linebacker, Gaithersburg H.S., Burtonsville, Md.: Named first team all-conference at linebacker … honorable mention All-Metro selection who was second team All-Area … had 32 sacks in scholastic career for the Trojans … very fast player who has a time of 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash … topped the Trojans with 132 tackles as a senior … made 74 tackles as a junior for Coach Kreg Kephart … helped the Trojans to a 6-4 record as a senior … two-sport standout who also competed for the Trojans' track and field team … set Montgomery County record in the triple jump … Coach Kreg Kephart says: "Brian is a tremendously explosive, quick twitch athlete. He has the ability to put his hand down and get off the edge as well as the athleticism to drop into coverage. Brian has tremendous upside in that he has only played the game for the last three years. He has room to develop both physically and mentally. Brian's explosive lower body strength allows him to so quite well against players that are larger. He is another great grab for Towson."

DOMINIQUE BOOKER, 5-11, 180-lb. Wide Receiver, Hermitage H.S., Richmond, Va.: Versatile player for the Panthers who played wide receiver, defensive back and returned kicks … named first team All-District and first team All-Region at wide receiver … earned second team All-District honors at defensive back and kick returner … also named second team All-Metro for Coach Patrick Kane … caught 42 passes for 508 yards and five touchdowns as a senior … averaged 18.4 yards per punt return while scoring two touchdowns … made 20 tackles with one interception as a senior … helped the Panthers post an 11-2 record as a senior while winning district and region championships … led the Panthers to a 44-0 win over J.R. Tucker by catching a 61-yard touchdown pass and returning a punt 69 yards for a TD … helped the Panthers reached the state semi-finals … Coach Patrick Kane says: "Dominique is as quick as a cat. He is a tough competitor who fights and scraps for every inch."

JUSTIN CARR, 5-11, 170-lb. Defensive Back, Hermitage H.S., Richmond, Va.: Talented defensive back who was named second team All-State by the Virginia High School Coaches Association … also named first team All-District and All-Region for Coach Patrick Kane … first team All-Metro selection who set school record with ten interceptions in career … intercepted five passes as a senior … made 54 tackles and broke up 12 passes in 2007 … helped the Panthers post an 11-2 record as a senior while winning district and region championships … Coach Patrick Kane says: "Justin is a very smooth, athletic defensive back who makes hard plays look easy."

TODD COX, 6-2, 225-lb. Linebacker, Linganore H.S., New Market, Md.: Outstanding linebacker who earned second team All-State honors as a senior … named first team All-Monocacy Valley League three years in a row … Monocacy Valley Athletic League Defensive Player of the Year who helped the Lancers post a 9-2 record as a senior … made 129 tackles as a senior with 12 tackles for lost yardage and six quarterback sacks … finished career with 332 tackles and two interceptions for Coach Rick Conner … earned All-Frederick County honors three times … earned All-Area notice three times … helped the Lancers reach the playoffs three years in a row … named honorable mention All-State twice … served as the Lancers' place kicker as a sophomore, earning second team all-league honors … converted 25 of 28 extra point attempts … Coach Rick Conner says: "Todd has an incredible knack for winding up where the ball is. When he gets there, he knows what to do."

TIM FARLEY, 6-4, 285-lb. Offensive Guard, Manheim Township H.S., Lancaster, Pa.: Three-year starter at offensive guard … named first team All-Lebanon-Lancaster League as a senior … earned honorable mention All-State honors … key performer for the Blue Streaks' sectional championship team that posted an 11-2 record … leader of offensive line that did not allow a sack … strongest lineman on the team for Coach Mike Melnyk … honor roll student … Coach Mike Melnyk says: "Tim was a dominant force on our offensive line and key component for our school's record-setting season."

HENRY GLACKIN, 6-6, 265-lb. Offensive Tackle, Solanco H.S., Quarryville, Pa.: Two-year starter for the Golden Mules who was named first team All-Lebanon-Lancaster League … played tight end and defensive tackle for Coach Joe Pearson … will play offensive tackle at Towson … led the Golden Mules to a 7-3 record as a senior and a berth in the Pennsylvania state playoffs … also plays basketball for the Golden Mules … Coach Joe Pearson says: "Henry is a hard-working, committed leader who will be a great contributor to the Towson football program. He has dedicated himself to being a dominant blocker. An excellent person, he helped us turn the program around here at Solanco."

DARIUS HILL, 6-1, 210-lb. Linebacker, Springbrook H.S., Silver Spring, Md.: Three-year starter at middle linebacker … named first team All-State as a senior … led the Blue Devils with 123 tackles … had 21 tackles for lost yardage with four sacks, four forced fumbles and three interceptions … two-time all-league selection … named All-Montgomery County twice … helped the Blue Devils win back-to-back Consortium Cups … made 115 tackles with five sacks as a junior … finished career with more than 300 tackles for Coach Rob Wendell … also competes for the Blue Devils' track and field team ... Coach Rob Wendell says: "Darius is a very coachable football player. Giving 100% in practice and on the game field is all he knows. He should be a great player for the Tigers."

MIKE HURLEY, 6-3, 250-lb. Defensive End, Old Tappan H.S., Old Tappan, N.J.: Two-time All-County and All-League selection at defensive end … one of the top defensive players in Northern New Jersey … led the Knights to a 9-2 record as a senior … had 60 tackles as a senior for Coach Brian Dunn … made 27 tackles for lost yardage with 7 quarterback sacks in 2007 … led the Knights with 80 tackles as a junior … had 30 tackles for lost yardage, including 7 sacks in 2006 … member of the Knights' wrestling team who also competes for the track and field squad … Coach Brian Dunn says: "Mike was an impact player for us on both sides of the ball. He is a physical player that can change the tone of a game on the line of scrimmage. As Mike continues to grow and develop, there is no doubt that he will bring that type of play to Towson and make the same type of impact."

MATT MORGAN, 6-3, 232-lb. Tight End, Horseheads H.S., Horseheads, N.Y.: Two-way starter who played fullback, tight end, linebacker and nose guard for the Blue Raiders … team captain as a senior for Coach Rick Gryska … two-time All-Region selection … earned all-conference honors four times … named All-League three times … caught 12 passes for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns as a tight end in 2007 … scored 4 touchdowns as fullback … had 9 catches for 159 yards and one TD as a junior … made 96 tackles with five sacks as a senior … had 106 tackles and seven sacks as junior … four-time Scholar-Athlete award winner … helped the Blue Raiders reach sectional finals as a junior … plays basketball for the Blue Raiders … ranked among the top 20 prospects in New York State by Scout.com … Coach Rick Gryska says: "Matt has spent all four of his years at our school turning himself into an elite player. His worth ethic is second to none. He has the right mix of tenacity and competitiveness to be a sound contributor to the Towson football program."

ROB OSBORNE, 6-0, 270-lb. Defensive Lineman, Clarksburg H.S., Germantown, Md.: Very talented defensive lineman who earned first team All-State honors as a senior … led a very young Coyote program to a 12-1 record and a berth in the state semi-finals in just the program's second year of existence … made 86 tackles with 4 quarterbacks sacks as a senior for Coach Larry Hurd … named first team All-Montgomery County and All-League … also played fullback and ran for 726 yards with 13 touchdowns in 2007 … Coach Larry Hurd says: "Towson is getting a very exciting, hard-working football player in Rob Osborne. Rob is an explosive player with good size. He is also a high-character player that Towson will be proud to have as part of the program. I believe he will be able to make a serious impact at this high level of football. He is a quality, quality guy that comes from a tremendous family and we're excited that he has chosen Towson which is so close to home."

BRIAN POTTS, 6-4, 202-lb. Quarterback, Caravel Academy, Middletown, Del.: Three-year starter at quarterback who was named as the 2007 Gatorade Player of the Year in Delaware … posted a 33-4 career record as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback … passed for 23 touchdowns with no interceptions while leading Caravel to a 10-0 regular season record as a senior … completed 57 of 97 passes for 1,381 yards as a senior … threw 45 career TD passes with 11 interceptions for Coach Mike Aruanno … named first team All-State as a senior … led the Buccaneers to three consecutive championship game appearances and the state title in 2005 … also a member of the Buccaneers' golf and swimming teams … older brother, Mike, played quarterback at William & Mary … older brother, Danny, is a wide receiver at the University of Delaware … Coach Mike Aruanno says: "Brian is the most complete player and person I have ever coached. He is the 'real deal' all the way around."

TREVOR WALKER, 5-10, 180-lb. Running Back, The Pennington School, Bensalem, Pa.: Three-time All-Prep selection in New Jersey who played running back and defensive back … rushed for 2200 yards in high school career for Coach Jerry Eure … scored 25 touchdowns in career … also named All-Prep as defensive back … made 72 tackles with three forced fumbles in 2007 … finished career with 250 tackles, three forced fumbles and two interceptions … standout performer for the Red Raiders' track and field team … won Patriot Conference titles in the 110 high hurdles and 400-meter run last year … Coach Jerry Eure says: "I am very excited that Trevor is going to Towson University. He has tremendous speed and a great work ethic. I'm sure he will be a great addition to the football program at Towson."

DANZEL WHITE, 6-1, 208-lb. Linebacker, C.D. Hylton H.S., Manassas, Va.: Named first team All-Area at linebacker for the Bulldogs … also earned All-District and All-Region honors … leading tackler for Coach Lou Sorrentino as a junior and senior … had 78 tackles in 2007, including 40 solo tackles … helped the Bulldogs post an 8-2 record as a junior … two-sport standout who also competes for the Bulldogs' track and field team … Coach Lou Sorrentino says: "Danzel is a smart football with a nose for the football. He is a quick learner who is hungry to the ball."

TONY ZACCARELLI, 6-3, 230-lb. Tight End, Westlake H.S., LaPlata, Md.: Honorable mention All-State selection at tight end … caught 10 passes for 169 yards and three touchdowns while leading the Wolverines to a 10-2 record … named first team All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference at tight end and linebacker … had six sacks while playing for his father, Coach Dominic Zaccarelli … helped Wolverines make four straight playoff appearances … two-time All-County selection … also plays baseball for the Wolverines … honor roll student … Coach Dominic Zaccarelli says: "Tony was one of our hardest-working football players. He is a smart player and he knows the game. He has played multiple positions during his career at Westlake. Tony is a devastating blocker with great hands."

Name, Pos.,Ht., Wt., High School, Hometown

Dan Atwood, DB, 6-0, 190, Gaithersburg H.S., Gaithersburg, Md.

Erron Banks, WR, 6-1, 170, Bound Brook H.S., Bound Brook, N.J.

Colin Bass, OL, 6-6, 256, Thomas Johnson H.S., Frederick, Md.

Frank Beltre, LB, 6-3, 215, Randolph H.S., Randolph, N.J.

Brian Boateng-Botwe, LB, 6-1, 232, Gaithersburg H.S., Burtonsville, Md.

Dominique Booker, WR, 5-11, 180, Hermitage H.S., Richmond, Va.

Justin Carr, CB, 5-11, 170, Hermitage H.S., Richmond, Va.

Todd Cox, LB, 6-2, 225, Linganore H.S., New Market, Md.

Tim Farley, OG, 6-4, 285, Manheim Township H.S., Lancaster, Pa.

Henry Glackin, OT, 6-6, 265, Solanco H.S., Quarryville, Pa.

Darius Hill, LB, 6-1, 210, Springbrook H.S., Silver Spring, Md.

Mike Hurley, DE, 6-3, 250, Old Tappan H.S., Old Tappan, N.J.

Matt Morgan, TE, 6-3, 232, Horseheads H.S., Horseheads, N.Y.

Rob Osborne, DT, 6-0, 270, Clarksburg H.S., Germantown, Md.

Brian Potts, QB, 6-4, 202, Caravel Academy, Middletown, Del.

Trevor Walker, RB, 5-10, 180, The Pennington School, Bensalem, Pa.

Danzel White, LB, 6-1, 208, C.D. Hylton H.S., Manassas, Va.

Tony Zaccarelli, TE, 6-3, 230, Westlake H.S., LaPlata, Md.