RECAP: Stephen F. Austin on National Signing Day

National Signing Day is here. On a bit of different kind of year with an early period already in the books, Stephen F. Austin is moments away from introducing the totality of their incoming class.

We'll be live blogging it right here, but you can follow along on ESPN3 (or the WatchESPN app) right here.

The future of SFA football starts today and, although a last second addition to the class may be in the works right now, the press conference should start roughly at 2:00 p.m.

4:01 p.m.

In visiting for a little while after the press conference, it's clear that SFA isn't yet done with this signing class. It would be fair to expect at least one more immediate contributor, likely on the offensive line, to join this group before the summer.

The vibe all around is a lot different than it was in December. The whole program felt a little beaten down after the way the season ended with the loss to Northwestern State. This program needed a win and a lot of the athletes they hauled today were coveted by multiple programs. SFA picked up some wins, for sure. 

Spring football should be a little bit extra fun with all the junior college transfers. 

2:45 p.m.

Conque is giving some shout outs to last season's seniors. Questions will follow. We'll take a quick break to speak with coaches and players and will follow this event with video content as we get a chance to speak with some coaches and players on the upcoming season.

2:42 p.m.

That wraps up the class. Conque will talk about his program for a bit and then take questions. "This is a watershed year," he admits. He says his entire staff is aware of it. "We want to be what we know we can be."

It's a results kind of year. There are over 40 juniors and seniors on this team. The last time that happened was Conque's first year, when they went to the playoffs. He says that is no coincidence. 

Conque and his staff are self aware. The expectations are high this year because they need to be high. Anything less will mean changes are probably going to be made. There is a lot of reason to believe this is the year where the on-the-field results turn the corner. Optimism runs high, but so does pressure.

2:40 p.m.

Bryce Wempa, the second tight end signing today, comes from TJC. He was the top junior college rated tight end in the country entering his junior year before injuries struck this past season. Very flexible athlete who could see the field in a number of roles.

Nazier Wright, a safety, another junior college secondary signing, is next on the list. Conque calls him one of his favorite signings today. "Long, explosive, change of direction" athlete, who will project as a free safety for SFA. "He can be as good as he wants to be."

2:37 p.m.

Jae'lon Oglesby, the transfer from Memphis from South Carolina. Maybe, perhaps, the biggest signing of the day. He was a four-star recruit in high school but was the top all-purpose back in the country out of high school. He was originally comitted to Clemson, ended up at Memphis and unknown circumstances have brought him to Nacogdoches. He sat out this past year to work on his academics. Big time signing, absolutely huge, if it pans out.

Remi Simmons, another JUCO player who is present today, is signing as a wide receiver. He graduated from junior college in three semesters. "Explosive athlete," says Conque. He's another quick guy who will play in the slot. Conque has staff in the room replay a clip of him tipping the ball to another teammate while in junior college. "Best football IQ play I've seen on any reel," says Conque.

2:32 p.m.

Quin Jones, linebacker, who won a national championship in JUCO ranks this year. Again, a player who could contribute quickly. Conque says he could see him as a swing linebacker that could play anywhere depending on how big he can get. 

Donald Mensah Jr., is another JUCO cornerback. Conque says he is the first Canadian he has ever signed in his career. Once again, SFA is looking for secondary players who can fill a need right away. They'll compete with each other to play now.

2:30 p.m.

Tanner Elliott, who is also here today, is another East Texas product. Went to TJC after playing high school ball at Carthage. He has played all five positions on the offensive line at TJC. Offensive line is a point of emphasis today. Conque says he'll start his SFA career at center.

Aretavious Hendrix, another JUCO transfer, who will play corner and addresses an immediate need. "Long, athletic corner with a winning pedigree," Conque says. Another player today who could see the field right away for SFA.

2:27 p.m.

Jadarius Byrd, from Kansas, was a three-star recruit out of high school who is transfering from junior college. "Opportunity to make an immediate impact," says Conque. Should see playing time right away with the open positions there on the roster.

Josh Covey, the quarterback, who is here today, signed officially. He is already enrolled at SFA and transferred from Texas. We've discussed him in the past; we expect he'll compete to start immediately this season. One of the most exciting athletes on the team immediately.

2:24 p.m.

John Wilkowski, who is present here today, is being introduced. He was committed a year ago but had a knee injury. He has been enrolled for the last year but is just signing with the team now. Was well recruited out of high school but the injury scared off a lot of suitors. He's added a lot of weight moving from tight end to offensive tackle. "A need position," Conque says.

DaRyan Williams, another East Texas signee, right from Nacogdoches, is signed as a linebacker. His senior year was cut short by injury but he's a burner. He ran a 4.40 at SFA's camp this summer and had plenty of FBS looks, but he elected to stay home. Very good academic student and a chance to contribute quickly.

2:21 p.m.

Tycen Thompson is a "home run" hitter at running back. Conque says they felt like that was missing from their team last year. He's a burner but a nifty and elusive athlete too. He's a great pass catcher and runner and "he can score from anywhere," says Conque.

2:20 p.m.

Braison Rudd signed this morning. He played six-man football and he's a legitimate athlete. He's a three-star recruit and as gifted as he is, is very raw. Conque sees a ton of potential. "His upside is tremendous." SFA is defintely adding some athleticism today.

2:19 p.m.

Out of Sam Houston State's backyard, Amad Murray, is signing as a defensive end. "When he gets to eating right and training year around for football" he has a chance to have an excellent year for years to come, says Conque.

Jeffrey Rose, from Cypress, is one of three signing on the offensive line. He's a two-star recruit but got a lot of attention from both FCS and FBS levels. SFA was able to hold off a lot of attention. He's 300 pounds and could be one of the rare athletes with a chance to play on the offensive line right out of high school.

2:17 p.m.

Jeremiah Davis was a ULL commitment from Lufkin but changed his mind after a staff change. Another player who had a lot looks around the Southland but decided to stay close to home at SFA. He actually played in the big Lufkin-Longview game earlier this fall at Homer Bryce Stadium.

JaTerious Evans is now being introduced - another local kid from the East Texas area. He played at Center, and is also a basketball star. His brother is at Boise State and could develop into a nice piece in the secondary.

Barclay Ford is signing as a tight end. He's a two-star recruit but really a wide receiver who is large enough to play in the role. He's physically mature for his age. Has a chance to have a "monster" career, says Conque.

2:10 p.m.

QuenTyvian Borders, who is being signed as a wide receiver, is from San Augustine - a local kid. He played both sides of the ball and could have a future on either end. A lot of big schools recruited him but he signed early with SFA.

Tyrell Buard is a signing on the defensive line. A big run stopper but his personality and drive might be his best asset. Staff sees a lot of potential in his body to mature but probably don't expect immediate contributions here. High ceiling for the future.

2:10 p.m.

Brody Anderson, a safety from Katy has been named. "One of the top high school programs in Texas," says Conque. He was played extensively on offense and special teams and might be a contributor as a punt returner.

Cam Arnold, one of two quarterbacks added today, is being introduced. He went 15-0 as a starter this past season and was named by 247Sports as a top 50 pro-style quarterback in the country. His father played at LSU. Big time signing for the future. Had a lot of Southland offers but chose SFA.

2:07 p.m.

Conque thanks outgoing offensive coordinator Gary Crowton (who was dismissed in December). "He has returned back to Utah," and notes "family health crisis" he is going through. There was obviously more to his dismissal but those are some factors not really discussed in the change. Conque is expected to name a new offensive assistant (although he may effectively coordinate his own office) either today or in the coming weeks.

2:05 p.m.

Conque is on the stage and thanking a number of people at the top of his broadcast. Notably gives a personal shoutout to Robert Hill. "I'll get back to walking again now that I won't be quite as busy," Conque says. SFA's outgoing athletic director and head coach have been known to spend mornings together walking. It's where the vision of the football program has been discussed at length.

We'll see some of that vision, hopefully, pay off today in this signing class.

1:59 p.m.

A last ditch effort to pick up an additional linebacker looks it fell just short. SFA is preparing to get rolling on their press conference where 23 players will be introduced as Lumberjacks.

I'm sure head coach Clint Conque will highlight this, but the biggest story of the day is probably already written - and that's the Memphis transfer running back Jae'lon Oglesby who has signed with SFA. He would be the best athlete to set foot in Nacogdoches in some time. "Reggie Bush-esque," an assistant said moments ago.

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