A trio of Matoaca football players got new offerings from schools recently.
Offensive/defensive lineman Akhari Haggard broke into the Division I realm as he was offered a preferred walk-on spot by Gardner-Webb University. He also took a visit to in-state, Division III school Christopher Newport.
Haggard, provides a big football body at 6-2 and 295 pounds, but his athleticism has improved greatly over the past year or so.
“Haggard is a team leader and a solid student,” Matoaca coach Jay Parker said. “He has really good feet and good athleticism, and [he]has worked very hard on his strength this offseason. He’s probably our strongest player.”
The breakthrough into being noticed by a Division I school could be a sign of things to come for Haggard, who continues a strong tradition of linemen coming from Matoaca.
Ben White picked up his third and fourth offers recently. Those came from West Virginia Wesleyan and Bluefield State.
At 6-1, 215 pounds, White’s frame is projectable and he can pack on muscle. His size also gives him the ability to be versatile. Mostly used as a blocking tight end, his offensive skills have improved, and he also gets reps at defensive end.
Jordan Robinson got his third offer from North Carolina Wesleyan in Rocky Mount, N.C.
Robinson, 5-10 and 170 pounds, played in just two games last season due to injury, but played well in that limited field time at defensive back and slot receiver. After earning a starting job as a sophomore, he’ll look to excel in his senior season, perhaps pushing the needle even further on his recruiting.
