RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University's head football coach, Walt Wells, welcomed six new players to Colonel Nation on December's National Signing Day.
 
The early signing class features five Kentucky natives with another from nearby in Ohio.
 
By position, the Colonels added one running back, one wide receiver, two inside linebackers, a "SAM" linebacker, and a cornerback.
 
In the backfield, EKU adds Peyton Smith from Frederick Douglass High School. Brother of current Colonel Kaden Smith, the local produce helped the Broncos to a 9-5 record in 2024 making it to the KHSAA State Semi-Finals.
 
"Peyton is a very dynamic RB," said offensive coordinator and running backs coach Andy Richman. "He plays with the combination of power, speed, and balance that can be used in multiple ways in the offense."
 
In his senior season, Smith rushed for 591 yards and 9 touchdowns on 67 carries averaging 8.8 yards per carry.
 
At wide receiver, EKU welcomes Braylon Newcomb from Bellefontaine High School in Ohio.
 
The new wide out put-up impressive numbers in his last high school season even breaking the school record for receiving yards in a game, with 235 in week one of 2024.
 
"Braylon Newcomb brings an interesting dynamic to the WR room," said wide receiver coach Caleb Cox. "He plays multiple positions & explosive with the ball in his hand."
 
Newcomb led Bellefontaine to a 9-2 record this past season recording 1,195 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 77 receptions.
 
The first of two inside linebackers added on signing day was Brock Driver out of Boyle County High School.
 
A three-time state champion at Boyle Co., Driver is rated as a three-star prospect according to 247 Sports.
 
"Brock Driver is a sideline-to-sideline backer that can make plays it a lot of different ways," said defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Jake Johnson. "He is an elite-level communicator who has a passion for getting to the ball."
 
The 2024 season saw Driver record 85 total tackles, with three being for losses, and four sacks.
 
Joining Driver at inside linebacker is Cameron Jessee of DuPont Manual High School.
 
The son of former Colonel football player, Cas Jessee (1991-94), Cameron helped Manual DuPont reach the third round of the state playoffs in 2024.
 
"Cam Jesse brings a passion and physicality to the LB room that is contagious," said coach Johnson. "When you are around him he impresses you with his love of the game."
Jessee ended his senior season at Manual with 47 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks.
 
At SAM, EKU adds Davion Sturgis of Woodford County HS that made it to the second round in the state playoffs in 2024.
 
"Davion is a very versatile linebacker who will excel at our SAM position because of his blend of athleticism & speed," said nickels coach Mike Dietzel. "He shows a great nose for the ball getting and creating turnovers plus good tackling and pass-rush ability. He brings those same qualities that produce playmakers on our defense."
 
Sturgis ended the 2024 season with 109 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, and 13 sacks.
 
Finally, the Colonels got another strong addition in the secondary with cornerback Darius Akal from Harlan High School.
 
"We are excited are excited to coach Darius," said defensive secondary coach Rashad Watson. "He has displayed great character, athletic ability, and is an awesome student and person. I am looking forward to what the future here at EKU holds for him."
 
An honor student who played both ways at Harlan, Akal had 68 tackles in 2024 with one sack.