RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University Head Football Coach Walt Wells announced six signees from the high school ranks on Wednesday's early National Signing Day.
 
By position, the Colonels added two offensive linemen, one running back, one defensive lineman, one outside linebacker, and one athlete.
 
By state, the signees will come to Richmond from three different states: two from Kentucky, one from Ohio, two from Tennessee, and one from Kansas.
 
Up front, EKU secured NLIs from David Pellman out of DuPont Manual and Syler Green from Independence High School in Tennessee.
 
In his final season at DuPont Manual, Pellman helped the Crimsons tally 4,063 yards of total offense and 447 total points while achieving a 9-3 record in 2025.
 
"David was a highly recruited kid, and it is easy to see why," said Director of Player Personnel, Jax Egan. "He is a well-rounded player and person with a lot of potential. It's great to bring one of the best offensive linemen in Kentucky to Richmond."
 
Green joins the Colonels as a three-star prospect by On3 and the 71^st best prospect per the publication.
 
"Syler is a kid we had been recruiting for a good amount of time in this class," said Egan. "The more we got to know him, the more we liked him. He has all the traits to be a quality college offensive lineman.
 
This past fall, he paved the way for Independence's offense that tallied 3,551 yards and 247 points as a senior.
 
Green is joined by high school teammate Blaze Katina at outside linebacker.
 
"Blaze's versatility is very hard to find," said Egan. "He's a physical player with a well-rounded skillset. He has the ability to be a big-time contributor to our defense."
 
Katina was a force on defense in 2025 for the Eagles, recording 38 tackles in 10 games played with 29 solo efforts and five tackles for loss with one interception and two forced fumbles.
 
At running back, EKU adds a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Ryder Hooks from Lakota East High School in Ohio.
 
"We couldn't be more excited to get Ryder in our offense," said Egan. "His accolades as a senior speak for themselves. We can't wait to see the career he has as a Colonel.
 
In 2025 alone, Hooks rushed for 2,032 yards on 220 carries for an average of 9.2 yards per carry and 169.3 yards per game with 19 touchdowns. In the passing game, he added 400 receiving yards, with 25 receptions, and three scores as the Thunderbirds went 8-4.
 
On the defensive line, the Colonels add Cole Rose from George Rogers Clark. In 11 games, Rose recorded 56 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one fumble recovery.
 
"It's always great to add local kids to the program," said Egan. "Cole is a strong athlete with the maturity and football intelligence to contribute to us early in his career."
 
Joining the Colonels as an athlete is Jake House, out of St. James Academy in Kansas.
 
The brother of current EKU wide receiver Jackson House and son of Kansas City Chiefs' Senior Defensive Assistant Matt House, Jake, comes to Richmond after rushing for 1,231 yards on 236 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per carry with 18 touchdowns on the season.
 
"The familiarity we had with Jake and his family made adding him to the program an easy choice for us," said Egan. "He's a great athlete with the ability to contribute in all three phases throughout his career here."
 
Out of the back field, he also added 271 receiving yards on 23 receptions with one touchdown.