VMI football signs five on first day of early signing period

Virginia Military Institute football announced five national letter of intent signings on the first day of the December early signing period.

 

VMI signees 

• Jaelen Adkins, DB, 6-0, 185, Richmond, Va./Henrico
• Nick Hartnett, OL, 6-3, 285, Springfield, Va./West Springfield
• Ayden Jilson, OL, 6-5, 305, Fredericksburg, Va./Colonial Forge
• Carter Johnson, LB, 6-3, 210, Huntsville, Ala./Huntsville
• Jacob Peace, OL, 6-6, 300, Berryville, Va./Clark County

 

Profiles

Jaelen Adkins, DB, 6-0, 185, Richmond, Va./Henrico
Named All-Region and All-Academic as a senior defensive back … in 2017 totaled 94 tackles, four interceptions and two sacks … also forced two fumbles, blocked a field goal and scored one defensive touchdown senior year … as a junior registered three interceptions, deflected four passes, made 21 tackles and recovered two fumbles…also played wide receiver…All-Academic first team.

Nick Hartnett, OL, 6-3, 285, Springfield, Va./West Springfield
Served as team captain…played both offensive and defensive line at West Springfield… as a senior played in eight games, had 17 solo tackles and 32 total tackles including seven tackles for loss and six sacks … as a junior was named Second Team All-Conference as a right tackle on the offensive line…participated in JROTC and West End Rugby…great-grandfather played OL at Auburn.

Ayden Jilson, OL, 6-5, 305, Fredericksburg, Va./Colonial Forge
2017 first team All-Region at center in football…two-year letterman in 2016 and 2017…also a two-year letterman in lacrosse on defense and was selected 2017 second team All-Conference.

Carter Johnson, LB, 6-3, 210, Huntsville, Ala./Huntsville
2017 All-City team…as a senior made 72 tackles including one tackle for loss and one forced fumble … also had four interceptions and 78 interception return yards including one touchdown … served as the team’s long snapper…four-year letterman in football…also threw the javelin on the track team and placed 23rd in the 7A State meet…A-B Honor Roll senior year…Junior Civitan all four years of high school and Interact Club senior year.

Jacob Peace, OL, 6-6, 300, Berryville, Va./Clark County
Earned 2017 first team all-conference and second team All-Region honors…named 2016 second team all-conference…played both offensive and defensive tackle…three-year letterman…holds several school weight room records including sophomore, junior and senior bench press, Iron Eagle – weight lifting 1200# in 2016 and Platinum Eagle 1700# + in 2016…also lettered one-year in wrestling.