2008 Recruiting Class


Lions Sign Two McNairy Central High School Standouts

Henderson, Tenn. -- The Freed-Hardeman University men’s soccer program has announced the signings of McNairy Central’s Joshua Mankey and Alek Floyd to its fall roster, according to Lion coach Jason Elliot.

Mankey is a forward or midfielder who finished the high school season with 29 goals and 30 assists. He was also named All-District the last two seasons while breaking the high school scoring record. Floyd, a midfielder, scored 14 goals and dished out 10 assists his senior year. He was also named All-District and best offensive player in 2007.

“Joshua and Alek are quality young men who will represent our program well,” said Elliott. “They have received good training under Nick Cook at McNairy and we are excited about them coming. I look for both to help us in the midfield or up top and compete for minutes right away.”

Joshua is the son of Melody and Jamie Huggins of Selmer and Jody Mankey of Selmer, Tenn. Alek is the son of Darryl Foyd of Selmer, Tenn.

Freed-Hardeman University competes in the TranSouth conference as a part of the NAIA. The TranSouth is one of the toughest soccer conferences in the nation. The Lions will begin their season preparation on August 6th.
Lions Sign Jackson Christian Standout

Henderson, Tenn. – The Freed-Hardeman University men’s soccer program has announced another signee for the fall season, according to FHU head coach Jason Elliott. Trey Mangrum, a defender from Jackson, Tenn., has committed to play for the Lions next season.

Under the direction of Bill Duffy, Mangrum was a two-time All-District and Team MVP performer for Jackson Christian School. He was also named to the District Tournament team in 2007. In addition to his performance on the soccer field, Mangrum also played for the 2007 JCS Eagles state championship football team.

“We are glad that Trey has decided to join our program and become a student here at FHU,” said head coach Jason Elliott. “He has a great deal of athletic ability and natural talent and we think he will fit in well and have a very good career here.”

Trey is the son of Mac and Janet Mangrum of Jackson, Tenn.
FHU Men’s Soccer Adds to Fall Roster

Henderson, Tenn. – The Freed-Hardeman University men’s soccer program has announced the signing of Joshua McReynolds, according to head coach Jason Elliott. McReynolds, a midfielder from Zachary, Louisiana, will enroll at FHU in August.

McReynolds was a standout midfielder for the C.H.E.F. Patriots and for his club team, the BRSA Real Rouge U-19. His club team won the 2007 U-19 State Championship. McReynolds won the LCSAA state championship in high school this year while scoring 20 goals and dishing out 11 assists. In 2006, he was the league MVP and received 1st team All-State honors.

“Joshua is a player that we can expect big things from here at FHU,” said head coach Jason Elliott. “I think his versatility will help our midfield and the way he sees the field will give him a chance to come in and make an immediate impact.”

McReynolds plans to major in pre-engineering while at Freed-Hardeman University. He is the son of Bryan and Susan McReynolds.
HARRISON SIGNS WITH LIONS

Henderson, Tenn.—The Freed-Hardeman University men’s soccer team has signed Alex Harrison of Martin, Tenn., according to head coach Jason Elliott. Harrison will transfer from UT Martin to help the Lions this fall.

Harrison was a standout performer at Westview High School and the West Tenn. Select Club Team. During his career at Westview, Harrison was named All-District for three seasons and TSSAA All-State for two seasons.

“Alex is a good athlete and can play a number of positions for us,” said head coach Jason Elliott. “His knowledge of the game and leadership is key when he is playing in goal, but I also expect him to contribute for us in the midfield.”

Alex is the son of Jenny Harrison and plans to major in Graphic Design at Freed-Hardeman University.
STEWART COMMITS TO FHU

Henderson, Tenn. – The Freed-Hardeman University men’s soccer program has added another standout for next season. Erik Stewart has decided to join the Lions in the fall to begin his college career at FHU.

Stewart is the second player from Warren County High School to sign with the Lions for the 2007 season. He is beginning his senior season as goalkeeper at Warren County, and also plays club soccer for the Cosmos. Stewart intends to major in Bible and Physical Therapy. He received the leadership award the last two seasons.

“Erik came to our camp in the summer and we were impressed with his quickness and athleticism in goal,” said head coach Jason Elliott. “He will have a good career here.”

Erik is the son of William and Lilian Stewart.
CONNOLLY INKS WITH FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY

Henderson, Tn. – FHU head soccer coach, Jason Elliott, has announced the signing of Justin Connolly to a soccer scholarship beginning this fall. Connolly is a midfielder from Tupelo, Mississippi and will enroll as a freshman in August.

Connolly is currently in his senior season at Tupelo High School. He also plays for the ’89 Tupelo Futbol Club. Connolly was a member of the 2004 5A State Championship for Tupelo High School. The Tupelo Futbol Club won the state championship in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and runner-up in 2006. They were also Region III Premier League champions in 2004, 2005, and 2006 and Region III Championship Quarterfinalists in 2005 and 2006.

“We are excited about Justin coming to join us in the fall,” said head coach Jason Elliott. “His background and knowledge of the game should really help our squad. I expect him to help us at outside midfield.”

Connolly has also received numerous awards for his work in the classroom including National Honor Society, ACT Scholar Award, National Merit Scholarship Qualifier, and the National Honor Roll.

Justin is the son of Bryan and Julie Connolly of Tupelo, Miss.
LIONS SOCCER SIGNS SIMPSON

Henderson, Tn. – Saul Simpson, a defender from McMinville, Tn. has signed to play his collegiate soccer at Freed-Hardeman University, according to FHU head coach Jason Elliott. Simpson will enroll in the fall and begin his collegiate career with the Lions.

Simpson is currently in his senior season at Warren County High School and plays sweeper. Warren County won the District 7AAA championship in 2004. Simpson was named All-District and Best Defender for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. This spring will be his senior season at Warren County. Simpson has also played club soccer with the Cookeville Chippewas who won the state tournament in 2006.

“I look for Saul to have a great four years here at FHU,” said head coach Jason Elliott. “Saul came to our camp this summer and he reads the game very well in the back and knows how to distribute the ball from the back line. He will make an impact his freshman year.”

Saul is the son of David and Sandy Simpson.