HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 7, 2024) … Head football coach Robert Prunty announced the signing of eight football players today.
"We are pleased with the eight players we signed today. I believe we have identified young men who will be a great fit at Hampton," Prunty said, "We filled some needs and believe we have already laid the foundation for a solid football program."
Among the eight signees are seven freshmen and 1 transfer. Included in the group are four defensive players and three offensive players and one specialist.
2024 Hampton Football Signees
Elijah Blow
Offensive Tackle
Freshman, 6-6, 210
Chesapeake, Va. (Oscar Smith High)
Elijah Blow was a member of the Oscar Smith High state championship team in 2021. Playing for Coach Chris Scott, he is a versatile athlete, he saw action along the offensive line at tackle and center. He has a high football IQ and a high ceiling. Blow has the ability to be physical in both the run and pass game.
Demetrion Duvall
Placekicker, Punter
Freshman, 5-10, 180
Akron, Ohio (Buchtel High)
Rated a four-star kicker, Demetrion Duvall was named second-team All-Ohio, two-time Special Teams Player of the Year, No. 1 punter in Ohio, and the 16th ranked punter in the country. A three-year starter, he averaged 44.9 yards per punt on 2023. Duvall booted a 79-yard punt and 36 of his punts were inside the 20-yard line. He had 28 of his 61 kickoffs end in touchbacks. He had offers from Grambling State, Morgan State, Clark Atlanta, Shaw, and Johnson C. Smith.
Julian Ganthier
Defensive Back
Graduate, 6-1, 180
Laurel, Md. (St. Vincent Pillotti High, Stony Brook University)
Julian Ganthier was a two-year starter at CAA foe Stony Brook. In 23 games, he registered 45 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles for 62 total tackles. He also intercepted one pass and had seven defended passes. He possesses excellent size and has great tackling ability. He has good cover skills and plays. A leader, he has a lot of experience and knows the CAA from his days at Stony Brook.
Richard Kramer
Tight End/Defensive Lineman
Freshman, 6-4, 255
Treasure Coast, Fla. Treasure Coast High)
Richard Kramer is a big, strong two-way player who plays with high intensity. He helped lead the Titans to a 9-3 record in 2023. Playing for Coach Irvin Jones, Kramer registered 19 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles for a total of 31 stops in 12 games. He also recorded 11.0 tackles for loss, had 8.5 sacks, and forced two fumbles in 2023.
Michael Matthews-Canty
Outside Linebacker
Freshman, 6-3, 215
Fredericksburg, Va. (St. Michael the Archangel High)
Michael Matthews-Canty was a two-way player for Coach Hugh Brown at Fredericksburg's St. Michael the Archangel High where he saw action as an outside linebacker as well as a wide receiver. He is a long, rangy athlete and a good tackler. Matthews-Canty is very athletic and can be a dominant player in space or in the box. Ranked a three-star standout from ON3, he had offers from Syracuse, Appalachian State, James Madison, Charlotte, Temple, Liberty, and Towson.
Zantwan Nelson
Defensive Back
Freshman, 6-1, 175
Rock Hill, S.C. (South Pointe High)
A two-time all-state selection, Zantwan Nelson can play multiple positions on defense. He played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas game and was named Defensive Player of the Game. He is a standout in man-to-man corner coverage or field cover safety. He also participated in basketball. He fielded offers from Marshall, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Arkansas State, Wofford, and South Carolina State.
Brenton Toles III
Quarterback
Freshman, 6-1, 180
Washington, D.C. (Friendship Collegiate Academy)
Rated a three-star quarterback, Toles is a dynamic playmaker who is a dual threat to run or throw. He has a strong and accurate arm. In 2023, he completed 106-of-198 passes for 1,512 yards with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 212 yards and four scores on 49 carries. He had scholarship offers from Maryland, James Madison, Marshall, Mimi (Ohio).
Jayden Whitley
Defensive Back
Freshman, 6-2, 185
James Island, S.C. (James Island High)
Whitley helped lead James Island High to a 12-1 record in 2023. He registered 30 solo tackles, 15 assists for 45 total tackles in 12 games. He also had three interceptions and two tackles for loss.
He returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2023. He played in the 76th Touchstone Energy North-South All-Star Game. He has excellent size and speed. A three-year starter, he had offers from Charleston Southern, Lenoir-Rhyne, Wofford, Howard, and North Carolina Central.
