HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 4, 2026) … Hampton University head football coach Van Malone announced the signing of six players for the 2026 season. The list includes three players on offense and three on defense.
"We focused our recruiting efforts on targeted positions and concentrated on added two linemen, two defensive backs and two wide receivers," Malone said. "We added some key components to the roster and are making a commitment to long term development."
Hampton Football Signees:
Tripp Alexander Defensive Tackle, 6-2, 270, Fr., Putnam City, Okla. (Putnam City High)
Had no fewer than 10 scholarship offers … earned honorable mention all-state recognition … helped lead the Pirates to a 9-3 mark and the first round of the state playoffs … totaled 50 tackles with eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss as a junior … had 47 tackles with five sacks and a forced fumble as a senior at Putnam City High under Coach Willis Alexander.
Isiah Dougan Wide Receiver, 6-3, 200, Fr., Gainesville, Va. (Gainesville High)
A versatile player who saw action as a wide receiver, tight end and defensive back for Coach Tre Cage … named all-region as a senior … caught 41 passes for 588 yards (14.3 yards per catch) for the Cardinals in 2025 … had multiple scholarships offers following his senior season.
Matt Patchin Wide Receiver, 6-0, 170, Fr., Douglasville, Ga. (New Manchester High)
Hauled in 29 passes for 724 yard as a senior for Coach Otten Downs … had 11 receptions for 128 yards and a score in 2025 … invited to participate in the prestigious Rivals Camp in 2024 in Atlanta … also participated in the 2024 Georgia Elite Classic where he had two catches for 114 yards also invited to the Southeast Elite Prospects game in 2024 … had numerous offers including Mississippi.
Caden Rice Defensive Back, 6-2, 175, Fr., Durham, N.C. (C.E. Jordan High)
Played cornerback, free safety and strong safety for C.E. Jordan High under Coach Antonio King … the Falcons finished with a 10-3 record including a perfect 5-0 mark in league action … named Max Preps Player of the Game on Aug. 22, 2025 … had 26 total tackles with an interception and a forced fumble in 2025 … blocked a field goal attempt in a 41-14 victory over Apex High in the second round of the state playoffs.
John Williams Offensive Tackle, 6-4, 285, Fr., Douglasville, Ga. (New Manchester High)
A standout lineman at Douglasville (Ga.) High for Coach Olten Downs … a three-star recruit … played both guard and center for the Jaguars … helped lead the team to an 8-2 record including a 6-1 mark in conference play … Williams helped open holes for a potent offense that averaged 35.2 points per game and running back Andre Gianolopous rushed for 1238 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Marqwae Willis Defensive Back, 6-0, 170, Fr., Waco, Texas (La Vega High)
Finished his senior season with 74 tackles including three interceptions and two tackles for loss under Coach Don Hyde … La Vega High finished the season with a 12-4 record and was runner-up in the Texas 4A D-II division … as a junior, he accumulated 80 total tackles and broke up four passes … an excellent student, he is among the top 10 percent of his class … also a member of the La Vega High basketball team where he averaged 16 points, six rebounds and five assists.
