WILLIAMSBURG — The William & Mary football program bolstered its roster during the early signing period Wednesday, as Head Coach Mike London announced the addition of 13 talented student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Tribe.
The dynamic incoming class features standouts on both sides of the ball and includes a quarterback, two running backs, wide receiver, tight end, three offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, a linebacker and two defensive backs.
“We are excited to announce our early signing class and welcome an outstanding group of 13 student-athletes to our program,” London said. “Our staff did a tremendous job identifying student-athletes who embrace and embody our winning culture of success on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Collectively, the class features a balanced blend of talented standouts on both sides of the ball who will immediately help bolster our roster at key positions. We look forward to announcing more additions during the February signing period and are eager to continue building the roster as we prepare for the 2024 season.”
Complete bio information for the entire class is below.
Linden Clemmons
Offensive Line
6-7, 285
Shallotte, N.C. • West Brunswick HS
What Clemmons brings to the Tribe: “Linden is an athletic offensive lineman with tremendous size. He has the frame of a prototypical tackle and all the physical capabilities we are looking for.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Standout left tackle for head coach Shane Handy at West Brunswick High School … Served as a captain … Member of the varsity baseball team three years as a pitcher and first baseman … Also played travel baseball … Member of the honor roll …
PERSONAL: Son of Jeff and Jan Clemmons … enjoys fishing, the gym and ATV riding.
Harrison Johnson
Linebacker
6-2, 205
Porter Ridge, N.C. • Porter Ridge HS
What Johnson brings to the Tribe:“Harrison is a downhill inside backer with great length, athleticism and speed. He shows contact toughness and is a good tackler.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner as a standout linebacker for head coach Michael Hertz at Port Ridge High School … Honored as the SCC Defensive Player of the Year and the FNL Linebacker of the Year as a senior … Also earned all-conference distinction in 2023 after totaling 127 tackles (10.7 per game), 9.0 TFL, three forced fumbles, two interceptions (including a pick-six) and seven PBU … First-team all-county in 2022 … Also garnered all-conference accolades as a junior … Chosen as the PRHS Defensive MVP in 2022 … Two-time academic all-state honoree … Also a four-year letterwinner on the track team … Member of the Student Council, Union County Superintendent Council, Student Lighthouse Team, BETA Club and Jack & Jill South Charlotte Chapter …
PERSONAL: Son of James and Lisa Johnson … Enjoys music, basketball, Madden and hanging with friends.
Justin Krueger
Defensive End
6-4, 250
Marietta, Ga. • Walton HS
What Krueger brings to the Tribe: “Just is a true technician in beating blocks. He possesses an elite combination of size and speed on the defensive line. His versatility allows him to play inside and outside.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterwinner as a defensive and offensive lineman for head coach Daniel Brunner at Walton High School … First-team all-region selection on both sides of the ball … Totaled 55 tackles, 15.0 TFL and 7.0 sacks as a senior … Helped lead team to a state runner-up finish and ranked as high as No. 8 in the country … Chose W&M over multiple FBS offers …
PERSONAL: Son of John and Jenny Krueger … Father was a punter at Duke and played quarterback professionally in the Arena League and in Spain … Enjoys hanging out with family and friends.
Nathaniel McDonald
Defensive End
6-4, 225
Chesapeake, Va. • Atlantic Shores Christian School
What McDonald brings to the Tribe: “Nathaniel is a long, athletic defensive end who brings an unmatched motor and speed off the edge. He is very disruptive in the run and pass game.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Standout defensive end for head coach Wayne Lance at Atlantic Shores Christian School … Averaged 7.0 tackles per game and totaled 40 career sacks … Member of the honor roll …
PERSONAL: Son of Nathaniel and Vicky McDonald … Enjoys working out and spending time with family.
Josh Miller
Running Back
5-11, 188
South Boston, Va. • Halifax County HS
What Miller brings to the Tribe: “Josh is a versatile running back who also has great experience as a pass catcher. He has a well-rounded skillset and paired with good size for his position.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Standout running back and safety for head coaches Robert Senseney and Jeffry Adkins at Halifx County High School … First-team all-district and second-team all-region selection as a running back in 2023 … Second-team all-district safety as a senior … Averaged 80 rushing yards per game and 50 receiving yards per game … Also a guard on the basketball team …
PERSONAL: Son of Maurice and Dawn Miller … Cousin, Allen Stevens, played football at Virginia Tech … Enjoys working, going to the gym and hanging with friends.
Haven Mullins
Tight End
6-4, 228
Hardy, Va. • Franklin County HS
What Mullins brings to the Tribe: “Haven is a long athlete who has excelled at many different positions. He will add value as a tight end with his combination of size and athleticism.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Standout tight end and linebacker for head coach JR Edwards at Franklin County High School … Earned multiple all-region honors at both positions … First-team selection at tight end multiple times and at linebacker as a senior … Totaled 13 receptions for 350 yards and 50 solo tackles as a senior … Posted 20 catches for 314 yards and 55 solo tackles as a junior … Recorded 65 solo tackles as a sophomore … Also played basketball at FCHS … Member of the National Honor Society …
PERSONAL: Son of Matt and Joanna Mullins … Enjoys playing sports, fishing, hunting, watching movies, playing video games and hanging out with friends.
Jaden Ratliff
Defensive Back
5-10, 185
Norfolk, Va. • Maury HS
What Ratliff brings to the Tribe:“Jaden is a big safety who’s very athletic, productive and a physical tackler. He plays with an attitude and has a nose for the ball. He helped his team win the state title this year.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Standout safety, wide receiver, quarterback and long snapper for head coach Dyrri McCain at Maury High School … Two-time all-region selection … Earned all-state honors as a junior after totaling 90 tackles, seven interceptions and five pass breakups … Also garnered All-Tidewater and all-district distinction in 2022 … Also a guard/small forward on the basketball team … Member of the National Honor Society …
PERSONAL: Son of Ronnie and Shanikka Ratliff … Enjoys reading books, writing and working out.
Charles Stewart
Offensive Line
6-5, 290
Raleigh, N.C. • Wakefield HS
What Stewart brings to the Tribe: “Charlie is an intelligent, well-rounded offensive lineman. He plays with great strength and will bring an element of toughness to the OL room.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterwinner as a standout offensive lineman for head coach Justin Allred at Wakefield High School … Two-time all-conference selection … Graded better than 90 percent in every game as a senior … Allowed just 1.5 sacks during his three years as a varsity starter … Also competed as a thrower on the varsity track & field team for three years …
PERSONAL: Son of Jay and Erin Stewart … Brother, Sam, plays baseball at W&J College … Enjoys hiking, bicycling, fishing and spike ball.
Hunter Svoboda
Offensive Line
6-6, 270
Fleetwood, Pa. • Fleetwood Area HS
What Svoboda brings to the Tribe: “Hunter has the wide frame and long arms of an offensive tackle. Combined with his physicality he can be an impactful player for us.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Standout offensive tackle, defensive end and long snapper for head coach Steve Pangburn at Fleetwood Area High School … Two-time Mr. PAFootball lineman of the year candidate … Three0time all-academic team selection … Mike Drago Preseason All-Berks Olineman honoree … Also a center/forward on the basketball team …
PERSONAL: Son of Joseph and Honey Svoboda … Brother, Joey, is a member of the W&M football team … Enjoys basketball, lifting and hanging with friends.
Joey Tomasso
Quarterback
6-1, 180
Waverly, N.Y. • Waverly HS
What Tomasso brings to the Tribe: “Joey is a leader both on the field and in his community. He has a great arm, is dangerous as a runner, and is creative when things break down.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Standout quarterback for head coach Jason Miller at Waverly High School … Two-time all-state selection who earned first-team honors as a senior after garnering second-team distinction as a junior … Chosen as the 2023 Class C Player of the Year … Finished his career with 672 completions, 9,183 yards, 104 touchdowns, 2,144 rushing yards and 43 rushing touchdowns … Owns career and single-season school record for passing yards and touchdowns … Earned first-team all-state accolades in basketball after averaging 30.9 points per game … Captain of the math team …
PERSONAL: Son of Joe and Gwen Tomasso … Father was a member of the golf team at the University of Rochester … Sister, Alex, played golf collegiately at Merrimack and Saint John Fisher … Sister, Sidney, played basketball collegiately at Saint John Fisher … Enjoys fishing, yards games and golfing.
Cayden Trotter
Defensive Back
6-0, 190
Acworth, Ga. • North Cobb HS
What Trotter brings to the Tribe:“Cayden is a versatile defensive back who can play every position in the secondary. He is an exceptional ball hawk who can change the game.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterwinner for head coach Shane Queen at North Cobb High School … Earned first-team all-region honors as a senior … Totaled 90 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 10 PBU and an interception … Chose W&M over multiple FBS offers … Member of the Beta Club, Leadership Council and National Honor Society …
PERSONAL: Son of Steve and Beth Trotter … Enjoys filming, video games and watching movies.
Jor’dyn Whitelaw
Running Back
5-8, 162
Lynchburg, Va. • Brookville HS
What Whitelaw brings to the Tribe: “Jor’dyn possesses elite change of direction and elusiveness. He has shown the ability to be explosive not only as a running back but as a returner as well.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Standout running back for head coach Jon Meeks at Brookville High School … Team captain … Two-time first-team all-district selection … Totaled 1,567 all-purpose yards with 10 touchdowns … Rushed for 1,119 yards on 116 carries with nine touchdowns …
PERSONAL: Son of Julian Whitelaw and Shereta Cashwell … Enjoys ice skating, enduring nature and community service.
Armon Wright
Wide Receiver
5-8, 170
Charlotte, N.C. • Chambers HS
What Wright brings to the Tribe: “Armon is a dynamic receiver and return man. His ability to create yards after the catch will make him dangerous to any defense.”
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner as a standout wide receiver for head coach Brandon Wiggins at Chambers High School … All-conference selection as a senior … Helped team win back-to-back state championships in 2020 & 2021 … Also earned multiple letters in basketball and track … Two-time all-conference standout in track and helped team win the 2022 state championship …
PERSONAL: Son of Monte and Arnella Wright … Enjoys relaxing, working out and hanging with friends.