GREENSBORO, N.C. – Guilford College head football coach Chris Rusiewicz announced the intention of six new incoming students who intend to play football for the Quakers Thursday. The six have made their deposits to the college and will enroll in classes beginning in August. The group of commitments increases Rusiewicz's fourth recruiting class to 36
John Huerta (Burlington, N.C.) lettered three years at Walter M. Williams High School under head coach David Green. The 5-9, 240-pound defensive lineman earned All-Midstate 3A Conference and second-team all-region honors his senior year. He recorded 36 tackles as a senior and picked up 227 rushing yards after the team's starting running back was lost to injury. Huerta also lettered in lacrosse for two years. He was named to Williams' A-B Honor Roll three of his four years.
Justin Carn (Highland Springs, Va.) lettered two years at Highland Springs High Schools under head coach Loren Johnson. The 5-11, 185-pound linebacker earned second-team all-conference and first-team all-academic recognition in the 5A South Conference 11. A captain, Carn received the team's Teammate of the Year Award as chosen by the coaching staff. As a senior, he accounted for 70 total tackles (38 unassisted), two forced fumbles, and one punt block, which he returned 54 yards for a touchdown. A member of the National Society of High School Scholars, Carn intends to study criminal justice with a minor in sociology at Guilford.
Julian Humes (Durham, N.C.) lettered two years at C.E Jordan High School under head coach LaDwaun Harrison. The 6-3, 300-pound offensive linemen earned honorable mention All-PAC 6 recognition his senior year and also served as a team captain. He also received all-conference track and field honors as a thrower. Humes intends to study biology at Guilford.
Deon Messiah (Charlotte, N.C.) lettered two years at Myers Park High School under head coach Scott Stein. The 5-9, 160-pound defensive back led the team with 60 tackles his senior year and was awarded Defensive Player of the Year honors for the Mustangs. Messiah earned All-Southwestern 4A Conference honors as a cornerback. He was a captain for the Mustangs three years straight, and also lettered two years on the wrestling team. Messiah plans to study business management at Guilford.
Tahleik Pauling (Charlotte, N.C.) lettered all four years at West Mecklenburg High School under head coach Jeff Caldwell. The 5-9, 160-pound defensive back/wide receiver helped the Hawks to a 9-3 record and a state playoff berth in 2013. Pauling plans to study sport management at Guilford.
Gibson Ziah (Snellville, Ga.) lettered three years at South Gwinnett High School under head coach John Small. The 6-1, 205-pound linebacker ranked second on the team with eight sacks, Gwinnett County's eighth-highest total in 2013. Ziah was named Gwinnett County Player of the Week once as a senior. He also excelled in the classroom as a three-year honor student. Ziah intends to study business management at Guilford.
The Quakers finished the 2013 season with a 6-4 overall record, their best since 2007. Guilford could return as many as 18 starters and opens the 2014 campaign against cross-town rival Greensboro College in the Gate City Soup Bowl Sept. 6.