"We're going to spend a lot of time this spring on our football intelligence," Smith said, "and about winning those games we had a chance to win just because we didn't make smart decisions, at times. We have to make our players understand that they have to make the right decisions at the right times.

"But they're doing a great job in the weight room and running in the morning," he continued. "Now, it's just about getting through the spring (practices are March 19-April 13), keeping everybody healthy, getting into our summer conditioning and being ready to report on Aug. 8."

Below is some general information on each signee along with thoughts from Smith and his staff.

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HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES

The following players have signed national letters of intent to join the Blue Tigers as true freshmen with four years of eligibility.

Calvin Black - OL, 6-5, 300 (Powder Springs, GA/Hillgrove) Calvin is a tremendously powerful offensive lineman with great drive. He was selected first team all-region his senior year in Georgia. He was a vital part of a team which went 12-1 and lost in the third round of the playoffs. Calvin was also selected Team Captain.

Dawson Brandt - LB, 6-0, 190 (Eldon, MO/Eldon) Dawson is defensive playmaker who accumulated 420 tackles (13th all-time in Missouri football history), 26.5 TFL's, six interceptions, and five blocked kicks in his career. He is a three-time all-conference and three-time all-state selection. He was named team captain his junior and senior seasons. He is also a three-time state qualifier in wrestling, recording a school-record 158 wins.

Lathan Buckley - DL, 6-3, 280 (Lee's Summit, MO/Lee's Summit) Lathan is an athletic lineman who dealt with injuries during his senior year. Despite this he was a multi-sport athlete, lettering twice in basketball and twice in football. He helped lead his team to a pair of conference championships, while being an honor rollstudent allfour years. Lathan is active in his community participating in black history month, prom committee, community forums, meals on wheels, and the principal diversity leadership team.

Demetrius Clark - LB, 6-1, 190 (Union, MO/Union) Demetrius is a fast outside linebacker who makes plays all over the field. He was selected first team all-conference, first team all-area, and conference defensive MVP his senior year. His ball-hawking skills are demonstrated by leading his team in caused turnovers (interceptions and fumbles).

Reagan Harrell - P, 5-11, 170 (Leesburg, GA/Lee County) Reagan is a talented punter with a powerful leg and tactful accuracy. While a senior he averaged 39 yards per punt, and hit 20/26 inside the 20 yard line (77%). He was named special teams captain on his high school team, helping them win back to back Georgia Class 6A State Championships.

Rashaad Harris - WR, 5-9, 170 (Washington, D.C./Bell) Rashaad is a very fast, playmaking slot receiver prospect. He was named team captain his senior season, leading them to an 11-0 record and the first state championship in school history. Playing both ways, he tallied 13 TD's as a receiver and four interceptions as a defensive back. He was named team MVP.

Jarrin McKeithen - WR, 6-1, 175 (Lake St. Louis, MO/Liberty) Jarrin is a gifted athlete, and impact wide receiver prospect. He earned all-conference and all-district accolades his senior year. As a senior, he was named captain and helped his high school win their first district game in team history. He is a three-sport athlete, also participating in basketball and track for four years.

Collin Nichols - LB, 6-0, 220 (Troy, MO/Troy-Buchanan) Collin is a physical inside linebacker prospect who has garnered many accolades. He is a four-time all-conference selection. He was also selected to play in the Blue-Gray All-American game as a senior. He played two ways in high school, taking the field as a running back and setting school records in career rushing yards (3,143), TD's in a career (40), and TD's in a season (24). He was also selected Team Captain.

Ejyah Sheridan - WR, 5-11, 180 (Warrensburg, MO/Warrensburg) Ejyah is an elusive athlete, making him a threat every time he touches the ball. He is a two-time all-conference and two-time all-district selection. He was named team captain his senior year and helped lead his team to the state quarterfinals. He is a three-sport athlete also participating in basketball and track for four years.

Tim Sisson - DL, 6-2, 250 (Wentzville, MO/Holt) Tim is a versatile and talented defensive lineman prospect. While in high school he earned first team all-district and second team all-conference honors. He totaled 115 tackles, 13 sacks, one TD, a forced fumble, and a pair of blocked punts in his high school career. He has also competed in wrestling for three years, going to state in the 220 lbs. weight class.

Zyan Thomas-King - DB, 6-2, 170 (Kansas City, MO/Hogan Prep) Zyan is a tall multi-sport athlete, with speed (4.68 40 yard dash). His length will allow him to compete with every WR. He was selected as a team captain his senior season. Also, he was a member of the Class 3 Basketball State Championship Team at Hogan Prep. Zyan is an excellent student, as he is ranked #1 in his class.

Gerald Williams-Johnson - QB, 6-1, 190 (Miami, FL/Coral Gables) Gerald is a strong armed quarterback out of Miami, Fla. He threw for 2,300 yards and 25 TDs, and had a 68% completion rate as a senior, while being named team captain. He was selected to the All-Dade County team, leading his team to the playoffs. He also plays high school basketball.

MID-YEAR TRANSFERS AND JUCO SIGNEES

Players who either joined the program in January and are already students at Lincoln, or have signed a National Letter of Intent to transfer to Lincoln.

Elliot Albert - LB, 5-11, 210 (Houston, TX/Navarro) Elliot is a first generation college student in his family. He is also a very fast, game changing linebacker. His senior year in high school he earned the class 6A District 16 Defensive Player of the Year, leading his district in sacks, interceptions, and tackles. While at junior college he was a two-year team captain and on the Athletic Honor Roll.

Austin Branch - DB, 5-9, 175 (Sikeston, MO/Mississippi Valley State) Austin is a speedy and physical defensive back. He was awarded Defensive Player of Year at Sikeston High, leading his team in both passes defended and interceptions. He also received the MSHSAA Sportsmanship Award. His father, Leother Branch, was a member of the Blue Tiger Football team from 1984-1988. His mother, Sheila Branch, is also a Blue Tiger alum.

Javon Burruss - OL, 6-6, 340 (Chicago, IL/College of DuPage) Javon is powerful offensive lineman prospect. While in high school he was a two-time offensive line MVP and a two-time defensive line MVP. He was selected to the Tom Lemming's All-Area team, and the Chicago Catholic All-League team. Off the field, Javon has also been active in the Beyond Sports Foundation and Community Service for Elderly Homes Project.

Tyrese Davis - OL, 6-9, 350 (Baltimore, MD/Garden City CC) Tyrese is an enormous offensive line prospect from Baltimore, Md. His team made the playoffs his senior year. He was selected to play in the East West All-Star game in Maryland. He was a multi-sport athlete, competing in basketball and track. His senior year he helped pave the way for his running back to run for over 2,000 yards.

E.J. Gisa - DL, 6-2, 300 (Nuuuli, American Samoa/Cisco) E.J. is a talented tackle out of American Samoa. While in high school in American Samoa he was named the defensive player of the year his sophomore season. He then transferred to Euless Trinity High School in Texas, where he was named captain and helped them reach the semifinals. While at junior college he earned first team all-conference honors twice.

Tori Hicks - RB, 5-8, 175 (Kansas City, MO/Fort Hays State) Tori is an explosive athlete with big play ability. He was a four-time all-conference honoree in high school, as well as an all-district selection. He accumulated 2,900 all purpose yards and 30 TDs over his high school career at Lee's Summit North,

Freddie Pinder, Jr. - WR, 6-4, 200 (Miami, FL/ASA Miami) Freddie is a tall, imposing wide receiver prospect. His ability gained him recognition out of high school, being listed as a three-star recruit on Rivals, 247 sports, and ESPN. He earned over 25 Division I offers. While at junior college he showed big play ability, averaging 20.7 yards per reception.

Charles Ransom - DL, 6-1, 300 (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Valley CC) Charles shows great athleticism and power in the trenches. While at junior college he compiled 98 tackles, 12 sacks and five blocked field goals. In high school he totaled 156 tackles, 32 sacks, and a touchdown. Being named team captain, he helped turn around his high school program, leading them to their first playoff game since 1997. He also made the All-USA Team.

TeAndre Skinner - LB, 6-0, 220 (Grandview, MO/Fort Scott CC) TeAndre is a sideline to sideline playmaking linebacker. He was named team MVP his senior year while making 138 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles. His play on the field earned him all-conference and all-state honors. He was a team captain for three years at Grandview High School.

LETTER SIGNEES

Players who have signed Lincoln Letters declaring their intent to continue their playing careers with the Blue Tigers.

Cameron Hawkins - DB, 6-0, 185 (Kansas City, MO/Hogan Prep) Cameron is a defensive back prospect out of Kansas City, Mo. with the size and athleticism to succeed in the MIAA. His senior season he finished with 72 tackles and three interceptions while helping his team reach the second round of the state playoffs. He was selected team captain. He is also a member of the track team. Academically, he is ranked in the top-20 in his class, and is the first member of his family to attend college.

Alby Henrie - DB, 5-8, 165 (Kansas City, MO/North Kansas City) Alby is a talented defensive back prospect out of Kansas City, Mo. He has started at North Kansas City High Schoolsince his sophomore year. He is also a two-time all-conference selection, helping his team to a nine-win season. He is also on the Deans List for having over a 3.0 GPA.

Dylan Spicer - DE, 6-1, 195 (Holts Summit, MO/Versailles) Dylan is a speed rush defensive end with a high motor. He helped Versailles High School to their first winning record (7-5) since 2009, as well as an appearance in the district championship game. He is a multi-sport athlete, also competing in basketball and baseball.

Chris Leuckel