National signing day has now come and gone as the University of West Florida puts a bow on the 2024 recruiting class. Head Coach, Kaleb Nobles, has emphasized building UWF’s foundation through high school recruiting, and the Argos 2024 class showcases that with 23 high school signees.
“At the end of the day this is a game about development,” Nobles said. “So, let’s bring these guys here and try to develop them for four or five years to become the best players while getting a great degree from UWF.”
Acquiring high-end talent is always a top priority in recruiting, but Nobles and his staff also put a lot of effort into bringing in athletes with high character.
“We did a good job of trying to vet in the process,” said Nobles. “Trying to make sure we found the right guys first; the right men coming from good families.”
While high school recruiting and development is where programs establish their culture, in the new era of college football, programs must also fill needs via the transfer portal to avoid falling behind.
To complement the immense high school class, 14 transfers were also added in January, thus bringing the total number of signees to 37.
A major focus of this recruiting cycle was addressing needs on the offensive and defensive lines. The Argos did just that by signing eight players on each side of the line to bolster those units moving forward.
Among the new additions to the line of scrimmage, two incoming transfers already have great experience and success at the college level. Shewan Lewis and Adam Aiken finished first and second in the CIAA last season in sacks. Now, they join forces at UWF to add great promise to the Argos defensive line room.
Building the trenches is essential for any football team to have success. According to Coach Nobles, “That’s where games are won and lost.”
Continuing on the defensive side of the ball, UWF signed four high school linebackers that received high praise from Nobles. He believes they can be difference-makers sooner rather than later.
“We signed four linebackers that we think have a chance to be very good players for us that can come in and make an impact early.” Said Nobles.
The Argos will have no shortage of new playmakers on offense with three additions to the quarterback room, seven wide receivers and two tight ends. However, Nobles’ commitment to strengthening the line of scrimmage first rings just as true on the offensive side.
“We always have the best guys in the trenches,” said Nobles. “Then sprinkling in the athletes around them.”
With the 2024 recruiting class in the rearview mirror, all eyes shift toward spring practice which will start in the coming weeks. The newcomers will look to make their first impressions in front of their new coaches and kick off their careers as Argonauts.
