Duquesne head coach Jerry Schmitt confirmed this afternoon that the Dukes have signed linebacker Ty Howard and defensive lineman Alex Reese III on the first day of the early national signing period. College football’s early signing period started on Wednesday and lasts until Friday.
Schmitt said that the early signing period is usually not a big class for them, but they tend to have about 10-15 signees in February when the second signing day occurs.
“It’s hard to determine at this point, but traditionally we’ve been in the 10-15 range. That’s where we’re usually at during the second period,” Schmitt said. “We’ll go through the whole process in January again for the young men who haven’t signed and show the university and everyone on campus and go through the same routine.”
Howard and Reese were teammates at Euclid High School in Ohio for three years, but Howard transferred to Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland for his senior year.
“He’s a really good linebacker,” Schmitt said about Howard. ” He also played running back, and we like athletes. He has really good size and strength at 6-2, 210.”
Reese is capable of playing offensive line, but Schmitt plans on playing him on the defensive line.
“He is a two-way guy, but we’re hoping to play him at defensive line,” Schmitt said. “At 6-foot-3, 290, he’s got really good feet for a big guy. He’s strong with his hands, as well.”
Schmitt said he expects to get some transfers soon also.
“We have some transfers, but at this point, we still have to get the paperwork done,” Schmitt said. “Once that goes through, we can release them. There’s also some potential freshman that we’re waiting to see.”
Schmitt has been the Dukes head coach since 2005 and has been coaching at the collegiate level for most of his career. With the recent frenzy of transfers in college football due to the transfer portal, Schmitt says it has been quite an adjustment.
“It’s hugely different,” Schmitt said about the transfer portal. “It’s something you have to adapt to. I’ll let you know my opinion after a couple of years. I think it’s tough on some kids, but it can benefit some also. Hopefully the kids who are transferring can find somewhere to get their degree. That’s what I’m most concerned about because that’s what we’re here for at the end of the day.”
The second national signing period opens on Wednesday, Feb. 2.
