National signing day: Foursome from Bulldogs' best senior class announce intentions

By Cam Ellis
Published in Sports on February 5, 2015 1:49 PM

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cellis@newsargus.com

PRINCETON -- Johnny Frasier's commitment to North Carolina State may have been the headliner, but in a testament to the depth and talent of Princeton football's senior class, three of his classmates signed to play college football Wednesday morning.

Michael Wooten, Jared Pearce and Cody Garner each announced his college decision in front of friends, family and coaches. Wooten will be going to Campbell University, Pearce to Greensboro College and Garner is headed to UNC Pembroke.

Wooten, Princeton's starting quarterback, had a prolific year for the Bulldogs. He posted 2,246 passing yards, completed 61 percent of his passes and threw 24 touchdowns. He also rushed for 319 yards and 10 touchdowns. He'll join the Camels next year as a preferred walk on, but has been given every indication that he can compete for the starting job.

"I know they have a transfer coming in from Appalachian State," he said. "But he only has a year left of eligibility. Coach has told me that if I work hard and compete in practice then I might have a chance to play."

Pearce, an offensive lineman, heads to Greensboro to help a Pride team that struggled to move the ball on offense. They averaged 100.8 rushing yards a game, but didn't have any running backs average more than 70 yards per game individually. After being told about the school by one of his recruiting coaches, he instantly fell in love with all it had to offer.

"It felt like home when I went up there," he said. "There are small classrooms and a it's a good environment for me. I'm more worried about getting an education first. They have a 13-1 student/teacher ratio, so that felt pretty good."

Then there is Garner, who was voted Princeton's defensive player of the year. The linebacker heads to UNCP to help solidify a defense that allowed 333.4 yards per game -- 119.1 rushing and 214.4 passing -- along with 21.9 points per game.

Garner had a stellar senior season for the Bulldogs, leading the team in solo tackles (70), assisted tackles (87) as well as total tackles (157). He had two sacks and two fumble recoveries as well.

Throughout the recruiting process, his mind was set on attending Centre College in Kentucky. That changed, however, as the call to stay closer to home grew stronger and stronger.

"It's a long drive," he said. "It's about eight and a half hours. Both visits I took were really good, but I think Pembroke fit just a little bit better. I feel like I can join a new family and play high level football."

Place-kicker Vincente Mendez participated in the signing ceremony, but won't wear a college football uniform next fall. He decided to join the Marine Corps, a dream he's had since third grade when his teacher brought in her son -- who was enlisted -- to talk with her class.

"I wanted to be a part of a long-term family," he said. "I wanted to do something that will make a change for my family, something they can be proud of."

When asked about what made the Marine Corps stand out above any of the other branches, Mendez, who kicked with his non-dominant foot for most of the year because of a calf tear, gave a fitting answer.

"I've always been taught to be the toughest I can be," he said. "And the Marine Corps is as tough as you get."

With head coach Derrick Minor headed to Rockingham County next fall, he leaves with the distinction of coaching one of the largest signing classes in Princeton football history. This senior class will forever hold a special spot in his football career.

"We took some tough losses my first year here with these guys," he said. "They stuck with me through thick and thin. Doing that, you develop a special bond with these guys. I've watched them grow up for three years and turn into awesome young men."