Ocean Lakes standout among 3 linemen to sign

NORFOLK — Several years passed before Norfolk State built enough depth along its offensive line to satisfy coach Latrell Scott.

Now that the Spartans have a solid group in the trenches, it’s time to keep the coffers overflowing.

Scott and Norfolk State signed three offensive linemen, including a local product, as the early signing period began Wednesday.

Ocean Lakes standout Shawn Fahey, Charlotte, North Carolina, native Dyral McMillan and Fredericksburg’s Andrew Nickens signed letters of intent.

With limited scholarships available due to the impact of COVID-19 and the NCAA granting an additional year of eligibility to current college seniors, Scott opted only to “offer at positions of immediate need.”

Another local college, Hampton, did not sign any players Wednesday.

Relying on game tape that’s now a year old, this season’s recruiting hinged on the trust Scott has in high school and prep school coaches he’s coordinated with before, including Ocean Lakes coach Joe Jones.

Fahey has “length, athleticism and he’s a local kid,” Scott said. “Joe Jones is one of the best coaches in the area and Ocean Lakes is a really good program. You look at programs and people you can trust and believe in.”

Scott expects Fahey to apprentice behind starting left tackle K.J. Kirby.

McMillan, with an extra year in prep school, brings additional experience to a likely center position with the ability to play both guard roles. He was a regional tournament qualifier in wrestling at West Charlotte High.

Nickens is “very physical on tape,” played right tackle at Chancellor High and was a two-sport athlete as he competed in shot put and discus for the track and field team.

The small signing class also means most current players plan to stay with Norfolk State for the spring’s four-game MEAC schedule and use the added year of eligibility for next fall.

“Not one of our seniors has said they’re not gonna come back next year,” Scott said. “That obviously presents a problem next spring, but it shows the program we’ve built and the family we had.” Norfolk State signees

Shawn Fahey, OL, 6-4, 270, Virginia Beach/Ocean Lakes Dyral McMillan, OL, 6-3, 295, Charlotte, N.C./Jireh Prep Andrew Nickens, OL, 6-4, 300, Fredericksburg/Chancellor