TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University football team has welcomed in six new players on the first day of the early signing period for the upcoming 2022 season.
 
All players signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) on Wednesday, Dec. 15, the beginning of the three-day early signing period.  The regular signing period will begin on Feb. 2, 2022.  All signees can play their first season for Towson in 2022.
 
"We are proud to announce and welcome these fine young men who will be representing Towson Football in the future," said Towson head coach Rob Ambrose. "These dynamic individuals are excited to shine the spotlight on all the great things that make up TU."
 
RJ Chapman – Cornerback – Freshman – 6-0, 180 – Clinton, Md. – Rock Creek Christian Academy
Roderick "RJ" Chapman comes to Towson as one of the top defensive backs from Prince George's County.  Formerly competing with the Pick Six Academy, Chapman helped Rock Creek to a 7-1 record and a No. 6-ranking in the DMV by the Washington Post this past season, including a key pick-six in a victory over McDowell.  He is also the cousin of Brandon Coleman, former New Orleans Saint.
 
Towson cornerbacks coach Almondo Curry: "Excited to get a kid with class, high academics, and love for the game. We cannot wait to coach RJ here at Towson." 
 
Rishon Holmes – Quarterback – Freshman – 6-1, 195 – Baltimore, Md. – Milford Mill Academy
Charm City's own Rishon Holmes will stay in Baltimore for the Tigers.  Holmes is a three-star recruit and the No. 32-ranked prospect from the state of Maryland by 247Sports, serving as a quarterback, cornerback and returner for Milford Mill Academy.  He earned All-Baltimore County First Team in the spring of 2021 by Prep RedZone after leading the Millers to a 5-0 record, also being named to the Baltimore Touchdown Club Super 22 in 2020.
 
Towson quarterbacks coach Drew Rodriguez: "Holmes is a dynamic player that will help our quarterback room flourish in the pass and run game. He has game-changing ability along with great awareness and savviness for the quarterback position. We are extremely excited to have him."  
 
Joden Nelson – Offensive Line – Freshman – 6-4, 280 – York, Pa. – William Penn-York H.S.
Joden Nelson takes the short trek down I-83 from York to suit up for the Tigers.  Ranked a three-star recruit and top-50 prospect in the state of Pennsylvania by 247Sports, Nelson earned 2021 GameTime PA YAIAA All-Star and first team all-county status, leading York to a District 3 Class 6A title game as a starting lineman.  He is also part of Accountability For Life, the mentorship and community service program at the school.
 
Towson offensive line coach Alex Stadler on Nelson: "Joden is a physical player who can play multiple positions along the offensive line. Coming from a great high school football program, his football intelligence and motor will be a staple on the Tiger offensive line for years to come."

Makye Smith – Defensive Line – Graduate Student – 6-1, 240 – Upper Marlboro, Md. – Stony Brook University
Smith will return to his home state as a graduate transfer from Stony Brook University.  A defensive lineman with the Seawolves from 2018-21, Smith amassed 90 total tackles, including 7.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss, ranking in the top-10 in the CAA in sacks in 2021 with five.  Previous to Stony Brook, Smith was a Washington Post All-Metro player at Frederick Douglass High as a team captain.

Elijah Tarlton – Defensive End – Freshman – 6-3, 235 – Chantilly, Va. – Myrtle Beach Collegiate
A three-sport standout in high school in football, track and lacrosse, Elijah Tarlton spent the last season at Myrtle Beach Collegiate Academy.  Previously, he played at Westfield High, earning First team All-Region and All-Concorde District honors in spring 2021.  He also competed in the shot put and high jump in track and as a defenseman in lacrosse.
 
Towson defensive line coach, run game coordinator and recruiting coordinator Collin Bauer on Tarlton: "We are thrilled to add Elijah to the Towson family. Elijah is a dynamic player that possesses the ability to dominate in the trenches. Excited to see what his future holds at Towson."
 
Dan Volpe – Offensive Line – Freshman – 6-6, 305 – Colts Neck, N.J. – Colts Neck H.S.
Named a top-10 offensive lineman in the state of New Jersey by NJ.com, Dan Volpe anchored the line for Colts Neck High, leading the Cougars to the 2021 New Jersey South Group IV quarterfinal and the 2020 Shore Conference regular season title.  He is a two-time All-Shore, all-division and all-district selection, including First Team All-Division this past season.
 
Stadler on Volpe: "Dan fits the mold of Tiger offensive lineman - big, physical and plays with a chip on his shoulder. His passion for the game and his work ethic sets him apart. Cannot wait to get him on campus."