Tulane Green Wave  The Rise of the Green Wave: Tulane Football’s Recruiting Revolution Since 2015 In the decade-plus since 2015, Tulane Green Wave football has undergone one of the most impressive transformations in Group of 5 history. Once an afterthought in national recruiting rankings, with classes often languishing outside the top 100–120 and producing just a handful of NFL draft picks per decade, the program has climbed into the upper echelon of mid-major recruiting. Today, under the dual eras of Willie Fritz (2016–2023) and Jon Sumrall (2024–present), Tulane consistently lands top-75 high school classes, dominates the transfer portal, and funnels more talent to the NFL than ever before. The result? Sustained on-field success, including conference titles, bowl victories, and even a College Football Playoff appearance. The Pre-2015 Baseline: A Program in the Shadows Before the Fritz era, Tulane recruiting was modest at best. Classes from 2015 and earlier featured mostly 2 and low 3-star prospects, with ESPN and 247Sports rankings rarely cracking the top 100 nationally. High school talent from Louisiana and the Southeast often looked elsewhere (LSU, Alabama, etc.), and the program’s on-field struggles (frequent losing seasons) made it hard to sell. NFL production was sporadic, isolated late-round picks or undrafted free agents, with very few players sticking in the league long-term. Willie Fritz Lays the Foundation (2016–2023) Willie Fritz arrived in 2016 and immediately shifted the recruiting philosophy: target high-character, high-motor 3-star developmental prospects who fit Tulane’s up-tempo, physical style. Classes steadily improved, climbing into the top 80–100 range. Fritz emphasized in-state Louisiana talent while expanding into Texas, Florida, and beyond. The payoff was dramatic on the field: 2022: 12–2 record, AAC championship, Cotton Bowl appearance. Multiple bowl wins and top-25 rankings. Recruiting mirrored this rise. By the early 2020s, Tulane was landing better 3-stars and occasional 4-stars. Stars like Tyjae Spears (RB, 3rd-round 2023 pick) and Dorian Williams (LB, 3rd-round 2023) emerged from these classes, proving Fritz’s “develop the 3-stars” mantra worked. Jon Sumrall Accelerates the Momentum (2024-2025) When Sumrall returned as head coach, he supercharged recruiting with modern NIL strategies, aggressive portal use, and a championship pedigree. The 2025 and especially 2026 classes mark a new high-water mark. 2026 Class: Currently ranked #67–72 nationally (247Sports/On3 composite) and #2 in the AAC (behind only USF). It features 19 high school commits (15+ three-stars, and one four-star) plus 21 transfers, the highest-rated class in program history by average rating per recruit. Standouts include elite IOL Tylan George (#54 nationally at position), DL Jordyn Crites, and several top Louisiana prospects. For the first time, Tulane cracked the top 60 in some rankings. This isn’t luck, it’s strategy and one of the best recruiting staffs around. Sumrall retained core pieces, dominated the portal for immediate contributors, and sold Tulane’s upward trajectory (11–3 season, AAC title, CFP berth in 2025). Local New Orleans and Louisiana recruits are staying home more often, while national talent is buying in. Measurable Results: Wins, Depth, and an NFL Pipeline The recruiting upgrade has delivered tangible results: On-Field: From 3–9 pre-Fritz to consistent 10+ win seasons, multiple AAC titles, and playoff contention. The 2025 squad went 11–3 with a CFP appearance before falling to Ole Miss. Talent Quality and Development: Shift from mostly unranked or low-3-star rosters to consistent top-75 classes with higher average ratings and more positional versatility (elite OL, DL, skill players). Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave

New Orleans Saints UDFA  THE Ohio State Buckeyes Tywone Malone Jr 6-4/305 DT Scouting Report: He brings good size, length, power, and improved consistency from a late-blooming college career at Ohio State (after transferring from Ole Miss). At 23 years old, he is a developmental depth piece with starter-level traits in the run game but limited proven pass-rush production. Run Defense & Point of Attack: Plays with outstanding leverage/pad level inside or outside. Strong hands, long arms, and core strength to stack-and-shed, move linemen laterally, and hold the point. Excellent feel for working off blocks, countering, and locating the ball. Quick reactor with balance and backside pursuit speed. Power & Bull Rush: Wins with speed-to-power, leg drive, and violent hands. Can push blockers back and disrupt gaps as a bull rusher. Athletic Upside & Versatility: Impressive burst for size; can threaten the edge occasionally. Shows quickness in drills (reinforced at pro day). Fits multiple fronts; has experience on edge and inside. Intangibles: Late-career surge via dedication/film work and consistency; praised by Ohio State coaches (Ryan Day) for coming into his own. Two-time college national champion (football + baseball). Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #WhoDat #GoBucks

Tulane Green Wave Recruiting Class of 2022 Commits, Transfers, and De-Commits: A lot of Star Power on this list, including Gabe Jacas who just got drafted. 2022 Commits: Kameron Hamilton (DL) – New Orleans Saints (UDFA/camp invite) Chris Brazzell II (WR) – Carolina Panthers (NFL) Blake Gunter (TE) – Retired from football (Tulane University, non-player) Taylor Love (LB) – Tennessee Tech Maxie Baudoin IV (DL) – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Jalen Rogers (WR) – Florida A&M Kentrell Webb (S) – Houston Makhi Hughes (RB) – Houston (via Oregon) Rayshawn Pleasant (ATH/CB) – Auburn Isaiah Boyd (DL) – UAlbany Alex Bauman (Edge/TE) – Miami (FL) Carson Haggard (QB) – Abilene Christian / transfer portal Keanon McNally (OT) – Cal Poly Gerrod Henderson (DL) – Tulane Cadien Robinson (CB) – Transfer portal (last at Tulane 2023) Sully Burns (OT) – Texas State Shadre Hurst (OT) – Houston Transfers Transfered In: Lucas Dunker Jr. (K) – ? Prince Pines (OT) – NFL draft eligible 2024 * Kanan Ray (IOL) – Tulane OL coach Lummie Young (S) – ? Jarius Monroe (S) – Free Agent Deajaun McDougle (WR) – ? Patrick Jenkins (DL) – Columbus Aviators (UFL) Shaadie Clayton-Johnson (RB) – UDFA Lawrence Keys III (WR) – Houston Roughnecks (UFL) / Buffalo Bills org Decommitted Tulane in 2022: Avery Sledge (Edge) – Southern Miss CJ Donaldson (TE) – New Orleans Saints (NFL) Now plays RB at Ohio State for a year. Jackson Long (TE) – Georgia Southern Jacob Holmes (DL) – Virginia Gabe Jacas (Edge) – New England Patriots (NFL) Jaylin Lucas (ATH) – Tulane Ahmaad Moses (S) – SMU Tyler Siddons (TE) – Wyoming Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave

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Kansas City Chiefs 🏹 #ChiefsKingdom TE - Tulane Green Wave Johnny Pascuzzi- jpazzedout 6-4/241 Scouting Report: Athletic tight end with good size and receiving ability who played at Tulane after time at Iowa. Brings the Iowa tight end pedigree with solid blocking fundamentals and improving receiving production in spread offenses. Local Kansas City area product adds extra intrigue for the Chiefs. Strengths Athleticism and size: Impressive combination of height, length, and speed for the position. Good vertical and explosiveness allow him to win in the red zone and down the seam. Reliable hands and route running: Sure-handed catcher who can make contested catches. Shows natural feel for finding soft spots in zones and separating in man coverage. Blocking tenacity: Iowa-developed blocker who plays with good leverage and effort. Willing to engage defenders in the run game and as a pass protector. Football IQ and versatility: Smart player who understands scheme and can align in-line, in the slot, or split wide. High character and special teams contributor potential. Competitive motor: Plays hard on every snap with a team-first attitude and physicality after the catch. Scouts see him as a high-upside camp invitee with the tools to earn a roster spot as a developmental tight end who can contribute on special teams immediately while continuing to develop his receiving game. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #ChiefsKingdom 🏹 #RollWave

Tennessee Titans ⚡ #TitanUp OT - Tulane Green Wave 🌊 Derrick Graham- @DerrickGraham0 6-4/314 Scouting Report: Versatile and technically sound offensive tackle who anchored the left side for Tulane after transfers from Texas A&M and Troy. Excelled in pass protection with solid run blocking and a high football IQ in spread-to-run schemes. Strengths Sound pass protection fundamentals: Quick feet and excellent mirror ability allow him to stay square to edge rushers. Uses active, powerful hands to punch, redirect, and control with precision while rarely allowing pressures. Functional strength and anchor: Plays with good leverage, balance, and core power to handle bull rushes and maintain his ground against both power and speed rushers in the run and pass game. High football IQ and experience: Multi-year starter with extensive reps at left tackle. Quick to diagnose stunts and blitzes, communicates effectively pre-snap, and provides veteran leadership on the offensive line. Athleticism and length for the position: Solid movement skills and bend for a 6-4, 314-pound tackle. Uses long arms to keep defenders at bay and recovers well when initially beaten. Competitive toughness and run blocking: Plays with a nasty streak and high effort. Improved drive blocking and ability to sustain blocks downfield, contributing to a productive Tulane offense. Scouts praise his combination of technical refinement, starting production, durability, and high-floor traits as a reliable UDFA offensive lineman who can compete for depth/backup roles immediately while developing into a potential starter with continued strength gains. Immediate impact player on special teams and the offensive line. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #TitanUp ⚡#RollWave

Tulane Green Wave UDFA New Orleans Saints ⚜️ #NFLDraft DE- Tulane Green Wave Kam Hamilton- @kamhamilton70 6-4/292 Scouting Report: Productive defensive end who played with great effort and production at Tulane. High-motor edge player with size and quickness to contribute as a rotational piece. Strengths High motor and effort: Non-stop pursuit and relentless hustle; plays with great pad level and never takes a play off. Excellent pursuit to the ball from the backside. Explosive first step: Quick off the ball for his size; wins with burst and hand usage to defeat blockers and generate pressure. Run defense: Strong at the point of attack with good leverage; holds the edge and sets firm against the run. Pass rush tools: Uses long arms and violent hands to disengage; has a developing arsenal of moves and shows flash as a pass rusher. Versatility: Can play multiple techniques along the defensive line in sub packages; durable and tough competitor. Scouts like his production, motor, and potential to stick as a rotational DE and special teams contributor as an UDFA with upside. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #WhoDat⚜️ #RollWave