Five Ravens sign with four-year schools

Entire List of 2007 Raven Players Who Have Signed with Four-Year Schools

Five Red Raven players inked letters-of-intent with four-year institutions during a signing ceremony Wednesday, February 6, in the Graham Library at Coffeyville Community College.

Dominique Roulack, a linebacker from Alexandria, Virginia signed with the University of Alabama-Birmingham.  Roulack made first team all-conference linebacker in his freshman season for the Ravens.  Roulack led the Ravens with 98 tackles in 2007, and also recorded six tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.  Roulack, a redshirt in 2006, will have three years of eligibility at UAB.

“My last two choices came down to UAB and Oklahoma State,” said Roulack.  “UAB stayed with me the entire way and said I would start right away.”
 

Pictured left to right are four of the five current Red Raven football players who signed letter-of-intents Wednesday morning, February 6, with four-year institutions.  From left to right are Dominique Roulack, Alabama-Birmingham, Kevin Funches, Akron, Jamail Berry, Western Michigan, and Stephaun Raines, Tennessee.

Roulack also found a comfort level with UAB’s defensive schemes. 

“They play the same system we used last year with Coach Majeski,” said Roulack.  “I’m comfortable with that style of defense.”

Jamail Berry, a redshirt freshman defensive back from New Castle, Delaware, signed with Western Michigan.  Berry had 37 tackles and two interceptions last season for the Ravens. 

Berry selected Western Michigan over several other schools recruiting him.  “They were the closest to home,” said Berry.  “It’s about 10 hours from home.  I can also come in and make some noise right away.”

Berry will compete for one of the safety positions with a preference for free safety.

Kansas City native Kevin Funches signed with Akron University.  Funches, a sophomore corner back, was named honorable mention all-conference last season for the Ravens.  Funches had 27 tackles and a forced fumble for the Ravens last season.

“They really wanted me,” said Funches.  “They stayed with me the entire way.  They also have really good academics, and I like school.”

Akron will open a new 30,000 seat stadium in 2009, Funches’ senior year.  “We’ll open up the new stadium against Kentucky in 2009,” said Funches.  Akron will play one last season at the Rubber Bowl in 2008.

Two other players who never saw the playing field for the Ravens have also signed with four-year institutions.  Stephaun Raines, a wide receiver from Dalton, Georgia, signed with Tennessee.  Raines had signed with Tennessee out of high school.

“It’s about time for me to get back to where I first signed,” said Raines.  Raines may eventually be asked to change positions.

“They’re leaning toward moving me to defensive back, but they’ll give me a chance at wide receiver,” said Raines.

Craig James, a defensive back from Jacksonville, Florida, was the final Raven to sign on Wednesday.  James picked Northern Iowa as his next destination.