Clemson Men’s Soccer Announces 2007 Signees

Feb. 8, 2007

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson Head Men’s Soccer Coach Trevor Adair announced the signing of six players to national letters-of-intents Thursday to play soccer for the Tigers in the fall of 2007.

The signees include Eric Cava, Tommy Drake, Sam Petrone, John Tardy, Keegan Priest, and JD Spearman.

Cava is a midfielder/forward from Annapolis, Maryland. He played for the FC Delco Crunch club team and they advanced to the 2006 National Final Four. Cava played for Broadneck High School. While there, he was a 2005 & 2006 NSCAA High School All-American and a 2005 & 2006 Youth All-American. Cava was named to the Adidas ESP 2005 & 2006 All Star Team. He was a member of the Eastern PA State team 2001-2006, and was a member of the ODP Region 1 team that were champions in 2002-2006.

Drake is a midfielder and forward from Chapel Hill, NC. He is a member of the Triangle FC, North Carolina club team. He attends Chapel Hill High School, and is a member of NC ODP State Team. Drake has been named a 2006 NSCAA High School All-American and was named an Adidas ESP in 2005 & 2006. He was named a Super Y ODP National team 2005 & 2006 member. He was also a Gatorade Player of the Year nominee.

Petrone is a forward from Glen Rock, New Jersey. He is a member of the Arsenal World Class, NJ club team and attends. Glen Rock High School. New Jersey ODP State Team 2001- Present. Region 1 Team 2004- Present. U17 & U18 National Team Camp. Adidas ESP 2006. High School All Region Team. All Time Leading scorer with 86 goals.

Tardy is a defender/midfielder from Staten Island, New York. He attends St Joseph by the Sea High School. Tardy is a member of the New York Red Bull club team. He is a member of the New York State ODP Team from 2001- Present. He is also a member of the Region 1 ODP Team from 2001- Present. Tardy is a member of the U15-18 United States National Team Pool. He was a member of the United States U18 Team in the summer of 2006. Tardy was named an Adidas ESP All Star in 2005 & 2006. Tardy was named a NSCAA Youth All-American 2005 & 2006.

Priest is a midfielder from St Simons Island, Georgia and played for the Frederica Academy. He is also a member of the Cobb Chiefs club team. His club team is a state champion in both 2005 & 2006. Priest was an Adidas ESP selection in 2006. His high school team won the state championship twice. Played for Charlie Morgan at Frederica who was a member of the 1984 Clemson National Championship Team.

JD Spearman is a goalkeeper from Summerville, SC. He attends Pinewood Prep. His high school team is a three-time State Champion. Served as his team’s captain his junior and senior years. Plays for the Bridge FC and they won the 2006/07 State Championship. He won the Clemson Senior Elite camp 2006 MVP trophy.

“With several impact players that we have had to replace, many of this incoming class can make immediate contributions,” said Head Coach Trevor Adair. “Goal scoring is an area that we have had to address and we feel very good about this.”

“The class is well balanced with speed, size and technical ability. They will also allow us to be more flexible in our style of play. The class will be able to compete for championships during their time at Clemson and will keep the program highly competitive for years to come.

“During the recruitment process I have been impressed with the character of this class. This will add to the excellent team chemistry that we already have.”

2007 Clemson Men’s Soccer Signees