Clemson Men’s Soccer Announces 2009 Signees

Feb. 16, 2009

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson’s Head Men’s Soccer Coach Trevor Adair announced the signing of nine players to national letters-of-intents to play soccer for the Tigers in the fall of 2009.

The signees include Marco Alcocer, Brannon Blanke, Travis Dennis, Eric Fletcher, Wole Kekere-Ekun, Kamran Khyltash, Wesley Nelson, Austin Savage, and Josh Shutter.

Marco Alcocer (5’8″, 150lbs) is a midfielder from Pflugerville, TX. He was a captain for Connally High School in 2008 and 2009. His team achieved district and area championship titles, and made it to their regional finals. Alcocer also played for the Lonestar Soccer Club, a member of the USSF Developmental Academy, who took second place at State Cup. Marco Alcocer is the son of Lourdes Pelcastre.

Brannon Blanke (6’1″, 165 lbs) is a Forward from Castle Hayne, NC. He led New Hanover High School to its first ever 4A state championship game. At New Hanover he set the school record for most goals and points in a season (49 and 108) his senior year. Blanke was a member of North Carolina’s ODP Team; he participated in Adidas ESP, was featured in Sports Illustrated “Faces in the Crowd”, was a Super-Y ODP national camp selection, and was named by William Star News as the All-Area player of the year in 2008. Blanke played club for the Cape Fear Breakers who were the North Carolina State runner-ups in 2008. Brandon Blanke is the son of Bill and Candace Blanke.

Travis Dennis (5’11”, 165 lbs), from Bowie, MD, plays both midfield and defense. He played club for Freestate Elite which was formally known as the Freestate Titans. He helped his club to the state cup semi-finals from 2004 to 2008 in which they won the championship in 2005 and 2008. Travis is the son of Neville and Gail Dennis.

Eric Fletcher (6’0″, 175 lbs) is a center midfielder and defender from Norcross, GA. He played for Greater Atlanta Christian High School where he was an All County selection and a scholar athlete with a 4.0 GPA while winning a state championship. Fletcher played club for the Norcross Fury who won the 2008 State Cup. He was a member of the Georgia ODP team, and was named a 2008 National Select Player by the Super Y-League Olympic Development National Scouting Staff. Eric Fletcher is the son of Jim and Karin Fletcher.

Wole Kekere-Ekun (6’3″, 155 lbs) is a defender from Bowie, MD. He is a teammate of Travis Dennis who played club for the Freestate Elite who were State champions in 2005 and 2008. Wole played for Dematha Catholic High School where he was named All-County and All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. Wole Kekere-Ekun is the son of Olatunji and Tosin Kekere-Ekun.

Kamran Khyltash (6’2″, 180 lbs) is a goalkeeper from Orange, California. He was a member of the Pateadores Developmental Academy. His 2007 CSL team won the North South Premier Championship in 2007 and was runner-up in 2008. Khyltash recently was selected by the Chivas USA U-18’s to compete in the prestigious Copa Chivas International in Guadalajara, Mexico. Kytash attends Villa Park High School where he currently holds a 4.0 GPA. Kamran Khyltash is the son of Bahram and Ann Khyltash.

Wesley Nelson (5’8″, 145 lbs) is a defender from Austin, Texas. He is a teammate of Marco Alcocer on the Lonestar Soccer Club; member of the USSF Developmental Academy. Wesley was a captain for NcNeil High School. He was selected 1st Team All-District while setting the record for career assists. Wesley Nelson is the son of Tony and Marie Nelson.

Austin Savage (5’9″, 160 lbs) is a forward from Summerville, SC. He attended Stratford High School where he was captain and the all time leading goal scorer. In 2008, he was an All-State selection, and was named the offensive player of the year as he scored 56 goals for the season. Savage played club soccer for Bridge FC of the USSF Developmental Academy and was named All-Atlantic Conference while being one of the top goal scorers in the country with 35 goals. Savage enrolled as a student at Clemson in January. Austin is the son of Ronnie and Tina Savage.

Josh Shutter (6’2″, 160 lbs) is a defender from Sinking Spring, PA. He attends Wilson High School where he was an All-State and Regional All-American selection. Shutter played club for the PA Classics in the USSF Development Academy. Josh Shutter is the son of Edward and Jennifer Shutter.

“This is an extremely talented group that will add a tremendous amount of strength and depth to our existing squad,” said Clemson Head Coach Trevor Adair. “Many of these players will be pushing for playing time next fall. Size, speed and athleticism was an important element with this group, and the staff has really worked diligently to make that happen.”

There will be additional signees that will be announced at a later date. The Tigers will return nine starters this fall.