MONTICELLO – The University of Arkansas at Monticello football team has announced the addition of 10 transfer players to join the team for the 2009 season.

“This group really addressed all of our needs,” said UAM head coach Gwaine Mathews. “This is probably the most talented group we have signed since I have been at UAM. I can’t wait to see these guys on the field.”

Demetrius Collins (6-0, 205, Miami, Fla.) joins the team from Antelope Valley College of California after having a successful career as a linebacker. Collins racked up 114 tackles and six interceptions, while being named to the all-conference team twice and also earning all-america honors this past season.

Dion Flowers (6-1, 205, Chicago, Ill.) joins the team from Harper College of Illinois., where he was a squad member for Harper College Hawks. Coming out of high school in Chicago, Flowers was rated the second best wide receiver in the state of Illinois.

Deon Johnson (6-6, 280, Los Angeles, Calif.) joins the team from Fresno City College of California as a defensive end. Last season, Johnson racked up 46 tackles and was also a part of 8.5 quarterback sacks. Johnson is also a graduate of Compton High School.

Nathaniel Jones (6-4, 215, Canyon Country, Calif.) joins the team from College of the Canyons of California as a wide receiver. This past season, Jones caught 21 passes for 389 yards and four touchdowns, including a season-long 80-yard reception. Those stats earned him a second team all-conference selection.

Dontrell Terrell Lee (6-1, 190, Saint Louis, Mo.) joins the team from Fresno City College of California as a wide receiver. This past season, Lee has 12 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 23.8 yards per catch and 47.5 yards per game. He also had a season-best 81-yard reception.

Zach Pruitt (6-0, 225, Springdale, Ark.) joins the team after spending one season away from football at Northwest Arkansas Community College. Pruitt started his collegiate career at Missouri Southern State as a red-shirt, followed by one season as a member of the Arkansas Razorbacks as a linebacker. The past two seasons, he has been a volunteer coach of Har-Ber High School in Springdale.

Cordney Sanders (6-2, 200, Columbus, Miss.) joins the team after spending one season as a cornerback for the Mississippi Valley State Delta  Devils. His freshman season, Sanders racked up 88 tackles and picked off three passes as a starter for Northeast Mississippi Community College. That season he also picked up three quarterback sacks, five pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

Corey Sanders (6-0, 195, Columbus, Mo.) joins the team with his twin brother, Cordney, from Mississippi Valley State and Northeast Mississippi CC. Corey also joins the team as a defensive secondary player, but will primarily play free safety. At Northeast Mississippi, Corey racked up 35 tackles and picked off three passes. He also had one forced fumble and five pass deflections.

Marc Valdez (6-0, 255, Canyon Country, Calif.) joins the team after developing an impressive resume as an offensive lineman at Glendale College. This past season, he was named to the Western State All-Conference second team, while earning honorable mention accolades his freshman season. Also, he was named the most valuable player for Glendale’s Cardinal and Gold Club and Quarterback Club. He was also a member of Canyon Country High School’s state championship team in 2006.

Terrill Vinson (5-11, 260, San Francisco, Calif.) joins the team from Chabot College of California after earning first team all-conference honors at defensive end. Vinson tallied 58 tackles and 11.5 sacks. At Balboa High School, Vinson scored 14 touchdowns his senior season as a running back.

Spring conditioning workouts start on Thursday, February 19 and will last approximately a week. The first spring practice is scheduled for February 27. All Saturday workouts are open to the public starting at 3 p.m.

The 2009 UAM roster will take more shape starting Wednesday, February 4, which is National Signing Day.