In a year that has been so uncertain, one thing is clear: the future of WKU Football got brighter over the past two weeks. Although head coach Tyson Helton and his staff faced recruiting challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were still able to evaluate and bring in a wealth of talent to the program.
The Hilltoppers signed seven newcomers to National Letters of Intent (NLI) for the 2021 season and beyond, with more expected to join the program before the spring. Of the seven signees, three starred at the FCS level, two played at Power Five programs and two are highly-touted incoming freshmen.
Adam Cofield
g-Sr., RB, 5-11, 205
Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Blue Springs South HS
North Dakota State
Cofield went to North Dakota State, where he won three consecutive FCS National Championships (2019, 2018 and 2017) after redshirting his first year in Fargo in 2016. Played 38 career games for the Bison, rushing 300 times for 1,542 yards (5.1 average) and 19 touchdowns. Boasts single-game career-highs of 25 rushes, 104 yards and two touchdowns. In six games as a freshman in 2017, rushed 43 times for 163 yards (3.8 average) with one touchdown. In 15 games as a sophomore in 2018, rushed 82 times for 563 yards and six touchdowns. In 16 games as a junior in 2019, rushed 167 times for 813 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also making 16 receptions for 103 yards and one score, then was named All-MVFC Honorable Mention. His father, Tim, played four years in the NFL with the Chiefs, Jets and Bills, and was a three-time CFL All-Star in six years with Calgary, Hamilton, Memphis and Toronto.
Miguel Edwards
r-So., CB, 5-11, 175
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Deerfield Beach HS
Independence CC/Oklahoma
Edwards played four games and made five tackles as a freshman at Oklahoma in 2018. After playing in one game for the Sooners in 2019, he announced his transfer to Independence CC, but the Pirates did not play in 2020 due to COVID-19. He was rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals and a three-star prospect by 247Sports. He was the No. 250 overall prospect in the country by Rivals. Ranked as the No. 45 cornerback in the country by ESPN and No. 83 by 247Sports. Rated as the 45th best player in the state of Florida by Rivals, 75th by ESPN and 124th by 247Sports.
Matthew Flint
r-So., LB, 6-0, 240
Huntsville, Ala.
Madison County HS
North Carolina
Flint appeared in four games in two seasons at North Carolina, with four total tackles, including 0.5 tackles for loss. He played two games in 2018 and redshirted, then played in the first two games of 2019 but injured early in the season and missed the remainder of the campaign. Did not compete in 2020, choosing to opt out before announcing his intention to transfer. Earned his undergraduate degree from North Carolina in only three years and was recognized at the team’s Senior Day vs. Western Carolina. Flint played for head coach Scott Sharp at Madison County HS. As a senior, he tallied 124 total tackles and an interception during his senior season, while also recording 33 receptions for 425 yards and scored seven total touchdowns on offense as a senior. He earned 4A First-Team All-State honors and was selected to the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
River Helms
Fr., TE, 6-4, 225
Lester, Ala.
West Limestone HS
Helms played for head coach Shelby Davis at West Limestone HS. According to MaxPreps, had 42 receptions for 561 yards and eight touchdowns in his final two seasons of varsity ball. Rated as a three-star prospect with an 87.3 composite grade by 247Sports, and the 26th overall tight end in the nation and 20th overall player from the state of Alabama. Chose WKU over offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Florida State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Pitt, Coastal Carolina and others.
Chance McDonald
Fr., QB, 6-2, 200
Steilacoom, Wash.
Steilacoom HS
McDonald played for head coach Colby Davies at Steilacoom HS. He completed 233-of-353 passes (66%) for 3,812 yards, with 49 touchdowns and 18 interceptions as a junior in 2019. Averaged 272.3 yards per game, 16.4 yards per completion and had a long pass of 99 yards that season. Rated as a three-star prospect with an 81.7 composite grade by 247Sports, and the 68th overall pro-style quarterback in the nation and 25th overall player from the state of Washington.
Jerreth Sterns
Jr., WR, 5-8, 180
Waxahachie, Texas
Waxahachie HS
Houston Baptist
Sterns went to Houston Baptist, where he set almost every receiving record imaginable. Had 220 receptions for 1,971 yards and 18 touchdowns in 27 career games over three seasons for the Huskies. His 220 receptions led all active FCS players, while his 1,971 ranked third. Boasts single-game bests of 18 receptions, 138 yards and three touchdowns. Has 10 double-digit catch performances and eight 100-yard games. In 11 games as a freshman in 2018, set HBU records with 68 receptions and 684 yards, while adding four touchdowns, and was named All-Southland Honorable Mention. In 12 games as a sophomore in 2019, re-set the HBU record with 105 receptions, with those going for 833 yards and nine touchdowns, and was named All-Southland Third Team. In four games as a junior in 2020, led the Huskies with 47 receptions for 454 yards and five touchdowns; his 11.8 receptions and 113.5 yards per game topped the FCS rankings. In his HBU career, also had 23 rushes for 56 yards and two touchdowns, 31 punt returns for 177 yards, and was 4-of-7 passing for 110 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Earned Southland Conference Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll in both of his first two seasons, while he was named to the Southland Conference All-Academic Team as a sophomore.
Josh Sterns
Fr., WR, 5-9, 175
Waxahachie, Texas
Waxahachie HS
Houston Baptist
Sterns played four games for Houston Baptist in 2020, recording 13 receptions for 403 yards and four touchdowns. Led the FCS with 31 yards per reception (the next-closest was 19.6 yards per catch) and ranked second with 100.8 yards per game (brother Jerreth was the leader with 11.5 yards per contest). Had his most impressive performance at Texas Tech, where he made five receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns, including scores of 65 yards a season-long 75 yards. Also had a 38-yard touchdown at North Texas and a 65-yarder at Eastern Kentucky. He played two seasons at Waxahachie HS for head coach Todd Alexander. As a junior, he recorded 37 receptions for 603 yards and eight touchdowns, while also posting a jaw-dropping 4.37-second time in the 40-yard dash. He was injured early in his senior season and missed the remainder of the campaign.How to Follow the Hilltoppers: For complete information on WKU Hilltopper Football, follow the program via social media @WKUFootball on Twitter and Facebook.
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Bryan Fyalkowski
Associate Director of Media Relations
WKU Hilltopper Athletics