The Alcorn State Braves used the 2007 recruiting season to address needs, and head coach Johnny Thomas is pleased with the end result.

The Braves signed 13 offensive and defensive linemen, six linebackers and six wide receivers to go along with several skill position commitments.

The Braves also picked up two Natchez High products — quarterback Jason Bruce and wide receiver Edward Johnson.

“At this point I feel like we did a pretty good job of signing guys we need that are eligible,” Thomas said Wednesday. “The percentage of guys we signed, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, are eligible or close to eligible. That’s one of the bright spots about our signings today.”

Thomas said he wasn’t expecting to find a superstar-caliber player in the fold, but was happy with what he was able to bring to the fold in Lorman.

“We’re excited to have all of them,” he said. “You don’t get steals when you’re Division I-AA. You may get a steal if he’s ineligible and has to sit out a year. I think we got some very talented athletes and we just need to get them to where they need to be. Getting a steal is like getting a Reggie Bush, someone that could go anywhere in the country. That’s what I consider a steal.

“We were able to get some guys that we really needed, especially on the defensive line and offensive line, as well as our linebacking corps. We’re still looking for a punter, a deep snapper and that’s about it.”

While pleased with the class he brought in, Thomas said he doesn’t expect many of them to get significant playing time next season.

“I’m of the notion that you pretty much have to win with the people that you have in training camp,” he said. “I haven’t seen a freshman on our level since I’ve been at Alcorn who has come in and played as a freshman without making errors. You’re going to have to go through some growing pains.”