Lorman — National Signing Day was kind to the Braves’ program, according to Alcorn State head football coach Jay Hopson.

The Braves’ ended Wednesday with 14 new players, and Hopson said he hopes those 14 will keep the program going strong after ending the 2013 season with a 9-3 record and notable wins against Jackson State University and Southern University.

Among the 14 signees, eight are from Mississippi.

Michael Brooks, a defensive end, and Darryan Ragsdale, a running back, hail from Brandon, while linebacker Frederick Ross and defensive end Jeremy Jordan come out of Madison.

Eric Snow, of Moorhead, will play offensive line. Cameron Carter comes out of Prentiss, and he is projected to play linebacker for the Braves. Defensive back Lamar Scott is from Germantown, while quarterback Tavares Johnson is from Vicksburg.

Hopson said he is especially looking forward to the growth of his offensive and defensive lines.

“We were very excited about our class last year, so hopefully we can continue on a good process,” he said. “As far as quality goes, I think we definitely have that.”

Hopson said he hopes all of the incoming freshmen come in ready to work and show him that they’re worthy of some valuable minutes next season.

“I hope all of them get (to camp) and we’ll see who’s ready to go,” Brown said. “Detonio Dade started as an offensive lineman (as a freshman) last year and did a tremendous job for us, so I’m hoping we’ll have some productive new kids this year.”

The Braves will begin training camp in the first week of August, and Hopson said he is looking forward to getting to work.

“We’ll be ready to roll,” he said.