A man with a beard wearing a black hoodie with the word geek on it

Patrick Harkness

Writer

Commercial Diver who moved from Ohio to New Orleans. Covering Tulane Green Wave Football, Basketball, Recruiting, and Scouting. Fan of the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, THe Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Cavs and of course Tulane! 

#RollWave #WhoDey #GoBucks

Tulane Green Wave 2027 recruiting graphic with a huge green wave at Yulman Stadium and bold “June Commitment Wave” text
By Patrick Harkness June 23, 2026
Official Visits Fuel Wave of 2027 Commitments June 2026 has been a landmark month for Tulane Green Wave football recruiting under head coach Will Hall. The program hosted a series of official visits that translated directly into commitments, adding significant talent and momentum to the 2027 class. What started as steady growth earlier in the offseason (6 Commits) exploded into a flurry of pledges, with Tulane securing approximately 18 commitments during June alone. This surge has pushed the class size to around 23 commits (Was 24, DB Deshaun Wylie De-Commit), with a strong emphasis on local Louisiana prospects, trench players, skill-position athletes, and versatile defenders. The Green Wave are building depth and competition across multiple position groups while capitalizing on the growing appeal of the program in New Orleans and beyond. Official Visits Drive the Momentum Official visit weekends in June proved decisive. Prospects got an up-close look at Yulman Stadium, the Uptown campus, the coaching staff, and the culture, and many didn’t need long to decide. June Commits: • Joshua Sylvain (WR, Miami Carol City HS, FL) Visited Tulane on June 18 and committed shortly after. The 6’4”, 205 lb big-bodied receiver brings length, contested-catch ability, and red-zone mismatch potential. • Multiple defensive backs and local standouts, including James Tyson (CB, St. Charles Catholic, LaPlace, LA), who had a strong OV and pledged. • Other visitors and quick turnarounds in the defensive line, edge, and skill groups helped fuel the run of commitments. These visits, combined with strong evaluations from camps and prior relationships, created a snowball effect. Coach Hall and the staff have been aggressive and targeted, landing players who fit the scheme and bring high character/intangibles. The June Commitment Haul (2027 Class) Here is a compiled list of the June 2027 commitments for Tulane. Early-to-Mid June Additions: • Teddy Graff (TE, 6’5”/220, Ensworth HS, Nashville, TN) Committed June 5. Blocking tight end with size and upside. • Anquan Jackson (RB, South Jones HS, Ellisville, MS) June 6. • Kavarris Duncan (DL, Winterboro HS, Alpine, AL) June 6. Interior presence. • Ray’Quan Williams (WR, 6’0”/163, St. Augustine HS, New Orleans, LA) June 7. Local speedster and playmaker (#111 WR nationally per 247). • Peyton Perkins (RB, Eupora HS, MS) June 7. Versatile athlete. • James Tyson (CB, 5’11”/180, St. Charles Catholic, LaPlace, LA) June 7. Local DB with strong OV. • Jackson Shaw (OT, 6’6”/260, Catholic HS, Baton Rouge, LA) June 7. Local offensive line help. • Gus Faulkner (S, 6’2”/212, Fairhope HS, AL) June 9. Athletic Hybrid LB. Mid-to-Late June Surge: • Ja’ir Burks (WR, Jesuit HS, New Orleans, LA) June 14. Another local New Orleans skill player. • Jaden Terrance (WR, Archbishop Rummel HS, Metairie, LA) June 14. Local versatile addition. • Hans Emery Julien (EDGE, 6’3”/235, Baylor School, Chattanooga, TN / Laval, Quebec) June 15. Explosive, high-motor pass rusher with length and Canadian prep background. • Malik Ward (EDGE, 6’4”/235, Gautier HS, MS) June 15. Long, athletic disruptor with Gulf Coast production. • Demetrius Terrell (DL, 6’3”/265, Parker HS, Birmingham, AL) June 16. High-upside interior lineman with two-way experience and violent hands. Strong scouting notes on pass rush and run defense. • Dallas Crescenzo (WR, 6’0”/183, Bastrop HS, TX) June 17. Became the 20th commit overall. Big-play vertical threat, excellent route runner, YAC creator, and return-game weapon. Previously decommitted from Purdue; polished and competitive. • Joshua Sylvain (WR, 6’4”/205, Miami Carol City HS, FL) June 19 (after June 18 OV). Imposing length, contested-catch specialist, deep-ball threat, and mismatch creator. One of the more physically dominant WRs in the class. • Aymaud Sykes (RB, 6’0”/180, Dry Prong HS, LA) June 21. Patient, decisive downhill runner with elite acceleration (4.29 40), long speed, contact balance, receiving versatility, and two-way/ATH traits. High-character leader with track pedigree and multi-sport background. Detailed scouting highlights vision, elusiveness, and finishing ability. These additions give Tulane notable strength at WR (multiple additions including local speed and big-bodied options), EDGE/DL (three impactful front-seven pieces in quick succession), secondary (DB/CB/S depth), and offensive line reinforcements, plus backfield and tight end help. Many bring Louisiana or regional ties, which resonates with the fanbase and aids retention/development. Class Outlook and What It Means Tulane’s 2027 class is taking shape rapidly and competitively for an American Conference program. The June haul demonstrates strong staff work in identifying fits, building relationships, and converting official visits into pledges. The emphasis on size/speed at skill positions, length and motor on the edges, and local talent creates a balanced foundation. Note: One earlier commit, DB De’Shawn Wylie, recently flipped to UConn, adjusting the net total slightly (class currently at 23 hard commits). This is normal in recruiting and doesn’t diminish the overall momentum or quality of the remaining group. Under Coach Will Hall, Tulane continues to raise its recruiting profile. The combination of on-field success, NIL/transfer portal activity, and genuine player development is attracting prospects who see a clear path. June’s official visit success and commitment wave position the Green Wave well for the rest of the summer, fall camps, and the 2026–27 cycle. #RollWave Tulane fans have plenty to be excited about. The wave is building. #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Tulane Green Wave Football Camp Circuit ad with “11 Scholarship Offers” in gold text on a dark stadium background
By Patrick Harkness June 18, 2026
Yulman Stadium has been electric this June. In the IDPF or under the lights and in the Louisiana heat, the Tulane Green Wave coaching staff, led by head coach Will Hall, turned their summer camp circuit into a major recruiting statement. Across multiple sessions, the Green Wave extended 11 scholarship offers to talented prospects from Louisiana and beyond. The camps featured position-specific drills, 1-on-1 competitions, and direct evaluations from Coach Hall and his staff. Prospects left with more than just memories, several walked away with their first (or latest) Division I offer from a program that continues to build momentum in the American Conference and on the national recruiting trail. Standout Performers and Scholarship Recipients Tulane’s staff targeted size, athleticism, versatility, and scheme fit. Here are some of the prospects who earned offers during the recent camp sessions. Blair “Big Red” Lewis (Class of 2029 | OT | Jeanerette High School, LA | 6’6”, 300+ lbs)
The massive offensive tackle dominated the trenches with powerful hands, leverage, and improving footwork. After strong showings in pass pro and run blocking, he earned his Tulane offer from OL coach Cody Kennedy. Lewis already holds offers from LSU, USC, and Memphis and is one of the top 2029 linemen in the country. Trilon Francis (Class of 2028 | TE/DE Hybrid | Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy | 6’3”, 230 lbs)
A high-motor, versatile athlete who flashed explosiveness at both tight end and on the edge. His length, change-of-direction ability, and physicality stood out. He picked up his third D-I offer after conversations with the defensive staff. Lipton Zachary Mckenzie (Class of 2029 | RB/ATH | Cardinal Gibbons High School, FL | 5’9”, 165 lbs)
The shifty, explosive back made defenders miss in space with elite burst and vision. Tulane saw a playmaker who can contribute as a change-of-pace back or return specialist. Nasir Parker (Class of 2028 | WR | 6’5”, 202 lbs) Earned his fifth overall offer. Reece Robinson (Class of 2030 | QB | Parklane Academy) Received his first Tulane offer and expressed excitement about building a relationship with the staff.@reeceqb12 Kasen Anio (Class of 2030 | ATH | Zachary High School | 6’2.5”, 208 lbs) Picked up his fifth offer after a strong camp and conversation with Coach Schexnayder. Mason Smith (Class of 2030 | QB | North Desoto) Earned an offer after working with QB coach Collin D’Angelo. Other prospects from the June 17 session and earlier camps also received offers (27- DB James Tyson Tulane commit), bringing the total to 11 scholarships extended during Tulane’s camp circuit this month. The staff evaluated talent across multiple classes (2027–2030), showing a clear long-term vision for roster building. Coaching Presence and Camp Atmosphere Head Coach Will Hall, along with assistants including Collin D’Angelo, Coach Schexnayder, Cody Kennedy, and others, were heavily involved in evaluations and conversations. Prospects from across Louisiana (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette areas) and neighboring states competed in front of the staff. Recruiting Momentum Under Will Hall These 11 offers continue a strong trend for Tulane. The Green Wave have been aggressive in-state and regionally, targeting physical linemen, versatile athletes, and explosive skill players who fit Will Hall’s offensive and defensive schemes. With the transfer portal and NIL landscape evolving, camps like these allow Tulane to identify high-upside talent early and build relationships before the bigger national names lock in. The fact that multiple 2029 and 2030 prospects earned offers shows the staff is thinking ahead while still competing for immediate needs. What’s Next? The staff will continue monitoring these 11 new offer recipients as they navigate their recruiting processes. The camp circuit delivered, and the future looks bright in New Orleans. #RollWave #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
247Sports All-Time Commits rankings showing player cards with photos and ratings; Tylan George and Jordyn Crites visible
By Patrick Harkness June 12, 2026
Tulane Green Wave fans have plenty to celebrate this cycle and previous. According to the latest 247Sports composite rankings, the Green Wave have landed the two highest-rated recruits in program history for the Class of 2026, and they’re not just any two prospects. Tylan George, the massive interior offensive lineman from West Monroe High School in Louisiana, sits at No. 1 with a 0.8939 rating. The 6’3”, 310-pound 4-star prospect has been a dominant force on the offensive line, earning praise for his pancake block totals and elite strength (515-pound squat, 315 bench as a junior). George brings immediate size, power, and local pride to an offensive line room that’s hungry for impact talent. Right behind him at No. 2 is Jordyn Crites, the 6’6”, 255-260 pound defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Texas. Crites recently earned his 4-star upgrade and a 0.8926 composite, making him one of the most athletic and long defensive linemen in the class (83-inch wingspan, 4.8 forty, 530-pound squat). He played both defensive end and tight end in high school and brings versatility, length, and upside that fits perfectly in Will Hall’s defensive scheme. Together, George and Crites represent a seismic shift in Tulane recruiting. Not only are they the top two in the 2026 class, but their ratings mark a new ceiling for what the Green Wave can attract. One bolsters the trenches on offense with mauling power; the other adds length and explosiveness on defense. Both have potential to contribute early and raise the floor (and ceiling) for their respective position groups. This isn’t just a good class, it’s a statement. Tulane is no longer just competing for regional talent; they’re landing blue-chip prospects who have Power conference offers and are choosing to build something special in New Orleans. The Green Wave are trending up, and these two are the new faces of that ascent. #RollWave #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Tulane Green Wave Camp promo over stadium crowd: June 10, 3 scholarships offered
By Patrick Harkness June 12, 2026
The heat was on at Yulman Stadium June 10, but it wasn’t just the Louisiana sun cooking the field. Tulane’s football camp brought serious energy, serious competition, and serious results. While prospects from across Louisiana and beyond battled through position drills, 1-on-1s, and team periods under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Will Hall and his staff, three standout young men did more than just show up, they dominated and walked away with scholarship offers from the Green Wave. This camp continues Tulane’s aggressive push on the recruiting trail. The staff is clearly evaluating for the 2028, 2029, and even 2030 classes with an eye for physicality, explosiveness, and scheme fit in both Will Hall’s offense and the defensive front. The Recruits: 1. Blair “Big Red” Lewis – Class of 2029 | OT | Jeanerette High School (LA) | 6’6”, 300+ lbs @BlairLewis2029 This massive offensive tackle has been turning heads all spring and summer, and yesterday he continued his ascent. Lewis used his enormous frame, powerful hands, and improving footwork to control the line of scrimmage in blocking drills and 1-on-1 pass pro. Coaches saw a mauler with natural leverage and the kind of size that projects well inside a physical, gap-scheme or zone-blocking system. After a strong camp performance and a conversation with OL coach Cody Kennedy, Lewis earned his Tulane offer. He already holds offers from LSU, USC, and Memphis, making him one of the top 2029 offensive line prospects in the state. “Big Red” isn’t just big, he’s moving with purpose and earning every bit of the hype. 2. Trilon Francis – Class of 2028 | TE/DE (Hybrid) | Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy (LRCA) | 6’3”, 230 lbs @FTrilon Francis showed why versatile, high-motor athletes are always in demand. Whether lined up at tight end or on the edge, he brought explosiveness off the ball, strong hands, and the kind of length that disrupts in the run game and pass rush. His athleticism pops, especially in change-of-direction drills and when asked to drop or expand in space. After a great camp showing and direct conversation with the defensive staff (Coach McDaniel), Francis picked up his third Division I offer. The Lafayette-area product continues to climb the Louisiana 2028 boards with his combination of size, speed, and positional flexibility. 3. Lipton Zachary Mckenzie – Class of 2029 | RB/ATH | Cardinal Gibbons High School (FL) | 5’9”, 165 lbs @lipton_mckenzie Sometimes the smaller, shiftier backs steal the show at camp, and Mckenzie did exactly that. With elite burst, vision, and elusiveness, he made defenders miss in space. He can contribute as a change-of-pace back, returner, or slot weapon. His low center of gravity and acceleration stand out. Tulane saw a playmaker who can create on his own and add speed to the backfield. The offer came through the staff’s evaluation, and Mckenzie now adds Tulane to his growing list (including prior interest from programs like Samford). The Bottom Line: 7 total Offers Tulane’s camp circuit is paying off. These three prospects represent exactly what the Green Wave are looking for, size and power up front, versatile athletes who can play multiple roles, and explosive playmakers who can change games. The momentum under Will Hall and this staff is real, and the 2027–2030 classes are shaping up nicely with in-state and regional talent buying in. More camps are on the way (including June 17), and the staff will keep evaluating. #RollWave #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Tulane Green Wave recruiting explosion graphic with neon green lightning and 10 commitments in one day.
By Patrick Harkness June 9, 2026
LAST WEEK WAS A STATEMENT: Tulane Green Wave Recruiting Just Went Nuclear, Camp Fire plus 10 Commitments in One Day! Signals 2027 Takeover Last week the Tulane Green Wave didn’t just recruit, they declared war on the rest of the American Conference and anyone sleeping on Will Hall’s vision. From a loaded summer camp at Yulman Stadium that produced four scholarship offers (and one lightning-fast commitment) to an unprecedented 10 commitments in a single day fueled by official visits, the momentum is undeniable. The 2027 class is stacking up fast, in-state pride is surging, and the Green Wave are turning heads from the River Parishes to the Mississippi hills and beyond. The Camp That Lit the Fuse: June 3 at Yulman Stadium Dozens of hungry prospects rolled into New Orleans for Tulane’s key summer camp session (part of the June 7/10/17 series). Position-specific drills, one-on-ones, and 7-on-7s under Head Coach Will Hall and staff. The vibe and videos were electric, real coaching, real competition, real exposure. Four prospects stood out above the rest and earned scholarship offers from Tulane: • Shaun Phillips @phillips1shaun (Class of 2029, OL, The Dunham School – Houma area) 6’5”, 285 lbs. The massive tackle with rare length and power moved bodies in the run game and showed surprising agility in pass pro. First collegiate offer. High-upside developmental piece with All-Conference ceiling. • James Tyson @Jetyson28 (Class of 2027, DB, St. Charles Catholic – LaPlace, LA) 6’0”, 180 lbs athletic build. Fluid hips, ball skills, physicality in run support, and the ability to win 1-on-1s consistently. Turned heads all day and left with an offer on the spot. • Jayden Taylor @the_jtaylor72 (Class of 2028, OL, St. Augustine HS – New Orleans) 6’4”, 255 lbs. Physical “bully” left tackle who dominated the trenches with heavy hands, strong base, and leadership. Proven camp performer who brings nastiness and versatility (tackle or inside). • Jaden Turner @jaden_1of1 Class of 2029 DB John Curtis New Orleans, LA 6’0”, 165 lbs (High-character, physical player who rounded out a strong group of trench and defensive standouts.) The payoff came quick. Just days later, camp standout James Tyson committed to the Green Wave! The rising River Parishes DB chose Tulane over Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, Nicholls, Cornell, and others. He’s already locked in an official visit for June 18. Local kid. Camp-to-commit pipeline working perfectly. Starter upside in a secondary that values length, athleticism, and versatility. Friday Explosion: 10 Commitments in ONE DAY The staff didn’t let the momentum cool. On Friday, Tulane secured a massive 10 commitments in a single day, one of the biggest single-day hauls in recent program history. Many tied directly to official visits over the weekend. Prospects saw the vision, felt the culture, and pulled the trigger. The haul added serious talent and depth across positions, with a strong mix of in-state gems and regional athletes who fit Will Hall’s up-tempo, physical identity: Key names in the surge include: • Local star Ray’Quan Williams (WR, St. Augustine HS, New Orleans) New Orleans product bolstering the receiving room. @supermanray3 • Kavarris “Duke” Duncan (DL, Winterboro HS, AL) @KavarrisDuncan • Teddy Graff (TE, Ensworth HS, Nashville, TN) @teddy_graff • Peyton Perkins (ATH, Eupora, MS) @PPerkins_12 • Anquan Jackson (WR, South Jones HS, Ellisville, MS) @anquan_jackson5 • Jackson Shaw (OT, Baton Rouge Catholic, LA) @JacksonShaw40 • And the camp-to-commit pipeline delivering again with James Tyson (DB) Plus several more athletic, high-motor pieces rounding out what’s shaping into a well-balanced, high-upside group. Director of Scouting Colton Leggett summed it up perfectly: “Make it commits in one day. Just recruit good players. #RollWave #PA2TYUP7OWN ” This wasn’t luck. It’s targeted in-state work, smart regional recruiting, relationship building, and a coaching staff that’s earning trust with prospects and families. Louisiana kids staying home or choosing the Wave. Mississippi and Alabama talent seeing the bigger picture. Developmental upside everywhere. The Big Picture, Momentum Is Real Last week proved it: Tulane is building something special. The 2027 class is no longer just “growing” it’s exploding with the right kind of players who fit the culture, the scheme, and the vision of sustained success in the American Conference. In-state dominance + regional hauls + camp-to-commit efficiency = a recipe that’s working. Yulman Stadium is about to get louder. The trenches are getting nastier. The secondary is getting more athletic. The skill positions are gaining weapons. Will Hall and staff are hitting their stride. The future is loading. More Pats Deep Dive Recruiting breakdowns, player profiles, and updates dropping soon. The Green Wave are rising. #RollWave #RMFW Stay locked @beinthekneaux for the latest. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
#RMFW x10 in bold gold text over a dark green swirling wave background
By Patrick Harkness June 6, 2026
The Tulane Green Wave football program turned heads on Friday with a massive recruiting surge, landing 10 commitments in a single day. The haul represents one of the strongest single-day performances in recent memory for the program and signals growing momentum for the 2027 recruiting class under head coach Will Hall. Director of Scouting Colton Leggett captured the excitement perfectly, posting: “Make it commits in one day. Just recruit good players. #RollWave #PA2TYUP7OWN ” The Green Wave staff is hitting its stride in identifying and closing on talent that fits the program’s culture and up-tempo, physical identity. While full details on the newest members of the class are still rolling in, the volume of commitments speaks volumes about Tulane’s rising profile. The Green Wave have steadily built their 2027 group through targeted in-state and regional recruiting, smart use of the transfer portal, and a coaching staff that’s earning trust with prospects and their families. More details on the commitments coming soon! #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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