Charleston, S.C. The Citadel Athletics Department and head football coach Kevin Higgins released the names of 18 athletes who will join the Bulldogs as members of the 2009 recruiting class during a press conference held at the Pearson Club Level of the West Side Tower at Johnson Hagood Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. The 2009 class is the fourth recruiting class for Higgins since joining the Bulldog staff in 2005.

The class consists of five athletes from South Carolina, two of whom are students at Bishop England High School and one at Goose Creek High School. The remaining 13 athletes represent the states of Florida (7), Georgia (2), Minnesota (1), Ohio (1), Texas (1), and Virginia (1).

Among the players are three offensive linemen, two wide receivers, two tight ends, two line backers, two defensive tackles and two cornerbacks. There is also one defensive end, safety, running back, quarterback and kicker in the group.

“We are excited about the group of athletes that made commitments to represent The Citadel as players, students and members of The Corps. This was truly a team effort as the President, faculty and our cadet-student-athletes did an excellent job of hosting the recruits and families,” Higgins said. “The class of 2013 will provide more size, strength, speed and depth as we continue to build a championship program.”

The spring football season will kick-off a month later for the Bulldogs on Tuesday, March 17 with spring practice, followed by a Blue and White Game on Saturday, April 18 at Johnson Hagood Stadium at 1 p.m. The team will report in the fall on Aug. 6 and the Bulldogs' first game of the 2008 season will take place on Sept. 5 at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

For more information on Bulldog Football or The Citadel Athletics, go to www.CitadelSports.com.