Trojans attract top-notch recruits
Fred Jeter | 2/22/2024, 6 p.m.
One of the most decorated high school football players in Richmond area history will continue to play locally — at Virginia State University.
Ajenavi “AJ” Byrd, who earned All-State honors at four positions for Armstrong High School, is among 26 to sign scholarship offers with the CIAA Trojans.
Under Armstrong Coach Jeremy Pruitt, a former VSU standout, Byrd earned first team All-State honors as a wide receiver, defensive back, punt returner and kickoff returner.
Offensively, he made 54 catches for 1,291 yards and 20 touchdowns, helping the Wildcats to the Class 3 Region finals.
VSU Coach Henry Frazier III, in his third season, is billing his recent talent haul as the “Solidification Class,” after calling last year’s recruits “The Foundation Class.”
The Trojans were 8-2 last season, second in the CIAA North, with a win over Norfolk State University of the Football Championship Subdivision or FCS.
Other local players headed to Ettrick are running back James Grant from Trinity Episcopal; lineman Rae’Qwon Taylor from Highland Springs; linebacker Christian Payne from Huguenot; and receiver Khali Coward from Life Christian Academy.
