ELON, N.C. – Elon football coach Jason Swepson has announced the addition of two players to his incoming class. Joining the Phoenix on the gridiron this fall will be quarterback Tyler Smith (Easton, Pa./Wilson Area/University of Maryland) and defensive back Alexander Dawson IV (Haw River, N.C./Eastern Alamance).

Smith (6-4, 215 pounds) transfers to Elon after red-shirting at Maryland last season. He has four years of eligibility remaining. Smith was a 2009 SuperPrep All-American as well as an honorable mention All-America selection by EA Sports that same year. A three-year starter at Wilson Area High School where he played for Bret Comp, Smith ranks second all-time in Pennsylvania high school history in both passing yards (8,035) and touchdown passes (87). A four-star recruit out of high school, Smith was rated as the number eight quarterback in the nation by Scouts, Inc. Scout.com had him listed as the number 18 quarterback in the country while Rivals.com listed him as the number 16 dual quarterback nationally. Smith was named the 2009 Player of the Year by The Lehigh Valley Express-Times after completing 172 of his 323 pass attempts for 3,130 yards and 32 touchdowns. That year he helped his prep squad to a Colonial League title and the PIAA Class AAA quarterfinals. As a senior, he also rushed for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns. He twice threw six touchdown passes in a game. Smith was selected to play in the 2010 Team USA vs. The World game in Miami, Fla. that was held the day before the NFL Pro Bowl. He was also chosen to participate in the 2010 Big 33 Football Classic. As a junior, Smith helped his team to a 12-1 season after he threw for 2,952 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Tyler is the son of former Florida Atlantic University baseball player Robert and Donna Smith.

Dawson (6-0, 200 pounds) comes to Elon after earning a 3.8 GPA at nearby Eastern Alamance High where he played for John Kirby. Following his senior campaign, Dawson collected both all-county and all-region accolades. He also earned a scholar athlete of the week nod and was a Carolina Panthers Community Captain which is bestowed upon prep football players who have demonstrated strong leadership skills both on and off the field. While at Eastern Alamance, Dawson helped the program claim back-to-back Regional 3A crowns.

Alexander is the son of Alex Dawson III and April Gordon Dawson.

Elon will open up its 2011 season on September 3 at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn.