Lenoir-Rhyne football isn’t waiting around. The Division II Bears picked up two early commitments in the Class of 2026 this week from a pair of Charlotte-area standouts — linebacker Christopher Wurster of Stuart Cramer High School in Belmont and offensive lineman Jamaare Williams of Palisades High School in Charlotte.
It’s rare to see D2 programs secure rising senior pledges this early in the cycle, but Lenoir-Rhyne and head coach Doug Socha made their case early and have already locked in two high-upside pieces on both sides of the ball.
🛡️ Christopher Wurster | LB | Belmont, NC | Stuart Cramer HS
Wurster, a 6-2, 215-pound linebacker, committed to Lenoir-Rhyne on July 23. A two-time all-conference selection in the Big South 3A, he has a 3.9 GPA and a reputation for work ethic and leadership. His high school coach, Ashton Simmons, called him “a complete grinder and a coach’s dream.”
Wurster’s physical development backs that up. In a June post on social media, he wrote:
“Over the past 4 years I have put a lot of value in my body and nutrition. I have taken my body from 160 lbs (freshman year) to 210 (now). 60 lbs of muscle have been added to my frame with lots of consistent work.”
He held offers from Denison, Concord (WV), and Hampden-Sydney and was invited to compete at the prestigious North Carolina Shrine Bowl Invitational Camp.
💪 Jamaare Williams | OL | Charlotte, NC | Palisades HS
Williams brings size and power to the Bears’ 2026 class. At 6-5, 315 pounds, he plays primarily at offensive guard and is one of the top linemen in the Charlotte area. He transferred to Palisades after a stint at Olympic High and has been turning heads at camps.
He was named one of the top offensive linemen at the CFI Winter Showcase in December 2024 and followed that up with a standout showing at the VTO Elite 100 in March at Johnson C. Smith.
Williams committed to Lenoir-Rhyne over offers from UNC Pembroke, Fairmont State, Alabama A&M, Ferrum, Johnson C. Smith and others.
These two additions give the Bears a strong early foundation for their 2026 class — and send a message that Lenoir-Rhyne plans to be aggressive on the recruiting trail.
📅 Looking ahead to the fall? Check out Lenoir-Rhyne’s full 2025 football schedule HERE.
