JACKSON, Miss.-The Belhaven football program and Head Coach Joe Thrasher are pleased to announce the signings of Lawrence Brown and Raymond Cotton for the 2012 season. The Blazers will look for Brown and cotton to make an immediate impact on the field this upcoming season.

Brown, who hails from Columbus, MS, prepped at New Hope High School where he was a standout tight end. Brown plans to major in Sports Administration at Belhaven. “I had a lot of different schools that were coming at me,” said Brown. “Then a lot of coaching changes happened and other teams left and others didn't. I did a lot of praying about it, and when it was all said and done, God led me to go to Belhaven. I had a lot of big-time schools (that were interested in him), but I knew Belhaven is where I was supposed to be.”For more information on Brown, click here to read Adam Minichino's article from the March 28th edition of “The Dispatch” in Columbus, MS.

Cotton, a quarter back from Mobile, AL, transfers to Belhaven after spending last season at Gulf Coast Community College. Cotton played in 10 games and completed 74 passes for 806 yards and six touchdowns. Cotton can hurt opposing defenses on the ground as well as evidenced by 437 rushing yards and six touchdowns a season ago. Cotton capped the 2011 season in the Mississippi Bowl, going 7 for 12 through the air for 135 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 107 yards and added two more touchdowns in the victory.

“We are excited about the additions of Lawrence Brown and Raymond Cotton to our team for the 2012 season,” said Thrasher. “We feel like both these players have the potential to be big contributors for us this season and we are looking forward to seeing what they can do on the field.”

Belhaven University is a member of the NAIA, Southern States Athletic Conference and Mid-South Conference and sponsors 13 intercollegiate sports. Belhaven is an institution that focuses on preparing students academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus.