Elon, N.C. – Elon University Head Football Coach Tony Trisciani has announced the addition of three transfers to the football program for the 2025 season. Defensive lineman Jared Kirksey (Clemson, S.C. / Daniel HS / South Carolina State), quarterback Marco Lainez (Belle Mead, N.J. / The Hun School / Iowa) and Jimmyll Williams (Durham, N.C. / Hillside / Virginia State) will all join the Phoenix. Earlier this offseason, the program announced the addition of two other transfers (CLICK HERE to view).
 
Bios for each are listed below:
 
Jared Kirksey
DL | 6-2 | 245 | RSr.
Clemson, S.C. / Daniel
 
Prior to Elon:

• Spent four years at South Carolina State
• Played in 27 games, recording 50 tackles, 18.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries
• Had 43 tackles and 17 tackles for loss between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, with 3.5 sacks in 2023
• All-MEAC and Academic All-MEAC
• Played four years at Daniel High School, earning three varsity letters
• 2019 all-state player and Mountain Lakes Defensive Player of the Year, as well as 4A region Defensive Player of the Year
• Football team captain at Daniel High School

 
Personal:

• Full name is Jared Toby Kirksey
• Son of James Kirksey and Betty Morris
• One brother, Jeriod Oglesby

 
 
Marco Lainez
QB | 6-2 | 225 | RSo.
Belle Mead, N.J. / The Hun School
 
Prior to Elon:

• Played two seasons at Iowa
• Earned his first career action in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, leading Iowa with 52 yards rushing and going 2-for-7 passing
• In high school, named Northeast Prep Offensive Player of the Year as a senior, first team New Jersey Prep and Northeast Prep League, as well as team MVP and New Jersey Prep Offensive MVP
• 12^th-Man Touchdown Club Player of the Year as a senior and junior
• As a junior, named New Jersey Mid-Atlantic Prep Offensive Player of the Year, first team All-NPFC, All-NEPSAC and All-MAPL
• Team MVP as a sophomore
• Played four years of varsity and earned 10 letters between football, basketball and track & field
• Team won MAPL championships as both a junior and senior, posting identical 9-0 records
• Threw for 6,446 yards and 73 touchdowns in high school
• As a senior, went 93-of-116 (80.2 percent) for 1,761 yards and 21 touchdowns, with just two interceptions; also ran the ball 41 times for 451 yards and two touchdowns
• Team captain as a senior

 
Personal:

• Full name is Marco A. Lainez III
• Son of Marco and Gretchen Lainez
• Two sisters, Isabella and Nicola
• Father played football at Union College and then semi-professional in Barcelona
• Uncle Scott Nelson played football at Middlebury College

 
 
Jimmyll Williams
RB | 5-9 | 190 | Jr.
Belle Mead, N.J. / The Hun School
 
Prior to Elon:

• Played two seasons at Virginia State
• As a sophomore in 2024, ran the ball 188 times for 972 yards and 11 touchdowns; also caught 11 passes for 89 yards and touchdown; Also played quarterback at Johnson C. Smith, going 9-for-22 with 167 yards and two TDs thrown
• Went over 100 yards rushing three times, including a career-high 164 yards and two touchdowns against Elizabeth City State
• 2024 Black College Hall of Fame Game Offensive MVP
• Ranked second in the CIAA in rushing yards and touchdowns, earning CIAA Running Back of the Week honors once
• Played in five games in 2023, rushing 42 times for 239 times and two touchdowns; added five receptions for 47 yards
• Had a season-high 105 rushing yards against Livingstone
• Also played baseball and was team MVP as a freshman in 2023
• Played four years at Hillside High School, earning seven letters (four in baseball and three in football)
• Team went 13-1 as he rushed for 2,400 yards and 26 touchdowns
• 2022 DAC-7 Offensive Player of the Year, Hillside Offensive Player of the Year and Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award Winner

 
Personal:

• Full name is Jimmyll Benjamin Williams
• Son of Jimmy and Latesha Williams
• Two brothers, Antonio and Jimaune