WEST POINT, N.Y. -- The re-shaping of Army's football program continued today as head coach Todd Berry introduced Army's 2002 recruiting class during a noon-time press conference in the "A" Room at Michie Stadium.

Twenty-seven high school student-athletes and 11 others currently attending the U.S. Military Academy Prep School help comprise West Point's football-playing Class of 2006. The group represents Berry's second full recruiting class since taking over the reins of Army's historic gridiron progam on Dec. 17, 1999. It includes 13 players that earned all-state recognition and 31 players that served as team captain during their senior year in high school.

"I'm very excited about the class," Berry says. "I think we not only attacked some needs for this next season, but I think it gives us an opportunity to build on this class for years to come. By design, last year's class was very heavily weighted in linemen; this year's class deals more with perimeter people, the periphery of the offense and defense. Hopefully some of these young men can come in and contribute immediately.

"This is a great group of young men," he adds. "I think they will do well here at the Academy, both academically, militarily and socially. I know they will help our program continue to progress."

The list of signees includes 23 offensive standouts, 13 defenders and two kickers. Offensively, Berry and his staff added six quarterbacks, six offensive linemen, four wide receivers and four running backs, among others. The defensive group includes seven secondary members, and three linemen.

Eighteen different states are represented in the class. Texas, a longtime recruiting stronghold for the Army program leads the way with 11 future Black Knights, followed by Florida and North Carolina with four each. The states of Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts and New York are represented by two players apiece.

"We were attacking the perimeter of the offense and defense in recruiting this year," Berry explains. "Consequently, we were recruiting more players with speed. Those positions require it. I think we've done well in that facet. I think it will upgrade our speed level dramatically.

"I am excited about bringing in some players that really fit our schemes. We will certainly have more players that fit into those schemes. Hopefully some of these young men will be able to contribute to the team this year.

Tickets for all 2002 Army home games are currently available by contacting the Army Ticket Office at 1-877-TIX-ARMY. Season tickets for Army's challenging six-game home schedule are priced at $152. Along with sideline seating for the Black Knights' home games, season ticket buyers are entitled to purchase an equal number of tickets for the 103rd annual Army-Navy game, to be held Dec. 7 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Army's 2002 home schedule includes matchups against service academy rival Air Force and Conference USA foes Lousiville, Southern Miss, TCU and UAB, all of which qualified for postseason bowl berths a year ago.