For the second consecutive year, local North Carolina recruits stood out in Elon football team's 2016 recruiting class. Of the 22 recruits, a record high for third year head coach Rich Skrosky, 11 hail from the state of North Carolina. The other 11 come from parts of the northeast, mid-atlantic and southeast regions of the country.
"I am excited about the signing of another quality class as we continue to bring the football program back to national prominence," said Skrosky. "As was the plan from the start, it is another large class; that together with the 2015 class will be the cornerstone of our future success. Beyond the productivity they achieved in high school and their measurables they bring to our program, I am just as excited about the character and leadership qualities of these young men. From a position standpoint, it is a well-rounded group that adds overall quality and depth to our roster. I am extremely proud of our staff for the amount of effort put forth to getting to this day."
The Phoenix added depth to a young offense with the addition of 11 players ranging from lineman, receivers, running backs and a single quarterback. Nine players were added to the defensive side of the ball, in addition to two specialists.
Full Elon Football 2016 Recruiting Class:
| Name | Pos. | Hometown / High School (Previous School) |
| Jeremiah Bridges | WR | Powder Springs, Ga. / Hillgrove |
| Stephen Copeland | LB | Virginia Beach, Va. / Kellam |
| Brelynd Cyphers | RB | Virginia Beach, Va. / Green Run |
| Michael Ebaugh | DL | Boone, N.C. / Watauga |
| Matt Foster | TE | Williamsville, N.Y. / Williamsville South |
| Seth Harrell | QB | Byfield, Mass. / Governor's Academy |
| Karl Hofmeister | OL | Fayetteville, N.C. / Jack Britt |
| Tre Marsh | WR | Greensboro, N.C. / Northern Guilford |
| De'Sean McNair | RB | Jacksonville, Fla. / Ribault |
| Khalil Moore | DB | Charlotte, N.C. / Davidson Day |
| Chad Nelson | OL | Dunwoody, Ga. / Saint Pius X |
| Alex Parker | TE | Charlotte, N.C. / Charlotte Chrisitan |
| Jack Pawloski | K/P | Florence, S.C. / Wilson |
| Daniel Reid-Bennett | DB | Lexington, N.C. / Lexington |
| Marshall Simmons | LS | Charlotte, N.C. / Charlotte Country Day |
| T.J. Speight | LB | Wilson, N.C. / Hunt |
| Cole Taylor | WR | Marietta, Ga. / Lassiter |
| Pete Townsend | OL | Lumberton, N.C. / Lumberton |
| Martel Waugh | DL | McDonough, Ga. / Eagle's Landing |
| Zavier Williams | DB | Ellendwood, Ga. Cedar Grove |
| Marcus Willoughby | DL | Durham, N.C. / Durham Riverside |
| Cameron Wright | LB | Hudson, N.C. / South Caldwell |