Franklin and Penn State Football Inks Top 10 Class
Nittany Lions’ class has the highest star average since rankings began in 2002
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; December 19, 2018 – Head coach James Franklin unveiled the 2019 Penn State Football recruiting class today during the Signing Day celebration in the Lasch Football Building. Penn State’s Class of 2019 is ranked 10th nationally by 247Sports Composite and Rivals and 12th by ESPN, as of Wednesday evening. Penn State is also the only team to rank in the top 10 with less than 20 recruits.
Based on star average (3.89), the newest group of Nittany Lions rank third in the country according to Rivals, behind Georgia and Alabama. According to the 247Sports Composite average ranking, Penn State is fourth with a 92.12 average.
Penn State welcomed 18 student-athletes, who signed National Letters of Intent to join the football program. Eleven of the signees will be early enrollees in January – Noah Cain, Lance Dixon, Keaton Ellis, Adisa Isaac, Michael Johnson Jr., Ta’Quan Roberson, Tyler Rudolph, Brandon Smith, Brenton Strange, Anthony Whigan and Marquis Wilson.
The newest Nittany Lions have an average star ranking of 3.89, which is the highest for the Penn State program since Rivals started recruiting rankings in 2002. The average star ranking for the last four years under Franklin has been 3.66.
The Nittany Lions signed five recruits who were the No. 1 recruit in their respective states across at least one of the three recruiting services – Devyn Ford (Virginia – Rivals), Adisa Isaac (New York – consensus), Michael Johnson Jr. (Oregon – 247Sports Composite), Joey Porter Jr. (Pennsylvania – ESPN), Brandon Smith (Virginia – 247Sports, ESPN), Saleem Wormley (Delaware – consensus).
Penn State again found success in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions with eight players coming from within a 250-mile radius of State College. Penn State also had a national reach with three signees coming from more than 1,000 miles away from State College. The Nittany Lions’ class lay claim to hometowns in 12 different states. Penn State had three signees from New Jersey and Virginia, two each from Pennsylvania and Connecticut and one apiece from California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas and West Virginia.
The Class of 2019 features nine offensive signees and nine defensive recruits. There are four players who have won at least one State Championship, six Under Amour All-Americans, two All-American Bowl selections and one Gatorade State Player of the Year. Additionally, 16 of the signees served as their team captain during their high school career.
The newest class of Nittany Lions features 17 recruits with four stars or more, including one five-star prospect (Smith). According to the 247Sports Composite, the 17 four-star signees are the most since rankings begin in 2002. Penn State has had 62 four- or five-star recruits in the last four classes (106 total commits) as compared to 16 four- or five-star recruits in the previous four classes (81 total commits).
Smith is the eighth-highest rated recruit since 2000 per the 247Sports Composite. Seven of Penn State’s 15 highest-ranked recruits in program history have come under James Franklin.
The No. 12 Nittany Lions will face No. 14 Kentucky in the VRBO Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Tuesday, Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. The game will air on ABC, ESPN Radio and the Penn State Sports Network/GoPSUsports.com.
For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and reserving new 2019 season tickets, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office weekdays from 9 a.m-4:30 p.m.
Penn State Football Class of 2019
Hakeem Beamon
DT | Midlothian, Va. | Manchester High School | HS Coach: Tom Hall | 6-3, 259
Jaquan Brisker
S | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Gateway High School/Lackawanna Community College | CC Coach: Mark Duda | 6-1, 190
Noah Cain
RB | Flower Mound, Texas | IMG Academy (Fla.) | HS Coach: Kevin Wright | 5-10, 209
Lance Dixon
LB | West Bloomfield, Mich. | West Bloomfield High School | HS Coach: Ron Bellamy | 6-1, 205
John Dunmore
WR | Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | Chaminade-Madonna College Prep | HS Coach: Dameon Jones | 6-1, 180
Keaton Ellis
CB | State College, Pa. | State College Area High School | HS Coach: Matt Lintal | 5-11, 177
Devyn Ford
RB | Stafford, Va. | North Stafford High School | HS Coach: Joe Mangano | 5-11, 188
Adisa Isaac
DE | Brooklyn, N.Y. | Canarsie High School | HS Coach: Brian Ellis | 6-4, 220
Michael Johnson Jr.
QB | Eugene, Ore. | Sheldon High School | HS Coach: Josh Line | 6-2, 197
Joey Porter Jr.
CB | Bakersfield, Calif. | North Allegheny (Pa.) High School | HS Coach: Art Walker | 6-1, 185
Ta’Quan Roberson
QB | Orange, N.J. | DePaul Catholic High School | HS Coach: John McKenna | 5-11, 193
Tyler Rudolph
CB | Waterbury, Conn. | St. Thomas More School | HS Coach: Jeff Moore | 5-11, 200
Brandon Smith
LB | Louisa, Va. | Louisa County High School | HS Coach: Will Patrick | 6-3, 225
Brenton Strange
TE/H | Parkersburg, W.Va. | Parkersburg High School | HS Coach: Mike Byus | 6-4, 214
Caedan Wallace
OL | Robbinsville, N.J. | The Hun School | HS Coach: Todd Smith | 6-5, 291
Anthony Whigan
OL | Lexington Park, Md. | Great Mills High School/Lackawanna Community College | CC Coach: Mark Duda | 6-4, 292
Marquis Wilson
CB | Windsor, Conn. | Windsor High School | HS Coach: Rob Fleeting | 5-11, 167
Saleem Wormley
OL | Newark, N.J. | Smyrna (Del.) High School | HS Coach: Mike Judy | 6-3, 311
FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL
Illini Sign Top-35 Class on First Day of Early Signing Period
Lovie Smith and staff add top-tier talent to young squad
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith announced Wednesday the signing of 11 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during first day of the early signing period.
“The Illinois Football family got better today,” said Smith. “The young men who have chosen to join our program will help us take another step toward our eventual destination as champions. We have added excellence as people, their families and as players. This is one of the most exciting days in a young football player’s life, and we can’t wait to welcome them to campus in Champaign-Urbana.
“Several of these young men have been committed and unwavering for quite some time, and we appreciate their loyalty. We continue adding pieces to our puzzle, and fully expect each of these young men to develop and contribute to our eventual success. With only eight scholarship seniors leaving after last season, we always knew this class would be small in numbers, but we made up ground with high level of talent.”
Signing Class Notes (as of 12/19 at 2 pm)
» The class, thus far, includes 11 players total: five from the state of Illinois, three from Texas, two from Missouri (both from St. Louis), and one from Florida.
» Average recruit rating of .8641 by 247Sports is the highest rated recruiting class in the online recruiting era (since 2002), edging the 2009 class (.8561).
» The 2019 class ranks 31st in the nation by average recruiting ranking, the highest Illinois class since 2007 (30th).
» The current class also ranks seventh in the Big Ten by average, the highest since 2008 (sixth).
» 2019 signees DB Marquez Beason (247sports rating of .9613, No. 84) and QB Isaiah Williams (247sports rating of .9502, No. 109), are the highest rated Illini recruits since DB Terry Hawthorne in 2009 (No. 72), and the highest duo since Arrelious Benn (No. 12) and Martez Wilson in 2007 (No. 15).
» 2019 QB recruit Isaiah Williams (.9502, No. 109) is the highest ranked quarterback signee since Isiah Juice Williams in 2006 (.9702, No. 69)
» The class is balanced, with six offensive players (1 QB, 2 RB, 1 WR, 1 TE, 1 OL) and five defensive players (3 DL, 2 DB).
» All 11 signees are expected to enroll at Illinois in summer 2019.
» With only eight scholarship seniors departing, the class is 2019 was expected to be small in numbers.
ILLINOIS FOOTBALL 2019 EARLY SIGNEES (11)
| NAME (click name for bio) | POS. | HT / WT | HOMETOWN | HIGH SCHOOL |
| Joseph Thompson | DB | 5-10 / 160 | Chicago, Ill. | Phillips Academy |
| Nick Fedanzo | RB | 6-0 / 200 | Lombard, Ill. | Montini Catholic |
| Evan Kirts | OL | 6-5 / 250 | Evergreen Park, Ill. | Brother Rice |
| Isaiah Williams | QB | 5-10 / 170 | St. Louis, Mo. | Trinity Catholic |
| Seth Coleman | DL | 6-5 / 200 | Melbourne, Fla. | Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy |
| Kyron Cumby | RB | 5-8 / 175 | Plano, Texas | Plano |
| Moses Okpala | DL | 6-7 / 250 | St. Louis, Mo. | Ladue Horton Watkins |
| Griffin Moore | TE | 6-4 / 225 | Bloomington, Ill. | Bloomington |
| Marquez Beason | DB | 5-11 / 175 | Duncanville, Texas | Duncanville |
| Casey Washington | WR | 6-2 / 175 | Pflugerville, Texas | Pflugerville |
| Keith Randolph | DE | 6-5 / 270 | Belleville, Ill. | Belleville West |
2018 Indiana State SYCAMORE FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY ROSTER
Isaac Fotu DL 6-2 235 Jr. Highland, Utah / Snow College Matthew Griffin DB 6-3 195 Fr. Toledo, Ohio / Central Catholic HS Tyrone Griffin LB 6-3 210 Fr. Brownsburg, Ind. / Brownsburg HS Christian Hastings LB 6-2 210 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. / Warren Central HS Brett Hiatt DB 6-2 200 Fr. Wentzville, Mo. / Timerland HS Garrett Hickman OL 6-1 315 Fr. Bloomington, Ind. / Bloomington South HS Ethan Hoover DB 5-11 205 Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind. / Snider HS Lucas Hunter DL 6-2 290 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. / Center Grove HS DeAndre Johnson DL 6-2 240 Fr. Chicago, Ill. / Wendell Phillips Academy Jordan Lawrence DL 6-3 240 Fr. Bloomington, Ill. / Normal Community HS Casey Miller DL 6-3 235 Fr. Mason, Ohio / William Mason HS Alton Nobles DL 6-3 280 Jr. Rocky Mount, N.C. / Monroe College Deon Pettiford LB 6-2 215 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. / Lawrence North HS Nick Sims RB 5-10 210 R-So. Mobile, Ala. / University of Toledo Joel Stevens OL 6-8 320 Fr. Lee’s Summit, Mo. / Lee’s Summit North HS Connor Tierney K 5-11 180 Fr. DeKalb, Ill. / DeKalb HS David Whittemore LB 6-2 215 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. / Bishop Chatar
INDIANA ADDS NINETEEN DURING EARLY SIGNING PERIOD
– Indiana head football coach Tom Allen announced today the signing of 19 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play for the Hoosiers in 2019. Today opened college football’s early signing period, which will run through Friday, Dec. 21.
The class features four four-star prospects: running back Sampson James (ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports), defensive back Tiawan Mullen (Rivals), defensive lineman Beau Robbins (ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports) and linebacker Cameron Williams (Rivals, 247Sports). Quarterback Jack Tuttle, a Utah transfer and mid-year enrollee, was a 2018 four-star prospect (Rivals and 247Sports). Long snapper Sean Wracher is a five-star prospect (KohlsKicking.com).
IU signed nine defensive players, six offensive players, two athletes, one offensive/defensive lineman and one long snapper. Indiana added five defensive linemen, two defensive backs and two linebackers on defense, and two offensive linemen, two running backs, one tight end and one wide receiver on offense.
Players signed from American Samoa, Canada (Ottawa, Ontario), and 11 different states, including four from Indiana, four from Florida, and one each from Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
Offensive lineman Matthew Bedford, defensive lineman Juan Harris, James, offensive lineman Mike Katic and defensive back Larry Tracy III will enroll in spring semester classes and participate in practice.
Below is a list of Indiana’s early signing period signees:
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/Last School
Matthew Bedford OL 6-6 270 Cordova, Tenn./Cordova H.S. D.K. Bonhomme (Bo-gnome) LB 6-3 238 Ottawa, Ontario/Clearwater Academy International (Fla.) Da’Shaun Brown ATH 6-2 180 Racine, Wis./St. Catherine’s H.S. Gary Cooper TE 6-2 235 Miami, Fla./Christopher Columbus H.S. David Ellis ATH 6-0 195 Clinton Township, Mich./Chippewa Valley H.S. Juan Harris DL 6-3 350 Chicago, Ill./Independence Community College (Kan.) Jordan Jakes WR 6-5 197 Stockbridge, Ga./St. Frances Academy (Md.) Sampson James RB 6-1 212 Avon, Ind./Avon H.S. Mike Katic (Kay-dik) OL 6-4 290 Gibsonia, Pa./Pine-Richland H.S. Tiawan Mullen (Tie-juan) DB 5-10 175 Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Coconut Creek H.S. Sio Nofoagatoto’a DL 6-4 302 Ili’ili, American Samoa/Clearwater Academy International (Fla.) (See-oh Nofo-ah-gah-tuh-toe-ah) Jeramy Passmore DL 6-3 270 Miami, Fla./Christopher Columbus H.S. C.J. Person DL 6-3 297 Montgomery, Ala./Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Beau Robbins DL 6-5 250 Carmel, Ind./Carmel H.S. Larry Tracy III DB 5-11 185 Indianapolis, Ind./Decatur Central H.S. Antoine Whitner Jr. OL/DL 6-5 305 Bradenton, Fla./IMG Academy Cameron Williams LB 6-3 215 Merrillville, Ind./Andrean H.S. Ivory Winters RB 6-0 216 Hayti, Mo./Hayti H.S. Sean Wracher (Ratcher) LS 6-4 215 Akron, Ohio/Saint Ignatius H.S.
Buckeyes Sign 15 to National Letters of Intent
Ohio State’s class ranks among the top in the Big Ten and nation
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ryan Day, who will take over as the Buckeyes’ head coach on Jan. 2, announced the initial members of Ohio State’s 2019 recruiting class on Wednesday. The group includes 15 prospects and makes up a Top-15 rated class according to 247Sports.com.
“When you look at this class, what comes to mind is loyalty,” said Day. “What also comes to mind are the great families and quality student-athletes that are coming into our program. We’re very excited about the future as these guys will be a foundation moving forward into the next few years.”
A trio of five-star prospects headline the class. WR Garrett Wilson, DE Zach Harrison and OL Harry Miller are all rated among the best players at their position, and all added another significant achievement last week: they were named finalists for the All-American Bowl Man of the Year, which is awarded based on “a high standard of excellence in community service, education and athletic distinction.”
The class of new Buckeyes includes players from 10 different states, led by five from Ohio and two from Georgia. Two of the signees – LB Cade Stover and RB Marcus Crowley – were named Mr. Football in their respective states. Ohioans in the class, in addition to Harrison and Stover, are LB Tommy Eichenberg, DE Noah Potter and OL Ryan Jacoby. Potter and Jacoby were teammates at Mentor High School, the 2017 Division I state runner-up.
Players with top-five rankings at their positions include Wilson (No. 2 WR by 247Sports), Harrison (No. 1 DE by 247Sports and Rivals), Stover (No. 5 OLB by 247Sports, No. 4 by Rivals) and Miller (No. 2 C by 247Sports, No. 2 G by Rivals). The initial signing class also provides the Buckeyes with great balance – it includes players at eight different positions (four on offense, four on defense).
OHIO STATE SIGNING DAY ROSTER
Name Position Ht. Wt. Hometown / Previous School
Steele Chambers RB 6-2 215 Roswell, Ga. / Blessed Trinity Catholic
Marcus Crowley RB 6-1 200 Jacksonville, Fla. / Trinity Christian Academy
Tommy Eichenberg LB 6-3 225 Cleveland, Ohio / St. Ignatius
Zach Harrison DE 6-5 243 Lewis Center, Ohio / Olentangy Orange
Cormontae Hamilton TE 6-2 263 Memphis, Tenn. / Whitehaven
Ronnie Hickman SAF 6-1 200 Wayne, N.J. / DePaul Catholic
Ryan Jacoby OL 6-5 270 Mentor, Ohio / Mentor
Jaden McKenzie DT 6-3 285 Wake Forest, N.C. / Wake Forest
Harry Miller OL 6-4 310 Buford, Ga. / Buford
Noah Potter DE 6-5 250 Mentor, Ohio / Mentor
Bryson Shaw SAF 6-2 175 Potomac, Md. / The Bullis School
Cade Stover LB 6-4 225 Mansfield, Ohio / Lexington
Jameson Williams WR 6-2 170 St. Louis, Mo. / Cardinal Ritter College Prep
Garrett Wilson WR 6-1 180 Austin, Texas / Lake Travis
Craig Young ATH 6-4 200 Fort Wayne, Ind. / Wayne
Steele Chambers | RB | 6-2, 215 | Roswell, Ga. / Blessed Trinity Catholic
Rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports and among the top 20 athletes nationwide … a three-year starter for head coach Tim McFarlin … ran for 244 yards and three TDs while also throwing a touchdown pass to help Blessed Trinity Catholic advance to the Georgia 4A state title game … in the title game, ran for 98 yards and added five tackles on defense as Blessed Trinity won its second straight championship … over 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior … Georgia’s Region 7AAAA Player of the Year in 2017 for the state champion Titans … exceptional athlete who stood out as both a linebacker and running back … All-Georgia honoree as an athlete from the Atlanta Journal Constitution … Georgia Athletic Coaches Association all-state selection as a linebacker … rushed for 1,486 yards (6.9 yards per carry) as a sophomore and 1,301 as a junior … scored the go-ahead touchdown in the 2017 state title game … on defense, totaled 70 tackles (37 solo), six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks … parents are Stacy and Eric Chambers.
Marcus Crowley | RB | 6-1, 200 | Jacksonville, Fla. / Trinity Christian Academy
The four-star prospect by Rivals and a top 100-ranked player in the state of Florida … named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Florida in 2018 … rushed for 258 yards in a 34-7 win over Bolles School in the Region 1-5A finals … scored on runs of 60, 39 and 90 yards … was a MaxPrep/USA Football National Player of the Week nominee … had five 200-yard rushing games during his senior season … ran for over 2,000 yards and averaged better than 10 yards a carry and 150 yards per game over his senior season … plays for the same program that produced current Buckeye Shaun Wade and Tyreke Johnson … ran for 1,210 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior … parents are Shelly and Michael Wright.
Tommy Eichenberg | LB | 6-3, 225 | Cleveland, Ohio / St. Ignatius
A four-star recruit according to 247Sports.com who is a consensus top-10 ranked player in the state of Ohio … one of the top-20 ranked linebacker prospects by all of the major recruiting services … a first-team All-Ohio selection as a senior by the Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association … moved from outside to middle linebacker early in the 2018 season and finished with 126 total tackles (80 solo, 46 assists), eight sacks, 23 tackles-for-loss and five pass breakups … also had seven quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and an interception … St. Ignatius started 0-2 but finished 8-1 and made the state playoffs with Eichenberg at middle linebacker … included in those eight wins was a 21-7 win over eventual state champion St. Edward … led the team with 81 tackles and 7.5 sacks as a junior … is a state qualifier for the St. Ignatius track and field team in the shot put … finished eighth at the state championship meet last spring … parents are Heather and Gregg Eichenberg.
Zach Harrison | DE | 6-5, 243 | Lewis Center, Ohio / Olentangy Orange
The consensus top-ranked player in the state of Ohio and a top-five prospect nationally … the nation’s No. 1 defensive end by all the major scouting services … earned a five-star designation by 247Sports.com, Scout.com and Rivals … a superb athlete who has been clocked at 4.47 in the 40-yard dash and he’s also run a 10.7 100 meters and a 21.5 200 meters … first team All-Ohio by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association and the Delaware County Defensive Player of the Year … had 14 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks in just seven games as a senior … will play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 5 … invited to The Opening in 2017 and 2018 … named a finalist for the All-American Bowl Man of the Year … parents are Tracey and Jimmie Harrison.
Cormontae Hamilton | TE | 6-2, 263 | Memphis, Tenn. / Whitehaven
A three-star prospect and the No. 22 player in the state of Tennessee by 247Sports … the nation’s No. 22-ranked tight end by Rivals … member of The Commercial Appeal’s All-Metro team as a junior in 2017 … helped Whitehaven, under head coach Rodney Saulsberry, reach the Class 6A semifinals in 2017 … averaged better than 20 yards per reception … 2018 preseason 6A all-state selection and led Whitehaven to the state finals … hauled in 18 passes for 278 and five touchdowns as a senior for the 11-4 Tigers … mother is Nikki Gilmore.
Ronnie Hickman | SAF | 6-1, 200 | Wayne, N.J. / DePaul Catholic
New Jersey’s third-ranked recruit overall by 247Sports.com and is a top 150 prospect nationally … checks in with a No. 9 ranking as an athlete according to 247Sports … plays on both sides of the ball for DePaul Catholic, lining up at wide receiver and safety … an injury cut his senior season short, but not before he totaled 609 receiving yards and nine TDs on 26 catches … recorded 19 tackles and five pass breakups … caught 44 passes for 809 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior while also contributing 44 tackles, two interceptions and nine PBU on defense … had 945 all-purpose yards in 2017 … is the third New Jersey native to sign with the Buckeyes in the last two classes, joining Javontae Jean-Baptise and Tyler Friday from last year’s class … is nicknamed “The Rocket” … helped DePaul Catholic win New Jersey’s Non Public Group III state title as a junior in 2017 … played for head coach John McKenna … parents are Hanifah Crawley and Ronnie Hickman Sr.
Ryan Jacoby | OL | 6-5, 270 | Mentor, Ohio / Mentor
Four-star prospect according to 247Sports who is Ohio’s No. 8-ranked player … was the second member of the 2019 class to give his verbal commitment … first-team All-Ohio as a junior and senior playing left tackle for Mentor, the 2017 Division I state runner-up … the Cardinals were 13-2 and averaged 41.2 points per game on their way to the state finals in 2017 … Mentor was 11-2 in 2018 and once again featured one of the state’s highest scoring offenses, averaging 36.9 points per game … a finalist for the Tony Fisher Award … coached by Steve Trivisonno … was a member of Mentor’s wrestling team as a freshman and sophomore … parents are Lisa and Michael Jacoby.
Jaden McKenzie | DT | 6-3, 285 | Wake Forest, N.C. / Wake Forest
A three-star prospect who has been a key contributor in helping Wake Forest High School win three consecutive 4A state championships … rated as the No. 48 defensive tackle prospect in the nation and the No. 32 player in North Carolina by 247Sports … recorded 71 tackles and 10.5 sacks as a senior … selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, an annual all-star game between players from North Carolina and South Carolina … finished his high school career on a 45-game winning streak … four-year varsity letterwinner … as a junior, compiled 97 tackles, 23 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks … totaled 28.5 sacks over his final three seasons … originally from New Orleans … mother is Quandra McKenzie.
Harry Miller | OL | 6-4, 310 | Buford, Ga. / Buford
Five-star prospect who is the nation’s No. 2-ranked center according to 247Sports.com … No. 31-rated prospect overall according to 247Sports.com … a versatile player who played guard, tackle and center for Buford High School and head coach John Ford … Buford was 10-3 in Miller’s senior season and reached the Class AAAAA quarterfinals … with Miller paving the way, Buford averaged 41.6 points per game in 2018 and scored 50 or more points four times … helped Buford finished 11-2 as a junior in 2017 while advancing to the Class 5A state semifinals … participated in Nike’s The Opening last June and was named the camp’s most valuable offensive lineman … a straight-A student and likely class valedictorian … a finalist for the All-American Bowl Man of the Year Award … has made numerous mission trips to Nicaragua … parents are Kristina and Sean Miller.
Noah Potter | DE | 6-5, 250 | Mentor, Ohio / Mentor
Ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 6 player in Ohio by 247Sports … earned All-Ohio honors for head coach Steve Trivisonno at Mentor as both a junior and senior … 49 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss and five sacks and 30 QB hurries as a senior for a defense that allowed just 13.3 points per game … anchored a defense that led the Cardinals to the Division I state championship game in 2017 … had 68 tackles, 32 quarterback hurries, 10 sacks and eight tackles-for-loss … led the greater Cleveland area with over 25 tackles for loss as a senior … his older brother, Micah, was a member of the Ohio State men’s basketball team in 2016-17 and 2017-18 … parents are Ronda and Tim Potter.
Bryson Shaw | SAF | 6-2, 175 | Potomac, Md. / The Bullis School
Three-star prospect and the No. 9 player in the state of Maryland according to 247Sports … a do-it-all safety/wide receiver as well as a standout lacrosse player for The Bullis School … has also seen time as a running back and wide receiver … named the team’s most valuable player and the Defensive player of the Year in the Interstate Athletic Conference as a senior … as a junior, caught five touchdown passes, had a TD run and also returned a kickoff and fumble for scores … on defense, totaled 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles … parents are Jill and Bryn Shaw.
Cade Stover | LB | 6-4, 225 | Mansfield, Ohio / Lexington
The fourth-ranked player in Ohio and the No. 130 overall prospect according to 247Sports … named Ohio’s Mr. Football by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association and the Gatorade Player of the Year … the eighth-ranked linebacker nationally and a semifinalist for the High School Butkus Award honoring the nation’s top prep linebacker … selected as Ohio’s Division III Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and a first-team all-state selection after recording 163 tackles and four interceptions during the regular season … added 1,477 yards and 17 touchdowns as a running back … Ohio Cardinal Conference Defensive Player of the Year … as a sophomore in 2016 for head coach Taylor Gerhardt, Stover made 190 tackles (14.6 per game) as Lexington made the regional finals … during his junior season in 2017, Stover was a first team All-Ohio pick as a hybrid linebacker/safety … a great all-around athlete, Stover earned second team All-Ohio honors on the basketball court as a junior in leading Lexington to the OHSAA Final Four in Columbus … has set the school’s all-time scoring record in basketball … parents are Chelsi and Trevor Stover.
Jameson Williams | WR | 6-2, 170 | St. Louis, Mo. / Cardinal Ritter College Prep
Rated as a four-star prospect and a Top 150 player overall by 247Sports.com’s composite rankings … the No. 2-rated prospect in Missouri by 247Sports and No. 3 by Rivals … helped Cardinal Ritter College Prep reach the Class 3 state championship game this past fall … caught 68 passes for 1,626 yards and 22 touchdowns … had eight 100-yard games, including a 257-yard effort with five TDs … scored at least one touchdown in 11 of 14 games … selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 3 in Orlando … caught 36 passes for 1,062 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior while also returning three kicks for TDs … a track star who holds the state record in the 300-meter hurdles, a mark previously set by former Buckeye great Ezekiel Elliott … won two state track and field titles last spring … parents are Tianna and James Williams.
Garrett Wilson | WR | 6-1, 180 | Austin, Texas / Lake Travis
A five-star prospect according to 247Sports.com and a top-15 ranked recruit – regardless of position – nationally … participated in Nike’s The Opening last June and was named to the All-Tournament team … played for head coach Hank Carter at Lake Travis High School … despite missing action in the middle of his senior season due to injury, had 1,151 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns … with Wilson and current Ohio State quarterback Matthew Baldwin teaming up, Lake Travis went 13-3 in 2017 and played in its third consecutive Class 6A Division I state final … Wilson’s junior year stats were off the charts: 98 catches for 1,774 yards while accounting for 32 total touchdowns … selected as the 2017-18 Central Texas High School Athlete of the Year by The Statesman … Texas’ No. 1-ranked recruit on the The Stateman’s Fabulous 55 list … a three-sport athlete at Lake Travis who earned Division I scholarship offers as a basketball player … averaged 21 points per game for the Cavaliers to earn first team All-Central Texas honors … a finalist for the All-American Bowl Man of the Year Award … is the son of Kenny and Candace Wilson … Kenny played basketball at Davidson, scoring 1,573 career points to rank seventh on the school’s all-time list.
Craig Young | ATH | 6-4, 200 | Fort Wayne, Ind. / Wayne
Consensus three-star prospect … a standout on both sides of the ball for Wayne High School and head coach Derrick Moore … ranked as the No. 9 player in the state of Indiana … caught 35 passes for 700 yards and 12 touchdowns during his senior season … as a junior, he had over 600 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns while also contributing 27 tackles, three interceptions and 1.5 sacks on defense as an outside linebacker … two-time member of the WANE-TV Fab 15 … a three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and runs track … averaged 17.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as a junior on the basketball court … won the sectional 100-meter (10.7 seconds) and 200-meter (22.43) sprints during his junior season … parents are Antoinette and Shabaka
Northwestern Football Welcomes 18 Newcomers On Early Signing Day
EVANSTON, Ill. —Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald on Wednesday announced the signing of 18 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period.
The #NULevel19 class features Adetomiwa “Tommy” Adebawore (Kansas City, Mo./North Kansas City), Coco Azema (Cypress, Texas/Langham Creek), Dominick D’Antonio (Woodstock, Ga./Etowah), Wayne Dennis, Jr. (Tampa, Fla./Armwood), Connor Foster (Milford, Ohio/Milford), Zachary Franks (Baltimore, Md./The Gilman School), Bryce Gallagher (Raynham, Mass./St. Sebastian’s), Jason Gold, Jr. (League City, Texas/Clear Springs), Thomas Gordon (Houston, Texas/Strake Jesuit College Prep), Rod Heard (Farmington, Mich./Farmington Hills Harrison), Genson Hooper Price (Houston, Texas/St. John’s), Michael Jansey, Jr. (Batavia, Ill./Batavia), Brandon Joseph (College Station, Texas/College Station), Bryce Kirtz (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg), Cameron Mitchell (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook), Duke Olges (Winnetka, Ill./New Trier), Conrad Rowley (Independence, Mo./Blue Springs) and Malik Washington (Lawrenceville, Ga./Parkview).
“Our staff did an incredible job to find a class of young men who will continue to uphold our standard on and off the field, and help us take that next step as a championship program,” Fitzgerald said. “We are excited to officially welcome the newest members of our football family. Each and every one of these young men has tremendous ability, and they all love the game of football and want to improve. We aim to be the best player development staff in college football, so our mission now is to make them even better than they thought possible.”
The 18 students will arrive in Evanston from across the nation, led by five from Texas, three from Illinois, two from Georgia and Missouri and one each from Florida, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Indiana. The group includes nine signees on offense and nine on defense, including four wide receivers, defensive backs and offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, two linebackers and a superback.
Northwestern claimed the Big Ten West Division title with an 8-1 mark in conference play this season to earn the program’s first berth in the Big Ten Championship Game. The No. 22 Wildcats will take on No. 17 Utah in the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl on New Year’s Eve in San Diego, California (6 p.m. CT, FS1, WGN Radio AM-720)
Complete bios for the 18 signees are below.
Adetomiwa “Tommy” Adebawore
Defensive End
6-2 / 251
Kansas City, Mo.
North Kansas City
Verbally committed to Northwestern on April 17, 2018 … Rated a three-star prospect and the 23rd-ranked player in Kansas according to 247sports … Earned Kansas Class 5 First-Team All-State honors as a senior … Named All-Suburban White League Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-District, First-Team All-Conference and Academic All-State … Nominee for the Buch Buchanan Memorial Award, presented annually to the most outstanding lineman or linebacker in the big class (Missouri classes 5-6 and Kansas Classes 5A-6A) category … … Chose Northwestern over offers from Air Force, Army, Navy and Washington State.
Coco Azema
Defensive Back
5-11 / 180
Cypress Creek, Texas
Langham Creek
Verbally committed to Northwestern on May 29, 2018 … Rated a three-start prospect and the 108th-ranked player in Texas by 247sports … Three-year letterwinner … Two-time Team Captain … Finished senior season with 60 tackles and three interceptions on defense … Added 309 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on offense … Also had an interception return for a touchdown and two punt return touchdowns … Registered a prep career-high 94 tackles and four interceptions as a junior … Finished prep career with 220 tackles, 11 interceptions, seven forced fumbles and 15 total touchdowns … Earned First-Team All-District honors three times … All-Houston First Team … Also earned Houston Defensive Back of the Year … A/B Honor Roll Student … Chose Northwestern over offers from Arkansas, Duke, Houston, Indiana, Iowa State, Memphis, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Stanford, Utah and Vanderbilt.
Dom D’Antonio
Offensive Line
6-4 / 278
Woodstock, Ga.
Etowah
Verbally committed to Northwestern on April 7, 2018 … Rated a three-star prospect by 247sports … Played just two years of high school football and was named a Team Captain his senior campaign … Earned All-Region and All-County honors as a junior and senior … Led Etowah to a pair of playoff appearances … Father David played football at Army … Chose Northwestern over Rutgers, USF and Appalachian State.
Wayne Dennis, Jr.
Wide Receiver
6-3 / 183
Tampa, Fla.
Armwood
Verbally committed to Northwestern on June 19, 2018 … Rated a three-star prospect by 247sports … Three-time letter winner … Helped lead Armwood to a Florida High School Athletic Association 7A State Runner Up … Appeared in the Legends All-Star Game … Finished senior campaign with 15 catches for 266 yards and four touchdowns … Henry O. Langston Scholar-Athlete Award recipient … Mother Conya played basketball at South Florida and father Wayne played football at Florida State … Played on Team Tampa (7-on-7) with current Wildcat defensive back A.J. Hampton … Chose Northwestern over Army, Air Force and North Dakota State.
Connor Foster
Offensive Line
6-7 / 276
Milford, Ohio
Milford
Verbally committed to Northwestern on April 12, 2018 … Rated a three-start prospect, the No. 30 player in Ohio and the No. 56 offensive tackle in the nation by 247sports … Three-time letterwinner … Team Captain … Played defensive end and tight end in high school … Finished senior season with 15 catches for 272 yards and four touchdowns … Earned First-Team All-State and was named Team MVP as a senior … Earned All-District honors each of his final two prep seasons … Focal point of the Milford running game, with 62 pancake blocks in helping pave the way for nearly 2,000 yards rushing as a team … Posted 19 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown as a junior … Finished prep career with 42 catches, 570 yards and seven touchdowns in a run-heavy offensive system … Invited to the World Bowl in Mexico City and National Team Bowl in Dallas, Texas … Led Milford to the program’s first playoff appearance since 1980 and first consecutive playoff appearances in school history … Father Trevor played football at Cincinnati … Attended the same high school as Northwestern Athletics Hall of Famer and retired New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Zach Strief … Sister plays basketball at the University of Indianapolis and step sister played softball at Bowling Green State … National Honor Society Member and Student Council Class representative … Chose Northwestern over Cincinnati, Kentucky, Purdue and Vanderbilt.
Zachary Franks
Offensive Line
6-6 / 287
Baltimore, Md.
The Gilman School
Verbally committed to Northwestern on August 10, 2018 … Rated a three-star prospect and the 17th-ranked player in Maryland by 247sports … Four-year letterwinner … Earned All-MIAA and All-Metro Baltimore City honors … Named a Pro Football Hall of Fame All-American … Invited to the Pro Football Hall of Fame World Bowl … Honor Roll Student … Father David played football at UConn … Attended the same high school as current NU wide receiver Jelani Roberts and cornerback Alonzo Mayo … Chose Northwestern over offers from Penn State, Arizona, Baylor, Boston College, Cal, UConn, Duke, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse, UCF, Utah, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Washington State.
Bryce Gallagher
Linebacker
6-2 / 205
Raynham, Mass.
St. Sebastian’s
First member of the signing class to verbally commit to Northwestern on Sept. 27, 2017 … Ranked a three-star prospect and the No. 4 player in the state of Massachusetts by 247sports … Team Captain … Tallied 95 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks and four interceptions in nine games as a senior to lead St. Sebastian’s … Earned All-League Independent School League and All-New England Honors … Led St. Sebastian’s to a 2018 ISL title with a 7-2 record … Tallied 23 tackles and a pair of sacks, while rushing for 205 and two scores in the Tod Marble Bowl … Finished high school career with 210 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and seven interceptions …Earned All-ISL Honorable Mention in football and basketball as a sophomore … Named to the Boston Herald All-Scholastic Team … Honor Roll Student all four years of high school … Older brother Blake is the starting WILL linebacker and leading tackler for the Wildcats … Father Michael played college football at New Hampshire … Chose Northwestern over offers from Boston College, Duke, Vanderbilt and Army.
Jason Gold, Jr.
Defensive Line
6-3 / 260
League City, Texas
Clear Springs
Verbally committed to Northwestern on May 19, 2018 … Rated a three-start prospect and the 118th-ranked player in Texas by 247sports … Three-year letterwinner … Team Captain … Registered 35 tackles, five sack, eight tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and 11 hurries as a senior … Finished prep career with 107 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 35 tackles for loss and 28 hurries … Had a prep career-best 18 tackles for loss as a junior … Three-time First-Team All-District and All-County Honoree … Earned Academic All-State honors in 2018 … National Honor Society Member … National Technical Honor Society Member … National English Honor Society member … Member of Mu Alpha Theta and Rho Kappa … Chose Northwestern over TCU, Air Force, Arkansas, Army, Boston College, Colorado, Colorado State, Duke, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas State, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Texas Tech.
Thomas Gordon
Superback
6-5 / 225
Houston, Texas
Strake Jesuit College Prep
Verbally committed to Northwestern on Jan. 21, 2018 … Ranked a three-star prospect, the No. 32 tight end in the nation and No. 92 player in Texas by 247sports … Four-time letter winner in football and basketball … Three-time All-District selection … Earned Second-Team All-Houston as a senior … Caught 33 passes for 550 yards and prep-career high 10 touchdowns in 2018 … Finished prep career with 104 catches, 1,550 yards and 20 touchdowns … Chose Northwestern over Baylor, Boston College, Colorado, Duke, Iowa State, Louisville, LSU and Maryland.
Rod Heard
Defensive Back
5-10 / 160
Farmington, Mich.
Farmington Hills Harrison
Early Enrollee who will join the Wildcats during the winter quarter … Verbally committed to Northwestern on March 11, 2018 … Ranked a three-star prospect, the No. 24 player in the state of Michigan and No. 86 cornerback in the country according to 247sports … Three-time letter winner … Team Captain … Registered 49 tackles, six pass break ups and an interception on defense with 1,492 yards rushing, 277 yards receiving and 26 total touchdowns as a senior to earn All-State honors from MLive, Detroit Free Press and Detroit News … Had 30 tackles, nine pass breakups and an interception returned for a touchdown as a junior … Also rushed for 1,566 yards and hauled in 302 receiving yards for 27 touchdowns on offense in 2017 to earn All-State honors from the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News … Two-time team MVP … Ranks fourth in school history in rushing and scoring … Honor Roll Student … Also lettered three times in track and field … Father Roderick played football at Eastern Illinois … Chose Northwestern over Michigan, Purdue, Syracuse, Iowa State, Indiana, Cincinnati and Army.
Genson Hooper Price
Wide Receiver
6-5 / 206
Houston, Texas
St. John’s
Verbally committed to Northwestern on October 30, 2018 … Rated a three-star prospect, the 64th-ranked player in Texas and the No. 66 wide receiver in the nation according to 247sports … Had 59 catches, 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns receiving in 30 games as a prep star at St. John’s … Also had 136 rushing yards and two scores on the ground … Averaged 17.4 yards per reception … Also excelled as an elite level track and field athlete, having recorded FAT personal best times of 10.57 in the 100M, 21.80 in the 200M, 47.94 in the 400M and has long jumped 22’11” … Chose Northwestern over offers from Notre Dame, Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Cal, Duke, Florida, Houston, Iowa State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Virginia.
Michael Jansey, Jr.
Linebacker
6-2 / 210
Batavia, Ill.
Batavia
Early enrollee who will be joining the Wildcats in the winter quarter … Verbally committed to Northwestern on June 9, 2018 … Rated a three-star prospect, the 11th-ranked player in Illinois and the No. 40 linebacker in the nation according to 247sports … Under Armour All-American … Three-year letterwinner … Team Captain … Played linebacker and running back in high school … Registered 75 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 10 sacks as a senior … Posted a prep career high 99 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks as a junior to lead Batavia to a IHSAA 7A State Championship … Finished prep career with 204 tackles, 58.5 tackles for loss, 30.5 sacks and 60 quarterback hurries … Also forced four fumbles during prep career … Earned 7A All-State and Academic All-State honors … Named to the All-Area Team … Earned Team Defensive MVP Honors, All-Dukane Conference and was named the Dukane Conference Defensive MVP … Led Batavia to the 7A semifinals in his senior season … National Honor Society member and Honor Roll Student … Chose Northwestern over Air Force, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Missouri, Purdue, Rutgers and West Virginia.
Brandon Joseph
Defensive Back
6-1 / 181
College Station, Texas
College Station
Verbally committed to Northwestern on December 15, 2018 … Rated a three-start prospect and 127th-ranked player in Texas by 247sports … Posted 95 tackles, 10 pass breakups, five interceptions, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles as a senior … Scored touchdowns on a kick return, punt return and fumble recovery … Earned All-State honors in 2018 … Helped lead College Station High School to the Texas 5A State Championship … Academic All-State honoree … Chose Northwestern over Texas Tech.
Bryce Kirtz
Wide Receiver
6-0 / 175
Brownsburg, Ind.
Brownsburg
Verbally committed to Northwestern on June 3, 2018 … Rated a three-star prospect, the seventh-ranked player in Indiana and the No. 62 wide receiver in the nation by 247sports … Four-year letterwinner … Named Brownsburg Offensive Player of the Year and Team MVP … Lettered three times in track … Finished prep career with 132 receptions, 2,400 receiving yards and 38 touchdowns … Earned All-State honors … Honor Roll student … Attended the same high school and played with current NU quarterback Hunter Johnson … Father Andre ran track at Indiana State and brother Tyler plays football at Ball State … Chose Northwestern over offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Purdue and Syracuse.
Cameron Mitchell
Defensive Back
5-11 / 175
Bolingbrook, Ill.
Bolingbrook
Verbally committed to Northwestern on March 13, 2018 … Rated a three-star prospect and the 23rd-ranked player in Illinois by 247sports … Four-year varsity letterwinner … Two-time Team Captain … Earned Southwest Suburban All-Conference honors as a junior and senior … Named to the 83rd News-Gazette All-State Team and All-Area Team as a senior … Father Deon played wide receiver at Northern Illinois … Honor Roll Student.
Duke Olges
Defensive Line
6-4 / 230
Winnetka, Ill.
New Trier
Verbally committed to Northwestern on May 25, 2018 … Ranked a three-star prospect and the No. 13 player in Illinois by 247sports … Team Captain in Football and Baseball … Finished senior season with 102 tackles, including 69 solo stops, 15 tackles for loss, five sacks, 15 quarterback hurries and four pass deflections … Had 73 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five tackles and 10 quarterback hurries as a junior … Earned All-Area as a junior and senior … Also earned All-Area honors as a designated hitter in baseball as a junior after hitting .400 with nine home runs, 56 RBI, 90 hits and 45 runs … Honor Roll Student … Illinois State Scholar … All CSL/Area/State Scholar …. Studied Shodakan Karate for 12 years and is a fifth-degree black belt … Chose Northwestern over Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Michigan State and Iowa … Plans to major in economics.
Conrad Rowley
Offensive Line
6-3 / 281
Independence, Mo.
Blue Springs
Verbally committed to Northwestern on March 26, 2018 … Ranked a three-star prospect and the No. 61 offensive guard in the nation by 247sports … Two-time Team Captain … Two-time First-Team All-Suburban Gold Conference … Also earned First-Team All-District, First-Team All-State and First-Team All-Simone (METRO) as a junior and senior … Earned the honors as a left tackle as a junior and as a left guard as a senior … Helped lead Blue Springs to three district championships, three conference championships and a pair of runner up finishes in the State Championship … Chose Northwestern over Iowa State, Kansas, Rice and Minnesota.
Malik Washington
Wide Receiver
5-9 / 181
Lawrenceville, Ga.
Parkview
Verbally committed to Northwestern on December 15, 2018 … Ranked a three-star prospect and the No. 54 athlete nationally by 247sports … Registered 792 receiving yards and five touchdowns with 287 rushing yards and another nine scores on the ground as a senior … Finished prep career with 29 total touchdowns … Named Team MVP and Regional Player of the Year as a senior … Three-time First-Team All-Region … Two-time All-County … Named the 2018 Gwinnett Athlete of the Year … Three-time Scholar-Athlete … 2016 Athlete of the Year … 2015 Gwinnett Newcomer of the Year … Led Parkview to a 10-0 record in the regular season and a 2018 Regional Championship … Claimed a state and national championship in 2017 in the 4×100 meter relay … Also lettered four times on the track … Honor Roll Student … Chose Northwestern over Tennessee, Michigan State, Vanderbilt and Auburn.
Name // Pos. // Ht. // Wt. // Hometown/High School
Adetomiwa “Tommy” Adebawore // DE // 6-2 // 251 // Kansas City, Mo./North Kansas City
Corien ‘Coco’ Azema // DB // 5-11 // 180 // Cyrpess, Texas/Langham Creek
Dominick D’Antonio // OL // 6-4 // 278 // Woodstock, Ga./Etowah
Wayne Dennis, Jr. // WR // 6-3 // 183 // Tampa, Fla./Armwood
Connor Foster // OL // 6-7 // 276 // Milford, Ohio/Milford
Zachary Franks // OL // 6-6 // 287 // Baltimore, Md./The Gilman School
Bryce Gallagher // LB // 6-2 // 223 // Raynham, Mass./St. Sebastian’s
Jason Gold, Jr. // DE // 6-3 // 260 // League City, Texas/Clear Springs
Thomas Gordon // SB // 6-5 // 225 // Houston, Texas/Strake Jesuit College Prep
Rod Heard* // DB // 5-10 // 160 // Farmington, Mich./Farmington Hills Harrison
Genson Hooper Price // WR // 6-5 // 206 // Houston, Texas/St. John’s
Michael Jansey, Jr.* // LB // 6-2 // 210 // Batavia, Ill./Batavia
Brandon Joseph // DB // 6-1 // 181 // College State, Texas/College Station
Bryce Kirtz // WR // 6-0 // 175 // Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg
Cameron Mitchell // DB // 5-11 // 175 // Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook
Duke Olges // DL // 6-4 // 242 // Winnetka, Ill./New Trier
Conrad Rowley // OL // 6-3 // 281 // Independence, Mo./Blue Springs
Malik Washington // WR // 5-9 // 181 // Lawrenceville, Ga./Parkview
Badgers welcome 25 additions on National Signing Day
Wisconsin football adds 19 scholarship players, six walk-ons during early signing period
Dec. 19, 2018
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin football program announced the addition of 25 student-athletes Wednesday, with 19 players signing National Letters of Intent and six more joining as walk-ons on National Signing Day.
Complete bios for the Badgers’ signees, as well as a pronunciation guide, can be found below. A complete roster of the signees is attached. Highlight videos for each signee are available here: https://go.wisc.edu/NSD2019
Keeanu Benton
DL ▪ 6-4 ▪ 290
Janesville, Wis. (Craig)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … first-team all-state by Associated Press as a senior … all-region and All-Big Eight Conference as a senior … named Janesville Gazette All-Area Player of the Year … finished senior season with 75 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 2 sacks and a fumble recovery … two-time state qualifier in wrestling, finishing as Division 1 runner-up at 285 pounds as a junior with a 48-2 record … coach was Adam Bunderson
Personal: Parents are La’Tasha Benton and Troy Rodriguez
Stephan Bracey Jr.
WR ▪ 5-10 ▪ 165
Grand Rapids, Mich. (East Kentwood)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … helped East Kentwood capture OK Conference championship as a senior, making 40 catches for 893 yards and 14 total touchdowns … had 525 receiving yards and 393 rushing yards as a junior, scoring nine total TDs … four-time All-OK Conference selection … two-year team captain … also competed in track, helping East Kentwood to back-to-back state titles as a sophomore and junior … owns five top-five finishes at state meet, including championship in 4×200 relay as a sophomore … four-year all-academic selection … coach was Tony Kimbrough
Personal: Parents are Stephan and Yamaka Bracey … sister Sekayi Bracey competes in track and field at Purdue
Logan Brown
OL ▪ 6-6 ▪ 288
Grand Rapids, Mich. (East Kentwood)
High School: Five-star recruit by 247 Sports … four-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals … All-American Bowl selection … helped East Kentwood capture OK Conference championship as a senior … all-state as a junior and senior … All-OK Conference selection as a junior and senior … team captain as a senior … also starred in track, helping East Kentwood to back-to-back state titles as a sophomore and junior … won consecutive Division 1 state championships in the shot put as a sophomore and junior … finished eighth in shot put as a junior and 10th as a senior at New Balance Nationals … four-year all-academic selection … coach was Tony Kimbrough
Personal: Mother is Kristyn Brown … sister Jessica Brown played volleyball at Western Michigan
Leo Chenal
ILB ▪ 6-2 ▪ 215
Frederic, Wis. (Grantsburg)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … 2018 Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year … first-team all-state (small schools) at both running back and linebacker by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association as a senior … second-team all-state (all schools) on both offense and defense by Associated Press as a senior … named Wisconsin’s small school Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the year by WFCA as a senior … John Anderson Award winner as the state’s top senior linebacker … first-team all-state by WFCA at linebacker as a junior … four-year All-Lakeland Conference honoree … finished career with 385 tackles, 55 TFLs, 7 sacks and 3 interceptions … on offense, finished with 3,706 yards and 68 TDs rushing as well as 1,300 yards and 17 TDs receiving … two-year team captain … also earned All-Lakeland honors in basketball and track … four-year honor roll student … National Honor Society … coach was Adam Hale
Personal: Parents are David and Brenda Chenal
Clay Cundiff
TE ▪ 6-4 ▪ 230
Wichita, Kan. (Bishop Carroll)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … first-team all-state as senior, making 19 catches for 303 yards and seven touchdowns … helped Carroll to Class 5A state championship as a junior … also helped Carroll claim Class 5A state basketball title as a junior … coach was Dusty Trail
Personal: Parents are Sarah Kriwiel and Gary Cundiff … father played basketball at Wichita State from 1982-87
Julius Davis
RB ▪ 5-11 ▪ 190
Menomonee Falls, Wis. (Menomonee Falls)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … second-team all-state by Associated Press and honorable mention all-state by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association as a junior … All-Greater Metro Conference selection as a sophomore and junior … finished career with 447 carries for 3,067 yards and 32 touchdowns … limited to two games by injury as a senior, carrying 48 times for 537 yards and 6 TDs … had 257 carries for 1,762 yards and 17 TDs as a junior … logged 142 carries for 768 yards and 9 TDs as a sophomore … state track qualifier in 4×100 relay as a junior … coach was Dan LutNz
Personal: Parents are Michelle Tovar and Dornaj and Molly Davis … father played football at Carthage College
Quan Easterling
RB ▪ 6-1 ▪ 245
Akron, Ohio (Archbishop Hoban)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports and ESPN … part of three consecutive state championship teams, helping Hoban go 43-2 over his three varsity seasons … two-year team captain … a two-way player, he made six catches for 75 yards in his career and also had 5.0 sacks on defense … three-year letterwinner in basketball … four-year honor roll student … coach was Tim Tyrrell
Personal: Parents are Latasha Easterling and Jeffrey Oden
Dean Engram
CB ▪ 5-9 ▪ 160
Columbia, Md. (Gonzaga College HS)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … helped Gonzaga to Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship as a senior … three-time All-WCAC selection, earning first-team honors at cornerback as a sophomore and senior and a second-team nod at wide receiver as a junior … first-team All-DC State Athletic Association at cornerback as a freshman … coach was Randy Trivers
Personal: Parents are Bobby and Deanna Engram … father is wide receivers coach of the Baltimore Ravens … father was a three-time All-American and the 1994 Biletnikoff Award winner as a receiver at Penn State and went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL
Rodas Johnson
DL ▪ 6-4 ▪ 285
Columbus, Ohio (St. Francis DeSales)
High School: Four-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals … three-star recruit by 247 Sports … had 32 tackles, 2.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks as a senior … started five games at defensive tackle as a junior, recording 23 tackles and 7 TFLs … also made four starts at right guard as a junior … coach was Ryan Wiggins
Personal: Parents are Keith and Alemzwed Johnson
Spencer Lytle
OLB ▪ 6-3 ▪ 215
Redondo Beach, Calif. (St. John Bosco)
High School: Four-star recruit by Rivals … three-star recruit by 247 Sports and ESPN … helped lead St. John Bosco (13-1) to CIF Southern Section Division 1 title game as a senior, recording 108 tackles, 12 TFLs and 7 sacks … 2018 Butkus Award high school watch list … All-Trinity League selection as a junior and senior … named a top-100 player in California as a junior and senior by Cal-Hi Sports … finished junior season with 77 tackles, 7 TFLs and 3 sacks … four-year honor roll student … National Honor Society … coach was Jason Negro
Personal: Parents are Mike and Deana Lytle … father played safety at Hawai’i … brother Tyler plays quarterback at Colorado
Semar Melvin
CB ▪ 5-11 ▪ 155
Pembroke Pines, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
High School: Four-star recruit by Rivals … three-star recruit by 247 Sports and ESPN … helped Aquinas reach Class 7A state title game as a senior, recording 13 pass breakups while not allowing a touchdown in man coverage … named one of Broward County’s top players by South Florida Sun Sentinel … also had 9 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery … as a junior, recorded 1 interception, 8 pass breakups and 7 tackles … also a standout in track … as a junior, ran a then state-leading 22.52 in the indoor 200 meters … honor roll student … coach was Roger Harriott
Personal: Parents are Santana and Lakechea Melvin
Graham Mertz
QB ▪ 6-3 ▪ 205
Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley North)
High School: Four-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … Elite 11 quarterback … selected for The Opening Finals … 2018 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year … All-American Bowl selection as a senior … 2018 Thomas A. Simone Award winner as top Kansas City-area player … all-state as a junior and senior … first-team All-Eastern Kansas League as a junior and senior … led Blue Valley North to Class 6A state championship as junior and runner-up finish as a senior … completed 61.1% of his passes for 3,886 yards and a state-record 51 touchdowns as a senior, also rushing for 267 yards and 4 TDs … completed 62.0% of his passes for 3,684 yards and 45 TDs as a junior, adding 455 yards and 5 touchdowns rushing … finished career with 96 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions … four-year honor roll student … coach was Andy Sims
Personal: Parents are Ron and Amy Mertz … father played football at Minnesota from 1989-92 … sister Lauren Mertz played basketball at Kansas State in 2014-15 … sister Mya Mertz plays basketball at Drake
Skyler Meyers
OLB ▪ 6-3 ▪ 200
Blue Springs, Mo. (South)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … first-team All-Simone as a senior, tallying 120 tackles, 17 TFLs and 3 sacks and adding 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 2 pass breakups … first-team all-district and first-team Kansas City Star All-Metro as a junior and senior … first-team All-Suburban Gold Conference as a junior and senior … finished varsity career with 235 tackles, 30 TFLs, 10 sacks, 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles … moved up to varsity as a freshman as part of South’s state title-winning team … coach was Jon Oyler
Personal: Parents are John and Bonnie Meyers
Maema Njongmeta
ILB ▪ 6-1 ▪ 205
Buffalo Grove, Ill. (Adlai E. Stevenson)
High School: Four-star recruit by ESPN … three-star recruit by 247 Sports and Rivals … first-team all-state by Illinois High School Football Coaches Association as a senior, finishing with 131 tackles, 23 TFLs, 10 sacks and 2 forced fumbles … All-North Suburban Conference as a junior and senior … two-time all-area selection … team MVP as a senior … team captain … had 88 tackles, 13 TFLs and 12 sacks as a junior … two-time IHSFCA Academic All-State … coach was Josh Hjorth
Personal: Parents are Leo and Lynda Njongmeta
Gio Paez
DL ▪ 6-3 ▪ 305
Cornelius, N.C. (William A. Hough)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … first-team All-I-Meck Conference as senior … team’s defensive line MVP as a junior … two-year team captain … also lettered in basketball, playing varsity as a freshman at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles … coach was Matt Jenkins
Personal: Parents are Yvette DeAngelis and Ron Morton Jr.
Hayden Rucci
TE ▪ 6-4 ▪ 230
Lititz, Pa. (Warwick)
High School: Four-star recruit by Rivals … three-star recruit by 247 Sports and ESPN … first-team All-Lancaster-Lebanon League as a junior and senior … second-team all-conference as a sophomore … team captain as a senior … made 30 catches for 645 yards and 8 touchdowns as a senior … had 19 receptions for 376 yards and 3 TDs as a junior … finished career with 58 catches for 1,129 yards and 12 TDs … four-year distinguished honor roll student … coach was Robert Locker
Personal: Parents are Todd and Stacy Rucci … father played football at Penn State and was a second-round NFL draft pick who went on to play for eight seasons with the New England Patriots … mother played field hockey at Penn State … grandfather Thomas Gilburg played football and lacrosse at Syracuse and went on to play four seasons with the Baltimore Colts
Joe Tippmann
OL ▪ 6-6 ▪ 275
Fort Wayne, Ind. (Bishop Dwenger)
High School: Four-star recruit by 247 Sports … three-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals … Indiana Mr. Football offensive lineman as a senior … Indiana Football Coaches Association All-State Top 50 as a junior and senior … first-team all-state by Associated Press … Indiana Prime Time 25 selection as a junior … first-team All-Summit Athletic Conference as a junior and senior … league MVP as a senior … a team captain, helped lead Bishop Dwenger (14-1) to 2018 Class 4A state championship … credited with 102 pancake blocks on offensive line while racking up 41 tackles and 3 sacks on defense as a senior … had 68 tackles as a junior … coaches were Jason Garrett and Chris Svarczkopf
Personal: Parents are John and Kimberly Tippmann
Titus Toler
S ▪ 5-11 ▪ 180
Long Beach, Calif. (St. John Bosco)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … helped lead St. John Bosco (13-1) to CIF Southern Section Division 1 title game as a senior, recording 68 tackles, 4 interceptions and a fumble return touchdown … also lettered in track and field … coach was Jason Negro
Personal: Parents are Robert and Chandara Toler … father played football at Colorado from 1996-99
James Williams
CB ▪ 5-11 ▪ 175
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Chaminade-Madonna Prep)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … helped Chaminade-Madonna (12-2) to second straight Class 3A state championship as a senior, finishing with 63 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 interceptions and 8 pass breakups … two-year team captain … coach was Dameon Jones
Personal: Parents are Eddie and Michelle Williams … brother Xavier Williams plays football at Alabama
WALK-ONS
Peter Bowden
LS ▪ 6-3 ▪ 215
San Diego, Calif. (Francis Parker)
High School: Five-star long snapper by Kohl’s and Rubio … No. 7-ranked recruit nationally by Rubio Long Snapping … No. 11-ranked recruit nationally by Kohl’s … selected for Alex Spanos All-Star Classic … successfully delivered all 227 snaps of four-year varsity career … team captain … on defense, logged 63 tackles, a team-leading 6.0 sacks and 3 forced fumbles as a senior … had 31 tackles and team-high 5.0 sacks as a junior, also recording a blocked field goal … three-year letterwinner in baseball … four-year honor student … coach was Matt Morrison
Personal: Parents are Brian and Jennifer Bowden
Tatum Grass
OLB ▪ 6-2 ▪ 207
Holmen, Wis. (Holmen)
High School: Honorable mention all-state at both defensive end and tight end by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and Associated Press as a senior … first-team All-Mississippi Valley Conference and MVC Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … had 14 TFLs and 10 sacks on defense and 20 receptions for 325 yards and a touchdown on offense in eight games as a senior … first-team All-MVC at defensive end as a junior, recording 15 TFLs and 3 sacks … two-time all-region selection by WFCA … team captain … also lettered in basketball and track … four-year high honor roll student … coach was Travis Kowalski
Personal: Parents are Pat and Jen Grass … father played football at UW-Stevens Point
Jackson Kollath
ILB ▪ 6-2 ▪ 231
Menomonee Falls, Wis. (Sussex Hamilton)
High School: Second-team All-Greater Metro Conference as a senior, rushing for 794 yards and a touchdown … also played on defense as a senior … honorable mention All-GMC as a sophomore, logging 652 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing plus 172 yards and 3 touchdowns receiving … played in only five games as a junior due to injury, recording 140 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns … team captain as a senior … state meet qualifier in track as a freshman … coach was John Damato
Personal: Parents are Brad Kollath and Kristin Sobocinski … mother played volleyball at Wisconsin from 1990-93 … grandfather Phil Sobocinski played football for the Badgers from 1963-66 and went on to play for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL
Logan O’Brien
OL ▪ 6-5 ▪ 245
Fennimore, Wis. (Fennimore)
High School: Honorable mention all-state by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association as a senior … first-team all-region by WFCA … first-team All-Southwest Wisconsin Activities League as a junior and senior … 2018 SWAL Offensive Lineman of the Year … also played defense, recording 24 tackles, 8 TFLs and a forced fumble over his last two seasons … two-year team captain … also lettered in basketball, wrestling and track … four-year high honor roll student … National Honor Society … member of student council … coach was Jonah Roth
Personal: Parents are Racheal Loy and Justin O’Brien
Cam Phillips
WR ▪ 5-11 ▪ 180
San Francisco, Calif. (IMG Academy)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … wide receiver MVP of 2017 The Opening Cleveland Regional … played first three seasons at Westerville (Ohio) Central, playing wide receiver, defensive back and punt returner … missed senior season at IMG Academy due to injury … four-year honor student … National Honor Society … coaches were Kevin Wright (IMG Academy) and John Magistro (Westerville Central)
Personal: Parents are Greg and Jamie Phillips … mother competed in track and field at Ohio … sister Brista Phillips played soccer at Illinois
Blake Wilcox
K ▪ 6-4 ▪ 205
Pewaukee, Wis. (Kettle Moraine)
High School: Five-star recruit by Kohl’s … three-star recruit by ESPN … No. 3-ranked punter and No. 5-ranked kicker nationally by Kohl’s … selected for 2019 Under Armour All-America Game … Kevin Stemke Award winner as state’s top senior kicker … first-team all-state at both kicker and punter by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and Associated Press as a senior … finished senior season 9-for-14 on field goals and with a 40.9-yard average on punts … second-team all-state by AP and honorable mention all-state by WFCA at kicker as a junior, his first season playing football … converted school-record 59-yard field goal as a junior … two-time all-state defender in soccer, earning first-team honors from Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association as a senior … Academic All-State selection … coach was Justin Gumm
Personal: Parents are Mark and Sandi Wilcox
Cardinals Welcome 17 Newcomers on National Signing Day
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State football head coach Mike Neu announced today that 17 student-athletes will join the Cardinal program beginning this spring or next academic year.
The 2019 early signing day class includes three defensive linemen, three defensive backs, three offensive linemen, three linebackers, two quarterbacks, two wide receivers and one tight end. The class features players from five states – Indiana (10), Michigan (two), Ohio (two), Pennsylvania (two) and Alabama (one).
“Our staff really did a great job of identifying young men who fit what we were looking for,” Neu said. “Just the size, the length, the athleticism is very exciting when you start to break it down by position. I know our staff as a whole is very excited about this class. I feel great about the 17 young men who signed with us, and I can’t wait to get them on campus.”
Ball State kicks off the 2019 season against Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium on Aug. 31. The Cardinals then face Fordham (Sept. 7) and FAU (Sept. 14) at Scheumann Stadium before winding down the non-conference schedule at NC State (Sept. 21). The league schedule will be announced at a later date.
To reserve new season tickets, call the BSU ticket office at 1-888-BSU-TICKET Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
2019 Ball State University Football Signees
Name Pos. Height Weight Class Hometown (Previous School)
Brandon Berger ILB 6-4 215 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Roncalli HS)
Clayton Coll* ILB 6-3 225 Fr. Franklin, Ind. (Franklin Community HS)
Chris Crothers TE 6-5 240 Jr. Mishawaka, Ind. (College of DuPage)
John Harris DL 6-3 260 Fr. Greenwood, Ind. (Roncalli HS)
Rahmon Hart Jr.* WR 6-2 215 Fr. Pittsburgh, Pa. (Imani Christian Academy)
Porter Haught OL 6-5 275 Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind. (Homestead HS)
Nic Jones DB 6-0 170 Fr. Southfield, Mich. (Southfield A&T HS)
Derin McCulley DB 6-0 170 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Lawrence North HS)
Jalen McGaughy WR 6-3 205 Fr. Detroit, Mich. (Martin Luther King HS)
Solvauhn Moreland DL 6-3 305 Fr. Aliquippa, Pa. (Aliquippa Senior HS)
Caden Niekamp OL 6-6 315 Fr. St. Henry, Ohio (St. Henry HS)
Mark Nondorf QB 6-3 195 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Bishop Chatard HS)
Justen Ramsey DL 6-1 285 Fr. Merrillville, Ind. (Merrillville HS)
Seth Schmidt OL 6-6 250 Fr. Wilmington, Ohio (Clinton-Massie HS)
Eddie Schott* QB 6-4 215 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Southport HS)
Jerwuan Thomas DB 5-11 170 Fr. Huntsville, Ala. (Grissom HS)
Tavion Woodard OLB 6-4 215 Fr. West Lafayette, Ind. (West Lafayette HS)
Asterisk (*) denotes joining team in 2019 spring semester
2019 Iowa Football Signing Class
Dane Belton DB 6-0 185 Fr. Tampa, Fla. Jesuit Justin Britt OL 6-4 290 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. Warren Central Shadrick Byrd RB 5-10 210 Fr. Alabaster, Ala. Thompson Jack Campbell LB 6-4 215 Fr. Cedar Falls, Iowa Cedar Falls Sebastian Castro DB 5-11 190 Fr. Oak Lawn, Ill. Richards Tyler Endres OL 6-6 300 Fr. Norwalk, Iowa Norwalk (AUN-drez) Noah Fenske OL 6-4 295 Fr. New Hampton, Iowa New Hampton Tyler Goodson RB 5-10 190 Fr. Suwanee, Ga. North Gwinnett Jalen Hunt DL 6-3 260 Fr. Detroit, Mich. Belleville Desmond Hutson WR 6-3 185 Fr. Raytown, Mo. Raytown Jestin Jacobs LB 6-4 210 Fr. Englewood, Ohio Northmont Yahweh Jeudy LB 6-2 210 Fr. Pompano Beach, Fla. Cardinal Gibbons (YAH-way JUDY) Jake Karchinski DL 6-4 245 Fr. De Pere, Wis. West (kar-CHIN-ski) Sam LaPorta TE 6-4 225 Fr. Highland, Ill. Highland Logan Lee TE 6-5 245 Fr. Orion, Ill. Orion Daraun McKinney DB 5-11 185 Fr. River Rouge, Mich. River Rouge (DAY-ron) Josiah Miamen TE 6-4 225 Fr. Peoria, Ill. Dunlap (me-AUH-mun) Erza Miller OL 6-6 310 Fr. Holstein, Iowa Ridge View Alex Padilla QB 6-1 190 Fr. Greenwood Village, Co. Cherry Creek (puh-DEE-ah) Chris Reames DL 6-7 225 Fr. Van Meter, Iowa Van Meter
2019 Iowa Football Recruits
COMMITTED WALK-ONS
NAME POS. HT. WT. YR. HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL Lucas Amaya K 6-3 200 Fr. Muskego, Wis. Muskego Nick DeJong OL 6-6 260 Fr. Pella, Iowa Pella Kyler Fisher DB 6-0 200 Fr. Gowrie, Iowa SE Valley Taylor Fox OL 6-3 270 Fr. Winthrop, Iowa East Buchanon
Rutgers Football Announces 2019 Early Signing Class
Head coach Chris Ash welcomes 18-member class to the Scarlet Knights
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Dec. 19, 2018) – Rutgers head football coach Chris Ash announced the Scarlet Knights’ 18-member recruiting class during the Early Signing Period. The following students will enroll in January and begin practice in March: Malachi Burby, Omari Cooper, Juwan Mitchell, Drew Singleton, Cole Snyder and Mohamed Toure.
QUOTES & VIDEO: HEAD COACH CHRIS ASH PRESS CONFERENCE
The 2019 recruiting class consists of players from nine different states and Sweden. Eight Scarlet Knights hail from New Jersey, followed by two from Florida, and one each from California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown | High School (Previous School) |
| Kay’Ron Adams | RB | 5-10 | 190 | Warren, Ohio | Warren G Harding |
| Devin Baldwin | DL | 6-4 | 260 | Southfield, Mich. | Southfield A&T |
| Donovan Bunch | DB | 6-0 | 162 | Sicklerville, N.J. | Winslow Township |
| Malachi Burby | DL | 6-2 | 270 | Berlin, Conn. | Cheshire Academy |
| Chris Conti | LB | 6-2 | 215 | Wyckoff, N.J. | DePaul Catholic |
| Omari Cooper | OL | 6-5 | 320 | San Diego, Calif. | University City (San Diego Mesa CC) |
| CJ Hanson | OL | 6-4 | 295 | Jackson, N.J. | St. John Vianney |
| Cooper Heisey | QB | 6-4 | 215 | Scotch Plains, N.J. | Scotch Plains-Fanwood (Wyoming Seminary) |
| Zukudo Igwenagu | ATH | 6-3 | 215 | Auburn, Mass. | Worcester Academy |
| Juwan Mitchell | LB | 6-2 | 220 | Middletown, N.J. | Milford Academy (Butler CC) |
| Anton Oskarrson | OL | 6-5 | 270 | Kumla, Sweden | Rig Academy Uppsala |
| TJ Robinson | DB | 6-3 | 181 | Riverview, Fla. | Riverview |
| Drew Singleton | LB | 6-2 | 219 | Union City, N.J. | Paramus Catholic (Michigan) |
| Cole Snyder | QB | 6-1 | 193 | Lakewood, N.Y. | Southwestern |
| Mohamed Toure | LB | 6-2 | 213 | Pleasantville, N.J. | Pleasantville |
| Isaiah Washington | WR | 6-3 | 192 | Jacksonville, Fla. | Trinity Christian Academy |
| Donald Williams | DB | 6-1 | 180 | Camden, N.J. | Camden |
| Aaron Young | ATH | 5-9 | 190 | Coatesville, Pa. | Coatesville Area |
Kay’Ron Adams
RB • Fr. • 5-10 • 190
Warren, Ohio/Warren G Harding
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Steve Arnold at Warren G Harding … rushed for 1,710 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior to lead Warren G Harding to Ohio state playoffs … also posted 191 receiving yards with three touchdowns … named Division II All-Ohio Third Team … rated the No. 36 recruit in Ohio by Rivals.com and 43rd by 247Sports.com … also competed on the track & field team.
Devin Baldwin
DL • Fr. • 6-4 • 260
Southfield, Mich./Southfield A&T
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Tim Conley at Southfield A&T … had 59 tackles, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles during senior season … First Team All-State selection on defense by The Detroit News … also received First Team All-North honors by The Detroit News … named honorable mention All-State by the Associated Press … rated No. 24 recruit in Michigan by Rivals.com and 31st by 247Sports.com.
Donovan Bunch
DB • Fr. • 6-0 • 162
Sicklerville, N.J./Winslow Township
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Kenny Scott at Winslow … recorded 32 tackles, including 20 solo stops as a senior … had six interceptions, returning two for touchdowns … added 34 receptions for 738 yards and seven touchdowns … qualified for the 2018 NJSIAA South Group 4 Playoffs … named First Team All-South Jersey on defense by the Philadelphia Inquirer … Third Team All-State selection on defense by NJ.com … First Team All-Group 4 selection on defense … selected to the USA Today Network 2018 All-New Jersey defensive team … First Team West Jersey Football League Liberty Division All-Star (coaches) on defense … named to the 2018 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team … had 36 tackles and kickoff return touchdown in 2017 … also caught 22 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns … rated No. 20 recruit in New Jersey by 247Sports.com and 29th by Rivals.com.
Malachi Burby
DL • Fr. • 6-2 • 270
Berlin, Conn./Cheshire Academy
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach David Dykeman at Cheshire Academy … recorded 42 tackles, one fumble recovery and 9.5 sacks as a senior … posted 45 tackles, 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble during junior season … rated the No. 10 recruit in the state of Connecticut by Rivals.com and 11th by 247Sports.com … recorded 81 tackles and 12 sacks in eight games in 2017 … had two sacks in rivalry win over Suffield Academy … attended same high school as current Scarlet Knight Sam Vretman.
Chris Conti
LB • Fr. • 6-2 • 215
Wyckoff, N.J./DePaul Catholic
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach John McKenna at DePaul Catholic … guided the Spartans to a 7-5 record as a senior … posted 111 tackles, including 86 solo stops … added an interception, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery … advanced to the semifinals of the 2018 NJSIAA Non-Public Group 3 Playoffs … Second Team All-Non Public selection on defense … rated No. 23 prospect in New Jersey by Rivals.com and 43rd by 247Sports.com … as a junior, posted 56 total tackles and two sacks … helped team win the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 3 title in 2017.
Omari Cooper
OL • Jr. • 6-5 • 320
San Diego, Calif./University City/San Diego Mesa CC
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Gary Watkins at San Diego Mesa CC … played for head coach Ryan Price at University City … selected to 2018 Southern California Football Association First Team All-Conference … played offensive tackle for University City as a high school senior, guiding the program to a 5-2 record.
CJ Hanson
OL • Fr. • 6-4 • 295
Jackson, N.J./St. John Vianney Regional
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Joe Martucci at St. John Vianney … played along the offensive and defensive lines … posted 42 tackles (three for loss) and four sacks on defense … qualified for the 2018 NJSIAA Non-Public, Group 3 Playoffs … named Third Team All-State on offense by NJ.com as a senior … was a Second Team All-Shore selection on offense by NJ.com … Second Team All-Non Public selection on offense … as a junior, on an offensive line that produced 3,354 rushing yards, 45 rushing touchdowns, 1,175 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns … rated the No. 33 ranked prospect in New Jersey by 247Sports.com … named to the 2018 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team … also played goalie on the lacrosse team … teammates with current Scarlet Knights Micah Clark and Jamaal Beaty at St. John Vianney.
Cooper Heisey
QB • Fr. • 6-4 • 215
Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood/Wyoming Seminary Prep
Prior to Rutgers: Spent one season at Wyoming Seminary Prep in Pennsylvania … led the team to a 5-3 record, throwing for 15 touchdowns … played for head coach Mark Ciccotelli at Scotch Plains … threw for 5,402 yards and 46 touchdowns during high school career … named First Team All-Area and honorable mention All-State by News12 … earned Second Team All-Group 4 honors by NJ.com … also played basketball and lacrosse in high school.
Zukudo Igwenagu
ATH • Fr. • 6-3 • 215
Auburn, Mass./Worcester Academy
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Tony Johnson at Worcester Academy … top-rated prospect in Massachusetts by Rivals.com and ranked second in the state by 247Sports.com … played safety and wide receiver … had a fumble recovery and caught seven passes for 200 yards in win over Phillips Exeter Academy.
Juwan Mitchell
LB • Jr. • 6-2 • 220
Middletown, N.J./Milford Academy/Butler CC
Prior to Rutgers: Competed at Butler Community College in Eldorado, Kansas … named Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Player of the Week at Butler … recorded 55 tackles, two sacks and an interception in one season at Butler … finished the season 7-4 overall and 5-2 in conference play … helped Grizzlies win the Midwest Classic Bowl … completed a prep year at Milford Academy for head coach Bill Chaplick … helped the team to a 10-2 overall record … had 40 tackles, including 14 for loss and five sacks for the Falcons … played for head coach Dino Mangiero at Mater Dei … teammate of current Scarlet Knight Eddie Lewis.
Anton Oskarrson
OL • Fr. • 6-5 • 270
Kumla, Sweden/Rig Academy Uppsala
Prior to Rutgers: Rated the best prospect from Sweden of the 2019 class … played in the Under 19 championship game with the Orebro Black Knights … joins Sam Vretman and Robin Jutwreten as Swedish natives on the Scarlet Knights’ roster.
TJ Robinson
DB • Fr. • 6-3 • 181
Riverview, Fla./Riverview
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach William Mosel at Riverview … played wide receiver and defensive back for the Sharks during his high school career … caught 36 passes for 410 yards and four touchdowns … added eight carries for 51 yards as a senior … had 62 tackles, including 29 solo stops on defense as a junior … ended his career with seven interceptions and 103 total tackles.
Drew Singleton
LB • So. • 6-2 • 219
Union City, N.J./Paramus Catholic (Michigan)
2018 (Redshirt Freshman at Michigan): Played in six games … made Michigan debut playing special teams against Notre Dame (9/1) … also contributed on special teams against WMU (9/8), SMU (9/15), Northwestern (9/29), Maryland (10/6) and Wisconsin (10/13) … returned a squib kickoff attempt five yards against SMU (9/15) … played reserve linebacker and contributed on special teams against Nebraska (9/22).
2017 (Freshman): Did not appear in a game … redshirted.
Prior to College: Played under head coach Dan Sabella at Paramus Catholic … helped lead Paramus Catholic to the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 state championship … recorded 12 tackles and forced a fumble in one game played during senior season … amassed 64 stops, 12 tackles-for-loss, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three interceptions as a junior … recorded 57 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two interceptions as a sophomore … returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown … selected to the 2017 Under Armour All-American Game … 247Sports.com four-star prospect, rated as the No. 80 overall player nationally and as the No. 1 prospect in New Jersey … Rivals.com four-star recruit, rated as the No. 52 player in the country and as the No. 4-rated outside linebacker prospect … ESPN four-star recruit, ranked No. 158 overall and No. 4 at inside linebacker … PrepStar four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 63 player nationally … member of the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team and First Team All-Metro … attended the 2016 The Opening in Beaverton, Oregon … selected Second Team USA Today All-USA New Jersey and named to NJ.com’s All Non-Public All-State first team as a junior … member of the MaxPreps 2013 Football Freshman All-American Second Team … teammates with current Scarlet Knight Jarrett Paul in high school.
Cole Snyder
QB • Fr. • 6-1 • 193
Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Jehuu Caulcrick at Southwestern … helped guide the Trojans to a 9-1 record as a senior … completed 140-of-222 passes for 2,069 yards and 37 touchdowns … named the Class C South Player of the Year … a top-10 finalist for the 2018 Connelly Cup … named Small Schools Offensive Player of the Year by WNY Athletics … also competed on the baseball and hockey teams in high school … threw for 18 touchdowns in 2017 … two-time All-Western New York First Team honoree … selected First-Team All-State Class C by New York State Sportswriters Association … rated No. 5 prospect in New York by Rivals.com and 10th by 247Sports.com.
Mohamed Toure
LB • Fr. • 6-2 • 213
Pleasantville, N.J./Pleasantville
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Chris Sacco at Pleasantville … helped guide the Greyhounds to an 8-3 record as a senior … was a running back and linebacker at Pleasantville … recorded 69 tackles, including 10 for loss with five sacks … rushed for 981 yards and 11 touchdowns … named First Team All-South Jersey on defense by the Philadelphia Inquirer … Third Team All-State selection on defense by NJ.com … selected to the USA Today Network 2018 All-New Jersey defensive team … First Team All-Group 2 selection on defense … First Team West Jersey Football League United Division All-Star (coaches) … named to the 2018 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team … posted 93 tackles and four sacks in 2017 … added 909 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns … rated No. 29 prospect in New Jersey by NJ.com … cousin of former Scarlet Knight and current member of the Indianapolis Colts, Kemoko Turay.
Isaiah Washington
WR • Fr. • 6-3 • 192
Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian Academy
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Verlon Dorminey at Trinity Christian … caught 46 passes for 924 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns during senior season … had 2,145 all-purpose yards during high school career … caught two touchdowns in the District 4-5A Championship game to lead Trinity Christian to a perfect 9-0 record … had 54 catches for 957 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior … a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and ESPN.
Donald Williams
DB • Fr. • 6-1 • 180
Camden, N.J./Camden
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Dwayne Savage at Camden … guided the Panthers to a 10-2 season as a senior … advanced to the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 finals … led the secondary with 83 tackles and forced three fumbles … First Team All-State selection on defense by NJ.com … named first team All-South Jersey on defense by the Philadelphia Inquirer … selected to the USA Today Network 2018 All-New Jersey defensive team … First Team West Jersey Football League Constitution Division All-Star (coaches) on defense … named to the 2018 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team … helped Camden to an 8-2 record in 2017 … amassed 46 tackles and 12 pass breakups … rated the 18th-best recruit in New Jersey by 247Sports.com and No. 20 by Rivals.com.
Aaron Young
ATH • Fr. • 5-9 • 190
Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville Area
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Matt Ortega at Coatesville … rushed for 1,641 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior … ran for 227 yards and three touchdowns against Garnet Valley … had 16 receptions for 316 yards and four touchdowns on the season … had 28 tackles and an interception on defense … as a junior, ran for 1,687 yards and 31 touchdowns … also cause 23 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns … also competed on the track & field and basketball teams at Coatesville … rated the No. 11 recruit in Pennsylvania by Rivals.com and 12th-best player by 247Sports.com … younger brother of current Scarlet Knight defensive back Avery Young.
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