GNAC Football

Central Washington Signs 28 To National Football Letters-of-Intent

Bennett

A total of 28 high school seniors, all from the state of Washington, have signed National Letters of Intent to join the football program at Central Washington University.

The signing class represents a geographically-diverse group from the Evergreen State, with players coming from up and down the I-5 corridor as well as eastern Washington. The school with greatest representation in the signing class is Lake Stevens High School, which had four Vikings -- three on the offensive side of the ball -- while Kentlake High School (Kent, Wash.), Lakes High School (Lakewood, Wash.), and Union High School (Camas, Wash.) had two signees each.

"We are very excited to get everybody we wanted from the state of Washington," CWU coach Blaine Bennett said. "Being able to sign players from the state of Washington was a goal for us, and we were able to accomplish that goal by signing a very talented class of 28 in-state players."

From a positional standpoint, Central Washington's greatest pursuit was for quarterbacks and wide receivers in the class of 2012. Nearly half of the Wildcats' 28 signees were recruited to play either the quarterback or wide receiver position, as CWU signed five quarterbacks and nine wide receivers to National Letters of Intent.

"We felt that the quarterback position was the highest need for us," Bennett added, "especially since we signed just one quarterback last year. The dynamic of offense has changed over the past few years and we needed to bring in some athletic players at the quarterback position who can run and throw well, and I think we did that.

"This may be the fastest group we have signed (since 2008)," Bennett continued. "We have players that have great potential for the future, including several playmakers in our group, but we were able to address needs we had at every position."

The Wildcats' most accomplished signee, at least according to the Seattle Times ' list of top 100 prep players in the state of Washington, was tight end David Fontenette of Bethel High School in Spanaway. Fontenette was a “Red Chip” prospect, making him one of the top 27 players in Washington according to the Times . The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder was a first-team Class 4A special teams performer by the Associated Press .

Six other signees earned White Chip designation from the Times . Included among those White Chips was running back Jordan Todd of Bellevue's Interlake High School, who earned Class 2A Player of the Year and first-team all-state honors from the Associated Press after leading the state of Washington with 2,681 rushing yards for the Saints.

Two of the White Chip prospects -- quarterback Jake Nelson and wide receiver Christian Gasca -- represented Lake Stevens. Nelson threw for 2,086 yards and 21 touchdowns with just four interceptions, completing 70.1 percent of his passes, while Gasca ranked fourth among Class 4A receivers with 959 yards on 52 grabs with 13 touchdowns. Also making the move from Lake Stevens to CWU were honorable mention all-state linebacker Korey Young and second-team all-WesCo 4A North performer Brady Pahukoa .

Two of the White Chip selections are quarterbacks, as Nelson and Drew Austin of Graham-Kapowsin High School both earned that distinction. Also signing onto the Wildcats as signal-callers were Trevon Myhre of Nooksack Valley High School in Everson, Wash., Tyler Stumph of Stadium High School in Tacoma, Wash., and Kaben Humphrey-Butler of Union High School in Camas, Wash.

The eight wide receivers to join the Wildcats are Gasca, Pahukoa, plus first-team all-conference standouts Andrew Dodd (Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Wash.), Josiah Miller (Oak Harbor High School), Joshua Richards (Southridge High School in Kennewick, Wash.), James Segura-Mitchell (Timberline High School in Lacey, Wash.), Jesse Zalk (Prairie High School in Brush Prairie, Wash.), and second-team all-Columbia Basin Big Nine honoree Maurice Handcox from Walla Walla, Wash.

The two players representing Lakes High School in the signing class were both White Chip prospects. Linebacker Charles Hall and running back Levonte Littlejohn were both honorable mention Class 3A all-state honorees from the Associated Press while earning first-team all-South Puget Sound League 3A accolades at their respective positions.

Staying on the east side of the state to continue their football careers were Handcox and Richards, defensive lineman Matt Miller from Gonzaga Prep in Spokane, and offensive lineman Cole Vanderbilt from Connell High School.

CWU Recruits
Ryan Archibald , DB, 6-1, 180, Kent, WA (Kentlake HS)
Drew Austin , QB, 6-2, 180, Tacoma, WA (Graham-Kapowsin HS)
Andrew Dodd , WR, 6-4, 211, Mill Creek, WA (Henry M. Jackson HS)
David Fontenette , TE, 6-2, 228, Spanaway, WA (Bethel HS)
Christian Gasca , WR, 5-10, 180, Lake Stevens, WA (Lake Stevens HS)
Charles Hall , LB, 5-9, 195, Lakewood, WA (Lakes HS)
Maurice Handcox , WR, 5-10, 158, Walla Walla, WA (Walla Walla HS)
Kaden Humphrey-Butler , QB, 6-3, 176, Vancouver, WA (Union HS)
Hayden Klein , OL, 6-4, 273, Olympia, WA (Tumwater HS)
Levonte Littlejohn , RB, 5-10, 181, Lakewood, WA (Lakes HS)
Tanner Lucas , LB, 6-0, 215, Kent, WA (Kentlake HS)
Maxwell McIntosh , DB, 6-0, 198, Puyallup, WA (Gov. John R. Rogers HS)
Josiah Miller , WR, 5-8, 147, Oak Harbor, WA (Oak Harbor HS)
Matt Miller , DL, 6-3, 231, Spokane, WA (Gonzaga Prep HS)
Trevon Myhre , QB, 6-1, 217, Everson, WA (Nooksack Valley HS)
Jake Nelson , QB, 6-1, 192, Lake Stevens, WA (Lake Stevens HS)
Matt Nilsson , TE, 6-6, 235, Kirkland, WA (Juanita HS)
Brady Pahukoa , WR, 6-4, 203, Lake Stevens, WA (Lake Stevens HS)
Gabe Rego , LB, 6-1, 200, Battle Ground, WA (Union HS)
Joshua Richards , WR, 5-11, 160, Kennewick, WA (Southridge HS)
James Segura-Mitchell , WR, 5-10, 170, Lacey, WA (Timberline HS)
Tyler Stumph , QB, 6-3, 210, Tacoma, WA (Stadium HS)
Jordan Todd , RB, 5-6, 176, Bellevue, WA (Interlake HS)
Cole Vanderbilt , OL, 6-2, 284, Connell, WA (Connell HS)
Barrett Weston , DL, 6-4, 240, Renton, WA (Tahoma HS)
Blake Williams-Miller , DB, 6-0, 194, Everett, WA (Everett HS)
Korey Young , LB, 5-11, 210, Lake Stevens, WA (Lake Stevens HS)
Jesse Zalk , WR, 5-7, 155, Battle Ground, WA (Prairie HS)

Humboldt State Signs 15 To National Letters

Rob Smith

Humboldt State head football coach Rob Smith announced Wednesday the signing of 15 talented athletes to National Letters of Intent.

The announcement came on the first day that NCAA programs are allowed to list their signings. Eight more players are already on campus, having transferred in from junior colleges at the start of the semester.

“We're bringing a group of well-rounded young men to campus who are high in character and talent, and have the right attitude,” HSU coach Rob Smith said. “I expect them to play an important role in our program's future.”

The junior college players who transferred to Humboldt State for the winter semester will likely impact the program immediately. They'll get a jump on the athletes who will join the Jacks in the fall, participating in spring practice sessions.

“After graduating a larger than normal class of 24 seniors, we were looking for immediate help,” Smith said. “Those players who joined us at the semester will compete for starting roles or quality back-up positions.”

While signing day provides the mass influx of student-athletes, Smith expects the recruiting process to continue into the spring. Humboldt State's coaching staff faces another round of identifying and assessing prospects.

“I'm grateful to our coaching staff for the work they've done and the time they've put in,” Smith said. “It's a long process of identifying, evaluating, and contacting players, and then developing relationships with them.

“Our student-athletes also play a huge role in the process. Our current players really sold the recruits on the family atmosphere and the excitement level we enjoy at Humboldt State.”

Mid-Year Transfers

Drew Amos • 6-2, 205 lb. • Strong Safety • Santa Ana JC

Competing for field time in the Jacks' secondary, Drew Amos brings two years of experience playing for the Santa Ana JC Dons.

During his prep career at Esperanza High School, Amos was chosen for all-Sunset League honors. The multi-sport athlete competed four years in both basketball and football.

Amos plans to major in Sociology at Humboldt State.

Keaton Arden • 6-5, 235 lb. • Defensive End • Diablo Valley JC

Originally a member of the University of Oregon program, Arden spent last fall as a contributor to the defensive line that was regarded as the best in Diablo Valley JC history.

As a senior at Millennium High School, the 6-5, 245-pounder earned first team all-league honors and was named to the all-area and all-metro squads. At Humboldt State, Arden will study Kinesiology.

Mark Brooks • 6-0, 185 lb. • Free Safety • Shasta JC

Coming to Humboldt State after two seasons starring on both sides of the ball for Shasta College, Mark Brooks will focus on defense for the Lumberjacks.

Brooks' speed served him well as a wide receiver and defensive back, earling him all-Golden Valley Conference recognition at both positions. He was a four-year all-conference performer at Klamath Union High School, and also the Oregon prep champion in the 100 and 200 meters as a track and field athlete.

“Brooks should come here in the fall and compete immediately for the starting safety position,” Smith said. “As with all the mid-year transfers, it will be a good opportunity to further assess his ability in spring ball.”

Brooks plans to major in Kinesiology at Humboldt State.

Marquise Deadwiler 5-10, 185 lb. • Wide Receiver • Southwestern JC

The nephew of former San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver J.J. Stokes, Marquise Deadwiler proved during his high school and junior college career that football talent runs in the family.

The 5-10, 185-pound speedster was named all-conference at Southwestern JC. Prior to college, Deadwiler starred for the Helix High School Highlanders for four years.

“He has great quickness,” Smith said. “Clearly, he'll bolster our receiving corps.”

Edgar Esqueda • 6-3, 270 lb. • Defensive Line • Golden West JC

Edgar Esqueda's impressive resume includes first team all-conference and all-state honors gained while playing defensive tackle at Golden West JC in 2011.

At Los Amigos High School in Santa Ana, Esqueda was a two-team all-conference performer on the other side of the line. He earned second team honors at offensive tackle as a junior, moving up to first team all-league at the same position following his senior season.

At 6-3, 270-pounds, Esqueda will be looked at as a serious contender for the role filled last year by all-GNAC first-teamer Andrew Iupati, according to Smith. He plans to major in Kinesiology at HSU.

Dane Poole • 6-1, 205 lb. • Linebacker • Santa Ana JC

At Santa Ana JC, Poole was selected as team defensive captain and earned several Player of the Game honors while helping the Dons achieve a 9-2 record and the claim the East Conference title.

Poole played strong safety for Esperanza High School, totaling 70 tackles and grabbing three interceptions during the 2009 prep season. His efforts helped the Aztecs achieve an 8-4 season. Poole was selected Defensive Back of the Year in the Sunset League.

“Dane is a strong, physical linebacker who we are very high on,” Smith said.

Dillon Reagan • 6-3, 300 lb. • Offensive Line • College of the Redwoods

Local fans may already be familiar with the blocking talents of Dillon Reagan, who comes to HSU following two years at College of the Redwoods. The 6-4, 300-pound lineman was selected first team all-state following the 2011 season, and was a second team all-state performer in 2010.

Prior to playing for the Corsairs, Reagan was an all-conference honoree on both the offensive and defensive line at Issaquah High School in Bellevue, Wash. He also placed sixth in the shot put at the 4A state meet, and plans to compete for the Lumberjacks' track and field program.

“We wanted to reinforce the offensive line, and Reagan will certainly help there,” Smith said. “It's always nice to get an athlete from right in our back yard at College of the Redwoods.

Reagan will major in Education, and hopes to find a career in coaching as well.

Nick Ricciardulli • 5-8, 190 lb. • Running Back • Palomar JC

Ricciardulli's injury-plagued rookie season at Humboldt State two years ago showed the promise of greatness that was also showcased by his brother, departed senior Guy Ricciardulli. Following a season at Palomar JC, the junior is back to resume his standout career.

“Having Nick return is a bonus for us,” Smith said. “I'd like to see him realize his potential. He had tremendous talent, and I expect him to compete for our starting tailback position.”

Ricciardulli scored three touchdowns despite playing only three games for HSU as a true freshman in the fall of 2009. At Palomar, he led the team in rushing and all-purpose yards, and during his prep career the compact running back led Poway High School to its first CIF championship in school history.

Entering this season as a junior, Ricciardulli will major in Communications.

Newcomers

Smith's crop of young players features former prep standouts, some of whom could impact the team immediately and others who take the standard route of redshirting to prepare for their collegiate careers.

“It's always a nice surprise when you find a freshman who is ready to step in immediately,” Smith said. “We had three last year. Because of the large amount of turnover we had last year, graduating 24 seniors, the chances of adding some freshman who are potential starters is increased.”

On offense, quarterback Jason Habish, out of San Jose's Leland High School, will compete for a chance to be the Lumberjacks' future starting signal-caller. “He's a 6-4 athlete with a great touchdown to interception ratio,” Smith said.

Evan Gray, who enjoyed an outstanding career at Poway High School, is another great addition at the wide receiver position. “He runs the 100 in the 10.7 seconds,” Smith said. “He'll give us great speed at wide receiver.”

Along the offensive line, Jordan Briggs, Nick Kelly and Thomas Kupelian are all expected to contribute early in their collegiate careers. “(Strength and Conditioning Coach) Drew Petersen is excited about getting them in the weight room,” Smith said.

Defensively, Dane Griffin, out of Thousand Oaks High School, is a 6-3, 245-pound defensive end.

Steven Bentley • 5-11, 175 lb. • Defensive Back • Petaluma, Calif.

Multi-award winner Steven Bentley was a second team All-State selection in 2011, and earned first team All-Redwood Empire honors. Bentley was chosen Casa Grande HS team MVP after gathering 45 tackles, intercepting nine passes and blocking four field goals.

Also a standout receiver during his high school career, Bentley gathered 39 pass receptions for 660 yards and two touchdowns last fall. He plans to major in Communications at Humboldt State.

Jordan Briggs • 6-3, 270 lb. • Offensive Line • Carson, Calif.

Briggs brings both size and skill to the offensive line after a successful career at Orange Lutheran. At 6-3, 270 pounds, he started for the past two seasons, compiling 41 pancake blocks his senior year.

At Humboldt State Briggs plans to study Psychology.

Cameron Buell • 6-3, 250 lb. • Linebacker • Citrus Heights, Calif.

Sac Joaquin Section Defensive MVP in 2011, Buell also earned all-Metro recognition for two years at Casa Roble High School. Following his senior season, the 6-3, 250-pound student-athlete was further honored as a D3 All-American.

Buell played middle linebacker for the Rams, played a major role in the team's 10-3 season, Capitol Valley Conference championship, and advancement to the third round of the Division III playoffs.

Bryce Campbell • 6-1, 210 • Outside Linebacker • Huntington Beach, Calif.

Campbell capped his career at Edison High School with a 2011 season that earned him first team all-Metro Athletic Conference honors. The team captain helped the Chargers achieve an 8-3 season overall and perfect 5-0 league record.

Recognized with his high school's scholar-athlete award, Campbell plans to major in Engineering at HSU.

Jeff Carnduff • 6-2, 180 lb. • Wide Receiver • San Jose, Calif.
Multiple award-winner Jeff Carnduff progressed through an outstanding career at Leland High School in San Jose, capping his four years with a 2011 season that earned him Most Outstanding Wide Receiver and San Jose Mercury News area honors.

On the receiving end of passes from fellow HSU signee Josh Habash, Carnduff earned second team all-Mount Hamilton Division honors in 2010 and was a first team award winner in 2008.

Carnduff intendes to major in Business and Fire Science at Humboldt State.

Austen Dahl • 6-1, 185 lb. • Defensive Back • Bothell, Wash.

An outstanding defensive back for the Bothell High School the past three years, Dahl continues the tradition of talented recruits from the state of Washington that have joined the HSU program since Smith arrived four years ago.

The 6-1, 185-pound safety from Bellevue was chosen to the all-King County team for his performance at quarterback and in the secondary last year. He also earned honorable mention honors following his junior season.

Dahl plans to study Kinesiology at Humboldt State.

Evan Gray • 5-11, 175 lb. • Wide Receiver • Poway, Calif.

Speedster Evan Gray excelled in two sports at Poway High, earning second-team all-league recognition in 2010 for the San Diego Section Division I champions. Grat aksi qualifed for the state meet in both the 100 meters and 200 meters during track and field season in 2011.

Gray is a deep threat who holds the Poway HS records in both the 100 and 200 meters. He played varsity football for the Titans for three years.

Dane Griffin • 6-4, 245 lb. • Defensive End • Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Three-year letterwinner and starter for the Thousand Oaks High School Lancers, Griffin was selected to the all-Maramonte League first team in 2011, also earning first team all-Ventura County recognition.

Griffin was voted his team's Best Defensive Lineman in both 2010 and 2011, and was listed on the Los Angeles Times list of Top Defensive Linemen. He also participated in the Daily News East-West All-Star game on January 15.

Athletic excellence is a family tradition for Griffin, whose great uncle was Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer Bob Feller. His grandfather, Gerald Griffin, was a member of the former NFL Chicago Cardinals.

Jason Habash • 6-4, 198 lb. • Quarterback • San Jose, Calif.

Highly-touted Jason Habash compiled an impressive list of awards during four seasons of directing the Leland High School offense. Following the 2011 season he was chosen to the all-Mount Hamilton Division first team and also earned all-Section first team honors.

Voted the conference's Most Outstanding Back, Habash completed 60 percent of his passes for 1,934 yards and 22 touchdowns and threw just five interceptions. He plans to major in Business Marketing while playing for the Lumberjacks.

Nicholas Kelly • 6-3, 260 lb. • Offensive Lineman • Orangevale, Calif.

Senior Lineman of the Year at Casa Roble High School, Nick Kelly projects as a future Lumberjack starter on the offensive line. The 6-3, 250-pound student-athlete played center during his prep career.

Kelly was first team Al-Metro and Capital Valley Conference selection as a senior, and also was picked to the all-league first team as a junior. He participated in the Holiday Classic all-star game, and also earned first team all-league honors as a shot-put specialist in track and field.

Tom Kupelian • 6-2, 290 lb. • Offensive Line • Petaluma, Calif.

Another outstanding Casa Grande High School athlete, Kupelian was a multiple award winner as a junior and senior, including first team all-Sonoma County and first team all-Redwood Empire honors his junior and senior years. He was recognized on a higher level in 2011, selected for the first team All-State squad for medium-sized school.

Kupelian also brings an impressive academic resume as a 2011 NCS CIF scholar-athlete and NorCal National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame student-athlete scholarship recipient. The 6-2, 290-pound incoming freshman will major in Psychology at Humboldt State.

Ryan Moreno • 6-0, 205 lb. • Linebacker • Poway, Calif.

A three-year letterman at Poway High School, Moreno further fortifies the Jacks' linebacking corps. The incoming freshman plans to major in Marketing at Humboldt State.

Moreno was chosen to the all-Palomar League first team, accumulating 51 tackles, three sacks and an interception. As a part-time running back, the 6-0, 205-pounder gained 502 yards on 93 carries and scored 11 touchdowns.

Casey Palid • 6-3, 225 lb. • Defensive End • Poway, Calif.

An All-CIF selection in 2011, Casey Palid also was an all-Eastern League choice and Team Defensive MVP for the Cathedral Catholic High School Dons. He's a 6-2, 250-pound student-athlete who is expected to fill a defensive end slot for the Lumberjacks.

Palid has selected Business as his area of study at HSU.

Kendrick Trotter • 5-10, 160 lb. • Cornerback • Patterson, Calif.

Named Patterson High School Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, Trotter is a welcome addition to the Lumberjacks' secondary. He piled up 29 solo tackles and 18 assists, also grabbing a team-high five interceptions.

As a junior, Trotter earned Most Improved Offensive Player honors for Patterson, and he was also voted Impact Player of the Year as a sophomore.

Trotter intends to pursue a Business Management degree at Humboldt State.

Hunter Watkins • 6-8 • 290 • Offensive Lineman • Sierra JC

Watkins brings obvious size to the Jacks' blocking front, and also experience as a two-year starter for Sierra College. Opening holes for running backs and tracking down opposing players, Hunter played on the offensive and defensive lines during his prep career at Oakmont High School.

Western Oregon Adds 29 to Roster on National Letter of Intent Day

Ferguson

Western Oregon's success on the field of playing for a Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship in the final game of each of the past two seasons has transferred to success on the recruiting trail for head coach Arne Ferguson and his staff.

On the first day recruits can sign National Letters of Intent, per NCAA rules, Ferguson announced the signing of 29 high school student-athletes to his 2012 recruiting class. The Wolves will bring in players from throughout Northwest for next season, including 17 Oregonians.

Amongst the Wolves' signees were a multitude of offensive and defensive linemen, along with a number of defensive backs and wide receivers.

"This is a balanced class with the size and speed to move us forward as we play a complete NCAA Division II schedule for the first time," said Ferguson, who is in his seventh season at the helm of the Wolves' football program. "Last year we learned that we have to have a big physical line on both sides of the ball if we are going to compete against the likes of Grand Valley State, Montana and Abilene Christian."

To make this happen the Wolves were able to add both quality and depth in a variety of positions. WOU signed 10 linemen to control to trenches including Remi Rufai (Lake Oswego HS) and Jeremy Moore (Tigard HS).

At wide receiver they picked up a decorated wide receiver out of Pittsburg High School in Calif., and Garren Robinett out of McNary. On the offensive side of the ball WOU also inked talented running back JJ Fisher from La Salle High School and quarterback Deion Wright out of AC Davis High School in Washington. The defensive side of the ball is loaded with all-conference and all-state performers highlighted by AJ Hull (Kenai, Alaska) and Barkley Mekeli Fiso (Kahuku HS).

"We expect some of these guys to come in and contribute because it is just so important to win the line of scrimmage battle on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball."," explained Ferguson. "We are finding guys that can play early, and with our Director of Sports Performance Cori Metzgar-Deacon and the coaching staff we are getting them ready to play right away."

Ferguson and his staff have more verbal commitments in addition to the names listed below, but the school is not allowed to announce those names until the National Letter of Intent form is returned. In addition, there could be more signings in the next week or so.

> Chris Aikens , McMinnville HS, DL/LB, 6-2, 220. Second team All-Pac 8 selection on the DL.

> Dominic Akina , Century HS, DB, 6-2, 180. First team all-conference as a DB and second team as a punter (6A).

> Jason Alvarado , Ontario HS, OL, 6-3, 280. All-GOL selection as a offensive and defensive lineman.

> Terrance Barnes , Pittsburg HS (Calif.), WR, 5-10, 185. First team All-Eastbay WR pick by ESPN. Two-time first team all-league selection as a WR. Set the school record for single-season receiving yards.

> Julian Canda , Silverton HS, WR/DB, 6-1, 190. Second team all-state pick as a DB (5A).

> Devin Chappell , Thurston HS, DB/WR, 6-2, 185. First team All-Southwest Conference selection (6A).

> Tye Collier , Central Catholic HS, DB, 5-10, 175. First team All-Mt. Hood Conference and second team all-state

> Cameron Cook , Thurston HS, OL, 6-5, 255. All-Southwest Conference honorable mention (6A).

> Pete Finnegan , Central HS, OL, 6-2, 250. Second team all-state selection (4A) as a center.

> JJ Fisher , La Salle HS, RB, 6-0, 190. All-State Co-Offensive Player of the Year (4A). First team all-state running back.

> Gaisoa Gaisoa , Kailua HS (Hawaii), OL, 6-2, 305. All-state selection as an OL. Played in Hawaii Union All-Star game.

> Bryson Gray , West Salem HS, WR, 6-4, 180.

> Roko Gucake , King's HS (Wash.), DL, 6-3, 235. Team's defensive MVP and played in Tanao All-Star game.

> John Hanson , Philomath HS, TE/DL, 6-5, 220. All-conference first team selection on the DL, second team all-league selection as a tight end.

> William Hewitt , Crestby HS (Calif.), OL, 6-6, 300. All-league offensive lineman.

> AJ Hull , Kenai HS (Alaska), DB, 5-11, 185. Alaska's Offensive Player of the Year. All-state as a DB and QB.

> Barkley Mekeli Fiso , Kahuku HS (Hawaii), DB, 6-3, 180. All-state DB and conference defensive MVP.

> Molo Mikaele , Kailua HS (Hawaii), OL, 6-2, 310. All-state selection on the OL and played in the Hawaii Union All-Star game.

> Jeremy Moore , Tigard HS, DL/OL, 6-1, 255. First all-state on the DL and second team all-state on the OL (6A).

> Tafatolu Naea , Waipahu HS (Hawaii), LB, 6-2, 215. All-state LB and member of OIA championship team.

> Brock Namuo , Kealakehe HS (Hawaii), DB, 6-2, 185. First team All-Big Island Interscholastic Federation pick.

> Garren Robinett , McNary HS, WR, 6-1, 180. Two-time first team All-Central Valley Conference WR.

> Torrey Rogness , Silverton HS, WR, 6-3, 175. All-state honorable mention at WR (5A).

> Remi Rufai , Lake Oswego HS, DL, 6-3, 215. Second team all-state (6A) as a defensive lineman.

> AJ Spencer , Sherwood HS, DB, 6-0, 175. Second team all-state (5A) as a defensive back.

> Watson Tautuiaki , Elk Grove HS (Calif.), DL/OL, 6-2, 280. All-Metro League selection as an offensive and defensive lineman.

> Taylor Wood , Tumwater HS (Wash.), LB/DB, 6-2, 195. All-Academic and all-conference selection.

> Deion Wright , AC Davis HS (Wash.), QB, 6-1, 185. Washington Sports Network Offensive Player of the Year. Set the Big-9 Conference record for single-season passing yards and touchdown passes.

> Tanner Zent , Sheldon HS, LB, 6-2, 240. All-Southwest Conference (6A) honorable mention selection at LB.

Dixie State Announces Signings of 16 Football Players

Dixie State has announced the signings of 16 football players to letters of intent.

Joining the Red Storm are: DL/LB Aaron Austad, SS/OLB Chase Barney, OL Dalton Cole, DL Ben Gottfredson, LB Tyson Greenwood, P/RB Jonathan Maxwell, S Robert Metz and DL Kevin Mortenson.

Also signing were RB Cameron Peacock, WR Cooper Robinson, DE Boston Saunders, OL Chad Tripp, DB/WR Jacob Witham, WR/DB Weston Yardley, OL Taylor Smith and S Bud Pope.

Aaron Austad
DL/LB – 6-1 235
Manti High School

Aaron comes to Dixie State after a very heralded career at Manti High School. Austin lead his team to a Utah state championship his senior year, earning the Deseret News Class 2A Most Valuable Player. He was also named first team all-state, as well as being selected to the US Air Force All-American Team by MaxPreps.com.

“Aaron is a tremendous football player that brings great leadership traits to Dixie,” Brumfield said. “He has maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout his high school career.”

Chase Barney
SS/OLB – 5-11 195
East High School

Chase was an all-state performer his senior season at East High School, leading his team to the 4A State Championship Game.

Brumfield said: “Chase possesses all of the tools to be a great contributor here at Dixie. He has a great motor, and a knack for the ball, and loves football.”

Dalton Cole
OL – 6-5 270
Logan High School

Dalton was a first team All-State performer, anchoring the line for Logan High School, leading his team to claim the 4A State Championship. He was named the Region 5 Offensive Lineman of the Year for the undefeated Grizzlies.

“Dalton had a tremendous senior season,” Brumfield said. “Dalton has all of the tools to come in and have an immediate impact here at Dixie State. Dalton was heavily recruited by many schools, and we are very glad to have had him choose Dixie State.”

Ben Gottfredson
DL – 6-3 235
Snow Canyon High School

Ben was a tremendous leader and defensive lineman for the Warriors this season. He was an all-state recipient in both the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune.

“We are very excited to have Ben as a part of our 2012 recruiting class,” Brumfield said. “His determination, and work ethic is hard not to notice on the field. He has a big frame, possesses a tremendous upside. I love the way Ben approaches everything he does, from the football field, to the basketball court, and in the classroom. He will be a big asset for the program for years to come.”

Tyson Greenwood
LB – 6-0 210
Syracuse High School

Greenwood is an all-state performer for Syracuse High School. Tyson is the cousin of current Dixie DE Dustin Goza.

Brumfield said: “Tyson is a tough physical hard nosed kid. Our target area in this years recruiting class was young linebackers and Tyson is one that we have targeted for two years. We are very excited to have Tyson, and he will be a big fixture in the future.

Jonathan Maxwell
P/RB – 5-9 179
Palo Verde High School (NV)

Jonathan was an All-Northwest conference punter his senior year at Palo Verde. Jonathan is the younger brother of Maurice Maxwell, a member of the 2010 Red Storm program, who is currently serving an LDS mission.

“Jonathan was a all-state running back his junior year,” Brumfield said. “During his senior year, he averaged over 40 yard per punt attempt. He is a versatile athlete, that will have a bright future here at Dixie.”

Robert Metz
SS/FS – 6-4 210
Canyon del Oro High School (AZ)

First Team all Section Defensive back for Canyon Del Oro.

Brumfield said: “Many times when you recruit, a kid pops up that you go ‘wow'. Robert is a long physical safety, with great speed and aggression. Every year you hope to find a kid or two that slipped through the cracks of Division-I programs, and without hesitation, Robert is one of those kids. He has the ability to play in space, as well as coming forward and being physical in the trenches. I feel Robert will be a star in the near future here at Dixie State.

Kevin Mortenson
DL – 6-4 240
Hurricane High School

Kevin was a First Team All-State selection, leading the Tigers to a state championship his senior year. Kevin is a very physical hard working blue-collar type kid, that will have a great career at Dixie State.

“Any time we can keep the local talent close to home, we are excited, and to bring in this type of kid will strengthen our program,” Brumfield said.

Cameron Peacock
RB – 6-0 170
West Jordan High School

Cameron was named honorable mention all-state his senior year for the Jaguars.

“Cameron has tremendous speed that will create a lot of matchup problems for opposing teams,” Brumfield said. “His versatility will make him valuable being able to run and catch the ball out of the backfield.”

Cooper Robinson
WR – 6-3 205
Snow Canyon High School

Cooper is a very talented receiver for the Snow Canyon Warriors.

Brumfield said: “We feel that Cooper is a kid that we think went under the radar, and we are very glad to have him. I think his upsize and potential will make him a player that will have a impact during his career at Dixie.”

Boston Saunders
DE – 6-4 220
Morgan High School

Saunders was a First Team all-state defensive linemen and an excellent basketball player from Morgan High School.

“Boston is a tremendous athlete, and has a tremendous frame at 6-4,” Brumfield said. “We felt like Boston, may have the most upsize of any recruit we have seen this year. I am sure Coach Wilson and Coach Thompson will have some heated discussions on what side of the ball he will play here at Dixie. We look for him to develop into a dominating force for the Red Storm program.”

Chad Tripp
OL – 6-3 270
Alta High School

Chad anchored Alta High Schools offensive line, leading them to a 9-2 record his senior year.

“We are very excited to sign Chad,” Brumfield said. “Young offensive lineman was another focus of our efforts this recruiting year, and Chad was someone that we watched extensively and knew he was someone we felt like could develop into a great offensive lineman for us in the future.”

Jacob Witham
DB/Slot – 5-9 180
Palo Verde High School (NV)

Jacob was named First Team All -Northwest League as a defensive back his senior season. Jacob was a two-way starter for the Panthers.

Brumfield said: “Jacob possesses great speed and athleticism. We are very excited to have him. He is a tough, versatile player that always made plays when his team needed one. We considered Jacob one of the top overall athletes in the recruiting process this year.”

Weston Yardley
DB/Slot – 5-10 165
Hurricane High School

Weston had a great senior season leading the Tigers to the 3A State Championship. He was named to both 1 st team all-state publications. Weston finished his season with 12 touchdowns and 9 Interceptions.

Brumfield said: “We are very excited to have Weston as a part of our program. He possesses great quickness and speed. When you combine that with his will and determination, you have a tremendous athlete. He will be fun to have here for the next four years.”

Taylor Smith
OL -- 6-5 275
Brighton High School

Taylor is a two sport athlete at Brighton High

Brumfield said: “Taylor is another big kid that possesses great footwork and agility. With these attributes, I feel that Taylor will be a giant fixture on the Offensive line for Dixie State for years to come.

Bud Pope
S -- 6-1 190
Desert Hills High School

Bud comes to Dixie State from Desert Hills High School. Bud led his team to the 4A State Championship game, garnering him First Team All-State recognition in both the Deseret News and the Salt Lake Tribune. Bud is a multi sport athlete for the Thunder.

Brumfield said: “Bud is a huge addition for this program. He is a tremendous athlete, that is as dedicated and hard working of a kid that we have seen. We felt like he was definitely one of the very top athletes not only in St. George, but in the state. Any time that we can get the top local athletes to stay home, we have taken the right steps in getting the Red Storm program going in the right direction. Bud will have a great career here at Dixie State. "