Northwest Missouri State Head Coach Adam Dorrel has announced the addition of seven transfers on Tuesday for the upcoming 2011 football season including four members from former MIAA member Nebraska-Omaha.
“We have seven guys that can come in and contribute right away,” said Dorrel. “It’s been a great summer and have new guys coming in and doing everything that is asked of them. We are also adding a group of players that are proven at the Division II level and in the MIAA.”
In total the Bearcats have added five Division II transfers and two junior college transfers.
A trio of offensive players from UNO include: Brian Miller (WR), John Becklon (OL), and James Franklin (RB), and Jerry Key (CB) on the defensive side of the ball. Also from Division II Texas A&M-Kingsville is Derrick Thomas (CB) who played against the Bearcats twice last season. Rounding out the group is Jon Gregg (TE) from Monterey Peninsula Junior College and Travis Chappelear (DE) who played one season at Missouri State.
“We really believe we added seven guys who fit our system,” said Dorrel, who enters his first season at the helm after replacing the late Scott Bostwick who passed on June 5. “The men we have brought in have done a good job and worked hard this summer. They all are fitting in well and buying into what Northwest football is all about.”
Thomas was a second-team all-Lone Star Conference selection at cornerback for the Javelinas and and brings a physical style of play to the Bearcat secondary. The San Antonio native started in all 12 games in 2010 including two match-ups with Northwest.
“Derrick is a special player and to have him in our secondary we fortunate,” Dorrel said. “He has lockdown corner ability and has proven he can compete at a high level in Division II.”
Brian Miller is a speedy receiver from UNO who was second in receiving with 476 yards. A Kansas City product, Miller caught 26 passes and averaged 18.3 yards per catch for the Mavericks in his sophomore season.
John Becklun also comes from Nebraska-Omaha where he saw limited action in four games as a redshirt freshman. Running back James Franklin also joins Beckun and Miller in the green and white after earning honorable mention all-MIAA honors as a true freshman. Franklin was the second leading rusher for the Mavericks in his only season carrying the ball 158 times for over 820 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Jerry Key also joins the Bearcats from UNO as a corner back playing in 10 games in one season for the Mavericks. Key brings even more talent to the Northwest secondary and could be a valuable asset on special teams.
“The men from UNO are all proven players in the MIAA,” said Dorrel. “All four can contribute right away. Brian (Miller) is a big tall receiver with great hands that we had tried to recruit out of Parkhill High School in Kansas City, so we’re happy to finally get him back on campus. John has great foot speed and brings flexibility to the offensive line being able to play either guard or center. James Franklin is also going to be a great fit in our offense where we can get him the ball a number of ways. He has great vision in the open field and along with Jerry Key’s talent they will both find a spot on the field on Saturdays.”
Dorrel also added a pair of ends on each side of the ball in Jon Gregg, a tight end from Monterey Peninsula Junior College. Travis Chappelear will join the Bearcats on the defensive side of the ball at defensive end and nose guard after playing one season at Missouri State.
“Jon has been working hard and has great hands and is a former basketball player converted tight end fitting the mold for a number of ends in today’s game,” Dorrel said. “Chappelear will also bring some great versatility to the defensive line where he has played nose guard and at the end positions which is a rare trait.”
The Bearcats report on August 10th with the first fall practice starting Thursday August 11th. Head Coach Dorrel and the Bearcats will close out fall camp on the 25th with a scrimmage open to the public followed by Meet the Bearcats Night before opening the Season on September 1 at Truman State.
— NWMSU Sports Information —