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Author: Dave Riggert

Northwest Missouri State announces 2012 recruiting class

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The Northwest Missouri State football coaches announced its 2012 class today. The list features 24 high school athletes who signed National Letters of Intent.

Northwest finished its 2011 campaign at 11-3 and returned to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the eighth consecutive season, the most of any NCAA DII team. The Bearcats also averaged an NCAA -best 50 points per game during the regular season.

The Northwest staff will add nine players from the state of Missouri, the most in this year’s class, followed by five players from Iowa and Kansas.

In addition to successful recruiting in Missouri, Northwest will add three players from Nebraska and two players from Illinois and one Texas.

“Recruiting quality student-athletes takes a great deal of time and effort,” said Dorrel, who is entering his second season at the helm of the Bearcats. “I would like to recognize the effort of our coaching staff. We made it an emphasis to recruit young men with high character, solid academic records, and great athletic ability. Our staff did a great job going to recruits’ houses and schools establishing relationships with potential student-athletes, their parents and their high school coaches. I am very appreciative of the coaches’ hard work and to them I say ‘A big thanks’.”

“Also Assistant A.D. for Compliance, Lori Hopkins, is an integral part of every student-athlete’s career at Northwest. Her efforts usually go unnoticed and she has made my life easy throughout the recruiting process and we thank her for all of her hard work.”

The academic success of the recruits also is a point of pride for the football staff. Dorrel added that 23 of the 26 recruits qualified for academic scholarships and averaged a 3.38 GPA with an average ACT score of 22.4.

Dorrel praised the staff at Northwest for their help with the recruiting process.

“Also, when a young man chooses a school, it goes beyond just football. The quality of academic opportunities, the campus, the facilities, and the current student-athletes all play a role in their decision-making process.  With that being said, we had great academic appointments with numerous departments on this campus. Multiple parents made positive comments about our professors here at Northwest. We greatly appreciate your hard work and willingness to take time out of your personal life to help us. The revamped Talent Development Center in the Library was a big hit as well. Thanks to Leslie Galbreath, Linda Standerford, and the rest of the TDC staff.”

Added Dorrel, “Walking across our campus, you can’t help but feel inspired by how well kept it

is. We have a beautiful campus and to those who take care of it, thank you. I would also like to thank custodial services. They spent a lot of time making sure everything was opened up for us and well maintained.”

Listed below is an alphabetical listing of the 2012 Northwest football class with player notes and Dorrel’s comments on the student-athletes:

• Colby Bowers (Richmond, Mo.) – Long Snapper, 6-0, 230
High School: Richmond HS   Head Coach: Rob Bowers
Parents: Rob and Kerra Bowers
Notes: Bowers was a two-time All-State offensive lineman and earned first-team honors on the defensive line as a senior as well … Helped lead the Spartans to a Missouri State Title as a junior and a state semifinal finish in 2011 before falling to the eventual state champions … Richmond finished 29-2 in his final two seasons paying for his dad Rob Bowers … Was named all-conference as a junior and senior on both the offensive and defensive lines … Tabbed KMZU Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and was the District Defensive Player of the Year … Was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award in 2011 and earned second-team All-Metro OL from the Kansas City Star
Coach Dorrel: “Colby is a great long snapper who will grow into a good center. He is a coach’s son and he is a tough, blue collar kid. His long snapping times are a consistent 0.68-0.72 seconds. These are great times for a high school student-athlete.”

• Brock Behrndt (St. Louis, Mo.) – Tight End, 6-5, 240
High School: Lafayette HS   Head Coach: Boyd Manne
Parents: James and Sheree Behrndt
Notes: An All-State selection as a senior and two-time all-conference pick … Recorded 18 catches for 306 as a senior averaging 17 yards per catch … Scored two touchdowns each varsity season as a junior and senior … Tallied 14 catches for 198 yards as a junior … Helped lead the Lancers to an 8-3 record and the state playoffs as a senior … Excels in the classroom as well being named a six-time scholar athlete at Lafayette
Coach Dorrel: “Brock is a big target and has the potential to be a good player in our offense. He understands football and how defensive coverage’s work. He will be a big asset in the red zone.”

• Steven Butler Jr. (Mesquite, Texas) – Defensive back, 5-7, 160
High School: West Mesquite HS   Head Coach: Mike Overton
Parents: Steven Butler Sr.
Notes: Earned second-team All-State acclaim for the Wranglers … Also named to first-team all-district and all-area teams … From same high school as former Bearcat Aldwin Foster-Rettig and current safety Fred Ngwu
Coach Dorrel: “Steven is a lock-down corner. He is very competitive and has nose for the ball. He is an aggressive tackler that plays bigger than his size.”

• Zach Callahan (Shawnee, Kan.) – Offensive Line, 6-3, 270
High School: Mill Valley HS   Head Coach: Joel Applebee
Parents: Bill and Vickie Callahan
Notes: Callahan was a two-time All-State honoree and two-time all-conference pick … Participated in the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl … Earned All-America status in wrestling at Mill Valley and placed third at the Kansas State Championships in 2011 … Helped lead the Jaguars to back-to-back playoff appearances
Coach Dorrel: “Zach is big and physical. He is a great wrestler and we love his toughness and his athleticism. He is going to make a good offensive guard for the Bearcats.”

• Joshua Falk (Joliet, Ill.) – Defensive End, 6-5, 205
High School: Joliet Catholic Academy   Head Coach: Dan Sharp
Parents: Colleen Falk and Bill Nelson
Notes: Helped lead the Hilltoppers to two Illinois State runner-up finishes as a sophomore and senior… Was named captain of the JCA track and field teams … An Illinois All-State scholar athlete
Coach Dorrel: “Josh has the potential to be very big! We love his motor and frame. He is an exciting pass rusher and we’re excited about his potential to grow as a student-athlete at Northwest.”

• Chris Foster (Overland Park, Kan.) – Defensive End, 6-5, 220
High School: Blue Valley HS   Head Coach: Eric Driskell
Parents: Alan and Debbie Foster
Notes: Helped the Tigers to back-to-back Kansas State Championship games earning a state title as a junior and a runner-up finish as a senior … A three-year varsity lettermen, he earned Honorable Mention All-State honors and was an All-Metro selection by the Kansas City Star … Earned first-team all-conference accolades and was a four-year honor roll student … High school teammate of future Bearcats, Kyle Zimmerman and Justin Fulks
Coach Dorrel: “Chris had a tremendous senior year after an injury during his junior season. Chris has a great frame and has a lot of potential. He is really great at playing off blocks. He can play strong side or weak side defensive end.”

• Justin Fulks (Overland Park, Kan.) – Running Back, 5-11, 175
High School: Blue Valley HS   Head Coach: Eric Driskell
Parents: Willis and Cynthia Fulks
Notes: A three-year starter for the Tigers at running back earning first-team All-State accolades as a junior and senior … Holds the school record for most yards in a career with 5,111 and touchdowns with 51 … Ran for over 1,800 yards as a senior scoring 21 touchdowns while adding 315 yards receiving on 22 catches and four TDs helping the Tigers to a Kansas State runner-up finish … Was named to the Kansas City Star All-Metro Team at running back and earned first-team All-Simone and first-team all-conference honors … Carried for over 1,700 yards as a junior scoring 15 touchdowns setting the single season school record, only to break it again as a senior … Helped lead the Tigers to a Kansas Class 5A State Championship during his junior season and a 12-1 record … Earned second-team all-conference accolades as a sophomore rushing for 845 yards and nine scores … Narrowly missed playing for three Kansas State Titles as his Tigers team fell to eventual state champion Olathe North and current Bearcat James Franklin in the semifinals … Was a Kansas State qualifier in track as a junior in the 100 meters and 200 meters … Earned two letters in track and field during his junior and sophomore seasons … High school teammate of current recruits Kyle Zimmerman and Chris Foster
Coach Dorrel: “Running, catching, punt returns, kick returns, Justin can do it all! He is truly a multi-threat tailback. He is a playmaker that can go the distance any time he touches it.”

• Luke Guenther (Altoona, Iowa) – Offensive Line, 6-6, 245
High School: Southeast Polk HS   Head Coach: Denny Muller
Parents: Tom and Shari Guenther
Notes: An All-State pick in the state of Iowa on the offensive line … Helped the Rams to a 10-2 record as a senior and a state quarterfinal appearance … Was named first-team all-conference and to the Elite All-Conference Team … Was a two-time academic all-conference selection as a junior and senior in football and basketball and once in soccer
Coach Dorrel: “Luke is a tremendous athlete. He is still growing and has a great frame. His footwork makes him primarily a right tackle and he is an outstanding pass protector.”

• Zach Hilsabeck (Barnard, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-7, 312
High School: South Nodaway   Head Coach: Dustin Skoglund
Parents: Mike and Ragena Hilsabeck
Notes: Earned first-team all-district accolades as both offensive and defensive lineman … Was named first-team all-conference
Coach Dorrel: “We have had the luxury of having Zach in our summer camps the last few years. He has a great work ethic and has great toughness! We are excited for him to wear the green and white. He has tremendous potential and he has all the physical attributes you look for in a left tackle. We are very excited about his future.”

• Phil Jackson II (Carol Stream, Ill.) – Running Back, 6-0, 220
High School: Glenbard North HS   Head Coach: Ryan Wilkens
Parents: Phillip and Veronica Jackson
Notes: A three-time all-conference back rushed for over 1,500 yards during his final season … Added 20 touchdowns and earned all-area accolades … Averaged six yards per carry helping the Panthers reach the Illinois state playoffs
Coach Dorrel: “When you watch Phil on video you notice his quick feet. He has great vision and an ability to finish runs. He fits well in our offense and he is a big back that is a different dimension.”

• Carson Klocko (Norwalk, Iowa) – Defensive Back, 6-2, 185
High School: Norwalk HS   Head Coach: Paul Patterson
Parents: Jason and Brenda Klocko
Notes: Helped lead the Warriors to the Iowa state playoffs twice and earned All-State accolades from the coaches association and Iowa Newspaper Association as a senior … Was the leading tackler for Norwalk leading them to a district title twice and earning all-district honors all four years … Will play in the 2012 Iowa Shrine All-Star Football game and was an academic all-district selection … Klocko was a three-time state qualifier in track and field and a two-time academic all-conference honoree
Coach Dorrel: “Carson is tall and rangy. He’s good at breaking up passes, but also has the ability to play downhill and support the run. His ability will allow our defensive staff to use him in a variety of ways.”

• Kyle Meyer (Versailles, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-3, 245
High School: Morgan County R-2   Head Coach: Glen Lemmon
Parents: Marvin and Kathy Meyer
Notes: Was an All-District selection on the offensive and defensive line and also a two-time all-conference selection on both sides of the ball … Earned All-Lake honors and was a two-time all-academic pick … Was  secretary and president of the Morgan Co. FCA
Coach Dorrel: “A great athlete for his size. He runs well and he will be a good puller in our offense. We found Kyle late in the recruiting process and we are very excited he picked Northwest. He has a tremendous work ethic.”

• Dylan Morris (Lawson, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-5, 270
High School: Lawson HS   Head Coach: Todd Dunn
Parents: Troy and Pam Morris
Notes: A unanimous all-conference selection, Morris also earned Second-Team All-State accolades … Was named All-Metro by the Kansas City Star and named Iron Man voted on by teammates … Earned all-district honors and helped lead Lawson to back-to-back Missouri playoff appearances
Coach Dorrel: “Dylan is another young man we had in our summer camps. He is big and physical and his frame gives him a chance to be a solid right tackle. We know what we are getting: a big, tough, hardworking kid. I have watched this kid grow as a player since his sophomore year.”

• Trey Randle (Kansas City, Mo.) – Defensive Tackle, 6-2, 275
High School: Rockhurst HS   Head Coach: Tony Severino
Parents: Tyler and Jamie Randle
Notes: A First-Team All-State lineman for the Hawks … Earned second-team All-Metro from the Kansas City Star as a senior … Helped lead Rockhurst to a Missouri State Championship as a junior and to the sectional round a senior before falling to eventual state champion Blue Springs South and future Bearcat teammate Casey Sudhoff … Finished his final two seasons as a prep with a 24-2 record
Coach Dorrel: “Trey is primarily a defensive tackle. He has a great motor and is a complete player. He can play run, but still is very effective on passing downs. He can also play strong side defensive end if we need him to.”

• TJ Schieber (Hamilton, Mo.) – Tight End, 6-3, 238
High School: Penney HS   Head Coach: Dave Fairchild
Parents: Tim and Traci Schieber
Notes: A two-time Missouri State Champion for the Hornets, Schieber was named the Missouri Class 2 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Was a first-team All-State selection as a junior and senior and second-team All-State pick as a sophomore … Was a four-time all-conference selection and named to the St. Joseph News Press First-Team in each of his junior and senior year … Was named Defensive Player of the Year by the St. Joseph News Press High School Football selections and the KMZU Class 2 Defensive Player of the Year … Earned an individual Missouri State Championship in the shot put as a junior
Coach Dorrel: “TJ is a physical football player. He has great hip explosion and we feel he will be an outstanding tight end with potential to play early. He knows how to work hard in class and on the field. His ability to one-on-one block the defensive end will make him a good player.”

• Chase Sherman (Crete, Neb.) – Offensive Line, 6-0, 270|
High School: Crete HS   Head Coach: Chuck McGinnis
Parents: Darin and Kathy Sherman
Notes: A two-time Omaha World Herald All-Nebraska selection on the offensive line …  Earned Lincoln Journal All-State acclaim at Crete High School … Helped lead Crete to back-to-back the Nebraska Class B State Championship Games claiming the state championship as a junior …Also finished with a 12-1 record en route to a conference championship as a senior … Older brother Brock Sherman is currently a freshman linebacker at Northwest
Coach Dorrel: “Chase is a true center that does a great job blocking back for a pulling guard. He also does a good job of working to level two and both of these attributes are important for our centers. He has great pad level and is a physical kid.”

• Casey Sudhoff (Blue Springs, Mo.) – Linebacker, 6-0, 220
High School: Blue Springs South HS   Head Coach: Greg Oder
Parents: Terry and Patty Sudhoff
Notes: Helped lead the Jaguars to a Missouri Class 6 State Championship and a 12-2 record as a senior … Earned first-team all-conference and all-area honors as a senior
Coach Dorrel: “Casey is a winner! He is very instinctive at linebacker and he has a nose for the ball. He runs well for his size and he is a sideline to sideline type of player.”

• DeAndre Thomas (Gladstone, Mo.) – Defensive Back, 6-2, 195
High School: Winnetonka HS   Head Coach: Sterling Edwards
Parents: Michelle Canon and Wilbur Thomas
Notes: All-State defensive back will be 1-of-2 two-sport athletes for the Bearcats in the recruiting class … Thomas will also run track after an outstanding football and track career for the Griffins … Was a two-time all-conference DB leading Winnetonka to the second round of the Missouri State Class 5 playoffs … Captain of both football and track teams … Earned conference championship in 110m high hurdles … Ranked 13th in AAU decathlon … Outstanding student as a three-time honor roll student
Coach Dorrel: “Plays downhill and physical. This kid is a great athlete. He loves to play football and loves to hit. He is tall and has great range. He will be an impressive young man when he is done.”

• Ben Trewyn (Bettendorf, Iowa) – Kicker, 5-11, 195
High School: Pleasant Valley HS   Head Coach: Rusty Van Wetzinga
Parents: Penny and Vern Trewyn
Notes:  A two-time All-State kicker for the Vikings … Was named First-Team all-conference as a junior and senior while also earning second-team all-conference honors at linebacker … Was named to the Academic all-conference team his senior season and earned First-Team All-Metro
Coach Dorrel: “Strong leg and Midwest kicker that knows how to kick in cold and wind. That was very important to us as a coaching staff. We expect him to learn from Todd and has potential to redshirt and be a four-year starter.”

• Jordan Van Roekel (Monroe, Iowa) – Athlete, 6-3, 195
High School: Prairie City-Monroe HS   Head Coach: Greg Bonnett
Parents: Brad and Mary Van Roekel
Notes: An All-State athlete led Prairie City-Monroe to the Iowa state quarterfinals and an 11-1 record … Was named first-team all-district as a three-year letter winner … Was an all-conference basketball and baseball player for the Mustangs helping lead the basketball team to a third place finish at the state championships … A 400-meter hurdles state champion as a junior and a three-year state qualifier for the Prairie City-Monroe track and field team … Played for former Bearcat linebacker, Greg Bonnett, who played at Northwest in the late 1990’s
Coach Dorrel: “A great athlete that runs well with his size. Could be a linebacker or defensive lineman! Is long with tremendous upside. He loves to play the game and his work ethic and toughness will make him successful at whatever position we go with.”

• Jacob Vollstedt (Iowa City, Iowa) – Linebacker, 6-2, 225
High School: Iowa City Regina HS   Head Coach: Marv Cook
Parents: Doug and Sandy Vollstedt
Notes: Vollstedt was MVP of the Iowa Class 2A State Championship in 2010 and 2011 helping lead the Regals to back-to-back Iowa State Titles … Regina went 14-0 in both seasons as Vollstedt earned first-team All-State honors as a junior and senior from the Des Moines Register and the Iowa Newspaper Association … Was named the District 5 Player of the Year in 2011 earning first-team all-district recognition in his final two seasons as well … Was named the Iowa City Press Citizen Area Defensive Player of the Year and Regional Defensive Player of the Year by the Cedar Rapids Gazette … Was a three-year starter for the Regals soccer team helping guide the team to three consecutive Iowa State Championships on the soccer pitch as well
Coach Dorrel: “Jacob is a physical linebacker that is a great tackler! He does a good job of taking on the lead blocker or offensive guard. He gets off blocks and gets to the ball carrier and is very instinctive.”

• Michael Wickham (Bennington, Neb.) – Wide Receiver, 6-3, 190
High School: Bennington HS   Head Coach: Greg Bohn
Parents: Mathew and Connie Wickham
Notes: A two-time All-State selection helped the Badgers reach the Nebraska State playoffs twice … Was a two-time all-district selection and earned First-Team All-Omaha Area accolades as a junior and senior … A four-year letter winner set school records for receiving yards and rushing yards in a game … Was also a three-year varsity starter on the Badgers basketball team leading the team to a third-place finish in 2009 and three conference championships … Was an honorable mention All-State selection as a junior and two-time honorable mention All-Omaha Area pick on the hardwood … Also a Nebraska State Champion in 200m for the Badger track and field team and a state qualifier in the 100 meters, 400 meters, 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays … Wickham also earned a district championship in the 100m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m
Coach Dorrel: “Played entire season at quarterback, but is a natural wide receiver. Runs very well and has great playmaking ability. We are excited about his future and feel he will progress at a rapid pace in our offense when he is solely focused on playing wide receiver.”

• Connor Wilson (Omaha, Neb.) – Rover, 6-1, 205
High School: Millard North HS   Head Coach: Fred Petito
Parents: Greg and Cindy Wilson
Notes: Wilson was a two-year letter winner and an All-State Honorable Mention pick … Helped lead the Mustangs to a Nebraska State Championship as a junior and returned to the playoffs as a senior
Coach Dorrel: “Connor played multiple positions in high school. His toughness is his greatest attribute. He grew up watching Bearcat football and we are excited to see him put on a Bearcat uniform! He fits well at rover and he does a great job of being physical at the line of scrimmage.”

• Kyle Zimmerman (Overland Park, Kan.) – Quarterback, 6-1, 183
High School: Blue Valley   Head Coach: Eric Driskell
Parents: Duane and Barb Zimmerman
Notes: Zimmerman helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back Kansas Class 5A State Championships earning a runner-up finish as a senior and capturing the title during his junior season … Was an Honorable Mention All-State selection as a senior and junior … Set school records for most passing touchdowns in a game and in a career … Finished second on the all-time passing yards list at Blue Valley … Was named Kansas City Star All-Metro Honorable Mention also earning second-team all-conference accolades … Named a finalist for Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year … Also a standout in the classroom as a four-year all-conference scholar athlete … High school teammate of future Bearcats Justin Fulks and Chris Foster
Coach Dorrel: “Kyle is a dual threat quarterback. He is a leader and a great student-athlete and has all the qualities we look for in our quarterbacks. He knows how to win and football is very important to him. His ability to improvise when the pocket breaks down is what makes him special.”

Committed to play at Northwest

• Quanzee Johnson (Shawnee, Kan.) – Athlete, 5-9, 155
High School: Bishop Miege HS   Head Coach: Tim Grunhardt
Parents: Darryl and Valerie Johnson
Notes: Johnson was a First-Team Kansas All-State defensive back for former Kansas City Chiefs lineman Tim Grunhardt at Bishop Miege … Helped the Stags to the sectional round of the Kansas state playoffs before falling to Blue Valley and future Northwest teammates Kyle Zimmerman, Chris Foster and Justin Fulks … Was a two-time all-conference pick at running back and corner back
Coach Dorrel: “Quanzee is an exciting athlete! He can play running back or wide receiver. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands and he is a solid student-athlete with a bright future.”

• P.T. Mahoney (Belton, Mo.) – Athlete, 6-5, 230
High School: Belton HS   Head Coach: Mark Thomas
Parents: Pat and Kathy Mahoney
Notes: Mahoney was a two-time all-conference selection he earned offensive line and defensive line honors as a junior and senior … Was named Lineman of the Year as a senior for the Pirates
Coach Dorrel: “P.T. has a great frame and we believe his potential to succeed here at Northwest is great. He does a great job playing with his hands and getting off blocks.”

Transfers (The following student-athletes are currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring drills.)

• David Tooley (Moberly, Mo.) – Wide Receiver, 6-5, 203
Previous School: Wyoming   High School: Moberly HS   Head Coach: Jason Ambrosen
Parents: Trenia Tooley
Notes: Tooley saw action in 10 games as a true freshman for the Cowboys … He caught seven passes for 115 yards averaging 16.4 yards per catch … His first collegiate touchdown came in a come-back win over San Diego State helping give Wyoming a bowl berth … Tooley did not play in the New Mexico Bowl due to a knee injury … Prior to college, Tooley prepped at Moberly High School in central Missouri … He was an All-State athlete leading the team with 57 catches for 921 yards and seven touchdowns along with being the team’s leading kick returner … Led team to back-to-back Missouri state playoff appearances earning All-District and All-Conference accolades each year as a junior and senior … Was also a three-year letterman in track and field at Moberly … Is currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring practice
Coach Dorrel: “David has a big frame and has tremendous playmaking ability. We will use his size as an advantage and you will see him line up at multiple positions. He is coming off an injury and has been out of football for a year and a half and we need to be patient, but I am confident when he is back to 100% he will be a great student-athlete.”

• Brandon Dixon (Margate, Fla.) – Defensive Back, 6-0, 195
Previous School: Joliet JC   High School: Coconut Creek HS
Parents: Ronnie and Deborah Dixon
Notes:  Named first-team all-conference and first-team all-region defensive back for the Wolves … Earned All-America accolades at Joliet JC before the school cancelled the football program … Is currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring practice
Coach Dorrel: “He is a complete football player. He has confidence that you want in your corner backs. Brandon played at a great high school football program that exposed him to great athletes. We are expecting him to make an immediate impact on our football program.”

• Stacy Whitaker (Jacksonville, Texas) – Defensive Back, 6-2, 185
Previous School: Tarleton State   High School: Jacksonville HS
Parents: Tracy Whitaker and Patricia Brown
Notes: was an all-district corner back at Jacksonville High School … Named track MVP and was a regional finalist in track and field … Saw limited action in six games at Tarleton State … Is currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring practice
Coach Dorrel: “A tall and rangy corner back, that we really like in our league. He is young and will continue to grow in our program as he improves.”

• Adam Vanderpool (Kansas City, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-6, 275
Previous School: Southern Illinois    High School: Park Hill HS   Head Coach: Greg Reynolds
Parents: John and Lee-Ann Vanderpool
Notes:  Vanderpool earned a redshirt at Southern Illinois and will have all four-years of eligibility at Northwest … A product of Park Hill High School, he was an All-State selection as a senior and junior in Class 5 … Two-time all-conference pick and All-Metro via the Kansas City Star after helping team to back-to-back playoff appearances … Also played baseball, leading team into the quarterfinals of the state playoffs as a junior… All-Conference and All-Metro team first baseman … Is currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring practice
CoachDorrel: “Adam was a top recruit in last year’s class and transferred back from Southern Illinois to be closer to family. He has a great frame and spring ball will be very important for him. He will push for a position at right guard or right tackle. He is a tremendous football player.”

— NWMSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western soccer signs five players for 2012

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Missouri Western women’s soccer coach Chad Edwards has announced his first signing class as Western’s head coach.  Edwards has signed five players to the National Letter of Intent for the 2012 season. The Griffons welcome Micheala Rouse of Kearney, Mo., Margot Bergeron of St. Joseph, Mo., Drew Mantlo of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Sydney Andrews of Wichita, Kan. and Brittany Wagner of Lee’s Summit, Mo. to next season’s squad.

Micheala Rouse, a, 5-7 defender from Kearney, Mo. played her high school soccer at Kearney high school. During her junior season she earned 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team Class 3 All-District and Suburban Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. As a sophomore she was 1st Team All-Conference, 2nd Team All-District and her squads Most Valuable Defender. She played her club soccer with the Furtura Force. She is undecided on a major at Western.

Margot Bergeron, a, 5-6 defender from St. Joseph, Mo. played her high school soccer Central high school. She will transfer in from Iowa Central Community College where she was a starting defender who earned 1st Team All-Region as a freshman. In high school she earned 1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-City honors. She plans on majoring in exercise science at Western.

Drew Mantlo, a, 5-4 midfielder from Lee’s Summit, Mo. played her high school soccer at Lee’s Summit North high school. Mantlo is a team captain of her high school squad. She has played for the Futura Force club team for six seasons. They are ranked 3rd in Missouri. She is a team captain and leads the squad in with 15 goals from her defensive position. She is also a very good student being a member of the National Honor Society. She plans on majoring in wildlife biology at Western.

Sydney Andrews, a, 5-6 midfielder/defender from Wichita, Kan. played her high school soccer at Wichita Northwest. Andrews was an offensive Honorable Mention All-City selection as well as a Titan Classic Champion. She is a solid student being a member of the National Honor Society as well as being on the honor roll. She plans on majoring in physical therapy at Western.

Brittany Wagner, a, 5-4 forward from Lee’s Summit, Mo. played her high school soccer at Lee’s Summit high school. Wagner was a 2nd Team All-Conference performer as well as a captain of her team. She is a good student being a member of the honor roll all four years. She plans on majoring in pre-vet at Western.

“I am very excited to announce our initial 2012 signees for the Griffon Soccer program,” commented Edwards. “Our goal every year is to recruit not only talented soccer players but quality people that have competed and been coached at the highest level. Also, I want players who desire, will, and can compete for a starting position as soon as they arrive on campus. I believe we have met these goals with this class and I am very excited for all of them to arrive on campus and get to work. It is a great day to be a Griffon and I am thrilled with this class and know we can expect a lot of tremendous accomplishments from them not only on the field but in the classroom and community as well.”

Edwards expects to sign 2 to 3 more players in the near future.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Benedictine signs 30 players to 2012 recruiting class

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Benedictine (Kan.) College head football coach Larry Wilcox has announced the signing of 30 players to join the Raven football program in the fall of 2012.

The signing class consists of players from eight states. Leading the way is 16 from Missouri, followed by six from Kansas and three from Texas. The Ravens also signed one player from Arizona, California, Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska.

The Ravens are coming a season in which they finished 9-3 overall and 7-2 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC). They were also one of three teams from the HAAC to qualify for the 2011 NAIA Football Championship series.

Benedictine finished ranked No. 13 in the NAIA postseason top 25 coaches poll.

Here is the list of signings with height, weight, position, hometown and previous school listed:

Joshua  Canaday    6’2″    295    OL    HARTSBURG, MO/SOUTHERN BOONE
Nathan Christo    6’3″    270    OL    ST LOUIS, MO/TIMBERLAND
Patrick Clancy    6’3″    220    DE    AMES. IA/GILBERT
Brett Coatney    5’11”    170    DB    KANSAS CITY, MO/O’HARA
Daulton Daies    5’11”    300    DL    COTTLEVILLE, MO/FRANCIS HOWELL CENTRAL
Wes Davis    5’9″    185    LB    BOONVILLE, MO/BOONVILLE
Mario Diaz    5’10”    240    DE    CHICAGO, IL/BROTHER RICE
Ethan Diederich    6’2″    215    ILB    GREENLEAF, KS/HANOVER
Greg Fry    5’10”    190    OLB    OLATHE, KS/OLATHE SOUTH
Ganon Gorseth    6′    205    ILB    OMAHA, NE/MILLARD SOUTH
Ty Green    6′    290    DL    WOOLDRIDGE, MO/BOONVILLE
Lorenzo Gregory    6′    290    DL    FLORISSANT, MO/DESMET JESUIT
Tyler Grethen    5’10”    195    RB    ASHLAND, MO/SOUTHERN BOONE
Cameron Hajok    6’2″    230    DE    HIGHLAND VILLAGE, TX/FLOWERMOUND MARCUS
Darren Handy, Jr.    6’2″    275    OL/DL    CHANDLER, AZ/CHANDLER HS
Jude Hockel    6’4″    270    OL    WALNUT CREEK, CA/NORTHGATE
Mykalen Huntoon    6’3″    305    OL    SPRINGFIELD, MO/PARKVIEW
Nick Jackson    6’1″    220    LB    WICHITA, KS/BISHOP CARROLL
Thaddeus Messer    5’10”    185    OLB    HARRISONVILLE, MO/HARRISONVILLE
Joe Odrowski    6’3″    250    OL    LAWRENCE, KS/LAWRENCE
Brandon Reeve    5’9″    160    WR    INDEPENDENCE, MO/FORT OSAGE
Joshua  Rhodes    5’11”    230    LB    HUFFMAN, TX/HUFFMAN-HARGRAVE
Hiram Adams-Robinson    6’1″    200    WR    KANSAS CITY, MO/RUSKIN
Colton Saunders    6’2″    240    OL    HARRISONVILLE, MO/HARRISONVILLE
Trevor  Shelton    5’11”    175    OLB    MULVANE, KS/MULVANE
D’Andre  Talton    5’11”    205    RB    ST. JOSEPH, MO/LAFAYETTE
Ryan Tanner    6′    170    K/P    JEFFERSON CITY, MO/JEFFERSON CITY HS
Jordan Underwood    6’0′    200    RB    HOUSTON, TX/STRAKE JESUIT
Litton Vanderwerff    6’4″    210    S    LANSING, KS/LANSING
Devon Zimders    6’5″    210    WR/TE    LEBANON, MO/LEBANON

— BC Sports Information —

Missouri signs 19 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent

Posted on

Nineteen standout student-athletes have signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to attend the University of Missouri and play football for Head Coach Gary Pinkel, as announced today.

As of early afternoon, the class of newest Tigers has been rated as the 20th-best in the country, according to ESPN, and as the nation’s No. 32 class by Rivals.

The consistent success of the Tiger program under Head Coach Gary Pinkel undoubtedly helped attract such a talented group of student-athletes.  Mizzou is one of only six schools in the nation among BCS automatic-qualifying conferences to post a minimum of eight wins in each of the last six seasons (LSU, Oklahoma, USC, Virginia Tech and West Virginia are the others).  Mizzou’s 48 wins over the past five seasons (2007-11) also ranks 9th-best in the nation among BCS-AQ schools.  In addition, Mizzou continues to excel in the classroom, as it has graduated 96 percent of its seniors since 2007.

Mizzou’s coaching staff was successful in attracting not only some of the top in-state talent, but some of the top players in the nation, headlined by wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, who Rivals rates as the No. 1-ranked player in the entire country.  He was joined by fellow in-state standout OL Evan Boehm, who is the No. 2-rated guard in the country according to Rivals.

Included with this recruiting class is junior WR Darius White, who transferred to Mizzou in January from the University of Texas, where he played for the previous two seasons.  White will redshirt in 2012 due to NCAA transfer rules, and have two years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2013.

In all, six of the state of Missouri’s top football talents signed to play for their home state school.  At the same time, the coaching staff also continued its outstanding work mining the pipelines of Texas, as seven Lone Star State standouts became Tigers today.

Mizzou’s previous eight classes rated, according to Rivals:  29th in 2002, 28th in 2003, 29th in 2004, 39th in 2005, 47th in 2006, 33rd in 2007, 24th in 2008, 35th in 2009, 21st in 2010 and 48th in 2011.

“I’d like to congratulate all of these outstanding young men and to thank them and their families for putting their trust and belief in our program, and the University of Missouri,” said Head Coach Gary Pinkel.  “We do have a lot to offer here, and the first thing is that they will get their degree.  Our success on the field also speaks for itself, and is always an important selling point.  We feel like this is a really well-rounded class that meets our needs everywhere, and they’re also a bunch of high-character guys who will represent Mizzou the right way,” he said.

Following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of MU’s 19 signees…

– M . I . Z . Z . O. U. –

2012 MIZZOU FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

Name                            Pos.       Ht.     Wt.       Hometown (High School/Jr. College)

Evan Boehm                   OL           6-3     290        Lee’s Summit, Mo. (West HS)

Torey Boozer                  LB           6-3     210        Everman, Texas (Everman HS)

Harold Brantley             DL           6-2     280        Hershey, Pa. (Hershey HS)

Levi Copelin                   ATH        6-2     180        Broken Arrow, Okla. (Broken Arrow HS)

Chaston Cuffee              DB          6-1     185        Cleburne, Texas (Cleburne HS)

Sean Culkin                    TE           6-5     225        Indian Rocks Beach, Fla. (Indian Rocks Christian HS)

John Gibson                    DB          5-10   175        Missouri City, Texas (Marshall HS)

Markus Golden              LB           6-3     230        St. Louis, Mo. (Affton HS)/Hutchinson C.C.)

Dorial Green-Beckham  WR         6-6     220        Springfield, Mo. (Hillcrest HS)

Russell Hansbrough       TB           5-9     180        Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS)

Rickey Hatley                 DL           6-4     245        Atlanta, Texas (Atlanta HS)

Maty Mauk                    QB          6-2     200        Kenton, Ohio (Kenton HS)

Donavin Newsom           LB           6-2     220        St. Louis, Mo. (Parkway North HS)

Michael Scherer            LB           6-2     230        St. Louis, Mo. (Country Day HS)

Morgan Steward            TB           5-11   185        Kansas City, Mo. (Staley HS)

Ka’Ra Stewart                DB          5-10   190        O’Fallon, Ill. (O’Fallon HS)

*Darius White                WR         6-3     200        Fort Worth, Texas (Dunbar HS/Univ. of Texas)

Jordan Williams             OL           6-4     270        Denton, Texas (Ryan HS)

Evan Winston                 DL           6-3     270        Muskegon Heights, Mich. (Muskegon Heights HS)

*-Denotes already enrolled in classes at Mizzou

BREAKDOWN BY STATE

Texas (7) – Boozer (Everman), Cuffee (Cleburne), Gibson (Missouri City), Hansbrough (Arlington), Hatley (Atlanta), White (Fort Worth), Williams (Denton)

Missouri (6) – Boehm (Lee’s Summit), Golden (St. Louis), Green-Beckham (Springfield), Newsom (St. Louis), Scherer (St. Louis), Steward (Kansas City)

Florida (1) – Culkin (Indian Rocks Beach)

Illinois (1) – Stewart (O’Fallon)

Michigan (1) – Winston (Muskegon Heights)

Ohio (1) – Mauk (Kenton)

Oklahoma (1) – Copelin (Broken Arrow)

Pennsylvania (1) – Brantley (Hershey)

– M . I . Z . Z . O. U. –

EVAN BOEHM
Fr., OL, 6-3, 290, Lee’s Summit, Mo. (West HS)

(Last name is pronounced BAY-m) … One of the top offensive line prospects in the nation who has a great mix of strength and agility … ESPN rates him as the #2 guard in the country, as well as the No. 42 overall prospect among all players and as the No. 2 prospect in the state of Missouri … ESPN also rated him as a 1st-Team All-American … Rivals ranks him as the No. 4 overall prospect at any position in the state of Missouri for 2012 … Won the Simone Award as a senior, which goes annually to the top prep player in the Kansas City metro area … Became the first lineman to ever win the prestigious award … Also took home the Buck Buchanan Award for Outstanding Lineman in the Kansas City area as a junior … Has been a 1st-Team All-State and All-Conference selection for the past three seasons … Helped lead his team to the 2010 Missouri State Class 5 championship … Also an accomplished all-around athlete who has won state championships in both wrestling (Heavyweight division) and track and field (discus) … Is believed to be the first athlete in Missouri history to win state titles in football, wrestling and track in the same school year … Parents – Royce & Teresa Boehm … Father was his high school coach … Lists hobbies as all sports … Plans to major in business at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over virtually every major program in the nation, as he had offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Stanford and Wisconsin, among many others … Said he chose Mizzou because of the family feel to the program with the coaches and team, and that visits to Columbia felt like home.

TOREY BOOZER
Fr., LB, 6-3, 210, Everman, Texas (Everman HS)

Fluid athlete who projects to be a linebacker at the collegiate level … Plays well in space and has displayed great open field tackling skills consistently … ESPN lists him as the nation’s No. 42 prospect at outside linebacker, and as the No. 70 overall player at any position in the state of Texas for 2012 … Ranked by Rivals as the No. 46 prospect nationally at safety … Was a two-time All-District First-Team selection, and as a senior also added First-Team DFW-All Area, in addition to serving as a team captain … Notched 146 tackles as a senior, including 6 sacks, while grabbing a pair of interceptions … That followed a productive junior season which included 120 tackles, 4 sacks and 1 interception … Three-sport standout for Everman High School, lettering for four years in basketball and three years in track & field in addition to his football achievements … Earned 2nd-Team All-District honors in basketball as a junior … High school coach – Dale Keeling … Mother – Tangereki Hicks … Enjoys swimming, movies and video games in his off time … Plans to major in Business Management in MU’s esteemed business school … Chose Mizzou over Baylor, Arizona and Houston, among others … Listed the family atmosphere at Mizzou as one of the major reasons for picking MU, and has said that he’s been a Mizzou Football fan ever since going to a Tiger game when he was only six years old.

HAROLD BRANTLEY
Fr., DL, 6-2, 280, Hershey, Pa. (Hershey HS)

Late addition to the class who is a high-motor talent with a powerful burst off the ball and who is known as a solid tackler … Rated by ESPN as the No. 68 overall prospect at any position out of the state of Pennsylvania in 2012 … Had 48 tackles and a pair of sacks as a senior in 2011 and also rushed for 835 yards and 19 touchdowns from the fullback position … Earned 1st-Team All-Conference honors as a senior, and was named to the Patriot News All-Star Team … Was his team’s Offensive and Defensive MVP as a senior, while also winning team Defensive MVP honors as a junior … Has served as a team captain in both basketball and football each of his last two seasons … A solid all-around athlete who plays basketball for his school’s basketball team, which has been in the state rankings this season … High school coach – Mark Painter … Has also excelled in track and field, where he’s won multiple competitions throwing the shot put and the discus … Parents – Brian & Shantih Dean … Chose Mizzou over Syracuse, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Penn State and Rutgers, among others.

LEVI COPELIN
Fr., ATH, 6-2, 180, Broken Arrow, Okla. (Broken Arrow HS)

Two-way star who was a 1st-Team All-State defensive back and wide receiver as well as a special teams ace for the top team in Oklahoma’s top division of Class 6A football … Was named the Oklahoma 6A-3 Offensive Player of the Year while helping his team to a state championship runner-up finish … Caught a touchdown in the 4th-quarter of the championship game which put his team in the lead, before they eventually dropped the game … Led the state of Oklahoma with 8 interceptions as a senior (returning 3 for touchdowns), and he also blocked 4 kicks on special teams, while also returning two kickoffs and two punts for scores Caught 31 passes as a wideout for 647 yards and 7 touchdowns … Rivals rates him as the No. 8 overall prospect at any position out of the state of Oklahoma in 2012, and also as the nation’s No. 52 prospect at safety … Also starred for Broken Arrow in track, where he took 2nd-place in the state in the 110-meter hurdles, and was also a district champion … High school coach – Steve Spavital … Parents – Rod & Lisa Copelin … Lists weight lifting, Xbox Live and sleeping as his primary hobbies outside of football … Plans to major in either Kinesiology or Sports Psychology at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Houston and Iowa State, among others … Lists the family atmosphere around the Tiger program, as well as Mizzou’s move to the Southeastern Conference as major attractions to MU.

CHASTON CUFFEE
Fr., DB, 6-1, 185, Cleburne, Texas (Cleburne HS)

(First name is pronounced CHASS-tun / Last name is pronounced CUFF-ee) … High-level athlete who will bring his considerable skills to the secondary at Mizzou … Rivals ranks him as the No. 54 safety prospect in all of the nation, while ESPN rates him as the nation’s No. 91 prospect at the athlete position … Was a dual-threat quarterback at Cleburne where he made plays with his arm and feet … Served as his team’s captain as a senior, and earned the team’s MVP award both as a junior and a senior … Also lettered in basketball and track, in addition to playing baseball as a freshman, when he led the team with the highest batting average … High school coach – Phil Young … Parents – Rodney & Eva Johnson … Lists hobbies outside of football as watching movies and hanging out with friends … Chose Mizzou over Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and North Texas, among others … Was attracted to Mizzou because of the trust he developed with the Tiger coaching staff.

SEAN CULKIN
Fr., TE, 6-5, 225, Indian Rocks Beach, Fla. (Indian Rocks Christian HS)

Athletic pass-catcher who should fit nicely in Mizzou’s spread offensive attack … Is known for good hands and being an excellent target in the red zone … Rivals ranks him as the nation’s No. 24 tight end prospect, as well as the No. 62 overall prospect at any position out of the state of Florida for 2012 … Caught 55 passes for 981 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior in a breakout season that saw him earn 1st-Team All-State honors as well as team MVP honors … Was also named a U.S. Air Force 1st-Team All-American after his productive senior season … Earned All-County recognition as a junior, when he caught 28 passes for 547 yards and 8 touchdowns … Also had 29 receptions as a sophomore for 522 yards and 6 scores … Outstanding all-around athlete who starred in basketball and track in addition to his football exploits … Was his basketball team’s MVP each of the last two seasons, and has scored over 1,000 career points, while he holds his school’s record in the long jump, 400-meter dash and in the 4×400-meter relay … High school coach – Mark Buchanan … Parents – Chuck & Sherry Culkin … Lists hobbies outside of football as boating, fishing, playing guitar, playing piano and basketball … Has played several years of AAU basketball, and played on Amare Stoudemire’s team which which placed 2nd in nationals one summer … Has been active in youth groups and has taken mission trips to Alabama, Nicaragua and El Salvador … Chose Mizzou over Miami, Fla., Central Florida, Kansas, Iowa State, South Florida, Rutgers, Ohio and Cincinnati, among others … Mentioned the family-like atmosphere around the football program as a major selling point, as well as the program’s sustained success.

JOHN GIBSON
Fr., DB, 5-10, 175, Missouri City, Texas (Marshall HS)

A well-rounded, aggressive defender who excelled at cornerback at the prep level … Rated by ESPN in the Athlete class, where they put him as the No. 105-rated prospect in the nation … Was a 1st-Team All-District selection as a senior, as well as being named his team’s Co-MVP, and the team’s Offensive MVP … Grabbed a pair of interceptions on defense for Marshall in 2011 and also caught 28 passes for 420 yards and 9 touchdowns, while he also threw for one score and ran a punt and a kickoff back for touchdowns … Made 20 tackles as a junior and broke up 7 passes … Numbers were limited during his junior year, as he missed five games after transferring from Sharpstown High School, where he made 90 tackles, 9 interceptions and 7 pass deflections over two seasons … A speedster who also excels in track, was part of 4×100-meter relay teams which placed 1st (2011) and 2nd (2009) in Junior Olympic competitions, and he also placed 5th individually in the 400-meter run in the 2009 Junior Olympics … High school coach – James Williams … Parents – Kendrick Williams & Don Pickens … Lists hobbies as playing basketball and hanging out with family and friends … Plans to study business at Mizzou… Chose Mizzou over Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Minnesota, San Diego State and Indiana, among others … Cited the personal touch of Mizzou’s coaches, as well as the football program’s impressive graduation rate as major reasons for coming to MU.

MARKUS GOLDEN
So., LB, 6-3, 230, St. Louis, Mo. (Affton HS/Hutchinson CC)

Talented defender who is excited to work his way to Mizzou, after originally committing to play at MU as part of the class of 2010 … Has spent the last two years at Hutchinson, where he redshirted last season after posting an impressive freshman campaign … Will have three years to play three at Mizzou … As a freshman at Hutchinson, made 90 tackles, including 26 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, to go with 5 forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions … Was a record-setting running back and linebacker at Affton High School before that … As a senior, ran for a record 2,264 yards and 30 touchdowns while also making 108 tackles and 10 sacks … His junior season saw him record a school-record 168 tackles and 16 sacks, while he also ran for 1,139 yards and 16 scores … Was his team’s captain each of his last two years at Affton … A skilled hoopster as well, who was named his basketball team’s MVP in 2010 … Junior college coach – Rion Rhoades … High school coach – Dan Oliver … Parents – Markus Eberhart & Rhonda Golden … Enjoys working out, playing NCAA Football on PS3 and hanging out with family and friends … Committed to Mizzou early in his high school career and never really considered other schools, and stayed true to that commitment over the last two years in junior college … Says that he came to Mizzou because he’s been waiting to play here his whole life.

DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM
Fr., WR, 6-6, 220, Springfield, Mo. (Hillcrest HS)

The No. 1 overall recruit in the nation (Rivals) who will bring his well-documented talents to his home state program … Ranked by Rivals as the No. 1 overall prospect in the nation at any position, as well as the nation’s top wide receiver … Revealed his selection live on ESPNU on National Signing Day in a nationally-televised ceremony … ESPN ranks him as the No. 3 overall prospect in the country at any position, as well as the No. 1 receiver in the nation and the No. 1 player in the state of Missouri … Named the national player of the year in 2011 by Sports Illustrated, Parade Magazine, and USA Today … Is also a two-time 1st-Team USA Today All-American selection … Amassed a national prep record of 6,353 receiving yards and 75 receiving touchdowns … Closed his prep career with eye-popping numbers which included 119 receptions for 2,233 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior … Named to every national All-American team, including the prestigious Parade All-American squad … Made 78 catches as a junior for 1,703 yards and 15 scores … His sophomore stats included 66 catches for 1,616 yards and 23 touchdowns, after he posted 37 catches for 801 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman … Parents – John & Tracy Beckham … Was coached at Hillcrest by his father John … Chose Mizzou over virtually every major college football power, just a few of which included Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, among a slew of others.

RUSSELL HANSBROUGH
Fr., TB, 5-9, 180, Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS)

A smooth, explosive runner who has good vision and is tough to corral due to his quickness and elusive nature … Was a 1st-Team 4-5A All-District selection in 2011 while serving as a team captain … Ran for over 3,000 yards in a stellar prep career, including 1,238 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 9.5 yards per carry … Gained 950 yards and had 4 touchdowns as a junior, after netting 909 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2009 … Also earned 1st-Team All-District status as a junior … Was named the district 4-5A Newcomer of the Year during his sophomore season … High school coach – Kenny Perry … Parents – Doug & Janice Hansbrough … Lists hobbies outside of football as watching ESPN, watching movies and playing video games … Plans to major in business management at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Auburn, Arizona State, Kansas State, Baylor, Texas Tech, BYU, Iowa State, Minnesota, Kansas and Houston, among others … Listed his comfort level with the coaching staff as a big draw to Mizzou, as well as the curriculum having everything he’s looking for.

RICKEY HATLEY
Fr., DL, 6-4, 245, Atlanta, Texas (Atlanta HS)

Defensive line prospect who has the size and frame to fit nicely with the Tiger program … Won 1st-Team All-District and 1st-Team All-Area honors as a senior for Atlanta High School, as well as taking home 2nd-Team All-State honors according to the Associated Press … The Texas Sports Writers Association rated him as a 1st-Team All-State pick, as well … Three-sport standout who was also a three-year letterman in basketball and track, winning a district championship in the shot put and discus … High school coach – Matt McClure … Parents – Rickey & Latisha Hatley … Lists hobbies as fishing and riding horses … Plans to major in physical therapy at Mizzou … Mizzou’s campus and the support services for the football student-athletes stood out to him during the recruiting process, as well as the family feel to the program.

MATY MAUK
Fr., QB, 6-2, 200, Kenton, Ohio (Kenton HS)

(First name is pronounced MAT-ee / Last name is pronounced MOCK) … A Parade All-American and two-time Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year who comes to Mizzou after a record-setting prep career which saw him break national records for passing yards (18,932), touchdown passes (219), pass completions (1,353) and total offense (22,681) … ESPN ranks him as the nation’s No. 16 quarterback prospect, as well as the No. 8 overall prospect at any position coming out of the state of Ohio for 2012 … Was also named an All-American in 2011 by Sports Illustrated, in addition to winning the title of Mr. Football in the state of Ohio in the same year … Is a fearless competitor who has great arm strength and the ability to make plays outside of the pocket, thanks to his athleticism and quickness … Led his team to a 42-8 record over four seasons, and Kenton finished as runners up for the D4 state championship in 2011, falling by a 48-42 score in the title game, despite Mauk’s 421 yards passing and six total touchdowns … An outstanding all-around athlete who was an All-District performer in basketball and was a state track qualifier in the long jump, 200-meters and 4×100-meter and 4×200-meter relays … Accounted for 278 total touchdowns in his four years as a starter for Kenton … Senior season stats include: 382-of-566 passing for 5,413 yards and 68 touchdowns, to go with 1,768 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns … As a junior, produced 5,670 passing yards and 69 touchdowns, to go with 974 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns … As a sophomore, threw for 4,550 yards and 46 touchdowns, while adding 660 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns … Freshman season stats include: 3,309 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, with 347 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns … Parents – Mike & Gwyn Mauk … Father was his high school coach … Older brother Ben was a standout quarterback at Cincinnati … Lists hobbies as hunting, fishing and video games … Plans to major in social studies at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Michigan, Notre Dame, Illinois, Vanderbilt and Cincinnati, among many others.

DONAVIN NEWSOM
Fr., LB, 6-2, 220, St. Louis, Mo. (Parkway North HS)

One of the top linebacking prospects in the country who is very active and who has the strength and speed to make plays all over the field … ESPN rates him as the No. 6 overall prospect at any position in the state of Missouri, while also touting him as the No. 12 inside linebacker prospect in the nation … Rivals lists him as the No. 7 overall prospect at any position in the state of Missouri for 2012 … Served as team captain during his senior season as a standout on both sides of the ball for Parkway North … Ran for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns as a senior, and on defense ran one interception back 102 yards for a touchdown to set a school record for longest interception return … Was his team’s MVP as a junior when he made 62 tackles and had 5 sacks and 2 interceptions on defense, while he rushed for 396 yards and 10 touchdowns, and added 153 yards receiving … Was selected to play in the Offense-Defense All-America Game in December at Cowboys Stadium … Also is a three-year letterman in basketball, winning All-Conference recognition as a junior … High school coach – Bob Bunton … Parents – Robert & Judy Newsom … Lists hobbies as drawing and playing basketball … Chose Mizzou over Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kansas State, Tennessee, Iowa, Wake Forest, Indiana, Minnesota, and Illinois, among others.

MICHAEL SCHERER
Fr., LB, 6-2, 230, St. Louis, Mo. (Country Day HS)

(Last name is pronounced SHEER) … A hard-nosed and athletic linebacker who plays with good instincts and is capable of having success stopping the run or dropping in coverage … Ranked by both ESPN and Rivals as the No. 8 overall talent in the state of Missouri for 2012 at any position … ESPN ranks him as the nation’s No. 20 prospect at inside linebacker, while Rivals slots him as the country’s No. 56-ranked outside linebacker … Won 1st-Team All-State honors each of his last two seasons, and was named his conference’s Player of the Year in 2011 … Was an Under Armour All-American as a junior when he made 83 tackles and had 4 sacks and 1 interception … Also stood out as a powerful running back, running for 1,120 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior … Three-sport standout for Country Day, as he also lettered in basketball and track for four years apiece … High school coach – Josh Smith … Parents – Joseph & Dori Scherer … Plans to major in business at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Stanford, Nebraska, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, Illinois and Iowa, among many others … Says that the team and coaches at Mizzou are like one big family, and that comfort level was a major reason for choosing MU.

MORGAN STEWARD
Fr., TB, 5-11, 185, Kansas City, Mo. (Staley HS)

Well-rounded back with great burst and vision who possesses an effective blend of both speed and power … Is a very versatile athlete who is a receiving threat out of the backfield as well … Comes to Mizzou as the career rushing leader at Staley (4,184 career yards, 46 rushing touchdowns), where he started all 52 games of his prep career … Led his team to a 13-0 record and a Missouri State Championship in Class 5 as a senior, rushing for 205 yards and 1 touchdown in the 35-21 win over Kirkwood in the 2011 Show-Me Bowl … Finished the year with 2,221 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, while adding 24 receptions for 376 yards and 2 touchdowns … Was named the Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year in the state of Missouri, and was a unanimous 1st-Team All-State selection … Was a 2nd-Team All-State selection as a junior after running for 1,555 yards and 14 touchdowns … High school coach – Fred Bouchard … Parents – Robert & LeSa Steward … Lists hobbies as playing the piano, eating lots of good food, running, music, video games, reading the Bible, going to church and spending time with family and friends … Plans to major in business communication … Received interest from Nebraska, Texas A&M, Kansas State, Vanderbilt and Northern Illinois, among other … The family atmosphere between coaches and players was a major reason why he chose Mizzou.

KA’RA STEWART
Fr., DB, 5-10, 190, O’Fallon, Ill. (O’Fallon HS)

(First name is pronounced KAY-rah) … Explosive athlete who made an impact on both sides of the ball, as well as in the return game at the prep level … Ranked by ESPN as the No. 13 overall prospect at any position in the state of Illinois, and also as the nation’s No. 26 safety … Played only one year at O’Fallon after transferring from Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy, as his parents are in the Air Force  … Starred on both sides of the ball, as a defensive back and a running back … Won 1st-Team All-Conference honors at outside linebacker as a senior when he recorded 35 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries (one that he returned for a touchdown) and 2 interceptions … Also ran two kickoffs back for scores, while also rushing for 428 yards and 5 touchdowns as a senior (averaged a solid 10.44 yards per carry) … Was a 1st-Team All-League selection and a 2nd-Team All-State selection as a junior, with 62 tackles, 1 sack and 2 interceptions (both returned for touchdowns) … Has also excelled in track & field, where he has a career best triple jump of 43-feet, 11-inches … High school coach – Brandon Joggerst … Parents – Ka’Ra Stewart & Janice Davis … At Fork Union Military Academy, where he was for three years, he became an officer and was in charge of a hallway of 30 cadets … Lists cruising, video games and naptime as some hobbies outside of football … Plans to study pre-pharmacy at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Iowa, Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, Northwestern and Air Force, among others … Cites the family atmosphere in the football program and the campus lifestyle as major drawing points which attracted him to Mizzou.

DARIUS WHITE
Jr., WR, 6-3, 200, Fort Worth, Texas (Dunbar HS/Univ. of Texas)

Highly-touted receiver who transferred to Mizzou in the off-season, after spending his first two years at Texas … Will have to sit out the 2012 season, per NCAA transfer rules, and will have two years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2013 … Played in 21 games over two years at Texas … Caught 5 passes for 66 yards for the Longhorns in 11 games as a sophomore in 2011, after making 1 catch for 5 yards in 10 outings as a true freshman in 2010  … Saw the field against Mizzou in 2011 in the Tigers’ 17-5 win over Texas in Columbia, but did not record any statistics … Got his first collegiate score on a 31-yard touchdown reception in a 52-20 win over Texas Tech in Austin in 2011 … Was a Parade All-American and a 1st-Team All-USA pick by USA Today who was ranked as the No. 3 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 20 overall prospect at any position in the country by ESPN … Made 93 catches for 2,293 yards and 35 touchdowns in his final three seasons at Dunbar … Played in the 2010 Under Armour All-America Game, catching an 11-yard touchdown pass and returning a punt 35 yards for a touchdown … Was also a three-year letterman in basketball, winning All-District honors as a senior, as well as being selected as the district MVP as a junior, in addition to being a three-year letterman in track and field … High school coach – Todd Lawson … Mother – Demetric White … Grandmother – Billie Dobbins.

JORDAN WILLIAMS
Fr., OL, 6-4, 270, Denton, Texas (Ryan HS)

Highly-regarded offensive line prospect who continues Mizzou’s pipeline at Ryan High School … Is known as a tough-minded run blocker who has the physical frame and flexibility to excel in pass protection as well … ESPN rates him as the No. 62 offensive tackle prospect in the nation, while also ranking him the No. 84 overall prospect at any position coming out of the state of Texas for the class of 2012 … Was an honorable mention All-State selection as a senior offensive lineman … Ryan went 12-0 in 2011 before getting knocked out in the Class 4A regional semifinals of the state playoffs … High school coach – Joey Florence … Mother – Hester Frank … Lists interests outside of football as playing basketball and hanging out with family and friends … Plans to study pre-pharmacy at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Stanford, UCLA, Arizona State, Arizona, Boise State, Colorado, Oregon State and Virginia, among others … Lists his relationship built with the coaching staff that sold him on attending Mizzou.

EVAN WINSTON
Fr., DL, 6-3, 270, Muskegon Heights, Mich. (Muskegon Heights HS)

A versatile talent who projects at multiple defensive line spots at the collegiate level … Plays with power and has shown a good knack for shedding blocks to be effective against both the run and pass … Rivals ranks him as the No. 18 overall prospect at any position in the state of Michigan for 2012 … ESPN has him as the nation’s No. 73 defensive tackle prospect … Named to the Detroit News Dream Team as a senior, and also took home 1st-Team All-State and 1st-Team All-Area honors in 2011 … Made 88 tackles as a senior, including 22 tackles for loss and 10 sacks while forcing 5 fumbles along the way … Had 93 tackles during his junior season, with 11 of them going for sacks … Three-sport letterwinner, who also excelled in basketball and track for his school … High school coach – Tony Blankenship … Parents – Steven & Kathy Winston … Enjoys working out, fishing and playing basketball in his spare time away from football … Plans to major in nursing at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Arkansas, Michigan State, Kansas State, Iowa, Illinois, Cincinnati, Louisville and Houston, among others … Lists the stability of Mizzou’s coaching staff, as well as the overall family atmosphere around the program as major factors that drew him to MU.

— MU Sports Information —

K-State releases football recruiting class

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Head football coach Bill Snyder released Kansas State’s 2012 recruiting class Wednesday with the announcement of 26 student-athletes who plan on joining or already are a part the Wildcat program.

Kansas State’s class of 2012 includes 20 players from the high school ranks and six community college players. Of the group, nine are currently enrolled at K-State and will participate in spring practice.

“As we’ve always maintained, it takes several years to accurately assess the quality of a recruiting class and the young men who represent it,” said Snyder. “Hopefully we have assessed the skills, capabilities and intrinsic values of these young people accurately. As always, time will tell. Part of the value of this class lies in the fact that 11 of these student-athletes either have been or will be in classes and participate in our out-of-season program and spring practice. As it has in past years, hopefully this will greatly enhance the level of Division I experience at a young age as last year’s class produced seven 2011 starters. We have been impressed by the desire of each of these young men to become the best person, best student and best athlete possible as they seem committed to work hard. This class represents 12 states with six community college transfers and 20 high school graduates. Those presently in the program have been well received by their teammates and the Kansas State football family and seem to fit in extremely well.

As always, we greatly appreciate the coaches, faculty members and administrators throughout the state of Kansas and the United States who have received our coaches and our program so very graciously, and I am especially proud of the Kansas State faculty for their assistance in conveying the great support services and equally great education provided by this University.”

Overall on the defensive side of the ball, the 2012 class includes six total defensive linemen, two linebackers and three defensive backs. K-State’s offensive recruiting haul also includes one quarterback, three running back/fullbacks, five wide receivers, one tight end and three offensive linemen. Also included are two players listed as “athletes” who could play on either side of the ball.

Kansas State’s class of 2012 also continues to show how broad and thorough Snyder and his staff were on the recruiting trail as all 26 players hail from 12 different states, including nine from the state of Texas, five from the state of Kansas, two from Oklahoma, two from the state of Louisiana and one each from the states of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Nebraska.

In addition, two scholarships for the 2012 class were awarded to players who were with the program this past fall – defensive lineman John Sua and starting left guard Nick Puetz.

Class Breakdown

By State:

Arkansas (1): Samuel Harvill

Florida (1): Kent Gainous

GEORGIA (1): Wesley Hollingshed

Kansas (5): Morgan Burns, Deante Burton, Chaquil Reed, Matt Seiwert, Vernon Vaughn

Louisiana (2): Charles Jones, Judah Jones

Maryland (1): Tavon Rooks

Missouri (1): Travis Britz

New Jersey (1): Ellwood Clement

New York (1): Glenn Gronkowski

Nebraska (1): Tavarius Bender

Oklahoma (2): Dante Barnett, Hunter Davis

Texas (9): Marquez Clark, Will Davis, Aderius Epps, Demonte Hood, Jarvis Leverett, Mike Moore, Cody Small, Donnie Starks, Steven West

Dante Barnett

Athlete

6-1, 175

Tulsa, Okla. (Booker T. Washington)

AT BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL: Recorded 100 tackles and nine interceptions on his way to earning second team all-state honors as a senior in 2010… Also hauled in 10 touchdowns as a receiver… Recorded 101 tackles as a junior and also caught 32 passes for 775 yards and six touchdowns… Led Booker T. Washington to a 13-1 record and a state championship this past season… Also collected nine interceptions as a junior… High school teammates with Tyler Lockett and Keenan Taylor.

PERSONAL: Dante Barnett was born June 14, 1993… Son of Larry Barnett and Tiah Pankey.

Tavarius Bender

Quarterback

6-3, 210

Lincoln, Neb. (Southwest)

AT LINCOLN SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated early and is currently enrolled at K-State… Rated the No. 20 dual-threat quarterback in the country by Rivals and the No. 1 overall player in the state of Nebraska… Threw for 1,025 yards, rushed for 699 yards and accounted for 20 total touchdowns as a senior… 2011 Super State First Team pick and First Team All-Cirty selection… Ran for 793 yards and five scores in 2010 while throwing for 970 yards and six touchdowns as a junior… Selected to the All-City Class A team and all-state team as a sophomore… No. 55-ranked QB in Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU… 2010 Class A Honorable Mention All-State selection as named by The Lincoln Journal-Star and Omaha World-Herald… Accumulated a 3.5 GPA in high school.

PERSONAL: Tavarius Bender was born April 1, 1994… Son of Jeremy Bender.

Travis Britz

Defensive Lineman

6-4, 287

Harrisonville, Mo. (Harrisonville)

AT HARRISONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Rated the No. 20 player in the state of Missouri by Rivals… 2011 first team all-state pick by the Missouri Coaches Association and Missouri Sports Writers Association… 2011 Kansas City Star All-Metro First Team pick… Recorded 70 tackles and seven sacks in 2011… Collected 99 tackles and three sacks as a junior… Totaled 214 career tackles in three seasons… Two-time All-Missouri River Valley pick… MaxPrep Second Team All-American and Missouri Class 4 Defensive MVP in 2011… Also took fourth in the state in wrestling as a heavyweight in 2011… Accumulated a 3.3 GPA in high school.

PERSONAL: Travis Britz was born January 26, 1994… Son of Janice and Tom Britz.

Morgan Burns

Defensive Back

5-11, 195

Wichita, Kan. (Trinity Academy)

AT TRINITY ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL: The No. 14 player in the state of Kansas in 2010 according to Rivals.com… A three-time all-league pick at both defensive back and running back… Two-time all-metro selection… Rushed for 2,700 yards and 36 touchdowns over his last two seasons… Also a state champion in track at 100m, 200m and 400m and a member of the state-champion basketball squad.

PERSONAL: Morgan Burns was born May 19, 1993… Son of Brad and Greta Burns.

Deante Burton

Wide Receiver

6-2, 200

Manhattan, Kan. (Manhattan)

AT MANHATTAN HIGH SCHOOL: Helped Manhattan to an 11-1 record last season… First Team All-Centennial League as a senior… Earned all-state honors as a defensive back… Had 20 receptions for 327 yards, five touchdowns, and a pair of interceptions in 2011… Collected 216 rushing yards and three scores in 2011… Returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown in the 2011 playoffs against Dodge City… Totaled two punt return scores on the season… Had 244 yards receiving in 2010 with three touchdowns… Two-year starter at both wide receiver and defensive back… Lettered three seasons for the Indians and compiled a 30-3 record during that time.

PERSONAL: Deante Burton was born July 12, 1994… Son of Morrison and Valentina Burton.

Marquez Clark

Wide Receiver

6-0, 180

Texarkana, Texas (Navarro JC)

AT NAVARRO JC: The No. 16 rated junior college player in the nation by Rivals… A 2011 First Team All-American and Southwest Junior College Football Conference MVP… Set NJCAA individual single-season receiving records for receptions (98) and yardage (1,639) and claimed virtually every Navarro career and single-season pass-catching record in the process in 2011… Totaled 100-plus receiving yards in each of his final 10 games… Caught nine or more passes in six of those games, including a 13-catch,186-yard effort in a 40-24 Heart Of Texas Bowl win over New Mexico Military Institute… In 23 games during two years at Navarro, finished with 126-2039-19 receiving, but also starred in an all-purpose role by totaling 3,304 yards and 20 touchdowns in 181 plays — almost 18.3 yards per touch… For his career, averaged 26.1 yards per kickoff return (38-993) and 20.3 yards from 10 punt returns during the 2011 season, including one for an 84-yard score against Trinity Valley… Led Navarro to a 21-3 record in two seasons, including a national title in 2010 and a No. 5 national ranking in 2011.

AT LIBERTY-EYLAU HIGH SCHOOL: A First Team All-District 16-3A pick as a junior and senior by Rivals… Voted Offensive Most Valuable Player as a sophomore… Holds school records in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash… Took fifth in the 100-meter dash in the 2010 Texas State Championships… A former teammate of Oregon’s LaMichael James.

PERSONAL: Marquez Clark was born September 26, 1991.

Ellwood Clement

Offensive Lineman

6-5, 310

Deptford, N.J. (Eastern Arizona CC)

AT EASTERN ARIZONA CC: Helped Eastern Arizona to a 9-3 record in 2011… A second team all-conference pick as a freshman…A First Team All-American and first team all-conference pick in his sophomore season… Helped Eastern Arizona finish with a national ranking of No. 20 and No. 19 in his two years…Led the way for the No. 1 rushing attack in the NJCAA in each of his two years.

AT DEPTFORD HIGH SCHOOL: Named to the All-Tri County team and was a second team all-state pick… Received honorable mention accolades in basketball as well.

PERSONAL: Ellwood Clement was born January 22, 1991… He is the son of Yetta Clement.

Hunter Davis

Defensive End

6-3, 246

Choctaw, Okla. (Choctaw)

AT CHOCTAW HIGH SCHOOL: Named to PrepStar magazine’s All-Midlands Region team in 2010… Recorded 59 tackles during his senior season (30 solo, 34 assisted)… Recorded 3.0 sacks… Participated in Under Armour and U.S. Army Combines… Named all-conference, all-district and all-state as a senior… Nominated for the Wendy’s Heisman Trophy for high school student-athletes… Was also a team captain.

PERSONAL: Hunter Davis was born December 12, 1992… Son of Ken and Bobbie Brewer… Relative of current Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker.

Will Davis

Linebacker

6-1, 213

Southlake, Texas (Carroll)

AT CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL: Led Carroll to an undefeated state championship in 2011… Had 176 tackles, including 115 solos, 10 sacks, six knockdowns, two forced fumble and two fumble recoveries… Named the Texas Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year by the Texas Sports Writers Association and Padilla Poll… Team captain and Defensive MVP in 2011 and also was named the Defensive MVP of the 2011 state title game… Earned 2011 first team all-state honors from Fox Sports, Old Coach and 5A Texas Football… Named all-area by the Dallas Morning News and Old Coach… Named one of the state’s top recruits by the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dallas Morning News, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and Lemming… Totaled 308 tackles, 25 for a loss, and 14.0 sacks in his final two seasons… Led Carroll to a combined 37-6 record in three seasons… Also an academic all-state scholar and a member of the National Honor Society.

PERSONAL: Will Davis was born November 4, 1993… Son of Barry and Leigh Davis.

Aderius Epps

Offensive Lineman

6-2, 295

Cedar Hill, Texas (Cedar Hill)

AT CEDAR HILL HIGH SCHOOL: Named to the Old Coach Texas Top 100 list… Rated the No. 87 player in the state of Texas by Old Coach… First team all-district as a senior and honorable mentioned pick as a junior… Team captain as a junior and senior… Led the team in pancakes, averaging 5.0 a game… Four-year letterman… Earned a third-place finish at the regional power lifting meet… Also a team captain on the basketball team.

PERSONAL: Aderius Epps was born May 18, 1994… Son of Oscar and Belenthia Epps.

Kent Gainous

Safety

6-1, 190

Orlando, Fla. (Trinity Valley CC)

AT TRINITY VALLEY CC: Tallied 35 tackles and an interception this past fall for Trinity Valley… All-SWJCC first team selection… Teammate of fellow Wildcat signee Wesley Hollingshed.

AT EDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL: Made Florida’s Third-Team All-4A team as a senior.

PERSONAL: Kent Gainous was born April 6, 1992…. Son of Kent and Cynthia Gainous.

Glenn Gronkowski

Fullback

6-3, 235

Amherst, N.Y. (Williamsville North)

AT WILLIAMSVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL: Caught 53 passes for 762 yards and 11 touchdowns during his 2010 senior season… Had two passes for 90 yards…. Recorded eight interceptions, returning two for touchdowns… Recovered two fumbles, returning one for an 85-yard touchdown… Recorded 43 solo tackles… Punted for a 35.8 average and handled all of the kicking duties….Named co-Offensive Player of the Year in Section VI Class AA North… Totaled 125 catches for 2,076 yards and 23 touchdowns during high school career.

PERSONAL: Glenn Gronkowski was born March 25, 1993…The brother of current NFL players Dan (Browns), Rob (Patriots), and Chris (Colts) Gronkowski… Brother Gordie also played pro baseball in the Angels’ organization… Son of Diane and Gordon Gronkowski.

Samuel Harvill

Defensive Tackle

6-1, 255

Springdale, Ark. (Shiloh Christian)

AT SHILOH CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL: Named to the 2010 4A All-State First Team by the Arkansas Activities Association… Selected as a MaxPreps Class of 2011 All-American… Set the Army All-American Combine Bench Press Record… Set the Under Armour All-American Combine Bench Press Record… Selected as a two-time lineman MVP of the state title game… Selected to the AP All-Arkansas Team… Named the Morning News Defensive Player of the Year… Named the Arkansas Sophomore Defensive Player of the Year… Named to Prep Star magazine’s All-West Region team… Led Shiloh Christian to four league titles and three state championships… Recorded 71 tackles with 10 sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior… Had 68 tackles (47 solo, 21 assisted) as a junior… Recorded 8.5 sacks… Forced five fumbles and recovered three… Finished his career with 341 tackles, 95 tackles for loss and an Arkansas state-record 48.5 sacks.

PERSONAL: Samuel Harvill was born March 3, 1992… Son of Bill and Kristi Harvill… Has two siblings, Brad and Mindy.

Wesley Hollingshed

Defensive Tackle

6-2, 300

Atlanta, Ga. (Trinity Valley CC)

AT TRINITY VALLEY CC: The No. 47 rated junior college player in the nation by Rivals… Totaled 21 tackles in eight games in 2010… Helped Trinity Valley rank 20th in rushing defense in the NJCAA… Teammate of fellow Wildcat signee Kent Gainous.

AT PEACH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL: A first team all-state selection… Helped Peach County High School win back-to-back state championships… Played in the Gwinnett County All-Star game and was also a Gwinnett County player of the week… Compiled 14 sacks, 110 tackles and 22 tackles for loss during his senior campaign.

PERSONAL: Wesley Hollingshed was born April 7, 1991… Son of Terry Hollingshed and Tracey Tharpe.

Demonte Hood

Defensive Tackle

6-0, 295

Arlington, Texas (Bowie)

AT BOWIE HIGH SCHOOL: Had 60 tackles, seven for loss and two sacks in 2011… A first team All-District 4-5A selection.

PERSONAL: Demonte Hood was born August 20, 1993.

Charles Jones

5-11, 180

Running Back

Mandeville, La. (Mandeville)

AT MANDEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter for head coach Guy Lecompte… Rushed for 1,767 yards and 22 touchdowns while hauling in 31 passes for 321 yards during his senior season… Honorable mention all-state pick by the LSWA… Named the New Orleans Player of the Week following a 213-yard performance against Parkway… Accounted for nearly 700 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns as a junior… Will join fellow New Orleans-area Wildcats Cornelius Lucas, Torell Miller and Daniel Sams.

PERSONAL: Charles Jones was born January 20, 1994… Son of Charles and Zondra Jones.

Judah Jones

6-1, 180

Wide Receiver

Shreveport, La. (Evangel Christian)

AT EVANGEL CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL: As a junior, Jones put up just over 1,000 all-purpose yards and scored 16 touchdowns en route to all-district honors… Had 43 receptions for 728 receiving yards with six touchdowns as a senior… Also averaged 24.0 yards on eight kick returns in 2011… Evangel advanced to the Louisiana 2A State Semifinals in 2011.

PERSONAL: Judah Jones was born November 14, 1993… Son of Dewitt and Kim Jones… Judah plays the drums for the highly successful family Christian Gospel band, forever JONES… His parents formed the band with their five children… The band was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2011.

Jarvis Leverett

Running Back

5-11, 200

Katy, Texas (Cypress Lakes)

AT CYPRESS LAKES HIGH SCHOOL: Listed as the eighth-best running back in Texas by the Houston Chronicle… Also named to the newspaper’s Texas Top 100 list this season… In a three-game stretch, he had 500 yards rushing and five touchdowns as a senior… Was named the school’s MVP as a sophomore in track… Member of the district qualifying 4×100 meter relay team as a sophomore.

PERSONAL: Jarvi Leverett was born April 21, 1994… Son of Pearline Williams.

Mike Moore

Linebacker

6-1, 213

Dallas, Texas (Skyline)

AT SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL: Helped lead the Raiders to a 9-3 overall record (7-0 league) during the 2010 season… Two-time all-district pick… Named one of the Top 100 players in the state of Texas prior to senior season… Teammate of current Wildcat Marquel Bryant.

PERSONAL: Mike Moore was born January 30, 1993… Son of Mike and Shannon Moore.

Chaquil Reed

Defensive Lineman

6-3, 290

Wichita, Kan. (Butler County CC)

AT BUTER COUNTY CC: Helped lead Butler to a combined 22-2 record in 2010 and 2011… Collected 43 tackles and five sacks en route to 2011 all-conference honors… Also tallied 21 tackles in 2010.

AT WICHITA EAST HIGH SCHOOL: Combined for 216 tackles, including 83 as a senior, in three seasons… Collected 11 sacks as a senior and 16.5 for his career… Named an all-city performer in 2007, 2008 and 2009… Played fullback and defensive tackle in high school… Teammate of current Wildcat Arthur Brown… Also lettered in basketball.

PERSONAL: Chaquil Reed was born December 4, 1991… Grandson of Israel and Nancy Reed… Cousin, Kamerion Wimbley, plays for the Oakland Raiders.

Tavon Rooks

Offensive Lineman

6-6, 270

Randallstown, Md. (Navarro JC)

AT NAVARRO JC: Rated as the No. 23 junior college player in the country by Rivals… Considered by many the top pass-blocker among available junior college offensive linemen… Led Navarro to a 21-3 record in two seasons, including a national title in 2010 and a No. 5 national ranking in 2011… Navarro had the No. 5 ranked passing offense with Rooks on the line in 2011.

PERSONAL: Tavon Rooks was born May 10, 1990… Son of Stephanie Kees.

Matt Seiwert

Athlete

6-3, 260

Conway Springs, Kan. (Conway Springs)

AT CONWAY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL: Made the Topeka Capital Journal’s Top 11 and was also an all-class pick… A 2011 MaxPreps All-American… A first team All-Central Plains League pick on offense and defense… Named Co-Defensive MVP for the Central Plains League… Helped Conway Springs win the 2011 3A State Championship with four assisted tackles, one for a loss, and a fumble recovery… Led Conway Springs to a combined 38-4 record and two state titles in three seasons… Also earned all-league and all-state honors in basketball and javelin (187 feet).

PERSONAL: Matt Seiwert was born September 5, 1993… Son of David and Mary Seiwert… Brother, Darin, played for K-State.

Cody Small

Tight End

6-4, 237

Cypress, Texas (Cypress Woods)

AT CYPRESS WOODS HIGH SCHOOL: Helped Woods to a 9-3 record in 2011… Listed in VYPE’s Top 75 Football Prospects in the Northern Houston area at No. 38… All-district performer as a junior and senior and also earned All-Houston area honors as a senior… A “Rising Star” in 2010 by 5ATexasFootball.com at defensive end… Competed on Cypress Woods’ 7-on-7 team, which reached the semifinals of the Cy Falls Tournament in 2011.

PERSONAL: Cody Small was born September 16, 1993… Son of David and Jo Small.

Donnie Starks

Defensive Back

5-11, 180

Crosby, Texas (Crosby)

AT CROSBY HIGH SCHOOL: Was the District 19-4A Newcomer of the Year during his sophomore season… An all-district cornerback during his senior year…Accumulated 189 solo tackles, 44 assisted tackles, and six interceptions with a touchdown… Also ran track two years.

PERSONAL: Donnie Starks was born June 6, 1994… Son of Henry and Ann Starks.

Vernon Vaughn

Wide Receiver

6-2, 190

Kansas City, Kan. (Sumner Academy)

AT SUMNER ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL: A Kansas City-Atchison League first team pick… First Team All-Kansas during his sophomore and junior seasons… Had 58 catches for 865 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior… Finished career with 94 catches for 1,517 yards and 24 touchdowns… Averaged 16.1 yards per catch and one touchdown for every three catches… Led Sumner Academy’s basketball team to two state championships… Was a league Honorable Mention selection on the court as a junior… A Kansas Honor Scholar, USD 500 Scholastic Athlete and National Honor Society member… Accumulated a 3.48 GPA in high school.

PERSONAL: Vernon Vaughn was born August 26, 1994… Son of Vernon and Debra Vaughn.

Steven West

6-1, 190

Wide Receiver

Keller, Texas (Fossil Ridge)

AT FOSSIL RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL: Caught 52 passes for 1,003 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, and had 52 catches, 852 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior season… A first team All-District 7-5A selection by Rivals in 2010… A first team All-District 5-5A pick by TexasHSFootball.com.

PERSONAL: Steven West was born November 13, 1992… Son of Steven and Carolyn West.

— KSU Sports Information —

Kansas signs 20 football players to 2012 recruiting class

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Kansas Head Football Coach Charlie Weis and his staff hit the ground running upon being hired in mid-December, collecting a total of 20 signatures for its 2012 football class released Wednesday.

KU received signatures from 17 players on Wednesday, in addition to the three players who were previously announced as mid-year transfers in Dayne Crist, Jake Heaps and Justin McCay. In all, the Jayhawks inked 11 offensive players and nine defensive players.

Weis and his staff put together one of the top quarterback classes of all-time with Crist and Heaps both rated as five-star players by Rivals.com and Scout.com as high school seniors and City College of San Francisco signal caller Taylor Baty joining the mix on Wednesday as a three-star prospect by both websites.

KU signed junior college All-Americans in running back Taylor Cox and defensive lineman Jordan Tavai. Tavai was one of four defensive linemen to join the Jayhawks on Wednesday as Keon Stowers and Ty McKinney arrive in Lawrence by way of junior college and Tyler Holmes comes to KU straight from high school.

Six players from the state of Texas are going to become Jayhawks, including Dallas-Ft. Worth area natives Courtney Arnick, Holmes and McKinney; Houston area natives Greg Allen and Ty’ree Williams and Waco area native Jordan Smith.

Kansas signed three players from the California in Los Angeles area players Crist and Tavai and San Francisco area native Baty.

KU’s Sunflower state signees include Brian Beckman (Blue Valley West) and Tre Parmalee (Bishop Miege), both of Overland Park.

2012 Kansas Football Signees

Player                        Pos. Ht.    Wt.   Yr.    Exp. Hometown (Previous School)

Dayne Crist*            QB   6-4   235  Sr.   TR    Canoga Park, Calif. (Notre Dame)

Jake Heaps*            QB   6-1   200  Jr.    TR    Issaquah, Wash. (BYU)

Justin McCay*          WR   6-3   220  So.   TR    Kansas City, Mo. (Oklahoma)

* Already on campus this spring

Player                        Pos. Ht.    Wt.   Yr.    Exp. Hometown (Previous School)

Greg Allen               DB   5-11 190  Fr.   HS    Houston, Texas (Alief Taylor HS)

Courtney Arnick        LB    6-2   205  Fr.   HS    Dallas, Texas (Carter HS)

Turner Baty             QB   6-2   220  So.   JC    Redwood City, Calif. (City College of San Francisco)

Brian Beckman         OL    6-6   315  Fr.   HS    Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley West HS)

Charles Brooks         TE    6-6   240  Jr.    JC    St. Louis, Mo. (Scottsdale CC)

Sean Connolly          OL    6-7   290  Fr.   HS    Kirtland Hills, Ohio (St. Edward HS)

Taylor Cox               RB    5-11 206  Jr.    JC    Mill Creek, Wash. (College of the Siskiyous)

Josh Ford                WR   6-3   190  Jr.    JC    Landover, Md. (Arizona Western CC)

Tyler Holmes            DL    6-3   280  Fr.   HS    Garland, Texas (Sachse HS)

Schyler Miles            LB    6-2   220  Fr.   HS    Tampa, Fla. (Berkeley Prep HS)

Ty McKinney            DL    6-3   310  Jr.    JC    Athens, Texas (Trinity Valley CC)

Nasir Moore             DB   6-1   185  Jr.    JC    Suwanee, Ga. (East Los Angeles College)

Tre Parmalee           WR   5-10 170  Fr.   HS    Overland Park, Kan. (Bishop Miege HS)

Jordan Smith           TE    6-5   240  Fr.   HS    McGregor, Texas (Reicher Catholic HS)

Keon Stowers          DL    6-3   280  So.   JC    Rock Hill, S.C. (Georgia Military College)

Jordan Tavai            DL    6-3   290  Jr.    JC    Redondo Beach, Calif. (El Camino CC)

Ty’ree Williams         DB   6-0   189  Fr.   HS    Stafford, Texas (Dulles HS)

*Dayne Crist

QB, 6-4, 235, Sr., TR

Canoga Park, Calif.

(Notre Dame HS/Notre Dame)

Graduated from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business in December 2011 with a degree in management-consulting … Appeared in 17 games for the Irish, including 10 starts … Threw for 2,327 yards, with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 17 games at Notre Dame … Started the first nine games of the 2010 season before suffering a season-ending injury … Amassed 2,033 yards passing yards and 15 TDs prior to his injury … No. 2-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2008 according to Rivals.com … Selected to play in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio following his senior season at Notre Dame HS … One of six finalists for the 2008 U.S. Army Player of the Year Award and was one of seven finalists for the Joe Montana Quarterback of the Year Award … Played for Kevin Rooney at Notre Dame High School … Also had offers out of high school from Florida State, USC, Iowa, Michigan, Stanford, Nebraska and Oregon … Son of Tim and Karen Crist.

*Jake Heaps

QB, 6-1, 200, Jr., TR

Issaquah, Wash.

(Skyline HS/BYU)

Transferred to Kansas from Brigham Young in January 2012 … Started the final 10 games of his freshman season at BYU (2010) and the first five games in 2011 … Set freshman school records for yards passing (2,316), attempts (383), completions (219) and touchdown passes (15) during the 2010 season … Led BYU to a 7-6 overall mark in 2010 and a win over UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl … Played in nine games in 2011, starting six … Completed 144-of-252 passes, good for 1,452 yards and nine TDs as a sophomore … No. 1-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2010 according to both Rivals.com and Scout.com … Earned Parade All-America honors following his senior season and was invited to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl as the starting quarterback for the West team … Led his Skyline High School team to three consecutive state championships and a perfect 28-0 mark during his sophomore and junior campaigns … Played for Matt Taylor at Skyline HS … Also recruited by Oklahoma, Florida State, USC, Florida, UCLA, Georgia, Alabama, California, Tennessee, Washington and LSU out of high school … Son of Steve and Kelly Heaps … Married to wife Brooke.

*Justin McCay

WR, 6-3, 220, So., TR

Kansas City, Mo.

(Bishop Miege HS/Oklahoma)

Transferred to Kansas from Oklahoma in January 2012 … Saw action in three games for the Sooners in 2011, while battling injuries … Redshirted during the 2010 season … Was the top-ranked player in the state of Kansas in 2009 according to Rivals.com … Rated a five-star recruit by Scout.com and a four-star recruit by Rivals.com … Selected to participate in the U.S. Army All-American game, where he teamed up with current KU quarterback Jake Heaps … Named to the 2009 Kansas Football Coaches Association All-State team as a senior after registering 46 receptions for 926 yards and 15 touchdowns and 18 carries for 252 yards and four touchdowns … Also recorded 12 kick returns for 426 yards (35.5 average) and two TDs along with five punt returns (18.2 average) and one touchdown in his final season with the Stags … Picked up first team all-state honors by the Topeka Capital Journal, the Wichita Eagle and the Kansas City Star … Played for current KU offensive line coach Tim Grunhard at Bishop Miege … Also considered Florida, Kansas State, Notre Dame and Wisconsin out of high school … Son of Felicia Diane White and the late Robert Steven McCay.

Greg Allen

DB, 5-11, 190, Fr., HS

Houston, Texas

(Alief Taylor HS)

Recorded 58 total tackles, 13 pass breakups and one interception during senior season at Alief Taylor HS … Was a first team All-District honoree in both 2010 and 2011, earning District 18-5A Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2011 … Earned honorable mention All-District honors in 2009 … Ranked as one of the top 25 defensive backs in Texas by Dave Campbell … Named to 2011 Pre-Season All-Greater Houston High School Football Team by Touchdown Club of Houston … A three-year letterwinner in football … Also competed in track and field at Alief Taylor, earning team MVP honors as a junior … Coached by J.D. Jordan at Alief Taylor … Selected Kansas over Utah, Ole Miss and Memphis … Son of Camella Allen … Born in New Orleans, La., but moved to Houston following Hurricane Katrina … His cousin, Shawn Allen, plays football at Grambling.

Courtney Arnick

LB, 6-2, 205, Fr., HS

Dallas, Texas

(Carter HS)

A three-star linebacker according to Rivals.com … Rated the 13th best linebacker in the Dallas Metro area by the Dallas Morning News … Earned unanimous first team District 11-4A honors following his senior season … Had a 60-yard fumble return for a touchdown in his school’s ‘Super Bowl’ rivalry game against Kimball HS during his senior season … Recorded 112 tackles (60 solos), 16 TFLs, three pass breakups and one interception in 2011 … Voted Carter’s team MVP as a senior … Named to ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth’s, District 11-4A’s, 2011 Preseason watch list … Served as team captain as a senior … Coached by Patrick Willams at Carter HS … Also competed in track and field, where he placed second at the district meet in the discus and fourth in the shot put as a junior … An excellent student, ranks seventh in his graduating class at Carter and is the senior class vice president … Also considered Boise State, Houston, Colorado State and Memphis … Son of Carla and Curlie Arnick … Brother, Curnelius, recently completed his collegiate career at Tulsa, where he was a four-year starter at linebacker and led the Golden Hurricane with 159 tackles in 2011.

Turner Baty

QB, 6-2, 220, So., JC

Redwood City, Calif.

(New Canaan Prep/CC of San Francisco)

Named Most Valuable Player of the California Community College Athletic Association state championship after leading City College of San Francisco to the title and a perfect 12-0 mark in 2011 … CCSF were named the 2011 JC Football National Champions … Completed 178 of 265 pass attempts, good for 62.2 percent … Threw for 2,410 yards and 23 touchdowns, with just five interceptions … Also recorded 249 yards rushing and seven TDs on the ground … Coached by George Rush at CCSF … Played his senior season at New Canaan Prep (Conn.), leading the Rams to their fourth-straight CIAC Championship … Named MVP of the state championship game after leading New Canaan Prep to a 28-0 win … Threw for 2,452 yards and 26 TDs in his one season at New Canaan … Spent his sophomore and junior seasons at Menlo-Atherton (Calif.) High School … Threw for 1,800 yards, with 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions as a junior … Also rushed for 200 yards and two TDs … Helped lead Menlo-Atherton to a 22-4 overall mark and a perfect 12-0 mark in conference play during his two seasons with the Bears … Son of Kathleen Baty and Greg Baty … Father, Greg, played tight end at Stanford, while his grandfather played at Michigan.

Brian Beckman

OL, 6-6, 315, Fr., HS

Overland Park, Kan.

(Blue Valley West HS)

Named the top offensive lineman prospect and third overall prospect in the state of Kansas by Rivals.com heading into senior campaign … Missed his senior season at Blue Valley West due to injury … Earned honorable mention All-Eastern Kansas League honors as a junior … Coached by Scott Wright at BVWHS … Also lettered in track and field at Blue Valley West and taking second in the discus and third in the shot put at 2011 Kansas State Track and Field Championships … An outstanding student … Member of the National Honor Society, the BVWHS Honor Roll and the German Club … Plans to major in English at KU … Chose Kansas over Kansas State … Son of Cathy and Bruce Beckman … Father, Bruce, was a wrestler at Nebraska.

Charles Brooks

TE, 6-6, 240, Jr., JC

St. Louis, Mo.

(Maplewood HS/Scottsdale CC)

One of the top junior college tight ends  in 2011 by Rivals.com … Played in nine games during the 2011 season for Scottsdale Community College, catching 26 passes for 317 yards and five touchdowns … Missed two games with an injury … Coached by Doug Madoski at SCC … Did not start playing football until his senior year of high school … During his lone season at Maplewood HS he caught 33 passes for 769 yards and eight touchdowns … Helped lead his team to a near perfect season and the Missouri Class 2 State Semi-Finals … Member of the 2010 Class 2 All-State Football squad as well as All-Metro Football team … Suited up as a power forward for the school’s basketball team … Named MVP and All-South Central Athletic Association First Team member for 2008-09 basketball season … Chose Kansas over Ole Miss, New Mexico, Middle Tennessee and Florida International … Son of Anita Williams.

Sean Connolly

OL, 6-7, 290, Fr., HS

Kirtland Hills, Ohio

(St. Edward HS)

Helped St. Edward to a perfect 15-0 record and a Division I state championship during the 2010 campaign … St. Edward finished with an 8-4 mark during the 2011 season, falling in the regional semi-finals … Member of an offensive line that has three players moving on to BCS schools following graduation … Coached by Rick Fionti at St. Edward … Played varsity basketball during his freshman and sophomore years at St. Edward … Picked Kansas over Akron, Marshall and Wyoming … An outstanding student … Member of the St. Edward Honor Roll and is a student ambassador … Son of Melissa and Tim Connolly.

Taylor Cox

RB, 5-11, 206, Jr., JC

Mill Creek, Wash.

(Jackson HS/College of the Siskiyous)

Selected as an All-American by the California Community Colleges Football Association following his sophomore season … Rushed for 1,507 yards and 14 touchdowns in 10 games during 2011 season … Claims school records for rushing yards in a game (326), career (2,744) and touchdowns in career (31) … Tallied 1,237 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns on 212 carries as a freshman … Also had 31 receptions for 148 yards and three TDs in 2010 … Coached by Charlie Roche at College of Siskiyous … Named First Team All-Wesco during junior and senior seasons at running back as well as at cornerback at Jackson HS … Rushed for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns over his final two high school seasons … Also recorded 307 receiving yards and four touchdown catches … Rushed for over 200 yards in three games during his senior season … Helped lead Jackson to Wesco South Championship in 2008 … Played in Washington State Football Coaches Association All-State game in spring of 2009 … Chose KU over Utah State … Son of McCall Cox.

Josh Ford

WR, 6-3, 190, Jr., JC

Landover, Md.

(Coolidge HS/Arizona Western CC)

Earned All-ACCAC and All-Western States Football League first team honors in 2011 … As a sophomore at Arizona Western Community College he recorded 58 receptions, good for 845 yards and 10 touchdowns, which were all team highs … Had six catches for 117 yards and a TD in the 2011 El Toro Bowl, which was the NJCAA National Championship game … As a freshman at AWCC he hauled in 20 receptions, good for 252 yards and a touchdown … Suited up for Tom Minnick at AWCC … Played wide receiver and kick returner for the Colts of Calvin Coolidge HS in Washington, D.C. … Earned two letters in football and helped lead the Colts to a 9-3 mark during his junior season and the first round of the playoffs … Named team MVP as a senior … Also lettered as a sprinter for the Colts’ track & field team, earning Most Valuable Runner honors as a senior … Was a member of the top 4×200-meter relay team in the nation in 2009-10 … Son of Lynette Ford.

Tyler Holmes

DL, 6-3, 280, Fr., HS

Garland, Texas

(Sachse HS)

Recorded 104 tackles, five sacks, 28 quarterback hurries, five pass breakups and three forced fumbles playing both defensive tackle and defensive end … Named first team All-District and was named Sachse HS team MVP and Defensive Lineman of the Year … Helped his team reach the second round of the Texas Class 5A State Playoffs during his senior year … Played for Mark Behrens at SHS … Chose Kansas over Western Kentucky and Central Arkansas … Would like to major in graphic design … Son of Linda and Tony Holmes … Father, Tony, played football at Arkansas … Uncle, Kevin Holmes, also played football at Arkansas.

Ty McKinney

DL, 6-3, 310, Jr., JC

Weatherford, Texas

(Zion Academy/Trinity Valley CC)

Tied for fourth during 2011 season in the Southwest Junior College Conference with four sacks, which also led his team … Compiled 27 total tackles, two of which were for a loss and added a fumble recovery during his sophomore campaign at Trinity Valley … Played for Brad Smiley at Trinity Valley CC … Recorded 39 stops and two fumble recoveries during his senior year at Zion Academy … Garnered Defensive Player of the Year honors for District 7-4A West following his 2009 season at Zion Academy … Named first team All-District as a junior and senior … Earned three letters in football … Plans to major in education at Kansas and would like to pursue a career in coaching … Also considered Houston, UTEP and Arkansas State … Son of Lyedea Caston and Alex McKinney … Brother, Adrick McKinney, played basketball at TCU … Uncle, Norman McKinney, played football at Texas State.

Schyler Miles

LB, 6-2, 220, Fr., HS

Tampa, Fla.

(Berkeley Prep HS)

Made 123 total stops and 60 solo tackles during senior season at Berkeley Prep … Forced four fumbles and also had four sacks … Led Berkeley Prep to an undefeated season in 2011 and Class 3A-District 5 title … Named to the Tampa Tribune’s and St. Pete Times All-State and All-Hillsborough County First Team as a linebacker … Rated the 27th best inside linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com … Saw action at fullback and tight end for the Berkeley offense, collected 52 rushing yards on 16 carries and 88 receiving yards on four catches … Played for Dominic Ciao at Berkeley Prep … Considered Florida, Notre Dame and West Virginia before choosing Kansas … Son of Susan Miles and Brandon Miles … Father, Brandon, competed in both football and wrestling at Indiana.

Nasir Moore

DB, 6-1, 185, Jr., JC

Suwanee, Ga.

(Peachtree Ridge HS/East Los Angeles College)

Played the 2011 season at East Los Angeles College where he was coached by Lynn Cain … Helped lead ELAC to an 8-3 mark and a win over Santa Monica in the American Division Championship Bowl game … Named Defensive Player of the Game honors in the American Division Championship Bowl game … Recorded 21 tackles, including 17 solo tackles, in 2011 … Also had 1.5 TFLs, eight interceptions, ten pass breakups and one sack … His eight interceptions were the most in the California Community College Athletic Association … Earned first team SCFA All-Mountain Conference at cornerback … Spent the 2010 season at West Hills Community College where he started two games at wide receiver … Started as a junior and senior at wide receiver at Peachtree Ridge High School … Also participated in track at PRHS … Chose Kansas after considering BYU and Utah … Son of Isis Spencer and Samir Moore.

Tre Parmalee

WR, 5-10, 170, Fr., HS

Overland Park, Kan.

(Bishop Miege HS)

Set every single-season receiving record at Bishop Miege in 2011 as he recorded 1,164 yards on 82 receptions to go along with 15 touchdowns … Earned first team All-State honors from the Kansas City Star, Wichita Eagle and the Topeka Capitol Journal … Also named to the Kansas City  Star’s All-Metro team … Took home the Otis Taylor Award, for the best wide receiver in Kansas City … Earned Top 11 honors from both the Topeka Capitol Journal and the Wichita Eagle … Named first team All-EKL as both a wide receiver and a defensive back … Tallied 57 tackles and five interceptions on defense … Played for current KU offensive line coach, Tim Grunhard, at Bishop Miege … Plans to major in Sports Management … Selected Kansas over Northern Illinois … Son of Angel and Bernie Parmalee … Father, Bernie, is currently the tight ends coach with the Kansas City Chiefs and had a nine year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.

Jordan Smith

TE, 6-5, 240, Fr., HS

McGregor, Texas

Reicher Catholic HS

Saw action for Reicher Catholic as both a wide receiver and tight end on offense and a defensive end on defense … Had 16 catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns as a senior … Also recorded three touchdowns for the RCHS defense in 2011 … Named first team All-State as a tight end … Was an honorable mention member of the Super Centex team on defense … Reeled in six catches for 109 yards during his junior year, averaging 18 yards per catch with two touchdowns … Member of the Reicher Catholic team that captured the state title in 2009 … Played for Mark Waggoner at Reicher Catholic … Also ran track at RCHS competing in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles … Son of Tonya and Steve Smith and Dennis Smith … Father, Dennis, played offensive line at Baylor before going on to play in the NFL for both the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins … Stepfather, Steve, played wide receiver at Midwestern State.

Keon Stowers

DL, 6-3, 280, So., JC

Rock Hill, S.C.

(Northwestern HS/Georgia Military College)

Made 26 total stops during his sophomore year at Georgia Military College, including 10 solo tackles … Also recorded three TFLs and two interceptions … Coached by Bert Williams at Georgia Military College … Earned All-Region honors his senior season at Northwestern HS … Recorded 95 tackles, eight TFLs, five sacks and three interceptions … Ranked the 13th best player in the state of South Carolina following his senior season … Also earned two letters in track and field … Placed second in the state meet in the discus his senior year … Would like to major in Physical Education at Kansas … Chose Kansas over Louisville, Iowa State, Indiana and South Alabama … Lists Larry Shaw as his mentor.

Jordan Tavai

DL, 6-3, 290, Jr., JC

Redondo Beach, Calif.

(Mira Costa HS/El Camino CC)

Named to the California Community College Football Coaches Association All-America team and All-Region IV as a defensive tackle following his sophomore season at El Camino … Unanimous selection as the 2011 All-Northern Conference Defensive Player of the Year by the SFCA … Started all 10 games as a sophomore … Tallied 58 total tackles, seven TFLs, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick in leading El Camino to an 8-2 record and an appearance in the National Bowl … Started all 10 games as a freshman at El Camino … Recorded 30 tackles, six TFLs, 3.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick in 2010 … Coached by John Featherstone at El Camino CC … Recorded 86 tackles during his senior season at Mira Costa HS, including 66 solo tackles … Also had five sacks and two fumble recoveries … Named All-CIF and All-Bay League first team at defensive line as a senior … Considered Texas Tech, Washington State and Indiana before choosing Kansas … Son of Nua and Will Tavai … The oldest of six children … Brother, J.R., plays football at USC and played in seven games at defensive tackle as a freshman in 2011.

Ty’ree Williams

DB, 6-0, 189, Fr., HS

Stafford, Texas

(Dulles HS)

Earned two letters in football at Dulles HS … Recorded 37 tackles and three interceptions while playing cornerback … Also had three touchdown catches for DHS at wide receiver … Earned first team All-District honors following his senior season … Coached by Jim Creech at Dulles … A three-year letterwinner in baseball and a two-year letterwinner in basketball … An All-District honoree in baseball … Chose KU over SMU and North Texas … Would like to major in business at Kansas … Son of Debra Woods.

— KU Sports Information —

Griffon softball ranked 23rd in preseason poll

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The Missouri Western softball team is ranked 23rd in the 2012 NFCA Division II Top 25 preseason poll as released today by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Wednesday morning.

The Griffons finished with a 40-15 overall record in 2011 making their fifth trip to the NCAA National Tournament in the last seven years.

The Griffons open up the 2012 season participating in the OBU/HSU Tournament on February 10-12. The Griffons open up the weekend on Friday, February 10 against Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm respectively in Arkadelphia, Ark.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri State signs 12 high schoolers, eight transfers

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Missouri State University has announced the receipt of National Letters of Intent from 20 high school and junior college students who have committed to play football for the Bears this fall.  The class includes 12 high school seniors and eight transfers.

“We were able to get most of the players we targeted, and we are very excited about this year’s class,” said head coach Terry Allen, who will begin his seventh season with the Bears in 2012. “We have a good group of local players and have addressed some immediate needs with transfers.”

The recruits are from eight different states, including eight from Missouri.

Missouri State’s high school commitments are:

Ryan Boatright (TE, 6-4, 233, Fr., Jenks, Okla., Jenks High)

Was an all-district pick at tight end in 2011 for Coach Allan Trimble at Jenks (Okla.) High … Started three seasons and finished with 41 receptions for 5 touchdowns … Helped lead Jenks to an 11-3 record and Oklahoma state semifinal appearance in 2011 as well as state finals trips in 2009 (12-2) and 2010 (13-1) … Is also in his fourth year as a starter on the Jenks basketball team.

Khellan Bruce (DL, 6-2, 285, Fr., Memphis, Tenn., Central High)

Four-year starter on the defensive line at Central High in Memphis, Tenn. … Recorded 46 tackles, 14 for loss, 2 sacks and 3 blocked kicks for Coach Lynord Crutchfield his senior season … Earned preseason all-state honors as well as all-city, all-district, all-metro, and all-conference postseason honors for the Warriors in 2011 … Was a second-team all-district and all-city defensive tackles his junior season … Also helped the Central track team to three straight conference titles as a standout shot and discus thrower.

Dylan Cole (ATH, 6-0, 206, Fr., Rogersville, Mo., Logan-Rogersville High)

Standout local product who was a Missouri Class 3 consensus all-state RB after he compiled 2,002 rushing yards on 225 carries for 33 touchdowns for the state champions at Logan-Rogersville High in 2011 … Also caught 23 passes for 511 yards and another 10 scores for Coach Doug Smith … Wildcats were 14-1 this fall … Likely to play linebacker for the Bears after he registered 102 total tackles, 7 for loss and a pair of interceptions as a senior … Rushed for 75 yards and had 5 tackles in the Show-Me Bowl win over John Burroughs in St. Louis … Named MHSFCA Offensive Player of the Year in 2011 as well as Central Ozarks Co-Offensive Player of the Year and SWMFCA Offensive Player of the Year … Was also all-conference, all-region, All-Ozarks and all-district at both RB and DB in 2011 … Carried 210 times for 1,492 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior with 1,816 all-purpose yards and 20 scores … Was a third-team all-state RB in 2010 as well as all-district, All-Ozarks, all-region and all-conference … Played for four state playoff teams and three district championship teams and finished his career with 4,172 rushing yards and 61 ground touchdowns.

A.J. Eaves (OL, 6-5, 280, Fr., Lamar, Mo., Lamar High)

Played right guard as a high school senior for Coach Scott Bailey at Lamar (Mo.) High … Helped lead an offense that compiled more than 6,500 total yards and earned the Missouri Class 2 state title in 2011… Earned Class 2 all-state and All-Ozarks honors in 2011 as well as all-conference and All-Ozarks recognition … Provided spark for Lamar offense to rack up 442 yards of total offense in Show-Me Bowl victory over Lafayette County … Was third-team all-state as a junior along with second-team all-conference and first-team all-district for the state semifinalists … Was part of four straight district championship teams at Lamar … Also plays basketball and baseball.

David Godsey (OL, 6-5, 260, Fr., Raymore, Mo., Raymore-Peculiar High)

Was a three-year letterman for Coach Tom Kruse at Raymore-Peculiar (Mo.) High School … Was a Suburban Big 6 all-conference selection at offensive tackle as a senior … Was a Top 100 selection at the NUC Combine last summer … Played offensive line and long snapper at Ray-Pec and was part of two playoff teams and a conference championship squad … Also a black belt in tae kwan do.

Zac Hoover (WR, 6-0, 180, Fr., Grain Valley, Mo., Grain Valley High)

A Missouri Class 4 all-state second team selection as a senior, Hoover accounted for 26 touchdowns in 2011 for Coach Jimmy Tucker at Grain Valley High … Pulled in 15 touchdown receptions as a senior … Also accounted for 1,600 all-purpose yards, including 11 rushing touchdowns … In 2011, he earned all-state, all-conference, all-area and all-metro honors along with KMZU Dream Team distinction … Was also all-conference and all-area as a junior and was part of a state playoff team in 2009 … Finished his career with 108 receptions and 38 touchdowns … Was also an all-state wrestler and hurdler as a junior at Grain Valley, finishing third in the state wrestling tournament as a junior (31-12) and sixth in the 110 high hurdles.

Jarvis Jones (ATH, 6-1, 190, Fr., Webb City, Mo., Webb City High)

A standout receiver and defensive back at Webb City (Mo.) High, Jones will give Missouri State an athletic option at multiple positions … Tallied 30 catches for 712 yards and 7 touchdowns for Coach John Roderique as a senior … Helped lead the Cardinals to back-to-back Missouri Class 4 titles and 15-0 seasons in 2010 and 2011 … Teams were 43-1 in his three seasons as a letterman for the Cardinals … Was a first-team all-state defensive back as well as all-district, all-conference, all-region and All-Ozarks selection in 2011 … Snagged 13 receptions for 186 yards as a junior while earning honorable mention all-region distinction … Had 45 catches for 944 yards in his career … Ran a 10.94 in the 100-meter dash at the 2011 Class 4 state meet to finish fourth and also anchored the fourth-place 4×100 relay team.

Tre Kelly (WR, 6-3, 195, Fr., Edmond, Okla., Santa Fe High)

Was an all-state receiver for Coach Lance Manning at Santa Fe High in Edmond, Okla. … Snagged 52 receptions for 746 yards and 7 touchdowns as a senior for the Wolves … Selected to play in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-Star Game in July … Earned all-state, All-Vype, and all-city for the district champs in 2011 … Was also named the Class 6A co-receiver of the year for District 2 … Made the Vype All-Central Oklahoma second team in 2011, along with All-Edmond first team honors.

Cedric Miller, Jr. (RB, 6-0, 205, Fr., Memphis, Tenn., Southwind High)

A big running back with the game-changing speed, Miller rushed 232 times for 1,975 yards and 31 touchdowns as a prep senior at Memphis (Tenn.) Southwind High … Also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns as a senior and compiled 2,495 all-purpose yards while averaging 22.3 points … Coached by his father, Cedric Miller, Sr., he earned all-state, all-conference and all-metro honors and helped the Jaguars to a 7-3 finish and state playoff appearance in 2011 …Collected 675 yards on just 75 carries as a junior, but earned a reputation as an all-conference and all-metro defensive back with 112 tackles, 23 for loss and a pair of interceptions … Notched 68 tackles, 15 for loss and 3 picks as a sophomore … Is also a standout sprinter as part of a state championship 4×100 relay team in 2010 and qualified for state in three relays and the 200-meter dash  in 2011 … Played varsity soccer two seasons.

Sam Schwartze (OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Springfield, Mo., Springfield Catholic High)

Two-year starter at left tackle for Coach Bobby Cornelison at Springfield (Mo.) Catholic High … Was limited to four games as a senior due to a foot injury, but did not allow a sack … Earned all-conference and all-district honorable mention honors in 2011 after garnering first-team honors as a junior on both teams … Part of three district championship teams … Did not allow any sacks in 12 games as a junior … Also threw the discus his freshman season.

Riley Shantz (OL, 6-4, 295, Fr., Springfield, Mo., Glendale High)

A December high school graduate, Shantz is already enrolled at Missouri State and will participate in spring workouts for the Bears … Three-year starter at guard and center for Coach Joel Heman at Glendale High in Springfield … Led team to an 8-2 overall record, district title and Ozark Conference runner-up finish in 2011 as a standout center … Was a second-team Class 5 all-state pick as a senior as well as all-conference, all-district and All-Ozarks honoree.

Colby Wickwar (LS, 6-0, 200, Fr., Nixa, Mo., Nixa High)

Was a three-year starter at long snapper for Coach Rich Rehagan at Nixa (Mo.) High and was a starter on the offensive line as a senior … Helped lead Eagles to a 10-2 record, district title and a state playoff berth in 2011 … He earned honorable mention all-conference distinction as a senior and was named NHS Special Teams MVP … Attended Kohl’s national showcase events before his junior and senior seasons, placing second at the Texas event in 2010 and 7th at the Orlando event in 2010.

Missouri State’s junior college commitments are:

Patrick Blanar (OL, 6-3, 295, Jr., El Mirage, Ariz., Cactus High, Scottsdale [Ariz.] CC)

Already enrolled at Missouri State, he will participate in spring workouts for the Bears … Two-year starter for Coach Doug Madowski at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College, Blanar started 21 straight games on the Artichokes’ offensive line … Led squad to a 7-4 mark and runner-up finish in the WSFL as a sophomore in 2011 … Was a two-year starter and three-time letterman for coach Larry Fetkenheir at Cactus High in Glendale, Ariz. … Helped the Cobras to a 13-1 record and 2009 Arizona state title his senior season while earning all-state, all-region and Arizona Top 25 distinction … Was also part of a regional championship team as a sophomore and earned all-region first team honors in 2008 and 2009.

Kerry Burks (DL, 6-2, 270, Jr., Tulsa, Okla., McClain High, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M)

As a sophomore at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Burkes registered 88 tackles, 10 for loss and a conference-best 8 sacks for Coach Dale Patterson … His tackle total was second in the conference … Earned All-Southwest Junior College Conference first-team honors in 2011 … Was a prep all-state pick as a senior for Coach Dan Bitson and McClain High in Tulsa.

Seginald Chaney (LB, 5-10, 221, So., Jacksonville, Fla., Terry Parker High, Independence [Kan.] CC)

Chaney is already enrolled at Missouri State and will take part in spring drills … Compiled 69 tackles and a pair of sacks last season at Independence (Kan.) Community College, while taking over the starting linebacker role and also playing special teams … Redshirted as a true freshman in 2010 … Was a three-year starter for coaches Jim Scible (2008) and Greg Stanton (2006-07) at Terry Parker High in Jacksonville, Fla. … Led Braves to a 7-3 record as a standout linebacker his senior season.

Adam Dixon (CB, 5-10, 185, Jr., Laveen, Ariz., Cesar Chavez High, Scottsdale [Ariz.] CC)

A sensational athlete with a 3-star rating by Rivals.com, Cole played 7 games as a sophomore last season for Coach Doug Madoski at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College … Compiled 9 tackles, 3 pass break-ups and a forced fumbles in 2011 … Accounted for 4 interceptions at Scottsdale as well … Was a track and football standout at Cesar Chavez High in Laveen, Ariz. … Tallied 79 tackles, 4 blocked punts, 4 break-ups and a pair of forced fumbles as a senior for Coach Jim Rattay … Was a two-time Arizona North-South All-Star Game participant and 2009 all-state and all-region selection … Was part of a nationally-ranked 4×100-meter relay team that ran a 40.90 at the state meet … Has registered a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash and has a 31-inch vertical.

Spencer Emerson (DL, 6-2, 335, Jr., Clive, Iowa, Dowling Catholic High, Ellsworth [Iowa] CC)

Enrolled at MSU and will participate in spring drills … Played last two seasons at Ellsworth (Iowa) Community College for Coach Mike Virden … Was part of four conference championship teams for Coach Tom Wilson at Dowling Catholic High in West Des Moines, Iowa … Maroons were 13-1 his senior season in 2009 and finished as state runners-up … Was an elite all-state first-team pick in 2009 as well as an all-conference and all-city selection … Dowling High was 9-3 and reached the state quarterfinals his junior year.

Tim Piccarreto (LB, 6-2, 240, Jr., Fort Collins, Colo. Poudre High, Glendale [Ariz.] CC)

Finished third on the team in total tackles with 57 for Coach Mickey Bell at Glendale (Ariz.) Community College in 2011 … Led Glendale to an 8-4 record and berth in the Valley of the Sun Bowl last season … Earned all-conference and all-state distinction as a senior at Poudre High in Fort Collins, Colo. … Helped Coach Steve Bradley’s team to a 10-3 record and state semifinal run as a standout middle linebacker his senior season (2008) … Posted 111 total tackles and earned second-team all-state and first-team all-conference distinction while … Was also a three-year letterman in wrestling.

Jeremiah Plowden (S, 5-11, 180, Jr., Wichita, Kan., Southeast High, Fort Scott [Kan.] CC)

Was a two-year starter for Coach Curtis Horton at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College, earning honorable mention all-conference distinction as a sophomore in 2011 … Was a three-sport standout at Southeast High in Wichita, Kan., where he played basketball, football and track … Passed for over 1,200 yards as a senior and earned all-city honorable mention laurels … Also played cornerback.

C.J. Randall (DL, 6-5, 270, Jr., Gilbert, Ariz., Mesquite High, Glendale [Ariz.] CC)

A standout junior college defensive end, Randall posted 41 tackles, 8 for loss and 3 sacks as a sophomore for Coach Mickey Bell at Glendale (Ariz.) Community College … Led team to an 8-4 record and berth in the Valley of the Sun Bowl in 2011 … Earned all-conference, all-region and all-state as a standout defensive lineman at Mesquite (Texas) High.

— MSU Sports Information —

Last-second shot sinks K-State as they lose at Iowa State

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Royce White hit the game-winning jumper with 1.8 seconds left as Iowa State rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Kansas State 72-70 on Tuesday night.

White finished with 22 points and Chris Allen had 15 for the Cyclones (16-6, 6-3 Big 12), who’ve won four of their last five.

Iowa State’s Chris Babb tied the game at 70 with a free throw with 49 seconds left. The Cyclones then corralled a loose ball to gain possession with the shot clock off, and White drove to the baseline and floated in the deciding bucket from about 8 feet.

The Cyclones knocked the ball out of the hands of Kansas State’s Will Spradlin at the buzzer.

Thomas Gipson led the Wildcats (15-6, 4-5) with 13 points.

— Associated Press —

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