VIDEO: Press Conference • VIDEO: ASU Assistant Coaches • Signing Breakdown • Quotes Package
SAN ANGELO – Angelo State head football coach
Will Wagner announced the signing of 27 student-athletes on Wednesday from 24 different Texas towns along with the addition of six mid-year transfer players.
Angelo State inked 15 defensive and 12 offensive players in its high school recruitment – including 11 players with all-state accolades and two state champions. The Rams also added three offensive linemen, a running back, tight end and linebacker who transferred in at the semester break.
“Our biggest emphasis was on the offensive and defensive lines, and I think we did a great job of bringing in a number of guys who will add to our team right away,” Wagner said. “We got bigger, stronger and more talented up front on both sides of the ball. We also recruited some great skill position players who are going to bring a lot of athleticism and excitement to our program.”
Angelo State addressed its need along the lines with seven defensive lineman and five offensive linemen in the high school recruiting class. The Rams signed nine players from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, four from the Houston area, three from San Antonio, three from the Austin region, and two from East Texas. ASU also signed three players from San Angelo and will be bringing in West Texas natives from Goldthwaite, Mertzon, Seminole, Shallowater and Van Horn. Mid-year transfer
Alex Young (Hughson, Calif./Merced College) is the only player signed out of state.
The Rams open their 2012 season on Sept. 1 against Western State at San Angelo Stadium.
Name |
Pos |
Ht |
Wt |
Hometown / Previous School |
Emmanuel Anderson |
DT |
6-2 |
227 |
Dallas, Texas / Richardson Berkner HS |
Willie Brown |
LB |
5-10 |
225 |
San Angelo, Texas / San Angelo Central HS |
Jermie Calhoun * |
RB |
6-0 |
210 |
Ben Wheeler, Texas / University of Oklahoma |
Clayton Callicutt |
DL |
6-4 |
225 |
Crosby, Texas / Crosby HS |
Devere Carrington |
DB |
5-11 |
170 |
Converse, Texas / Cibilo Steele HS |
Ricky Ciuba |
DT |
6-2 |
263 |
Mertzon, Texas / Irion County HS |
Isi Coker * |
OL |
6-2 |
299 |
Euless, Texas / Kilgore College |
Riley Davis |
LB |
6-1 |
200 |
Godley, Texas / Godley HS |
Trenton Davis * |
OL |
6-2 |
260 |
Round Rock, Texas / Cisco College |
London Dial |
DB |
6-2 |
180 |
Garland, Texas / Garland HS |
Michael Ellis |
WR |
6-2 |
175 |
Melissa, Texas / Melissa HS |
Tyler Hamilton |
OL |
6-1 |
260 |
San Antonio, Texas / San Antonio O'Connor HS |
Jesse Hanson IV |
DT |
6-0 |
285 |
Lone Star, Texas / Daingerfield HS |
Emanuel Harston Jr. |
DB |
6-0 |
175 |
Mesquite, Texas / Mesquite Horn HS |
Tyler Hastings |
TE |
6-3 |
210 |
Mertzon, Texas / Irion County HS |
Deion Hill |
DB |
6-1 |
190 |
Klein, Texas / Klein Oak HS |
Quade Huckaba |
OL |
6-3 |
270 |
Midland, Texas / Midland HS |
Tyler Horton |
DB |
6-2 |
175 |
Goldthwaite, Texas / Goldthwaite HS |
Akujiuba Inyanma |
DT |
6-0 |
268 |
Brenham, Texas / Brenham HS |
T.J. Jackson * |
LB |
6-1 |
220 |
Pflugerville, Texas / Southeastern Louisiana University |
Rance Layton |
OL |
6-6 |
250 |
Seminole, Texas / Seminole HS |
Brandon Lee |
DE |
6-3 |
225 |
Murphy, Texas / Plano East HS |
Anthony Lewis * |
OL |
6-1 |
320 |
San Antonio, Texas / San Antonio Robert E. Lee HS |
Dorian McNeil |
LB |
5-9 |
210 |
Houston, Texas / Lamar HS |
Nolan Osmanski |
OL |
6-4 |
260 |
San Angelo, Texas / San Angelo Central HS |
Joseph Pickett |
P/K |
6-5 |
170 |
Temple, Texas / Temple HS |
Logan Sawyer |
QB |
6-1 |
165 |
San Angelo, Texas / San Angelo Central HS |
Tre Straw |
TE |
6-4 |
250 |
Frisco, Texas / Frisco Heritage HS |
John Striednig |
DE |
6-2 |
210 |
Shallowater, Texas / Shallowater HS |
Jeremiah Turnbow |
OL |
6-4 |
280 |
Van Horn, Texas / Van Horn HS |
Cameron Waites |
QB |
6-2 |
210 |
Austin, Texas / Austin St. Michael's Academy |
Sebastain Williams |
RB |
5-11 |
195 |
Denton, Texas / Denton Ryan HS |
Alex Young * |
TE |
6-5 |
225 |
Hughson, California / Merced College |
EMMANUEL ANDERSON
DT, 6-2, 260, Dallas, Texas / Berkner Rams
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Anderson:
“Emmanuel is a player we are very excited about. He brings a different element to our defensive line with great hands that he is developing as a wrestler in high school right now. His effort and tenacity will make him a great player for the Rams.”
At Richardson Berkner High School
• Played for head coach Jim Ledford
• Helped lead the Rams to the Class 5A playoffs
• Recorded 41 tackles, a sack and an interception as a senior
WILLIE BROWN
LB, 5-10, 225, San Angelo, Texas / Central Bobcats
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Brown:
“Willie is a local athlete that we are really excited to have join our program. He played inside linebacker in high school and he is going to come in here with the ability to compete for that position here. He is a very hard worker who is physical and smart on the field.”
At Central High School
• Played for head coach Brent Davis (ASU alum)
• Three-year letterman at Central
• 2011 Texas Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State honorable mention selection
• Helped lead the Bobcats to the District 2-5 championship
• All-District 2-5A first-team selection
• San Angelo Standard-Times All-West Texas selection
• Recorded 153 tackles as a senior and 152 as a junior at Central
Personal
• Born on Dec. 26, 1993
• Son of Steve and Jacqueline Brown
• Grandfather played for the Chicago White Sox
• Also competed in powerlifting and track at Central
Major
• Undecided
CLAYTON CALLICUTT
DL, 6-4, 245, Crosby, Texas / Crosby Cougars
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Callicutt:
“We are really excited about bringing Clayton in here. He can play multiple spots on our defensive line because of his great athleticism. With his great frame and athletic ability, Clayton could be an exceptional player for the Rams.”
At Crosby High School
• Played for head coach Kevin Flanigan
• All-District 19-4A first-team selection
• Academic All-District 19-4A
• Texas Sports Writers Association All-State honorable mention
• Helped lead the Cougars to the Class 4A playoffs
• Recorded 55 tackles and four sacks in seven games as a senior
Personal
• Born on March 3, 1994
• Son of John and Lisa Callicutt
DEVERE CARRINGTON
DB, 5-11, 180, Converse, Texas / Cibilo Steele Knights
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Carrington:
“Devere is a very athletic player that we'll play at outside linebacker and safety. He can cover man-to-man, but is strong and physical enough to get in there to play the run. He's a player that comes from a tremendous program that is coached by Mike Jinks who means a lot to this program as a former player.”
At Cibolo Steele High School
• Played for head coach Mike Jinks (former ASU quarterback)
• All-District 25-5A second-team selection as a junior and senior
• Led the Knights to the 2011 Class 5A, Division I State Championship
• Recorded 150 tackles and five sacks as a senior
• Forced two fumbles and had 20 tackles for loss
RICKY CIUBA
DT, 6-2, 263, Mertzon, Texas / Irion County Hornets
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Ciuba:
“Ricky is from right down the road who is going to be a great fit here in our program. He is a very strong and explosive player that could play in several spots.”
At Irion County High School
• Played for head coach Brian Hastings (ASU alum)
• Texas AP Sports Editors Class 1A All-State selection
• All-District 6-1A defensive selection (2011, 2010, 2009)
• San Angelo Standard-Times All-West Texas lineman
• Academic All-State honorable mention
• Recorded 80 tackles as a senior
• Selected to play in the FCA All-Star game
Personal
• Born on March 19, 1994
• Son of Richard Ciuba and Marian Lowry
• Also competed in basketball, track and powerlifting at Irion County
RILEY DAVIS
LB, 6-1, 200, Godley, Texas / Godley Wildcats
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Davis
“Davis is a very versatile and athletic player. He excelled on both sides of the ball in high school and will be playing on defense for us as an outside linebacker or safety. He has a great understanding of playing defense and has the ability to make plays. Riley is one of those guys that is always around the ball making things happen.”
At Godley High School
• Played for head coach Randy Brawner
• 2011 District 4-2A All-District running back
• 2011 All-District 4-2A defensive back
• Godley HS Player of the Year
• Picked off four passes as a defensive back
• Ran for 1,400 yards and scored 35 touchdowns as a senior
• Had four tackles and ran for 179 yards and three touchdowns against Eastland
• District 10-2A honorable mention on the baseball field and played basketball
Personal
• Born on July 26, 1994
• Son of Robert and Lana Davis
Major
• Business
LONDON DIAL
DB, 6-2, 180, Garland, Texas / Garland Owls
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Dial:
“London is a player we are very excited to be playing the corner for us. He is the bigger, physical corner we are looking for that fits our defensive scheme. He has the feet of a corner but plays with the pysicalness of a safety.”
At Garland High School
• Played for head coach Jeff Jordan
• All-District 10-5A second-team selection
• Helped lead the Owls to the Class 5A playoffs and bi-district championship
• Played wide receiver and defensive back for the Owls
• Forced a fumble and recorded two solo tackles against Denton Guyer
Personal
• Born on Dec. 5, 1993
• Son of Tobbie Wright
Major
• Communications
LONDON DIAL
DB, 6-2, 180, Garland, Texas / Garland Owls
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Dial:
“London is a player we are very excited to be playing the corner for us. He is the bigger, physical corner we are looking for that fits our defensive scheme. He has the feet of a corner but plays with the pysicalness of a safety.”
At Garland High School
• Played for head coach Jeff Jordan
• All-District 10-5A second-team selection
• Helped lead the Owls to the Class 5A playoffs and bi-district championship
• Played wide receiver and defensive back for the Owls
• Forced a fumble and recorded two solo tackles against Denton Guyer
Personal
• Born on Dec. 5, 1993
• Son of Tobbie Wright
Major
• Communications
MICHAEL ELLIS
WR, 6-1, 170, Melissa, Texas / Melissa Cardinals
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Ellis:
“Michael is a state champion and brings that winning experience and attitude with him. He is going to play at receiver for us, but had a tremendous high school career playing defense. He is a guy that makes things happen when he has the ball in his hand and will be an exciting player to watch in the blue and gold.”
At Melissa High School
• Played for head coach Seth Stinton
• Finished high school career with 80 receptions and 17 touchdowns
• Helped lead the Cardinals to the 2011 Class 2A, Division II state championship
• 2011 Texas Sportswriters Association Class 2A All-State defense
• TheOldCoach.com Class 2A first-team All-State receiver
• District 7-2A Co-Defensive Player of the Year
• All-State Class 2A Texas AP Sports Editors defense selection
• Selected as team captain for junior and senior seasons
• Recorded 48 receptions and a team-leading 839 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior
• Also rushed for a touchdown in 2011
• Had 43 tackles, 8 INTs, four pass breakups, forced four fumbles on defense
• Caught 28 passes and scored six touchdowns at receiver as a junior
Personal
• Born on Aug. 2, 1994
• Son of Keith and Monica Ellis
• Volunteers with the Melissa Fire Department
• FCA and Younglife Club member
Major
• Kinesiology
TYLER HAMILTON
OL, 6-1, 260, San Antonio, Texas / O'Connor Panthers
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Hamilton:
“Tyler is a pure center prospect that has a chance to contribute early in his career. He is very athletic and plays with great technique. He has a strong passion for the game.”
At San Antonio O'Connor High School
• Played for head coach David Malesky
• 2011 All-District 27-5A selection
• Helped O'Connor advance to the area round of the Class 5A playoffs
• Named a team captain and had 25 chop blocks and 74 pancake blocks
• Was named the Panthers' Offensive Lineman MVP 10 out of 12 games
• Helped lead the Panthers to 4,033 yards of offense in 2011
• Paved the way for two running backs to gain over 800 yards
Personal
• Born on June 21, 1994
• Son of J. Mark and Chandra Hamilton
• Member of the National Honors Society, Young Life, FFA
Major
• Exercise science
JESSE HANSON IV
DT, 6-0, 296, Lone Star, Texas / Daingerfield Tigers
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Hanson:
“Jesse is a tremendous athlete who who will be an anchor on the defensive line in the years to come for the Rams. He plays with a relentless motor and has great technique.”
At Daingerfield High School
• Played for head coach Aric Sardinea (former ASU running back)
• Helped lead the Tigers to Class 2A State Championships in 2010 and 2009
• 2011 Texas AP Sports Editors Class 2A All-State selection
• All-District 8-2A first-team member as a senior and junior
• Recorded 98 tackles in senior season at Daingerfield
• All-District 8-2A second-team selection at right guard as a sophomore
Personal
• Born on Dec. 3, 1993
• Son of Jesse and Norma Hanson
Major
• Undecided
EMANUEL HARSTON JR.
DB, 6-0, 175, Mesquite, Texas / Mesquite Horn Jaguars
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Harston:
“Emanuel is a very athletic defensive back who played corner as a junior. He made the transition to free safety as a senior and did not miss a step. His ability to run the alley and make tackles in the open field makes him a key component in our secondary and fills a big need in this year's class.”
At Mesquite Horn High School
• Played for head coach Rodney Webb
• All-District 11-5A first-team defense selection
• Recorded 79 tackles and an interception for the Jaguars
• Helped lead Horn to the bi-district round of the Class 5A playoffs
Personal
• Born on Jan. 4, 1994
• Son of Emanuel and Sheila Harston
• Volunteers at a senior living home
Major
• Kinesiology
TYLER HASTINGS
TE, 6-2, 210, Mertzon, Texas / Irion County Hornets
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Hastings:
“Tyler had a great high school career playing over at Irion County for his dad who is an alum here at Angelo State. He is a great athlete who received a lot of accolades as a quarterback and on defense. We are excited about playing him at tight end and his athletic ability at the position. It will be a learning process for him, but we are confident that he will thrive at the position.”
At Irion County High School
• Played for father/head coach Brian Hastings (ASU alum)
• Four-year letterman and senior captain for the Hornets
• 2011 Texas AP Sports Editors Class 1A all-state honorable mention at linebacker
• 2011 Texas Sportswriters Association Class 1A All-State honorable selection
• District 6-1A Defensive MVP as a senior
• District 6-1A first-team quarterback and linebacker as a junior
• District 6-1A first-team linebacker and second-team quarterback as a sophomore
• Class 1A AP Sports Editors All-State linebacker as a senior and junior
• San Angelo Standard-Times' All-West Texas linebacker
• Selected for the West Texas All-Star game
• Selected for the FCA All-Star game
• Finalist for the Play Healthy Award (one of five finalist)
• Threw for seven touchdowns and ran for nine as a senior
• Abilene Reporter News Big Country All-District selection
• Also competes in basketball, power lifting and track and field at Irion County
Personal
• Born on Dec. 18, 1992
• Son of Brian and Stacie Hastings
DEION HILL
DB, 6-1, 190, Klein, Texas / Klein Oak Panthers
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Hill:
“Deion is a big, physical corner that will match up with the taller receivers in our conference. He has great feet and is a technician at the corner position. We rely on our corners to play a lot of man defense in our system which is something Deion will be great at.”
At Klein Oak High School
• Played for head coach David Smith
• Helped lead the Panthers to the District 13-5A championship and Class 5A regional quarterfinals
• All-District 13-5A honorable mention selection
• Recorded 50 tackles and two interceptions as a senior
• Recovered a fumble and netted 14.7 yards per punt return for the Panthers
• Team's defensive MVP in a 45-21 win over Tomball
Personal
• Born on Nov. 11, 1993
• Son of Willie and Alicia Hill
• Father, Willie, played football at the University of Tulsa (1988-93)
• Also competed in basketball and track at Klein Oak
Major
• Undecided
TYLER HORTON
DB, 6-2, 191, Goldthwaite, Texas / Goldthwaite Eagles
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Horton:
“Tyler is a great all-around player. He had a great two-way career in high school, but will be playing defense for us. Both of his parents are ASU alums and we are thrilled to have him continue that tradition.”
At Goldthwaite High School
• Played for head coach Gary Proffitt (ASU alum)
• District 13-1A MVP
• 2011 Texas Sports Writers Association Class 1A All-State honorable mention
• Abilene Reporter News All Big Country quarterback
• San Angelo Standard-Times All-West Texas quarterback
• Selected to play in the 2012 FCA All-Star Game
• Member of the National Honors Society
• Played quarterback and defensive back for the Eagles
• Recorded 66 tackles and five interceptions as a senior
• Threw for 1,995 yards and 24 touchdowns in career at Goldthwaite
• Ran for 1,406 yards and 31 touchdowns in his three years under center
• Led team to the Class 1A area round of the playoffs as a senior
• Led team to the Class 1A State Championship game twice in his career
• Plans on pursuing a degree in physical therapy
AKUJIUBA “RAULINGS” INYANMA
DT, 6-0, 268, Brenham, Texas / Brenham Cubs
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Inyanma:
“Raulings has only played on the defensive side of the ball for one year, which caused him to go under the radar. He has extremely long arms which will make him difficult to block. His best football is ahead of him."
At Brenham High School
• Played for head coach Glen West
• All-District 17-4A First-Team defense selection
• Helped lead Brenham to the District 17-4A championship and the area round of the playoffs
• Played only one season of football at Brenham
• Recorded two sacks and forced a fumble in the regular season for the Cubs
QUADE HUCKABA
OL, 6-1, 290, Midland, Texas / Midland Bulldogs
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Huckaba:
“Quade will add athleticism and leadership to the offensive line. He is somone that we feel is versatile enough to play at guard or center."
At Midland High School
• Played for head coach Craig Yenzer
• All-District 3-5A first-team selection as a junior and senior
• Helped lead his team a 13-1 record and a Class 5A area championship in 2010
• Assisted the Midland offense gain 4,154 yards of total offense in 2011
Personal
• Born on March 22, 1994
• Son of Kyle and Terri Huckaba
• Brother, Josh Roberson, played football and baseball at Hardin-Simmons
• Brother, Joe Roberson, played baseball at Vernon College and Hardin-Simmons
RANCE LAYTON
OL, 6-6, 250, Seminole, Texas / Seminole Indians
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Layton:
“Rance is the tackle that we were looking for. He has great feet and long arms for an offensive lineman. We are very impressed with his ability to pass protect and run block at a very high level. He is going to be the protector of the quarterback's blindside for years to come.”
At Seminole High School
• Played for head coach Chris Burtch (ASU alum)
• Four-year letterman for the Indians
• AP Sports Editors Class 3A All-State selection
• All-District 4-3A first-team selection as a senior and junior
• All-District 4-3A second-team as a sophomore
• Helped lead the Indians to the District 4-3A championship and state quarterfinals
• Paved the way for 417 yards of total offense – 215 passing, 203 rushing by the Seminole offense
Personal
• Born on Aug. 23, 1993
• Son of Robert and Stacy Layton
• Mother, Stacy, played volleyball at Texas Tech
• Member of the National Honors Society and student council
• Also competed in basketball, track and golf at Seminole
Major
• Agricultural business
BRANDON LEE
DE, 6-2, 225, Murphy, Texas / Plano East Panthers
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Lee:
“Brandon brings a speed element on the rush side of our defense that we need. With his size and speed, Brandon has the ability to be a top player in the LSC for many years to come.”
At Plano East High School
• Played for head coach Johnny Ringo
• All-District 8-5A second-team defense selection
• Recorded 10.5 sacks and 34 tackles for the Panthers as a senior
• Had 17 quarterback pressures and three tackles for loss
Personal
• Born on July 26, 1994
• Son of Keith and Angela Lee
• Brother, Keith Lee Jr., played at Texas A&M and cousin, Jackie Battle, plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.
DORIAN McNEIL
LB, 5-9, 210, Houston, Texas / Lamar Redskins
Coach Will Wagner's Take on McNeil:
“Dorian will be playing inside linebacker for us and is one of those guys that just makes plays. He runs very well and knows how to make plays off of blocks. He has a great motor that never stops.”
At Lamar High School
• Played for head coach Tom Nolan
• All-District 20-5A first-team selection as a junior and senior
• All-Greater Houston's District 20-5A first-team defense
• Helped lead Lamar to the Class 5A regional quarterfinals
• Schuman Combine's King/Best LB
• Also competes in track and field
Personal
• Born on April 18, 1994
• Son of Melva McNeil and Samuel Green
Major
• Criminal Justice
NOLAN OSMANSKI
OL, 6-3, 260, San Angelo, Texas / Central Bobcats
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Osmanski:
“Nolan has great frame and a lot of potential. He is a very physical blocker and loves to get after the opponents with big hits. His athleticism will allow him to play many spots on the offensive line.”
At Central High School
• Played for head coach Brent Davis (ASU alum)
• District 2-5A honorable mention selection
• First-team Academic All-State
• Helped lead the Bobcats to an 8-3 record and the District 2-5A championship
• Also played basketball and was a thrower in track and field for the Bobcats
Personal
• Born on Nov. 11, 1993
• Son of Paul and Lori Osmanski
• Father is a Nursing instructor at ASU and mother is a RN and ASU alum
Major
• Animal science
P/K, 6-5, 170, Temple, Texas / Temple Wildcats
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Pickett:
“Joseph has a big leg and was a great pick up for us. He fills one of our biggest needs as a punter. He is a good athlete that excels in soccer. He has a big leg with over 30 touchbacks on the season. He is also versatile enough to both kick and punt. We expect big things from him over the next four years.”
At Temple High School
• Played for head coach Mike Spradlin
• 2011 District 12-5A All-District kicker
• 2011 District 12-5A All-District punter
• 2011 Texas AP Sports Editors Class 5A honorable mention as a punter
• 2011 Texas Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State honorable mention selection
• Averaged 41.9 yards per punt as a senior
• Recorded a season's-best 62-yard field goal
• Had a season-high 74-yard punt
• Had 33 touchbacks on kickoffs as a senior
• Converted 34 extra points for the Wildcats
• Made eight field goals for a total of 58 points
• 2010 Class 5A all-state high school football team second team punter
• Team advanced to the bi-district round of the Class 5A playoffs
• Kicks with his left foot
Personal
• Born on Oct. 27, 1993
• Son of Thomas and Christine Pickett
• Served as the President of the Temple HS Student Council as a senior
• Was a four-year letterman for the Temple soccer team
• Brother, Jeffrey Pickett, plays soccer for Army at West Point
• Sister, Jordan Pickett, played volleyball at Temple College
• Grandfather, Garland Pickett, played football at LSU
• Great uncle, Tom Pickett, is a member of the Texas High School Hall of Fame
Major
• Mathematics
LOGAN SAWYER
QB, 6-0, 165, San Angelo, Texas / Central Bobcats
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Sawyer:
“Logan led Central to one of its best seasons in years. He is a very accurate passer that brings knowledge of an up tempo offense to the table.”
At Central High School
• Played for head coach Brent Davis (ASU alum)
• Named the District 2-5A Offensive MVP
• Led the Bobcats to the District 2-5A championship
• Threw for 2,464 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior
• Limited interceptions to four on 331 pass attempts (202 completions)
• Ranks second all-time in passing at Central HS
• Threw for four touchdowns and ran for another in the Bobcats' 41-35 five-overtime win over Franklin
• Threw for three touchdowns in a win over Killeen Shoemaker
Personal
• Born on Feb. 23, 1994
• Son of Nathaniel and Lindsey Sawyer
• Also plays baseball at Central HS
Major
• Education
TRE STRAW
TE, 6-3, 250, Frisco, Texas / Frisco Heritage Coyotes
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Straw:
“Tre is a big tight end that does a great job run blocking. His physical presence gives him the ability to set the edge for an offense. He does a great job of catching the ball and making plays.”
At Frisco Heritage High School
• Played for head coach Che Hendrix
• Three-year letterman for the Coyotes
• Had eight receptions for 85 yards with one touchdown as a senior
• Caught his touchdown in Frisco Heritage's 41-21 win over Springtown
• Played defensive end and tight end for the Coyotes
Personal
• Born on Jan. 27, 1993
• Son of Joe and Melissa Straw
Major
• Business
JOHN STRIEDNIG
DE, 6-1, 210, Shallowater, Texas / Shallowater Mustangs
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Striednig:
“John is not the biggest or strongest player, but he has the kind of motor that makes great football players. He is a tremendous athlete that excels on the field and in the classroom.”
At Shallowater High School
• Played for head coach Kyle Maxfield
• Helped lead team to an 11-3 record the Class 3A quarterfinals
• 2011 Texas Sports Writers Association Class 3A first-team All-State selection
• All-District 2-3A first-team selection as a senior
• THSCHA Class 3A Academic All-State
• 2011 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal All-City Football team selection
• Padilla Poll Coaches' All-State second team
• Recorded 116 tackles, 15 sacks and forced 5 fumbles as a senior
• Had 59 pancake blocks and didn't allow a sack as an offensive linemen
• Shallowater team captain on offense and defense
• 2010 All-District 2-3A second-team and Academic All-District selection
Personal
• Born on April 29, 1994
• Son of Jay and Pam Morris
• National Merit Scholar and National Honors Society member
• Competed in UIL spelling, accounting, computers and writing • Uncle, Mike Striednig, played football at the University of Arizona
Major
• Pre-med biology
SEBASTAIN WILLIAMS
RB, 5-11, 195, Denton, Texas / Guyer Wildcats
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Williams:
“Sebastain is a great running back that we are very excited about. He is a very talented running back with a great physical stature combined with tremendous speed that could make him a premier running back in the Lone Star Conference.”
At Denton Guyer High School
• Played for head coach John Walsh
• All-District 7-5A first-team selection
• Ran for 1,149 yards on 148 carries as a senior
• Scored 16 touchdowns for the Wildcats – 13 rushing, 3 receiving
• Rushed for 257 yards and four touchdowns as a junior
• Helped lead the Wildcats to the area round of the Class 5A playoffs
• Ran for a 95-yard touchdown in Guyer's playoff game against Mansfield
• Gained 120 yards and scored three touchdowns against Hebron in the bi-district round of the playoffs
• Returned a kickoff 80 yards and rushed for 235 against Southlake Carroll
Personal
• Born on March 27, 1994
• Son of Sebastain and Karen Williams
• Also competed in basketball and track in high school
Major
• Pre-med
JEREMIAH TURNBOW
OL, 6-3, 270, Van Horn, Texas / Van Horn Eagles
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Turnbow:
“Jeremiah is a tremendous athlete with a great frame. He is averaging over 20 points per game in basketball right now and will bring that competitiveness and athleticism to the football field for us in the coming years.”
At Van Horn High School
• Played for head coach Brian Gibson
• 2011 Texas AP Sports Editors Class 1A All-State honorable mention selection
• Helped lead the Eagles to a bi-district championship
• All-District 5-1A first-team as a defensive lineman
• The Old Coach 2011 Class 1A second-team all-state selection
• Second-team District 5-1A tight end as a junior and an academic all-district honoree
CAMERON WAITES
QB, 6-3, 210, Austin, Texas / St. Michael's Crusaders
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Waites:
“Cameron is a big time leader that has a strong arm with incredible accuracy. His field awareness and athletic ability allows him to make plays on the field.”
At St. Michael's Catholic Academy
• Played for head coach Ed McCabe
• TAPPS Division I, District 2 first-team quarterback
• All-State TAPPS Division I honorable mention selection
• Led the Crusaders to the area round of the TAPPS playoffs
• Threw for 1,542 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior
• St. Michael's team captain and offensive MVP
• Ran for an additional 454 yards and six touchdowns
• Threw for 389 yards and five touchdowns as a junior
• Caught two touchdowns as a junior at receiver
Personal
• Born on Aug. 12, 1993
• Son of Will and Shannon Waites
• Volunteered with the Capital Area Food Bank, Mobil Loaves and Fishes and Muscular Dystrophy Association
Major
• Kinesiology
JERMIE CALHOUN
RB, 6-0, 210, Ben Wheeler, Texas / Van Vandals / Oklahoma Sooners
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Calhoun:
“Jermie is a great addition to the program. His resume as a player speaks for itself. We are very thrilled to have him here and to have the opportunity to help him achieve his goals. He has incredible potential and we are anxious to see what he can do for our team this spring.”
At the University of Oklahoma
• Played for head coach Bob Stoops
• Played in 16 games for the Sooners
• Ran for 242 yards on 56 carries and scored a touchdown in three years at OU
At Van High School
• Played for head coach Brady Pennington
• Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year as a senior
• Named the 2008 SuperPrep Southwest Offensive Player of the Year
• Selected to play in the ESPN All-American game
• Ran for 1,910 yards and 30 TDs for the Vandals as a senior
• Finished high school career with 5,341 yards rushing
• No. 1 running back in the nation (ESPN & CSTV)
• No. 1 overall player in Texas (Rivals.com)
• No. 2 running back in the nation (Rivals.com)
• No. 2 overall player in Texas (Scout.com)
• No. 3 overall player in the nation (Scout.com)
• No. 10 overall player in the nation (SI/Takkle.com)
• No. 19 overall player in the nation (Rivals.com)
Personal
• Born Oct. 12, 1988
• Guardians: Tracy and Hank Neal
ISI COKER
OL, 6-2, 299, Euless, Texas / Trinity Trojans / Kilgore College Rangers
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Coker:
“Isi comes from one of the top high school programs and developed his skills at Kilgore the last two years. He will bring an attitude to the offensive line that we need. He immediately makes our line more physical and has all of us coaches very excited. “
At Kilgore College
• Played for head coach J.J. Eckert
• Two-year starter for the Rangers along the offensive line
• 2011 Southwest Junior College All-Conference Team selection
At Euless Trinity High School
• Helped lead Euless Trinity to the 2009 Class 5A, Division I State Championship
• 2009 All-District 6-5A first-team selection
• Played in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game
• Fort Worth Star-Telegram super team
• AP Class 5A All-State selection as a senior
• Texas Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State second-team selection
• Helped pave the way for Trinity's offense to rush for 295 yards and 38.9 points per game
• Threw the shot put 43'2.5 for the Trinity track and field team
TRENTON DAVIS
OL, 6-2, 260, Round Rock, Texas / Stony Point Tigers / Cisco College Wranglers
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Davis:
“Trenton is very physical, has great feet and can play any of the three positions on the offensive line. He has the ability to fit where we need him and make an impact right away.”
At Cisco College
• Played for head coach Scott Taylor
• Played two seasons for the Wranglers
• Helped team to 371 yards of offense per game
• Honorable mention all-conference selection
At Stony Point High School
• Played for head coach Craig Chessher
• Lettered two seasons for the Tigers on the offensive line
• Selected as a team captain as a senior
• Helped lead team to back-to-back Class 5A state semi-finals
• Earned all-district honors as a senior
• Named the Tigers' offensive line MVP
Personal
• Born on Jan. 25, 1992
• Son of Darrell and Vanessa Davis
T.J. JACKSON
LB, 6-1, 220, Pflugerville, Texas / Hendrickson Hawks / Southeastern Louisiana Lions
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Jackson:
“T.J. is a great addition to the Ram program. He is tremendously athletic and an exciting player. He has the opportunity to compete for a spot at multiple positions. We are very excited to have him join our team.”
At Southeastern Louisiana University
• Redshirted in 2011
At Pflugerville Hendrickson High School
• Played for head coach Chip Killian
• Two-year letterman for the Hawks
• Named the District Outstanding Back
• Led the Hawks in rushing touchdowns
• Ran for over 1,000 yards as a senior
• District 25-4A second-team quarterback
• Ran for a season-high 264 yards and three touchdowns against Bryan Rudder
• Two-time Player of the Week by the Pflugerville Pflag
Personal
• Son of Hardy Jackson and Mary Ware
ANTHONY LEWIS
OL, 6-1, 305, San Antonio, Texas / Lee Volunteers / Cisco College Wranglers
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Lewis:
“Anthony is a big, stout athlete that has great feet and has the ability to add another dimension to our offensive line. He will be a great leader up front for us this coming fall.”
At Cisco College
• Played for head coach Scott Taylor
• Two-year letterman at right guard
• First-team all-conference selection
At Robert E. Lee High School
• Played for head coach Jimmy Ramos
• Three-year letterman along the offensive line for the Volunteers
Personal
• Born Feb. 18, 1992 in San Antonio
• Son of James Lewis and Dori Schwartz
• Brother, Travis Lewis, plays for the Oklahoma Sooners
ALEX YOUNG
TE, 6-5, 235, Hughson, California / Central Catholic Raiders / Merced College Blue Devils
Coach Will Wagner's Take on Young:
“Alex is a nice, big target for us at tight end. He does a great job with the ball in his hands and is a great receiver coming out of the tight end position. His versatility brings a lot to our offense where he can line up as a tight end or create a mismatch on the field if we split him out wide at receiver.”
At Merced College
• Played for head coach Bob Casey
• Two-time all-conference selection
• Had 40 receptions for 470 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore
• Recorded 38 receptions for 425 yards and five touchdowns as freshman
• Scored two touchdowns and had seven receptions in his final game at Merced CC
At Central Catholic High School
• Played for head coach Mike Glines
• Ranked the No. 95 TE prospect in the nation by Scout
• Recorded 31 receptions for 440 yards and six scores as a senior
• Assisted CCHS to three section championships and a three-year record of 37-3
• Team advanced to the Cal Division III State Championship game
• Named first team all-conference and second team all-league
Personal
• Born on May 5, 1990
• Son of Maureen and Shawn Young
• Originally signed with UNLV out of high school