SAN ANGELO – Angelo State's head football coach
Will Wagner announced the signing of 29 student-athletes on Wednesday with 23 high schoolers and six transfers.
Angelo State signed 15 offensive players, 13 defensive players and one specialist. The Rams went heavy with five defensive backs and defensive lineman along with four tight ends and four offensive linemen. A total of 24 signees played high school ball in Texas, two from California, one from Florida, one from Minnesota and one from Michigan.
"We are excited with how our class ended up this season,"
Wagner said. "Our coaches did a great job identifying talent for our needs and to fill holes from graduation. We have some guys who could potentially come in and compete this season."
The Rams will start spring practice on Sunday, March 20 and hold its annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 16.
"For us at Angelo State, it isn't about how many we sign but more about the quality of top level student-athletes that we can develop into great men and players," Wagner said.
Hayden Nichols, TE, 6'-4", 220, (Tyler Junior College / White Oak) White Oak, Texas- Two year starter at Tyler Junior College
- Second team all-state in high school
- First team all-district in high school
- First team all-East Texas in high school
- Coached by Danny Palmer
"Hayden will be a great addition to our offense. He is an athletic tight end with a great frame that will be another versatile player we can utilize."
Jake Ray, DL, 6'-2", 230, (Lone Star) Frisco, Texas- District defensive MVP
- First team all-DFW
- Second team All-Collin County
- Second team all-state
- Coached by Jeff Rayburn
"Jake will be bringing a bigtime motor to the defensive end position here at ASU. Jake is a very physical player that has great hands and feet. He is a relentless pass rusher who can also defend the run. Jake is a great tackler who is always around the ball to make a play. We are excited Jake will be putting on the Ram colors here at Angelo State."
G'Karri McCoy, DT, 6'-0", 270, (Hillcrest) Dallas, Texas- Two time first team all-district on defense
- First team all-district on offense
- Participated in golf and track & field
- Coached by Andy Todd
"G'Karri is a tremendous athlete playing the defensive tackle position. He has great feet which were on display as he carried the ball on offense at times. G'Karri is extremely explosive off the ball and plays well with his hands. He is capable of playing both the run and pass. We are excited about the addition of G'Karri to Angelo State."
Nick Ellisor, DB, 6'-3", 170, (Cold Spring) Coldspring, Texas- Honorable mention all-district
- Honorable mention academic all-state
- Two year football letterwiner
- Four year track & field letterwinner
- Coached by Mark Byrd
"Nick is a very big corner that has very good coverage skills. He is a track kid that brings great feet and top end speed to the position. Nick excels with playing the ball in the air and is also a physical tackler. We are excited to get a player with Nick's skill set to Angelo State."
Tommy Woods, RB, 5'-11", 165, (Brandeis) San Antonio, Texas- First team all-district
- Member of state quarterfinalist team in 2014
- Three year letterwinner in track
- Member of 2014-2015 district track champions
- Coached by Jeff Fleener
"Tommy adds exceptional speed to our backfield and return game. He will only continue to get better as his career progresses."
Tony Jones, RB, 6'-0", 200, (Lee) Midland, Texas- First team all-district
- Broke a 99-yard run for a touchdown
- Leading rusher on the team.
- Coached by James Morton
"Tony is a big and powerful back that has very good speed and vision. He will be another big weapon in our backfield."
Donavyn Jackson, LB, 6'-1", 195, (Central) San Angelo, Texas- First team all-district as a junior
- Honorable mention all-district as a senior
- Coach by ASU alum Brent Davis
"Donavyn is a very athletic and versatile player that has the potential to contribute at all the LB positions. He has the skill set to cover in the slot against pass and is a great tackler. Donavyn is a very physical player that competes with a great motor. We are very excited to add some local talent to Angelo State."
Bryce Cooley, OL, 6'-4", 240, (Sunlake) Land O'Lakes, Florida- First team all-conference
- Three year football letterwinner
- Coached by Bill Browning
"Bryce is another great athletic addition to our offensive front. He is strong and athletic and will be able to develop into a great player during his career."
Brian Webster, OL, 6'-5", 290, (Hawley) Hawley, Texas- Two time first team all-district at offensive line
- First team all-district as a defensive tackle
- Three year letterwinner in football
- Competes in basketball and track & field
- Coached by Mitch Ables
"We are very excited to add Brian to our offensive line. He is a physical offensive lineman with a great frame and tremendous athleticism."
Lawson Ayo, WR, 6'-2", 175, (Sunnyvale) Sunnyvale, Texas- Three time all-district
- Two time all-state selection
- Four year letterwinner in basketball
- Three time all-district basketball player
- Two time district champion in triple jump
- Four time academic all-state
- Coached by John Settle
"Lawson is a very gifted four sport athlete that will be a great fit in our offense. He is a very polished and refined receiver. He has tremendous upside."
Spencer Gilbert II, RB, 5'-11", 180, (Lancaster) Lancaster, Texas- Rushed for over 1,000 yards as a senior
- Coached by his uncle and ASU alum Chris Gilbert
"Spencer is a very explosive, dynamic, and versatile athlete from a highly respected and talented high school football program. He can contribute at several different spots for us on offense as well as return kicks."
Josh Quinton, LB, 6'-1", 230, (Cooper), Lubbock, Texas- First team all-district
- First team Lone Star Varsity Super Team
- Academic all-state
- Academic all-district
- Team captain
- Coached by Max Kattwinkel
"Josh is a very aggressive player at the LB position. Josh will bring a very physical style of play from sideline to sideline. He is a great tackler and plays with a lot of intensity. Josh does a good job of play recognition and runs well to his responsibility. We are excited that Josh is on board with us here at Angelo State."
Keke Chism, WR, 6'-5", 185, (Daingerfield) Daingerfield, Texas- First team all-district in football
- First team all-district in basketball
- Three year letterwinner
- Honorable mention academic all-state
- Coached by ASU alum Aric Sardenia
"Keke possesses great size and length while being a very quick and dynamic athlete. We are excited about his future in our offense."
Carl Dorsey, TE, 6'-3", 250, (Keller Central) Keller, Texas- Second team all-district at tight end and defensive end
- Three year letterwinner
- Competes in track & field
- Coached by Bart Helsley
"Carl has the physical tools to be a special player here at Angelo State. He is a very versatile football player that will blossom during his career here."
Austin Garcia, DL, 6'-0", 220, (Central) San Angelo, Texas- Two time all-district selection
- Coached by ASU alum Brent Davis
"Austin will add to the local talent on the roster here at ASU. Austin brings a very physical style of play with a lot of energy. He has very good feet and does a good job using his hands while playing the position. He will be a great addition to Angelo State."
Dylan Vasquez, TE, 6'-3", 225, (Katy) Katy, Texas- Member of two-time state champion Katy football team
- Honorable metion all-state
- Two time academic all-district selection
- Two time 110-meter hurdle district champion
- Coached by Gary Joseph
"Dylan is a winner and a refined and physical tight end that can win the point of attack as well as stress defenses with his athleticism."
Joseph Sweeney, DB, 6'-1", 170, (Highland Park) Highland Park, Texas- Unanimous first team all-district
- Nominated as top defensive player in DFW
- Competed in track & field
- Coached by Randy Allen
"Joseph is a very physical corner that is a great tackler at the position. He brings strong coverage skills and plays the game with a lot of energy and intensity. Joseph is a player that can contribute at several positions on the field. We are excited to get Joseph's career started at Angelo State."
Brandon Bell, DT, 6'-5", 240, (Hamlin) Hamlin, Texas- Honorable mention all-state as a senior
- Two time first team all-district
- First team all-district as a junior on offense and defense
- First team All-Big Country football and basketball
- Coached by Russell Lucas
"Brandon is a defensive tackle with a great frame and a lot of potential. He is a physical football player that displays enthusiasm on the football field. Brandon plays with a bigtime motor to the football and tackles well. We are excited with the addition of Brandon to the roster here at Angelo State."
Leddy French, DB, 5'-11", 180, (Brock) Brock, Texas- First team all-state
- Member of 3A-Division I state championship team
- Named state championship game offensive MVP
- Member of 2015 Brock state championship basketball team
- Coached by Chad Worrell
"Leddy is an outstanding football player that will bring a lot of versatility to ASU. He is a fierce competitor that tackles well and is always around the football. Leddy has the potential to play several different positions. We are excited to get Leddy started at Angelo State."
Alize Thomas, WR, 5'-10", 170, (Southwest) Fort Worth, Texas- First team all-district as a senior
- Played basketball and ran track & field
- Coached by Lanny Trammel
"Alize is fun to watch with the ball in his hands. He has tremendous upside and will provide an exciting dynamic to our offense."
Rodrick Mayberry, OL, 6'-2", 275, (Central) San Angelo, Texas- Three time first team all-district
- First team all-district in baseball
- Second team all-district in basketball
- Coached by ASU alum Brent Davis
"Rodrick is a powerful and quick athlete at the line of scrimmage and will be a physical presence along our offensive line."
Steven Staten, TE, 6'-5", 227, (Lamar Consolidated), Rosenberg, Texas- Second team all-district as a wide receiver
- Honorable mention academic all-state
- Three year letterwinner in football
- Four year letterwinner in basketball
- Coached by Rick Lafavers
"Steven is a special athlete. With his size, speed, and strength he has the ability to stress a defense in many different aspects of the game."
Hunter Kyle, LB, 6'-3", 220, (Rider) Wichita Falls, Texas- Unanimous first team all-district as a senior
- Second team all-district as a junior
- Led team in total tackles and tackles for loss
- Team captain
- Coached by Marc Bindel
"Hunter is a physical and explosive football player that displays high energy on the football field. Hunter is a great tackler that will cause a lot of problems to opposing offensive lines while rushing the passer. We are very excited with the addition of Hunter to Angelo State."
Darrick Dickerson Jr., DB, 6'-0", 180, (Elkins) Missouri City, Texas- Two time first team all-district
- Two time academic all-state
- Coached by Dennis Brantley
"Darrick will bring a very physical style of play to the DB position here at ASU. Darrick is a tremendous tackler and displays great cover skills. He plays extremely fast and will have a chance to contribute at several positions in the secondary. We are excited to bring Darrick to Angelo State."
Jake Faber, QB, 6-4, 220, (Central Lakes College) Sherburn, Minnesota - First team all-conference
- First team all-region
- Named conference MVP
- Honorable mention All-American
- Earned offensive player of the game in El Toro Bowl
"Jake has a big arm and is a very athletic quarterback. He put up some very good numbersat Central Lakes College and we are excited to have him on campus competing this spring."
Casey Eyman, K/P, 6'-1", 190 (Fullerton College) Anaheim, California- JUCO All-American as a kicker
- First team all-conference
- Named one of the top 12 kickers in the nation in 2015
- Made 11-of-12 field goals with a long of 45
- Averages 37.1 yards per punt
- Finished with 17 punts inside the 20 yard line.
"Casey is a dual kicker that has an explosive leg. We are excited about has ability to points and be able to change field position with his punts."
Esequiel Fernandez, OL, 6'-4, 310, (Golden West College) Huntington Beach, California- Honorable mention all-conference
- Four letterwinner in high school
- Team captain
"Esequiel has very good feet and runs well. His athleticism and physicalness will be a great addition up front."
Myron Turner, DB, 6'-0", 180, (Utah State / DeSoto) Desoto, Texas- Honorable mention all-state as a senior at DeSoto
- Recorded 82 tackles, two tackles for loss, 14 pass breakups and one interception
- Member of 14-1 team that advanced to state semifinals
- Ran the 100-meters and 200-meters in track
"Myron is a very talented defensive back that has joined the program this spring. Myron is a great tackler and plays the position with a lot of energy. Myron is a former track kid that has great speed and cover skills. He has a dynamic skill set that will allow him to contribute at several different positions. We are excited about Myron joining us here at Angelo State."
Isaiah Smith III, DE, 6'-3", 260, (Malone College / Lathrup High School) Lathrup Village, Michigan- Second team All-OAA as a senior in high school
- Defensive MVP as a senior in high school
- Played in 11 games at Malone during the 2014 season
- Recorded one sack and 18 total tackles
"Isaiah joined the program this spring and will compete within the defensive line. Isaiah has the skill set to contribute both at the end or tackle position. He has a very good frame and plays with a high motor. We are excited to get to work with Isaiah here at Angelo State."
