| 2007 Signings
The following is a list of all signings for the 2007 season
starting with the most recent signing.
15
more signings with Bulldog football program
McPherson College has announced
the signings of 15 additional incoming freshmen to the football
program for the fall semester of the 2007-2008 school year.
Joining the Bulldog program
next fall are Dominic Ayala ( Pflugerville , Tex.
), John Campbell ( Bixby , Okla. ), Edward
“Bo” Clemons ( Wylie , Tex. ), Darrell “D.R.”
Davenport ( Lake Dallas , Tex. ,), Tyler Decker
( Enid , Okla. ), Jocquel “Joc' Freeman
( Lawton , Okla. ), Cody Hagler ( Panama City
, Fla. ), Chad Hayes (Mustang, Okla. ), Richard
“Ritchie” Hutchins (Lawton, Okla.), Johnny Lewis
(Dallas, Tex.,), Scotty Moore ( Catoosa
, Okla. ), Josh Mowarin ( Edmond , Okla. ), Emmanuel
Smith (Muskogee, Okla.), Tyler Thoren
(Plano, Tex.), and Matthew White (Houston, Tex.).
”We have been very pleased
to continue to receive commitments from some very good incoming
freshmen,” said McPherson College head coach Brian Ward, whose team
will report to campus along with the other fall sports on August
19 th . A week of pre-season workouts begin the following day.
Dominic Ayala
(5-9, 160, Wide Receiver, Pflugerville , Tex. , McNeil HS). Have
30 receptions for over 550 yards and six touchdowns. Named honorable
mention punter for McNeil HS. Will also compete in track where he
as posted times of 10.9 and 22.4 in the 100 and 200 meters, respectively.
“Dominic fit the exact mold for what you want in a slot receiver.
He will also compete for immediate playing time on special teams
as a punt and kick returner. He has an outstanding attitude and
could build himself into a standout player for us.”
John Campbell
(5-11, 185, Fullback, Bixby , Okla. , Fort Gibson HS). Lettered
in football, soccer, baseball, and track for Fort Gibson HS. Was
FGHS' “Defensive Player of the Year” as a senior. “John is a very
high profile recruit for us. He was an outstanding player at Fort
Gibson High School , and wore many hats during his prep playing
career. We believe he could end up playing both sides of the ball
plus he is an outstanding punter. That is where he figures to get
the most playing time right away.”
Edward “Bo” Clemons
(6-3, 205, Offensive Lineman, Wylie , Tex. , Wylie HS).
“Bo is a very athletic offensive lineman. He is a bit undersized,
but he is the best ‘athlete' we have recruited on the O-line. His
athleticism is good enough for us to take a look at him at tight
end this year. He will eventually fill out his frame to a tackle
in our system. He comes from a very good high school program.” Two
uncles played football at Texas Tech.
Darrell “D.R.” Davenport
(6-0, 175, Free Safety, Lake Dallas , Tex. , Lake Dallas
HS). Named All-Area as a senior and twice named all-district. A
three-year letter winner, he was credited with 112 tackles, four
interceptions, four forced fumbles and two recoveries as a senior.
Had four interceptions along with 84 tackles, and two forced fumbles
as a junior. “D.R. will make an immediate contribution for our football
team. He is an outstanding tackler with very good instincts. We
hope he can come in about 10 pounds heavier so he can knock some
of the bigger people in our conference backwards this fall. He is
another Texas player who comes from a very good program. We are
very happy to get D.R.”
Tyler Decker
(5-11, 215, Linebacker Enid , Okla. , Enid HS). Named Enid HS' “Defensive
MVP” as a senior. “ Tyler is a guy who has a great attitude and
will be a major contributor throughout his career at McPherson College
. He comes from a great program which played for a state title last
year. He knows what it is like to be in ‘big games'. He brings a
confidence that is hard to teach freshmen. We are glad he is a Bulldog.”
Father played football for KCAC rival Southwestern College .
Jocquel “Joe” Freeman
(6-1, 290, Offensive Lineman, Lawton , Okla. , Eisenhower
HS). An All-district selection in football, he lettered in football
and wrestling for Eisenhower HS. “We made offensive linemen a priority
for this year's recruiting class. He is big, physical, and athletic.
He could play either side of the ball, but we need him for depth
on the offensive side. He fits the mold that we are looking for
in our offensive line. We expect big things down the road from Joc.”
Cody Hagler
6-3, 295, Offensive Lineman, Panama City , Fla. , Bozeman School
). “Cody is a big kid, who is very athletic for his size.
He played shortstop and third base on Bozeman 's varsity baseball
team his junior and senior year. His body-type is very similar
to Dan Poffinbarger. He is a little raw, but he is tough and
has good feet.”
Chad Hayes
(6-1, 270, Offensive Lineman, Mustang, Okla. , Mustang HS). Four-year
letter winner in football at Mustang HS. “ Chad is another O-lineman
who comes from a very good high school program and fits the mold
we are looking for on the offensive line. He is a big, physical
guy who has played all the positions up-front. He played and stood
out at the 6A level in Oklahoma , and played for a state championship
his junior year. He knows what it is like to play at a high level,
so that will make his transition to the college level easier. We
are thrilled Chad will be part of our program for the next four
years.”
Richard “Ritchie”
Hutchins (6-2, 285, Offensive Lineman, Lawton , Okla.
, Eisenhower HS). “Ritchie rounds out our O-lineman recruiting class.
Another huge body who comes from a talented program, and has played
against some very quality opposition. We want to recruit big,
physical lineman who can move people around, a great description
of Ritchie. He is one of the few freshmen lineman who will
be in the mix to play early on.”
Johnny Lewis
(6-2, 320, Offensive Lineman, Dallas , Tex. , Lincoln HS). Lettered
in football and wrestling for Lincoln HS. “Johnny has a ton of potential.
If you look at him, he looks more like he weighs 275 or 280. He
carries his weight very light, and he is a good athlete. He will
be one to watch in a year or two. Coach (Bob) Ray and I are very
excited about his future here.”
Scotty Moore (5-9,
165, Cornerback, Catoosa , Okla. , Catoosa HS). An all-district
linebacker, was named a Jim Thorpe all-star his senior season. Lettered
in football and track for four years. “Scotty will play immediately.
He is fast and physical, and has a ton of confidence. I am surprised
some of MIAA schools did not go after him. He is a very good tackler,
and I will be surprised if he doesn't have the fastest pro-agility
(test time) on our team. He is also a dangerous kick returner. They
wouldn't kick the ball to him at the Jim Thorpe game.”
Josh Mowarin
(6-2, 260, Defensive End, Edmond , Okla. , Santa Fe HS). Named a
Jim Thorpe all-star, lettered in football and wrestling. Put together
a four-sack, seven-tackle, one-fumble recovery single game performance
for Santa Fe . “Josh is a versatile defensive lineman who can play
either inside or outside. He did a lot to become a Bulldog. He will
be a difference maker eventually. He plays with good pad level and
a non-stop motor. His only downside right now is he needs to learn
to play with hands and get separation. Coach (Mike) Silva is excited
to work with him.”
Emmanuel Smith
(6-2, 276, Defensive Tackle, Muskogree , Okla. , Warner HS). Letter
winner in football, basketball, and track for Warner HS. “Emmanuel
is another player who a lot to get here. He has a huge frame and
will be 300 pounds eventually. He is a very good athlete, and looks
like he weighs 240. As soon as we can get some of his mechanics
refined, he will be a solid player for us.”
Tyler Thoren
(5-10, 175, Free Safety, Plano , Tex. , Plano HS). All-District
selection as defensive back as senior after being All-District pick
at linebacker as a junior. Named Dallas Morning News “Player
of the Week”. Lettered in football, basketball, and track. “ Tyler
is going to symbolize what our defense is all about. He is tough,
physical, and disciplined. He come from the highest level of high
school football, has been coached extremely well, and has an outstanding
attitude. He was recruited by several schools, but from his first
visit he knew he wanted to be a Bulldog.”
Matthew White
(6-0, 165, Free Safety, Houston , Tex. , Cypress Creek HS). Lettered
three years in baseball, twice in football, and once in cross country
at Cypress Creek. “Matt is another versatile player that cold play
either offense or defense for us. Dan Ramsey '00 could not say enough
great things about Matt throughout the recruiting process. We really
weren't in the market for another safety/wide receiver, but Matt
was just too good to pass up.” Brother plays baseball at University
of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Josh
Mowarin (left) and Emmanuel Smith are joined by McPherson College
head coach Brian Ward for their letter of intent signing with the
Bulldogs.
*****
32
preps sign with Bulldog football program
McPherson College has announced
the addition of 32 incoming freshman to the football program for
the fall semester of the 2007-2008 school year.
Joining the Bulldog program
next fall are Rusty Bailey (Magnolia, Tex.), Austin
Brown (Lawton, Okla.), Johnathon Burcham II
(Broken Arrow, Okla.), Christopher Collins (Tuttle
, Okla.), Tim Denton (Muskogee, Okla.), Travis
Eason (Tulsa, Okla.), Jesse Fredericks
(Longmont, Colo.), Bryce Jech (Kingfisher, Okla.),
Cody Keith (Stigler, Okla.), Tim Kurkowski
(Tulsa, Okla.), Christover Lange (Midwest
City, Okla.), Christopher LeBlanc (Corinth, Tex.),
Reece Lehman (Lamar, Mo.), Roman Lehman
(Lamar, Mo.), Eain Lubbers (Hutchinson,
Kan.), Brandon Ming (Scott City, Kan.), Michael
Moreland, Jr. (Lawton, Okla.), Ronald Morris
(Tulsa, Okla.), Garrett Parker (Lamar, Mo.), Jarrad
Phillips (DeSoto, Tex.), Ron Price (Broken
Arrow, Okla.), Camron Shay (Healy, Kan.), Josh
Snelson (Porter, Okla.), Travis Snider
(Olton, Tex.), Tyler Stitt (Yukon, Okla.), Princeton
Summerville (Kansas City, Kan.), Shelton Thigpen
(Wylie, Tex.), Justin Thompson (Fairland,
Okla.), David Tuberville (Choctaw, Okla.), Josh
White (Stockton, Mo.), Ryne Wilson (Tulsa,
Okla.), and Christopher Wright (Pryor, Okla.).
”Considering we didn't start
our high school recruiting until February 1st , I am very pleased
with the quality of our first high school signing class,” said McPherson
College head coach Brian Ward. “We accomplished our goals of recruiting
an outstanding defensive class, adding much needed depth across
the board, and improving our team speed.”
“Overall, I am pleased the
quantity and the quality of our defensive line class. We signed
10 guys who all come with honors and were being recruited by some
very competitive and successful college programs. Our
defensive secondary class is much better than we could have hoped.
We signed some very good players who I believe could all contribute
as freshmen, and there are three other players that we are continuing
to recruit heavily that we believe we will add to this class. We
signed five very quality linebackers; players that are lighter than
your prototype 4-3 linebackers, but who will fit perfectly in our
system. All five of them could contribute as freshman.”
“Our offensive class has
gone well, but will look better with the addition of five or six
offensive lineman in the next two weeks. Our focus was on
increasing the numbers on our O-line, adding three tight ends, and
adding two or three fullback-type players. In regards to those
two positions, i.e., tight end and fullback, we feel we got some
outstanding players who will provide us with immediate depth.
Our skill positions of tailback and wide receiver weren't as high
a priority or us. We didn't feel we had to add as many players in
those areas, so we recruited the best we could find. We feel we
have filled those needs.”
“We are very happy with our
(high school signings) so far, and when we address our offensive
line shortage in the next few weeks, we believe we will have a good
recruiting class, considering how late we got started. We
couldn't have asked for better. We have gotten off on the
right foot.”
Rusty Bailey
(5-10, 185, Defensive Back, Magnolia, Tex. Magnolia HS). Named first
team All-County and All-District as a free safety for Magnolia HS
as a junior and senior. Lettered three years in football and four
in track. Credited with 95 total tackles, 64 unassisted, 18 tackles
for loss, 3 sacks, I interception, and 2 fumbles recoveries as a
junior. Senior season had 75 tackles, 45 unassisted, 10 tackles
for loss, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 1 fumble recovery. Averaged
17 yards per punt return as senior. Rushed for 278 yards and 2 TDs
on 31 attempts as a sophomore. “We are excited about getting Rusty.
He is a very physical player who can play any position in the secondary.”
Austin Brown
(6-1, 175, Free Safety, Lawton, Okla., Lawton HS). All-Area and
All-District (6A-1) defensive back. Honorable mention All-State.
Placed in 100m and 4x100 at Oklahoma State meet. Three year letter
winner in football and track. Plans to also participate in track
at McPherson College. “ Austin is an excellent athlete who really
covers the field well. May be the fastest player on our team
when he arrives. He is a prototype for the free safety position.”
Johnathon Burcham
II (5-11, 260, Defensive Lineman, Broken Arrow, Okla.,
Broken Arrow HS). A 3-year letter winner in both football and wrestling.
Was an All-Conference selection for Broken Arrow High. Posted 67
individual tackles and one fumble recovery. “John has three years
of starting experience at one of the most well known high school
programs in the nation. He will give us immediate depth on our interior
defensive line.”
Christopher Collins
(5-10, 180, Quarterback, Tuttle , Okla. , Bridge Creek
( Blanchard , OK ) HS). All-District selection as a senior when
he threw for 1,067 yards and 11 touchdowns. Rushed for 337 yards
and another six TDs. Played defensive back as a sophomore and junior.
Earned 12 varsity letters with four each in football, basketball,
and baseball. “Chris is a very intelligent quarterback who is a
student of the game. He fills a big need for us at the QB
position. He has the work ethic and the desire to be a very
productive quarterback in this conference.”
Tim Denton
(5-10, 185, Athlete, Muskogee, Okla., Warner HS). Class A All-State
and All-District 8 kicker his senior season. Named Phoenix All-Area
Kicker of the Year. Converted 95% of his PATs. Had longest field
goal of 47 yards. Averaged 7.5 yards per carry as running back.
Lettered in football, baseball, and soccer. Will be an offensive
skill player and kicker at McPherson College . “Tim is a very good
athlete who can play a number of positions on both sides of the
ball. He will compete right away for the kicking position.
He was our first signee so he is a special recruit to us.”
Travis Eason
(5-10, 155, Kicker, Tulsa, Okla., East Central HS). Honorable mention
All-State in football. All-Conference and All-District in soccer
as sophomore and junior. Lettered 2 years in football, 4 years in
soccer, 3 in cross country, and 1 in track. Was named East Central
HS' special teams MVP in football and offensive MVP in soccer. Led
Oklahoma in kick scoring with 89 points. “We feel very fortunate
to get a player of Travis's caliber. Our kicking game is set
for the next 4four years with the additions we have made in the
kicking game.”
Jesse Fredericks
(6-1, 170, Free Safety, Longmont, Colo., Niwoth HS). Three-year
letter winner in football and once in basketball. A two-time All-Conference
selection, he was named to second team All-Area team following his
senior football season. Was voted the Outstanding Defensive Back
after posting 7- tackles and eight passes broken up. Also had four
touchdown as a receiver. “Jesse is a very good athlete who can play
any position in the secondary. Has excellent feet and change of
direction. He was recruited by Carroll College (Mont.), so
we feel very fortunate to get him.”
Bryce Jech
(6-1, 228, Defensive Lineman, Kingfisher, Okla., Kingfisher HS).
Honorable mention All-State and All-District Defensive End of the
Year. Captained Kingfisher HS. Lettered in football, tennis, swimming,
and power lifting. “Bryce is every coaches' dream, the weight room
is his best friend and he is an excellent student. He has
about 2% body fat, and has an excellent frame with room to grow.
He is very athletic and can play any position on the defensive line.
Cody Keith
(5-8, 190, Running Back, Stigler, Okla., Stigler HS). First team
All-2A District 6, All-Area, and honorable mention All-State as
senior. Rushed for 1,165 yards and 16 TDs on 190 carries. Returned
3 kickoffs for TDs. Averaged 25.8 yards on 25 KO returns and caught
six passes for 138 yards. Four year letter winner in football, twice
in basketball and track. “Cody is the only freshman tailback that
we recruited this year, and we picked him out of a pretty deep list.
He is a very physical back with good vision, and if he finds daylight,
he will run away from people. He is a downhill back with moves,
so he is perfect for our offense.”
Tim Kurkowski
(5-9, 180, Strong Safety, Tulsa, Okla., Memorial HS). Three-year
letter winner. First team All-District selection as a running back
following his senior season. Rushed for 430 yards on 70 carries.
Named Memorial's “Special Teams Player of the Year” as a junior,
then “Team MVP” as a senior. “Tim will be an impact player right
away on our special teams, plusand he will give us much needed depth
at the safety position. Tim is a tough guy in both his demeanor
and on the field. He will be a lot of fun to coach”
Christover Lange
(6-4, 275, Offensive Lineman, Midwest City, Okla., Choctaw
HS). Three-year letter winner in football and twice in track. Named
All-District 6A-2 and All-Metro Conference as a senior. “Chris was
being recruited by quite a few schools. He is a very good player
and an excellent student. He fits the exact mold for what we want
on our offensive line. He will be a very good player here the next
four years.”
Christopher LeBlanc
(6-3, 205, Defensive End, Corinth, Tex., Lake Dallas HS).
All-District defensive lineman and Academic All-State as senior.
All-District tight end as sophomore, then All-District defensive
end as junior. Helped Lake Dallas HS to Area Championships. 54 tackles,
6 TOL, 12 QB pressures, 2 sacks, 3 forced and 2 recovered fumbles
as senior. “Chris is an excellent player from a very good program.
He has been coached extremely well, and it would be hard to find
a more technically sound defensive lineman straight out of high
school. He is one of the most fundamentally sound players
I have ever recruited. He will make an immediate difference
for us.”
Reece Lehman
(6-0, 225, Defensive End, Lamar, Mo., Lamar HS). Three-sport letter
winner at Lamar HS; football (4), basketball (3), and baseball (1).
Named to All-State, All-District, All-Conference, and All-Area teams
following his senior season. Twin brother of Roman Lehman. “These
two brothers were priority recruits for us from day one. Both
have constant motors and are around the football all the time.
They are very physical players who are just brutes on the field.
We battled some national Heart of America Conference powers for
these two brothers, and we are excited that they chose to be Bulldogs.”
Roman Lehman
(6-0, 240, Defensive Line, Lamar, Mo., Lamar HS). Lettered in football
(4), basketball (3), and baseball (1) at Lamar HS. All-State and
All-Area selection as a senior; twice All-Conference and All-District.
Named Lamar's Most Valuable Lineman as both a junior and senior.
Credited with 124 tackles, 10 sacks, and 45 QB hurries as a senior.
(see comments under Reece Lehman).
Eain Lubbers
(6-1, 160, Wide Receiver, Hutchinson, Kan., Trinity Catholic HS).
Honorable mention All-Heart of America League selection his senior
season when he had 28 receptions for 344 yards. Placed fourth at
State 2-1A state golf tournament as junior for state champion Trinity
HS. “Eain is a diamond in the rough. If you look at him, you
would swear he weighed 180 pounds. His frame is exactly what
you would want for our offense. He comes from a high school
program that didn't throw a lot, so he will get more opportunities
to catch balls in his college career.”
Brandon Ming
(6-2, 215, Defensive End, Scott City, Kan., Scott Community HS).
Class 3A All-State defensive end. All-Mid-State League first team
as an offensive center and defensive end. Nominated for Kansas Shrine
Bowl. “We worked hard to get Brandon here. He is very fast
and very physical. He will compete for playing time right away at
our rush (defensive) end position”
Michael Moreland,
Jr. (6-3, 285, Defensive Tackle, Lawton, Okla., Eisenhower
HS). Lettered two years in football for and one year in wrestling
for Eisenhower HS. “Michael has a great frame for our defensive
tackle position. He comes from a very good high school program
at Eisenhower, and he knows how to win football games. We think
that with Michael, we got the best available at his position; he
is going to be a good one for us.”
Ronald Morris
(6-0, 205, Linebacker, Tulsa, Okla., Union HS). Honorable mention
Class 6A All-State selection as a senior. Named first team All-District
and honorable mention All-City. Member of Union 's '04 and '05 state
championship teams. Three year letter winner in wrestling, placing
fourth at 6A state as a senior. “I coached Ronald last year at Union
High, and he is a legitimate (NCAA) Division IA or DII player.
He is a very good athlete who plays incredibly well in space.
He is very bright and already knowledgeable of our defensive scheme.”
Garrett Parker
(6-0, 215, Defensive End, Lamar, Mo., Lamar HS). Lettered in football
(3), basketball (3), and track (4). Named Lamar's Most Valuable
Player as a senior. Named to All-Conference, All-District, and All-Area
squads following his senior football season. “He is another one
of the Lamar High boys who was recruited heavily by the top-tier
Heart of America schools. He could play either linebacker
or defensive in our scheme. He is a Presidential Scholar so
we believe he will pick up the system fairly quickly.”
Jarrad Phillips
(5-11, 190, Linebacker, DeSoto, Tex., DeSoto HS). Led DeSoto HS
and District in tackles with 81 his senior season. Was credited
with four sacks and one fumble recovery. “Athletic, tough, Jarrad
plays well in space and is an exceptional tackler. Jarrad
is a ‘package of dynamite.' We expect him to be another freshman
that you will hear a lot from this fall.”
Ron Price
(5-11, 195, Fullback, Broken Arrow, Okla., Tulsa Memorial HS). Named
first team All-District following his senior season at Memorial
HS. Lettered two years in football. “Ron will be a very versatile
player out of the backfield. He is a very well rounded player
who will complement what we do on offense. Ron is an extremely intelligent
football player who will be a contributor as a freshman. ”
Camron Shay
(6-4, 200, Tight End, Healy, Kan., Healy HS). All-Western Kansas
Liberty League as a junior and senior. Posted over 1,000 all-purpose
yards in final two prep seasons. Four-year letter winner in football,
basketball, and track, and one year in baseball for Healy HS. ”A
former high school quarterback who will develop into the type of
tight end that will be a staple of our offense. He is very
tough and a good athlete. ”
Josh Snelson
(6-2, 279, Offensive Lineman, Porter, Okla., Coweta HS). Named to
the Tulsa All-Metro squad as a senior. Team captain, Snelson was
District 5A-4 Offensive Lineman of the Year and honorable mention
All-State. “Comes from a very well coached high school program.
He will be an immediate impact player for us on the offensive line.
He is athletic and plays with a very good pad level.”
Travis Snider
(5-11, 234, Linebacker, Olton, Tex., Olton HS). Named to 2006 “Top
of Texas” Super Team defense. Invited to play in the Asco West Texas
Football Classic. Lettered three years in football and twice in
golf for Olton HS. “Travis will be the most physical linebacker
in our class. He is a guy who doesn't just tackle people, he knocks
them backwards.”
Tyler Stitt
(5-10, 190, Linebacker, Yukon, Okla., Mustang HS). Four-year letter
winner in football and wrestling. Named All-Conference and All-District
as a senior after posting 85 tackles and 6 sacks. “ Tyler fits the
mold for our two outside linebacker positions in our 2-Tampa scheme.
He is fast, physical, and plays well in space. He comes from
an outstanding 6A high school program in Oklahoma and he is tough
as nails.”
Princeton Summerville
(5-11, 160, Cornerback, Kansas City, Kan., Summer Academy
of Arts & Science). Selected as Sumner's Outstanding Secondary
Player and Most Improved. Had six interceptions in second half of
senior season. “ Princeton has the type of speed at the cornerback
position that will make him a standout. He is a true cover corner,
and will also contribute as a kickoff returner. He is a track guy,
so he will bring another dimension of speed to our football team.”
Shelton Thigpen
(5-11, 165, Defensive Back, Wylie , Tex. , Wylie HS). Named All-Conference
and second team All-District after posting 106 tackles, one interception,
two blocked punts, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown as a senior.
Defensive MVP as a senior, was leading tackler for Wylie final two
prep seasons. Was an honorable mention All-District selection as
a junior. Lettered in track as well as football. “One of our priorities
when we got here was to get more depth at our cornerback position.
Shelton is a physical corner who has also played outside linebacker.
He is fast and loves contact. Not many corners have the combination
of speed and toughness like Shelton .”
Justin Thompson
(6-1, 210, Tight End/Defensive End, Fairland, Okla., Fairland HS).
Named first team All-District and District Defensive MVP as senior.
Selected as Oklahoma All-Star in both football and basketball. Four
year letter winner in football, basketball, and track. Placed fourth
in shot put at Oklahoma state meet as junior. “Justin is a legend
at his high school and in his area of Oklahoma . Everywhere
I went I heard Justin's name from rival players and coaches.
He is relentless on the field. He could help us immediately
on either side of the ball.”
David Tuberville
(5-10, 245, Defensive Lineman, Choctaw, Okla., Choctaw
HS). Selected All-Metro Conference, All-City, All-District, first
team All-Big City ; All-District Defensive Player of the Year. Named
to the Oklahoma City Daily Oklahoman Pre-Season All-State
squad. Posted 67 tackles and 7 sacks as a senior after notching
82 tackles and 17 sacks as a junior. ”David had 17 sacks as a junior
from an interior defensive line position! That is almost unheard
of from an interior D-line position. He incredibly quick off
the ball and he plays with great pad level and leverage.”
Josh White
(6-1, 170, Athlete, Stockton, Mo., Stockton HS). All-State selection
as junior and senior. Three time All-Conference and All-District
pick. Four year letter winner in football and track, three letters
earned in basketball. Named Stockton HS Special Teams Player of
the Year, MVP, and Offensive Player of the Year. Led Stockton HS
basketball team in rebounding and free throw percentage his final
prep season. “Josh may be the best all-around athlete of our class.
We don't know what position we will play him at. He could
be an outstanding receiver, but he played quarterback in high school
and was just named to the Missouri All-Star game at quarterback.
He also returns kicks and punts, and received honors at defensive
back. I just know he is going to be an outstanding player
for us.”
Ryne Wilson
(6-4, 200, Tight End, Tulsa, Okla., Memorial HS). First team All-District
selection as a wide receiver and Special Teams Player of the Year
as senior. Lettered three years in football and once in track. Uncles
played football for Oklahoma State University and Northwestern Oklahoma
State University . “Ryne is a very good athlete who comes from a
family of athletes. He played receiver in a spread offense in high
school, but he has a lot of growing to do and we plan to build him
into a tight end. With how athletic he is, when he matures
he could be a force at the tight end position.”
Christopher Wright
(6-3, 206, Running Back, Pryor, Okla., Pryor HS). Four-year
letter winner in football and basketball, two years in track &
field for Pryor HS. Three year starter, twice offensive player of
the year. Rushed for over 1,000 yards. Posted 1,200 all-purpose
yards as a senior and 1,000 all-purpose yards as a junior. Credited
with 230 tackles and 20 sacks during prep career. Received All-State
honors in both football and basketball. Name All-District MVP and
3-time All-county in football. All-Conference MVP in basketball.
“Cain will be a dual-threat for us out of the backfield and at tight
end. He is another standout athlete. Cain was being
recruited by quite a few schools; he is the type of player which
is hard to find. He can catch, he is a physical blocker; he
also rushed for over 1,000 yards. He is definitely an impact
recruit for us.”
*****
12
join Bulldog football program for spring
McPherson College has announced
the addition of 11 transfers and one returnee to the football program
for the spring semester of the 2006-2007 school year.
Joining the Bulldog program
this spring, and currently participating in off-season conditioning
drills, are Aazaad Artis, Jermaine Carter, Gary Cox, Anthony Flask,
Alfred (Drew) Griffin, Mike Griffin, Stephen Harrison, George Johnson,
Dan Poffinbarger, John Smith, and Jamion Turner.
Wade Pedersen returns to
the program after a lengthy rehabilitation a 2002 knee injury.
“Overall, I am very happy
with the quality of our transfers,” said McPherson College head
coach Brian Ward of his first group of recruits. “Considering
we had about three weeks from the time I was hired to process and
get these players here on campus, I am extremely surprised we accomplished
what we did.”
“It really helped that my
contacts in Arizona were looking out for me. My knowledge
and connections to literally every coach in the Arizona junior colleges
has paid off this spring and is going to pay big dividends for us
in the future.”
“Coach (O.C.) Williams had
already made contact with the players in Mississippi and Texas ,
so that was a big help as well. We hope that every player
in this transfer class will eventually be a contributor.”
The incoming class has four
members of Glendale (Ariz.) Community College's 2005 undefeated
and NJCAA national championship team, offensive linemen Mike Griffin
and Dan Poffinbarger along with defensive back Jamion Turner and
wide receiver Gary Cox.
“Mickey Bell, the new head
coach at Glendale C.C., and I are very good friends. He took
over my assistant position when I left Glendale. My connections
to Glendale C.C., and being a former coach there, helped us this
year and will continue to pay off for us in the future.”
Wade Pedersen
(6-1, 210, Quarterback, Nampa, Idaho, Skyview HS). An honorable
mention All-KCAC quarterback in 2001 when he threw for 1901 yards
and 14 touchdowns on 169 completions in 339 attempts. Rushed for
an additional 285 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman. Suffered
a torn ACL on the fifth play of the Bulldogs' 2002 season opener,
his first offensive attempt of that season. “Wade brings a level
of leadership and maturity to our quarterback position you don't
often find,” said McPherson College head coach Brian Ward. “The
other guys respect him and respond positively to his leadership.”
Aazaad Artis
(5-8, 185, Running Back, Phoenix , Ariz. , Phoenix College /
Paradise Valley HS '05).
Explosive, great speed-back.
Class 5A All-State running back at Arizona Valley football power
Paradise Valley HS. All-conference honorable mention RB at
Phoenix College his sophomore year. Originally committed to Henderson
State University (Ark.) before signing with McPherson. “The
offensive coordinator at Phoenix College, Alex
Kilanowski, is a great friend of mine, and Azaad's head
coach in high school, Donnie Yantis, is another guy that I have
a long history with. Both of them were very instrumental in
getting Azaad here. I have watched a lot of film of the teams
in the KCAC, and I believe Azaad will be an impact layer in the
conference next year.”
Jermaine Carter
(6'1, 215, Quarterback, Memphis , Tenn. , Ranger College (Tex. )
/ Carver HS '03)
Big, athletic QB with a strong
arm. “Jermaine will compete for the starting spot this spring.
He is a different mold than our other three contenders at quarterback
this spring. He is bigger, very athletic, and has the strongest
arm of the group. We are very excited about his potential.
If he learns the offense, he will help us.”
Gary Cox
(5-8, 170, Wide Receiver, Glendale (Ariz.) Community College / Maryvale
HS)
Explosive receiver. Great
hands. Very physical for his size. Twice named All-ACCAC (Arizona
Community College Athletic Conference) receiver at Glendale CC.
Led the Gauchos in catches as a freshman on Glendale 's national
championship team. ” Gary is a person of very high character.
He has great speed and runs outstanding routes. He is the
complete package at WR. If I had to prepare to defend a team with
Gary at the wideout, I would scheme our defense to defend him.
We are very excited to have him.”
Anthony Flask
(6'3, 195, Quarterback, Halstead, Kan., Emporia State University
/ Butler CC / Halstead HS '04) Came in as a free safety, but will
compete at QB. “Anthony has been working hard for us since arriving
on campus. You can tell he has been out of football a while,
but we are very happy to have him as part of our program.”
Alfred (Drew) Griffin
(6-2, 275, Defensive Tackle, Rancho Cordova, Calif., American
River College / Cordova HS '02) Former starter and honorable mention
All-Mid-Empire Conference player at American River College. “Drew
will only be a sophomore, so having a 6'2, 275-pound defensive tackle
for the next three years is something to look forward to.
He is a very good athlete, and he will give us immediate depth on
our D-line. He is our most athletic interior D-lineman right
now. We are excited to have him.”
Mike Griffin
(6'4, 290, Offensive Line, Peoria, Ariz., Glendale (Ariz.) Community
College / Weber State Univ. / Peoria HS ‘04) Weber State (NCAA 1-AA)
signee out of Peoria HS. All-ACCAC player as a freshman on
Glendale 's national championship team. Was rated as a Blue-Chip
prospect before his sophomore year at Glendale C.C. “If Mike fulfills
his potential, he will be a dominant player for us.”
Stephen Harrison
(6-1, 175, Wide Receiver, Columbus, Miss., East Mississippi
CC / Columbus HS '04)
Same mold as Gary Cox, but
taller. Great speed. not quite as physical. Led EMCC in receiving
yards and receptions his sophomore year. “Stephen will give us the
ability to stretch defenses with his speed. He may be the
best athlete on our team.”
George Johnson
(6-0, 225#, Defensive End, Houston, Tex., Tabor College / Cypress
Creek HS '06)
Slated to play defensive
end. “We are excited to have George. He red-shirted
at Tabor last year. He played for a former teammate of mine at Cypress
Creek High School in Houston . That was my connection to him.
He has a very bright future here.”
Dan Poffinbarger
(6-3, 310, Offensive Line, Glendale (Ariz.) Community
College / Apollo HS ‘05)
Huge offensive lineman.
Started on Glendale 's national championship team as a freshman.
“Dan will be another immediate impact player. He is a great
athlete for his size. We plan to play him at guard. He is
another one that if he fulfills his potential, he will be a force
on the O-line. Dan and I graduated from the same high school in
Arizona . It wasn't hard getting him here because of the common
connections we had.”
John Smith
(5'11, 290, Offensive Line, San Antonio, Tex., Ranger Junior College
/ Roosevelt HS '04)
Another 300-pound offensive
lineman. He was a two-year starter at center for Ranger College.
“Johnathon will play one of the three inside spots on the offensive
line. He is very athletic for his size. Johnathon has
the potential to be an impact player for us over the next couple
years.”
Jamion Turner
(5-10, 190, Defensive Back, Phoenix, Ariz., Glendale (Ariz.) Community
College / Maryvale HS ‘01) Started at strong safety for the Glendale
's 2005 National Champions. All-ACCAC player his sophomore
year. “Jamion will play one of our safety spots. He
will walk in as the starter because of our lack of depth.
He stood out on film as being someone who really would strike people.
He will fit in well with what we do on defense. I recruited and
signed Jamion when I was the defensive coordinator at Glendale CC.
I knew Jamion well, and he wanted to be here with me.”
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