| 2008 Signings
The following is a list of all signings for the 2008 season
starting with the most recent signing.
15 preps
commit to Bulldog football program
McPherson College has announced
the addition of 15 players to the football program for the fall
semester of the 2008-2009 school year.
Joining the Bulldog program
next fall are Colten ‘Chase' Croftcheck (Muskogee,
Okla.), Marcus Esquivel (Grapevine, Tex.), Justin
Fulton (Bluejacket, Okla.), Jorge Gomez
(Prosper, Tex.), Jason Hansen (Little Elm, Tex.),
Tanner Janning (Clinton, Okla.), Clay
McConnell (Hutchinson, Kan.), Jordan McCullough
(Lindsey, Okla.), Shane Medlen (Oro
Valley, Ariz.), Clifton Miles ( Cushing , Okla.),
Richard Oestricher (N. Richland Hills, Tex.),
Andrew Skinner (Montezuma, Kan.), Thomas
Stauts (Little Elm, Tex.), Zackary White
(Broken Arrow, Okla.), John Wiedenhof (Euless,
Tex.)
“Our mission was to hit our
HS signing class goal by April 1st , and we are pleased to announce
that it has been accomplished,” said McPherson College head coach
Brian Ward. “ This group will be an outstanding addition to our
college, our football program, and the community.”
“Being able to have a full
year to let our recruiting cycle take hold has allowed us to reap
an outstanding class of students as evidenced by half of our class
(18) being Presidential Scholars, as well as athletes. This
class will give us depth at virtually every position, and lead to
very competitive situations at a number of positions this next fall.”
Chase Croftcheck
(5-9, 277, Offensive Line, Muskogee, Okla., Hilldale HS).
A four-year letter winner for Hilldale HS, Croftcheck was named
the Hornet's “Outstanding Offensive Lineman” his junior and senior
seasons. He plans to major in auto restoration technology.
“Chase will come in as one
of the strongest guys in our program. This year, he is one
of the strongest guys in the state of Oklahoma in power-lifting.
He will bring a very physical presence to our offensive line over
the next four years. We'll play him at guard because we were very
impressed with how he was able to get his big body onto linebackers
when he pulled.”
Marcus Esquivel
(6-1, 265, Offensive Line, Grapevine, Tex., Colleyville Heritage
HS). Lettered for Heritage HS under coach Mike Fuller. Plans to
major in physical education.
“Marcus is an extremely hard
worker with a big upside. He has good size, and he is very
intelligent. He comes from a great family and background,
so he understands the variables that lead to success. I can't
wait to see him improve over his career here. We are very excited
to have Marcus as part of our program and campus.”
Justin Fulton
(5-10, 190, Running Back, Bluejacket, Okla., Bluejacket HS). Four-year
letter winner for coach Ronnie Simmons. Received All-State recognition
after rushing for 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior, then
1,900 yards and 27 TDs as a senior. Led Oklahoma in kickoff returns
his final two prep seasons. Plans to major in biology.
“Running back is a position
that we needed to add depth. Justin received a lot of attention
as a player during his high school career and was incredibly productive.
He has good speed and is very physical. He is good at running
the ball, both inside and outside. He was also an outstanding
special team player in high school, so he is another player that
will be versatile enough to help us eventually in many different
areas.”
Jorge (J.L.) Gomez
(5-9, 165, Safety, Prosper, Tex., Prosper HS). Lettered
in football, basketball, track, and baseball. Named second team
All-District in football as junior and senior. Earned all-district
honors in basketball. Plans to major in pre-physical therapy.
“J.L.'s high school coach
told me that he was the best all-around player on his team. He will
play safety for us, but may grow into an outside linebacker.
He is another student-athlete that excels in the classroom, he is
a very good athlete, and has an awesome personality. He will
give us much needed depth this fall in the secondary, and he will
be a lot of fun to have around.”
Jason Hansen
(6-1, 235, Linebacker, Little Elm, Tex., Little Elm HS). First team
All-District. Named District Defensive MVP as senior. Credited with
121 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, and three fumbles recoveries
in final prep season. Plans to major in physical education.
“Jason will be a special
player for us. He was a stand-out at Little Elm High School,
and he will bring a very physical presence for us at the linebacker
position. He will come in very high on our depth chart at
our middle linebacker position, and he will get a long look in the
fall. He is a very good student and he will be a great fit
here at MAC. He was well worth the wait.”
Tanner Janning
(5-11, 180, Athlete, Clinton, Okla., Clinton HS). Lettered in football,
baseball, and track at Clinton HS. All-District selection with track
bests of 11.04 and 23.03. Averaged 23.7 yards per catch with six
touchdowns. Selected for K101 All-Star Bowl. Plans to major in biochemistry/pre-med.
“Tanner will be one of the
fastest players on our team as soon as he reports to camp.
This kid can fly. I think they may have had him out of position
in high school, but he was very unselfish and showed he is a team-player
in helping them win a state championship his senior year.
Tanner could end up playing a number of positions on offense or
defense. A coach can do a lot with the kind of speed Tanner
has.”
Clay McConnell (5-11,
185, Running Back, Hutchinson, Kan., Nickerson HS). Two-time MCAA
honorable mention running back. Two-year starter for coach Max Heinlein.
“Clay is a guy we wanted
from the minute he popped up on our radar. Coach Bettasso
recruited him, and we all thought he would be a great addition.
He is tough and hardworking, and he will be a guy that will only
get better as his career progresses.”
Jordan McCullough
(6-2, 260, Defensive Line, Lindsay, Okla., Lindsay HS).
Three-time 1 st team All-District honoree, Twice named All-County
lineman on both offense and defense. Named Daily Oklahoman 1 st
team All-State and selected for Oklahoma Coaches Association All-Star
Game. Credited with 70 tackles and 9 sacks as a senior. Plans to
major in business management.
“ Jordan is a huge addition
to our program. He will give us immediate depth on the defensive
line. His motor never stops on the field, and he has the presence
and the character to eventually be a stand-out leader in our program
and on campus. He is a Presidential Scholar.”
Shane Medlen
(6-3, 192, Safety, Oro Valley, Ariz., Ironwood Ridge HS). Received
All-Conference honors following his senior season when he had 300
receiving yards and 22 tackles. Captained the Ironwood Ridge team
his senior year. Lettered in football, wrestling, and track. Plans
to major in business.
“Shane is coming from a long
way to help us out. He will be a safety for us, but if he
gets any bigger we may have to move him somewhere else. He
has really grown and put weight on his frame during his senior year.
He weighs 190 pounds and is a sprinter on his track team.
Shane is a guy that we have been working on for quite a while, and
he had a tough decision considering all of the schools that were
recruiting him. He is athletic enough to play free safety, but tackles
well enough to play closer to the line of scrimmage. I can't wait
to see him in the fall”
Clifton Miles
(6-0, 210, Linebacker, Cushing, Okla., Cushing HS). Named the Class
4A-2 2007 Linebacker of the Year. Received All-District and All-Area
honors four seasons. Ranked among Oklahoma 's top five in total
tackles. Selected for Hawaii Classic and named Pawnee Bill All-Star.
Plans to major in biochemistry/pre-med.
“ Clifton is tough; he has
the type of size and speed that we were looking for at linebacker.
Our freshman linebacker class has the potential to be outstanding,
and Clifton is a big reason why. He is a very driven individual
who has had a lot of responsibility up to this point in his life.
I am excited about Clifton becoming a part of our program.”
Richard (Ricky) Oestricher
(6-2, 260, Offensive Line, N. Richland Hills, Tex., Richland
HS). Honorable mention All-District selection for coach Gene Wier.
Lettered in football and track. Plans to major in biology.
“Ricky can play any position
on the offensive line. He could get a look on the defensive line
as well. He is a very versatile player who is an athlete.
We feel like he has the potential to eventually be one of the better
players in our conference.”
Andrew Skinner
(5-10, 160, Wide Receiver, Montezuma, Kan., South Gray HS). Rushed
for 1,323 yards and 17 touchdowns plus had 344 receiving yards and
four more touchdowns as a senior. On the defensive side, was credited
with 128 tackles and 7 interceptions. Received All-State and All-Area
football honors as well as All-SPAA Iroquois League. Selected for
2008 Kansas 8-man state all-star game. Played major role in South
Gray's 2007 and 2008 basketball state championships.
“Andy is a winner in everything
he does. He was All-State in football, won two state titles
in basketball, is a Presidential Scholar, and at the top of his
class. We will play him at receiver. He has great hands,
and was one of the quickest players in the state this past year.
As soon as he learns our offense and makes the transition to college,
he will contribute.”
Joining Andy Skinner for
his letter of intent signing were (front) his parents Tim and Kim
Skinner, along with (back, left) South Gray head football coach
Joe Price and McPherson College head football coach Brian Ward.
Thomas Stauts
(5-10, 185, Running Back, Little Elm, Tex., Little Elm HS). Received
All-District honors as running back in football and guard in basketball.
Named MVP in both sports. Averaged three touchdowns per game. 760
yards rushing and 800 yards receiving senior season. Also, considering
playing basketball for the Bulldogs.
“Thomas was a great pickup
for us. His high school coach said he is the best football
player he has ever coached. He played running, and that's
where he will play for us, but he may also contribute on other side
of the ball. He is an awesome character kid, and everyone that met
him when he visited couldn't stop talking about him after he left.”
Zackary White
(6-1, 220, Offensive Line, Broken Arrow, Okla., Catoosa HS). Team
captain, earned All-District honors. Named to Tulsa World 5A honorable
mention All-State squad. Plans to major in biochemistry/pre-med.
“Zack is everything a coach
could want in a player. A Presidential Scholar, he has good
size, he is a great student, and he is an incredibly hard worker
on the field. You know he is as tough as they come as he was
a member of Catoosa state champion wrestling team. Zack can play
any position on the offensive line, so he will have an opportunity
to contribute quickly.”
John Wiedenhof
(5-11, 215, Linebacker, Euless, Tex., Colleyville Heritage HS).
Three-sport letter winner at Heritage HS, football, track, and lacrosse.
Plans to major in sociology/psychology.
“John is going to be so much
fun to watch. He reminds me a lot of Zach Hicks, but bigger.
He has that same fire, determination, and focus as Zach did.
He comes from a very disciplined background, and really has a passion
to do big things in the classroom, on the field, and in life.
He is going to bring everyone to another level once he settles in
here at McPherson College .”
The McPherson College Bulldogs
will open their 2008 season on September 13 th at intra-county rival
Bethany College .
*****
11
transfers join Bulldog football program
McPherson College has announced the
addition of 11 transfers who have joined the Bulldog football program
for the spring semester of the 2008-2009 school year.
Joining the Bulldog program
this spring were Billy Baska (Tonganoxie, Kan.),
Nick Goodrich (Stockton, Calif.), Sean
Grandin (Pleasant Hill, Calif.), Casey Hayes
(Walnut Creek, Calif.), Dana Henderson (Roseville,
Calif.), Chris Lawton (Hayward, Calif.), Charles
Merlo (Sacramento, Calif.), Garrison Overstake
(Hillsboro, Kan.), Raashun Payne (Coolidge,
Ariz.), Mark Watson, Jr. (St. Charles, Mo.), and
Kevin Wiley (Stockton, Calif.)
“We really worked hard this
year to get the right type of person when we targeted our mid-year
transfers,” said McPherson College head coach Brian Ward.
“ We were looking for young men who were looking for an education
that would make them a difference-maker; the type of person who
wanted to be challenged as a football player and person. Above
all, we were looking for individuals who would be a good fit for
McPherson College. We really feel we addressed the needs of
our football program, while bringing in quality people.”
“Our focus this year was
to bring in people who would help us get better right away on defense
and to give us depth on the offensive line.”
“Coupling our high school
signing class with our transfers will lead to a very competitive
situation on the offensive line this year.”
“Defensively, we still have
some holes to fill, but we believe we're headed in the right direction.”
“Overall, I could not have
asked for a better mid-year class as students, athletes, and people.
They are just a very high-quality group.”
Billy Baska (6-0,
185, Running Back, Tonganoxie, Kan., Missouri Southern State Univ./Tonganoxie
HS). Two-year letterman and one-year starter at MSSU.
Rushed for 989 yards, 9 touchdowns plus 5 pass interceptions as
senior at Tonganoxie HS. First team all-league running back
and second team defensive back. “Billy is one I am glad to
reunite with. Billy started for me his sophomore year at Missouri
Southern at safety and did a very good job for us. He is an extremely
smart, instinctive player, who has been coached really well by some
very good college defensive back coaches. He is going to bring
a whole new level of experience and maturity to our secondary.
If he stays healthy, he is sure-fire impact player.”
Nick Goodrich
(6-2, 315, Offensive Line, San Joaquin Delta College/Dallas (Ore.)
HS). Named “Player of the Week” three times at Delta.
Received all-conference honors in only year of prep wrestling. “We
are so excited to have Nick. When you look at him you would think
he weighs 280, maybe 285. Yesterday, he tipped the scales
at 322. He is the fastest of our offensive lineman, and consistently
finishes first in our conditioning runs. He moves so well,
and is the second strongest person on our football team. We
expect big things from Nick the next two years.”
Sean Grandin (6-3,
310, Offensive Line, Pleasant Hill, Calif., Diablo Valley College/College
Park HS). Lettered in football and wrestling as prep.
Followed his father as player at Diablo Valley . “Sean has
probably been the biggest surprise in our transfer class.
We knew that he was a good player at his junior college; we just
didn't know how much he was overshadowed by some of his teammates
that signed Division 1A scholarships. No one in our program
works harder than Sean or with a better attitude. He is a
diligent student of the game, and I really believe he will outwork
people, earning a starting position or considerable playing time
this fall.”
Casey Hayes
(6-5, 270, Offensive Line, Walnut Creek, Calif., Diablo Valley College/Las
Lomas HS). Lettered in football and volleyball as prepster.
Named Knights' “Most Improved”. “Casey is the prototype tackle
we want in our offensive system. He is tall, lean, and athletic.
He also has a high level of competitiveness. He has the frame
to carry a bit more weight, but I don't believe it will hurt his
performance for him to stay in the 270 to 275 range. He makes
up for it with great feet and an overly competitive demeanor.”
Dana Henderson (5-11,
205, Defensive Back/Linebacker, Roseville, Calif., American River
College/Folsom HS). Track & field and football letter
winner at Folsom HS. “Dana is a player we were extremely fortunate
to get. He is another big defensive back-type, who could end
up playing a linebacker spot in nickel situations because of how
physical he is and his ability to match-up with skill players.
Dana is the type of athlete you want on defense. His physical
play along with his ability to run will allow him to make a difference
in our defense in many different areas. He will be an impact
player somewhere in our secondary.”
Chris Lawton (6-2,
290, Offensive Line, Hayward, Calif., Chabot Junior College/Castro
Valley HS).
Two-year letter winner at
Castro Valley before playing two seasons for Chabot. “Chris
will play guard and compete to start this fall. He comes from
a good junior college program, where he started last year, so he
accustomed to going against great talent. If we can get Chris'
strength up to where we want him, he will be a great contributor
for us. He is a hard worker and has a very unselfish attitude.
We are very happy to have him here.”
Charles Merlo
(6-2, 212, Linebacker/Defensive Back, Sacramento, Calif., American
River College/Christian Brothers HS). Received Mid-Empire
all-conference honors for Chabot JC while he had 68 tackles and
three interceptions as a sophomore. Lettered in football,
soccer, and tennis in high school. “Charlie is a guy that
we recruited very hard and had to lure him away from some other
schools. When you look at him, he is built like a linebacker.
Athletic build, very muscular, and physical looking, but he can
really run and has excellent footwork. Because of how physical
he is, he could play seven or eight positions on our defense.
What ultimately turned him our way in the recruitment process was
I told him there was no guarantee he would start. Rather,
he would have to compete for a job. He liked that. That tells
you what kind of person he is. He is going to be a big contributor.”
Garrison Overstake
(5-9, 185, Defensive Back, Hillsboro, Kan., Butler County
CC/Univ of Nebraska-Lincoln/Fort Scott HS). Signed initially
with the University of Nebraska at Lincoln to run track. Had
over 900 all-purpose yards in final two prep seasons when he was
named All-Southeast Kansas on both offense and defense. Fort
Scott HS record holder at 100 meters. “Garrison has a ton
of ability. He was one of the more recognizable athletes in
the state of Kansas his senior year at Fort Scott . We hope
we can get him back to competing at that level. We offered
him a full-ride to play football when I was at Missouri Southern,
but he chose to go to the University of Nebraska for track instead.
When we get him back to that level, he'll be an impact player.”
Raashun Payne
(5-10, 250, Defensive Line, Coolidge, Ariz., Mesa Community College/Coolidge
(Ariz.) HS). Received all-state honors as a senior after being
picking up honorable mention all-state recognition as a junior.
Lettered in football, wrestling, and track as a prep. “The
minute Raashun stepped on campus he became the strongest player
on our team. He can really move some weight around, and we're
hoping he'll do the same to opposing offensive linemen. He
was used as a short-yardage fullback in junior college. He
is a specimen; a 33” waist and no fat on him whatsoever. We
hope to put a little more weight on him. We expect him to
be a mainstay on our interior defensive line for the next two years.”
Mark Watson (6-0,
200, Defensive Back, St. Charles, Mo., Missouri Southern State Univ./Francis
Howell HS). Has 15 tackles, an interception and a 60-yard
fumble recovery for MSSU. Two-time all-conference honoree
for Howell. A prep senior, had 15 receptions for 250 yards,
was 25 of 40 passing for 315 yards, and rushed 20 times for 205
yards. Lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track
in high school. “Mark is a special player to me since I coached
him at Missouri Southern. Although he was young then, he had
the potential to be one of the better players in the MIAA.
He will definitely be an impact player in our conference.
He's bigger than any linebacker we had a year ago, plus he is a
good enough athlete to be one of the better return men in the conference.
He's an excellent student-athlete, and a lot of fun to have
around.”
Kevin Wiley
(6-1, 245, Linebacker, Stockton, Calif., San Joaquin Delta College/Tokay
HS). Received honorable mention all-conference honors at Tokay
High despite playing just four games. “Kevin will be one of the
better players in our conference before it is all over. In
junior college, he did it all. He could rush the passer from
inside or outside; he is an excellent tackler and he plays well
in space. To have a linebacker that weighs 245 pounds and
runs as well as any of our 185, 190-pound linebackers did
last year is a really good thing. I can't wait to watch him
knock some people around in the fall.”
*****
22
sign with Bulldog football program
McPherson College has announced
the addition of 21 incoming freshman and one sophomore transfer
to the football program for the fall semester of the 2008-2009 school
year.
Joining the Bulldog program
next fall are Aaron Barta (Perkins, OK), Joe
Becker (Plainville, Kan.), Allen Bittick
(Tulsa, Okla.), John Davidson (Tulsa, Okla.),
Garry Deason (Broken Arrow , Okla.), Tyler
Evans (Cushing, OK), Xavier Farinas
(Wichita, Kan.), Jeremy Gross (Purcell, Okla.),
Jake Hart (Perkins, OK), Blake Jones
(Melvern, Kan.), Jacob Kerbel (Wylie, Tex.), David
Kraft (Peck, Kan.), Ronnie Miller (Tulsa,
Okla.), Chase Ozbun (Rose Hill, Kan.), Jerdan
Schweizer (Plevna,Kan.), Cameron Smith
(Lebo, Kan.), Ryan Smith (Wichita, Kan.), Aaron
Sunday (Claremore, Okla.), Brett Swindell
(Oologah, Okla.), David Vogel (Wamego, Kan.),
Aaron Ward (Jetmore, Kan.), Colby Westbrook
(Bushland, Tex.)
“We believe this will prove
to be a great signing class,” said McPherson College head coach
Brian Ward. “We addressed all of our needs from a program
standpoint. This is a class full of excellent student-athletes
that want to be their best in the classroom, on the field, and in
life.”
“We accomplished our goals
of effectively recruiting the state of Kansas , and targeting some
quality student-athletes out of the states of Oklahoma and Texas
. We really focused on a higher level student-athlete this year
as evidenced by the average GPA of 3.6 and average ACT of 24 in
this signing class. We have nine Presidential Scholars in the class.”
“Last year on March 1st,
we only had one letter of intent signed, so we are light-years ahead
of where we were last year at this time.”
Aaron Barta (6-4,
215, Offensive Line, Perkins, Okla., Perkins-Tryon HS). Named
to the Class 2A All-State team by Kickoff magazine after his senior
season. Received All-District 2A-1 and All-Area honors.
Four year letter winner in football. Lettered in football,
baseball, basketball, and track. Named honorable mention All-State
by the Tulsa World and Daily Oklahoman. Son of Steve and Linda
Barta. “Aaron is the type of offensive lineman we are looking
for. He is athletic and tough, and he will grow into the position
the right way in college. He played center in high school,
and we see him staying at that position. He is a very intelligent
player, a Presidential Scholar.”
Participating
in the signings of Aaron Barta (front, second from left) and Jake
Hart (front, third from left) were (front) their mothers, Linda
Barta (left) and Carla Hart (right) along with (back, left) father
Steve Barta, sister Jenna Barta, McPherson College head coach Brian
Ward, Perkins-Tryon HS head coach Lloyd Wertman, brother Caleb Hart,
and father Justin Hart.
Jake Hart
(5'9. 165, Quarterback/Punter, Perkins, Okla., Perkins-Tryon HS).
Name first team All-District 2A-1 as a senior. Two-time all-conference
selection. District 2A-1 Special Teams Player of the Year,
All-Area Offensive Player of the Year, and Oklahoma Region 2 Student/Athlete
of the Year. Selected to play in the Hawaii Classic for Team
Oklahoma following his junior season. Passed for 1,200 yards
and rushed for 700 yards as a senior. Converted 93% of PAT
attempts and 4 of 5 field goals. Threw for 1,100 and ran for
500 yards as a junior. Son of Justin and Carla Hart.
“Jake is a standout in everything he does. He is a coach's
son, so he has a different way of looking at competitive situations.
You can see on film he has a way of elevating himself in games.
Leadership comes natural to him. We think he will push Ripp
Harrison at the punter position this year. He is a Presidential
Scholar.”
Joe Becker (6-5,
265, Offensive Tackle, Plainville, Kan., Plainville HS). Received
All-Mid-Continent League second team honors as a senior offensive
tackle and honorable mention honors as a junior for coach John Petrie.
Also, lettered in baseball for the Cardinals. Plans to major
in math or science education. Selected to play in the Hawaii
Pigskin Classic for Team Oklahoma after his junior season.
Son of Mike and Jody Becker. “Joe has the athleticism to be
one of the better lineman in our conference by his junior and senior
year. We are really excited to have him.”
Allen Bittick
(6-3, 285, Offensive Line, Tulsa, Okla., East Central HS). A
three-year letter winner, he received honorable mention All-District
5A-4 honors. Team was District champions. Helped team
compile a combined 54-3 record his sophomore, junior, and senior
years. Son of Larry and Sheri Bittick. “Allen is really
important to us because he gives us that really big body to work
with and develop. He comes from a great program and has been
coached really well by Coach Hill and his staff. Allen is
a good player, and will be another one who will give us immediate
depth up front on offense.”
John Davidson (6-0,
236, Fullback, Tulsa, Okla., Memorial HS). Received Class
6A-3 All District honors this past season. Named Memorial's
“Most Valuable Player” as a senior after being named Memorial's
“Lineman of the Year” as a junior. Plans to major in mathematics.
Son of Pamela Conture. “John will compete for playing time
right away as a fullback. We targeted five different fullbacks
with the intention of signing one. We got our top-rated guy
in John.”
Garry Deason
(6-2, 250, Offensive Line, Broken Arrow, Okla., East Central HS).
Received All-District honors following his senior season for coach
Travis Hill. Was twice named “Player of the Week.” Son
of Garry Deason. “Garry comes from a well-coached, winning
program. He will give us immediate depth on the offensive
line.”
 Tyler
Evans (5-8, 160, Wide Receiver, Cushing, Okla., Cushing
HS). Named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association Class 4A All-State
team. Received District 4A-2 wide receiver honors and first
team All-Area honors from the Stillwater News Press under coach
Lance Hoggatt. Part of Cushing High's two-time dual match
state championship wrestling team as well as state championship
tournament team. Lettered in football, baseball and wrestling.
Son of Mick and Suzie Evans. “ Tyler is the perfect all-around
student-athlete. He is an excellent student, he is as tough
as they come athletically, and he is very humble in the way he carries
himself.”
Xavier Farinas
(6-2, 255, Defensive Line, Wichita, Kan., North High School).
Received All-Class 6A honorable mention and second team All-City
recognition as a senior for coach Tom Beason. Was named to
the honorable mention All-City team following his junior season
with the Redskins. Son of Anna Rudy. “Xavier was our
‘must have' guy on the defensive line. If Xavier comes in
next fall in shape and ready to play, he has the potential to be
a stand-out from Day 1.”
Tyler
Evans is joined by his parents and coaches for his letter of intent
signing.
Jeremy Gross
(6-2, 245, Offensive Line, Purcell, Okla., Purcell HS). Named
to the All-District first team following his senior season under
coach Mike Wilson. Plans to major in business. Son of
Neil and Jonee Gross. “Jeremy has been recruited to play on
the offensive line, but he could find himself on the defensive line
as well. He is a great student and someone I expect will be
a constant on our offensive line in the future.”
 Blake
Jones (6-4, 180, Defensive Back/Quarterback, Melvern, Kan.,
Lebo HS). Selected to play in the 2008 Kansas 8-Man All-Star
football game. Had a 60% pass completion rate while throwing
for 816 yards and 16 TDs on 99 attempts. Rushed for an average
of 8.6 yards per carry on 51 attempts. Punted for an average
of 44.7 yards. Credited with 34 solo and 88 assisted tackles,
7 interceptions, 3 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery.
Named to the Topeka Capital-Journal 8-man All-State squad following
his senior season when he was an All-Lyon County League selection
on both offense and defense. Named to the Emporia Gazette
All-Area squad and Wichita Eagle honorable mention 8-man All-State
team. An honorable mention all-state selection by the Topeka
Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle as a junior after being named
to the All-LCL first team defense. Passed for 1,238 yards
and 12 TDs. Credited with 6 interceptions, 65 total tackles,
20 solo stops. Qualified for the finals of the Class 1A 110
hurdles at the 2007 state track championships. Played for
his father, William “Butch” Jones, a 1980 McPherson College grad.
Son of Butch and Sonya Jones. “Blake is a guy we targeted
from the day we were hired. He was recruited by all of the
Kansas junior college. He just thought that this was the best
place to be. He is a big, tall, athletic player, and he is
a coach's son, so he really understands football concepts.
We hope he learns ours quickly so he can compete at the quarterback
position. He is also a Presidential Scholar.” Joining
Blake Jones for his letter of intent signing were his parents Sonya
and Butch Jones, Lebo head football coach, along with (back) Lebo
assistant coach Doug Piper.
Jacob Kerbel
(6-2, 205, Linebacker, Wylie, Tex., Wylie HS). Lettered in football
and track at Wylie High School . Named Wylie HS “Special Teams
Player of the Week.” Son of James Bridget of Wylie , Tex.
“Jake will be an impact player for us at linebacker. He is
big and physical, and he can really run. He is a sub-40 second
300-meter hurdler. We feel very fortunate to get Jake.
Having other Wylie High alums here in (Shelton) Thigpen and (Bo)
Clemons really helped us get him here.”
David Kraft
(6-2, 225, Offensive/Defensive Line, Peck, Kan., Mulvane HS).
A 2008 Shrine Bowl selection. Earned All-State and All-Ark
Valley Chisholm Trail III honors as an offensive lineman and defensive
end. Three year letter winner in football at Mulvane
HS for coach Dave Fennewald. Lettered in baseball. Son
of Mike and Vicki Kraft. “David was a huge signee for us.
He is just an animal on the field. Everything he does is at
an extremely high level; be it in the classroom, on the field, in
the weight room. He is as intense as they come. He will
have a huge influence on our program. He is another high-impact
player.”
Ronnie Miller
(5-7, 155, Cornerback, Tulsa, Okla., Booker T. Washington HS). Two-year
letter winner at Washington HS. Named “Player of the Week”
his senior season against rival Jenks HS. Had 40 tackles, five pass
break-ups, and one sack. Son of Ronnie Miller, Sr., and Latonya
Scott. “Ronnie really hit it off with our players when he was on
campus for his visit. He will blend in well with our players
because he is driven to be good at everything he does. He
is very competitive, and will give us depth at our cornerback position.
Coming from a highly successful high school program like Booker
T. Washington, Ronnie has played for, and practiced against, a very
high level of competition.”
Chase Ozbun
(6-2, 160, Quarterback, Rose Hill, Kan., Rose Hill HS). Three
year letter winner in football for coach Greg Slade at Rose Hill
High School . Received second team All-Ark Valley Chisholm
Trail honors as a senior and honorable mention all-league honors
as a junior. Named the Rockets “Most Inspirational Player”
his senior season. Lettered in football, basketball, and baseball
for Rose Hill HS. Sister, Kristen Ozbun, currently plays basketball
and softball for the Lady Bulldogs. Son of Brad and Loretta
Ozbun. “Chase is a very good athlete; one who was the leader
for his high school team his senior year. Chase is a
very athletic player; one who is an incredible competitor.
He really plays like he believes he is the best player on the field.
He is a lot of fun to watch with the football in his hands. I
have no doubt he will develop into a difference maker in our conference.
He is a Presidential Scholar.”
Jerdan Schweizer
(5-10, 170, Defensive Back, Plevna, Kan., Langdon-Fairfield
HS). Named All-Heart of the Plains first team linebacker and
second team running back. Received honorable mention all-state
honors on the defensive side of the ball as a senior. Captained
the Falcons his final two seasons under coach Justin Raybern. Lettered
four years in football, two years in basketball, and two in track.
Credited with 62 unassisted tackles, 30 assists, eight tackles for
loss, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions as a senior.
“Jerdan is tough, smart, and athletic. He was recruited by
several schools because he is a guy that is just so dependable on
the field. We are so happy to have him. Jerdan will
give us depth in the secondary. We plan to play him at the
strong safety position. He is another Presidential Scholar.”
 Cameron
Smith (6-2, 188, Linebacker/Fullback, Lebo, Kan., Lebo
HS). Honorable mention All-State selection as a running back
and linebacker following his senior season. Named All-Lyon
County League at both positions as a senior. Rushed for 957
yards on 101 attempts, caught 15 passes for 258 yards, and scored
26 touchdowns as a senior. Returned 13 kickoffs for an average
of 23.1 yards and 5 punts for an average of 22.4 yards. Credited
with 30 solo and 96 assisted tackles, 3 tackles for loss yardage,
5 fumble recoveries, and one interception. Named honorable
mention All-State and All-Area, and first team All-LCL as a linebacker
following junior season when was credited with 74 total tackles,
15 unassisted, 3 tackles for loss, and one interception. Ran
for 785 yards and caught 11 passes for 133 yards. Placed in
the 400 meters at the Class 1A state track & field championship
sophomore and junior years. Played at Lebo HS for McPherson
grad Butch Jones. Son of Dale and Cyndi Smith. “Cameron
is the tall, rangy, fast athlete that everyone is looking for these
days. He really was a presence his senior year. He covers
so much of the field with his frame and his speed. As soon
as he devotes himself to the weight room, he will be a long-time
starter in our program. You are going to see a complete physical
transformation between the beginning of his first year to the beginning
of his sophomore year. He has the potential to be a great
player. He is a Presidential Scholar.” Cameron
Smith was joined for his letter of intent signing by (front) his
parents Cyndi and Dale Smith along with (back, left) Lebo assistant
coach Doug Piper and Lebo head football coach Butch Jones.
 Ryan
Smith (5-7, 175, Running Back, Wichita, Kan., Goddard HS).
First team All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League division 1 and honorable
mention Class 6A All-State for coach Roger Robben.
Named the Lions' 2007 MVP
Offensive Back. Rushed for 1,092 yards with no fumbles in
over 180 carries his senior season. Plans to major in biochemistry.
Son of Stephen and Nellie Smith. “Ryan is another guy who
we spent a lot of time on recruiting. He is an incredibly
quick player in the open field, and is a threat to go the distance
every time he touches the ball. Ryan was a standout in high
school, and I believe, he will be a standout for us too. He is a
Presidential Scholar as well.” Joining
Ryan Smith for his letter of intent signing were his parents Mellie
and Steve Smith along with his sister Nicole.
Aaron Sunday
(6-2, 185, Quarterback, Claremore, Okla., Verdigris HS). An
honorable mention all-state honoree his senior season after being
named all-district and all-conference for coach Dan Nickles.
Ranked third in Oklahoma as a senior when he threw for 2,300 yards
as a senior. Rushed for 650 yards in his final prep season.
Named Verdigris HS' “Most Valuable Player” as a junior. Lettered
in football, basketball, and baseball. Son of Wayne and Dee
Sunday. “Aaron is part of the stable of quarterbacks that
we knew we needed to bring in this year. He is a winner, as
shown by his state championship in basketball, and he helped turn
around the Verdigris football program. Aaron has a great field
presence, really understands coverages, reads, etc. All of
the quarterbacks that we've signed this year have that quiet confidence
that elevates themselves above every situation. That's a quality
that is hard to teach. He is also a 4.0 student.”
Brett Swindell
(5-10, 180, Running Back, Oologah, Okla., Oologah HS). Received
All-Directi, All-Tulsa Metro, and honorable mention All-State recognition.
Led Oologah High in rushing with 1,100 yards as a senior after junior
season of 1,500 yards. Had 300 receiving yards as a senior
and 250 yards as a junior. Total 25 touchdowns. Three
time all-conference and state qualifier in golf. Son of Tony
and Tonya Swindell. “Brett is the total package. He
can catch; he can run inside the tackles; he has very good vision.
He has played and excelled at a high level of high school football.
He is an awesome kid who is driven to succeed. Keep your eye
on Brett; he has great potential.”
David Vogel
(6-3, 230, Tight End, Wamego, Kan., Wamego HS). Had 20 catches
for 300 yards his senior season under coach John Scoggins.
Lettered in football and track & field for the Red Raiders.
Son of Karla Vogel. “David and I hit it off from the first
day. He is tough, physical, and has a huge frame. He
has very good feet and moves really well. He has a frame that
could carry 270 pounds of muscle. He is another Presidential
Scholar so we expect him to pick up our schemes quickly.”
Aaron Ward
(6-0, 175, Athlete, Jetmore, Kan., Jetmore HS). Selected to
play in 2008 Kansas 8-man All-Star game. Rushed for 1,470
yards and 35 touchdowns plus had 350 yards receiving as a junior
for coach Chad Cohoon. Three-time All-SPAA Iroquois AA selection.
Received 8-man all-state recognition as a junior. Son of Monte
and Tamala Ward. “Aaron is an outstanding athlete. He
literally is athletic enough to play five positions on offense,
and three on defense. He comes from a very athletic family, so his
competitiveness is hereditary. This is a big signee for us.
He is another Presidential Scholar.”
 Colby
Westbrook (left) (5-9, 185, Wide Receiver, Bushland,
Tex., Vega HS, Oklahoma Panhandle State University). Played
one season at Oklahoma Panhandle State University where he was the
third leading tackler as a freshman. Redshirted 2007 due to
injury. Named Vega High School 's “Offensive Player of the
Year” after throwing for over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Lettered in Football, basketball, and track & field for Vega
HS. Son of Jeff and Crystal Westbrook. Plans to major
in biology/pre-med. “Colby will bring more maturity to our
receiving corps. He is a physical looking specimen who has
good speed. He has played on the college level, so we assume
his transition will be quick. We hope he can contribute right
away. Colby was a lot of fun to recruit. He is very
competitive. I believe he will just ‘will his way' into a
role on our offense.”
Additional signings will
be announced in the coming days.
The McPherson College Bulldogs
will open their 2008 season on September 13 th at intra-county rival
Bethany College .
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