MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State University head football coach Cory Sauter announced the program's 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday to continue their academic and football careers at SMSU. Today's announcement came on the first day student-athletes are allowed to sign National Letters of Intent.

"There were several obstacles that this year's recruits had to navigate in order to get to National Signing Day," Sauter said. "Summer evaluation camps were postponed or canceled, several official visits were replaced with virtual visits, and high school / junior college football seasons were delayed or canceled. Even with all the roadblocks, we were able to attract a dynamic group of young men to SMSU."

Today's list of signees includes high school and transfer student-athletes from 13 different states including California (23), Minnesota (12), Wisconsin (9), Texas (6), Florida (5), Nebraska (4), Illinois (4), Nevada (3), Arizona (2), Delaware (1), Idaho (1), Michigan (1) and North Dakota (1). Nine of the signees have already enrolled at SMSU for the 2021 spring semester.

"Our staff adjusted well to all the COVID-19 restrictions and provided a rewarding recruiting experience to our incoming class," Sauter said. "I would like to thank our coaching staff for all their hard work to make today a reality. The SMSU football program is hungry to get back on the field and compete in the NSIC."

SMSU is scheduled to begin 2021 spring practice on March 23 and will open the 2021 season on either Sept. 2 or Sept. 4 at home versus MSU Moorhead.  

Southwest Minnesota State is an NCAA Division II school located in Marshall and competes in the 14-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19. SMSU concluded the 2019 season with a record of 3-8.

2021 SMSU National Letter of Intent Signees
* Already enrolled at SMSU for 2021 spring semester
Name    Pos.    Ht.    Wt.    Yr.    Hometown / High School / Previous School
Zach Ahrendt     OL     6-3     270     Fr.     Luverne, Minn. / Luverne     
Blake Allen     RB     5-8     180     Fr.     Murrieta, Calif. / Rancho Christian     
Jake Anderson     WR     6-2     168     Fr.     Prior Lake, Minn. / Prior Lake High School     
Colton Andrews     DB     5-11     160     Fr.     Omaha, Neb. / Millard West     
Collin Asplin     ATH     6-0     180     Fr.     Dassel, Minn. / Dassel-Cokato     
Donald Austin     RB     5-10     215     Fr.     Hartland, Wis. / St. John's Northwestern     
Philip Austin     LB     5-11     205     Fr.     Brookfield, Wis. / St. John's Northwestern     
Cameron Banks     LB     6-0     215     Fr.     McKinney, Texas / McKinney North     
Lincoln Benson     LB     6-2     215     Fr.     St. Cloud, Minn. / St. Cloud Tech     
Hunter Bohannon     DB     5-11     195     Fr.     Del Mar, Calif. / Westview     
Brandon Bortnem     DB     5-10     180     Fr.     Maple Grove, Minn. / Maple Grove     
David Chinlund     OL     6-6     255     Fr.     Woodstock, Ill. / Woodstock     
Tyress Claiborne     LB     5-11     210     Jr.     Romulus, Mich. / Romulus / Dakota College at Bottineau
Jeremiah Collier     ATH     6-4     195     Fr.     Lincoln, Neb. / Lincoln Northeast     
Nate Cunningham     CB     5-10     155     Fr.     Palmadale, Calif. / Mesa (Ariz.)
Josh De Luca     OL     6-3       275     RFr.       Arlington Heights, Ill. / Rolling Meadows / College of DuPage
Nick DeLeo     OL     6-5     295     Fr.     Newark, Del. / Delaware Military Academy     
Hamidou Diallo     LB     6-1     200     Fr.     San Antonio, Texas / Harlan     
Parker Diffey     OL     6-3     270     Fr.     Eagle, Idaho / Eagle     
Cole Dretzka     DE     6-3     225     Fr.     Mukwonago, Wis. / Mukwonago     
James Farless     OL     6-3     275     Fr.     Lincoln, Neb. / Lincoln Southeast     
Willie Garrison *     RB     6-1     195     RFr.      Milwaukee, Wis. / Homestead / Kansas State
Jake Geisbauer     DB     5-10     195     Jr.     Canyon County, Calif. / Bishop Alemany / University of the Redlands
Austin Gibson     RB     6-1     200     Fr.     La Porte, Texas / North Oldham (Ky.)    
Andrew Haidet *    QB     6-5     230     Sr.     Plano, Texas / John Paul II / Northern Illinois
Maurice Hampton *    WR     6-2     180     RFr.     Las Vegas, Nev. / Liberty     
Brye Hardel     RB     6-2     240     Fr.     Scandinavia, Wis. / Lola-Scandinavia     
Josiah Hedensten     LB     6-2     180     Fr.     Medford, Minn. / Medford     
Jario Hernandez     OL     6-3     265     Fr.     West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes     
Jalani Jefferson     CB     6-1     185     Fr.     Murrieta, Calif. / Vista Murrieta     
Avery Johnson     DT     6-3     255     Fr.     Lomira, Wis. / Lomira     
LeDevin Johnson     DB     5-10     160     Fr.     Sacramento, Calif. / Consumnes Oaks     
Adam Kiatamba     CB     5-9     170     Fr.     Brooklyn Park, Minn. / Anoka     
Joachim Kloeppel     LB     6-2     225     Fr.     Jordan, Minn. / Jordan    
Sefa Leatimua     LB     6-1     220     Fr.     Fountain, Colo. / Pacifica     
Julius Letuligasenoa    TE    6-1    235    Fr.    San Diego, Calif. / Helix Charter
OBJ Lightbourne     DB     5-9     160     Fr.     Lauderhill, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes     
Eric Lira     WR     5-11     175     Fr.     Phoenix, Ariz. / Mesquite     
Grant Louwagie     LB     6-1     190     Fr.     Marshall, Minn. / Marshall     
Treverran Mack    DE    6-1    250    Fr.    Eastvale, Calif. / Eastvale Roosevelt
Colin Maher     WR     6-3     190     Fr.     San Antonio, Texas / Harlan     
Diego Maldonado     DB     5-11     200     Fr.     Las Vegas, Nev. / Spring Valley     
Mario Mendoza     DE     6-4     220     Fr.     Appleton, Wis. / Appleton East     
Shawn Martinez     OL     6-2     305     Fr.     La Mesa, Calif. / Helix Charter     
Eumari Massey     WR     5-9     165     Fr.     San Antonio, Texas / Harlan     
Justus McComb     QB     6-0     195     Fr.     El Cajon, Calif. / Granite Hills     
Jake McHugh-Sake     TE     6-5     210     Fr.     LaCrosse, Wis. / Logan     
Ernest Moore *    OL     6-8     320     Sr.     San Francisco, Calif. / Washington / Hawaii
Tyler Nebelung     OL     6-5     240     Fr.     Ramsey, Minn. / Anoka     
Anthony Ortiz     OL     6-3     260     Fr.     Phoenix, Ariz. / Mountain Pointe     
Joren Palmer     OL     6-1     245     Fr.     Fargo, N.D. / Davies     
Jayden Parafina     CB     6-0     160     Fr.     San Diego, Calif. / Morse
Shawn Prejean     RB     5-8     180     Jr.     Gardena, Calif. / Crenshaw / El Camino College    
David Quintanilla     CB     5-11     190     So.     Temecula, Calif. / Chaparral / Palomar College
Brian Raphael     WR     5-8     170     Fr.     Ft. Myers, Fla. / South Ft. Myers
Fabian Reid     DL     6-1     260     Fr.     Omaha, Neb. / Bryan     
Gavin Roanhouse    DE    6-6    237    Fr.    Waterford, Wis. / Waterford Union
Jake Schetinski    OL    6-3    265    Fr.    White Bear Lake, Minn. / Mahtomedi
Domonick Schoop     DB     5-11     180     Fr.     San Diego, Calif. / Helix Charter     
Tavon Scott     ATH     5-9     170     Fr.     Las Vegas, Nev. / Spring Valley     
Jesse Sherwood *    RB     5-9     205     Jr.     Minneapolis, Minn. / Robbinsdale Armstrong / Central Lakes College
Brandon Smiley     CB     5-10     175     Fr.     Hanover Park, Ill. / Glenbard North     
Cordell Smiley *    RB     5-10     175     RFr.     Hanover Park, Ill. / Glenbard North     
Keilan Smith     ATH     5-8     150     Fr.     Los Angeles, Calif. / Fairfax     
Daniel Sosa     WR     6-0     185     Fr.     Upland, Calif. / Upland     
Kenneth Stevenson     RB     6-0     190     Fr.     San Diego, Calif. / Lincoln     
Kellen Stewart     OL     6-3     260     Fr.     Apple Valley, Minn. / Eastview     
David Tibbs     OL     6-7     290     Fr.     Clearwater, Fla. / Countryside     
Adrian Tolbert *    WR     6-5     205     Jr.     San Diego, Calif. / Castle Park / Grossmont College
Danny Velasquez *     QB     6-0     200     Jr.     Turlock, Calif. / Turlock / Modesto Junior College
Billy West     OL     6-3     250     Fr.     Port St. Lucie, Fla. / Treasure Coast     
Dayjiohn Wheeler     WR     6-5     210     Fr.     Long Beach, Calif. / Roosevelt     
Terry Wright *    WR     5-10     180     Jr.     San Diego, Calif. / St. Augustine / Southwestern College
Darhon Yarbrough     TE     6-2     235     Fr.     San Diego, Calif. / Morse

CALIFORNIA (23)
Blake Allen, RB, 5-8, 180, Fr., Murrieta, Calif. (Rancho Christian HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Rancho Christian HS … played for coach John Bankhead … scored 11 touchdowns and finished final season racking up 1,046 all-purpose yards … named special teams player of the year … also in track & field and basketball … PERSONAL: Son of Jasmine and Montell Allen.

Hunter Bohannon, DB, 5-11, 195, Fr., Del Mar, Calif. (Westview HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Westview HS … played for coach Jason French … three-year starter … two-time team captain … name second team all-conference … PERSONAL: Son of Christina and Simon Holt.

Nate Cunningham, CB, 5-10, 155, Fr., Palmdale, Calif. (Mesa HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Mesa HS in Mesa, Ariz. … played for coach Chad Degranier … recorded 33 tackles and one interception … academic honor roll recipient … PERSONAL: Son of Tiffany Cunningham and Michael Cansler.

Jake Geisbauer, DB, 5-10, 195, Jr., Canyon County, Calif. (Bishop Alemany HS/University of the Redlands)
BEFORE SMSU: Spent three seasons (2017-19) at the University Redlands in Redlands, Calif. … finished with two interceptions and 24 tackles in 2019 … 2017 graduate of Bishop Alemany HS … played for coach James Washington … PERSONAL: Son of Michelle and Tony Geisbauer.

Jalani Jefferson, CB, 6-1, 185, Fr., Murrieta, Calif. (Vista Murrieta HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Vista Murrieta HS … played for coach Eric Peterson … PERSONAL: Son of Ferlifah and Aaron Jefferson.

LeDevin Johnson, DB, 5-10, 160, Fr., Sacramento, Calif. (Consumnes Oaks HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Consumnes Oaks HS … played for coach Andrew Bettencourt … named second team all-league … member of league championship team … finished with six interceptions and 12 pass break-ups in final season … also recorded 638 all-purpose yards … also in track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Debra Player.

Julius Letuligasenoa, TE, 6-1, 235, Fr., San Diego, Calif. (Helix Charter HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Helix Charter HS … played for coach Robbie Owens ... named honorable mention all-conference ... had three receptions for 122 yards ... also played defense and had 40 career tackles and two interceptions ... earned Iron Man Award ... Iakopo and Temukisa Letuligasenoa.

Treverran Mack, DE, 6-1, 250, Fr., Eastvale, Calif. (Eastvale Roosevelt HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Eastvale Roosevelt HS … played for coach Tommy Leach … recorded 12.5 sacks as a junior to lead the conference ... also racked up 47 tackles ... all-conference honoree ... academic honor roll recipient ... also letter winner in basketball ... PERSONAL: Son of Denise and Willie Mack.

Shawn Martinez, OL, 6-2, 305, Fr., La Mesa, Calif. (Helix Charter HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Helix Charter HS … played for coach Robbie Owens … named first team all-conference on both offensive and defensive line … named conference player of the year … also in track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Jessica and Mingo Martinez.

Justus McComb, QB, 6-0, 195, Fr., El Cajon, Calif. (Granite Hills HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Granite Hills HS … played for coach Kellan Cobbs … holds school record for passing yards, passing touchdowns and totals yards … named second team all-league as a junior … tossed 24 touchdowns and 2,693 yards in 2019 … also rushed for 494 yards and seven touchdowns … also in basketball and track & field … scholar athlete honoree … PERSONAL: Son of Dacia and Kyle McComb.

Ernest Moore, OL, 6-8, 320, Sr., San Francisco, Calif. (Washington HS/University of Hawaii)
BEFORE SMSU: Spent three seasons (2018-20) at the University of Hawaii … redshirted in 2018 ... played primarily on special teams in 2019 … appeared in two games in 2020 … played two seasons (2016-17) at City College of San Francisco … helped team win the Capital City Bowl … offense averaged 43 points and 459 yards per game … 2015 graduate of Washington HS … played for coach Jalinko Lassitter… also played basketball earning all-league honors … PERSONAL: Son of Linda and Ernest Moore.

Jayden Parafina, CB, 6-0, 160, Fr., San Diego, Calif. (Morse HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Morse HS … played for coach Tracy McNair … also in track & field, wrestling and lacrosse … PERSONAL: Son of Ruby and David Conant.

Shawn Prejean, RB, 5-8, 180, Jr., Gardena, Calif. (Crenshaw HS/El Camino College)
BEFORE SMSU: Spent two seasons (2018-19) at El Camino College in Torrance, Calif. … named second team all-conference in 2019 … rushed for 336 yards and four touchdowns … helped team to a Patriotic Bowl win in 2019 … 2018 graduate of Crenshaw HS … played for coach Rob Garrett … named second team all-city … PERSONAL: Son of Rosita and Shawn Prejean.

David Quintanilla, CB, 5-11, 190, Fr., Temecula, Calif. (Chaparral HS/Palomar College)
BEFORE SMSU: Spent one season (2019) at Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif. … also was at Mt. San Jacinto in 2020 … 2019 graduate of Chaparral HS … played for coach Andrew Ramer … had 31 tackles and three interceptions in final season … PERSONAL: Son of Euvonne and Lee Quintanilla.

Domonick Schoop, DB, 5-11, 180, Fr., San Diego, Calif. (Helix Charter HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Helix Charter HS … played for coach Robbie Owens … finished final season with 18 tackles and one fumble recovery … had a kickoff return for a touchdown … named to all-academic team … PERSONAL: Son of Georgina and Seturino Schoop.

Keilan Smith, ATH, 5-8, 150, Fr., Crenshaw, Calif. (Fairfax HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Fairfax HS … played for coach Juan Solorio … named first team all-city in 2019 … two-time All-Western League honoree … also in track & field … scholar athlete award winner … PERSONAL: Son of Latesha Benjamin and Vernon Smith.

Daniel Sosa, WR, 6-0, 185, Fr., Upland, Calif. (Upland HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Upland HS … played for coach Darryl Thomas … member of conference championship team … named second team all-league … caught 42 passes for 450 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior … PERSONAL: Son of Maria Castillo and Danny Sosa.

Kenneth Stevenson, RB, 6-0, 190, Fr., San Diego, Calif. (Lincoln HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Lincoln HS … played for coach Carter … member of 2019 CIF championship team … team also finished as state runner-up in 2019 … PERSONAL: Son of Kenneth Stevenson and Shakia Freeman.

Adrian Tolbert, WR, 6-5, 205, Jr., San Diego, Calif. (Castle Park HS/Grossmont College)
BEFORE SMSU: Spent two seasons (2015-16) at Grossmont College in San Diego, Calif. … named all-conference, all-state and All-American in 2016 … caught 14 touchdowns and racked up 863 yards on 56 receptions during the 2016 season … 2015 graduate of Castle Park HS … played for coach Hans Graham … named first team all-conference … PERSONAL: Son of Gloria Tolbert.

Danny Velasquez, QB, 6-0, 200, Jr., Turlock, Calif. (Turlock HS/Modesto Junior College)
BEFORE SMSU: Played two seasons (2017 and 2019) at Modesto Junior College in Modesto, Calif. … twice named all-conference … passed for 1,960 yards and 19 touchdowns as a freshman … passed for 1,948 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore leading team to nine victories … also rushed for 1,550 yards and 19 touchdowns in two seasons … also spent time at Portland State (2018) and Fresno State (2020) … 2017 graduate of Turlock HS … played for coach James Peterson … three-time first team all-conference … also played basketball … PERSONAL: Son of Benny and Beatriz Velasquez.

Dayjiohn Wheeler, WR, 6-5, 210, Fr., Long Beach, Calif. (Roosevelt HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Roosevelt HS … played for coach Tommy Leach … also plays basketball … PERSONAL: Son of Beverly Calhoun.

Terry Wright, WR, 5-10, 180, Jr., San Diego, Calif. (St. Augustine HS/Southwestern College)
BEFORE SMSU: Spent two seasons at Southwestern College in San Diego, Calif. … named all-conference … 2016 graduate of St. Augustine HS … played for coach Richard Sanchez … all-conference honoree as a safety … also in track & field and lacrosse … PERSONAL: Son of Maria Elena Wright and Terry Wright.

Darhon Yarbrough, TE, 6-2, 235, Fr., San Diego, Calif. (Morse HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Morse HS … played for coach Tracy McNair … PERSONAL: Son of Rhonda Chick and Darryl Yarbrough.

MINNESOTA (12)
Zach Ahrendt, OL, 6-3, 270, Fr., Luverne, Minn. (Luverne HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Luverne HS … played for coach Todd Oye … four-year starter … two-time all-district … also in track & field … member of National Honor society … PERSONAL: Son of Bobbie and Eric Ahrendt.

Jake Anderson, WR, 6-2, 168, Fr., Prior Lake, Minn. (Prior Lake HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Prior Lake HS … played for coach Matt Gegenheimer … finished his senior season with 500 receiving yards with two interceptions … also in basketball and track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Jennifer and Chad Anderson.
    
Lincoln Benson, LB, 6-2, 215, Fr., St. Cloud, Minn. (St. Cloud Tech HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of St. Cloud Tech HS … played for coach Jon Benson … three-year starter … two-time all-district honoree … team captain … also played quarterback as a senior … finished career with 113 tackles … named to academic honor roll … PERSONAL: Son of Jon and Terri Benson ... father Jon played football at SMSU.  

Brandon Bortnem, DB, 5-10, 180, Fr., Maple Grove, Minn. (Marshall HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Maple Grove HS … played for coach Matt Lombardi … two-year starter … named all-district honorable mention as a junior …finished career with three interception … also all-conference honoree in swimming & diving … academic award honoree … PERSONAL: Son of Mark and Jane Bortnem.

Josiah Hedensten, LB, 6-2, 180, Fr., Medford, Minn. (Medford HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Medford HS … played for coach Jerome Johannes … played both running back and linebacker … named Class AA Academic All-State … also in wrestling and baseball … PERSONAL: Son of Jason and Amy Hedensten.

Adam Kiatamba, CB, 5-9, 170, Fr., Brooklyn Park, Minn. (Anoka HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Anoka HS … played for coach Bo Wasurick … named all-district and all-conference … had two interceptions as a senior … also in basketball and track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Sangay and Abdullah Kiatamba.

Joachim Kloeppel, LB, 6-2, 225, Fr., Jordan, Minn. (Jordan HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Jordan HS … played for coach Ozzie Sand … named all-district as a senior … also in basketball and track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Jeremy Parham and Candace Parham.

Grant Louwagie, LB, 6-1, 190, Fr., Marshall, Minn. (Marshall HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Marshall HS … played for coach Terry Bahlmann … team captain … three-year letter winner … two-time all-conference … two-time all-area honoree … recorded 59 tackles with 11 for loss in 2020 … closed career collecting 175 tackles with 26 for loss … five-year letter winner in wrestling … two-time state qualifier … has earned several academic awards … PERSONAL: Son of Kim and Lee Louwagie.

Tyler Nebelung, OL, 6-5, 240, Fr., Ramsey, Minn. (Anoka HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Anoka HS … played for coach Bo Wasrick … three-year starter … all-conference honoree … team captain in football, wrestling and track & field … all-conference in wrestling … PERSONAL: Son of Brandi and Robert Nebelung.

Jake Schetinski, OL, 6-3, 265, Fr., White Bear Lake, Minn. (Mahtomedi HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Mahtomedi HS … played for coach Dave Muetzel … three-year starter … named all-district and all-conference … selected to play in state all-star game … also in basketball and track & field … PERSONAL: Son of John and Lisa Schetinski.

Jesse Sherwood, RB, 5-9, 205, Jr., Minneapolis, Minn. (Robbinsdale Armstrong HS/Central Lakes College)
BEFORE SMSU: Played one season at both Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, Minn., and Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minn. … 2018 graduate of Robbinsdale Armstrong HS … played for coach Jack Negen … PERSONAL: Son of Takesha Ferguson.

Kellen Stewart, OL, 6-3, 260, Fr., Apple Valley, Minn. (Eastview HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Eastview HS … played for coach Kelly Sherwin … team captain … three-year letter winner … first team all-district honoree … played offense, defense and special teams … member of state tournament team in 2018 … state ranked wrestler in Class 3A in 2020-21… state qualifier in wrestling … PERSONAL: Son of Michael and Gina Stewart.

WISCONSIN (9)
Donald Austin, RB, 5-10, 215, Fr., Hartland, Wis. (St. John's Northwestern HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of St. John's Northwestern HS … played for coach Mike Fink … first team all-conference as a junior at both running back and linebacker … named all-region… played three games in 2020 and rushed for 590 yards and six touchdowns … rushed for 1,027 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019 … racked up 90 tackles and 10 sacks during junior season … PERSONAL: Son of Melina Sebastian and Thomas Austin … brother, Phil, also signed with SMSU in 2021.

Philip Austin, LB, 5-11, 205, Fr., Brookfield, Wis. (St. John's Northwestern HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of St. John's Northwestern HS … played for coach Mike Fink … twice named all-conference … closed career with 79 tackles, four interceptions and eight sacks in 14 games … PERSONAL: Son of Melina Sebastian and Thomas Austin … brother, Donald, also signed with SMSU in 2021.

Cole Dretzka, DE, 6-3, 225, Fr., Mukwonago, Wis. (Mukwonago HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Mukwonago HS … played for coach Mike Gnewuch … recorded 50 tackles, six sacks and 12 tackles for loss in final season … also had two interceptions and scored twice on defense … also in track & field and golf … PERSONAL: Son of Shelly and Kenny Dretzka.

Willie Garrison, RB, 6-1, 195, RFr., Milwaukee, Wis. (Homestead HS/Kansas State University)
BEFORE SMSU: Spent one season (2019) at Kansas State University … 2019 graduate of Homestead HS … played for coach Dave Keel … three-year letter winner … member of two state championship teams … rushed for 1,228 yards and 15 touchdowns leading team to perfect record in 2018 … PERSONAL: Son of Camille and Willie Garrison.

Brye Hardel, RB, 6-2, 240, Fr., Scandinavia, Wis. (Iola-Scandinavia HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Iola-Scandinavia HS … played for coach Scott Erickson … named first team all-conference four times … all-state honoree … rushed for 1,247 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior … closed career racking up 211 tackles … also plays basketball … PERSONAL: Son of Brad and Shannon Hardel.

Avery Johnson, DT, 6-3, 255, Fr., Lomira, Wis. (Lomira HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Lomira HS … played for coach Shane Obrigewitch … first team all-conference at defensive end and guard … named conference defensive player and offensive player of the year … first team all-state at defensive end … also named all-region … as a junior recorded 91 tackles and seven sacks … finished career with 148 tackles with 41 for loss … named to honor roll four years … also in basketball … PERSONAL: Son of Kelsey and Willie Johnson.

Jack McHugh-Sake, TE, 6-5, 210, Fr., LaCrosse, Wis. (Logan HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Logan HS … played for coach Casey Knoble … all-conference honoree … academic all-conference selection … caught seven touchdowns and 35 passes as a senior … also played defensive back and recorded four interceptions … also in basketball and track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Vicki McHugh and John Sake.

Mario Mendoza, DE, 6-4, 220, Fr., Appleton, Wis. (Appleton East HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Appleton East HS … played for coach Mark Krommenacker … earned all-conference honors … also in track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Ivonee Meeker.

Gavin Roanhouse, DE, 6-6, 240, Fr., Waterford, Wis. (Waterford Union HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Waterford Union HS … played for coach Adam Bakken ... named first team all-conference ... also named all-area and all-county ... finished the 2020 season with 32 tackles with seven for loss and six sacks ... also forced four fumbles … PERSONAL: Son of Gavin Roanhouse.

TEXAS (6)
Cameron Banks, LB, 6-0, 215, Fr., McKinney, Texas (McKinney North HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of McKinney North HS … played for coach Mike Fecci … team captain … honorable mention all-district … named academic all-district … also in wrestling and track & field … son of Virginia Tubwell.

Hamidou Diallo, LB, 6-1, 200, Fr., San Antonio, Texas (Harlan HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Burleson HS … played for coach Eddie Salas … named all-district … finished his senior season with 88 tackles with five for loss and forced one fumble.

Austin Gibson, RB, 6-1, 200, Fr., La Porte, Texas (North Oldham HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of North Oldham HS in Goshen, Ky. … played for coach Joe Gamsky … team captain … named all-conference at running back … named team MVP … also earned all-district honors as a kick returner … finished with 1,200 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns in final season … closed career with more than 2,700 all-purpose yards, 1,500 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns … recorded more than 100 tackles as a linebacker … also plays basketball … PERSONAL: Son of Michael and Jill Gibson.

Andrew Haidet, QB, 6-5, 230, Sr., Plano, Texas (John Paul II HS/Northern Illinois University)
BEFORE SMSU: Played the 2020 season at Northern Illinois University … appeared in four games and completed 3 of 6 passes for 44 yards and one touchdown … spent four seasons (2016-19) at Houston Baptist University … played in 11 career games and completed 23 of 57 pass attempts for 348 yards with three touchdowns … 2016 graduate of John Paul II HS … played for coach John Furin … two-year letter winner … as a senior passed for 1,903 yards and 12 touchdowns … also rushed for six touchdowns … named team MVP as a senior … played in DFW All-Star game … also competed in track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Chris and Sally Haidet.

Colin Maher, WR, 6-3, 190, Fr., Burleson, Texas (Burleson HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Burleson HS … played for coach Jon Kitna … named second team all-district … finished his senior season catching 40 passes for 700 yards and nine touchdowns … PERSONAL: Son of Connie and David Maher.

Eumari Massey, WR, 5-9, 165, Fr., San Antonio, Texas (Harlan HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Harlan HS … played for coach Eddie Salas … two-time all-district … PERSONAL: Son of L'krista and Anthony Massey.

FLORIDA (5)
Jairo Hernandez, OL, 6-3, 265, Fr., West Palm Beach, Fla. (Palm Beach Lakes HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Palm Beach Lakes HS … played for coach Al Shipman … team captain … named to County All-Star team … team captain in wrestling and also district champion … PERSONAL: Son of Mayelin and Heriberto Hernandez.

OBJ Lightbourne, DB, 5-9, 160, Fr., Lauderhill, Fla. (Palm Beach Lakes HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Palm Beach Lakes HS … played for coach Al Shipman … named to County All-Star team … recorded 25 tackles and had eight pass break-ups as a senior in five games … PERSONAL: Son of Shelia Lightbourne. 

Brian Raphael, WR, 5-8, 170, Fr., Ft. Myers, Fla. (South Ft. Myers HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of South Ft. Myers HS … played for coach Willis May … two-year letter winner … also in track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Lila Larame and Brunet Raphael.

David Tibbs, OL, 6-7, 290, Fr., Clearwater, Fla. (Countryside HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Countryside HS … played for coach Eric Smitz … named first team all-county … twice named offensive player of the week … also in basketball and soccer … PERSONAL: Son of Susan and Casey Tibbs.

Billy West, OL, 6-3, 250, Fr., Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Treasure Coast HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Treasure Coast HS … played for coach Irvin Jones … team captain … all-area honoree … member of team that finished regular season undefeated and won the district championship … member National Honor Society … PERSONAL: Son of Rusty and Beth West.

NEBRASKA (4)
Colton Andrews, DB, 5-11, 160, Fr., Omaha, Neb. (Millard West HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Millard West HS … played for coach Kirk Peterson … named all-metro honorable mention … led Class A with four interceptions with one touchdown in 2020 … two-year letter winner … also in track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Tara and Justin Andrews.

Jeremiah Collier, ATH, 6-4, 195, Fr., Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln Northeast HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Lincoln Northeast HS … played for coach Dan Martin … passed for 862 yards and five touchdowns in senior season … closed career passing for 1,894 yards with 10 touchdowns … also recorded 36 career tackles at linebacker with five for loss and one interception … also in basketball and track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Scott and Lameakia Collier.

James Farless, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln Southeast HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Lincoln Southeast HS … played for coach Ryan Gottula … letter winner in both football and wrestling … member of two conference championship football teams … academic honor roll honoree …  PERSONAL: Son of Michael Farless and Nicole Busboom.

Fabian Reid, DL, 6-1, 260, Fr., Omaha, Neb. (Bryan HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Bryan HS … played for coach Ryan Hanson … finished his junior season with 52 tackles, including three sacks and three forced fumbles … also in wrestling … PERSONAL: Son of April Guzman.

ILLINOIS (4)
David Chinlund, OL, 6-6, 255, Fr., Woodstock, Ill. (Woodstock HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Woodstock HS … played for coach Michael Brasile … academic honor roll selection … holds USPA national deadlift record … captain in hockey … PERSONAL: Son of Shelli and Mike Chinlund.

Josh De Luca, OL, 6-3, 275, RFr., Arlington Heights, Ill. / Rolling Meadows / College of DuPage
BEFORE SMSU: Spent one season (2019) at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Ill. ... named to academic honor roll ... 2019 graduate of Rolling Meadows HS … played for coach Matt Mish … member of conference championship team ... named team most improved player ... PERSONAL: Son of Nick and Tara De Luca.

Brandon Smiley, CB, 5-10, 175, Fr., Hanover Park, Ill. (GlenbardNorth HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Glenbard North HS … played for coach Ryan Wilkens … all-conference honoree … also competes in track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Laverne Smiley … brother, Cordell, also signed with SMSU in 2021.

Cordell Smiley, RB, 5-10, 175, RFr., Hanover Park, Ill. (Glenbard North HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2020 graduate of Glenbard North HS … played for coach Ryan Wilkens … named all-conference honorable mention … rushed for 598 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior in 2019 … also in wrestling and track & field … did not play football in 2020 … PERSONAL: Son of Laverne Smiley … brother, Brandon, also signed with SMSU in 2021.

NEVADA (3)
Maurice Hampton, WR, 6-2, 180, RFr., Las Vegas, Nev. (Liberty HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2020 graduate of Liberty HS … played for coach Rich Muraco … four-year letter winner … selected to play in Lions All-Star game … caught 45 passes for more than 600 yards as a senior … member of state championship team in 2019 … signed with SMSU in 2020, but did not attend SMSU … PERSONAL: Son of Destiny Hampton.

Diego Maldonado, DB, 5-11, 200, Fr., Las Vegas, Nev. (Spring Valley HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Spring Valley HS … played for coach Marcus Teal … named honorable mention all-conference … also in track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Cecilia.

Tavon Scott, ATH, 5-9, 170, Fr., Las Vegas, Nev. (Spring Valley HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2020 graduate of Spring Valley HS … played for coach Marcus Teal … second team all-conference honoree … rushed for 543 yards and five touchdowns in final season … also in basketball … PERSONAL: Son of Deanna Wychunas.

ARIZONA (2)
Eric Lira, WR, 5-11, 175, Fr., Phoenix, Ariz. (Mesquite HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Mesquite HS … played for coach Scott Hare … member of 2020 Class 4A state championship team … caught 16 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns in the championship game … also in track & field and basketball … PERSONAL: Son of Cherie Torras and Cesar Lira.

Anthony Ortiz, OL, 6-3, 260, Fr., Phoenix, Ariz. (Mountain Pointe HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Mountain Pointe HS … played for coach Eric Lauer … also in track & field … PERSONAL: Son of Donna and Edwin Ortiz.

DELAWARE (1)
Nick DeLeo, OL, 6-5, 295, Fr., Newark, Del. (Delaware Military Academy HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Delaware Military Academy HS … played for coach Brian Macardle … three-time all-conference honoree … named third all-state as a senior … PERSONAL: Son of Elizabeth Hinckle and Nicholas DeLeo.

IDAHO (1)
Parker Diffey, OL, 6-3, 270, Fr., Eagle, Idaho (Eagle HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Eagle HS … played for coach John Hartz … three-year starter … named all-conference … second team all-state … three-time all-academic … PERSONAL: Son of Steve and Jodi Diffey.

MICHIGAN (1)
Tyress Claiborne, LB, 5-11, 210, Jr., Romulus, Mich. (Romulus HS/Dakota College at Bottineau)
BEFORE SMSU: Played two seasons (2018-19) at Dakota College in Bottineau, N.D. … 2017 graduate of Romulus HS … earned honorable mention all-conference honors … PERSONAL: Son of Chante Tipton.

NORTH DAKOTA (1)
Joren Palmer, OL, 6-1, 245, Fr., Fargo, N.D. (Davies HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: 2021 graduate of Fargo Davies HS … played for coach Wayne Werremeyer … three-year letter winner … team captain … all-state and all-conference honoree as a senior … selected to play in Shrine Bowl in 2021 … academic honor roll recipient … also in hockey and track & field …  PERSONAL: Son of Pam and Brad Palmer.