MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State University head football coach
Scott Underwood announced the program's 2023 recruiting class on Wednesday with 47 student-athletes signing 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.
Underwood, beginning his second season as head coach in 2023, led SMSU to a 4-7 record last season, which was the most wins for the program since 2018.
"We are excited about the talent and depth of this signing class as it is the first full class with our new coaching staff," Underwood said. "Because of a smaller class a year ago, we had many roster positions of need in our program and feel like this group will meets our scope of depth and ability as we look to develop them in our program. I also want to thank our assistant coaches for all their hard work and dedication in recruiting and building relationships with these student-athletes who will contribute to the Mustang program in the near future."
Today's list of signees includes high school and transfer student-athletes from eight different states including Minnesota (24), Nebraska (11), Wisconsin (3), Illinois (3), Iowa (2), California (2), South Dakota (1) and Arizona (1). Five of the signees have already enrolled at SMSU for the 2023 spring semester.
SMSU is scheduled to begin 2023 spring practice in late March and will open the 2023 regular season on Sept. 2 at Minot State. SMSU's home opener is Sept. 9 versus Bemidji State for the annual Ag Bowl, presented by Ralco.
Southwest Minnesota State is an NCAA Division II school located in Marshall and competes in the 13-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
2023 SMSU National Letter of Intent Signees
* Already enrolled at SMSU for 2023 spring semester
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown / High School / Previous School
Omar Abdi WR 6-2 175 Fr. Marshall, Minn. / Marshall
Vaughn Anderson K 5-9 145 Fr. Bennington, Neb. / Bennington
Maddox Biever WR 6-0 177 RFr. Pipestone, Minn. / Pipestone Area / University of Sioux Falls
Levi Bolstad LB 5-11 195 Fr. Onalaska, Wis. / Onalaska
DaNari Conners RB 5-8 160 Fr. Brooklyn Center, Minn. / Robbinsdale Cooper
Bailey Cowell WR 6-0 175 Jr. Luverne, Minn. / Luverne / Minnesota West CTC
Micah Cozad OL 5-11 255 Fr. Moorhead, Minn. / Moorhead
Kole Curry WR 5-11 160 Fr. Windom, Minn. / Westbrook-Walnut Grove
Jaylen Davis DB 5-10 205 Fr. Omaha, Neb. / Benson
Cade Eddington WR 5-10 174 Jr. Rochester, Ill. / Rochester / Western Illinois University
Cam Enright DB 6-1 205 Fr. Redwood Falls, Minn. / Redwood Valley
Braden Fersdahl DB 5-9 160 Fr. Dell Rapids, S.D. / Dell Rapids
Mike Gatz OL 6-3 295 So. Lake in the Hills, Ill. / Marian Central Catholic / Western Illinois University
Tate Gaul DB 6-2 190 Jr. Worthington, Minn. / Worthington / Minnesota West CTC
Deante Gray DL 6-4 285 Fr. San Diego, Calif. / San Diego
Kellen Johnson QB 6-5 210 Fr. Pipestone, Minn. / Pipestone Area
AJ Jones OL 6-4 260 Fr. Omaha, Neb. / Omaha Westside
Daniel Judd TE 6-4 225 Fr. Wayne, Neb. / Wayne
Gabe Kamann OL 6-4 280 Fr. Waconia, Minn. / Waconia
Parker Knutson DB 6-1 185 Fr. Sartell, Minn. / Sartell
Malachi Kohls DL 6-4 235 Fr. Mankato, Minn. / Minnesota Valley Luteran
MaCoy Krick WR 6-0 200 Fr. Springfield, Minn. / Springfield
Kendon Krogman ATH 6-4 185 Fr. Mondovi, Wis. / Eau Claire Regis
Jonathan Kubat RB 5-8 180 Fr. Chandler, Ariz. / Corona del Sol
Anthony Linder OL 6-3 345 Fr. Worthington, Minn. / Worthington
Jaiden Loots LB 6-0 205 Fr. Hugo, Minn. / Centennial
Markus Macon RB 5-8 160 Fr. San Bernardino, Calif. / Palo Verde
Stevie McMath DB 5-11 170 Fr. Olivia, Minn. / BOLD
Kale Mensink LB 5-11 195 Fr. Spring Valley, Minn. / Kingsland
Nolan Mosier QB 6-4 225 Fr. Blue Grass, Iowa / Davenport North
David Ola-Kazeem WR 6-0 165 Fr. Cottage Grove, Minn. / Park
Keegan Patterson DB 6-2 175 Fr. Sauk Rapids, Minn. / Sauk Rapids
Aiden Planer DB 5-11 190 Fr. Lincoln, Neb. / Lincoln East
Will Priest RB 5-10 190 Fr. Rosemount, Minn. / Rosemount
Josh Robles DB 6-0 185 Fr. Papillion, Neb. / Papillion La-Vista
Jason Samec DL 6-2 260 So. Stillwater, Minn. / St. Thomas Academy / University of South Dakota
Greg Schafer WR 5-9 160 Fr. Cottonwood, Minn. / Lakeview
Connor Shelton DB 6-1 165 Fr. Lincoln, Neb. / Lincoln East
Jon Thornton DL 6-4 275 So. Davenport, Iowa / Davenport West / Iowa Central C.C.
Jeremiah Truitt DB 5-10 175 Fr. Omaha, Neb. / Omaha Westside
Erik Vedoy TE 6-4 225 Fr. Blaine, Minn. / Spring Lake Park
Kadence Velde DL 6-2 285 Fr. York, Neb. / York
Harrison Weber DL 6-1 235 Fr. Gretna, Neb. / Gretna
Trey Wibeto DL 6-3 240 Fr. Zimmerman, Minn. / Zimmerman
Colby Williams DB 6-0 170 Fr. Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield Central
Zandar Wolf RB 5-11 185 Fr. Scotia, Neb. / Central Valley
Kellen Wright LB 5-11 195 Fr. West Salem, Wis. / West Salem
Complete bios on each player listed on pages 2-5.
MINNESOTA (24)
Omar Abdi, WR, 6-2, 175, Fr., Marshall, Minn. (Marshall HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Marshall HS … played for coach Terry Bahlmann … all-district honorable mention honoree … finished with six touchdowns and 400 yard receiving as a senior … also in basketball … Personal: Son of Ahmed Omar and Sadia Salah.
Maddox Biever, WR, 6-0, 177, RFr., Pipestone, Minn. (Pipestone Area HS / University of Sioux Falls)
Before SMSU: Spent the 2022 season at the University of Sioux Falls … has four seasons of eligibility remaining … High School: 2022 graduate of Pipestone Area HS … played for coach Scott Boomgaarden … all-conference honoree … named player of the year in section … Worthington Daily Globe All-Area selection … rushed for 879 yards with 412 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior … helped lead team to 2021 state tournament … also played basketball, track & field and baseball … Personal: Son of Shane Biever and Wendi Weber.
DaNari Connors, RB, 5-8, 160, Fr., Brooklyn Center, Minn. (Robbinsdale Cooper HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Robbinsdale Cooper HS … played for coach Willie Howard … all-district honoree … team captain … named team most valuable offensive player … rushed for nearly 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns … rushed for 261 yards on 31 carries in a victory over Benilde-St. Margaret's during senior season … also had 105 receiving yards and one touchdown on the season… Personal: Son of David Connors and Josie Krivolavy … father, David, played football at SMSU for two seasons, 2006-07.
Bailey Cowell, WR, 6-0, 175, Jr., Luverne, Minn. (Luverne HS / Minnesota West Community College)
Before SMSU: Spent two seasons at Minnesota West Community College … named first team all-conference … High School: 2021 graduate of Luverne HS … played for coach Todd Oye … three-time all-district … named District Offensive Back of the Year as a junior … selected District Wide Receiver of the Year as a senior … played in Minnesota All-Star game … Personal: Son of Abby Cowell and Dustin VerStee and Matthew Herman and Ashlee Herman.
Micah Cozad, OL, 5-11, 255, Fr., Moorhead, Minn. (Moorhead HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Moorhead HS … played for coach Kevin Feeney … named District Offensive Lineman of the Year … two-time all-district … state champion powerlifter … Personal: Son of Terry Dixon and Esther St. John.
Kole Curry, WR, 5-11, 160, Fr., Windom, Minn. (Westbrook-Walnut Grove HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Westbrook-Walnut Grove HS … played for coach Carter Ross … three-year letter winner … two-time all-district … two-time honorable mention all-state … all-area honoree … named District Offensive Player of the Year as a senior … caught 90 passes and had more than 1,600 all-purpose yards along with 15 touchdowns as a senior … finished career with 1,600 yards receiving and 24 touchdowns … also plays basketball and track & field … all-conference in basketball … Personal: Son of Ann and Chris Curry.
Cam Enright, DB, 6-1, 205, Fr., Redwood Falls, Minn. (Redwood Valley HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Redwood Valley HS … played for coach Matt Lundeen … two-time all-district … had five interceptions, three sacks and 44 tackles as a senior … recorded fourth most interceptions in team history … also in baseball … Personal: Son of Matthew Enright and Natasha Park.
Tate Gaul, DB, 6-2, 190, Jr., Worthington, Minn. (Worthington HS / Minnesota West Community College)
Before SMSU: Spent two seasons at Minnesota West Community College … named all-conference … racked up nearly 100 tackles in two seasons … had one interception … High School: 2021 graduate of Worthington HS … played for coach Geno Lais … all-district … team captain … Personal: Son of Tim and Leah Gaul.
Kellen Johnson, QB, 6-5, 210, Fr., Pipestone, Minn. (Pipestone Area HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Pipestone Area HS … played for coach Scott Boomgaarden … four-year letter winner … two-time all-district first team honoree … named district player of the year as a senior … finished senior season passing for 2,382 yard and 28 touchdowns … also rushed for 547 yards … closed career passing for school record 4,827 yards and 51 touchdowns … named to Worthington Daily Globe All-Area team as a senior … selected to play in Minnesota All-Star game … named to 2022 Minnesota Vikings All-State team … helped lead team to 2021 state tournament … multi-year letter winner in both basketball and baseball … Personal: Son of Jay Johnson and Jess Johnson.
Gabe Kamann, OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Waconia, Minn. (Waconia HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Waconia HS … played for coach Corey Shea … three-year letter winner … all-district honoree … team captain … academic honor roll … also competes in wrestling and track & field … Personal: Son of Clay and Tara Kamann.
Parker Knutson, DB, 6-1, 185, Fr., Sartell, Minn. (Sartell HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Sartell HS … played for coach Scott Hentges … three-year letter winner … District Defensive Player of the Year … named team Defensive Player of the Year … recorded 70 tackles and four interceptions as a senior … two-time all-district … set numerous school defensive career records … also plays basketball … Personal: Son of Abigail Black and David Knutson.
Malachi Kohls, DL, 6-5, 235, Fr., Mankato, Minn. (Minnesota Valley Lutheran HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Minnesota Valley Lutheran HS … played for coach Jim Buboltz … three-year letter winner … two-time all-district … KNUJ and New Ulm Journal Defensive Player of the Year … racked up 131 tackles with 13 sacks as a senior … finished career with 215 tackles and 20 sacks … also plays basketball … Personal: Son of Ben and Sarah Kohls.
MaCoy Krick, WR, 6-0, 200, Fr., Springfield, Minn. (Springfield HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Springfield HS … played for coach Adam Meyer … two-time all-district honoree … finished senior season with 41 receptions for 852 yards and 14 touchdowns … helped team to state runner-up finish in Class 1A in 2022 … also had 55 tackles and four interceptions … named New Ulm Journal All-Area … closed career with 71 receptions for 1,445 yards and 31 touchdowns … Personal: Son of Dustin Krick and Amber Meidl.
Anthony Linder, OL, 6-3, 345, Fr., Worthington, Minn. (Worthington HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Worthington HS … played for coach Geno Lais … multi-year letter winner … also in track & field … Personal: Son of Jeff and Julie Linder.
Jaiden Loots, LB, 6-0, 205, Fr., Hugo, Minn. (Centennial HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Centennial HS … played for coach Mike Diggins … three-year letter winner … team captain … finished senior season with 49 tackles … helped team to Class 6A state quarterfinals … Personal: Son of Jeff and Jennifer Loots … father, Jeff, was a three-year letter winner at quarterback for SMSU from 1990-92 and was inducted into the SMSU Hall of Honor in 2007.
Stevie McMath, DB, 5-11, 170, Fr., Olivia, Minn. (BOLD HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of BOLD HS … played for coach Derek Flann … two-time honorable mention all-conference … had 23 receptions for 608 yards as a senior … finished senior season with eight touchdowns and 694 all-purpose yards … closed career with 78 tackles and one interception … also in wrestling and track & field … Personal: Son of Robin and Jeff McMath.
Kale Mensink, LB, 5-11, 195, Fr., Spring Valley, Minn. (Kingsland HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Kingsland HS … played for coach Matt Kolling … three-year letter winner … team captain … missed most of senior season with an injury … had four tackles for loss in four games … all-district honorable mention … finished career with eight interceptions … played both quarterback and defensive back … Personal: Son of Missi and Cody Koebke, Shane and Anna Mensink.
David Ola-Kazeem, WR, 6-0, 165, Fr., Cottage Grove, Minn. (Park HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Park HS … played for coach Rick Fryklund … three-year letter winner … all-district honoree … academic honor roll … finished with 507 all-purpose yards, five touchdowns and 41 receptions in 2022 … finished career with 816 yards receiving with 59 catches and nine touchdowns … also in basketball … Personal: Son of Paul and Elizabeth Kazeem.
Keegan Patterson, DB, 6-2, 175, Sauk Rapids, Minn. (Sauk Rapids-Rice HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Sauk Rapids-Rice HS … played for coach Phillip Klaphake … team captain … named all-district and District Quarterback of the Year … passed for 1,420 yards and 12 touchdowns, while competing 60 percent of passes as a senior … also rushed for seven touchdowns … team captain in hockey … also letter winner in baseball … Personal: Son of Doug and Kristi Patterson … father, Doug, is assistant football coach at SMSU.
Will Priest, RB, 5-10, 190, Rosemount, Minn. (Rosemount HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Rosemount HS … played for coach Jeff Erdmann … named all-district … team MVP … team captain … member of team that finished state runner-up in Class 6A in 2022 … rushed for 238 yards and four touchdowns in state tournament win over Wayzata … finished season with 1,003 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns … also in basketball and track & field … Personal: Son of Bill and Kelly Priest.
Jason Samec, DL, 6-1, 250, So., Stillwater, Minn. (St. Thomas Academy HS / University of South Dakota)
Before SMSU: Spent four seasons at the University of South Dakota … MVFC honor roll member three times … has three seasons of eligibility remaining … High School: 2019 graduate of St. Thomas Academy HS … played for coach Dan O'Brien … two-time all-district … also named all-state … racked up 127 career tackles with 25 sacks … played in Minnesota All-Star game … also played lacrosse and competed in wrestling … Personal: Son of Michael and Jennifer Samec.
Greg Schafer, WR, 5-9, 160, Fr., Cottonwood, Minn. (Lakeview HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Lakeview HS … played for coach Scott Hanson … all-district honoree … rushed for 526 yards and five touchdowns and also caught 18 passes for 347 yards and four touchdowns as a senior … had two punt returns for touchdowns … closed career with more than 1,600 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns …. rushed for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns … has set numerous school records in track & field … all-conference honoree … placed third in the 100-meter dash at the 2022 Class A state meet … Personal: Son of Josh and Bethany Schafer.
Erik Vedoy, TE, 6-4, 225, Fr., Blaine, Minn. (Spring Lake Park HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Spring Lake Park HS … played for coach John Stewart … helped team advance to section championship game as a senior … academic honor roll … Personal: Son of Arild and Laura Vedoy.
Trey Wibeto, DL, 6-3, 230, Fr., Zimmerman, Minn. (Zimmerman HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Zimmerman HS … played for coach Tom Kish … two-time all-district … registered 76 tackles with 2.5 sacks as a senior … named District Offensive Lineman of the Year … helped team to state semifinals in class 4A as a senior … Personal: Son of Amy Daker and Travis Wibeto.
NEBRASKA (10)
Vaughn Anderson, K, 5-9, 145, Fr., Bennington, Neb. (Bennington HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Bennington HS … played for coach Kam Lenhart … all-district honoree … also named all-state … member of two state championship teams … Personal: Son of Scott and Pam Anderson.
Jaylen Davis, DB, 5-10, 205, Fr., Omaha, Neb. (Benson HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Benson HS … played for coach Terrance Mackey … passed for 1,110 yards and 18 touchdowns … rushed for 425 yards and six touchdowns … had four interceptions with one returned for a touchdown … Personal: Son of Debra Davis.
AJ Jones, OL, 6-4, 260, Fr., Omaha, Neb. (Omaha Westside HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Omaha Westside HS … played for coach Paul Limongi … member of 2022 state championship team … Personal: Son of Catherine Jessup.
Daniel Judd, TE, 6-4, 225, Fr., Wayne, Neb. (WayneHS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Wayne HS … played for coaches Hayden Delano and Russ Plauger … three-time all-district ... three-time all-conference honoree ... three-time honorable mentino all-state … Personal: Son of Rachel and
Daniel Judd.
Aiden Planer, LB, 5-11, 190, Fr., Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln East HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Lincoln East HS … played for coach John Gingery … two-year letter winner … all-conference honoree as a senior … team captain … two-time academic all-conference … selected to play in Nebraska Shrine Bowl … finished with 60 tackles and two sacks as a senior … closed career with 73 tackles … also competes in track & field … Personal: Son of Todd and Kylee Planer.
Josh Robles, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Papillon, Neb. (Papillon La-Vista HS)
High School: 2023 graduate Papillon La-Vista HS … played for coach Tim Williams … three-year letter winner … selected all-metro honorable mention … recorded 89 tackles and seven sacks as a senior … also had 11 tackles for loss and one interception … also competes in track & field … Personal: Son of Camely and Jesus Robles.
Connor Shelton, DB, 6-1, 165, Fr., Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln East HS)
High School: 2023 graduate Lincoln East HS … played for coach John Gingery … two-year letter winner … had two interceptions as a senior … had three receiving touchdowns … academic honor roll … Personal: Son of Aaron and Marla Shelton.
Jeremiah Truitt, DB, 5-10, 175, Fr., Omaha, Neb. (Omaha Westside HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Omaha Westside HS … played for coach Paul Limongi … recorded 20 tackles and four pass break-ups as a senior … member of 2022 state championship team.
Kadence Velde, DL, 6-2, 285, Fr., York, Neb. (York HS)
High School: 2023 graduate York HS … played for coach Glen Snodgrass … three-year letter winner … all-district honoree … all-area … selected to play in Shrine Bowl … ranked among top 10 in wrestling … academic honor roll … Personal: Son of Rich and Jodie Velde.
Harrison Weber, DL, 6-1, 235, Fr., Gretna, Neb. (Gretna HS)
High School: 2023 graduate Gretna HS … played for coach Mike Kayl … finished senior season with 48 tackles with five sacks … also in track & field … Personal: Son of Jason Weber and Brooke and Brian Nienaber.
Zandar Wolf, RB, 5-11, 185, Fr., Scotia, Neb. (Central Valley HS)
High School: 2023 graduate Central Valley HS … played for coach Chip Bartos … four-year letter winner … all-state honoree … all-district … rushed for 1,993 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior … closed career scoring more than 100 touchdowns … also standout in basketball and track & field … Personal: Son of Lucas and Andrea Wolf.
WISCONSIN (3)
Levi Bolstad, LB, 5-11, 195, Fr., Onalaska, Wis. (Onalaska HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Onalaska HS … played for coach Tom Yashinsky … three-year letter winner … all-conference and all-region honoree … named first team LaCrosse Tribune all-area … finished senior season with 67 tackles and four sacks … helped defense that recorded four shutouts in 2022 … team finished as state semifinalist in Division 3 as a senior … closed career with 130 tackles with seven sacks … Personal: Son of Erik Bolstad.
Kendon Krogman, Athlete, 6-4, 185, Fr., Mondovi, Wis. (Eau Claire Regis HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Eau Claire Regis HS … played for coach Bryant Brenner … all-conference and all-region honoree … honorable mention all-state … passed for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns … team captain… helped lead team to state championship in Division 7 as a senior with a 14-0 record … four-year letter winner in both football and basketball … Personal: Son of Kevin Krogman, Robyn and Bryant Brenner.
Kellen Wright, LB, 5-11, 195, Fr., West Salem, Wis. (West Salem HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of West Salem HS … played for coach Justin Jehn … three-year letter winner … two-time team captain … all-conference honoree at linebacker and offensive line … all-region selection at linebacker … finished senior season with 63 tackles with six for loss and two sacks … helped team to state Division 3 runner-up finish as a senior … also in baseball, basketball and track & field … Personal: Son of Bob and Bridget Wright.
ILLINOIS (3)
Cade Eddington, WR, 5-10, 174, Jr., Rochester, Ill. (Rochester HS / Western Illinois University)
Prior to SMSU: Spent three seasons (2020-22) at Western Illinois University … played in nine games in 2022 … played the 2019 season at Truman State (Mo.) … has two seasons of eligibility remaining … High School: 2019 graduate of Rochester HS … played for coach Derek Leonard… recorded 164 receptions for 3,079 yards and 36 touchdowns … two-time all-state and all-conference honoree … member of two state championship teams … Personal: Son of Todd and Amy Eddington.
Mike Gatz, OL, 6-3, 295, So., Lake in the Hills, Ill. (Marian Central Catholic HS / Western Illinois University)
Prior to SMSU: Spent the 2022 season at Western Illinois University … played the 2021 season at College of DuPage (Ill.) … named NJCAA All-American … member of 2021 NJCAA Division III national championship team … has three seasons of eligibility remaining … High School: 2021 graduate of Marian Central Catholic HS … played for coach Darren Fortin and Liam Kirwan… team captain … all-conference honoree … selected all-area … Personal: Son of Frank and Sheila Gatz ... brother, Joe, is an assistant football coach at SMSU.
Colby Williams, DB, 6-0, 170, Fr., Plainfield, Ill. (Plainfield Central HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Plainfield Central HS … played for coach Robert Keane … named all-conference … Personal: Son of Maureen Goergen and Corry Williams.
IOWA (2)
Nolan Mosier, QB, 6-4, 225, Fr., Blue Grass, Iowa (Davenport North HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Davenport North HS … played for coach Adam Hite … first team all-district … holds school record for career passing yards with 3,205 … also holds career school record for completions (295) and touchdowns (22) … second team all-district as a junior … also plays basketball … Personal: Son of Jeremy and Stephanie Mosier.
Jon Thornton, DL, 6-4, 275, So., Davenport, Iowa (Davenport West HS / Iowa Central Community College)
Prior to SMSU: Spent two seasons at Iowa Central Community College … has three seasons of eligibility remaining … High School: 2021 graduate of Davenport West HS … played for coach Brandon Krusey … two-year letter winner … first team all-conference … honorable mention all-metro … also played basketball … Personal: Son of Jonathan and Deven Thorton.
CALIFORNIA (2)
Deante Gray, DL, 6-4, 285, Fr., San Diego, Calif. (San Diego HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of San Diego HS … played for coach Syd Reed … named first team all-league during career … selected to play in Spano All-Star game … closed career with 19 sacks and 76 tackles … Personal: Son of Alejandro Gray and Yulanda Moore-Gray.
Markus Macon, RB, 5-8, 160, Fr., San Bernardino, Calif. (Palo Verde HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Palo Verde HS … played for coach Wally Grant … first team all-conference honoree … helped lead team to back-to-back section championships in 2021 and 2022 … rushed for 167 yards on 14 carries in section final as a senior … closed career rushing for more than 4,000 yards and 72 touchdowns … also in track & field … son of Aldrena Macon and Robert Carwell.
SOUTH DAKOTA (1)
Braden Fersdahl, DB, 5-8, 150, Fr., Dell Rapids, S.D. (Dell Rapids HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Dell Rapids HS … played for coach Jordan Huska … finished senior season with two interceptions … recorded an interception to help team capture 11A state championship as a senior … closed with 487 yards and two touchdowns … member of state championship team … also in basketball, track & field and baseball … Personal: Son of Jason and Erica Fersdahl.
ARIZONA (1)
Jonathan Kubat, RB, 5-8, 180, Fr., Chandler, Ariz. (Corona del Sol HS)
High School: 2023 graduate of Corona del Sol HS … played for coach Jake Barro … two-time all-region honoree … closed senior season with 1,036 all-purpose yards and 922 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns … rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a junior … finished career with 2,050 yards rushing and 2,302 all-purpose yards … also competes in track & field … Personal: Son of Peter and Kayree Kubat.
