MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois University Football and head coach Bob Nielson announced that 32 recruits will join the program. The second year head coach discussed the 2014 signing class during Wednesday's (Feb. 5) afternoon press conference.
Of the 32 recruits, five joined the program at the start of the Spring 2014 semester ready to participate in spring practice next month. Four of the five newest Leathernecks are linemen – two on offense and two on defense – and Western also signed a tight end.
Overall, Western signed 17 recruits on offense, 14 on defense and one on special teams. Nielson and his staff concentrated on signing linemen on both sides of the ball, getting six on the defensive line and seven on offense along with four tight ends.
“This year's recruiting class is built around two things,” said Nielson. “First, we needed to address our immediate needs with an emphasis on the offensive and defensive line positions. Secondly, we wanted to establish depth of talent necessary to compete for a Missouri Valley Football Conference championship. I want to congratulate the coaching staff on their hard work and tremendous job representing Western Illinois University and our Leatherneck Football program.”
Western's recruits hail from eight states: Illinois (12), Arizona (6), Missouri (5), Wisconsin (4), Indiana (2), Kansas (1), California (1), and Iowa (1).
Jaelon Acklin • WR (6-2, 180) Mountain View, Missouri (Liberty)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, basketball and track/field… earned All-State honors in football at three different positions in three different years… earned All-State honors in basketball, joining his school's 1,000-point club… five times earned All-State honors in track/field between the hurdles, 4x400, 4x200 and 4x100 relays… scored 65 touchdowns his senior year and 139 in his career… eight of those TDs came in a game versus the No. 3-ranked team in state… totaled 10,208 yards all-time (receiving, passing, rushing and returns)… team won four district titles and three conference titles… helped the basketball team win a district and conference title… three-time district and conference champion in track… played for coach Darin Acklin… PERSONAL: Born August 10, 1995 in Springfield, Missouri… No. 1 sports highlight was scoring 46 points with two dunks the night his mom underwent breast cancer surgery, “It's the only game she has ever missed.”… his parents have been a major influence, “They have taught me to live up to my potential and to never take anything for granted.”… most admires his dad as a coach, “He has always been there for me and played a big role in guiding my way through life and my athletic career.”… his dad played football at Carthage, his uncle played football at Missouri and another relative played football at Avila… enjoys sports, learning about World War II history and playing X-Box… favorite professional team is the Indiana Pacers… favorite musician is Drake… son of Darin and Tina Acklin… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration
Michael Bishoff • LB (6-2, 190) Elk Grove Village, Illinois (Elk Grove)
HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time All-Conference… two-time Academic All-State… Daily Herald All-Area… twice named team captain… played for coach Larry Calhoun… PERSONAL: Born March 31, 1996 in Elk Grove Village… No. 1 sports highlight was catching a Hail Mary on Homecoming of his senior year. The play made the #2 on MaxPreps 'Top 10' HS football plays of the year… enjoys snowmobiling, jet skiing, 4-wheeling and water skiing… favorite professional team is the Chicago Bears… son of Mike and Denise Bishoff… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration
Brock Broughton • RB (5-11, 190) Kearney, Missouri (Kearney)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three times in football, twice in track and once in baseball… twice selected as the program's Most Valuable Player… two-time First Team All-Conference, and earned All-League honors three years… Offensive Most Valuable Player his senior year… First Team All-Metro… two-time First Team All-District… two-time First Team All-State… twice selected to the KKWR-KMRN Radio All-Star team… named KMZU radio Offensive MVP in Class 5A… finalist for the Simone Award… received the Kearney Irondog Award with a 3.5 or higher GPA three times… received the school's Nathan Scheelhaase Award for Career Achievement… rushed for a school record 352 yards in a game his junior year versus Lee's Summit then in his senior year rushed for a record six touchdowns… set season records with 2,065 rushing yards, 318 attempts, 11.57 yards per play, and 38 touchdowns in a season… broke the school record with 4,289 yards and 72 touchdowns (63 rushing/9 receiving)… ended his senior year with 29 receptions totaling 469 yards and four scores… team won conference title in 2011 and 2013… won district twice and advanced to the state semifinals in 2013… played for coach Greg Jones… PERSONAL: Born January 16, 1996… No. 1 sports highlight was running the wildcat due to the quarterback being out sick and ran for 352 yards… his father has been a major influence, “He taught me many things and always believed in me no matter what.”… most admires Michael Jordan and Tim Tebow, “These two men went hard all the time. They did things that people did not believe they could do.”… enjoys playing sports, lifting weights, hanging with friends and outdoor activities… favorite professional teams are Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Saints… enjoys many different music groups… son of Len and Kelly Broughton… MAJOR: Undecided
Brody Carls • OL (6-5, 255) Pana, Illinois (Pana)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four times in football and twice each in basketball and track/field… selected to the South Central All-Conference team… Decatur Herald and Review All-Area… twice received the Leadership Award… Varsity Big Brother Award… his senior year recorded 36 tackles at defensive end with one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries… team twice won conference… played for coach Al Stupek… PERSONAL: Born October 10, 1995 in Springfield… member of the Pana FFA and Pana Fellowship of Christian Athletes… his uncles Hal Call and Butch Nowack have been a major influence… most admires his football coaching staff, “They teach you discipline, how to become a good man and expect nothing but the best from you.”… his uncle Butch was an All-American at Illinois and Hal set a record for longest punt return at Southern Illinois… enjoys hunting, fishing, sports and spending time with family and friends… favorite professional teams are Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and Cubs… son of Rodney and Nikki Carls… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration
DeVante' Clark • DB (6-1, 195) Jacksonville, Illinois (Jacksonville)
HIGH SCHOOL: All-Conference honors in both football and track… twice voted team Defensive MVP… recorded 204 career tackles, 11 interceptions, 10 pass deflections, three forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries… won the conference high jump title… sectional title in the 200 meters… member of the 2013 Class 2A state championship 4x100 relay… has placed in the state 'Top 10' in the high jump two straight years… played football for coach Mark Grounds… PERSONAL: Born March 2, 1996 in Springfield… No. 1 sports highlight was a 90-yard return off a blocked field goal for a touchdown… his mom has been a major influence, “She's always supported and pushed me to be a better athlete and person.”… most admires former NFL linebacker Ray Lewis, “For his passion of the game and the way he overcame all obstacles to be one of the best in the game and reach his goal.”… enjoys fishing, golf and video games… favorite professional team is the Chicago Bulls… favorite musician is Ace Hood… son of Lawrence and Linda Jackson… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration
Aaron Diggs • DB (6-1, 190) Goodyear, Arizona (Millennium)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, track/field and baseball… earned Division I All-State honors… voted the conference's Defensive MVP… First Team All-Conference at safety… selected to Arizona's 'Top 25' All-Star team… USA Today All-State… helped set the school record in the 4x100 relay… recorded eight interceptions, setting a season record… ended his career with 214 tackles and 13 interceptions… played for coach Jason Randels… PERSONAL: Born February 18, 1996 in Gainesville, Florida… No. 1 sports highlight was finishing his senior year with eight interceptions to break the school record and leading the state in interceptions… his dad has been a major influence, “He taught me never to give up and always go after what I want.”… most admires his HS coach Jason Randels, “He really pushed me my senior year and pushed my name out there during the recruitment process.”… his father Tony played Major League Baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals organizations… his aunt played in the WNBA for the Phoenix Mercury… enjoys football, track and baseball… favorite professional team is the Dallas Cowboys… son of Tony and Kim Diggs… MAJOR: Undecided
David Griffith • DB (5-11, 190) Avon, Indiana (Avon)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three years each in football and basketball… a three-year starter, earned All-County honors… voted All-Hoosier Crossroads Conference… selected to Class 6A All-State… MVP of skill players following his senior year… football team won Sectional title in 2011… basketball team won County championship in 2012 and 2013… received the Send-Me Award given by coach Mark Bless… PERSONAL: Born August 18, 1995 in Indianapolis… involved with his church group projects… National Honor Society… No. 1 sports highlight was season-opener his junior year when he returned a punt for a touchdown late in the game to tie the score and they eventually went on to win… his father has been a major influence, “He first got me involved in football and has been there to support me since day one.”… most admires Kevin Kelly (director of college scouting for the San Diego Chargers), “He first coached me in third grade football. I admire him for his love of the game and how passionate he is about it. He has helped me through a lot in my years of football.”… enjoys working out, spending time with friends, doing landscaping, TV and fishing… favorite professional teams are the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia Flyers… favorite music group is Florida Georgia Line… son of Todd and Mitzi Griffith… MAJOR: Exercise Science
Brenden Jostes • OL (6-4, 265) Farmington, Illinois (Farmington Central)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, wrestling and track/field… three times selected All-Conference in football… twice a unanimous pick as First Team center… All-State honors in football… played for coach Casey Martin… in wrestling qualified for Sectionals and State… PERSONAL: Born February 10, 1996 in Galesburg… No. 1 sports highlight was making it to the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs last fall… everyone who told him that he couldn't do it has been a major influence in his sports career, “It made me want to succeed more.”… most admires Houston Texans' J.J. Watt, “Walk-ons can still succeed even if not on a scholarship and hard work pays off.”… enjoys 4-wheeling, tractor pulling and playing football… favorite professional team is the Chicago Bears… favorite musician is Eric Church… son of Christopher and Christina Jostes… MAJOR: Undecided
James Kalfas • DE (6-3, 255) Wheaton, Illinois (St. Francis College Prep)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, baseball and wrestling… named All-Conference and All-Area in football… selected as one of the Top 50 players in DuPage County… started on both offense and defense… played for coach Greg Purnell… PERSONAL: Born February 9, 1996 in Long Beach, California… No. 1 sports highlight was earning a starting role as a sophomore and being the only sophomore on the varsity team… most admires coach Nick Holt, “For his enthusiasm for the game.”… his father played football at Cal State Fullerton in the 1980s… lists football as his hobby… favorite professional teams are the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Lakers… favorite musicians are Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre… son of Mark and Tracy Kalfas… MAJOR: Communication or Law Enforcement Justice Administration
Grant Kasal • DL (6-5, 225) Westmont, Illinois (Downers Grove North)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in basketball, volleyball, lacrosse and football… named Academic All-West Suburban Conference… team advanced to the quarterfinal round two years in a row… played for coach John Wander… PERSONAL: Born August 28, 1995… volunteers at the Loyola University Medical Center and at the Ronald McDonald's Children Center… No. 1 sports highlight was beating Wheaton Warrenville South 10-7 in the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs… Bob Pinelli has been a major influence, “He had always told me that being big is a good thing. He was my first defensive line coach.”… most admires Houston Texans' J.J. Watt, “For his amazing work ethic.”… his sister plays Division I volleyball at Green Bay… enjoys spending time with family and friends, being active, playing cards and eating… favorite professional team is the Chicago Bears… favorite music is Eminem, Beach Boys and The XX… son of Steve and Marilyn Kasal… MAJOR: Pre-Dental
Thomas Kirsch • OL (6-6, 275) Hartland, Wisconsin (Arrowhead)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, track and wrestling… Second Team All-Conference in football… helped team win the conference title… won consecutive state titles in football (2012 and 2013)… played for coach Greg Maling… PERSONAL: Born January 10, 1996… his competitors have been a major influence, “I know if I'm not working hard somebody else is.”… most admires his HS coach Greg Maling, “He is organized to make the team work hard every day.”… had an uncle Jim Duyser play baseball at Illinois… enjoys working out and eating… favorite professional team is the Green Bay Packers… favorite music is Grouplove, Imagine Dragons and Twenty one Pilots… son of William Kirsch and Sally Didier… MAJOR: Engineering
Isaiah Lesure • WR (6-3, 175) Mount Horeb, Wisconsin (Mount Horeb)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered a combined 10 times in football, basketball and track/field… First Team All-Conference on both offense and defense… Honorable Mention All-State… Offensive MVP of the Badger Conference… played for coach Travis Rohrer… won a state title in track/field… PERSONAL: Born November 6, 1995… No. 1 sports highlight was setting the school season record in receiving yards… the people around him everyday have been a major influence, “People like my coaches, family and friends… they keep me rolling.”… most admires Larry Fitzgerald, Jerry Rice, Reggie Bush and Calvin Johnson, “They are all explosive.”… his dad played football at Loras College… enjoys dancing, singing, video games and modeling… favorite professional team is the Chicago Bears… favorite musician is Justin Timberlake… son of Jermaine Williams and Nikki Lesure… MAJOR: Undecided
Sean McGuire • QB (6-3, 205) Franklin, Wisconsin (Franklin)
HIGH SCHOOL: First Team All-State… twice named First Team All-Region… two-time First Team All-Area… three years chosen First Team All-Suburban… All-Conference honors three years… voted SEC 'Player of the Year'… Southeastern Wisconsin Regional 'Player of the Year'… set records for the Wisconsin D1 state championship football game in passing completions, attempts and yards… set program records for yards in a season (3,004) and attempts (352)… ended his career with 6,008 passing yards, 47 touchdowns, 61 percent completion rate, surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and added 22 TDs on the ground… turned in a 28-8 record as a starter… team won the 2013 conference title and regional championship… lost in the state title game… lettered in basketball, track/field and football… played for coach Louis Brown… PERSONAL: Born February 14, 1996 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin… active in speaking at D.A.R.E. graduations across Milwaukee County… No. 1 sports highlight was, “Going into my senior year I wanted to leave a mark for underclassmen to follow and remember. After losing in the state championship game several of them stopped by and said that I made an impact on them and changed the way they thought about football and work ethic. I know they will be successful in the future, that means a lot to me.”… his brother and nephew have been a major influence, “They have been through so much in their own personal lives and they have made me so proud. I want to make them as proud as they have made me.”… most admires his HS head coach Louis Brown, “I have never played for a coach like him, and I would never have wanted to play for anyone else. He has impacted me in ways he will never know. He has instilled so much in me that started when I was so young that will continue to be a part of me until the day I die.”… enjoys playing sports, spending time with friends, training, hiking, fishing and driving… favorite professional team is the Green Bay Packers… favorite music is Dave Matthews Band and Zac Brown Band… son of Terrence and Deborah McGuire… MAJOR: Business
Cale McMakin • LB (6-1, 205) Overland Park, Kansas (Blue Valley West)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, basketball and track… twice named All-EKL at linebacker, including Second Team honors his senior year… set a record with 169 career tackles… K-Preps Class 5A All-State honors… played for coach Scott Wright… PERSONAL: Born September 21, 1995 in St. Louis, Missouri… participated in a Polar Plunge fundraiser at school to fight cancer… No. 1 sports highlight was beating a rival team on their senior night on a last second field goal… his three older brothers have been a major influence, “They have been my mentor since I was born and I respect them all very much.”… most admires his HS coach Scott Wright, “He is such a great man and really cares about me and my teammates. He is a great teacher of life.”… his older brother Brett is a member of the UNI football team… enjoys basketball, music, reading, running and winning football games… favorite professional teams are: Oklahoma City Thunder, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Chicago Blackhawks… favorite music is the Beatles, Kendrick Lamar and Alicia Keys… son of Matt McMakin and Lisa Culliton… MAJOR: Undecided
Luke Otto • P/K (5-11, 215) Normal, Illinois (University)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and soccer… First Team All-Conference honors as a kicker his senior year, Third Team honors as a junior… two-time Second Team All-Conference accolades at punter and was Honorable Mention after his sophomore year… Academic All-State following his senior year… his senior year 50 of his 99 kickoffs were touchbacks… career-long 61-yard punt in the air… named special teams MVP in 2011 and 2013… helped U-High win three consecutive Cornbelt Conference titles… played for coach Dusty Burk… PERSONAL: Born October 4, 1994 in Normal… chosen as an Illinois State Scholar… worked on various school volunteer projects, including: Habitat for Humanity and Homes for Haiti… No. 1 sports highlight was landing a 61-yard punt on the two yard line during his last playoff game, and kicking extra points out of Illinois State's stadium… Ryan Hoffman has been a major influence, “He spent hours upon hours of his own personal time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights just to work with me and even volunteered to be a coach at UHS last season.”… enjoys pick-up games of soccer and basketball, and working out at the gym… favorite professional team is the Chicago Bears… favorite music group is the Red Hot Chili Peppers… son of Douglas and Jennifer Klein… MAJOR: Economics
Drew Patterson • RB (6-0, 205) Sussex, Wisconsin (Hamilton)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, basketball, track/field and baseball… twice earned All-State honors in football and was a three-time All-Conference selection… two-time GMC 'Offensive Player of the Year'… ended his career as the school's all-time leading rusher and career record holder in touchdowns… played for coach John Damato… helped the 4x400 relay place fourth at the state track meet… qualified for state in the 400 meters… set school records in the 4x400 relay and open 400… PERSONAL: Born November 11, 1994 in Sussex, Wisconsin… No. 1 sports highlight was beating top-seeded Manitowoc Lincoln in the playoffs his sophomore year… his brother Nick has been a major influence, “We are so close and have a relationship where we are always pushing each other to do better. We consistently try to one up each other in whatever it is we are doing.”… most admires Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers, “Because of his relentless effort he gives on every play. He is a monster and plays the game how it should be played.”… his brother Nick is a running back at Wisconsin-Whitewater while his sister Brooke runs track at Wisconsin-Eau Claire… enjoys all sports, snowboarding and fishing… favorite professional team is the Packers… favorite music group is Aer… son of Tim and Leah Patterson… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration
Jordan Robinson • DE (6-2, 245) Jefferson City, Missouri (Jefferson City)
HIGH SCHOOL: First Team All-District honors in football… selected to the Blue and Grey All-America team… three-year letterwinner in football… led the team in sacks his final two seasons… recorded 168 career tackles… played for coach Ted LePage… PERSONAL: Born October 3, 1995 in Columbia, Missouri… worked with Habitat for Humanity in addition to a couple of other charities… No. 1 sports highlight was playing Hickman HS, a game in which he recorded two blocked field goals, two sacks and seven tackles… his father has been a major influence, “He basically taught me everything about sports.”… most admires Chris Clemons, “He overcame the odds of being deaf to play football.”… enjoys music, video games and collecting shoes… favorite professional teams are the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Yankees… son of Alfred and Terri Robinson… MAJOR: Business
Xavier Rowe • DB (6-0, 185) Oak Park, Illinois (Oak Park-River Forest)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, track and basketball… PERSONAL: Born November 9, 1995… son of Xavier Rowe and Annmarie Rowe… MAJOR: Undecided
Khalen Saunders • DL (6-2, 280) St. Louis, Missouri (Parkway Central)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, wrestling and track/field… earned All-Conference and All-State honors at defensive tackle and as offensive athlete… team placed second in state during the 2013 football season… was runner-up following his junior year in the state track meet in the shot put… played for coach Mark Goldenberg… PERSONAL: Born August 9, 1996 in St. Louis… his parents have been a major influence, “They support me and my brother, even though we have very different talents.”… most admires his HS coach Mark Goldenberg, “For giving me a chance to run the ball.”… hobbies include the piano and tumbling… favorite professional team is the Seattle Seahawks… favorite musicians are Kanye West and Chance the Rapper… son of Kenton Saunders and Kim Hamilton… MAJOR: Math Education
Luis Sharpe • DB (6-2, 195) Phoenix, Arizona (Mountain Point/Glendale CC)
Will have two years of eligibility remaining to play for the Leathernecks… AT GLENDALE CC: Helped Glendale win the 2012 Valley of the Sun Bowl championship… HIGH SCHOOL: Named Honorable Mention All-State in Class 6A… lettered in football and track… PERSONAL: Born December 10, 1993 in Phoenix, Arizona… his mom has been a major influence, “She supported me my whole life through thick and thin.”… most admires Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman, “He's the best cornerback in the NFL.”… his dad Luis was a three-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and played 13 years in the NFL… enjoys lifting weights and playing basketball… favorite professional team is the Arizona Cardinals… favorite musician is Drake… son of Luis and Kathi Sharpe… MAJOR: Undecided
Macae Skaggs • TE (6-3, 230) Farmington, Illinois (Farmington Central)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, basketball and baseball… selected All-State in football following his junior and senior year by the Champaign News-Gazette… Peoria Journal Star Small School 'Player of the Year'… earned All-Conference honors as a punter his senior year… twice earned All-Conference honors at running back and linebacker… in his career totaled 3,116 rushing yards (5.8 yards per rush) and 31 touchdowns… recorded 375 career tackles and 39 tackles for a loss… averaged 37.5 yards on 24 punts… played football for coach Casey Martin… PERSONAL: Born October 13, 1995 in Peoria… No. 1 sports highlight was winning their first state football playoff game… his father has been a major influence, “From the age of 5 he has always coached or participated in my football career.”… most admires his HS coach Casey Martin, “He took a struggling football team and turned it around to a respectable program.”… enjoys fishing, hunting, all sports and 4-wheeling… favorite professional team is the Dallas Cowboys… favorite musician is Thomas Rhett… son of Jeff and Jamie Skaggs… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration
Tyler Slamans • TE (6-3, 226) Sugar Grove, Illinois (Kaneland)
HIGH SCHOOL: A two-year starter in football… lettered in football, basketball and track/field… played for coach Tom Fedderly… team won the 2012 Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference football title… PERSONAL: Born January 16, 1996 in Geneva… No. 1 sports highlight was winning their first round football playoff game versus Hampshire with three catches and a touchdown… his father has been a major influence, “He has always pushed me to be the best that I could possibly be.”… most admires WIU Leatherneck standout and former NFL star Don Beebe, “He was a great mentor with the House of Speed Football Academy. He helped me become the player I am today.”… has a cousin Spencer Allen who runs track at Georgia Tech… enjoys hunting, fishing, church and spending time with family and friends… favorite professional teams are the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks and Indianapolis Colts… enjoys all music… son of Bruce and Susan Slamans… MAJOR: Exercise Science
Stacey Smith, Jr. • ATH (5-8, 160) Schaumburg, Illinois (Schaumburg)
HIGH SCHOOL: Named to the Daily Herald Northwest All-Area team and was selected as the team captain… MSL Conference MVP as a senior… IHSA All-State… selected to the 2011 Tom Lemming/NCSA All-Area team… three-year starter at quarterback… helped the Saxons to the program's best season since 1999… scored a touchdown in every game his senior year… twice had a four-touchdown performance as a senior… ended the 2013 season with 1,963 rushing yards on 191 carries (10.3 ypc) and 31 touchdowns… passed for 474 yards and threw for four TDs with only one interception… also returned a punt for a touchdown against Barrington… rushed for 193 yards on just 19 attempts against Glenbard West in the state semifinals… helped the team average more than 36 points per game and accounted for nearly half of the Saxons' rushing yards on the year… lettered in football, baseball, wrestling and track/field… as a junior finished second in the MSL and second in sectionals in the long jump… won the conference and sectional title in the triple jump, placed 10th at state in the event… helped the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams qualify for state... became the first track athlete in Schaumburg history to qualify for state in four different events… played for coach Mark Stilling… as a freshman won a conference title in wrestling… PERSONAL: Born March 12, 1996… No. 1 sports highlight was scoring the game-winning touchdown against Fremd his sophomore year in overtime… his uncle LeSean Stallings has been a major influence, “He played both quarterback and defensive back in high school as did I.”… most admires the offensive line coach at Schaumburg Bill Lange, “He has kept it real with me and never sugarcoated a thing. I've looked up to him since I was 14 years old entering high school.”… his relative April Sykes is a WNBA player for the Los Angeles Sparks… enjoys listening to music, working out, sports, social media and playing Super Mario Brothers… favorite professional team is the Pittsburgh Steelers… favorite music artist is Big L… son of Stacey Smith, Sr. and Betty Stallings… MAJOR: Accountancy
Timothy Smith • DB (6-1, 185) Chicago, Illinois (Morgan Park)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and track/field… earned All-City honors in football… recording nine passing touchdowns, one TD receiving, and six rushing touchdowns… registered four interceptions and 41 tackles… during his junior year had nine interceptions and returned two for a touchdown… played for coach Lexie Spurlock and coach Wesley Yates… PERSONAL: Born July 19, 1996 in Chicago… his older brother Josh is a member of the Leatherneck football program and has been a major influence, “He started football a year earlier than me, and ever since then we have been competing to see who is the best. Also to make my mother and family proud.”… most admires one of his former coaches Ron Moore, “He was my foundation for everything. He made me tough and taught me how to never quit.”… also admires former coach Alonzo Harris, “He stayed in my ear pushing me and giving me motivation to improve in every aspect of life.”… in addition to his brother Josh, he has another brother Russell who plays basketball for Kennedy King College… enjoys basketball, working out, football, playing spades and the X-Box… favorite professional teams are the Chicago Bulls, Bears, White Sox and Blackhawks… favorite music is Meek Mill… son of Russell and LaTonya Smith… MAJOR: Architecture/Construction Management
Pete Swenson • TE (6-3, 225) Mason City, Iowa (Clear Lake)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four years in football and basketball, three in track and field, once in soccer and five times in baseball… three-year starter at middle linebacker for the Lions… two-time All-District… First Team All-State his senior year, earned Third Team honors as a junior… Globe Gazette Area 'Player of the Year'… chosen Most Valuable Player at the state baseball tournament, helping the Lions to the Class 3A title last summer… earned Second Team All-Conference honors in basketball last year… recorded 15 touchdowns on offense and 274 tackles and five interceptions defensively in his career… team went 30-3 with him as a starter… invited to play in the Iowa High School All-Star Shrine Bowl… played for coach Fred Weick... PERSONAL: Born June 23, 1995 in Mason City, Iowa… No. 1 sports highlight was being named player of the game as Clear Lake defeated rival Mason City for the first time in more than 80 years… his father has been a major influence, “He has taught me everything I know about sports and given me every opportunity I could've asked for.”… his brother Robert is a catcher on the Chicago State baseball team… enjoys hanging out with friends, playing X-Box and listening to music… favorite professional teams are the Minnesota Timberwolves and Carolina Panthers… favorite musicians are Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West… son of Scott and Rhonda Swenson… MAJOR: Undecided
Robert Young, Jr. • OL (6-4, 295) St. Louis, Missouri (Kirkwood)
HIGH SCHOOL: First Team All-District… Second Team All-State… won state his junior year… received the Jay Leeuwenburg Award his senior year, given to the most outstanding lineman… played for coach Matt Irvin… PERSONAL: Born October 3, 1995 in St. Louis… No. 1 sports highlight was winning the state football title his junior year… most admires Michael Jordan, “For his ability to overcome adversity to win and work hard no matter what.”… enjoys football, lifting weights and playing Madden… favorite professional teams are: St. Louis Rams, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Lakers… favorite musicians are The Joker and Davo Fly… son of Robert Young, Sr… MAJOR: Undecided
Nick Ziegenbein • OL (6-9, 335) Phoenix, Arizona (Pinnacle/Glendale CC)
Will have two years of eligibility remaining to play for the Leathernecks… AT GLENDALE CC: Earned Second Team All-WSFL honors at Glendale following his sophomore year… helped Glendale win the 2012 Valley of the Sun Bowl… HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in track (4) and football (3)… First Team All-Conference his senior year, and earned Second Team honors following his junior year… played for coach Dana Zupke… PERSONAL: Born September 23, 1993 in Colorado Springs, Colorado… No. 1 sports highlight was starting his senior year 8-0… his high school offensive line coach Terry Burke has been a major influence, “He made want to play O-Line and taught me how to really play.”… most admires his freshman basketball coach Dennis Hackworth, “He coached with such passion for the game and love for the players and team.”… his grandfather played football at Arizona State and his great-uncle was a baseball player at Nebraska… enjoys sports and spending time with friends… favorite professional team is the Denver Broncos… favorite music group is the Zac Brown Band… son of Robert and Lori Ziegenbein… MAJOR: Broadcasting
ENROLLED IN JANUARY
Tyler Bode • OL (6-7, 305) Fountain Hills, Arizona (Fountain Hills/Scottsdale CC)
Enrolled in January and will have two years of eligibility remaining to play for the Leathernecks… AT SCOTTSDALE CC: Earned First Team All-America honors following his sophomore year… named First Team All-WSFL… helped Scottsdale advance to the Valley of the Sun Bowl and won the WSFL title… played for WSFL 'Coach of the Year' Doug Madoski and helped block for the league's 'Offensive Player of the Year'… HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and basketball… First Team All-Conference three times… twice earned First Team All-State accolades… team won the 2008 and 2009 South Region title in football, and 2009 basketball region title… most admires Matt Johnson and Jeremy Brighem, “For all the belief they have in me and for pushing me.”… enjoys reading and football… favorite professional teams are the Miami Heat and Boston Red Sox… favorite music is Old Crow Medicine Show, Johnny Cash and Eminem… son of Patricia Bode… MAJOR: General Studies
Cole Griffin • TE (6-4, 255) Yorba Linda, California (Yorba Linda/Santa Ana CC)
Enrolled in January and will have two years of eligibility remaining to play for the Leathernecks… AT SANTA ANA CC: Earned All-Conference honors… helped team win the SoCal Bowl title… during his sophomore year (eight games) caught 20 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns… all three TD receptions came during conference play… HIGH SCHOOL: Named Second Team All-League… selected to the North-South All-Star game… led his football team to the first-ever playoff victory… lettered in football, basketball and volleyball… PERSONAL: Born March 29, 1994 in Yorba Linda, California… volunteered at the Ronald McDonald cancer patient center… No. 1 sports highlight was being chosen 'Top 10' in state at tight end… his grandpa and uncles have been a major influence, “They have coached me in football since I was seven years old and always kept my dream of playing football alive.”… enjoys working on his truck and spending time with family and friends… enjoys listening to country music… son of Mark Griffin… MAJOR: Communication
Kris Harley • DL (6-1, 270) Indianapolis, Indiana (Warren Central/Virginia Tech)
Enrolled in January and will have two years of eligibility remaining to play for the Leathernecks… AT VIRGINIA TECH: Spent three years with the Hokies program… redshirted in 2011… played in 10 games as a redshirt-freshman… recorded six tackles and an interception (versus Cincinnati)… saw action versus Rutgers in the Russell Athletic Bowl… made two tackles his sophomore year against Western Carolina, his only game action of the year… HIGH SCHOOL: Earned All-America honors by SuperPrep and PrepStar… member of the ESPNU 150 squad… three-year starter… finished senior year with 46 tackles, including seven for a loss and six sacks… First Team All-Class 5A… helped Warren Central win a state title in 2009… was a track state shot put champion in 2010… during his junior year recorded 91 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss and five sacks… was ranked as the No. 12 defensive tackle by ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc… MaxPreps listed him as the No. 14 defensive tackle in the country… overall was the No. 22 player on the Midwest 144 by SuperPreps… played for coach John Hart… lettered in football and track… PERSONAL: Born September 22, 1992 in Indianapolis, Indiana… No. 1 sports highlight was winning the state football title in 2009… his mom has been a major influence, “She is at every single one of my games.”… enjoys listening to music… favorite professional team is the Indianapolis Colts… son of Eddie and Terilyn Hoke… MAJOR: Communication
John LaChapelle • DL (6-1, 290) Apache Junction, Arizona (Apache Junction/Glendale CC)
Enrolled in January and will have two years of eligibility remaining to play for the Leathernecks… AT GLENDALE CC: Spent two years at Glendale… helped team win the 2012 Valley of the Sun Bowl… HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, basketball and baseball… earned All-State and All-Conference honors in football… Honorable Mention accolades in basketball… played football for coach Justin Macdonald… PERSONAL: Born October 3, 1993 in Apache Junction, Arizona… No. 1 sports highlight was beating Arizona Western College on a field goal in overtime… most admires his HS football coach Bob Harvey, “He showed me what it takes to get to the next level and to make yourself better every day.”… enjoys fishing, hiking, watching TV and spending time with family… favorite professional teams are the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns… son of John and Lori LaChapelle… MAJOR: Undecided
Martin Woods • OL (6-3, 280) Glendale, AZ (Independence/Glendale CC)
AT GLENDALE CC: Played at Glendale CC, helping the 2012 team to an 8-3 record and 'Top 20' ranking nationally… defeated Mesa CC to win the Valley of the Sun Bowl… selected Second Team All-WSFL… HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and track/field… played for coach Adrian Orona and Kenny Storkle… PERSONAL: Born June 17, 1992… his mother has been a major influence, “She is the only person I want to take care of.”… favorite professional teams are the Philadelphia Eagles and the Houston Rockets… favorite musician is Jay-Z… son of Windy Davis… MAJOR: Communication
