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Nielson Signing Day

Football WIU Athletic Communications

Western Illinois Football Adds 24 Recruits

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois University Football and head coach Bob Nielson made the announcement of 24 student-athletes to join the Leatherneck program. The third-year head coach held an afternoon press conference on Wednesday (Feb. 4) inside Western Hall.
 
The Fighting Leathernecks, who finished last year with the fifth-toughest schedule in the country, signed 12 players for defense, 10 on offense, one athlete and one on special teams.
 
Western's recruits hail from eight states: Illinois (8), Indiana (6), Iowa (4), Arizona (2), Missouri (1), Wisconsin (1), Kansas (1), and Georgia (1).
 
"The 2015 signing class represents another great group of young men joining our program. This class has high quality players at every position, and specifically addresses our depth needs at linebacker and in the secondary," said Nielson. "I'm proud of the work our staff did in identifying the right people and building relationships with them."
 
Four programs had two teammates as part of the signing class, including: Indianapolis Pike HS (WR Rashad Medaris and LB Quentin Moon), Center Grove HS (DL Gavin Everett and RB Max Norris) IMG Academy (LB Brody Crossin and QB Noah Shanklin), and Muscatine HS (WR Spencer Beatty and P/ATH Matt Wieskamp).
 
The program is looking to build on its 5-7 record from last season and 3-5 mark in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Last year the Valley sent two teams to play in the national championship game, and finished the year ranked ahead of four FBS conferences in the Sagarin ratings.
 
The 2015 season-opener will take place on Thursday night, September 3rd, at Hanson Field against in-state rival Eastern Illinois.
 
Jacob Barnes  •  DL  (6-3, 260)  Sterling, Illinois (Newman Central Catholic)
HIGH SCHOOL: Named 2014 MVP of the Three Rivers Conference… two-time First Team All-Conference, All-Area… twice earned First Team All-State honors… in 2013 helped the team win the Class 2A state title… logged 183 tackles in his career, including 34 sacks… played for coach Mike Papoccia… PERSONAL: Born November 27, 1996 in Sterling… No. 1 sports highlight was winning state his junior year… his parents have been a major influence, "They are the ones who pushed me to play sports when I was a little kid and now sports is my life."… most admires his HS coach Mike Papoccia, "He pushed me to my limit and made me the football player I am today."… enjoys spending time with friends and playing X-box… favorite professional team is the Green Bay Packers… favorite musicians are Tyga, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa… son of Dennis and Amy Barnes and Steve and Kris Nunez… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration
 
 
Riggs Baxter  •  LB  (6-1, 175)  Thorntown, Indiana (Western Boone)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, basketball and track… School career leader in receptions (146) and touchdown receptions (28)… three-time First Team All-Sagamore Conference… Class 3A Associated Press Honorable Mention All-State… First Team All-State by the Indiana Football Coaches Association… Second Team All-Indianapolis by American Family Insurance… Fourth Team All-State in basketball by Hoosier Basketball Magazine… Top 100 Showcase honoree by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association… four-time Sagamore Conference track champion as a freshman (long jump, 800 meters, 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay)… ended his career with 155 solo tackles and 63 assisted… 10 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 26 passes deflected, eight interceptions and two sacks… on offense totaled 2331 receiving yards, 966 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground… ended his career with 47 total touchdowns… football team won the conference title in 2012 and the track team captured the conference championship in 2011… played football for coach Justin Pelley… PERSONAL: Born in Danville, Indiana… went on a service trip to Ethiopia to aid an orphanage… No. 1 sports highlight was scoring three touchdowns to help beat arch-rival Lebanon… former football coach Jed Richman has been a major influence, "He was the one who gave me the vision that I could be a Division I football player."… most admires coach Jamie Comer, "He helps me in the entire football process because he went through it, and he helps develop my abilities in weights."… enjoys hunting, fishing and exercising… favorite professional team is the Washington Redskins… favorite musician is Keith Urban… son of Jeff and Joanie Baxter… MAJOR: Engineering Technology
 
 
Spencer Beatty*  •  WR  (5-9, 170)  Muscatine, Iowa (Muscatine)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in baseball, basketball, track/field, soccer and football... First Team honors All-Conference, All-District, All-Area, All-Metro... played for coach Jacob Mueller... PERSONAL: Born November 11, 1996 in Muscatine... tabbed Wes Welker as a major influence in his sports career, "You always hear about the big playmaking wide receivers who are always over 6 foot and everything, but Wes Welker isn't one of those guys but always seems to find a way to get open and make a play."... most admires coach Hawkins, Muscatine's defensive coordinator and strength coach, "Throughout my high school career and through all of the injuries he has helped push me to become a better player on the field but also off the field as well."... enjoys hanging out with friends, lifting weights and playing with his dogs... favorite professional teams are: Denver Broncos, San Antonio Spurs and Cincinnati Reds... favorite music is J. Cole and Drake... son of Scott and Stacy Beatty... MAJOR: Sports Psychology
 
 
Jack Beneventi  •  QB  (6-6, 186)  Oak Park, Illinois (Fenwick)
HIGH SCHOOL: From 2012-13 was listed No. 4 quarterback in the country by Fox Sports and No. 10 at the position by ESPN... attended Benet Academy and set the records for: passing yards in a game and season, TDs in a season, season completion percentage, career passing yards and career pass completions... lettered three times in football and once in basketball... in 2012 helped win the ESCC Conference championship... played football for coach Gene Nudo... will graduate from Fenwick HS... PERSONAL: Born November 6, 1996... No. 1 sports highlight was throwing the game-winning touchdown during the quarterfinals of the Class 7A state playoffs with three seconds left in the game, ended up winning the game and first time in 25 years that Benet made it to the semifinals... his grandfather has been a major influence, "He pushed me and always was supportive. He was the first person to really introduce me to the game."... most admires New England quarterback Tom Brady, "His journey was very difficult going from seventh string QB at Michigan to being drafted in the seventh round and being doubted along the way. His perseverance, work ethic and confidence has inspired me."... had relatives play football at Notre Dame, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Indiana State and Western Illinois (Brian Myers)... enjoys football, basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, music and traveling... favorite professional teams are: Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons... son of Tom and Dawn Beneventi... MAJOR: Accountancy
 
 
Adam Conrady  •  TE  (6-5, 250)  Rochester, Illinois (Rochester)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four years each in football and basketball… attended Lincoln HS and then Rochester HS… named 'Player of the Game' in the state championship versus Chicago Phillips… Special Mention All-Conference his senior year… set the record for most 2-point conversions in a season (6)… won the Class 4A state championship in 2014… as a junior helped Lincoln to the Class 3A state runner-up finish… 2013 championship in the Lincoln Thanksgiving and Collinsville Holiday Tournaments… basketball team won 2013-14 CS8 conference championship… during his senior year helped Rochester win the Sangamon County Tournament championship… played football for coach Derek Leonard… PERSONAL: Born February 1, 1997 in Lincoln… No. 1 sports highlight was scoring a touchdown in the state title game… his HS football coach at Rochester, coach Leonard, has been a major influence, "He has helped me develop in the short time that I went to Rochester, and without him I would have never received the opportunity to play Division I football."… most admires coach Leonard, "He's not only a great football coach but a very selfless man that cares very much about his players on and off the field. He's a great person and a role model to many."… his cousin Grace Vitek plays soccer at Pepperdine… enjoys working on his car, playing the drums and playing Madden… favorite professional team is the Kansas City Chiefs… favorite musician is Chance the Rapper… son of Dan and Anne Conrady… MAJOR: Mathematics with a minor in Finance
 
 
Justin Corbett  •  LB  (6-1, 210)  Tinley Park, Illinois (Lincoln-Way East / Glendale CC)
AT GLENDALE CC: Battled injuries last fall but still played in eight games… finished with seven catches totaling 94 yards with two touchdowns… caught a TD pass against Scottsdale CC and Pima CC… HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football at Lincoln-Way East… three-time All-Conference selection and team won conference title his last three years… helped program to a runner-up Class 7A finish at state his senior year, losing 10-8 and he accounted for the team's lone touchdown… totaled 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in his career… became the strongest skill player in Lincoln-Way East history in the bench press and squat… played for coach Rob Zvonar… PERSONAL: Born August 22, 1995… No. 1 sports highlight was scoring in the state championship game… his brother has been a major influence, "He taught me everything I know about the sport and is a major asset to the player I am today."… most admires his father Earl, "He is like the ultimate coach in my life."… enjoys movies, video games or physically playing any type of sport… favorite professional teams are the San Antonio Spurs and Baltimore Ravens… son of Earl and Glenda Corbett… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration / Sociology
 
 
Brody Crossin  •  LB  (6-2, 210)  Valparaiso, Indiana (IMG Academy)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and basketball… elected team captain in 2013 at Valparaiso HS… senior year recorded 76 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries… IMG Academy finished No. 1 in the state of Florida and 17th in the nation… played for coach Chris Weinke PERSONAL: Born February 17, 1997… his dad has been a major influence, "He coached me up until high school and has always given me good advice."… most admires former NFL linebacker Ray Lewis, "Because of the impact he made on the game of football and how he's such a leader."… favorite professional teams are Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts… favorite musician is Jack Johnson… son of Brad and Angela Crossin… MAJOR: Business
 
 
Tristin Decker  •  DB  (5-10, 180)  Peoria, Arizona (Sunrise Mountain)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and wrestling… earned All-Section and All-State honors in football… Defensive Player of the Year… recorded 125 career tackles with four interceptions and one return for a touchdown… three-time Sectional champion in wrestling… placed third, third and second in the state tournament the past three years… selected to Valley of the Sun "Top 50" scholar-athlete award… played football for coach James Carter… PERSONAL: Born April 23, 1996 in Salina, Kansas… No. 1 sports highlight was getting a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown against rival school Cactus… his dad has been a major influence, "He has pushed me to be the athlete I am today. He instilled hard work in me both in sports and academics."… his dad Steve played for the Leathernecks from 1982-83… enjoys playing the ukulele… son of Steve and Tonya Decker… favorite professional team is the Philadelphia Eagles… favorite musician is Charlie Daniel's Band… MAJOR: Exercise Science
 
 
Gavin Everett  •  DL  (6-4, 215)  Center Grove, Indiana (Center Grove)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered seven times in high school… Earned All-State and All-Conference honors… selected to the 2014 Indiana Super Team… recorded 35 tackles, 10 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries… HS team won the three conference titles, four sectional championships and four regional championships… played for coach Eric Moore… PERSONAL: Born April 10, 1997 in Indianapolis, Indiana… his parents have been a major influence, "They always push me to do my absolute best and give everything I have every time I step on the field. They have gotten me to achieve goals I had thought were never possible."… son of Chris and Caroline Everett… MAJOR: Business
 
 
Justin Fitzpatrick  •  DB  (6-1, 190)  O'Fallon, Missouri (Fort Zumwalt North)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, baseball and basketball… First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District at defensive back… earned All-State honors… also during his junior year named Second Team All-Conference at wide receiver… made 74 tackles with six interceptions his junior year… limited to just three games his senior year due to a foot injury… ended his career with 12 career interceptions… First Team All-Conference honors in baseball last year… joins his older brother as the only two Division I football players out of their high school… part of an undefeated conference championship team last fall, and also a district championship… team won conference title his sophomore year… played for coach Joe Bacon… PERSONAL: Born December 23, 1996 in St. Charles, Missouri… No. 1 sports highlight was catching a touchdown pass from his brother during his freshman year… his parents have been a major influence, "They do their best to make it to all my games and are always supportive."… most admires quarterback Marcus Mariota, "The way he plays, carries himself and the respect he has for others. I try to have that sort of mentality."… his older brother VJ plays football at Cornell… enjoys table tennis, video games and hanging out with friends… favorite professional team is the St. Louis Cardinals… favorite musician is J Cole… son of Vince and Naomi Fitzpatrick… MAJOR: Undecided
 
 
Zach Glisan  •  LB  (6-2, 190)  Abingdon, Illinois (Abingdon-Avon)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and basketball… two-time First Team All-State in Class 1A… All-Conference honors at linebacker and quarterback his junior and senior years… two-time basketball All-Conference selection… senior year totaled 995 rushing yards on 78 carries and 14 touchdowns… threw for 1,452 yards and 18 TDs without an interception… 72 tackles, one interception, three forced fumbles, five pass break-ups, eight tackles for a loss and two sacks on defense… during his junior year rushed for 1,134 yards and 12 TDs… accounted for 1,172 yards through the air with 14 TDs… recorded 80 tackles, 11.0 for a loss, five forced fumbles, two sacks and one interception… played for coach Ricky Quinn… PERSONAL: Born May 27, 1997 in Abingdon… No. 1 sports highlight was a scramble touchdown against Elmwood/Brimfield… his dad has been a major influence, "He has taught me a lot of things in sports and helps me get better."… most admires Boo Quinn, "He has trained me the last five years and helps me be a better player."… enjoys lifting weights, bowling, golfing and hanging out with friends… favorite professional teams are the Chicago Bears and Bulls… favorite musician is Drake… son of Brian and Linda Glisan… MAJOR: Finance
 
 
Nick Kaltmayer  •  OL  (6-7, 270)  Edwardsville, Illinois (Edwardsville)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, basketball and track/field… First Team All-Southwestern Conference honors following his senior year, earned Second Team honors as a junior… First Team All-St. Louis Metro Area… Academic All-State honors… Academic All-Southwestern Conference… played for coach Matt Martin… PERSONAL: Born June 13, 1997 in Maryville, Illinois… No. 1 sports highlight was playing East St. Louis his junior year, when they scored a TD in the last minute, went for two and got it on the longest play of his HS career… his father has been a major influence, "He has always pushed me to work hard and keeps me motivated. He also taught me to be a good person on and off the field."… most admires basketball coach Mike Waldo, "He taught me how to play ball but taught me how to go through life and treat others."… enjoys basketball, spending time with friends and games… favorite professional team is the New Orleans Saints… favorite musician is Eminem… son of David and Pamela Kaltmayer… MAJOR: Undecided
 
 
Elmando McCoy, Jr.  •  DB  (5-11, 175)  Surprise, Arizona (Valley Vista)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and track/field… earned All-State honors… voted All-Section at both defensive back and wide receiver… Section Two-Way Player of the Year… recorded 1,300 all-purpose yards, nine total touchdowns, 33 tackles, one interception and five pass break-ups… played for coach Josh Sekoch… PERSONAL: Born December 6, 1996 in Albuquerque, New Mexico… No. 1 sports highlight was getting a one-handed interception while covering one of the top receivers in Arizona at the time… volunteered with youth football camps and neighborhood clean-ups… his dad, uncle and cousins have been major influences, "They told me their stories and I have always wanted to do better and be better than them."… most admires Deion Sanders, "He's the greatest corner to ever play the game of football. He's also a family man as well as an all-around great man."… enjoys lifting weights, cooking, movies and spending time with family and friends… favorite professional teams are the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Lakers… favorite music artist is Meek Mill… son of Elmando McCoy, Sr. and Lovella Chambers-Richardson… MAJOR: Exercise Science
 
 
Steve McShane  •  RB/RS  (5-8, 190)  Freeport, Illinois (Freeport)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and baseball… Honorable Mention All-State his senior year… NIC 10 MVP… three times named All-Conference… played football for coach Aaron Wichman… PERSONAL: Born September 25, 1996 in Freeport, Illinois… No. 1 sports highlight was on a 4th-and-3 play his junior year made a tackle for loss… his younger brother Vance has been a major influence, "He has pushed me so hard to get to a higher level of play."… most admires NFL running back Reggie Bush, "I feel we have the same running ability."… had a relative Willie Veasley play basketball for a year at Butler… enjoys hunting and fishing… favorite professional teams are the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dallas Cowboys… favorite music group is Kirk Franklin and the Family… son of Robert and Stephanie McShane… MAJOR: Athletic Training
 
 
Rashad Medaris  •  WR  (5-10, 170)  Indianapolis, Indiana (Pike)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football four years, and also lettered in baseball, basketball and track/field… football team twice won a sectional championship… First Team All-Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference… Honorable Mention All-State… Selected to the Class 6A All-State squad by the Football Coaches Association… named Performer of the Week by the American Family Insurance All-USA Central Indiana… team offensive MVP and in 2013 was Comeback Player of the Year… ended his senior year with 62 catches totaling 853 yards and nine touchdowns… personal-high 96-yard TD reception against Fishers… recorded a career-high 13 receptions against Carmel… six career 100-yard receiving games… ended his career (two seasons) with 88 receptions for 1,218 yards and 12 TDs… played for coach Derek Moyers… basketball team won a regional title… PERSONAL: Born October 9, 1996 in Indianapolis, Indiana… volunteered with Young Men of Purpose and Community Outreach feed the hungry… No. 1 sports highlight was a 96-yard TD reception for the win over Fishers HS… his parents have been a major influence, "They taught me morals and values. They told me in order to be successful I must be of good character, always remain humble and trust God."… most admires NFL player Tavon Austin, "We're about the same size and he has a lot of speed and quickness on the field just like me."… his brother Anthony McClung played wide receiver at the University of Cincinnati… enjoys basketball, working out and video games… favorite professional teams are the New Orleans Saints and Phoenix Suns… favorite music is Wiz Khalifa… son of Robert and Regina Medaris… MAJOR: Kinesiology
 
 
Quentin Moon  •  LB  (6-2, 220)  Indianapolis, Indiana (Pike)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football three times… twice named All-Conference… All-Marion County honors his final two seasons… IFCA Top 50 All-State football team… selected team MVP and defensive MVP… senior year recorded 127 tackles (80 solos), two interceptions, four sacks, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two touchdowns… twice football team won sectional championship… played for coach Derek Moyers… PERSONAL: Born February 16, 1997 in Indianapolis, Indiana… volunteered with Young Men of Purpose and community service with St. Vincent Football performance… No. 1 sports highlight was a one-handed pick-6 on ESPN versus Carmel HS his junior year… his father has been a major influence, "He has taught me many aspects of my game. His influence has led me to be the player I am today."… most admires former NFL linebacker Ray Lewis, "I admire his game and the fact that he was a great team leader. I feel he was one of the best linebackers to ever play the game."… his father played football at North Carolina and with the Indianapolis Colts in 1985… enjoys playing Madden, card games and basketball… favorite professional team is the Baltimore Ravens… favorite musician is Dom Kennedy… son of Micah Moon and Kelly Moon… MAJOR: Kinesiology
 
 
Max Norris  •  RB  (5-10, 205)  Greenwood, Indiana (Center Grove)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered seven times total in football and track/field… twice named All-County, All-Conference and All-State… senior year named one of the Top 50 football players in Indiana… Johnson County 'Player of the Year'… averaged 11.9 yards per rush as a wingback his junior year (1,251 yards), scoring 17 touchdowns… as a senior at fullback gained 1,829 yards with 27 touchdowns… averaged 11.3 yards per carry last fall… was the leading rusher in Class 6A the past two seasons… team won four sectional and regional championships… won two MIC championships… played for coach Eric Moore… PERSONAL: Born September 9, 1996 in Greenwood, Indiana… No. 1 sports highlight was rushing for 336 yards (on 15 carries) and five touchdowns against Lawrence Central… his father has been a major influence, "He played college football at U of Indy and I have always aspired to be better and bigger than he ever was. He pushes me in every aspect to make me better than he ever was."… noted he would like to model his running style after Marshawn Lynch, "He rushes with relentless power and effort. He never gives up on a run."… enjoys football and weight lifting… favorite professional team is the Indianapolis Colts… son of David and Debbie Norris… MAJOR: Marketing
 
 
Jackson Riley  •  TE  (6-4, 225)  Cottage Grove, Wisconsin (Monona Grove)
HIGH SCHOOL: Earned five letters in football and basketball… First Team All-Conference his final two seasons in football at tight end, First Team honors his senior year at defensive line… earned First Team All-Region honors his senior year at both positions… selected to play in the WFCA 2015 All-Star game… Honorable Mention All-Conference in basketball after his junior year… 35 career catches for 456 yards and five touchdowns… recorded 88 tackles on defense in his career with 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks… 2013 football team on the D3 state championship… played for coach Mike Stassi… PERSONAL: Born in Madison, Wisconsin… No. 1 sports highlight was three catches for 83 yards and a TD in the state championship game, and recording a sack on the last play of the game… his dad has been a major influence, "He coached me in basketball from preschool to eighth grade. He has helped me in sports, from teaching me to play quarterback to teaching me a 3-point stance. He has been there for me whenever I need him, and for whatever I need him for."… most admires his HS football coach Mike Stassi, "He's one of the hardest workers, and best people, I've ever met. Along with that, he played at Wisconsin so he knows what it takes to play at the next level."… enjoys hunting, fishing, video games and camping… favorite professional teams are the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks… son of Jeff and Lynn Riley… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration
 
 
Isaiah Ross  •  DB  (6-0, 190)  Leavenworth, Kansas (Leavenworth)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in track/field and football… First Team All-Metro and First Team All-State… four year starter on varsity… played running back, wide receiver and quarterback on offense… All-Kansas City Metro at defensive back… Kansas elite 11 at wide receiver… Class 5A First Team All-State… First Team All-Sunflower League at wide receiver… played for coach Mark Litrell… PERSONAL: Born May 20, 1996 in Omaha, Nebraska… No. 1 sports highlight was beating Lansing HS 63-0 to win the district title… his mom has been a major influence, "She keeps my head straight and does not allow me to get down on myself."… most admires former NFL great Barry Sanders, "He was just a beast and dominated the game for his time."… has a relative Chris Tyler playing defensive back at South Dakota… enjoys hanging out with friends, food, family and video games… favorite professional teams are Indianapolis Colts and Miami Heat… son of Jada Newell… MAJOR: Nursing
 
 
Noah Shanklin  •  QB  (6-2, 190)  Savannah, Georgia (IMG Academy/Savannah Country Day)
Enrolled in January and will participate in spring drills… HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football four years… tied for the most touchdown passes in a single game at IMG Academy… threw three consecutive touchdown passes in the first quarter during a game his senior year… helped IMG to a No. 1 ranking in the state of Florida his senior year… played for coach Dennis Coyle and Chris Weinke… PERSONAL: Born June 22, 1996 in Phoenix, Arizona… No. 1 sports highlight was throwing three TD passes in a quarter… his parents have been a major influence, "For their constant support and motivation."… most admires Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, "He's a master of the game."… enjoys paintball and wakeboarding… favorite professional team is the Green Bay Packers… son of Joel and Beth Shanklin… MAJOR: Business
 
 
Thomas Smith  •  DL  (6-3, 245)  Clinton, Iowa (Clinton)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football (3), basketball (2) and track (1)… earned All-Conference, All-Area and All-District honors… played for coach Lee Camp… PERSONAL: Born January 8, 1997 in Silvis, Illinois… his HS coach Lee Camp has been a major influence, "He has done a lot for me to get recruited."… his relative is former NBA standout Cory Maggette… enjoys lifting weights, eating and hanging out with friends… favorite professional teams are Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Celtics… favorite musician is Frank Ocean… son of Thomas Smith and Tara Farrell… MAJOR: Law Enforcement Justice Administration
 
 
Hunter Varga*  •  LS  (6-0, 225)  Harmon, Illinois (Amboy)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and baseball… earned Academic All-Conference honors three years… Second Team All-Conference at center and defensive line his senior year… played for coach Gary Jones… PERSONAL: Born October 15, 1996 in Sterling, Illinois… No. 1 sports highlight was getting a fumble on a punt his sophomore year against Newman Central Catholic to get the ball back and eventually score… lists his parents, coaches, and teammates as major influences in his sports career… most admires former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, "He has been loyal to the same team for his entire career and has been nothing less than a class act in the Majors."… enjoys lifting weights, playing basketball, hanging out with friends and trying new food… favorite professional teams are Chicago Blackhawks, Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees… enjoys country music, including Cole Swindell and Florida Georgia Line… son of John and Amy Varga… MAJOR: Athletic Training
 
 
Drew Wagner  •  OL  (6-6, 315)  Tiffin, Iowa (Clear-Creek Amana)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, basketball and track/field… earned All-State honors twice, including First Team honors on both offense and defense… helped the football team win a district championship… Second Team All-Conference in basketball… placed eighth at the state track meet… played for coach Matt and Ronnie Hughes… PERSONAL: Born June 2, 1997 in Iowa City, Iowa… No. 1 sports highlight was becoming district champions, first time in school history… his football coaches have been a major influence, "They taught me how to love the game and work harder at the same time."… most admires NFL lineman Michael Oher, "His story is very inspirational."… enjoys playing video games, drawing and hanging out with friends… favorite professional teams are Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals… son of George and Pam Wagner… MAJOR: Undecided
 
 
Matt Wieskamp*  •  P / ATH  (6-1, 200)  Muscatine, Iowa (Muscatine)
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track… named Class 4A, District 6 'Player of the Year'… All-Area 'Offensive Player of the Year'… First Team All-Metro at punter… Second Team All-State at punter… team MVP… during his senior year passed for 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, rushed for 635 yards and 14 TDs, and punted 41 times with an average of 39.5 yards (long of 71 yards)… played for coach Jake Mueller… PERSONAL: Born October 18, 1996 in Muscatine, Iowa… No. 1 sports highlight was driving 91 yards down the field with just over a minute left in the game and throwing the game-winning touchdown… his father has been a major influence, "He has always encouraged me and pushed me to be the best."… most admires his HS football coach Jake Mueller, "He has always pushed me to be the best I can be, and has given me the tools to be successful in life as well as football."… enjoys hanging out with friends and family, working out and watching Netflix… favorite professional teams are Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns… favorite music group is Florida Georgia Line… son of Steve Wieskamp and Dana Wieskamp… MAJOR: Biology


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Players Mentioned

Noah Shanklin

#16 Noah Shanklin

QB
6' 2"
Freshman
IMG Academy
Riggs Baxter

#58 Riggs Baxter

LB
6' 1"
Freshman
Western Boone
Jack Beneventi

#12 Jack Beneventi

QB
6' 6"
Freshman
Fenwick
Brody Crossin

#43 Brody Crossin

LB
6' 2"
Freshman
IMG Academy
Justin Fitzpatrick

#30 Justin Fitzpatrick

DB
6' 1"
Freshman
Fort Zumwalt North
Zach Glisan

Zach Glisan

LB
6' 2"
Freshman
Abingdon-Avon
Jackson Riley

#88 Jackson Riley

TE
6' 4"
Freshman
Monona Grove
Steve McShane

#34 Steve McShane

RB
5' 8"
Freshman
Freeport
Rashad Medaris

#84 Rashad Medaris

WR
5' 10"
Freshman
Pike
Quentin Moon

#52 Quentin Moon

LB
6' 2"
Freshman
Pike
Isaiah Ross

#40 Isaiah Ross

DB
6' 0"
Freshman
Leavenworth
Drew Wagner

#76 Drew Wagner

OL
6' 6"
Freshman
Clear-Creek Amana

Players Mentioned

Noah Shanklin

#16 Noah Shanklin

6' 2"
Freshman
IMG Academy
QB
Riggs Baxter

#58 Riggs Baxter

6' 1"
Freshman
Western Boone
LB
Jack Beneventi

#12 Jack Beneventi

6' 6"
Freshman
Fenwick
QB
Brody Crossin

#43 Brody Crossin

6' 2"
Freshman
IMG Academy
LB
Justin Fitzpatrick

#30 Justin Fitzpatrick

6' 1"
Freshman
Fort Zumwalt North
DB
Zach Glisan

Zach Glisan

6' 2"
Freshman
Abingdon-Avon
LB
Jackson Riley

#88 Jackson Riley

6' 4"
Freshman
Monona Grove
TE
Steve McShane

#34 Steve McShane

5' 8"
Freshman
Freeport
RB
Rashad Medaris

#84 Rashad Medaris

5' 10"
Freshman
Pike
WR
Quentin Moon

#52 Quentin Moon

6' 2"
Freshman
Pike
LB
Isaiah Ross

#40 Isaiah Ross

6' 0"
Freshman
Leavenworth
DB
Drew Wagner

#76 Drew Wagner

6' 6"
Freshman
Clear-Creek Amana
OL