The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Football announces 2015 recruiting class on National Signing Day
02.04.2015 | Football
Head coach Charlie Strong and his staff add 28 newcomers to the program
2015 Football Recruiting Class (PDF) | Quotes from Head Coach Charlie Strong
Video: Strong Signing Day Press Conference | Video: Recruiting Coordinator Jean-Mary discusses class
The Texas Football program announced the addition of 28 newcomers, including six who are currently enrolled in classes, on National Signing Day.
With the loss of 11 offensive and defensive starters from last season's team, one which had to rebound from a 2-4 start to reach the Texas Bowl, the Longhorns were looking for players who can come in and potentially make an immediate impact.
"It was a total team effort from everyone involved," head coach Charlie Strong said during his Wednesday news conference. "It's so great to see the way we ended with this class."
Offensive line (six), defensive back (five) and linebacker (five) were positions that will have the most incoming players. The Longhorns stayed within the state of Texas for 18 recruits and had five from the state of Florida. There was also one each from California, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi and New York.
"We know this – the state of Texas will always be our home ground," Strong said. "We will always build it from this state. There are great high school coaches in this state. That's what it's all about. We will always know this, any time we need to go out of state where we can get into battles, I don't mind going outside the state to get in a battle. That's what it's all about; that's what recruiting is all about. We knew we were not going to back down."
Strong praised not only his coaching staff, but also the current players and the campus community for helping produce what is considered one of the top recruiting classes in the nation.
"You go out and recruit and you get the players on campus, then our players are the ones who become the key sellers," Strong said. "Our guys did a great job of selling this program. What a lot of recruits want to know is basically how is Coach Strong? What's his personality like? What's Coach [Vance] Bedford's personality like? What's Coach BJ's [Brian Jean-Mary] personality like? They did a great job of just getting them out, getting them around town, letting them see the city. Then on Saturdays when some of our professors here gave up their day to come out and talk about academics and just really sell this program. Not only from the athletics side, but a total university side. Everyone joined in knowing what we had to get accomplished during the recruiting season."
| Name | Pos. | Class | Height | Weight | Hometown (Previous School/High School) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kris Boyd | DB | Fr.-HS | 5-11 | 184 | Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer) |
| John Burt | WR | Fr.-HS | 6-2 | 184 | Tallahassee, Fla. (Lincoln) |
| Cecil Cherry | LB | Fr.-HS | 6-1.5 | 244 | Frostproof, Fla. (Victory Christian) |
| Devonaire Clarington | TE | Fr.-HS | 6-5 | 229 | Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington) |
| Davante Davis | DB | Fr.-HS | 6-3 | 191 | Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington) |
| DeShon Elliott | DB | Fr.-HS | 6-0 | 204 | Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall-Heath) |
| Breckyn Hager | LB | Fr.-HS | 6-2 | 205 | Austin, Texas (Westlake) |
| Holton Hill | DB | Fr.-HS | 6-2 | 180 | Houston, Texas (Lamar) |
| Brandon Hodges* | OL | Jr.-TR | 6-5 | 295 | Aberdeen, Miss. (East Mississippi CC/Aberdeen) |
| Tristian Houston | RB | Fr.-HS | 5-10 | 198 | Galena Park, Texas (North Shore) |
| Malik Jefferson* | LB | Fr.-HS | 6-1.5 | 222 | Mesquite, Texas (Poteet) |
| Gilbert Johnson | WR | Fr.-HS | 6-3.5 | 186 | Miami, Fla. (Georgia Prep Academy/Homestead) |
| Kirk Johnson | RB | Fr.-HS | 5-11.5 | 194 | San Jose, Calif. (Valley Christian) |
| Du'Vonta Lampkin | DT | Fr.-HS | 6-3 | 293 | Houston, Texas (Cypress Falls) |
| P.J. Locke | DB | Fr.-HS | 5-10 | 189 | Beaumont, Texas (Central) |
| Kai Locksley | QB | Fr.-HS | 6-3 | 188 | Baltimore, Maryland (Gilman School) |
| Ronnie Major | OL | Fr.-HS | 6-6 | 297 | Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville) |
| DeAndre McNeal | ATH | Fr.-HS | 6-1.5 | 228 | Mesquite, Texas (Poteet) |
| Ryan Newsome | WR | Fr.-HS | 6-6 | 297 | Aledo, Texas (Aledo) |
| Tristan Nickelson* | OL | So.-TR | 6-8.5 | 312 | League City, Texas (Navarro CC/Fork Union Academy/Clear Falls) |
| Charles Omenihu | DE | Fr.-HS | 6-5 | 231 | Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett) |
| Garrett Thomas* | OL | Fr.-HS | 6-7 | 296 | Many, La (Many) |
| Cameron Townsend | LB | Fr.-HS | 6-1 | 193 | Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point) |
| Patrick Vahe | OL | Fr.-HS | 6-2.5 | 299 | Euless, Texas (Trinity) |
| Quincy Vasser* | DE | Jr.-TR | 6-3.5 | 259 | Nyack, N.Y. (Navarro CC/Hargrave Academy/Nyack) |
| Chris Warren III | RB | Fr.-HS | 6-2 | 239 | Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall) |
| Anthony Wheeler | LB | Fr.-HS | 6-2 | 219 | Dallas, Texas (Skyline) |
| Connor Williams* | OL | Fr.-HS | 6-4.5 | 291 | Coppell, Texas (Coppell) |
*Early Enrollee, will participate in spring drills
2015 Signee Profiles
Kris Boyd
Defensive Back
5-11 • 184 • Fr.-HS
Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer)
HS Coach: Jeff Traylor
An all-state and three-time all-district honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 U.S. Army All-America Bowl … invited to participate in Nike's 2014 The Opening … named second-team 4A All-State as a defensive back by the Texas Sports Writers Association, and honorable mention by the Associated Press in 2014 … chosen Co-MVP and first-team All-District 5-4A … played both running back and defensive back … rated No. 41 (No. 8 CB) nationally and No. 8 (No. 2 CB) in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 75 (No. 9 CB) nationally and No. 12 in Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 114 (No. 11 CB) nationally and No. 13 in Texas by Rivals … ranked No. 241 (No. 21 CB) nationally and No. 30 in Texas by ESPN … rated No. 3 CB in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … placed No. 13 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … totaled 1,052 rushing yards and 22 TDs on 107 carries (9.8 ypc) and 808 receiving yards and nine TDs on 36 receptions (22.4 ypr) on offense as a senior … also recorded 43 tackles (32 solo) with one tackle for loss, two interceptions, four pass breakups and one fumble recovery on defense … part of an offense that averaged 59.4 points and 536.1 total yards per game, including nine games of 60 or more points and two games of 80 or more … also part of a defense that allowed just 17.1 points per game … caught five passes for 150 yards (30 ypr) and three TDs, while making six tackles against Liberty-Eylau … rushed for 163 yards and four TDs on nine carries (18.1 ypc) against Melissa … posted 104 yards and four TDs on 13 carries (8.0 ypc) against Gladewater … tallied 87 rushing yards, one rushing TD, 64 receiving yards, three tackles, one interception with a 20-yard return and two passes defended in the state title win against West Orange-Stark … helped Gilmer to a 16-0 record and the 4A Division 2 state championship in 2014 … named 2014 preseason second-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … tabbed first-team All-District 16-3A as a running back and second team as a defensive back in 2013 … amassed 1,191 rushing yards and 19 rushing TDs on 113 carries (10.5 ypc) with 332 receiving yards and four TD on 23 receptions (14.4 ypr) as a junior … also notched 26 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery … posted five 100-yard rushing games, including three straight with eight carries, 163 yards (20.4 ypc) and one TD against Gladewater, 19 carries, 180 yards and two TDs against Chapel Hill, and 15 carries 172 yards and three TDs against Henderson … notched five tackles against both Daingerfield and Gladewater in back-to-back games … forced and recovered a fumble against Spring Hill … helped Gilmer to an 11-2 record, including a 5-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 3A Division 2 regional playoffs in 2013 … chosen Offensive Newcomer of the Year in District 16-3A in 2012 … rushed for 1,276 yards and 19 TDs on 161 carries (7.9 ypc), while catching 20 passes for 226 yards and two TDs as a sophomore … also recorded 18 tackles and one forced fumble on defense … rushed for 293 yards and five TDs on 17 carries (17.2 ypc) against Chapel Hill … registered 169 rushing yards and three TDs on 15 carries (11.3 ypc) against Atlanta … helped Gilmer to a 14-2 record, including a 6-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 3A Division 2 state title game in 2012 … cousin, Curtis Brown, was an All-Big 12 defensive back at Texas (2007-10) and played three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
John Burt
Wide Receiver
6-2 • 184 • Fr.-HS
Tallahassee, Fla. (Lincoln)
HS Coach: Yusuf Shakir
Two-time all-state honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game … invited to participate in Nike's 2014 The Opening … tabbed second-team 7A All-State by the Associated Press in 2014 … named first-team All-Big Bend Area by the Tallahassee Democrat … ranked No. 93 (No. 11 WR) nationally and No. 17 in Florida by Rivals … rated No. 153 (No. 19 WR) nationally and No. 21 (No. 5 WR) in Florida by Scout … ranked No. 196 (No. 21 WR) nationally and No. 27 in Florida by 247Sports … rated No. 201 (No. 25 WR) nationally and No. 35 in Florida by ESPN … played in eight games as a senior making 25 receptions for 585 yards (23.4 ypr) and eight TDs … also returned eight kickoffs for 380 yards (47.5 ypr) and two TDs, including returns of 99 and 92 yards, while returning six punts for 98 yards (16.3 ypr) and one TD … had at least three catches in six of those games … pulled in six passes for 119 yards and one TD against Pensacola … recorded four receptions for 149 yards (37.3 ypr) and two TDs against Sarasota … notched three catches for 93 yards and one TD against Gainesville … posted a 65-yard receiving TD and a 78-yard punt return TD against Chiles … helped Lincoln to a 7-1 record in the games he played and a 7-3 mark overall with an appearance in the 7A regional quarterfinal playoffs in 2014 … tabbed second-team 7A All-State by the Associated Press in 2013 … named first-team All-Big Bend Area by the Tallahassee Democrat … tallied 37 receptions for 713 yards (19.3 ypr) and nine TD as a junior … also returned six kickoffs for 243 yards (40.5 ypr), while returning 11 punts for 169 yards (15.4 ypr) … opened the season with four receptions for 134 yards (33.5 ypr) and two TDs against South Gwinnett … totaled five catches for 95 yards and two TDs against Chiles … tallied six receptions for 101 yards and one TD against Tate … registered eight catches for 71 yards and one TD and returned a kickoff 70 yards against Niceville … helped Lincoln to a 7-5 record and an appearance in the 7A regional semifinals in 2013 … caught 11 passes for 115 yards and two TDs as a sophomore … posted four receptions for 26 yards and one TD against Buchholz.
Cecil Cherry
Linebacker
6-1.5 • 244 • Fr.-HS
Frostproof, Fla. (Victory Christian)
HS Coach: Tommy Lewis
Three-time all-state honoree … spent his senior year at Victory Christian Academy in Lakeland after transferring from Frostproof High School in Frostproof, Fla. … invited to participate in Nike's 2014 The Opening … selected first-team 2A All-State by the Associated Press in 2014 … picked to the All-USA Florida Team by USA Today … ranked No. 12 ILB nationally and No. 46 overall in Florida by Rivals … rated No. 12 ILB nationally and No. 47 overall in Florida by 247Sports … ranked No. 21 MLB nationally and No. 60 (No. 3 MLB) overall in Florida by Scout … rated No. 20 ILB nationally and No. 105 in Florida by ESPN … recorded 160 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, four interceptions (121 return yards and one TD), six passes defended and four forced fumbles as a senior … also rushed 67 times for 568 yards and five TDs, and caught seven passes for 106 yards and one TD … additionally punted twice with an average of 49.0 yards per kick, including a 58-yard punt, and recorded a 46-yard kickoff return … helped Victory Christian to the 2014 Florida 2A State Title, including a 13-1 record … notched double-digit tackles in nine games … part of a defense that allowed seven points or fewer six times, including three shutouts, and only allowed more than 20 points in two contests … set a career high with 28 tackles, including 17 solo, against Warner Christian … had three other games with 17 tackles … returned an interception 45 yards for a TD against St. Edward's … tallied four tackles for loss in a 41-0 win over Agape Christian … rushed for over 70 yards in four games, including 125 yards and one TD against Out-of-Door Academy … tabbed second-team Junior All-America by Max Preps in 2013 … selected first-team 3A All-State by the Associated Press … chosen first-team All-Area by the Polk County Ledger … totalled 83 tackles and 4.5 sacks as a junior … helped Frostproof to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the Florida 3A regional semifinals … named second-team 3A All-State in 2012 … registered 116 tackles, two forced fumbles and two interceptions as a sophomore … helped Frostproof to a 6-5 record and an appearance in the Florida 3A regional semifinals … posted 14 tackles and an INT against Lakeland Christian … spent his freshman year at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in South Carolina … played on the Frostproof varsity team as an eighth grader … also played basketball at Frostproof.
Devonaire Clarington
Tight End
6-5 • 229 • Fr.-HS
Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington)
HS Coach: Tim Harris Jr.
Two-time all-state honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 U.S. Army All-America Bowl … spent his senior season at Booker T. Washington after previously attending Westminster Christian as a junior and Southridge as a freshman and sophomore … named first-team 4A All-State as a defensive lineman by the Associated Press in 2014 … picked to the All-USA Florida Team by USA Today … chosen first-team All-Dade County by the Miami Herald … ranked No. 19 in the Miami-Dade Top 25 by the Miami Herald … rated No. 112 (No. 1 TE) nationally and No. 21 in Florida by ESPN … rated No. 237 (No. 8 TE) nationally and No. 27 (No. 1 TE) in Florida by Scout … ranked No. 241 (No. 8 TE) nationally and No. 31 in Florida by 247Sports… ranked No. 9 TE nationally and No. 42 overall in Florida by Rivals … recorded 53 tackles and six sacks as a senior … part of a defense that allowed just 12.7 points per game, including 11 games of 14 points or fewer and six games of seven points or fewer with two shutouts … helped Washington to its third straight Class 4A State Title with a 15-0 record in 2014 … tabbed honorable mention 3A All-State by the Associated Press in 2013 … named first-team All-Dade County by the Miami Herald … caught 46 passes for 890 yards and 13 TDs as a junior at Westminster … also recorded 76 tackles, including 20 tackles for loss and five sacks, along with six pressures, two passes defended, two fumble recoveries, two blocked punts and two blocked field goals … caught at least one pass in every game … registered at least six tackles in eight games … opened the season with six receptions for 100 yards and two TDs, while making six tackles against Indian Rocks … matched the six receptions in the next game for 88 yards and two TDs against Moore Haven … set season highs in receptions (seven), receiving yards (155) and receiving TDs (three) against Keys Gate … tallied 10 TFL in the last three games, including four against Pahokee to go along with 10 tackles … had five receptions for 113 yards and one TD, while adding five tackles, two TFL, one fumble recovery and one blocked punt against Key West … helped Westminster to an 11-2 record including an appearance in the 3A state semifinals in 2013.
Davante Davis
Defensive Back
6-3 • 191 • Fr.-HS
Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington)
HS Coach: Tim Harris Jr.
An all-state and two-time all-county honoree … played at Homestead High School prior to playing his senior year at Booker T. Washington … selected to participate in the 2014 Miami-Dade All-Star Football Game … named first-team 4A All-State by the Associated Press in 2014 … ranked No. 3 in the Miami-Dade Top 25 by the Miami Herald … chosen first-team All-Dade County by the Miami Herald in 2014 … rated No. 249 (No. 28 CB) nationally and No. 29 (No. 4 CB) in Florida by Scout … ranked No. 261 (No. 20 S) nationally and No. 48 in Florida by ESPN … rated No. 24 safety nationally and No. 45 overall in Florida by Rivals … ranked No. 41 CB nationally and No. 53 overall in Florida by 247Sports … recorded four interceptions as a senior … part of a defense that allowed just 12.7 points per game, including 11 games of 14 points or fewer and six games of seven points or fewer with two shutouts … returned a fumble for a TD against Somerset … helped Washington to its third straight Class 4A State Title with a 15-0 record in 2014 … chosen honorable mention All-Dade County by the Miami Herald in 2013 … part of a defense that allowed just 19.4 points per game, including two shutouts, as a junior at Homestead … helped Homestead to a 6-5 record in 2013.
DeShon Elliott
Defensive Back
6-0 • 204 • Fr.-HS
Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall-Heath)
HS Coach: Mickey Moss
An all-state and two-time all-district honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game … named third-team 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association, and honorable mention by the Associated Press in 2014 … chosen first-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News … tabbed unanimous first-team All-District 12-5A … rated No. 97 (No. 5 safety) nationally and No. 13 in Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 202 (No. 16 safety) nationally and No. 32 (No. 4 safety) in Texas by Scout … rated No. 24 safety nationally and No. 60 in Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 25 at safety and No. 40 overall in Texas by Rivals … rated No. 7 safety in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … placed No. 18 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … despite missing two games, finished second on the team with 81 tackles, which was one shy of the team lead as a senior … was also second with three interceptions, including one returned for a TD, while adding two tackles for loss, five passes defended and one forced fumble … caught 15 passes for 226 yards and three TDs … also returned seven punts with a 10.9-yard average … part of a defense that registered three shutouts during the season … tallied 40 tackles in the team's first three games, including a season-high 14 with two passes defended in the opener against Sulphur Springs … grabbed interceptions against Trinity, Garland and West Mesquite … had four receptions for 67 yards and two TDs against Trinity … posted a season-high five catches for 66 yards and one TD against Terrell … helped Heath to a 10-3 record, including a 6-1 district record, and an appearance in the 5A regional playoffs in 2014 … named 2014 preseason second-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … chosen second-team All-District 12-5A as a linebacker in 2013 … ranked second on the team with 66 tackles to go along with four sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles as a junior … recorded nine tackles, two sacks and one interception against Rowlett … posted one interception and one forced fumble against North Mesquite … made a season-high 13 tackles against Rockwall … helped Heath to a 6-4 record in 2013 … totaled 23 tackles and one interception as a sophomore … helped Heath to a 6-5 record and the bidistrict playoffs in 2012.
Breckyn Hager
Linebacker
6-2 • 205 • Fr.-HS
Austin, Texas (Westlake)
HS Coach: Todd Dodge
Three-time all-district honoree … selected unanimous first-team All-District 14-6A as a defensive end in 2014 … ranked No. 49 ILB nationally by ESPN … rated No. 80 OLB nationally and No. 14 OLB in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 78 weakside DE nationally by 247Sports … recorded 34 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and five sacks, with three pressures, two passes defended and a blocked FG as a senior … part of a defense that allowed just 16.8 point per game, including four games of seven points or fewer … tallied 12 tackles, two TFL and a blocked FG against Temple … posted three straight games with three TFL against Anderson, Austin and Bowie … helped Westlake to a 7-4 record, including a 6-2 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 bidistrict playoffs in 2014 … selected first-team All-District 15-5A as a defensive end in 2013 … also played running back … part of a defense that allowed 23.8 points per game … rushed for 37 yards and three TDs on five carries … helped Westlake to a 7-5 record and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 area playoffs in 2013 … chosen second-team All-District 15-5A as a linebacker in 2012 … helped Westlake to a 10-5 record, including a 5-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 semifinals … part of a defense that allowed just 15.2 points per game, including six games of seven points or fewer … father, Britt, was an All-America linebacker at UT (1985-88) who holds the school records for season tackles (195) and career tackles (499) and played in the NFL for nine seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (1989-94), Denver Broncos (1995-96) and St. Louis Rams (1997) … youngest of four brothers, of the three others, Bron signed at North Texas, Brayven played at Blinn College and Bryce played at Baylor … three-time academic all-district honoree.
Holton Hill
Defensive Back
6-2 • 180 • Fr.-HS
Houston, Texas (Lamar)
HS Coach: Tom Nolen
An All-America honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl … invited to participate in Nike's 2014 The Opening … one of six finalists for the 2015 Watkins Award, honoring the top African-American male high school scholar-athlete nationally … named first-team All-America by MaxPreps in 2014 … named honorable mention All-America by Parade Magazine … tabbed first-team 6A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association … picked to the All-USA Texas Team by USA Today … chosen as a finalist for Greater Houston Defensive Player of the Year by the Houston Touchdown Club … tabbed Greater Houston Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Greater Houston by the Houston Chronicle … named Defensive MVP and first-team All-District 20-6A … chosen first-team All-Texas, District 20-6A MVP and No. 2 CB in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … rated No. 60 (No. 9 CB) nationally and No. 13 (No. 3 CB) in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 69 (No. 8 CB) nationally and No. 11 in Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 121 (No. 13 CB) nationally and No. 14 overall in Texas by Rivals … rated No. 152 (No. 14 CB) nationally and No. 17 in Texas by ESPN … placed No. 10 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … ranked in the Greater Houston Top 100 by the Houston Chronicle … led the state with 11 interceptions and scored four TDs on offense and special teams as a senior … caught six passes for 93 yards and two TDs, while returning 19 punts for 387 yards (20.4 ypr) and five kickoffs for 227 yards (45.4 ypr) … part of a defense that allowed just 12.3 points per game, including two shutouts and five games of seven points or fewer … pulled in two interceptions and one receiving TD against Brenham to open the season … notched two interceptions against Westbury … took a kickoff 85 yards for a TD against Westbury … returned a punt 87 yards for a TD and grabbed two interceptions against Seven Lakes … helped Lamar to a 10-2 record, including a 7-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 area playoffs in 2014 … chosen 2014 preseason first-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … selected first-team All-District 20-5A in 2013 … registered 41 tackles, two tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups and one interceptions as a junior … also returned 12 punts for 218 yards (18.2 ypr) and one TD … part of a defense that allowed just 8.9 points per game, including four shutouts and seven games of seven points or fewer … posted seven tackles and one TFL in a season-opening shutout against Klein Forest … returned an interception 68 yards against Fort Bend Elkins … notched eight tackles against Westbrook … returned a punt 78 yards for a TD against Chavez … helped Lamar to an 11-1 record, including a 7-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 regional playoffs in 2013.
Brandon Hodges
Offensive Lineman
6-5 • 295 • Jr.-TR
Aberdeen, Miss. (East Mississippi CC/Aberdeen HS)
EMCC Coach: Buddy Stephens
HS Coach: Mark Bray
Transfer from East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) … named National Junior College Athletic Association All-Region XXIII in 2014 … ranked No. 26 JUCO (No. 5 OT) nationally by Scout … rated No. 87 (No. 15 OT) JUCO nationally by 247Sports … helped EMCC to back-to-back NJCAA Championships in 2013 and 2014 … helped EMCC to a 12-0 record and the NJCAA title in 2014 … part of an EMCC offense that ranked fourth nationally in scoring (53.8 ppg) and fifth in total offense (537.1 ypg) as a sophomore … also ranked second in passing (365.1 ypg) and eighth in yards per rush (5.6 ypc) … EMCC tallied over 500 yards of total offense in seven of 12 games … also scored at least 42 points in 11 of 12 games and had 49 or more in nine games … aided the offense in recording 635 total yards, including 393 passing and 242 rushing, in a 52-14 win over Southwest Mississippi … helped the offense set a season high with 669 total yards, including 392 yards passing and 277 yards rushing, in an 83-7 win over Coahoma … helped set a season high in passing with 484 yards in a 51-0 win over Itawamba … helped post 592 yards of total offense, including 381 passing and 211 rushing, in a 65-0 win over Mississippi Delta … helped EMCC to a 12-0 record and a NJCAA National Championship in 2013 … part of an offense that led the NJCAA in both scoring offense (62.2 ppg) and total offense (610.6 ypg) as a freshman … also ranked third in passing yards (356.7 ypg) and second in yards per rush (6.5) … the offense accumulated over 500 total yards in 11 of 12 games, scored 50 or more points in 10 of 12 games and scored no fewer than 45 points in any game … helped the offense compile a four-game stretch where it averaged 676.8 ypg and 72.0 ppg, capped by a 90-7 win over Coahoma with 755 total yards … played high school football at Aberdeen (Miss.) … helped the team to an 11-3 record, a District 3A Region 2 title and an appearance in the State 3A playoff quarterfinals in 2012 … also played basketball as a senior.
Tristian Houston
Running Back
5-10 • 198 • Fr.-HS
Galena Park, Texas (North Shore)
HS Coach: David Aymond/Jon Kay
An all-state and three-time all-district honoree … selected second-team All-District 21-6A in 2014 … ranked in the Greater Houston Top 100 by the Houston Chronicle … rated No. 260 (No. 20 RB) nationally and No. 36 in Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 36 RB nationally and No. 65 overall in Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 54 RB nationally and No. 93 overall in Texas by Rivals … rated No. 60 RB nationally and No. 14 RB in Texas by Scout … rated No. 10 RB in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … rushed for 1,066 yards and 10 TDs on 169 carries (6.4 ypc) … caught 11 passes for 194 yards and three TDs … rushed for 151 yards and one TD on 24 carries against La Porte … recorded 140 rushing yards and one TD against Sterling … tallied 167 rushing yards and three TDs on 14 carries (11.9 ypc) with a long of 77 yards against Deer Park … registered 182 rushing yards and three TDs on 17 carries (10.7 ypc) against Channelview … helped North Shore to an 8-5 record, including a 5-1 district mark, and an appearance in the state 6A Division I regional playoffs in 2014 … tabbed third-team 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2013 … named honorable mention 5A All-State by the Associated Press … a unanimous first-team All-District 21-5A choice … rushed for 1,723 yards and 19 TDs on 178 carries (9.7 ypc) as a junior … posted nine 100-yard games during the season … rushed for 155 yards and one TD on six carries (25.8 ypc), including a 73-yarder, against Channelview … tallied 266 rushing yards and four TDs on 17 carries (15.6 ypc) against Port Arthur Memorial … registered 204 rushing yards and three TDs on 20 carries (10.2 ypc) against La Porte … totaled 185 rushing yards and two TDs on 13 carries (14.2 ypc) against Deer Park … posted 165 rushing yards and two TDs on 16 carries against Fort Bend Hightower … helped North Shore to a 12-1 record, including a 6-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division I regionals in 2013 … selected second-team All-District 21-5A in 2012.
Malik Jefferson
Linebacker
6-1.5 • 222 • Fr.-HS
Mesquite, Texas (Poteet)
HS Coach: Kody Groves
An All-America and two-time all-state honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game … invited to participate in Nike's 2014 The Opening … chosen as the 2014 High School Butkus Award winner as the nation's top high school linebacker … finalist for the 2014 Landry Award, honoring the top high school player in North Texas … named first-team All-America by Parade Magazine in 2014 … tabbed first-team 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association, honorable mention by the Associated Press … picked Texas Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-USA Texas Team by USA Today … selected first-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News … tabbed unanimous first-team All-District 12-5A … chosen first-team All-Texas, District 12-5A MVP and No. 1 LB in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … rated No. 4 (No. 1 OLB) nationally and No. 1 in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 12 (No. 1 OLB) nationally and No. 1 in Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 28 (No. 1 OLB) nationally and No. 2 overall in Texas by Rivals … ranked No. 31 (No. 3 OLB) nationally and No. 5 in Texas by ESPN … placed No. 1 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … despite missing more than two games due to injury, along with three other second halves where the starters were removed, still recorded 81 tackles, including six sacks and 16 tackles for loss, along with two forced fumbles and four blocked kicks as a senior … chosen Defensive Player of the Week by the Dallas Morning News after posting five tackles, one for a loss, one fumble recovery, one caused safety, a 15-yard blocked punt return for TD and 41-yard fumble return for TD in a 36-0 playoff win over Woodrow Wilson … blocked a punt that fellow UT signee DeAndre McNeal returned 36 yards for a TD against Royse City … helped Poteet to a 10-2 record, including a 7-0 district mark and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 area playoffs in 2014 … chosen 2014 preseason Defensive Player of the Year and first-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … tabbed first-team Junior All-America by MaxPreps in 2013 … selected honorable mention 4A All-State by the Associated Press and Texas Sports Writers Association … selected first-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News … chosen Defensive MVP and first-team All-District 10-4A … recorded 93 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a junior … part of a defense that held nine opponents to 20 points or fewer … blocked a punt against Wylie … recovered an onside kick against Whitehouse … recorded two sacks against West Mesquite … helped Poteet to a 12-2 record, including a 6-1 district mark and an appearance in the 4A Division 2 quarterfinals in 2013 … named first-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News in 2012 … tabbed Sophomore of the Year in District 10-4A as a defensive back … tallied 105 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, five pass breakups and four blocked kicks as a sophomore … helped Poteet to a 11-3 record, including a 5-2 district mark and an appearance in the 4A Division 2 quarterfinals in 2012 … registered 105 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries as a sophomore … also played baseball and competed in track and field.
Gilbert Johnson
Wide Receiver
6-3.5 • 186 • Fr.-HS
Miami, Fla. (Georgia Prep Sports Academy/Homestead)
HS Coaches: Michael Carson, GPSA/Larry Coffey, Homestead
Two-time all-county honoree … attended Georgia Prep Sports Academy in 2014 after attending Homestead High School in Miami … also attended Southridge High School in Miami … missed most of the season with GPSA with an injury … named second-team All-Dade County by the Miami Herald in 2013 … listed in the Miami-Dade Top 25 prospects by the Miami Herald … ranked No. 7 overall in prep school prospects nationally by Rivals … … ranked No. 9 (No. 2 WR) in prep school prospects nationally and No. 3 in Florida by 247Sports … pulled in 28 receptions for 567 yards and 10 TDs as a senior … made an 82-yard TD reception against Norland … registered five receptions for 151 yards (30.2 ypr) and three TDs, including a 76-yarder, against Southridge … recorded a 17-yard TD reception against Anderson … helped Homestead to a 6-5 record in 2013 … named one of the Top Five Miami-Dade wide receivers entering the 2013 season by the Miami Herald … chosen second-team All-Dade County by the Miami Herald in 2012 … finished with 35 receptions for 572 yards and five touchdowns as a junior at Southridge … also played basketball during his junior season, averaging 9.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
Kirk Johnson
Running Back
5-11.5 • 194 • Fr.-HS
San Jose, Calif. (Valley Christian)
HS Coach: Mike Machado
Three-time all-league selection … named first-team All-West Catholic Athletic League and the conference's Most Valuable Running Back in 2014 … ranked No. 208 overall (No. 23 RB) and No. 30 overall in California by Rivals … ranked No. 228 (No. 15 ATH) nationally and No. 35 in California by 247Sports … rated No. 28 RB nationally and No. 37 overall in California by ESPN … ranked No. 52 RB nationally and No. 67 overall (No. 3 RB) in California by Scout … rushed for 1,048 yards and 12 TDs on 143 carries (7.3 ypc) in 10 games as a senior … also caught three passes for 35 yards and returned four kickoffs for 91 yards … rushed for 223 yards and four TDs on 12 carries (18.6 ypc), including an 80-yarder, in the season opener against Pioneer … registered 207 rushing yards and three TDs on 24 carries (8.6 ypc) against Bellarmine College Prep … helped Valley Christian to a 7-3 record in the 10 games he played, and a 9-4 record overall with an appearance in the Central Coast Section Open Division semifinals… selected second-team All-West Catholic Athletic League and the league's Co-Junior of the Year in 2014… played in seven games as a junior and rushed for 1,228 yards and 11 TDs on 142 carries (8.7 ypc) … missed five games due to injury … reached at least 100 yards in six of the seven games he played … recorded 218 yards and one TD on 20 carries (10.9 ypc), while returning three punts for 56 yards (18.7 ypr) against Bishop O'Dowd … also scored three rushing TDs, along with totaling 209 yards on eight carries (26.1 ypc), including an 86-yarder, against Archbishop Riordan … tallied 253 rushing yards and one TD on 28 carries (9.0 ypc) against St. Francis in a 21-14 win that helped secure a playoff berth … helped Valley Christian to a 6-1 record in the games he played, the team went on to an 8-4 record and an appearance in the Central Coast Section Open Division quarterfinals … chosen second-team All-West Catholic Athletic League and the league's Sophomore of the Year in 2014 … rushed for 1,469 yards and 21 TDs on 155 carries (9.5 ypc) as a sophomore … topped 100 rushing yards in eight of 13 games … rushed for 152 yards and two TDs on eight carries (19.0 ypc), including an 80-yarder, against Archbishop Mitty … recorded 241 rushing yards and four TDs on 17 carries (14.2 ypc) against Sobrato … tallied 181 yards and two TDs on seven carries (25.9 ypc) in a win over Aptos in the Central Coast Section Division III championship game … rushed for 532 yards and nine TDs on the Valley Christian Freshman Team in helping it to an 8-0-1 record … son of UT All-America defensive back and College Football Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson.
Du'Vonta Lampkin
Defensive Tackle
6-3 • 293 • Fr.-HS
Houston, Texas (Cypress Falls)
HS Coach: Kirk Eaton
An all-state honoree … selected first-team 6A All-State by the Associated Press, and second-team by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2014 … named a finalist for the Greater Houston High School Lombardi Award by the Rotary Club of Houston … also a finalist for Greater Houston Defensive Player of the Year by the Houston Touchdown Club … selected first-team All-Greater Houston by the Houston Chronicle … tabbed Defensive MVP and unanimous first-team All-District 17-6A … ranked in the Greater Houston Top 100 by the Houston Chronicle … tabbed second-team All-Texas and No. 5 DT in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … rated No. 294 (No. 25 DT) nationally and No. 41 (No. 3 S) in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 21 DT nationally and No. 49 overall in Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 23 DT nationally and No. 48 overall in Texas by Rivals … … rated No. 37 DT nationally and No. 73 overall in Texas by ESPN … placed No. 52 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … recorded 81 tackles, 16 sacks, 38 tackles for loss and eight forced fumbles as a senior … his sacks and TFL were both single-season school records … posted two sacks in a 23-22 win over Klein … chosen 2014 preseason first-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … had a sack and a forced fumble on the same play against Cy-Fair … registered 69 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks as a junior … the Cy Falls defense closed the 2013 season with a shut out win over Cypress Lakes … registered 35 tackles and four sacks as a sophomore … part of a defense that allowed 24.1 points per game, including a season-opening shutout against Oak Ridge … helped Cypress Falls to an 8-3 record, including a 7-2 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 bidistrict playoffs.
P.J. Locke
Defensive Back
5-10 • 189 • Fr.-HS
Beaumont, Texas (Central)
HS Coach: Toby Foreman
An all-state and two-time all-district honoree … a three-year starter who played safety, linebacker and cornerback … selected as a finalist for the 2014 Defensive Willie Ray Smith Award, honoring the top high school player in the Beaumont area … named first-team 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association and second-team by the Associated Press in 2014 … tabbed Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-District 22-5A … chose first-team Super Gold by the Beaumont Enterprise … ranked No. 25 safety nationally and No. 68 overall in Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 36 safety nationally and No. 78 overall in Texas by ESPN … rated No. 46 safety nationally and No. 90 overall in Texas by Rivals … rated No. 77 CB nationally and No. 87 overall (No. 9 CB) in Texas by Scout … placed No. 34 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … ranked No. 6 safety in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … registered 62 tackles and seven interceptions, including one for a TD, and 10 pass breakups as a senior … part of a defense that allowed 22.1 points per game, including five games of 14 points or fewer … grabbed two interceptions against Port Neches-Groves … returned an interception 54 yards for a TD against Lumberton … helped Central to an 8-4 record, including a 6-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 bidistrict playoffs in 2014 … named 2014 preseason second-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … selected first-team All-District 20-4A as linebacker in 2013 … missed four games due to injury … recorded three interceptions as a junior … part of a defense that allowed 22.0 points per game … helped Central to a 6-5 record, including a 5-2 district mark, and an appearance in the 4A Division 1 bidistrict playoffs in 2013 … selected second-team Academic All-State in 2014.
Kai Locksley
Quarterback
6-3 • 188 • Fr.-HS
Baltimore, Maryland (Gilman School)
HS Coach: Biff Poggi
Two-time all-state honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game … tabbed second-team Private School All-State by the Associated Press in 2014 … chosen to the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) All-A Conference team … ranked No. 146 (No. 9 ATH) nationally and No. 3 in Maryland by 247Sports … rated No. 289 (No. 25 ATH) nationally and No. 6 overall in Maryland by ESPN … ranked No. 13 ATH nationally and No. 6 overall in Maryland by Rivals … rated No. 24 QB nationally and No. 13 overall (No. 1 QB) in Maryland by Scout … rushed for 1,050 yards and 17 TDs while passing for 915 yards and five TDs as a senior … led an offense that averaged 32.6 points per game … guided Gilman on an eight-game winning streak (42.3 ppg) during the season … scored two rushing TDs, including a 47-yarder, against Mount Saint Joseph … tallied three rushing TDs against St. Francis … threw a 58-yard TD pass and rushed for a 15-yard TD against Good Counsel … led the offense to 69 points against Archbishop Spalding … scored three touchdowns and had 140 total yards against Loyola … helped Gilman to an 8-3 record, including a 5-1 conference mark, and a share of the MIAA A Conference title in 2014 … tabbed second-team Private School All-State by the Associated Press in 2013 … named second-team All-Metro by the Baltimore Sun … rushed for 795 yards and 14 TDs and threw for 875 yards and five TDs as a junior … rushed for 189 yards on 26 carries (7.3 ypc) and three TDs, including a 31-yarder, against Spalding … completed passes to 12 receivers against Loyola … rushed for 131 yards and three TDs, including a 68-yarder and 42-yarder, while catching a 20-yard TD while leading the offense to 56 points against Anacostia … completed 9-of-14 passes for 123 yards and ran 15 times for 106 yards and a TD against Good Counsel … helped Gilman to a 7-3 record, including a 5-1 conference mark, in 2013 … played wide receiver as a sophomore … all-conference selection in basketball after leading Gilman with 15.0 ppg as a junior … also competed in the 200m, triple jump and long jump for the track team … father, Mike, is offensive coordinator at Maryland and former head coach at New Mexico (2009-11).
Ronnie Major
Offensive Lineman
6-6 • 297 • Fr.-HS
Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville)
HS Coach: Rodney Southern
Three-year starter and an all-state honoree … named first-team 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2014 … tabbed first-team All-District 18-5A … ranked in the Greater Houston Top 100 by the Houston Chronicle … ranked No. 37 OT nationally and No. 48 overall in Texas by 247Sports… rated No. 45 OT nationally and No. 66 overall in Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 53 OT nationally and No. 86 overall (No. 10 OT) in Texas by Scout … rated No. 71 OT nationally by Rivals … started all 11 games and graded out at 94 percent as a senior … part of an offense that averaged 35.8 points per game, including three contests over 50 points and two over 60 … part of an offense that recorded 51 points and 455 total yards, including 322 rushing yards, against Kingswood Park … helped the line pave the way for 497 total yards, including 342 rushing yards, against A&M Consolidated … helped the offense tally 62 points and 498 total yards, including 289 rushing and 209 passing, against Caney Creek … helped the offense score 63 points against Livingston … helped Huntsville to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 bidistrict playoffs in 2014 … named 2014 preseason second-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … part of an offense that averaged 25.1 points per game as a junior … helped the offense score 42 points against Rudder and 49 points against Caney Creek … part of an offense that averaged 31.2 points per game as a sophomore, including three over 40 points against Rudder, Caney Creek and Willis … helped Huntsville to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the 4A Division 2 bidistrict playoffs in 2012… nickname is Buck … sister, Ronisha, played basketball for one season at UT (2011) prior to an injury and then moved to a medical scholarship (2011-13) … cousin, Cedric Reed, was an All-Big 12 defensive end at UT (2011-14).
DeAndre McNeal
Athlete
6-1.5 • 228 • Fr.-HS
Mesquite, Texas (Poteet)
HS Coach: Kody Groves
Two-time all-state honoree … named second-team 5A All-State by the Associated Press, and honorable mention by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2014 … tabbed overall Co-MVP and first-team All-District 12-5A … selected second-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News … played quarterback, wide receiver, running back, linebacker, safety and cornerback … ranked No. 200 (No. 13 ATH) nationally and No. 27 in Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 28 ATH nationally and No. 43 overall in Texas by ESPN … rated No. 43 overall in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 11 ATH nationally and No. 55 overall in Texas by Rivals … rated No. 5 ATH in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … placed No. 45 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … recorded 41 receptions for 869 yards (21.2 ypc) and 12 TDs, while rushing 40 times for 368 yards (9.5 ypc) and 11 TDs as a senior … also registered 56 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception and six passes defended … caught four passes for 157 yards and two TDs, including an 84-yard TD and a 40-yard TD, while also posting three sacks against Rockwall-Heath … made two receptions for 83 yards and one TD while rushing five times for 81 yards and one TD against West Mesquite … pulled in eight receptions for 156 yards and two TDs against Terrell … posted a 10-yard TD reception, an 80-yard TD run and a 36-yard blocked punt return TD against Royse City (punt was blocked by fellow UT signee Malik Jefferson) … notched two rushing TDs and a 70-yard TD reception against Berkner … helped Poteet to a 10-2 record, including a 7-0 district mark and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 area playoffs in 2014 … selected honorable mention 4A All-State as an all-purpose back by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2013 … chosen second-team All-District 10-4A as a wide receiver … caught over 40 passes for 607 receiving yards and 11 TD receptions as a junior … also rushed 64 times for 409 yards (6.4 ypc) and nine TDs … pulled in six catches for 98 yards and two TDs against Whitehouse … rushed for 104 yards on five carries, including a 71-yarder, against Woodrow Wilson … caught a 63-yard TD pass against Frisco Liberty … helped Poteet to a 12-2 record, including a 6-1 district mark and an appearance in the 4A Division 2 quarterfinals in 2013 … made five catches for 45 yards and 24 carries for 187 yards as a sophomore … helped Poteet to an 11-3 record, including 5-2 district, and an appearance in the 4A Division 2 quarterfinals in 2012.
Ryan Newsome
Wide Receiver
5-8 • 165 • Fr.-HS
Aledo, Texas (Aledo)
HS Coach: Tim Buchanan
A two-time All-State honoree and key member of back-to-back state title teams … invited to play in the 2015 USA Football International Bowl … named first-team 5A All-State as both an all-purpose back and kick returner by the Texas Sports Writers Association, and honorable mention as a receiver by the Associated Press in 2014 … unanimous first-team All-District 8-5A selection … tabbed area Offensive Player of the Year and first-team Super Team by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram … chosen first-team All-Texas as a returner and ranked No. 1 ATH in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … ranked No. 189 (No. 22 WR) nationally and No. 23 in Texas by ESPN … rated No. 193 (No. 26 WR) nationally and No. 31 (No. 4 WR) in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 29 WR nationally and No. 34 overall in Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 47 WR nationally and No. 47 overall in Texas by Rivals … placed No. 34 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … made 54 receptions for 1,073 yards and 12 TDs, while rushing 54 times for 470 yards (8.7 ypc) and seven TDs as a senior … also returned two punts for TDs … part of an offense that averaged 48.1 points per game, including four games of 60-plus and one of 73 … caught four passes for 166 yards and two TDs against Randall … rushed 13 times for 124 yards and two TDs against Denton … returned a punt 46 yards for a TD against Trimble Tech … helped Aledo to the 2014 5A Division 1 Championship after a 15-1 record, including a 7-0 district mark … named 2014 preseason first-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … tabbed first-team 4A All-State at both all-purpose back and kick returner by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2013 … chosen honorable mention 4A All-State by the Associated Press … selected MVP and first-team All-District 7-4A … tied a national record with seven punt return TDs as a junior … rushed 83 times for 826 yards and eight TDs, while catching 21 passes for 532 yards and 10 TDs … also returned a kickoff for a TD … part of a record-setting offense that averaged 63.9 points per game (1,023), including seven games of 70-plus, three of 80-plus and one of 91 … caught a 28-yard TD reception to make Aledo the first high school team to ever score 1,000 points in a season then scored on a 59-yard run against Brenham in the state title game … scored three TDs, including a 51-yard reception, against Canyon … returned consecutive punts for TDs in a 91-0 win over Western Hills … recorded two TD receptions and one passing TD against Stephenville … helped Aledo to the 2013 4A Division II Championship with a 16-0 record … transferred to Aledo from Hurst Bell … named Offensive Sophomore of the Year in District 6-5A in 2012 … recorded 49 rushes for 333 yards and three TDs, while making 12 receptions for 144 yards and two TDs as a sophomore … also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a TD against Irving … helped Bell to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the 5A Division II bidistrict playoffs in 2012 … also competed in track and field.
Tristan Nickelson
Offensive Lineman
6-8.5 • 312 • So.-TR
League City, Texas (Navarro College [Texas]/
Fork Union Military Academy [Va.]/Clear Falls HS)
Navarro Coach: Brian Mayper
HS Coaches: Brian Hurlocker, Fork Union/Mike Zierlein, Clear Falls
Transfer from Navarro College … spent one season at Fork Union Military Academy after playing at Clear Falls High School in League City, Texas … named honorable mention All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) in 2014 … ranked No. 150 JUCO nationally and No. 22 in Texas by 247Sports … helped Navarro to a 7-3 record, including wins in four of its last five games and a SWJCFC playoff appearance in 2014 … part of a line that paved the way for a Navarro offense that led the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in rushing with 335.1 ypg while averaging 6.5 ypc, and ranked third in total offense (612.3 ypg) and fifth in scoring offense (52.8 ppg) … aided a Bulldogs offense that totaled 600 or more yards of offense in six games, rushed for 300-plus yards in seven contests and scored 50 or more points seven times in 10 games … helped the offense rush for 323 yards as part of 600 total yards in a 48-21 win over Cisco … helped block for a season-high 531 rushing yards en route to 731 total yards in a 62-14 win versus Texas A&T … aided the offense in registering a season-high 432 passing yards with 251 rushing yards in a 66-20 win against Arkansas Baptist … helped the offense to a season-high 747 total yards, including 405 passing yards and 342 rushing yards in a 65-30 win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M … helped the offense rush for 485 yards in a 66-43 win over Blinn … helped the offense tally 674 total yards with 368 rushing yards and 306 passing yards in a 70-52 playoff defeat against Tyler, a team Navarro defeated in the regular season two weeks earlier … attended Fork Union Military Academy in 2013 … selected to play in the inaugural 2013 Football University International All-Star Game in San Antonio and was named a USA Academic All-American … attended Clear Falls High School in League City, Texas, which had varsity football for the first time in 2012 … began his prep career at Clear Spring High School in League City … held a 3.67 GPA in high school and was a four-year honor roll member … also played basketball as a senior and wrestled as a sophomore and junior … father, Ron, lettered as an offensive lineman at TCU in 1985 … mother, Pam, played volleyball at Texas A&M.
Charles Omenihu
(o-MEN-eh-hue)
Defensive End
6-5 • 231 • Fr.-HS
Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett)
HS Coach: Doug Stephens
Two-time all-district honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl … named first-team All-District 11-6A in 2014 … ranked No. 15 weakside DE nationally and No. 37 overall in Texas by Rivals … rated No. 18 weakside DE nationally and No. 45 overall in Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 37 weakside DE nationally and No. 56 overall (No. 2 weakside DE) in Texas by Scout … rated No. 56 DE nationally and No. 101 overall in Texas by ESPN … rated No. 2 DE in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … recorded 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles as a senior … part of a defense that led the district by allowing 23.1 ppg, while also posting two shutouts during the season … notched 1.5 sacks to lead Rowlett to a 33-6 playoff win over Killeen Shoemaker … turned in a sack and a forced fumble on one play to prevent a score and help seal the game against Lakeview … helped Rowlett to an 8-4 record, including a 5-2 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 area playoffs in 2014 … named 2014 preseason second-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … chosen second-team All-District 11-5A in 2013 … registered 50 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one safety as a junior … aided the defense in posting a shutout against North Garland … helped Rowlett to an appearance in the 5A Division 2 bidistrict playoffs in 2013.
Garrett Thomas
Offensive Lineman
6-6.5 • 296 • Fr.-HS
Many, La. (Many)
HS Coach: Jesse Curtis
Three-time all-state honoree and three-year starter … picked to the All-USA Louisiana Team by USA Today in 2014 … selected first-team 2A All-State by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and the Louisiana Football Coaches Association … ranked the No. 31 OG nationally and No. 22 overall in Louisiana by 247Sports … rated No. 42 OT nationally and No. 23 overall in Louisiana by ESPN … ranked No. 46 OT nationally and No. 17 overall (No. 2 OT) in Louisiana by Scout … rated No. 47 overall (No. 4 OL) in Louisiana by Rivals … listed No. 20 in the New Orleans Times-Picayune Nifty 50 … recorded 126 pancakes and allowed no sacks as a senior … part of an offense that averaged 38.7 points per game, including nine games of 40 or more … anchored a line that paved the way for 73 points against Homer … helped lead Many to a 16-0 record and the 2A State Championship in 2014 … selected first-team 2A All-State by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and the Louisiana Football Coaches Association in 2013 … tabbed second-team Junior All-America by MaxPreps … part of an offense that averaged 31.6 points per game as a junior … helped the line pave the way for consecutive 40-point performances, including back-to-back games of 47 points agianst Delcambre and Springfield … helped lead Many to a 13-2 record and an appearance in the 2A state title game in 2013 … selected honorable mention 2A All-State by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2012 … part of an offense that averaged 34.2 points per game as a sophomore … helped the line pave the way for 74 points against Logansport … helped Many to an 8-5 record and an appearance in the 2A quarterfinals in 2012 … named to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association All-Academic Football team in 2014 … posted a 4.0 GPA as a senior … captain of the Many Quiz Bowl team.
Cameron Townsend
Linebacker
6-1 • 193 • Fr.-HS
Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point)
HS Coach: Brett Sniffin
Three-year captain and all-state honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl … ranked in the Greater Houston Top 100 by the Houston Chronicle … one of four finalists for the Greater Houston High School Rotary Lombardi Award by the Rotary Club of Houston … named second-team 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2014 … chosen first-team All-District 23-5A … tabbed first-team All-Texas and No. 4 LB in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … rated No. 181 (No. 13 OLB) nationally and No. 30 (No. 2 OLB) in Texas by Scout … rated No. 255 (No. 17 OLB) nationally and No. 32 in Texas by ESPN … ranked 17 OLB nationally and No. 40 in Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 21 ILB nationally and No. 71 overall in Texas by Rivals … placed No. 41 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … recorded 41 tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, along with nine passes defended, one interception and one forced fumble as a senior … part of a defense that posted four shutouts and seven games of seven points or fewer, while allowing an average of 10.7 ppg … registered three tackles, one sack and three passes defended against Clear Creek … tallied two tackles, one interception and one forced fumble against Texas City … totaled seven tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defended against Foster … notched two tackles for loss against Kind … helped Ridge Point to a 12-1 record, including a 7-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 regional playoffs … tabbed first-team All-District 22-4A in 2013 … collected over 40 tackles, four sacks and 15 tackles for loss as a junior … part of a defense that surrendered just 14.6 ppg with two shutouts and five games allowing seven points or fewer … posted back-to-back games with seven tackles and two tackles for loss against Tomball Memorial and Fort Bend Marshall … claimed three tackles for loss in a playoff win against Wheatley … helped Ridge Point to a 9-3 record, including a 6-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 4A Division 2 area playoffs … tabbed first-team All-District 22-4A in 2012 … collected six sacks as a sophomore.
Patrick Vahe
Offensive Lineman
6-2.5 • 299 • Fr.-HS
Euless, Texas (Trinity)
HS Coach: Steve Lineweaver
Two-time all-state honoree … named first-team 6A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association, and second-team by the Associated Press in 2014 … picked to the All-USA Texas Team by USA Today … selected first-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News … picked first-team Super Team by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram … tabbed first-team All-District 7-6A … chosen first-team All-Texas and No. 2 OL in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … rated No. 90 (No. 6 OG) nationally and No. 17 (No. 2 OG) in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 148 (No. 3 OC) nationally and No. 19 in Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 183 (No. 12 OG) nationally and No. 25 overall in Texas by Rivals … ranked No. 185 (No. 12 OG) nationally and No. 21 in Texas by ESPN … placed No. 19 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … recorded 80 knockdown blocks and allowed only one sack as a senior … part of an offense that averaged 32.7 points per game and scored over 40 points in six games … anchored a line that paved the way for over 350 rushing yards per game … helped the offense rush for 436 yards and two TDs against Heritage … helped the line generate 457 rushing yards and five rushing TDs against Haltom … helped Trinity to a 12-2 record, including a 5-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 quarterfinals, losing by only three points to eventual champion Allen in 2014 … named 2014 preseason second-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … selected first-team Junior All-America by MaxPreps in 2013 … chosen second-team 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association … named honorable mention 5A All-State by the Associated Press … tabbed first-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News … selected unanimous first-team All-District 6-5A … allowed just one sack and graded out at a team-high 92 percent, with 88 knockdown blocks as a junior … part of an offense that averaged 39.6 ppg, scoring at least 40 points in each of its last 10 games … anchor of a line that gained 5,281 rushing yards (377.2 ypg) … helped the offense rush for 453 yards and six TDs against MacArthur … helped the line pave the way for 489 rushing yards and six rushing TDs against Bell … helped the offense generate 250 passing yards and two TDs, along with 434 rushing yards and six TDs against Grapevine … helped Trinity to an 11-3 record, including a 7-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 quarterfinals in 2013 … chosen second-team All-District 6-5A in 2012 … helped the offense average 34.4 ppg, including a 71-point performance against Turner … helped Trinity to a 10-3 record, including a 7-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 regional playoffs in 2012.
Quincy Vasser
Defensive End
6-3.5 • 259 • Jr.-TR
Nyack, N.Y. (Navarro College [Texas]/
Hargrave Military Academy [Va.]/Nyack HS)
Navarro Coach: Brian Mayper
HS Coaches: Troy Davis, Hargrave/Mike Ramponi, Nyack
Transfer from Navarro College … spent one season at Hargrave Military Academy after playing at Nyack High School in Upper Nyack, N.Y. … tabbed second-team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-America in 2014 … also named first-team All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) … rated No. 36 JUCO (No. 7 DE) nationally by Rivals … ranked No. 36 JUCO (No. 3 SDE) nationally and No. 4 JUCO overall in Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 45 JUCO (No. 4 DE) nationally by ESPN … rated No. 48 JUCO (No. 9 DE) nationally by Scout … compiled 76 tackles, including 24 TFL and 11.5 sacks, in two seasons at Navarro … helped the Bulldogs to a 7-3 record, including wins in four of its last five games and a SWJCFC playoff appearance as a sophomore … posted 50 tackles with 16 TFL and 6.5 sacks, along with one PBU … his TFL total led the team and was more than double the next closest player … recorded seven tackles, two TFL and one sack against Georgia Military … matched the seven tackles, including a season-high five TFL and one sack, in a 62-14 win over Texas A&T … notched three TFL in back-to-back games against Arkansas Baptist and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, while posting a season-high eight tackles against NOAMC … tallied four tackles, two TFL and two sacks against Tyler … earned honorable-mention All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference accolades in 2013 … helped Navarro to a 9-3 record, including a win over Hinds in the Brazos Valley Bowl as a freshman … recorded 26 tackles with eight TFL and five sacks, along with one PBU and one blocked kick … part of a defense that allowed just 23.0 ppg and 291.9 ypg … posted four tackles and one sack in his first game against Arkansas Baptist … registered a season-high six tackles with two TFL in a 58-10 win over Cisco … tallied five tackles, two TFL and one sack against Tyler … logged three tackles and one PBU in an 80-0 win over Southeast Prep Academy … recorded two tackles, 1.5 sacks and a blocked kick versus Blinn … notched four tackles, 1.5 TFL and one sack in the Brazos Valley Bowl … attended Hargrave Military Academy and helped the postgraduate football team to a 7-3 record in 2012 … named third-team Class A All-State by the New York State Sportswriters Association and earned honorable-mention all-section honors as a senior in 2011 … named first-team All-County by The Journal News in New York … made the honor roll as a senior … also participated in track and field as a sophomore and junior (100m, 200m and 4x100m), and ice hockey as a freshman.
Chris Warren III
Running Back
6-2 • 239 • Fr.-HS
Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall)
HS Coach: Rodney Webb
An all-state and two-time all-district honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 U.S. Army All-America Bowl … finalist for the 2014 Landry Award, honoring the top high school player in North Texas … named first-team 6A All-State by the Associated Press and Texas Sports Writers Association in 2014 … tabbed Co-Offensive MVP and first-team All-District 11-6A … chosen first-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News … rated No. 56 (No. 6 RB) nationally and No. 11 (No. 3 RB) in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 80 (No. 8 RB) nationally and No. 13 in Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 159 (No. 15 RB) nationally and No. 15 in Texas by Rivals … ranked No. 102 (No. 9 RB) nationally and No. 14 in Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 4 RB in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … placed No. 15 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … rushed 250 times for 2,329 yards (9.4 ypc) and 34 TDs as senior part of an offense that led 6A Dallas area schools in total offense (548.7 ypg) and scoring (52.8 ppg) … also caught 12 passes for 178 yards and two TDs … posted 25 carries for 163 yards and two TDs against Copperas Cove … scored three TDs, including a 65-yard run and a 25-yard receptions, against Rowlett … totaled over 300 yards rushing, including TD runs of 70, 54, 37 and 23 yards against Sachse … helped Rockwall to a 12-1 record, including a 7-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 2 regional playoffs in 2014 … named 2014 preseason second-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … played in only five games as a junior prior to a season-ending injury but averaged 149.4 rushing yards in those games … posted 108 carries for 747 rushing yards (6.9 ypc) and 11 rushing TDs … also caught nine passes for 52 yards … scored four rushing TDs, including a 53-yarder, against Rowlett … named Offensive Newcomer of the Year in District 12-5A in 2012 … rushed 174 times for 1,059 yards (6.1 ypc) and 13 TDs as a sophomore … also tallied 10 receptions for 100 yards and two TDs … posted 268 rushing yards and four rushing TDs, including a 43-yarder, on 36 carries (7.4 ypc) against North Mesquite … totaled 243 rushing yards and six rushing TDs, including a 70-yarder, on 27 carries (9.0 ypc) against Rowlett … father, Chris, played 11 seasons in the NFL primarily with the Seattle Seahawks (1990-97) and Dallas Cowboys (1998-2000), and was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Seahawks (1993-95).
Anthony Wheeler
Linebacker
6-2 • 219 • Fr.-HS
Dallas, Texas (Skyline)
HS Coach: Reginald Samples
Two-time all-state honoree … selected to participate in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game … named first-team 6A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association, and second-team by the Associated Press in 2014 … picked to the All-USA Texas Team by USA Today … chosen first-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News … tabbed Defensive MVP and first-team All-District 9-6A … tabbed state Defensive Player of the Year, first-team All-Texas and No. 2 LB in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … rated No. 66 (No. 3 ILB) nationally and No. 10 in Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 76 overall (No. 4 ILB) and No. 10 overall in Texas by Rivals … rated No. 111 (No. 4 MLB) nationally and No. 22 (No. 1 MLB) in Texas by Scout … ranked No. 136 (No. 10 OLB) nationally and No. 18 in Texas by 247Sports … placed No. 12 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … recorded 137 tackles, including seven sacks and 21 tackles for loss, along with five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a senior … part of a defense that allowed 19.3 points per game, including three shutouts … helped Skyline to a 14-1 record, including a 7-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 2014 6A Division 1 semifinals, losing only to eventual champion Allen … named 2014 preseason first-team Super Team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … chosen honorable mention 5A All-State by the Associated Press in 2013 … selected unanimous first-team All-District 9-5A … registered 110 tackles, six sacks, 15 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles as a junior … part of a defense that allowed just 19.8 points per game, including six games of 14 points or fewer … helped Skyline to an 11-2 overall record, including a 7-0 district record, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 regional playoffs in 2013 … tabbed Defensive Newcomer of the Year in District 9-5A in 2012 … part of a defense that allowed 22.1 points per game as a sophomore … helped Skyline to a 12-2 record, including a 7-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 quarterfinals, losing to eventual champion Allen, in 2012
Connor Williams
Offensive Lineman
6-4.5 • 291 • Fr.-HS
Coppell, Texas (Coppell)
HS Coach: Mike DeWitt
All-state and two-time all-district honoree … named second-team 6A All-State by the Associated Press, and honorable mention by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2014 … tabbed honorable mention Academic All-State by the Texas High School Coaches Association … selected second-team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News … chosen first-team All-District 7-6A on both the offensive and defensive lines … ranked No. 223 overall and No. 30 overall in Texas by Rivals … rated No. 38 OT nationally and No. 61 overall (No. 8 OT) in Texas by Scout … rated No. 65 OT nationally and No. 98 in Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 75 OT nationally and No. 99 in Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 7 OL in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … placed No. 53 on the Fab 55 by the Austin American-Statesman … recorded 63 pancakes and graded at 94 percent, while only allowing one sack and committing one holding penalty as a senior … as a nose tackle, registered 38 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, five pressures, five forced fumbles and two passes defended … part of an offense that rushed for 4.9 yards per carry and 257.5 yards per game with 28 rushing TDs … also protected for 23 passing TDs to just three interceptions … helped Coppell to a 6-5 record and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 bidistric playoffs in 2014 … selected second-team All-District 5-5A as a tight end in 2013 … caught three passes for 20 yards and one TD … helped Coppell to a 9-2 record, including a 5-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 area playoffs in 2013 … helped Coppell to an 11-1 record, including a 5-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 area playoffs in 2012 … brother, Dalton, was a quarterback at Stephen F. Austin (2008-11) and Akron (2012) who passed for 3,387 yards as a graduate transfer in one season with the Zips … sister, Morgan, graduated from Texas in 2013.
