2016 signing day ⢠feb. 3, 2016
2016 SIGNING DAY • FEB. 3, 2016 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Sept. 3 Eastern Washington Sept. 10 at Boise State Sept. 17 Idaho Oct. 1 Oregon * Oct. 8 at Stanford * Oct. 15 UCLA * (Homecoming) Oct. 22 at Arizona State * Oct. 29 at Oregon State * Nov. 5 Arizona * (Dad’s Weekend) Nov. 12 California * Nov. 19 at Colorado * Nov. 25 Washington *
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WSU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE ADDRESS: Bohler Addition 195 Pullman, WA 99164-1602 OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-COUG OFFICE FAX: 509-335-0267 MARTIN STADIUM PRESS BOX: 509-335-COUG ASSOC. A.D. / ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS: Bill Stevens OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-4294 CELL: 916-761-7005 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Football, Women’s Tennis ASST. DIRECTOR: Bobby Alworth OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-5785 CELL: 951-452-6129 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Football, Baseball, Swimming ASST. DIRECTOR: Linda Chalich OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-0268 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Volleyball, Cross Country, Track & Field ASST. DIRECTOR: Jim Crawford OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-0265 CELL: 509-715-9788 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Women’s Soccer, Women’s Basketball ASST. DIRECTOR: Jessica Holmes OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-0255 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Men’s Basketball, Rowing, Men’s & Women’s Golf
WSU FOOTBALL NLI ANNOUNCEMENTS Washington State University head football coach Mike Leach has announced the following student-athletes have enrolled at WSU for the spring semester, signed a National Letter-of-Intent or Financial Aid Agreement and/or will enroll at WSU this fall:
NAME POS HT Bartley, Lyric DE 6-3 Bell, Renard WR 5-10 Bender, Danny DE 6-4 Gaisoa, Nilsson OL 6-5 Haangana, Christian OL 6-5 Harris, Romello RB 5-10 Johnson, Isaiah * WR 6-3 Jones, D’Jimon DB 6-1 King, Keenen OL 6-4 Mauigoa, Frederick OL 6-4 McBroom, Garrett * DE 6-3 Moore, Derek RUSH 6-2 Onyeukwu, Chima LB 6-3 Patmon, Dezmon WR 6-4 Porter, Grant WR 6-2 Rogers, Justus * QB/ATH 6-2 Ryan, Liam OL 6-6 Strong, Marcus DB 5-11 Tamaivena, Suliasi LB 6-2 Taylor, Robert DB 5-11 Thomas, Skyler DB 5-11 Thompson, Jalen * DB 6-0 Vinyard, Mason RUSH 6-5 Watson, Joshua OL 6-5 Woods, Jahad LB 5-11
WT 245 165 240 295 365 175 211 175 301 295 268 211 215 202 185 220 275 170 234 180 175 170 215 265 215
YR HOMETOWN (LAST SCHOOL) FR Taylorsville, Utah (Taylorsville HS) FR Los Angeles, Calif. (Cathedral HS) FR El Cajon, Calif. (Valhalla HS) FR Kailua, Hawaii (Kailua HS) FR Milpitas, Calif. (Milpitas HS) FR Tulare, Calif. (Union HS) FR Belle Glade, Fla. (Dwyer HS) FR Federal Way, Wash. (Federal Way HS) FR Las Vegas, Nev. (Arbor View HS) FR Pago Pago, American Samoa (Tafuna HS) JR* Stillwater, Okla. (Stillwater HS/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) FR Los Angeles, Calif. (Crenshaw HS) JR San Pablo, Calif. (Contra Costa College) FR San Diego, Calif. (Patrick Henry HS) FR Upland, Calif. (Upland HS) FR Bellevue, Wash. (Bellevue HS) FR La Verne, Calif. (Damien HS) FR Rialto, Calif. (Carter HS) JR Kirkland, Wash. (Juanita HS/Mt. San Antonio College) JR San Leandro, Calif. (Deer Valley HS/UC Davis/San Francisco CC) FR Perris, Calif. (Citrus Hill HS) FR Downey, Calif. (Downey HS) FR La Mesa, Calif. (Helix HS) FR Everett, Wash. (Cascade HS) FR La Mesa, Calif. (Helix HS)
*Signed FAA/NLI and enrolled at WSU in Jan., 2016 --Complete bios included on following pages--
The following student-athletes signed Financial Aid Agreements or a National Letter of Intent and enrolled at WSU in January and are attending classes:
ISAIAH JOHNSON 6-3 / 211 Wide Receiver Belle Glade, Fla. Dwyer HS ‘15 WSU CAREER FRESHMAN (2016): Enrolled at WSU in January, 2016...will participate in spring football drills. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SOPHOMORE, played at Glades Central High School, recorded 24 receptions for 426 yards and six touchdowns…as a JUNIOR at Dwyer High School, earned All-State, All-County and All-Area honors after catching 38 passes for 791 yards and eight touchdowns…as a SENIOR, named to Palm Beach Post Super 11 prior to the season…earned All-State, All-County and All-Area honors after catching 44 passes for 912 yards with 12 touchdowns…rated a four-star prospect by ESPN.com and three stars by Rivals.com Scout.com…rated the No. 20 wide receiver in Florida by Scout.com and No. 90 overall wide receiver prospect in the country by Rivals.com...played with current Cougar wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. at Dwyer High School…also lettered three times in basketball. PERSONAL Mother, Cammy…older brother, Keionte.
GARRETT MCBROOM 6-3 / 268 Defensive Line Stillwater, Okla. Stillwater HS ’13 / Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College ‘15 WSU CAREER RS-JUNIOR (2016): Enrolled at WSU in January, 2016...will participate in spring football drills. JUNIOR COLLEGE CAREER Attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Okla.…as a REDSHIRT-FRESHMAN in 2014, recorded 43 tackles including seven for loss…as a REDSHIRT-SOPHOMORE in 2015, earned All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference second-team honors after tallying 66 tackles with 19 tackles-for-loss including 10 sacks. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, recorded 41 tackles, three sacks and one interception…as a SENIOR, earned All-District 6A first-team honors after tallying 42 tackles including two for loss and one interception as a defensive lineman.
The following student-athletes signed Financial Aid Agreements or a National Letter of Intent and enrolled at WSU in January and are attending classes:
JUSTUS ROGERS 6-2 / 220 Quarterback / Athlete Bellevue, Wash. Bellevue HS ‘15 WSU CAREER FRESHMAN (2016): Enrolled at WSU in January, 2016...will participate in spring football drills. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Played four seasons for coach Butch Goncharoff at Bellevue High School…two-year captain…as a JUNIOR, completed 60-of-92 passes for 900 yards and nine touchdowns and zero interceptions…also rushed 49 times for 400 yards and two touchdowns…led BHS to the 3A State title game…as a SENIOR, led BHS and 11-2 record, a second-straight appearance in the state title game and finished the year earning All-KingCo second-team honors after completing 56-of-90 pass attempts for 1,144 yards with 19 touchdowns and one interception…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…rated the No. 46 athlete in the country and No. 19 athlete in the west by Scout.com…rated No. 15 prospect in Washington by ESPN.com…named a Red Chip Prospect (1 of 11 in Washington) by The Seattle Times…also lettered three years in track, did the hurdles…also played basketball. PERSONAL Born in Tacoma, Wash….parents, Michael and Je-Anne…older sister, Dejah…father, Michael walked on and played linebacker at Washington.
JALEN THOMPSON 6-0 / 170 Defensive Back Downey, Calif. Downey HS ‘15 WSU CAREER FRESHMAN (2016): Enrolled at WSU in January, 2016...will participate in spring football drills. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Played junior and senior seasons for head coach Jack Williams at Downey High School…also played at La Serna High School his first two seasons for coach Margarito Beltran…as a SOPHOMORE for LSHS, earned All-San Gabriel Valley League honorable mention and helped LSHS to a 11-3 record and a CIF Championship…as a JUNIOR at DHS, earned All-CIF and All-League honors after recording 57 tackles and one interception…also caught 22 passes for 450 yards and four touchdowns…as a SENIOR, earned All-CIF Southern Section, All-San Gabriel Valley League and Long Beach Press-Telegram All-Area Dream Team honors after picking off five passes and averaging 20.2 yards-per-catch. …rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked the No. 56 cornerback in the country and No. 88 overall prospect in California by ESPN.com…also ran track. PERSONAL Born in Paramount, Calif…parents, Demond and Delinda…older brothers, Jamari and Javon both played football at Cerritos College.
LYRIC BARTLEY 6-3 / 245 Defensive End Taylorsville, Utah Taylorsville HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SOPHOMORE, recorded 49 tackles with 15 for loss including eight sacks and one fumble recovery…as a JUNIOR, recorded 68 tackles with 10 for loss…also picked off one pass…also rushed 39 times for 237 yards and three touchdowns…played two games at quarterback, started one game…finished season 7-of-15 for 112 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions…as a SENIOR, named to All-State Second Team by the Salt Lake Tribune and Region III Most Outstanding Lineman…made 61 tackles with 18 for loss including a state-best 13.5 sacks and forced one fumble…rushed 16 times for 86 yards and five touchdowns…named a High School Stat Star by Max Preps after recording a three-sack game, one of two 3-sack performances during the season…rated three-star prospect by ESPN. com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked No. 93 defensive end prospect in the country and No. 12 overall prospect in Utah by ESPN. com…ranked the No. 23 defensive end prospect in the West by Scout.com.
RENARD BELL 5-10 / 165 Wide Receiver Los Angeles, Calif. Cathedral HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SOPHOMORE, caught 18 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown…as a JUNIOR, named to All-Angelus League First Team after recording 29 receptions for 462 yards and nine touchdowns…also rushed for two scores…ran track, ran a 10.89 in the 100M…as a SENIOR, named All-CIF Southern Section Southeast Division and earned Co-Offensive MVP of the Angelus League…caught 56 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns…rated three-star wideout by ESPN.com and Scout.com and a three-star athlete by Rivals.com…ranked the No. 21 wide receiver in the West by Scout.com and the No. 95 overall prospect in California by Rivals.com. PERSONAL Born in Los Angeles, Calif…parents, Reginald Sr. and Yarvelle…older brother Reginald Jr. played quarterback at Eastern Michigan (2013-14)…sister Ramia.
DANNY BENDER 6-4 / 240 Defensive End El Cajon, Calif. Valhalla HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, made 64 tackles with 21 for loss…broke up eight passes, recovered three fumbles and scored one touchdown…as a SENIOR, named All-CIF San Diego Section First Team and All-East County First Team…also named to All-State Medium Schools First Team by Cal-Hi Sports…recorded 74 tackles with nine sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception returned for a touchdown…also broke up eight passes…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Scout.com.
NILSSON GAISOA 6-5 / 295 Offensive Line Kailua, Hawaii Kailua HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SENIOR, earned All-State second team, Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State Third Team and All-Oahu Interscholastic Association Blue First-Team honors…helped KHS rush for 2,139 yards…selected to play in Hawaii’s Pacific Football Classic, a Hawaii high school showcase…also played basketball and volleyball. PERSONAL Born in Kailua, Hawaii…youngest of five children, three brothers, one sister…cousin of current Cougar Logan Tago…plans to major in business at WSU.
CHRISTIAN HAANGANA 6-5 / 365 Offensive Line Milpitas, Calif. Milpitas HS HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, named to All-State Second Team Juniors by Cal-Hi Sports…as a SENIOR, named to All-Mercury News First Team by the San Jose Mercury News and All-Northern California Second Team by MaxPreps…received California All-State Second-Team honors by Cal-Hi Sports…named Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division Most Valuable Lineman…helped team to a 10-4 record and a spot in the CIF Central Coast Section Championship game…MHS fell in title game of CIF State Division III AA to Campolindo…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Scout.com…ranked the No. 11 offensive guard in the West by Scout.com. PERSONAL Born in Tonga…parents Tevita and Lannyaeiki.
ROMELLO HARRIS 5-10 / 175 Running Back Tulare, Calif. Tulare Union HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a FRESHMAN, rushed for 947 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown…as a SOPHOMORE, rushed for 1,860 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught 15 passes for 138 yards…as a JUNIOR, named All-State third-team by Cal-Hi Sports after rushing for 2,561 yards and 31 touchdowns…averaged 7.8 yards-per-carry and 213.4 per game and tallied 11 100-yard games…had 357 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Kingsburg HS…rushed for 402 yards and five touchdowns against Porterville HS … also caught 26 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns…returned a punt and kickoff for a touchdown…in basketball garnered All-East Yosimite League first-team honors…following junior year, named All-Tulare County Boys Athlete of the Year…as a SENIOR, named to All-State Third-Team and All-State Medium School First Team by Cal-Hi Sports… rushed for 1,943 yards and 25 touchdowns in just nine games…averaged 9.6 yards-per-carry and 215.9 per games…tallied seven 100-yard games…rushed for 333 yards and five touchdowns in season-opener vs. El Diamante HS…rushed for 390 yards and four scores against Redwood HS…had 352 rushing yards and six touchdowns against Monache HS…caught 11 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown…played just nine games before suffering knee injury…finished career with 973 carries for 7,311 rushing yards and 85 touchdowns…totaled 91 touchdowns…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked No. 57 running back prospect in the country and eighth-best in the West by Scout.com. PERSONAL Born in Visalia, Calif…parents Greg and Michelle Nunley…plans to major in criminal justice at WSU.
D’JIMON JONES 5-11 / 175 Defensive Back Federal Way, Wash. Federal Way HS’16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, played quarterback…in eight games, rushed for 392 yards and four touchdowns, completed 31-of-61 passes for 561 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions…second-team all-league quarterback…served as sixth man for 4A State basketball championship team…finished second at state in the high jump after jumping 21-10.5…also high jumped 6-9…as a SENIOR, missed most of season with a leg injury…rated three-star quarterback prospect by ESPN.com and three-star cornerback by Rivals.com…ranked the No. 16 prospect in Washington by ESPN.com…rated a White Chip Prospect (Top 100 prospects in Washington) by The Seattle Times. PERSONAL Pronounced JY-mon (rhymes with diamond)…parents Roosevelt and Mandy…father played football at Portland State…high school basketball teammates with current Cougar basketball guard Viont’e Daniels.
KEENEN KING 6-4 / 301 Offensive Line Las Vegas, Nev. Arbor View HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Three-year starter at Arbor View High School…as a JUNIOR, named first-team All-Northwest League…named to Preseason All-City by Las Vegas Sun…as a SENIOR, named first-team All-State and All-Northwest League……helped AVHS to a 9-2 record and the Sunset Region Championship Game…blocked for offense that averaged 283.7 rushing yards per game…selected to play in the Southern Nevada Lions All-Star Game…rated three-star prospect ESPN.com, Rivals.com and by Scout.com…rated the No. 1 tackle prospect in Nevada and No. 67 tackle prospect in the country by Scout.com…ranked the fourth overall prospect in Nevada by ESPN.com and the sixth overall prospect in Nevada by Rivals.com.
FREDERICK MAUIGOA 6-4 / 295 Offensive Line Pago Pago, American Samoa Tafuna HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Played for coach Okland Salave’a, the brother of Cougar Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line Joe Salave’a… As a SENIOR, became first student-athlete from American Samoa to be selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Dallas in December, 2015…invited to Nike’s The Opening in summer, 2015…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com… rated the No. 1 overall prospect in American Samoa and No. 62 offensive guard prospect in the country by ESPN.com . PERSONAL Parents, Fa’alialia and Telesia…owns 4.0 GPA
DEREK MOORE 6-2 / 211 RUSH Linebacker Los Angeles, Calif. Crenshaw HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles…named among High School Defensive Linemen to Watch by the Los Angeles Times prior to SENIOR season…as a SENIOR, named All-Los Angeles City Section I Defensive Player of the Year…rated three-star prospect by Scout.com…ranked No. 80 outside linebacker in the country and tenth in California by Scout.com.
CHIMA ONYEUKWU 6-3 / 215 Linebacker San Pablo, Calif. Contra Costa College ‘16 JUNIOR COLLEGE CAREER Attended Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Calif….as a FRESHMAN, tallied 34 tackles with four for loss…named a Preseason Junior College All-American by Rivals.com as a SOPHOMORE…earned All-Pacific 7 League First-Team honors after recording 57 tackles with 11 for loss including seven sacks…recorded one fumble and blocked one kick…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked No. 88 overall junior college prospect by Rivals.com.
DEZMON PATMON 6-4 / 202 Wide Receiver San Diego, Calif. Patrick Henry HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, earned First-Team All-City League honors after catching 43 passes for 873 yards and 14 touchdowns…also made 27 tackles and three interceptions…as a SENIOR, caught 53 passes for 669 yards and five touchdowns…also led league with five interceptions including four in a playoff game…in Track and Field, as a SOPHOMORE, high jumped 6-6…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked the No. 78 wide receiver in the country by Scout.com PERSONAL Uncle, DeWayne Patmon, played linebacker at Michigan and for the New York Giants (2000-01).
GRANT PORTER 6-2 / 185 Wide Receiver Upland, Calif. Upland HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, made 23 catches for 366 yards and one touchdown…as a SENIOR, injured for most of the season, limited to three games… recorded four catches for 62 yards…averaged 15.5 yards-per-catch…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout. com…ranked the No. 83 wide receiver prospect in the country and No. 16 wideout in the West by Scout.com…ranked No. 68 overall prospect in California by ESPN.com.
LIAM RYAN 6-6 / 275 Offensive Line La Verne, Calif. Damien HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SENIOR, named to San Gabriel Valley Tribune First Team and Inland Daily Bulletin All-Area First Team and All-Baseline League First Team…blocked for running back that led league with 1,855 yards and 18 touchdowns……rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com… rated the No. 119 offensive tackle in the country by ESPN.com…also played basketball, started on DHS Division 3 State championship team as a JUNIOR. PERSONAL Uncle, Harry Daniels played offensive line at San Jose State in the early 1990’s.
MARCUS STRONG 5-11 / 170 Defensive Back Rialto, Calif. Carter HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SOPHOMORE, made 17 tackles with four interceptions and 17 pass break-ups…as a JUNIOR, named to All-Citrus Belt League Second Team…made 42 tackles, three interceptions, 11 pass break-ups and a fumble recovery…as a SENIOR, named to All-Citrus Belt League First Team, San Bernardino Sun All-Area Second Team and Daily Bulletin All-Area honorable mention…played in 10 games, posting 36 tackles, one interception and nine pass break-ups…scored nine total touchdowns: three rushing, three receiving, two kickoff and one punt return…participated in 2016 Inland Empire All-Star Football Classic…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked No. 32 safety in the West by Scout.com. PERSONAL Parents, Elvester and Janis…older brother, Justin, is a safety at Oregon State…older brother Victor Butler played defensive end at Oregon State (2005-08) and six seasons in the NFL.
SULIASI TAMAIVENA 6-2 / 234 Linebacker Kirkland, Wash. Juanita HS ’11 / Mt. San Antonio College ‘16 JUNIOR COLLEGE CAREER Attended Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif….as a FRESHMAN, appeared in eight games…recorded 45 tackles including 12.5 for loss with 5.5 sacks…also forced one fumble and recovered one…as a SOPHOMORE, named California Community College All-America First-Team, All-Region III First-Team and SCFA National Division Central Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year…made 81 tackles including 20 for loss with nine sacks…forced one fumble and broke up seven passes…named SCFA Central Conference Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 8) after making 16 tackles with seven for loss including five sacks and also forced a fumble…named Player of the Game in the Patriotic Bowl after making a team-high 10 tackles with a pair of sacks…rated three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com …ranked No. 58 overall junior college prospect by Scout.com. PERSONAL Father, Levi, was an national rugby star in Fiji.
ROBERT TAYLOR 5-11 / 180 Defensive Back San Leandro, Calif. Deer Valley HS ‘14 / UC Davis / City College of San Francisco ‘16 JUNIOR COLLEGE CAREER As a SOPHOMORE in 2015…named to All-Northern California Bay 6 League…recorded 47 tackles, 1.5 for loss with five interceptions and six pass breakups…also averaged 11.6 yards per punt return including one returned for a touchdown…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Rivals.com. UC DAVIS CAREER Attended UC Davis in Davis, Calif. as a FRESHMAN in 2014…appeared in eight games, made 12 tackles and three pass breakups. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, earned All-West Athletic Conference honors while playing at Castro Valley High School…picked off eight passes including a four-INT game…recorded 1,000 all-purpose yards and scored 10 touchdowns…once scored five touchdowns in a game…as a SENIOR, attended Deer Valley High School in Hayward, Calif…. earned All-Bay Valley League honors after tallying 64 tackles and three interceptions…also caught 24 passes for 458 yards and six touchdowns. PERSONAL Parents, Keith Taylor and Liz Julien…one of five children.
SKYLER THOMAS 5-11 / 175 Defensive Back Perris, Calif. Citrus Hill HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Citrus High School in Perris, Calif…as a SOPHOMORE, made 45 tackles including six for loss with one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries…as a JUNIOR, earned All-League first-team honors after recording 86 tackles, four sacks and forced seven fumbles…scored three touchdowns, one rushing, one fumble return and one kickoff return…as a SENIOR, helped CHHS to a CIF State Division 2A championship and a 14-2…named All-CIF Southern Section Inland Division and All-Mountain Pass League after making 65 tackles including eight for loss with four sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and 11 pass breakups……played in the Inland Empire All-Star Football Classic for Riverside County, had a 92-yard kickoff return of touchdown and an interception…rated three-star prospect by Scout.com…rated No. 18 safety prospect in California by Scout.com.
MASON VINYARD 6-5 / 215 RUSH Linebacker La Mesa, Calif. Helix HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Helix High School in La Mesa, Calif….as a JUNIOR, caught 24 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns…also named All-CIF First Team for track…as a SENIOR, named to All-East County First Team, helping team to San Diego Section title…recorded 27 tackles with 5.5 sacks…also recovered four fumbles and forced one…caught four passes for 93 yards and one 55-yard touchdown… had 2.5 sacks against Cathedral Catholic…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…...rated the No. 25 tight end prospect in the country by ESPN.com…ranked the No. 69 overall prospect in California by Rivals.com and fourth-best tight end in California by Scout.com. PERSONAL Born in San Diego, Calif…parents Derek and Kim…mom played volleyball at San Diego State while dad played baseball at San Diego State and with Boston Red Sox in their minor league system.
JOSHUA WATSON 6-5 / 265 Offensive Line Everett, Wash. Cascade HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Cascade High School in Everett, Wash., earning four varsity letters...as a JUNIOR, earned first-team All-Wesco honors on defense and honorable mention as an offensive lineman…as a SENIOR, earned All-Classifications All-State accolades by The Associated Press, The Seattle Times and The Tacoma News Tribune…named to All-Wesco 4A First Team and Everett Herald All-Area First Team… garnered ALL-USA Western Washington High School Football Team…on defense earned All-Wesco after making 15 tackles with six for loss including three sacks……rated three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked the top offensive guard in Washington by Scout.com and the No. 14 overall prospect in Washington by Rivals.com…named a White Chip Prospect (Top 100 prospects in Washington) by The Seattle Times. PERSONAL Born in Everett, Wash…parents Gregory and Rosemarie…plans to major in business at WSU.
JAHAD WOODS 5-11 / 215 Linebacker La Mesa, Calif. Helix HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Helix High School in La Mesa, Calif….as a SENIOR, named to All-State Fourth Team by Cal-Hi Sports, All-CIF San Diego Section first-team, All-East County first-team and All-Grossmont Hills first-team honors…recorded 58 tackles with 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble…scored three touchdowns, all on defense, an 86-yard INT return and two fumbles returned for scores…helped Helix HS to an 11-2 overall record… named Prep Athlete of the Week (Sept. 3, 2015) by the San Diego Union Tribune after rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown and made eight tackles…named Prep Athlete of the Week (Dec. 9, 2015) by the San Diego Union Tribune after making 10 tackles in the Open Division Championship game…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals. com and Scout.com…rated No. 61 inside linebacker in the country and No. 10 inside linebacker in California by Scout.com…ranked the No. 88 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com.
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WSU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE ADDRESS: Bohler Addition 195 Pullman, WA 99164-1602 OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-COUG OFFICE FAX: 509-335-0267 MARTIN STADIUM PRESS BOX: 509-335-COUG ASSOC. A.D. / ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS: Bill Stevens OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-4294 CELL: 916-761-7005 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Football, Women’s Tennis ASST. DIRECTOR: Bobby Alworth OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-5785 CELL: 951-452-6129 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Football, Baseball, Swimming ASST. DIRECTOR: Linda Chalich OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-0268 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Volleyball, Cross Country, Track & Field ASST. DIRECTOR: Jim Crawford OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-0265 CELL: 509-715-9788 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Women’s Soccer, Women’s Basketball ASST. DIRECTOR: Jessica Holmes OFFICE PHONE: 509-335-0255 EMAIL: [email protected] SPORTS: Men’s Basketball, Rowing, Men’s & Women’s Golf
WSU FOOTBALL NLI ANNOUNCEMENTS Washington State University head football coach Mike Leach has announced the following student-athletes have enrolled at WSU for the spring semester, signed a National Letter-of-Intent or Financial Aid Agreement and/or will enroll at WSU this fall:
NAME POS HT Bartley, Lyric DE 6-3 Bell, Renard WR 5-10 Bender, Danny DE 6-4 Gaisoa, Nilsson OL 6-5 Haangana, Christian OL 6-5 Harris, Romello RB 5-10 Johnson, Isaiah * WR 6-3 Jones, D’Jimon DB 6-1 King, Keenen OL 6-4 Mauigoa, Frederick OL 6-4 McBroom, Garrett * DE 6-3 Moore, Derek RUSH 6-2 Onyeukwu, Chima LB 6-3 Patmon, Dezmon WR 6-4 Porter, Grant WR 6-2 Rogers, Justus * QB/ATH 6-2 Ryan, Liam OL 6-6 Strong, Marcus DB 5-11 Tamaivena, Suliasi LB 6-2 Taylor, Robert DB 5-11 Thomas, Skyler DB 5-11 Thompson, Jalen * DB 6-0 Vinyard, Mason RUSH 6-5 Watson, Joshua OL 6-5 Woods, Jahad LB 5-11
WT 245 165 240 295 365 175 211 175 301 295 268 211 215 202 185 220 275 170 234 180 175 170 215 265 215
YR HOMETOWN (LAST SCHOOL) FR Taylorsville, Utah (Taylorsville HS) FR Los Angeles, Calif. (Cathedral HS) FR El Cajon, Calif. (Valhalla HS) FR Kailua, Hawaii (Kailua HS) FR Milpitas, Calif. (Milpitas HS) FR Tulare, Calif. (Union HS) FR Belle Glade, Fla. (Dwyer HS) FR Federal Way, Wash. (Federal Way HS) FR Las Vegas, Nev. (Arbor View HS) FR Pago Pago, American Samoa (Tafuna HS) JR* Stillwater, Okla. (Stillwater HS/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) FR Los Angeles, Calif. (Crenshaw HS) JR San Pablo, Calif. (Contra Costa College) FR San Diego, Calif. (Patrick Henry HS) FR Upland, Calif. (Upland HS) FR Bellevue, Wash. (Bellevue HS) FR La Verne, Calif. (Damien HS) FR Rialto, Calif. (Carter HS) JR Kirkland, Wash. (Juanita HS/Mt. San Antonio College) JR San Leandro, Calif. (Deer Valley HS/UC Davis/San Francisco CC) FR Perris, Calif. (Citrus Hill HS) FR Downey, Calif. (Downey HS) FR La Mesa, Calif. (Helix HS) FR Everett, Wash. (Cascade HS) FR La Mesa, Calif. (Helix HS)
*Signed FAA/NLI and enrolled at WSU in Jan., 2016 --Complete bios included on following pages--
The following student-athletes signed Financial Aid Agreements or a National Letter of Intent and enrolled at WSU in January and are attending classes:
ISAIAH JOHNSON 6-3 / 211 Wide Receiver Belle Glade, Fla. Dwyer HS ‘15 WSU CAREER FRESHMAN (2016): Enrolled at WSU in January, 2016...will participate in spring football drills. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SOPHOMORE, played at Glades Central High School, recorded 24 receptions for 426 yards and six touchdowns…as a JUNIOR at Dwyer High School, earned All-State, All-County and All-Area honors after catching 38 passes for 791 yards and eight touchdowns…as a SENIOR, named to Palm Beach Post Super 11 prior to the season…earned All-State, All-County and All-Area honors after catching 44 passes for 912 yards with 12 touchdowns…rated a four-star prospect by ESPN.com and three stars by Rivals.com Scout.com…rated the No. 20 wide receiver in Florida by Scout.com and No. 90 overall wide receiver prospect in the country by Rivals.com...played with current Cougar wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. at Dwyer High School…also lettered three times in basketball. PERSONAL Mother, Cammy…older brother, Keionte.
GARRETT MCBROOM 6-3 / 268 Defensive Line Stillwater, Okla. Stillwater HS ’13 / Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College ‘15 WSU CAREER RS-JUNIOR (2016): Enrolled at WSU in January, 2016...will participate in spring football drills. JUNIOR COLLEGE CAREER Attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Okla.…as a REDSHIRT-FRESHMAN in 2014, recorded 43 tackles including seven for loss…as a REDSHIRT-SOPHOMORE in 2015, earned All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference second-team honors after tallying 66 tackles with 19 tackles-for-loss including 10 sacks. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, recorded 41 tackles, three sacks and one interception…as a SENIOR, earned All-District 6A first-team honors after tallying 42 tackles including two for loss and one interception as a defensive lineman.
The following student-athletes signed Financial Aid Agreements or a National Letter of Intent and enrolled at WSU in January and are attending classes:
JUSTUS ROGERS 6-2 / 220 Quarterback / Athlete Bellevue, Wash. Bellevue HS ‘15 WSU CAREER FRESHMAN (2016): Enrolled at WSU in January, 2016...will participate in spring football drills. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Played four seasons for coach Butch Goncharoff at Bellevue High School…two-year captain…as a JUNIOR, completed 60-of-92 passes for 900 yards and nine touchdowns and zero interceptions…also rushed 49 times for 400 yards and two touchdowns…led BHS to the 3A State title game…as a SENIOR, led BHS and 11-2 record, a second-straight appearance in the state title game and finished the year earning All-KingCo second-team honors after completing 56-of-90 pass attempts for 1,144 yards with 19 touchdowns and one interception…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…rated the No. 46 athlete in the country and No. 19 athlete in the west by Scout.com…rated No. 15 prospect in Washington by ESPN.com…named a Red Chip Prospect (1 of 11 in Washington) by The Seattle Times…also lettered three years in track, did the hurdles…also played basketball. PERSONAL Born in Tacoma, Wash….parents, Michael and Je-Anne…older sister, Dejah…father, Michael walked on and played linebacker at Washington.
JALEN THOMPSON 6-0 / 170 Defensive Back Downey, Calif. Downey HS ‘15 WSU CAREER FRESHMAN (2016): Enrolled at WSU in January, 2016...will participate in spring football drills. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Played junior and senior seasons for head coach Jack Williams at Downey High School…also played at La Serna High School his first two seasons for coach Margarito Beltran…as a SOPHOMORE for LSHS, earned All-San Gabriel Valley League honorable mention and helped LSHS to a 11-3 record and a CIF Championship…as a JUNIOR at DHS, earned All-CIF and All-League honors after recording 57 tackles and one interception…also caught 22 passes for 450 yards and four touchdowns…as a SENIOR, earned All-CIF Southern Section, All-San Gabriel Valley League and Long Beach Press-Telegram All-Area Dream Team honors after picking off five passes and averaging 20.2 yards-per-catch. …rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked the No. 56 cornerback in the country and No. 88 overall prospect in California by ESPN.com…also ran track. PERSONAL Born in Paramount, Calif…parents, Demond and Delinda…older brothers, Jamari and Javon both played football at Cerritos College.
LYRIC BARTLEY 6-3 / 245 Defensive End Taylorsville, Utah Taylorsville HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SOPHOMORE, recorded 49 tackles with 15 for loss including eight sacks and one fumble recovery…as a JUNIOR, recorded 68 tackles with 10 for loss…also picked off one pass…also rushed 39 times for 237 yards and three touchdowns…played two games at quarterback, started one game…finished season 7-of-15 for 112 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions…as a SENIOR, named to All-State Second Team by the Salt Lake Tribune and Region III Most Outstanding Lineman…made 61 tackles with 18 for loss including a state-best 13.5 sacks and forced one fumble…rushed 16 times for 86 yards and five touchdowns…named a High School Stat Star by Max Preps after recording a three-sack game, one of two 3-sack performances during the season…rated three-star prospect by ESPN. com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked No. 93 defensive end prospect in the country and No. 12 overall prospect in Utah by ESPN. com…ranked the No. 23 defensive end prospect in the West by Scout.com.
RENARD BELL 5-10 / 165 Wide Receiver Los Angeles, Calif. Cathedral HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SOPHOMORE, caught 18 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown…as a JUNIOR, named to All-Angelus League First Team after recording 29 receptions for 462 yards and nine touchdowns…also rushed for two scores…ran track, ran a 10.89 in the 100M…as a SENIOR, named All-CIF Southern Section Southeast Division and earned Co-Offensive MVP of the Angelus League…caught 56 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns…rated three-star wideout by ESPN.com and Scout.com and a three-star athlete by Rivals.com…ranked the No. 21 wide receiver in the West by Scout.com and the No. 95 overall prospect in California by Rivals.com. PERSONAL Born in Los Angeles, Calif…parents, Reginald Sr. and Yarvelle…older brother Reginald Jr. played quarterback at Eastern Michigan (2013-14)…sister Ramia.
DANNY BENDER 6-4 / 240 Defensive End El Cajon, Calif. Valhalla HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, made 64 tackles with 21 for loss…broke up eight passes, recovered three fumbles and scored one touchdown…as a SENIOR, named All-CIF San Diego Section First Team and All-East County First Team…also named to All-State Medium Schools First Team by Cal-Hi Sports…recorded 74 tackles with nine sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception returned for a touchdown…also broke up eight passes…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Scout.com.
NILSSON GAISOA 6-5 / 295 Offensive Line Kailua, Hawaii Kailua HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SENIOR, earned All-State second team, Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State Third Team and All-Oahu Interscholastic Association Blue First-Team honors…helped KHS rush for 2,139 yards…selected to play in Hawaii’s Pacific Football Classic, a Hawaii high school showcase…also played basketball and volleyball. PERSONAL Born in Kailua, Hawaii…youngest of five children, three brothers, one sister…cousin of current Cougar Logan Tago…plans to major in business at WSU.
CHRISTIAN HAANGANA 6-5 / 365 Offensive Line Milpitas, Calif. Milpitas HS HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, named to All-State Second Team Juniors by Cal-Hi Sports…as a SENIOR, named to All-Mercury News First Team by the San Jose Mercury News and All-Northern California Second Team by MaxPreps…received California All-State Second-Team honors by Cal-Hi Sports…named Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division Most Valuable Lineman…helped team to a 10-4 record and a spot in the CIF Central Coast Section Championship game…MHS fell in title game of CIF State Division III AA to Campolindo…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Scout.com…ranked the No. 11 offensive guard in the West by Scout.com. PERSONAL Born in Tonga…parents Tevita and Lannyaeiki.
ROMELLO HARRIS 5-10 / 175 Running Back Tulare, Calif. Tulare Union HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a FRESHMAN, rushed for 947 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown…as a SOPHOMORE, rushed for 1,860 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught 15 passes for 138 yards…as a JUNIOR, named All-State third-team by Cal-Hi Sports after rushing for 2,561 yards and 31 touchdowns…averaged 7.8 yards-per-carry and 213.4 per game and tallied 11 100-yard games…had 357 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Kingsburg HS…rushed for 402 yards and five touchdowns against Porterville HS … also caught 26 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns…returned a punt and kickoff for a touchdown…in basketball garnered All-East Yosimite League first-team honors…following junior year, named All-Tulare County Boys Athlete of the Year…as a SENIOR, named to All-State Third-Team and All-State Medium School First Team by Cal-Hi Sports… rushed for 1,943 yards and 25 touchdowns in just nine games…averaged 9.6 yards-per-carry and 215.9 per games…tallied seven 100-yard games…rushed for 333 yards and five touchdowns in season-opener vs. El Diamante HS…rushed for 390 yards and four scores against Redwood HS…had 352 rushing yards and six touchdowns against Monache HS…caught 11 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown…played just nine games before suffering knee injury…finished career with 973 carries for 7,311 rushing yards and 85 touchdowns…totaled 91 touchdowns…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked No. 57 running back prospect in the country and eighth-best in the West by Scout.com. PERSONAL Born in Visalia, Calif…parents Greg and Michelle Nunley…plans to major in criminal justice at WSU.
D’JIMON JONES 5-11 / 175 Defensive Back Federal Way, Wash. Federal Way HS’16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, played quarterback…in eight games, rushed for 392 yards and four touchdowns, completed 31-of-61 passes for 561 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions…second-team all-league quarterback…served as sixth man for 4A State basketball championship team…finished second at state in the high jump after jumping 21-10.5…also high jumped 6-9…as a SENIOR, missed most of season with a leg injury…rated three-star quarterback prospect by ESPN.com and three-star cornerback by Rivals.com…ranked the No. 16 prospect in Washington by ESPN.com…rated a White Chip Prospect (Top 100 prospects in Washington) by The Seattle Times. PERSONAL Pronounced JY-mon (rhymes with diamond)…parents Roosevelt and Mandy…father played football at Portland State…high school basketball teammates with current Cougar basketball guard Viont’e Daniels.
KEENEN KING 6-4 / 301 Offensive Line Las Vegas, Nev. Arbor View HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Three-year starter at Arbor View High School…as a JUNIOR, named first-team All-Northwest League…named to Preseason All-City by Las Vegas Sun…as a SENIOR, named first-team All-State and All-Northwest League……helped AVHS to a 9-2 record and the Sunset Region Championship Game…blocked for offense that averaged 283.7 rushing yards per game…selected to play in the Southern Nevada Lions All-Star Game…rated three-star prospect ESPN.com, Rivals.com and by Scout.com…rated the No. 1 tackle prospect in Nevada and No. 67 tackle prospect in the country by Scout.com…ranked the fourth overall prospect in Nevada by ESPN.com and the sixth overall prospect in Nevada by Rivals.com.
FREDERICK MAUIGOA 6-4 / 295 Offensive Line Pago Pago, American Samoa Tafuna HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Played for coach Okland Salave’a, the brother of Cougar Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line Joe Salave’a… As a SENIOR, became first student-athlete from American Samoa to be selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Dallas in December, 2015…invited to Nike’s The Opening in summer, 2015…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com… rated the No. 1 overall prospect in American Samoa and No. 62 offensive guard prospect in the country by ESPN.com . PERSONAL Parents, Fa’alialia and Telesia…owns 4.0 GPA
DEREK MOORE 6-2 / 211 RUSH Linebacker Los Angeles, Calif. Crenshaw HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles…named among High School Defensive Linemen to Watch by the Los Angeles Times prior to SENIOR season…as a SENIOR, named All-Los Angeles City Section I Defensive Player of the Year…rated three-star prospect by Scout.com…ranked No. 80 outside linebacker in the country and tenth in California by Scout.com.
CHIMA ONYEUKWU 6-3 / 215 Linebacker San Pablo, Calif. Contra Costa College ‘16 JUNIOR COLLEGE CAREER Attended Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Calif….as a FRESHMAN, tallied 34 tackles with four for loss…named a Preseason Junior College All-American by Rivals.com as a SOPHOMORE…earned All-Pacific 7 League First-Team honors after recording 57 tackles with 11 for loss including seven sacks…recorded one fumble and blocked one kick…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked No. 88 overall junior college prospect by Rivals.com.
DEZMON PATMON 6-4 / 202 Wide Receiver San Diego, Calif. Patrick Henry HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, earned First-Team All-City League honors after catching 43 passes for 873 yards and 14 touchdowns…also made 27 tackles and three interceptions…as a SENIOR, caught 53 passes for 669 yards and five touchdowns…also led league with five interceptions including four in a playoff game…in Track and Field, as a SOPHOMORE, high jumped 6-6…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked the No. 78 wide receiver in the country by Scout.com PERSONAL Uncle, DeWayne Patmon, played linebacker at Michigan and for the New York Giants (2000-01).
GRANT PORTER 6-2 / 185 Wide Receiver Upland, Calif. Upland HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, made 23 catches for 366 yards and one touchdown…as a SENIOR, injured for most of the season, limited to three games… recorded four catches for 62 yards…averaged 15.5 yards-per-catch…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout. com…ranked the No. 83 wide receiver prospect in the country and No. 16 wideout in the West by Scout.com…ranked No. 68 overall prospect in California by ESPN.com.
LIAM RYAN 6-6 / 275 Offensive Line La Verne, Calif. Damien HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SENIOR, named to San Gabriel Valley Tribune First Team and Inland Daily Bulletin All-Area First Team and All-Baseline League First Team…blocked for running back that led league with 1,855 yards and 18 touchdowns……rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com… rated the No. 119 offensive tackle in the country by ESPN.com…also played basketball, started on DHS Division 3 State championship team as a JUNIOR. PERSONAL Uncle, Harry Daniels played offensive line at San Jose State in the early 1990’s.
MARCUS STRONG 5-11 / 170 Defensive Back Rialto, Calif. Carter HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a SOPHOMORE, made 17 tackles with four interceptions and 17 pass break-ups…as a JUNIOR, named to All-Citrus Belt League Second Team…made 42 tackles, three interceptions, 11 pass break-ups and a fumble recovery…as a SENIOR, named to All-Citrus Belt League First Team, San Bernardino Sun All-Area Second Team and Daily Bulletin All-Area honorable mention…played in 10 games, posting 36 tackles, one interception and nine pass break-ups…scored nine total touchdowns: three rushing, three receiving, two kickoff and one punt return…participated in 2016 Inland Empire All-Star Football Classic…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked No. 32 safety in the West by Scout.com. PERSONAL Parents, Elvester and Janis…older brother, Justin, is a safety at Oregon State…older brother Victor Butler played defensive end at Oregon State (2005-08) and six seasons in the NFL.
SULIASI TAMAIVENA 6-2 / 234 Linebacker Kirkland, Wash. Juanita HS ’11 / Mt. San Antonio College ‘16 JUNIOR COLLEGE CAREER Attended Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif….as a FRESHMAN, appeared in eight games…recorded 45 tackles including 12.5 for loss with 5.5 sacks…also forced one fumble and recovered one…as a SOPHOMORE, named California Community College All-America First-Team, All-Region III First-Team and SCFA National Division Central Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year…made 81 tackles including 20 for loss with nine sacks…forced one fumble and broke up seven passes…named SCFA Central Conference Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 8) after making 16 tackles with seven for loss including five sacks and also forced a fumble…named Player of the Game in the Patriotic Bowl after making a team-high 10 tackles with a pair of sacks…rated three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com …ranked No. 58 overall junior college prospect by Scout.com. PERSONAL Father, Levi, was an national rugby star in Fiji.
ROBERT TAYLOR 5-11 / 180 Defensive Back San Leandro, Calif. Deer Valley HS ‘14 / UC Davis / City College of San Francisco ‘16 JUNIOR COLLEGE CAREER As a SOPHOMORE in 2015…named to All-Northern California Bay 6 League…recorded 47 tackles, 1.5 for loss with five interceptions and six pass breakups…also averaged 11.6 yards per punt return including one returned for a touchdown…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Rivals.com. UC DAVIS CAREER Attended UC Davis in Davis, Calif. as a FRESHMAN in 2014…appeared in eight games, made 12 tackles and three pass breakups. HIGH SCHOOL CAREER As a JUNIOR, earned All-West Athletic Conference honors while playing at Castro Valley High School…picked off eight passes including a four-INT game…recorded 1,000 all-purpose yards and scored 10 touchdowns…once scored five touchdowns in a game…as a SENIOR, attended Deer Valley High School in Hayward, Calif…. earned All-Bay Valley League honors after tallying 64 tackles and three interceptions…also caught 24 passes for 458 yards and six touchdowns. PERSONAL Parents, Keith Taylor and Liz Julien…one of five children.
SKYLER THOMAS 5-11 / 175 Defensive Back Perris, Calif. Citrus Hill HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Citrus High School in Perris, Calif…as a SOPHOMORE, made 45 tackles including six for loss with one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries…as a JUNIOR, earned All-League first-team honors after recording 86 tackles, four sacks and forced seven fumbles…scored three touchdowns, one rushing, one fumble return and one kickoff return…as a SENIOR, helped CHHS to a CIF State Division 2A championship and a 14-2…named All-CIF Southern Section Inland Division and All-Mountain Pass League after making 65 tackles including eight for loss with four sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and 11 pass breakups……played in the Inland Empire All-Star Football Classic for Riverside County, had a 92-yard kickoff return of touchdown and an interception…rated three-star prospect by Scout.com…rated No. 18 safety prospect in California by Scout.com.
MASON VINYARD 6-5 / 215 RUSH Linebacker La Mesa, Calif. Helix HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Helix High School in La Mesa, Calif….as a JUNIOR, caught 24 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns…also named All-CIF First Team for track…as a SENIOR, named to All-East County First Team, helping team to San Diego Section title…recorded 27 tackles with 5.5 sacks…also recovered four fumbles and forced one…caught four passes for 93 yards and one 55-yard touchdown… had 2.5 sacks against Cathedral Catholic…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…...rated the No. 25 tight end prospect in the country by ESPN.com…ranked the No. 69 overall prospect in California by Rivals.com and fourth-best tight end in California by Scout.com. PERSONAL Born in San Diego, Calif…parents Derek and Kim…mom played volleyball at San Diego State while dad played baseball at San Diego State and with Boston Red Sox in their minor league system.
JOSHUA WATSON 6-5 / 265 Offensive Line Everett, Wash. Cascade HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Cascade High School in Everett, Wash., earning four varsity letters...as a JUNIOR, earned first-team All-Wesco honors on defense and honorable mention as an offensive lineman…as a SENIOR, earned All-Classifications All-State accolades by The Associated Press, The Seattle Times and The Tacoma News Tribune…named to All-Wesco 4A First Team and Everett Herald All-Area First Team… garnered ALL-USA Western Washington High School Football Team…on defense earned All-Wesco after making 15 tackles with six for loss including three sacks……rated three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked the top offensive guard in Washington by Scout.com and the No. 14 overall prospect in Washington by Rivals.com…named a White Chip Prospect (Top 100 prospects in Washington) by The Seattle Times. PERSONAL Born in Everett, Wash…parents Gregory and Rosemarie…plans to major in business at WSU.
JAHAD WOODS 5-11 / 215 Linebacker La Mesa, Calif. Helix HS ‘16 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Attended Helix High School in La Mesa, Calif….as a SENIOR, named to All-State Fourth Team by Cal-Hi Sports, All-CIF San Diego Section first-team, All-East County first-team and All-Grossmont Hills first-team honors…recorded 58 tackles with 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble…scored three touchdowns, all on defense, an 86-yard INT return and two fumbles returned for scores…helped Helix HS to an 11-2 overall record… named Prep Athlete of the Week (Sept. 3, 2015) by the San Diego Union Tribune after rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown and made eight tackles…named Prep Athlete of the Week (Dec. 9, 2015) by the San Diego Union Tribune after making 10 tackles in the Open Division Championship game…rated three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals. com and Scout.com…rated No. 61 inside linebacker in the country and No. 10 inside linebacker in California by Scout.com…ranked the No. 88 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com.
