2018 kansas football class
2018 KANSAS FOOTBALL CLASS Player Kenny Bastida Jelani Brown Nick Channel *Codey Cole Mac Copeland *Foster Dixson *Davon Ferguson Dylan Freberg *Corione Harris Elmore Hempstead Jr. Elijah Jones Azur Kamara *Miles Kendrick Reuben Lewis Jacobi Lott Ryan Malbrough Billy Maples *Jeremiah McCullough Cody McNerney Jack Murphy Jack Parks *Stephon Robinson Jr. Spencer Roe *Mavin Saunders *Najee Stevens-McKenzie Pooka Williams Jr. *Nick Williams Tayber Witt
Pos. LB DT ATH DT OL DE S TE CB CB CB DE QB OL OL ATH QB S ATH OL TE WR OL TE DE RB OL WR
Ht. 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-9 6-5 5-10 6-4 6-5 6-3 5-10 6-8 4-10
Wt. 230 297 205 280 245 250 190 210 170 175 175 225 200 330 309 180 220 205 200 291 230 170 270 256 225 170 265 71
Yr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Exp. HS JC HS JC HS JC JC HS HS JC JC JC JC JC HS HS HS JC HS HS HS JC HS TR JC HS HS ES
Hometown (High School/Previous School) Pompano Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach HS) San Jose, Caliif. (Oak Grove HS/College of San Mateo) Wichita, Kan. (Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS) Ypsilanti, Mich. (Belleville HS/Tiffin Univ./Butler CC) Wichita, Kan. (Wichita Collegiate HS) Los Angeles, Calif. (Fairfax HS/UTEP/West Los Angeles CC) Baltimore, Md. (St. Vincent Pallotti HS/Hartnell College) Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley North HS) Marrero, La. (Landry-Walker HS) Smackover, Ark. (Smackover HS/Fort Scott CC) Cape Coral, Fla. (North Fort Myers HS/Ellsworth CC) Glendale, Ariz. (Central HS/Arizona Western College) Morgan Hill, Calif. (Valley Christian HS/College of San Mateo) Apopka, Fla. (Apopka HS/Coffeyville CC) Amarillo, Texas (Tascosa HS) Cecilia, La. (Cecilia HS) Kansas City, Mo. (Park Hill HS) Baltimore, Md. (Mount St. Joseph HS/Hartnell College) Wichita, Kan. (Wichita Collegiate HS) Kansas City, Mo. (Rockhurst HS) Olathe, Kan. (Olathe Northwest HS) Los Angeles, Calif. (Narbonne HS/El Camino JC) Lawrence, Kan. (Free State HS) Bimini, Bahamas (The Kinkaid School/Florida State) Cleveland, Ohio (Bedford HS/ASA College) Boutte, La. (Hahnville HS) Overland, Mo. (Ritenour HS) Tonganoxie, Kan. (Tonganoxie Elementary)
* Signed in December and on campus for the Spring 2018 semester
2018 KANSAS FOOTBALL CLASS NOTABLES TOTAL PLAYERS: 28 HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS: 14 JUNIOR COLLEGE PLAYERS: 12 QUALIFIERS OUT OF HS: 5 3+ YEARS AVAILABILITY: 6 GRADUATE TRANSFERS: 1 TEAM IMPACT: 1
#kufball
PLAYERS BY STATE STATE NO. Arkansas 1 Arizona 1 California 4 Florida 3 Kansas 7 Louisiana 3 Maryland 2 Michigan 1 Missouri 3 Ohio 1 Texas 1 Bahamas 1
PLAYERS BY POSITION POSITION NO. Athletes 3 Cornerbacks 3 Defensive Ends 3 Defensive Tackles 2 Linebackers 1 Offensive Line 6 Quarterbacks 2 Running Backs 1 Safeties 2 Tight Ends 3 Wide Receivers 2 Signing Day • 1
KENNY BASTIDA LB, 6-1, 230, Fr. Apopka, Florida Apopka HS
High School: Earned three letters at Deerfield Beach HS playing for head coach Jevon Glenn ... A three-star prospect according to Rivals.com and ESPN.com ... Helped lead DBHS to a district title as a junior after posting 90 tackles ... Also named Defensive Player of the Year for DBHS ... Rated No. 29 in the Orlando Sentinel’s Top 100 Players in Florida ... Named No. 8 in the South Florida Sun Sentinel Top 18 in 2018. Personal: Son of Noelia Sanchez and Evel Bastida ... Has a twin sister, Keily ... Plans to major in business ... Selected Kansas over offers from Indiana, LSU, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Rutgers, NC State, North Carolina and Central Florida among others.
JELANI BROWN DT, 6-2, 297, Jr. San Jose, Calif. Oak Grove HS College of San Mateo
CODEY COLE
DT, 6-3, 280, Jr. Ypsilanti, Michigan Belleville HS Butler CC/Tiffin University Butler CC (2017): Rated a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... Collected 19 total tackles, including 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and a pass breakup during the 2017 campaign ... Earned Honorable Mention All-KJCCC honors in 2017 ... Played for head coach Tim Schaffner at BCC. Tiffin University (2016): Registered 22 tackles, including 5.0 TFLs, during his one season with the Dragons ... Also recorded 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup ... Played under head coach Gary Goff at Tiffin. High School: Earned three letters at Belleville HS playing for head coach Matt Davenport ... Helped lead BHS to a WAC conference title as a senior ... Posted a career-high 15 tackles against Thurston HS ... Named all-conference as a senior ... Also lettered in basketball and baseball at BHS. Personal: Son of Victoria and Charles Cole ... Plans to major in sports management ... Selected Kansas over offers from Fresno State, Memphis and UNLV, among others.
High School: Helped lead Oak Grove HS to an 8-3 overall mark, a league title with a perfect 7-0 mark and an appearance in the CIF Central Coast Section Playoffs in 2016 ... Credited with 96 total tackles, 10 sacks, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered in 2016 ... Played under head coach Jay Braun at Oak Grove HS. Personal: Son of Kyle Roach and Wayne Brown ... Has one sister, Tiyana ... Teammate of fellow Jayhawk signee Miles Kendrick at CSM.
MAC COPELAND OL, 6-4, 245, Fr. Wichita, Kansas Wichita Collegiate HS
High School: Earned four letters playing for head coach Mike Gehrer at Wichita Collegiate HS ... Helped lead Collegiate to a Kansas Class 3A state runner up finish in 2015 ... During his time with the Spartans, WCHS was a one-time sub-state champion, three-time district champion, three-time regional champion and a one-time league champion ... Earned allleague honors in 2015, 2016 and 2017 ... Picked up all-state honors for three-straight years 2015-17 ... Named to the Wichita Eagle All-Metro Team in 2017 ... A four-year member of the WCHS honor roll. Personal: Son of Kelli and David Copeland ... Has two brothers, Mitch and Myles ... Mitch currently plays football at K-State and Myles was on the Wildcat roster from 2012-15 ... Plans to major in business management.
NICK CHANNEL ATH, 6-0, 205, Fr. Wichita, Kansas Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS
High School: Earned four letters at Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS playing for head coach Dan Adelhardt ... Set the KMCHS regular-season rushing record with 1,305 yards in nine games in 2017 ... Named First Team All-Wichita running back and second team AllWichita at linebacker as a senior by the Wichita Eagle ... Also picked up all-state and all-metro honors as a running back in 2017 ... Tabbed a Second Team All-Wichita running back and safety by the Wichita Eagle in 2016 ... Earned Honorable Mention All-Wichita honors as a freshman and sophomore ... Also picked up four letters in track and field at KMCHS. Personal: Son of Angie and David Channel ... Has two sisters, Lily and Clare ... Comes from a very athletic family as his father, David, competed in track and field at both KU and Wichita State, while his mom, Angie played softball at Wichita State ... His sister, Lily, plays softball at Johnson County Community College and two cousins, Dylan and Dana Channel, played basketball at Washburn University ... Plans to major in biology and pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. #KUfball
Personal: Son of Greg Dixson and Sarah Jennings ... Plans to major in business administration ... Chose Kansas over offers from Colorado State and UConn.
DAVON FERGUSON S, 5-10, 190, So. Baltimore, Maryland St. Vincent Pallotti HS Hartnell College
A qualifier out of high school with four years to play three.
Has three years to play two. College of San Mateo (2016-17): Helped lead San Mateo to an 11-2 overall mark and a runner-up finish in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championship game ... Credited with 14 total tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks and two passes breakups in his 10 games played in 2017 ... Played for head coach Larry Owens at CSM.
High School: Played eight games for the Lions as a defensive end and tight end during the 2014 season ... Tallied 30 solo tackles, 10 sacks, eight tackles-for-loss, four blocked field goals, one fumble returned for a touchdown and one blocked punt ... Opened the season with a career-best four sacks and added seven tackles against Carson HS ... Saw action on special teams and blocked a career-high three field goals against Hamilton HS ... As a junior registered a career-high 11 tackles in a victory over Palisades HS ... Compiled 50 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and one touchdown in 2013 ... Named 2014 Defensive Lineman of the Year and to the All-City team ... Coached by Shane Cox at Fairfax HS ... Also a member Fairfax’s undefeated basketball squad.
FOSTER DIXSON DE, 6-4, 250, Jr. Los Angeles, California Fairfax HS UTEP/West Los Angeles CC A qualifier out of high school. West Los Angeles Community College (2017): Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com ... Posted 39 tackles and 9.5 tackles-for-loss and three pass breakups ... Named a first team all-conference selection. UTEP (2015-16): Played in six contests ... Tallied two tackles and 0.5 tackle for loss (four yards) ... Saw first collegiate action at no. 11 Texas ... Registered first career tackle at UTSA ... Recorded a tackle and 0.5 tackle for loss against Old Dominion ... Also saw playing time against Houston Baptist, at Florida Atlantic and versus North Texas ... Redshirted his first year at UTEP.
Hartnell College (2017): Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals. com ... Collected 55 total tackles, including 41 solo hits ... Recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown ... Also posted two fumble recoveries ... Averaged 9.6 yards per punt return to lead the region ... Posted seven kick returns for 182 yards, an average of 26.0 yards per return ... Played for head coach Matt Collins at Hartnell. High School: Helped lead St. Vincent Pallotti Panthers to a 10-2 record and a MIAA Conference title in 2016 ... Played under head coach Ian Thomas at St. Vincent Pallotti HS ... Forced seven turnovers from his free safety position in 2016. Personal: Son of Lachelle Redd and Damon Ferguson ... Has two brothers: Damon Ferguson Jr., and Deonte Ferguson ... Also has two sisters: Lache Dabney and Layah Redd ... Father, Damon, lettered in track at Central State ... Plans to major in sport management ... Chose Kansas over San Diego State.
DYLAN FREBERG
TE, 6-4, 210, Fr. Overland Park, Kansas Blue Valley North HS
High School: Earned four letters at Blue Valley North HS playing for head coach Andy Sims ... Helped lead the Mustangs to a 9-4 mark and a Class 6A state title in 2017 by recording nine catches for 222 receiving yards in a win over Derby ... Finished his senior season with 1,177 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 76 receptions ... Posted a career-best outing against Olathe East hauling in 14 catches for 248 yards ... Named First Team All-State by USA Today ... Earned Class 6A All-State honors by the Topeka Capitol Journal and Wichita Eagle ... Picked up Second Team AllEastern Kansas League honors in 2017 by the Kansas City Star ... Selected to play in the 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl ... Had 33 catches for 348 receiving yards and three TDs in 2016 ... Also lettered in basketball at BVNHS. Personal: Son of Tarra and Eric Freberg ... Has three siblings, Dane, Drew and Lauren ... Plans to major in finance.
Signing Day • 2
CORIONE HARRIS CB, 6-1, 170, Fr. Marrero, Louisiana Landry-Walker HS
High School: Touted as a four-star recruit, the 13th best cornerback and the sixth best player in the state of Louisiana according to Rivals.com ... Ranked No. 97 in the Rivals.com Top 100 ... Also rated a four-star recruit by ESPN.com, Scout. com and 247Sports.com ... Played for head coach Emanuel Powell at Landry-Walker HS ... Led LWHS to a 13-2 record and the Louisiana Class 5A state championship in 2016 ... Helped guide the Charging Bucs to the playoffs again in 2017 and an 8-4 overall mark, playing both quarterback and cornerback.
High School: Recorded 18 total tackles, including 14 solo hits, as a senior at North Fort Myers HS ... Posted one interception, which he returned 60 yards ... Also credited with a fumble recovery ... Coached by Earnest Graham at NFMHS. Personal: Son of Collin and Monica Jones ... Has two sisters, Cynthia and Samaria ... Plans to major in business.
AZUR KAMARA DE, 6-4, 225, Jr. Glendale, Arizona Central HS Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College (2016-17): Rated a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... Collected 30 total tackles, including a team-leading 15.5 tackles-for-loss in 2017 ... Recorded 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, a pass breakup and a blocked kick in helping lead Arizona Western to the NJCAA national title game ... Posted 45 total tackles, 13.5 TFLs and eight sacks in 2016 ... Also had four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, while playing for head coach Tom Minnick at AWC.
ELMORE HEMPSTEAD JR.
High School: Collected 106 total tackes, including 25.5 sacks during his senior season at Central HS in 2015 ... Also caused four fumbles and recovered one ... Earned first team all-conference on both offense and defense ... Named to the All-USA Arizona High School football team following his senior season ... Coached by Jon Clanton at CHS.
Fort Scott CC (2016-17): Rated a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... Played for head coach Kale Pick, a former KU standout wide receiver, at FSCC ... Tabbed Second Team All-KJCCC in 2017 ... Tallied 18 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore ... Also had five pass breakups and one tackle-for-loss ... As a freshman, recorded 47 tackles, five interceptions, seven pass breakups and 1.5 TFLs ... Picked up Honorable Mention All-KJCCC honors in 2016. High School: Earned four letters in football playing for head coach Brian Strickland at Smackover HS ... Helped lead SHS to a 26-7 record over his final three seasons ... Earned allstate and all-conference honors in football ... Also lettered in basketball and track and field ... Named all-region and allconference in basketball ... An all-district honoree in track and field. Personal: Son of Laprino Hempstead and Herbert Rayford ... Has three sisters, Whitney Moore and Chelsea and Jillian Hempstead ... Plans to major in sports medicine ... Chose Kansas over offers from Arizona State, Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Central Florida and UNLV.
ELIJAH JONES CB, 6-1, 175, Jr. Cape Coral, Florida North Fort Myers HS Ellsworth CC Has three years to play two. Ellsworth Community College (2016-17): Rated a threestar prospect according to Rivals.com ... Collected 19 tackles and four interceptions during his sophomore season at Ellsworth CC ... Named Iowa Community College Athletic Association (ICCAC) Defensive Athlete of the Week on Sept. 13, 2017 after helping lead the Panthers to a 35-28 win over Iowa Central ... Recorded the game saving interception and had two interceptions, two pass breakups and two tackles in the win ... Credited with 11 tackles and three interceptions as a freshman in 2016 ... Played for head coach Jesse Montalto at ECC.
#KUfball
OL, 6-4, 330, Jr. Apopka, Florida Apopka HS Coffeyville Community College Has three years to play two.
Personal: Son of Dwanne Kent ... Has one sister, Dwannta Kent ... Plans to major in communications ... Played at the same high school as current KU safety Mike Lee ... Chose Kansas over offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa State, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and West Virginia.
CB, 5-11, 175, Jr. Smackover, Arkansas Smackover HS Fort Scott CC
REUBEN LEWIS
Personal: Son of Djaka Bility and Noah Sherrif ... Has four sisters, Fatu and Amie Kamara and Mahawa and Makura Sherrif ... Also has two brothers, Adam and Omar Sherrif ... Undecided on a major ... Selected Kansas over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Cincinnati, Florida State, Iowa State, Louisville, Maryland, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee UCF, Utah and Washington State.
MILES KENDRICK QB, 5-10, 200, So. Morgan Hill, California Valley Christian HS College of San Mateo
Coffeyville Community College (2016-17): Rated a three star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com ... Saw action in 11 games in 2017, starting all 11 ... As a freshman in 2016, hit the field in nine games for the Red Ravens ... Played for head coach Aaron Flores at CCC. High School: Helped lead Apopka HS to a 10-2 mark and a playoff appearance as a senior in 2015 ... Earned a Class 8A state title in 2014, helping guide AHS to a 13-4 mark and a 30-23 win over Columbus HS in the title game ... Park of an AHS squad that was the Class 8A state runner-up in 2013 ... Played for head coach Rick Darlington at AHS ... Personal: Son of Vanessa Lewod and Reuben Lewis Sr. ... Chose Kansas over offers from West Virginia, New Mexico and East Carolina.
JACOBI LOTT DL, 6-4, 309, Fr. Amarillo, Texas Tascosa HS
High School: Attended Tascosa HS in Amarillo, Texas, playing for head coach Ken Plunk ... Helped lead the Rebels to a bidistrict title in 2015, 2016 and 2017 ... Named first team alldistrict in 2016 and 2017 ... Tabbed the top lineman in the 806 area code in 2017 ... Also lettered for three years in track and field. Personal: Son of Donita Woods and Charlie Lott ... Has one brother, Gentry Lott, and a sister, Jenisha Woods ... His father, Charlie, played football at Texas Tech ... His uncle, Ronnie Lott, played football at USC and is a four-time Super Bowl Champion and a 14-year NFL veteran ... Intends to major in mass communications ... Chose Kansas over offers from Texas, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Texas State and Tulsa.
A qualifier out of high school with four years to play three. College of San Mateo (2017): Rated a three star recruit by Rivals.com ... Saw action in 11 games, starting nine ... Threw for 1,889 yards and 18 touchdowns ... Completed 103-of-178 passes, with a long completion of 91 yards ... Also rushed for 417 yards and five scores on 103 carries ... Helped lead San Mateo to an 11-2 overall mark and a runner-up finish in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championship game ... Played for head coach Larry Owens at CSM. High School: Helped lead Valley Christian HS to a state runner up finish and an 13-2 mark as a senior ... Played for head coach Mike Machado at VCHS ... Earned All-CIF honors in 2016 ... Also named co-NorCal Quarterback of the year as a senior. Personal: Son of Rachell Argell and John Lee Kendrick Jr. ... Plans to major in business management.
RYAN MALBROUGH ATH, 6-1, 180, Fr. Cecilia, Louisiana Cecilia HS
High School: Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com ... Picked up a two-star rating from Rivals.com ... Earned four letters at Cecilia HS, playing for head coach Dennis Skains ... Also lettered in track and field, helping lead CHS to back-toback state championships ... Owns the CHS school record in the 200 meters at 21.4. Personal: Son of Simone Alex and Ronald Malbrough ... Has six siblings ... Three brothers are Ronald, Bryon and Mason ... Three sisters are Jade, Breona and Jalaya ... Intends to major in engineering ... Chose Kansas over offers from Kansas State, Memphis, Southern Miss, Tulane, Colorado State and Houston among others.
Signing Day • 3
BILLY MAPLES QB, 6-2, 220, Fr. Kansas City, Missouri Park Hill HS
High School: Attended Park Hill HS, playing for head coach Josh Hood ... Passed for 3,130 yards and 41 touchdowns, in 2017, leading PHHS to the Missouri Class 6 state semifinals and a 10-3 season ... Set the Missouri state record for most touchdowns in one game (9), and set a National Federation record for most touchdowns in one half (8) against Lee’s Summit HS ... Earned Hy-Vee 41 Five-Star Athlete of the Week on Oct. 12, 2017 after completing 23-of-26 passes for 411 yards and four touchdowns against Liberty North HS ... Tabbed First Team all-state Class 6A by the Missouri High School Coaches Association ... Named Second Team all-state Class 6A by a panel of Missouri sports writers. Personal: Son of Kristie and Shannon Maples.
JEREMIAH McCULLOUGH S, 6-0, 205, Jr. Baltimore, Maryland Mount St. Joseph HS Hartnell College
A high school qualifier with two years to play. Hartnell College (2016-17): Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com ... Collected 36 total tackles, including 29 solo hits in 2017 ... Recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown ... Also posted two fumble recoveries ... Two-time first team all-conference ... Named Hit Man of the Year both seasons at Hartnell ... Played for head coach Matt Collins at Hartnell ... Named to the Dean’s List for his effort in the classroom. High School: Played on both sides of the ball at Mount St. Joseph HS under head coach Richard Holzer ... Recorded 39 tackles on defense and also collected 479 receiving yards on 30 catches as a senior ... Helped lead the Gaels to an 8-3 mark during his final season. Personal: Son of Monica and Michael McCullough ... Has three brothers, Michael and Ahmad McCullough and Georgio Johnson ... Plans to major in communications ... Chose Kansas over Fresno State, Toledo and Utah State.
a fourth-place finish at the state tournament in 2017 … Was a member of the sixth-place 4x400-meter relay team at the state track meet in 2016. Personal: Son of Allison and Jim McNerney ... Has three siblings: Jim, Tom and Valerie ... Plans to major in finance.
JACK MURPHY OL, 6-9, 291, Fr. Kansas City, Missouri Rockhurst HS
High School: Earned two letters at Rockhurst HS playing for head coach Tony Severino … Helped the Hawklets to a 10-3 record his senior season. Personal: Son of John and Kelly Murphy … Plans to major in marketing.
JACK PARKS TE, 6-5, 230, Fr. Olathe, Kansas Olathe Northwest HS
High School: Picked up three letters in football at Olathe Northwest HS, playing under head coach Chip Sherman ... Picked up First Team All-Sunflower League honors in 2017 ... Named Honorable Mention all-state as a senior ... Also lettered in basketball at ONWHS ... Earned a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll all four years. Personal: Son of Neli and Mark Parks ... Has one brother, Andrew Mermer, and one sister, Katie Parks ... Father, Mark, played football at KU ... Mother, Neli, played volleyball at New Mexico ... Plans to major in business.
STEPHON ROBINSON JR. WR, 5-10, 170, So. Los Angeles, California Narbonne HS El Camino CC
A qualifier out of high school with four years to play three.
CODY MCNERNEY ATH, 6-1, 200, Fr. Wichita, Kansas Wichita Collegiate HS
High School: Earned a total of 11 letters including four in football, four in basketball, one in baseball and two in track & field at Wichita Collegiate HS … Was a three-year starter on the gridiron playing for head coach Mike Gehrer … Totaled over 3,000 yards of offense in his junior season and gained over 2,500 total yards and was the second-leading tackler for the Spartans making 77 stops … Named Second Team All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League wide receiver and Honorable Mention defensive back in 2015, 4A-II Honorable Mention All-State quarterback in 2016 and Second Team All-League quarterback and First Team All-League and AllState defensive back in 2017 … Helped Wichita Collegiate to two district and bi-district championships (2014, 2016), a regional championship (2014), and league championship and 3A state runner-up finish (2015) … Was also a fouryear starter in basketball where he was a two-time First Team All-League member (2015, 2016), Second Team AllState honoree (2016), All-League MVP (2017) and First Team All-State honoree (2017) and helped his team to a 3A state runner-up finish (2015), 4A-II state championship (2016) and #KUfball
El Camino CC (2017): Rated a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... Played in 11 games for El Camino CC and led the team in receiving with 62 receptions for 1,274 yards ... Recorded eight touchdown receptions ... Averaged 115.8 receiving yards per game ... Had seven 100-yard receiving games ... Longest reception was 81 yards against Long Beach City College ... Recorded five kick returns for 46 yards ... Became the all-time single-season receiving record holder for ECCC by eclipsing Marcel Reese’s 2005 season when he totaled 49 catches for 1,128 yards. High School: Played two years on varsity for Narbonne HS under head coach Manuel Douglas ... Had 65 receptions for 1,304 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns as senior ... Named First Team All-City and All-Marine League as a senior ... Helped lead the Gauchos to a Division 1A state championship in 2015 ... A member of the honor roll all four years at NHS. Personal: Son of Cheryl Duncan and Stephon Robinson ... Has three brothers: Chauncey Stevens, James Williams and Brandon Smith ... Undecided on a major ... Chose Kansas over Hawaii and Middle Tennessee.
SPENCER ROE
OL, 6-4, 270, Fr. Lawrence, Kansas Free State HS
High School: Earned a total of eight letters at Free State HS, playing football, basketball and baseball ... Played football under head coach Bob Lisher ... Helped lead the Firebirds to two conference titles and three district championships ... Guided FSHS to an undefeated regular season in 2017 ... Picked up First Team All-State honors and First Team AllSunflower League honors as a senior ... Named to the AllSimone team in 2017 ... Earned a spot on the honor roll all four years at Free State HS. Personal: Son of Shelly and Anthony Roe ... Plans to major in accounting ... Joins fellow Free State alums Joe Dineen Jr., Keith Loneker Jr., Bryce Torneden and Jay Dineen on the Jayhawk roster.
MAVIN SAUNDERS TE, 6-5, 256, Sr. Bimini, Bahamas The Kinkaid School (Texas) Florida State A qualifier out of high school. Florida State (2014-17): Saw action in 10 games in 2017, but did not record any statistics ... Named to the prestigious 2017 All-State AFCA Good Works Team ... Finished the 2016 season with 10 catches for 182 yards in 12 games ... Made three starts in 2016 against USF, No. 3 Clemson and Boston College ... Had a career day against No. 23 North Carolina, finishing with three catches for 74 yards, including a long of 33 yards ... Had two catches against Syracuse and one against USF, No. 10 Miami, No. 3 Clemson, Boston College and No. 13 Florida ... Against the Hurricanes, his diving 11yard catch on third down in the third quarter kept FSU’s goahead drive alive in the 13-point comeback win on the road ... Combined with Ryan Izzo for seven receptions at North Carolina – the most receptions in a game by the position since 2014 ... Appeared in eight games making two starts during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2015 ... Named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll ... Earned his first career start at tight end at Boston College ... Also recorded a start against in-state rival Miami ... Finished his first full season with six receptions for 52 yards ... Tallied three catches for 26 yards in a win over the Hurricanes ... Recorded one reception against Texas State, Boston College and Louisville ... Longest reception of the season came on a 21-yard passing play from Everett Golson in the first quarter against the Cardinals ... Appeared in one game (Wake Forest) before receiving a medical redshirt in 2014. High School: Rated a four-star prospect in the 2014 class by 247Sports, ESPN and Scout, and a three-star recruit by Rivals ... Ranked the No. 3 tight end in the country and No. 23 player in Texas (No. 187 player overall) by 247Sports ... Rated the No. 7 tight end and No. 45 player in Texas by ESPN ... Ranked the No. 14 tight end and No. 32 player in Texas by Rivals ... Scout’s No. 9 tight end prospect ... PrepStar Magazine All-Midlands Region ... Came to the United States from Bimini, Bahamas, and first played football his junior season of high school ... Helped lead Kincaid to an 11-0 record and the Southwest Preparatory Conference title by totaling 35 receptions for 468 yards and eight touchdowns ... Had 40 catches for 590 yards and six touchdowns as a junior to lead the Falcons to an 8-3 mark and the SPC large-school title game V Also starred in basketball for Kincaid where he held averages of 16.5 points and 8.6 rebounds following his junior season ... Received college basketball offers from Connecticut and Oklahoma, among others. Personal: Graduated from Florida State with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Signing Day • 4
NAJEE STEVENS-McKENZIE DE, 6-3, 225, Jr. Cleveland, Ohio Bedford HS ASA College/Fort Scott CC
ASA College (2016-17): Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals. com ... Earned First Team All-Northeast Conference in 2017 ... Credited with 33 total tackles, including a team-best 12.5 tackles-for-loss ... Also registered 9.5 sacks and a blocked kick on the season ... Helped lead the Avengers to a 9-1 overall record and a win in the Valley of the Sun Bowl as a sophomore ... Suited up for head coach Joe Osovet at ASA. Fort Scott CC (2015): Spent the season as a redshirt. High School: Helped lead Bedford HS to the a regional and conference title in 2014 ... Had 67 tackles, 10 TFLs, eight sacks and nine quarterback hurries during the 2014 season ... Received special mention all-district ... Posted a careerbest six sacks in one game ... Played for head coach Sean Williams at BHS ... Also lettered three years in basketball and track and field. Personal: Son of MaeEllenn McKenzie ... Has one sister, Lily ... Plans to major in criminal justice ... Chose Kansas over offers from Iowa State, Maryland, Missouri, Pittsburgh, UCF, Bowling Green and Toledo.
POOKA WILLIAMS JR. RB, 5-10, 170, Fr. Boutte, Louisiana Hahnville HS
NICK WILLIAMS OL, 6-8, 265, Fr. Overland, Missouri Ritenour HS
High School: Rated a three-star recruit and the 11th-best prospect in the state of Missouri by Rivals.com ... Touted as a three-star recruit and the 12th best player in the state of Missouri according to 247Sports.com ... Played for head coach Hoyt Gregory at Ritenour HS ... Earned second team allstate honors in 2017 ... Also earned three letters in basketball. Personal: Son of Dianne Bell and Rodney Williams ... Plans to major in business management ... Chose Kansas over offers from Central Florida, Illinois and Minnesota.
TAYBER WITT WR, 4-10, 71, Fr. Tonganoxie, Kansas Tonganoxie ES
Elementary School: Rated a five-star recruit and the top prospect in the state of Kansas by Rivals.com, 247Sports. com, ESPN.com and Scout.com ... Speedy wide receiver who fashions his game after his favorite player, Odell Beckham Jr. ... Also a standout on the basketball court. Personal: Son of Lorelei Witt and Josh Witt ... Has one sister, Jenna, and one brother, Beckham ... Plans to major in sports broadcasting ... Chose Kansas over every other school in the country.
High School: Touted as a four-star recruit and the 15th best player in the state of Louisiana according to ESPN. com ... Rated a three-star recruit, the 11th-best all-purpose back in the country and the 16th rated player in the state of Louisiana by Rivals.com ... Also a three-star player according to 247Sports.com ... Played for head coach Dominic Saltaformaggio at Hahnville HS ... Led HHS to the Louisiana Class 5A state title game, rushing for 210 yards and a touchdown, against Zachary HS ... Registered 3,118 rushing yards with 37 touchdowns as a senior ... Collected nearly 1,400 yards and 14 scores in Hahnville’s five-game playoff run ... Named New Orleans Metro Player of the Year by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Quarterback Club. Personal: Chose Kansas over offers from LSU, Mississippi State, Memphis, Nebraska, TCU, UCLA, Tulane and Louisiana Tech.
#KUfball
Signing Day • 5
#KUfball
Signing Day • 6
Pos. LB DT ATH DT OL DE S TE CB CB CB DE QB OL OL ATH QB S ATH OL TE WR OL TE DE RB OL WR
Ht. 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-9 6-5 5-10 6-4 6-5 6-3 5-10 6-8 4-10
Wt. 230 297 205 280 245 250 190 210 170 175 175 225 200 330 309 180 220 205 200 291 230 170 270 256 225 170 265 71
Yr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Exp. HS JC HS JC HS JC JC HS HS JC JC JC JC JC HS HS HS JC HS HS HS JC HS TR JC HS HS ES
Hometown (High School/Previous School) Pompano Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach HS) San Jose, Caliif. (Oak Grove HS/College of San Mateo) Wichita, Kan. (Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS) Ypsilanti, Mich. (Belleville HS/Tiffin Univ./Butler CC) Wichita, Kan. (Wichita Collegiate HS) Los Angeles, Calif. (Fairfax HS/UTEP/West Los Angeles CC) Baltimore, Md. (St. Vincent Pallotti HS/Hartnell College) Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley North HS) Marrero, La. (Landry-Walker HS) Smackover, Ark. (Smackover HS/Fort Scott CC) Cape Coral, Fla. (North Fort Myers HS/Ellsworth CC) Glendale, Ariz. (Central HS/Arizona Western College) Morgan Hill, Calif. (Valley Christian HS/College of San Mateo) Apopka, Fla. (Apopka HS/Coffeyville CC) Amarillo, Texas (Tascosa HS) Cecilia, La. (Cecilia HS) Kansas City, Mo. (Park Hill HS) Baltimore, Md. (Mount St. Joseph HS/Hartnell College) Wichita, Kan. (Wichita Collegiate HS) Kansas City, Mo. (Rockhurst HS) Olathe, Kan. (Olathe Northwest HS) Los Angeles, Calif. (Narbonne HS/El Camino JC) Lawrence, Kan. (Free State HS) Bimini, Bahamas (The Kinkaid School/Florida State) Cleveland, Ohio (Bedford HS/ASA College) Boutte, La. (Hahnville HS) Overland, Mo. (Ritenour HS) Tonganoxie, Kan. (Tonganoxie Elementary)
* Signed in December and on campus for the Spring 2018 semester
2018 KANSAS FOOTBALL CLASS NOTABLES TOTAL PLAYERS: 28 HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS: 14 JUNIOR COLLEGE PLAYERS: 12 QUALIFIERS OUT OF HS: 5 3+ YEARS AVAILABILITY: 6 GRADUATE TRANSFERS: 1 TEAM IMPACT: 1
#kufball
PLAYERS BY STATE STATE NO. Arkansas 1 Arizona 1 California 4 Florida 3 Kansas 7 Louisiana 3 Maryland 2 Michigan 1 Missouri 3 Ohio 1 Texas 1 Bahamas 1
PLAYERS BY POSITION POSITION NO. Athletes 3 Cornerbacks 3 Defensive Ends 3 Defensive Tackles 2 Linebackers 1 Offensive Line 6 Quarterbacks 2 Running Backs 1 Safeties 2 Tight Ends 3 Wide Receivers 2 Signing Day • 1
KENNY BASTIDA LB, 6-1, 230, Fr. Apopka, Florida Apopka HS
High School: Earned three letters at Deerfield Beach HS playing for head coach Jevon Glenn ... A three-star prospect according to Rivals.com and ESPN.com ... Helped lead DBHS to a district title as a junior after posting 90 tackles ... Also named Defensive Player of the Year for DBHS ... Rated No. 29 in the Orlando Sentinel’s Top 100 Players in Florida ... Named No. 8 in the South Florida Sun Sentinel Top 18 in 2018. Personal: Son of Noelia Sanchez and Evel Bastida ... Has a twin sister, Keily ... Plans to major in business ... Selected Kansas over offers from Indiana, LSU, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Rutgers, NC State, North Carolina and Central Florida among others.
JELANI BROWN DT, 6-2, 297, Jr. San Jose, Calif. Oak Grove HS College of San Mateo
CODEY COLE
DT, 6-3, 280, Jr. Ypsilanti, Michigan Belleville HS Butler CC/Tiffin University Butler CC (2017): Rated a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... Collected 19 total tackles, including 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and a pass breakup during the 2017 campaign ... Earned Honorable Mention All-KJCCC honors in 2017 ... Played for head coach Tim Schaffner at BCC. Tiffin University (2016): Registered 22 tackles, including 5.0 TFLs, during his one season with the Dragons ... Also recorded 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup ... Played under head coach Gary Goff at Tiffin. High School: Earned three letters at Belleville HS playing for head coach Matt Davenport ... Helped lead BHS to a WAC conference title as a senior ... Posted a career-high 15 tackles against Thurston HS ... Named all-conference as a senior ... Also lettered in basketball and baseball at BHS. Personal: Son of Victoria and Charles Cole ... Plans to major in sports management ... Selected Kansas over offers from Fresno State, Memphis and UNLV, among others.
High School: Helped lead Oak Grove HS to an 8-3 overall mark, a league title with a perfect 7-0 mark and an appearance in the CIF Central Coast Section Playoffs in 2016 ... Credited with 96 total tackles, 10 sacks, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered in 2016 ... Played under head coach Jay Braun at Oak Grove HS. Personal: Son of Kyle Roach and Wayne Brown ... Has one sister, Tiyana ... Teammate of fellow Jayhawk signee Miles Kendrick at CSM.
MAC COPELAND OL, 6-4, 245, Fr. Wichita, Kansas Wichita Collegiate HS
High School: Earned four letters playing for head coach Mike Gehrer at Wichita Collegiate HS ... Helped lead Collegiate to a Kansas Class 3A state runner up finish in 2015 ... During his time with the Spartans, WCHS was a one-time sub-state champion, three-time district champion, three-time regional champion and a one-time league champion ... Earned allleague honors in 2015, 2016 and 2017 ... Picked up all-state honors for three-straight years 2015-17 ... Named to the Wichita Eagle All-Metro Team in 2017 ... A four-year member of the WCHS honor roll. Personal: Son of Kelli and David Copeland ... Has two brothers, Mitch and Myles ... Mitch currently plays football at K-State and Myles was on the Wildcat roster from 2012-15 ... Plans to major in business management.
NICK CHANNEL ATH, 6-0, 205, Fr. Wichita, Kansas Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS
High School: Earned four letters at Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS playing for head coach Dan Adelhardt ... Set the KMCHS regular-season rushing record with 1,305 yards in nine games in 2017 ... Named First Team All-Wichita running back and second team AllWichita at linebacker as a senior by the Wichita Eagle ... Also picked up all-state and all-metro honors as a running back in 2017 ... Tabbed a Second Team All-Wichita running back and safety by the Wichita Eagle in 2016 ... Earned Honorable Mention All-Wichita honors as a freshman and sophomore ... Also picked up four letters in track and field at KMCHS. Personal: Son of Angie and David Channel ... Has two sisters, Lily and Clare ... Comes from a very athletic family as his father, David, competed in track and field at both KU and Wichita State, while his mom, Angie played softball at Wichita State ... His sister, Lily, plays softball at Johnson County Community College and two cousins, Dylan and Dana Channel, played basketball at Washburn University ... Plans to major in biology and pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. #KUfball
Personal: Son of Greg Dixson and Sarah Jennings ... Plans to major in business administration ... Chose Kansas over offers from Colorado State and UConn.
DAVON FERGUSON S, 5-10, 190, So. Baltimore, Maryland St. Vincent Pallotti HS Hartnell College
A qualifier out of high school with four years to play three.
Has three years to play two. College of San Mateo (2016-17): Helped lead San Mateo to an 11-2 overall mark and a runner-up finish in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championship game ... Credited with 14 total tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks and two passes breakups in his 10 games played in 2017 ... Played for head coach Larry Owens at CSM.
High School: Played eight games for the Lions as a defensive end and tight end during the 2014 season ... Tallied 30 solo tackles, 10 sacks, eight tackles-for-loss, four blocked field goals, one fumble returned for a touchdown and one blocked punt ... Opened the season with a career-best four sacks and added seven tackles against Carson HS ... Saw action on special teams and blocked a career-high three field goals against Hamilton HS ... As a junior registered a career-high 11 tackles in a victory over Palisades HS ... Compiled 50 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and one touchdown in 2013 ... Named 2014 Defensive Lineman of the Year and to the All-City team ... Coached by Shane Cox at Fairfax HS ... Also a member Fairfax’s undefeated basketball squad.
FOSTER DIXSON DE, 6-4, 250, Jr. Los Angeles, California Fairfax HS UTEP/West Los Angeles CC A qualifier out of high school. West Los Angeles Community College (2017): Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com ... Posted 39 tackles and 9.5 tackles-for-loss and three pass breakups ... Named a first team all-conference selection. UTEP (2015-16): Played in six contests ... Tallied two tackles and 0.5 tackle for loss (four yards) ... Saw first collegiate action at no. 11 Texas ... Registered first career tackle at UTSA ... Recorded a tackle and 0.5 tackle for loss against Old Dominion ... Also saw playing time against Houston Baptist, at Florida Atlantic and versus North Texas ... Redshirted his first year at UTEP.
Hartnell College (2017): Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals. com ... Collected 55 total tackles, including 41 solo hits ... Recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown ... Also posted two fumble recoveries ... Averaged 9.6 yards per punt return to lead the region ... Posted seven kick returns for 182 yards, an average of 26.0 yards per return ... Played for head coach Matt Collins at Hartnell. High School: Helped lead St. Vincent Pallotti Panthers to a 10-2 record and a MIAA Conference title in 2016 ... Played under head coach Ian Thomas at St. Vincent Pallotti HS ... Forced seven turnovers from his free safety position in 2016. Personal: Son of Lachelle Redd and Damon Ferguson ... Has two brothers: Damon Ferguson Jr., and Deonte Ferguson ... Also has two sisters: Lache Dabney and Layah Redd ... Father, Damon, lettered in track at Central State ... Plans to major in sport management ... Chose Kansas over San Diego State.
DYLAN FREBERG
TE, 6-4, 210, Fr. Overland Park, Kansas Blue Valley North HS
High School: Earned four letters at Blue Valley North HS playing for head coach Andy Sims ... Helped lead the Mustangs to a 9-4 mark and a Class 6A state title in 2017 by recording nine catches for 222 receiving yards in a win over Derby ... Finished his senior season with 1,177 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 76 receptions ... Posted a career-best outing against Olathe East hauling in 14 catches for 248 yards ... Named First Team All-State by USA Today ... Earned Class 6A All-State honors by the Topeka Capitol Journal and Wichita Eagle ... Picked up Second Team AllEastern Kansas League honors in 2017 by the Kansas City Star ... Selected to play in the 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl ... Had 33 catches for 348 receiving yards and three TDs in 2016 ... Also lettered in basketball at BVNHS. Personal: Son of Tarra and Eric Freberg ... Has three siblings, Dane, Drew and Lauren ... Plans to major in finance.
Signing Day • 2
CORIONE HARRIS CB, 6-1, 170, Fr. Marrero, Louisiana Landry-Walker HS
High School: Touted as a four-star recruit, the 13th best cornerback and the sixth best player in the state of Louisiana according to Rivals.com ... Ranked No. 97 in the Rivals.com Top 100 ... Also rated a four-star recruit by ESPN.com, Scout. com and 247Sports.com ... Played for head coach Emanuel Powell at Landry-Walker HS ... Led LWHS to a 13-2 record and the Louisiana Class 5A state championship in 2016 ... Helped guide the Charging Bucs to the playoffs again in 2017 and an 8-4 overall mark, playing both quarterback and cornerback.
High School: Recorded 18 total tackles, including 14 solo hits, as a senior at North Fort Myers HS ... Posted one interception, which he returned 60 yards ... Also credited with a fumble recovery ... Coached by Earnest Graham at NFMHS. Personal: Son of Collin and Monica Jones ... Has two sisters, Cynthia and Samaria ... Plans to major in business.
AZUR KAMARA DE, 6-4, 225, Jr. Glendale, Arizona Central HS Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College (2016-17): Rated a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... Collected 30 total tackles, including a team-leading 15.5 tackles-for-loss in 2017 ... Recorded 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, a pass breakup and a blocked kick in helping lead Arizona Western to the NJCAA national title game ... Posted 45 total tackles, 13.5 TFLs and eight sacks in 2016 ... Also had four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, while playing for head coach Tom Minnick at AWC.
ELMORE HEMPSTEAD JR.
High School: Collected 106 total tackes, including 25.5 sacks during his senior season at Central HS in 2015 ... Also caused four fumbles and recovered one ... Earned first team all-conference on both offense and defense ... Named to the All-USA Arizona High School football team following his senior season ... Coached by Jon Clanton at CHS.
Fort Scott CC (2016-17): Rated a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... Played for head coach Kale Pick, a former KU standout wide receiver, at FSCC ... Tabbed Second Team All-KJCCC in 2017 ... Tallied 18 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore ... Also had five pass breakups and one tackle-for-loss ... As a freshman, recorded 47 tackles, five interceptions, seven pass breakups and 1.5 TFLs ... Picked up Honorable Mention All-KJCCC honors in 2016. High School: Earned four letters in football playing for head coach Brian Strickland at Smackover HS ... Helped lead SHS to a 26-7 record over his final three seasons ... Earned allstate and all-conference honors in football ... Also lettered in basketball and track and field ... Named all-region and allconference in basketball ... An all-district honoree in track and field. Personal: Son of Laprino Hempstead and Herbert Rayford ... Has three sisters, Whitney Moore and Chelsea and Jillian Hempstead ... Plans to major in sports medicine ... Chose Kansas over offers from Arizona State, Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Central Florida and UNLV.
ELIJAH JONES CB, 6-1, 175, Jr. Cape Coral, Florida North Fort Myers HS Ellsworth CC Has three years to play two. Ellsworth Community College (2016-17): Rated a threestar prospect according to Rivals.com ... Collected 19 tackles and four interceptions during his sophomore season at Ellsworth CC ... Named Iowa Community College Athletic Association (ICCAC) Defensive Athlete of the Week on Sept. 13, 2017 after helping lead the Panthers to a 35-28 win over Iowa Central ... Recorded the game saving interception and had two interceptions, two pass breakups and two tackles in the win ... Credited with 11 tackles and three interceptions as a freshman in 2016 ... Played for head coach Jesse Montalto at ECC.
#KUfball
OL, 6-4, 330, Jr. Apopka, Florida Apopka HS Coffeyville Community College Has three years to play two.
Personal: Son of Dwanne Kent ... Has one sister, Dwannta Kent ... Plans to major in communications ... Played at the same high school as current KU safety Mike Lee ... Chose Kansas over offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa State, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and West Virginia.
CB, 5-11, 175, Jr. Smackover, Arkansas Smackover HS Fort Scott CC
REUBEN LEWIS
Personal: Son of Djaka Bility and Noah Sherrif ... Has four sisters, Fatu and Amie Kamara and Mahawa and Makura Sherrif ... Also has two brothers, Adam and Omar Sherrif ... Undecided on a major ... Selected Kansas over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Cincinnati, Florida State, Iowa State, Louisville, Maryland, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee UCF, Utah and Washington State.
MILES KENDRICK QB, 5-10, 200, So. Morgan Hill, California Valley Christian HS College of San Mateo
Coffeyville Community College (2016-17): Rated a three star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com ... Saw action in 11 games in 2017, starting all 11 ... As a freshman in 2016, hit the field in nine games for the Red Ravens ... Played for head coach Aaron Flores at CCC. High School: Helped lead Apopka HS to a 10-2 mark and a playoff appearance as a senior in 2015 ... Earned a Class 8A state title in 2014, helping guide AHS to a 13-4 mark and a 30-23 win over Columbus HS in the title game ... Park of an AHS squad that was the Class 8A state runner-up in 2013 ... Played for head coach Rick Darlington at AHS ... Personal: Son of Vanessa Lewod and Reuben Lewis Sr. ... Chose Kansas over offers from West Virginia, New Mexico and East Carolina.
JACOBI LOTT DL, 6-4, 309, Fr. Amarillo, Texas Tascosa HS
High School: Attended Tascosa HS in Amarillo, Texas, playing for head coach Ken Plunk ... Helped lead the Rebels to a bidistrict title in 2015, 2016 and 2017 ... Named first team alldistrict in 2016 and 2017 ... Tabbed the top lineman in the 806 area code in 2017 ... Also lettered for three years in track and field. Personal: Son of Donita Woods and Charlie Lott ... Has one brother, Gentry Lott, and a sister, Jenisha Woods ... His father, Charlie, played football at Texas Tech ... His uncle, Ronnie Lott, played football at USC and is a four-time Super Bowl Champion and a 14-year NFL veteran ... Intends to major in mass communications ... Chose Kansas over offers from Texas, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Texas State and Tulsa.
A qualifier out of high school with four years to play three. College of San Mateo (2017): Rated a three star recruit by Rivals.com ... Saw action in 11 games, starting nine ... Threw for 1,889 yards and 18 touchdowns ... Completed 103-of-178 passes, with a long completion of 91 yards ... Also rushed for 417 yards and five scores on 103 carries ... Helped lead San Mateo to an 11-2 overall mark and a runner-up finish in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championship game ... Played for head coach Larry Owens at CSM. High School: Helped lead Valley Christian HS to a state runner up finish and an 13-2 mark as a senior ... Played for head coach Mike Machado at VCHS ... Earned All-CIF honors in 2016 ... Also named co-NorCal Quarterback of the year as a senior. Personal: Son of Rachell Argell and John Lee Kendrick Jr. ... Plans to major in business management.
RYAN MALBROUGH ATH, 6-1, 180, Fr. Cecilia, Louisiana Cecilia HS
High School: Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com ... Picked up a two-star rating from Rivals.com ... Earned four letters at Cecilia HS, playing for head coach Dennis Skains ... Also lettered in track and field, helping lead CHS to back-toback state championships ... Owns the CHS school record in the 200 meters at 21.4. Personal: Son of Simone Alex and Ronald Malbrough ... Has six siblings ... Three brothers are Ronald, Bryon and Mason ... Three sisters are Jade, Breona and Jalaya ... Intends to major in engineering ... Chose Kansas over offers from Kansas State, Memphis, Southern Miss, Tulane, Colorado State and Houston among others.
Signing Day • 3
BILLY MAPLES QB, 6-2, 220, Fr. Kansas City, Missouri Park Hill HS
High School: Attended Park Hill HS, playing for head coach Josh Hood ... Passed for 3,130 yards and 41 touchdowns, in 2017, leading PHHS to the Missouri Class 6 state semifinals and a 10-3 season ... Set the Missouri state record for most touchdowns in one game (9), and set a National Federation record for most touchdowns in one half (8) against Lee’s Summit HS ... Earned Hy-Vee 41 Five-Star Athlete of the Week on Oct. 12, 2017 after completing 23-of-26 passes for 411 yards and four touchdowns against Liberty North HS ... Tabbed First Team all-state Class 6A by the Missouri High School Coaches Association ... Named Second Team all-state Class 6A by a panel of Missouri sports writers. Personal: Son of Kristie and Shannon Maples.
JEREMIAH McCULLOUGH S, 6-0, 205, Jr. Baltimore, Maryland Mount St. Joseph HS Hartnell College
A high school qualifier with two years to play. Hartnell College (2016-17): Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com ... Collected 36 total tackles, including 29 solo hits in 2017 ... Recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown ... Also posted two fumble recoveries ... Two-time first team all-conference ... Named Hit Man of the Year both seasons at Hartnell ... Played for head coach Matt Collins at Hartnell ... Named to the Dean’s List for his effort in the classroom. High School: Played on both sides of the ball at Mount St. Joseph HS under head coach Richard Holzer ... Recorded 39 tackles on defense and also collected 479 receiving yards on 30 catches as a senior ... Helped lead the Gaels to an 8-3 mark during his final season. Personal: Son of Monica and Michael McCullough ... Has three brothers, Michael and Ahmad McCullough and Georgio Johnson ... Plans to major in communications ... Chose Kansas over Fresno State, Toledo and Utah State.
a fourth-place finish at the state tournament in 2017 … Was a member of the sixth-place 4x400-meter relay team at the state track meet in 2016. Personal: Son of Allison and Jim McNerney ... Has three siblings: Jim, Tom and Valerie ... Plans to major in finance.
JACK MURPHY OL, 6-9, 291, Fr. Kansas City, Missouri Rockhurst HS
High School: Earned two letters at Rockhurst HS playing for head coach Tony Severino … Helped the Hawklets to a 10-3 record his senior season. Personal: Son of John and Kelly Murphy … Plans to major in marketing.
JACK PARKS TE, 6-5, 230, Fr. Olathe, Kansas Olathe Northwest HS
High School: Picked up three letters in football at Olathe Northwest HS, playing under head coach Chip Sherman ... Picked up First Team All-Sunflower League honors in 2017 ... Named Honorable Mention all-state as a senior ... Also lettered in basketball at ONWHS ... Earned a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll all four years. Personal: Son of Neli and Mark Parks ... Has one brother, Andrew Mermer, and one sister, Katie Parks ... Father, Mark, played football at KU ... Mother, Neli, played volleyball at New Mexico ... Plans to major in business.
STEPHON ROBINSON JR. WR, 5-10, 170, So. Los Angeles, California Narbonne HS El Camino CC
A qualifier out of high school with four years to play three.
CODY MCNERNEY ATH, 6-1, 200, Fr. Wichita, Kansas Wichita Collegiate HS
High School: Earned a total of 11 letters including four in football, four in basketball, one in baseball and two in track & field at Wichita Collegiate HS … Was a three-year starter on the gridiron playing for head coach Mike Gehrer … Totaled over 3,000 yards of offense in his junior season and gained over 2,500 total yards and was the second-leading tackler for the Spartans making 77 stops … Named Second Team All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League wide receiver and Honorable Mention defensive back in 2015, 4A-II Honorable Mention All-State quarterback in 2016 and Second Team All-League quarterback and First Team All-League and AllState defensive back in 2017 … Helped Wichita Collegiate to two district and bi-district championships (2014, 2016), a regional championship (2014), and league championship and 3A state runner-up finish (2015) … Was also a fouryear starter in basketball where he was a two-time First Team All-League member (2015, 2016), Second Team AllState honoree (2016), All-League MVP (2017) and First Team All-State honoree (2017) and helped his team to a 3A state runner-up finish (2015), 4A-II state championship (2016) and #KUfball
El Camino CC (2017): Rated a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... Played in 11 games for El Camino CC and led the team in receiving with 62 receptions for 1,274 yards ... Recorded eight touchdown receptions ... Averaged 115.8 receiving yards per game ... Had seven 100-yard receiving games ... Longest reception was 81 yards against Long Beach City College ... Recorded five kick returns for 46 yards ... Became the all-time single-season receiving record holder for ECCC by eclipsing Marcel Reese’s 2005 season when he totaled 49 catches for 1,128 yards. High School: Played two years on varsity for Narbonne HS under head coach Manuel Douglas ... Had 65 receptions for 1,304 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns as senior ... Named First Team All-City and All-Marine League as a senior ... Helped lead the Gauchos to a Division 1A state championship in 2015 ... A member of the honor roll all four years at NHS. Personal: Son of Cheryl Duncan and Stephon Robinson ... Has three brothers: Chauncey Stevens, James Williams and Brandon Smith ... Undecided on a major ... Chose Kansas over Hawaii and Middle Tennessee.
SPENCER ROE
OL, 6-4, 270, Fr. Lawrence, Kansas Free State HS
High School: Earned a total of eight letters at Free State HS, playing football, basketball and baseball ... Played football under head coach Bob Lisher ... Helped lead the Firebirds to two conference titles and three district championships ... Guided FSHS to an undefeated regular season in 2017 ... Picked up First Team All-State honors and First Team AllSunflower League honors as a senior ... Named to the AllSimone team in 2017 ... Earned a spot on the honor roll all four years at Free State HS. Personal: Son of Shelly and Anthony Roe ... Plans to major in accounting ... Joins fellow Free State alums Joe Dineen Jr., Keith Loneker Jr., Bryce Torneden and Jay Dineen on the Jayhawk roster.
MAVIN SAUNDERS TE, 6-5, 256, Sr. Bimini, Bahamas The Kinkaid School (Texas) Florida State A qualifier out of high school. Florida State (2014-17): Saw action in 10 games in 2017, but did not record any statistics ... Named to the prestigious 2017 All-State AFCA Good Works Team ... Finished the 2016 season with 10 catches for 182 yards in 12 games ... Made three starts in 2016 against USF, No. 3 Clemson and Boston College ... Had a career day against No. 23 North Carolina, finishing with three catches for 74 yards, including a long of 33 yards ... Had two catches against Syracuse and one against USF, No. 10 Miami, No. 3 Clemson, Boston College and No. 13 Florida ... Against the Hurricanes, his diving 11yard catch on third down in the third quarter kept FSU’s goahead drive alive in the 13-point comeback win on the road ... Combined with Ryan Izzo for seven receptions at North Carolina – the most receptions in a game by the position since 2014 ... Appeared in eight games making two starts during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2015 ... Named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll ... Earned his first career start at tight end at Boston College ... Also recorded a start against in-state rival Miami ... Finished his first full season with six receptions for 52 yards ... Tallied three catches for 26 yards in a win over the Hurricanes ... Recorded one reception against Texas State, Boston College and Louisville ... Longest reception of the season came on a 21-yard passing play from Everett Golson in the first quarter against the Cardinals ... Appeared in one game (Wake Forest) before receiving a medical redshirt in 2014. High School: Rated a four-star prospect in the 2014 class by 247Sports, ESPN and Scout, and a three-star recruit by Rivals ... Ranked the No. 3 tight end in the country and No. 23 player in Texas (No. 187 player overall) by 247Sports ... Rated the No. 7 tight end and No. 45 player in Texas by ESPN ... Ranked the No. 14 tight end and No. 32 player in Texas by Rivals ... Scout’s No. 9 tight end prospect ... PrepStar Magazine All-Midlands Region ... Came to the United States from Bimini, Bahamas, and first played football his junior season of high school ... Helped lead Kincaid to an 11-0 record and the Southwest Preparatory Conference title by totaling 35 receptions for 468 yards and eight touchdowns ... Had 40 catches for 590 yards and six touchdowns as a junior to lead the Falcons to an 8-3 mark and the SPC large-school title game V Also starred in basketball for Kincaid where he held averages of 16.5 points and 8.6 rebounds following his junior season ... Received college basketball offers from Connecticut and Oklahoma, among others. Personal: Graduated from Florida State with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Signing Day • 4
NAJEE STEVENS-McKENZIE DE, 6-3, 225, Jr. Cleveland, Ohio Bedford HS ASA College/Fort Scott CC
ASA College (2016-17): Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals. com ... Earned First Team All-Northeast Conference in 2017 ... Credited with 33 total tackles, including a team-best 12.5 tackles-for-loss ... Also registered 9.5 sacks and a blocked kick on the season ... Helped lead the Avengers to a 9-1 overall record and a win in the Valley of the Sun Bowl as a sophomore ... Suited up for head coach Joe Osovet at ASA. Fort Scott CC (2015): Spent the season as a redshirt. High School: Helped lead Bedford HS to the a regional and conference title in 2014 ... Had 67 tackles, 10 TFLs, eight sacks and nine quarterback hurries during the 2014 season ... Received special mention all-district ... Posted a careerbest six sacks in one game ... Played for head coach Sean Williams at BHS ... Also lettered three years in basketball and track and field. Personal: Son of MaeEllenn McKenzie ... Has one sister, Lily ... Plans to major in criminal justice ... Chose Kansas over offers from Iowa State, Maryland, Missouri, Pittsburgh, UCF, Bowling Green and Toledo.
POOKA WILLIAMS JR. RB, 5-10, 170, Fr. Boutte, Louisiana Hahnville HS
NICK WILLIAMS OL, 6-8, 265, Fr. Overland, Missouri Ritenour HS
High School: Rated a three-star recruit and the 11th-best prospect in the state of Missouri by Rivals.com ... Touted as a three-star recruit and the 12th best player in the state of Missouri according to 247Sports.com ... Played for head coach Hoyt Gregory at Ritenour HS ... Earned second team allstate honors in 2017 ... Also earned three letters in basketball. Personal: Son of Dianne Bell and Rodney Williams ... Plans to major in business management ... Chose Kansas over offers from Central Florida, Illinois and Minnesota.
TAYBER WITT WR, 4-10, 71, Fr. Tonganoxie, Kansas Tonganoxie ES
Elementary School: Rated a five-star recruit and the top prospect in the state of Kansas by Rivals.com, 247Sports. com, ESPN.com and Scout.com ... Speedy wide receiver who fashions his game after his favorite player, Odell Beckham Jr. ... Also a standout on the basketball court. Personal: Son of Lorelei Witt and Josh Witt ... Has one sister, Jenna, and one brother, Beckham ... Plans to major in sports broadcasting ... Chose Kansas over every other school in the country.
High School: Touted as a four-star recruit and the 15th best player in the state of Louisiana according to ESPN. com ... Rated a three-star recruit, the 11th-best all-purpose back in the country and the 16th rated player in the state of Louisiana by Rivals.com ... Also a three-star player according to 247Sports.com ... Played for head coach Dominic Saltaformaggio at Hahnville HS ... Led HHS to the Louisiana Class 5A state title game, rushing for 210 yards and a touchdown, against Zachary HS ... Registered 3,118 rushing yards with 37 touchdowns as a senior ... Collected nearly 1,400 yards and 14 scores in Hahnville’s five-game playoff run ... Named New Orleans Metro Player of the Year by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Quarterback Club. Personal: Chose Kansas over offers from LSU, Mississippi State, Memphis, Nebraska, TCU, UCLA, Tulane and Louisiana Tech.
#KUfball
Signing Day • 5
#KUfball
Signing Day • 6
