Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Scott Olmstead
EMU Football Adds 24 in 2012 Football Recruiting Class
2/1/2012 1:59:00 PM | Football, E-Gridiron Group
Head Coach Ron English excited about the Class of 2012
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Ron English announced the 2012 football recruiting class Wednesday, Feb. 1, as part of the annual National Letter of Intent Signing Day. The list includes 20 high school standouts and four talented junior college transfers.
The class exhibits quite a bit of variety as the Eagles will welcome student-athletes at 10 different positions, including six defensive linemen, four linebackers and four offensive linemen.
The largest group of Eagle newcomers - six - are from the state of Ohio, but EMU coaches fanned out across the country for this class with nine states represented. The Green and White added multiple players from Michigan (5), Illinois (4), Pennsylvania (3) and Arizona (2). California, Florida, Hawai'i and Indiana are also represented.
Two student-athletes from the 2012 class are already enrolled and taking classes at Eastern Michigan this semester, meaning they will be able to participate in spring drills, which begin Tuesday, March 13. The pair of early enrollees includes Travis Linser (Glendale, Ariz.-Phoenix Northwest Christian-Phoenix College) and Cy Maughmer (Glendale, Ariz.-Apache Junction-Glendale C.C.).
The Eagles' recruiting success follows a record-setting season on the field and in the classroom. The team finished the 2011 season with a 6-6 overall mark and a 4-4 record in Mid-American Conference play. Coach English's team finished nationally in the top 50 statistically in seven categories to go along with eight top five rankings in the MAC standings. English was named Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year for his efforts.
Offensively, Eastern Michigan rushed for 2,620 yards and 16 touchdowns on 575 carries for the 14th-best ground attack in the nation. The total was the second most in program history trailing only the 1987 team that captured the 1987 Mid-American Conference title by running the ball 610 times for a total of 2,701 yards. It marked just the second time in school history that the Eagles rushed for more than 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
Defensively, EMU ranked 34th nationally and third in the MAC in total defense. The Eagles gave up just 350.33 yards per game, an improvement of 103.8 yards per contest. Additionally, the team averaged nearly six tackles for loss per game, the squad's highest total since 2001 when they had 82.
Following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's 24 signees…
2012 Eastern Michigan University Football Recruits
Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School
Mike Brown DT 6-3 285 Fr.-Fr. Sandusky, Ohio-Sandusky
Tim Brown LB 6-0 235 Jr.-Jr. Wai`anae, Oahu, Hawai'i-Kapolei-Hawaii-San Jose City College
Kirkland Bryant CB 5-9 180 Fr.-Fr. Beachwood, Ohio-Saint Edward
Dustin Creel WR 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Industry, Pa.-Western Beaver
Mitchell Dawkins WR 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Winter Park, Fla.-Lake Howell
Cole Gardner TE 6-5 242 Fr.-Fr. Batavia, Ill.-Batavia
Amos Houston LB/S 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Loyola
Jake Hurcombe OL 6-2 275 Fr.-Fr. Lincolnshire, Ill.-Stevenson
Darius Jackson RB 6-0 190 Fr.-Fr. Sparta, Ill.-Sparta
Quincy Jones WR 6-3 195 Fr.-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio-Saint Edward
Juwan Lewis RB 5-10 208 Fr.-Fr. Muskegon, Mich.-Muskegon
Travis Linser DT 6-4 250 So.-So. Glendale, Ariz.-Phoenix Northwest Christian-Phoenix College
Hunter Matt LB 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Wyandotte, Mich.-Roosevelt
Cy Maughmer DT 6-2 290 So.-So. Glendale, Ariz.-Apache Junction-Glendale C.C.
Christian Menet TE 6-4 235 Fr.-Fr. Reading, Pa.-Exeter Township
Pat O'Connor DE 6-4 230 Fr.-Fr. Chicago, Ill.-Saint Rita
Arron Pipkins DT 6-1 260 Fr.-Fr. Maple Heights, Ohio-Maple Heights
Ike Spearman LB 6-1 215 Fr.-Fr. Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central
Mike Steals DE 6-5 250 Fr.-Fr. North Braddock, Pa.-Woodland Hills
Mycal Swaim S 6-4 215 Jr.-Jr. Chico, Calif.-Pleasant Valley-Butte College
Darien Terrell OT 6-3 340 Fr.-Fr. Canton, Ohio-Massillon Jackson
Matt Thornton OT 6-4 290 Fr.-Fr. Owosso, Mich.-Owosso
Andrew Wylie OL 6-5 260 Fr.-Fr. Midland, Mich.-Midland
Anthony Zappone LB 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Westlake, Ohio-Westlake
Mike Brown DT 6-3 285 Fr.-Fr. Sandusky, Ohio-Sandusky
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Sandusky High School in Sandusky, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Mike Franklin... Selected a first-team Division II lineman in 2011 and the All-Northwest District's Lineman of the Year by The Associated Press...Anchored the Blue Streaks' line which rushed for 2,180 yards and 26 touchdowns...Participant in the North-South All-Star Game...Named the McDonald's Student Athlete of the Week by Sandusky's News Channel Five on Sept. 28, 2011...Placed seventh as a junior in the Ohio State Wrestling Tournament...Is a member of the Sandusky Blue Streaks' track team...PERSONAL: Son of Lisa Traylor.
Tim Brown LB 6-0 235 Jr.-Jr. Wai`anae, Oahu, Hawai'i-Kapolei-Hawaii-San Jose City College
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended San Jose City College in San Jose, Calif...Played for Head Coach Carlton Conner...Selected All-Coast Conference...Recorded 92 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, seven forced fumbles, six pass breakups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries...HAWAII: Spent the 2009 season with the Warriors, but did not see any game action...HIGH SCHOOL: A 2008 graduate of Kapolei High School on O'ahu…Played one year of varsity football for Head Coach Darren Hernandez…Named team defensive Player of the Year after helping Hurricanes to state playoff appearance…Also lettered in basketball…Prior to Kapolei, attended Wai'anae High School on O'ahu…Earned two letters in football and one in track for the Seariders...Attended Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia for one year following graduation from Kapolei...PERSONAL: Son of Tim and Tina Brown.
Kirkland Bryant CB 5-9 180 Fr.-Fr. Beachwood, Ohio-St. Edward
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Rick Finotti as an Eagle...Helped the Eagles to a state championship in 2010 with an undefeated record...Selected the National Underclassman Combine MVP...Returned kicks and punts for St. Edward's as well as being a standout at the cornerback position...Timed in the 40-yard-dash at 4.50 seconds...Joins teammate Quincy Jones in EMU's 2012 recruiting class...PERSONAL: Grandson of Delois Long.
Dustin Creel WR 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Industry, Pa.-Western Beaver
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Western Beaver High School in Industry, Pa. where he played for Head Coach Matt Gray...Named a Top 100 Player in the state of Pennsylvania...Picked to the Class A Big Seven All-Section Team Offense in 2011...Played quarterback, wide receiver and running back during his tenure at Western Beaver...Also returned kicks and was a cornerback and safety on the defensive side of the ball...In March 2011 Creel was named to the NIKE SPARQ Pittsburgh All-Combine team as a defensive athlete...Piled up 1,138 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns, including 729 rushing yards (10 TDs) and 409 receiving yards (5 TDs) as a senior...In 2010 he ran for 349 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 382 yards receiving and three scores...PERSONAL: Son of Lance and Kelly Creel.
Mitchell Dawkins WR 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Winter Park, Fla.-Lake Howell
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lake Howell High School in Winter Park, Fla. where he played for Head Coach Tom Oliver...One of the top ranked wide receivers in Central Florida coming into the 2011 season... Ranked as the 234th best wide receiver nationally by ESPN.com Was a four-year varsity letterwinner in football for the Silver Hawks...Named second team All-Seminole as well as 2011 BHSN Honorable Mention...Averaged 13.8 yards per catch and 10.5 yards per rush...Racked up 426 receiving yards in his senior campaign with 35 catches...Scored three touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball...Also played varsity basketball for Lake Howell...PERSONAL: Son of Mitchell and Melanie Dawkins...Dawkins is the nephew of Darryl Dawkins, the former Orlando Evans High School star, who was the first high school basketball player to be drafted directly into the NBA.
Cole Gardner TE 6-5 242 Fr.-Fr. Batavia, Ill.-Batavia
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Batavia High School where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 12-1 record in 2011...Played under Head Coach Dennis Piron...Named first team All-State in Class 6A by the Illinois High School Football Coaches' Association...Was a two-time Academic All-State and All-Area selection...Is the school's career sack's leader with 20...As the team captain, finished his senior season with 30 catches for 442 yards and seven touchdowns...Hauled in a trio of second-half touchdown passes as the Bulldogs rallied past Niles Notre Dame, 35-28, to advance to the state semifinals...Recorded a sack, forced fumble, blocked punt and two receptions for touchdowns in a 42-0 victory over Lakes...In basketball for BHS, he averaged 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds a game as a junior en route to earning Conference Player of the Year accolades...PERSONAL: Son of Todd and Debra Gardner.
Amos Houston LB/S 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Loyola
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Loyola High School in Detroit, Mich. where helped lead the Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season in 2011...Played under Head Coach John Callohan...Ranked as a Top 35 player in the state of Michigan and the 133rd best athlete nationally by ESPN.com...Ranked as the 46th best player in the state of Michigan by the Detroit Free Press' Mick McCabe on his Fab 50 team...The No. 58 overall recruit in the state of Michigan on The Detroit News' Blue Chip list...Was chosen to play in the 2012 Michigan High School East-West All-Star game...A two-time Division 7 All-State selection...Named to the All-Metro team in his senior year as a linebacker...Had three interceptions while also returning kicks and punts as a senior...Offensively, he caught 18 passes for 580 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior campaign...Caught 39 passes for 792 yards and seven touchdowns in his junior season with the Bulldogs...As a junior, recorded 50 tackles including three sacks, while picking off the quarterback once...PERSONAL: Son of Patricia Houston and Dan and Christine Geoghegan..
Jake Hurcombe OL 6-2 275 Fr.-Fr. Lincolnshire, Ill.-Stevenson
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a three-year varsity player at Adlai E. Stevenson High School...Helped lead the Patriots to a trio of conference championships...Played for Head Coach Bill McNamara...Ranked as the 29th best center by Scout.com and the 157th best offensive guard nationally by ESPN.com...Selected All-Conference and All-Area by The Pioneer Press...Becomes the eighth offensive lineman to commit to a Football Bowl Subdivision school from Stevenson, including three former Mid-American Conference offensive linemen...PERSONAL: Son of Malcolm and Lori Hurcombe.
Darius Jackson RB 6-0 190 Fr.-Fr. Sparta, Ill.-Sparta
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Edmund Jones at Sparta High School...Rushed for nearly 1,100 yards as he played quarterback and running back on offense as well as safety on defense...Named first team All-Conference on both sides of the field and was an academic All-State choice...Picked first team All-Area by The Belleville News...Broad jumped 11-feet at the Northwestern showcase...Was just one of 12 players selected by the St. Louis Rams to represent the franchise at the NFL's National 7-on-7 Tournament...Is also an outstanding center fielder on the baseball team...Posted a .433 batting average as a junior...PERSONAL: Son of Sandra Jackson and Tyrone Jackson.
Quincy Jones WR 6-3 195 Fr.-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio-St. Edward
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Rick Finotti as an Eagle...Received a three-star ranking by Rivals.com...Selected to play in the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association's North-South Classic...Garnered second team All-State honors as well as receiving first team accolades in track...Named honorable mention Northeastern Lakes All-District by The Associated Press...As a team captain, helped the Eagles to a state championship in 2010 with an undefeated record...Joins teammate Kirkland Bryant in EMU's 2012 recruiting class...PERSONAL: Son of Andre and Cheryl Williams.
Juwan Lewis RB 5-10 208 Fr.-Fr. Muskegon, Mich.-Muskegon
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Muskegon High School in Muskegon, Mich....Played under Head Coach Shane Fairfield...Is one of the top running back prospects in the state of Michigan according to BillKurelic.com...Is the No. 22 recruit in the state of Michigan according to 247Sports.com...Ranked as the 30th best player in the state of Michigan by the Detroit Free Press' Mick McCabe on his Fab 50 list...Ranked as the 92nd best running back by ESPN.com...Was one of just nine Michigan seniors nominated for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl... Received a three-star ranking by Rivals.com...Selected as one of 88 high school players to participate in the 32nd Michigan High School Football Coaches Association East-West All Star Game...Earned first-team All-State, All-Area and All-Conference honors for the Big Reds...Ran for 20 touchdowns and 1,446 yards during his senior season averaging 6.8 yards a rush...Erupted for a career-high 285 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries in a 40-19 victory over Mattawan...Rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns en route to earning WZZM's Sidelines MVP accolades...Played slot receiver his sophomore season before moving to running back...Rushed for 1,031 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, averaging 7.6 yards a carry...PERSONAL: Son of Tracey Lewis and Claudia Wilcoux.
Travis Linser DT 6-4 250 So.-So. Glendale, Ariz.-Phoenix NW Christian-Phoenix College
EASTERN MICHIGAN: Enrolled in classes in January of 2012...JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended Phoenix College in Phoenix, Ariz...Competed in nine games for Head Coach Land Jacobsen at a defensive end position...Had 40 tackles, including 18 solo, three for loss and one sack...The defensive end picked off a pair of passes in his time at Phoenix College...HIGH SCHOOL: Played high school football for Phoenix Northwest Christian for Head Coach Derek Wahlstrom...Helped lead the team to a 2A championship on the defensive side of the ball...Was named to the 2010 Arizona All-State team as selected by The Arizona Republic as a defensive lineman...Picked as the Old Spice Player of the Year in Arizona...On the offensive side, was named to the 2010 MaxPreps.com All-Region first team...Was one of five All-Arizona team members to compete in an all-star game against Southern California's all-star team...PERSONAL: Son of Kent and Kathy Linser.
Hunter Matt LB 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Wyandotte, Mich.-Roosevelt
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a three-year varsity player at Roosevelt High School and a two-year co-captain....Played for Head Coach Ron Adams at Roosevelt who played football at EMU (1984-87), helping the then-Hurons to a 1987 California Bowl victory...Ranked as the 40th best player in the state of Michigan by the Detroit Free Press' Mick McCabe on his Fab 50 list...Ranked as the No. 43 overall recruit in the state of Michigan according to The Detroit News...Accumulated 124 tackles and one sack as a senior, while stripping the ball carrier four times and recovering three fumbles...Offensively, he produced 774 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns as a fullback...Led the Bears' defense to their second-straight Down River Conference championship...Was named to the All-Metro West first-team as captain of the defensive team...Was a Division 2 first team All-State selection according to the Detroit Free Press...Was chosen to play in the 2012 Michigan High School East-West All-Star game...Finished third in an online voting poll for the 2011 Wyandotte Patch Athlete of the Year...Is also a standout baseball player at Roosevelt hitting .505 for the Bears with two home runs and 40 RBI on his junior campaign...Brother, Andrew, plays football for Wayne State University, while his father David, played for Northern Michigan University...PERSONAL: Son of David and Lynne Matt.
Cy Maughmer DT 6-2 290 So.-So. Glendale, Ariz.-Apache Junction-Glendale C.C.
EASTERN MICHIGAN: Enrolled in classes in January of 2012...JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended Glendale Community College in Glendale, Ariz...Competed in 12 games as a defensive tackle for Head Coach Mickey Bell...Recorded 47 total tackles, including 21 solo and two tackles for loss...Picked up eight sacks in his 12 JUCO games...HIGH SCHOOL: Was the 11th best defensive lineman prospect in the 2010 recruiting class according to Rivals.com at Apache Junction High School...Finished with 200 career tackles and 30 sacks...Garnered All-Region and All-State accolades under Head Coach Rich Milligan...PERSONAL: Son of Earl and Tamara Maughmer.
Christian Menet TE 6-4 235 Fr.-Fr. Reading, Pa.-Exeter Township
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Exeter Township Senior High School in Reading, Pa...Played for Head Coach Matt Bauer at ETHS...Was the EMU first commitment in the Class of 2012...Ranked the No. 76 overall tight end by ESPN.com in the 2012 class...Rated the No. 67 overall tight end by Scout.com...Named an honorable mention AAAA All-State tight end by Pennsylvania Football News...Named second team All-County as a defensive end...Caught 17 passes for 352 yards and three scores as a senior...Averaged 20.71 yards per catch, including a season-best 68 yards in a win over Muhlenberg...Also turned in three sacks, seven pass defections and two forced fumbles on defense...Utilized as both a blocker and a receiver in Exeter's offensive attack...Hauled in six passes for 190 yards, averaging 31.7 yards per reception, and scored four total touchdowns as a junior...Holds the ETHS lifting record for the power clean at 305 lbs...PERSONAL: Son of Sherry Graffius and Brian Menet.
Pat O'Connor DE 6-4 230 Fr.-Fr. Chicago, Ill.-Saint Rita
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Saint Rita High School in Chicago, Ill...Played for Head Coach Todd Kuska...Named 2011 Chicago Tribune All-State honorable mention...Picked up Chicago Sun-Times' All-Area honorable mention accolades...Earned first-team All-Catholic League Blue selection...Finished his senior year with 86 tackles, seven sacks and one interception...Helped the Mustangs to a Catholic League Championship in 2010...As a junior, O'Connor helped Saint Rita make it to the IHSA Playoffs semi-finals for the first time since 2003...PERSONAL: Son of James O'Connor.
Arron Pipkins DT 6-1 260 Fr.-Fr. Maple Heights, Ohio-Maple Heights
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Todd Filtz at Maple Heights High School...A three-year letterwinner...Chosen as the 28th best player in Northeastern Ohio by The Cleveland Plain Dealer...Named a 2011 special mention All-Ohio selection by the Associated Press...Was named the 2010 L.E.L. Defensive Player of the Year and the team's Defensive Player of the Year...Played in two state finals and was a major contributor to the team's 2010 championship run...Elected to the Next Level All-Cleveland team...Is also a standout wrestler for Head Coach Jamie Milkovich, ranked ninth in the state at 285 lbs by the Ohio Wrestling Rankings...PERSONAL: Son of Queenie Edwards and Antoine Pipkins.
Ike Spearman LB 6-1 215 Fr.-Fr. Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Brett St. Germaine at Lake Central High School...Received a three-star ranking by Rivals.com as the ninth best player in the state of Indiana...Scout.com's No. 83 rated outside linebacker...Finished the regular season with 95 tackles, 25 for losses, seven sacks, two blocked punts, two fumble recoveries, and 4 forced fumbles...Named a Class 5A first team All-State selection by the Associated Press...Led one of the region's top defensive units, as the Indians finished as co-DAC champions...PERSONAL: Son of Derek and Jacquie Spearman.
Mike Steals DE 6-5 250 Fr.-Fr. North Braddock, Pa.-Woodland Hills
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pa....Played for Head Coach George Novak...Earned first team WPIAL Class AAAA All-Conference team honors in 2011...Elected to the 2012 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl...The senior co-captain was a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette All-Big East Conference selection on the offensive line as a junior...He helped to pave the way for a Wolverine offensive unit which averaged 26.2 points per game and reached the WPIAL AAAA championship game...Woodland Hills boasted an 1,800-yard rusher and two quarterbacks with at least 300 passing yards in 2010...PERSONAL: Son of Annie Wright.
Mycal Swaim S 6-4 205 Jr.-Jr. Chico, Calif.-Pleasant Valley-Butte College
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended Butte College in Oroville, Calif....Team finished 10-1 and ranked fifth in the state in 2011 under Head Coach Jeff Jordan...Named a unanimous All-Conference and All-Region selection as a sophomore...Led the Roadrunners in tackles with 64 (38 solo, 26 assist) to go along with six interceptions and six pass breakups...Had a sack, a fumble recovery and an interception in the first half in a 50-28 victory over Sierra College...Also a gaurd on the basketball team...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, Calif....Played under Head Coach Bill Haley...Played both wide receiver and free safety...Finished his senior season with 20 tackles (16 solo, 4 assist) plus an interception...Notched 59 (27 solo, 32 assist) tackles to go along with three pass breakups and an interception as a junior...PERSONAL: Son of Kathy and Casey Swaim.
Darien Terrell OT 6-3 340 Fr.-Fr. Canton, Ohio-Massillon Jackson
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Jackson High School in Massillon, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Beau Balderson...Ranked as the 146th best offensive guard nationally by ESPN.com...Was named the Jerry Dearmitt Memorial Award winner by his team...Garnered third-team All-Ohio honors with 83 pancake blocks...Named first-team All-Federal League and first-team All-NE Inland...Was placed on the WHBC All-Stark County offense, as well as the first team of the Canton Repository All-County team...Led the Jackson High offensive line that rushed for 2,583 yards and 30 touchdowns...Was a three-year letterwinner for the Polar Bears...PERSONAL: Son of Vertrence and Marla Terrell.
Matt Thornton OT 6-4 290 Fr.-Fr. Owosso, Mich.-Owosso
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Owosso High School in Owosso, Mich...Played under Head Coach Tom Harkema...Received a No. 99 offensive tackle rating from Scout.com...Ranked as the 186th best offensive tackle nationally by ESPN.com...Selected third-team Division III All-State by the Detroit Free Press...Was named to the Capital Area Activities Conference Red Division first-team unit and captured the Trojans' Most Outstanding Lineman award...Helped Owosso to a 5-4 record his senior year...Named The Argus-Press/Memorial Healthcare Sports T.E.A.M. Athlete of the Week on Dec. 4, 2011...Was named to the Lansing State Journal's Dream Team as a senior... Blocked for an offense that put up almost 30 points per game and helped Owosso to its first winning record since 2001...Division 3-4 all-state honorable mention selection...Selected to the first team All-State Dream Team by The Sports Scene...Also plays for the OHS basketball team...PERSONAL: Son of Star and Robert Ridenour...Coach Tom Harkema is the brother of former EMU Head Football Coach Jim Harkema, who led the then-Hurons to a 1987 California Bowl victory.
Andrew Wylie OL 6-5 260 Fr.-Fr. Midland, Mich.-Midland
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Midland High School in Midland, Mich...Started for three years under Head Coach Eric Methner...Ranked as the 157th best offensive tackle nationally by ESPN.com...Was named to the All-Saginaw Valley League second team and to The Daily News All-Area first team as a junior...Was a Division 1-2 All-State honorable mention selection...Named to the All-Saginaw Valley League first team and to The Daily News All-Area first team as a senior...Selected to the second team All-State Dream Team by The Sports Scene...Led the Midland High offensive line that rushed for 2,200 yards and a 9-2 record...Also an outstanding performer on the basketball team...PERSONAL: Son of Scott and Deb Wylie.
Anthony Zappone LB 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Westlake, Ohio-Westlake
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Westlake High School in Westlake, Ohio...Started for three years under Head Coach Mark Campo...Ranked as the 57th best inside linebacker nationally by ESPN.com...Was named first team All-Conference in each of his three seasons as a varsity player...Named to the All-Northeastern Ohio team following his junior and senior campaigns...Elected to the Next Level All-Cleveland team...Selected a National Underclassmen Combine MVP...Led the team in tackles as a junior, recording 76 tackles, including 10 for a loss, and three sacks for the Demons...PERSONAL: Son of Mike and Mary Zappone.
All-Access Signing Day Special.
Recruit Highlight Video.
Eagles in the News.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Ron English announced the 2012 football recruiting class Wednesday, Feb. 1, as part of the annual National Letter of Intent Signing Day. The list includes 20 high school standouts and four talented junior college transfers.
The class exhibits quite a bit of variety as the Eagles will welcome student-athletes at 10 different positions, including six defensive linemen, four linebackers and four offensive linemen.
The largest group of Eagle newcomers - six - are from the state of Ohio, but EMU coaches fanned out across the country for this class with nine states represented. The Green and White added multiple players from Michigan (5), Illinois (4), Pennsylvania (3) and Arizona (2). California, Florida, Hawai'i and Indiana are also represented.
Two student-athletes from the 2012 class are already enrolled and taking classes at Eastern Michigan this semester, meaning they will be able to participate in spring drills, which begin Tuesday, March 13. The pair of early enrollees includes Travis Linser (Glendale, Ariz.-Phoenix Northwest Christian-Phoenix College) and Cy Maughmer (Glendale, Ariz.-Apache Junction-Glendale C.C.).
The Eagles' recruiting success follows a record-setting season on the field and in the classroom. The team finished the 2011 season with a 6-6 overall mark and a 4-4 record in Mid-American Conference play. Coach English's team finished nationally in the top 50 statistically in seven categories to go along with eight top five rankings in the MAC standings. English was named Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year for his efforts.
Offensively, Eastern Michigan rushed for 2,620 yards and 16 touchdowns on 575 carries for the 14th-best ground attack in the nation. The total was the second most in program history trailing only the 1987 team that captured the 1987 Mid-American Conference title by running the ball 610 times for a total of 2,701 yards. It marked just the second time in school history that the Eagles rushed for more than 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
Defensively, EMU ranked 34th nationally and third in the MAC in total defense. The Eagles gave up just 350.33 yards per game, an improvement of 103.8 yards per contest. Additionally, the team averaged nearly six tackles for loss per game, the squad's highest total since 2001 when they had 82.
Following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's 24 signees…
2012 Eastern Michigan University Football Recruits
Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School
Mike Brown DT 6-3 285 Fr.-Fr. Sandusky, Ohio-Sandusky
Tim Brown LB 6-0 235 Jr.-Jr. Wai`anae, Oahu, Hawai'i-Kapolei-Hawaii-San Jose City College
Kirkland Bryant CB 5-9 180 Fr.-Fr. Beachwood, Ohio-Saint Edward
Dustin Creel WR 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Industry, Pa.-Western Beaver
Mitchell Dawkins WR 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Winter Park, Fla.-Lake Howell
Cole Gardner TE 6-5 242 Fr.-Fr. Batavia, Ill.-Batavia
Amos Houston LB/S 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Loyola
Jake Hurcombe OL 6-2 275 Fr.-Fr. Lincolnshire, Ill.-Stevenson
Darius Jackson RB 6-0 190 Fr.-Fr. Sparta, Ill.-Sparta
Quincy Jones WR 6-3 195 Fr.-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio-Saint Edward
Juwan Lewis RB 5-10 208 Fr.-Fr. Muskegon, Mich.-Muskegon
Travis Linser DT 6-4 250 So.-So. Glendale, Ariz.-Phoenix Northwest Christian-Phoenix College
Hunter Matt LB 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Wyandotte, Mich.-Roosevelt
Cy Maughmer DT 6-2 290 So.-So. Glendale, Ariz.-Apache Junction-Glendale C.C.
Christian Menet TE 6-4 235 Fr.-Fr. Reading, Pa.-Exeter Township
Pat O'Connor DE 6-4 230 Fr.-Fr. Chicago, Ill.-Saint Rita
Arron Pipkins DT 6-1 260 Fr.-Fr. Maple Heights, Ohio-Maple Heights
Ike Spearman LB 6-1 215 Fr.-Fr. Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central
Mike Steals DE 6-5 250 Fr.-Fr. North Braddock, Pa.-Woodland Hills
Mycal Swaim S 6-4 215 Jr.-Jr. Chico, Calif.-Pleasant Valley-Butte College
Darien Terrell OT 6-3 340 Fr.-Fr. Canton, Ohio-Massillon Jackson
Matt Thornton OT 6-4 290 Fr.-Fr. Owosso, Mich.-Owosso
Andrew Wylie OL 6-5 260 Fr.-Fr. Midland, Mich.-Midland
Anthony Zappone LB 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Westlake, Ohio-Westlake
Mike Brown DT 6-3 285 Fr.-Fr. Sandusky, Ohio-Sandusky
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Sandusky High School in Sandusky, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Mike Franklin... Selected a first-team Division II lineman in 2011 and the All-Northwest District's Lineman of the Year by The Associated Press...Anchored the Blue Streaks' line which rushed for 2,180 yards and 26 touchdowns...Participant in the North-South All-Star Game...Named the McDonald's Student Athlete of the Week by Sandusky's News Channel Five on Sept. 28, 2011...Placed seventh as a junior in the Ohio State Wrestling Tournament...Is a member of the Sandusky Blue Streaks' track team...PERSONAL: Son of Lisa Traylor.
Tim Brown LB 6-0 235 Jr.-Jr. Wai`anae, Oahu, Hawai'i-Kapolei-Hawaii-San Jose City College
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended San Jose City College in San Jose, Calif...Played for Head Coach Carlton Conner...Selected All-Coast Conference...Recorded 92 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, seven forced fumbles, six pass breakups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries...HAWAII: Spent the 2009 season with the Warriors, but did not see any game action...HIGH SCHOOL: A 2008 graduate of Kapolei High School on O'ahu…Played one year of varsity football for Head Coach Darren Hernandez…Named team defensive Player of the Year after helping Hurricanes to state playoff appearance…Also lettered in basketball…Prior to Kapolei, attended Wai'anae High School on O'ahu…Earned two letters in football and one in track for the Seariders...Attended Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia for one year following graduation from Kapolei...PERSONAL: Son of Tim and Tina Brown.
Kirkland Bryant CB 5-9 180 Fr.-Fr. Beachwood, Ohio-St. Edward
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Rick Finotti as an Eagle...Helped the Eagles to a state championship in 2010 with an undefeated record...Selected the National Underclassman Combine MVP...Returned kicks and punts for St. Edward's as well as being a standout at the cornerback position...Timed in the 40-yard-dash at 4.50 seconds...Joins teammate Quincy Jones in EMU's 2012 recruiting class...PERSONAL: Grandson of Delois Long.
Dustin Creel WR 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Industry, Pa.-Western Beaver
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Western Beaver High School in Industry, Pa. where he played for Head Coach Matt Gray...Named a Top 100 Player in the state of Pennsylvania...Picked to the Class A Big Seven All-Section Team Offense in 2011...Played quarterback, wide receiver and running back during his tenure at Western Beaver...Also returned kicks and was a cornerback and safety on the defensive side of the ball...In March 2011 Creel was named to the NIKE SPARQ Pittsburgh All-Combine team as a defensive athlete...Piled up 1,138 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns, including 729 rushing yards (10 TDs) and 409 receiving yards (5 TDs) as a senior...In 2010 he ran for 349 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 382 yards receiving and three scores...PERSONAL: Son of Lance and Kelly Creel.
Mitchell Dawkins WR 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Winter Park, Fla.-Lake Howell
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lake Howell High School in Winter Park, Fla. where he played for Head Coach Tom Oliver...One of the top ranked wide receivers in Central Florida coming into the 2011 season... Ranked as the 234th best wide receiver nationally by ESPN.com Was a four-year varsity letterwinner in football for the Silver Hawks...Named second team All-Seminole as well as 2011 BHSN Honorable Mention...Averaged 13.8 yards per catch and 10.5 yards per rush...Racked up 426 receiving yards in his senior campaign with 35 catches...Scored three touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball...Also played varsity basketball for Lake Howell...PERSONAL: Son of Mitchell and Melanie Dawkins...Dawkins is the nephew of Darryl Dawkins, the former Orlando Evans High School star, who was the first high school basketball player to be drafted directly into the NBA.
Cole Gardner TE 6-5 242 Fr.-Fr. Batavia, Ill.-Batavia
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Batavia High School where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 12-1 record in 2011...Played under Head Coach Dennis Piron...Named first team All-State in Class 6A by the Illinois High School Football Coaches' Association...Was a two-time Academic All-State and All-Area selection...Is the school's career sack's leader with 20...As the team captain, finished his senior season with 30 catches for 442 yards and seven touchdowns...Hauled in a trio of second-half touchdown passes as the Bulldogs rallied past Niles Notre Dame, 35-28, to advance to the state semifinals...Recorded a sack, forced fumble, blocked punt and two receptions for touchdowns in a 42-0 victory over Lakes...In basketball for BHS, he averaged 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds a game as a junior en route to earning Conference Player of the Year accolades...PERSONAL: Son of Todd and Debra Gardner.
Amos Houston LB/S 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Loyola
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Loyola High School in Detroit, Mich. where helped lead the Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season in 2011...Played under Head Coach John Callohan...Ranked as a Top 35 player in the state of Michigan and the 133rd best athlete nationally by ESPN.com...Ranked as the 46th best player in the state of Michigan by the Detroit Free Press' Mick McCabe on his Fab 50 team...The No. 58 overall recruit in the state of Michigan on The Detroit News' Blue Chip list...Was chosen to play in the 2012 Michigan High School East-West All-Star game...A two-time Division 7 All-State selection...Named to the All-Metro team in his senior year as a linebacker...Had three interceptions while also returning kicks and punts as a senior...Offensively, he caught 18 passes for 580 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior campaign...Caught 39 passes for 792 yards and seven touchdowns in his junior season with the Bulldogs...As a junior, recorded 50 tackles including three sacks, while picking off the quarterback once...PERSONAL: Son of Patricia Houston and Dan and Christine Geoghegan..
Jake Hurcombe OL 6-2 275 Fr.-Fr. Lincolnshire, Ill.-Stevenson
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a three-year varsity player at Adlai E. Stevenson High School...Helped lead the Patriots to a trio of conference championships...Played for Head Coach Bill McNamara...Ranked as the 29th best center by Scout.com and the 157th best offensive guard nationally by ESPN.com...Selected All-Conference and All-Area by The Pioneer Press...Becomes the eighth offensive lineman to commit to a Football Bowl Subdivision school from Stevenson, including three former Mid-American Conference offensive linemen...PERSONAL: Son of Malcolm and Lori Hurcombe.
Darius Jackson RB 6-0 190 Fr.-Fr. Sparta, Ill.-Sparta
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Edmund Jones at Sparta High School...Rushed for nearly 1,100 yards as he played quarterback and running back on offense as well as safety on defense...Named first team All-Conference on both sides of the field and was an academic All-State choice...Picked first team All-Area by The Belleville News...Broad jumped 11-feet at the Northwestern showcase...Was just one of 12 players selected by the St. Louis Rams to represent the franchise at the NFL's National 7-on-7 Tournament...Is also an outstanding center fielder on the baseball team...Posted a .433 batting average as a junior...PERSONAL: Son of Sandra Jackson and Tyrone Jackson.
Quincy Jones WR 6-3 195 Fr.-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio-St. Edward
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Rick Finotti as an Eagle...Received a three-star ranking by Rivals.com...Selected to play in the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association's North-South Classic...Garnered second team All-State honors as well as receiving first team accolades in track...Named honorable mention Northeastern Lakes All-District by The Associated Press...As a team captain, helped the Eagles to a state championship in 2010 with an undefeated record...Joins teammate Kirkland Bryant in EMU's 2012 recruiting class...PERSONAL: Son of Andre and Cheryl Williams.
Juwan Lewis RB 5-10 208 Fr.-Fr. Muskegon, Mich.-Muskegon
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Muskegon High School in Muskegon, Mich....Played under Head Coach Shane Fairfield...Is one of the top running back prospects in the state of Michigan according to BillKurelic.com...Is the No. 22 recruit in the state of Michigan according to 247Sports.com...Ranked as the 30th best player in the state of Michigan by the Detroit Free Press' Mick McCabe on his Fab 50 list...Ranked as the 92nd best running back by ESPN.com...Was one of just nine Michigan seniors nominated for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl... Received a three-star ranking by Rivals.com...Selected as one of 88 high school players to participate in the 32nd Michigan High School Football Coaches Association East-West All Star Game...Earned first-team All-State, All-Area and All-Conference honors for the Big Reds...Ran for 20 touchdowns and 1,446 yards during his senior season averaging 6.8 yards a rush...Erupted for a career-high 285 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries in a 40-19 victory over Mattawan...Rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns en route to earning WZZM's Sidelines MVP accolades...Played slot receiver his sophomore season before moving to running back...Rushed for 1,031 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, averaging 7.6 yards a carry...PERSONAL: Son of Tracey Lewis and Claudia Wilcoux.
Travis Linser DT 6-4 250 So.-So. Glendale, Ariz.-Phoenix NW Christian-Phoenix College
EASTERN MICHIGAN: Enrolled in classes in January of 2012...JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended Phoenix College in Phoenix, Ariz...Competed in nine games for Head Coach Land Jacobsen at a defensive end position...Had 40 tackles, including 18 solo, three for loss and one sack...The defensive end picked off a pair of passes in his time at Phoenix College...HIGH SCHOOL: Played high school football for Phoenix Northwest Christian for Head Coach Derek Wahlstrom...Helped lead the team to a 2A championship on the defensive side of the ball...Was named to the 2010 Arizona All-State team as selected by The Arizona Republic as a defensive lineman...Picked as the Old Spice Player of the Year in Arizona...On the offensive side, was named to the 2010 MaxPreps.com All-Region first team...Was one of five All-Arizona team members to compete in an all-star game against Southern California's all-star team...PERSONAL: Son of Kent and Kathy Linser.
Hunter Matt LB 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Wyandotte, Mich.-Roosevelt
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a three-year varsity player at Roosevelt High School and a two-year co-captain....Played for Head Coach Ron Adams at Roosevelt who played football at EMU (1984-87), helping the then-Hurons to a 1987 California Bowl victory...Ranked as the 40th best player in the state of Michigan by the Detroit Free Press' Mick McCabe on his Fab 50 list...Ranked as the No. 43 overall recruit in the state of Michigan according to The Detroit News...Accumulated 124 tackles and one sack as a senior, while stripping the ball carrier four times and recovering three fumbles...Offensively, he produced 774 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns as a fullback...Led the Bears' defense to their second-straight Down River Conference championship...Was named to the All-Metro West first-team as captain of the defensive team...Was a Division 2 first team All-State selection according to the Detroit Free Press...Was chosen to play in the 2012 Michigan High School East-West All-Star game...Finished third in an online voting poll for the 2011 Wyandotte Patch Athlete of the Year...Is also a standout baseball player at Roosevelt hitting .505 for the Bears with two home runs and 40 RBI on his junior campaign...Brother, Andrew, plays football for Wayne State University, while his father David, played for Northern Michigan University...PERSONAL: Son of David and Lynne Matt.
Cy Maughmer DT 6-2 290 So.-So. Glendale, Ariz.-Apache Junction-Glendale C.C.
EASTERN MICHIGAN: Enrolled in classes in January of 2012...JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended Glendale Community College in Glendale, Ariz...Competed in 12 games as a defensive tackle for Head Coach Mickey Bell...Recorded 47 total tackles, including 21 solo and two tackles for loss...Picked up eight sacks in his 12 JUCO games...HIGH SCHOOL: Was the 11th best defensive lineman prospect in the 2010 recruiting class according to Rivals.com at Apache Junction High School...Finished with 200 career tackles and 30 sacks...Garnered All-Region and All-State accolades under Head Coach Rich Milligan...PERSONAL: Son of Earl and Tamara Maughmer.
Christian Menet TE 6-4 235 Fr.-Fr. Reading, Pa.-Exeter Township
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Exeter Township Senior High School in Reading, Pa...Played for Head Coach Matt Bauer at ETHS...Was the EMU first commitment in the Class of 2012...Ranked the No. 76 overall tight end by ESPN.com in the 2012 class...Rated the No. 67 overall tight end by Scout.com...Named an honorable mention AAAA All-State tight end by Pennsylvania Football News...Named second team All-County as a defensive end...Caught 17 passes for 352 yards and three scores as a senior...Averaged 20.71 yards per catch, including a season-best 68 yards in a win over Muhlenberg...Also turned in three sacks, seven pass defections and two forced fumbles on defense...Utilized as both a blocker and a receiver in Exeter's offensive attack...Hauled in six passes for 190 yards, averaging 31.7 yards per reception, and scored four total touchdowns as a junior...Holds the ETHS lifting record for the power clean at 305 lbs...PERSONAL: Son of Sherry Graffius and Brian Menet.
Pat O'Connor DE 6-4 230 Fr.-Fr. Chicago, Ill.-Saint Rita
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Saint Rita High School in Chicago, Ill...Played for Head Coach Todd Kuska...Named 2011 Chicago Tribune All-State honorable mention...Picked up Chicago Sun-Times' All-Area honorable mention accolades...Earned first-team All-Catholic League Blue selection...Finished his senior year with 86 tackles, seven sacks and one interception...Helped the Mustangs to a Catholic League Championship in 2010...As a junior, O'Connor helped Saint Rita make it to the IHSA Playoffs semi-finals for the first time since 2003...PERSONAL: Son of James O'Connor.
Arron Pipkins DT 6-1 260 Fr.-Fr. Maple Heights, Ohio-Maple Heights
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Todd Filtz at Maple Heights High School...A three-year letterwinner...Chosen as the 28th best player in Northeastern Ohio by The Cleveland Plain Dealer...Named a 2011 special mention All-Ohio selection by the Associated Press...Was named the 2010 L.E.L. Defensive Player of the Year and the team's Defensive Player of the Year...Played in two state finals and was a major contributor to the team's 2010 championship run...Elected to the Next Level All-Cleveland team...Is also a standout wrestler for Head Coach Jamie Milkovich, ranked ninth in the state at 285 lbs by the Ohio Wrestling Rankings...PERSONAL: Son of Queenie Edwards and Antoine Pipkins.
Ike Spearman LB 6-1 215 Fr.-Fr. Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Brett St. Germaine at Lake Central High School...Received a three-star ranking by Rivals.com as the ninth best player in the state of Indiana...Scout.com's No. 83 rated outside linebacker...Finished the regular season with 95 tackles, 25 for losses, seven sacks, two blocked punts, two fumble recoveries, and 4 forced fumbles...Named a Class 5A first team All-State selection by the Associated Press...Led one of the region's top defensive units, as the Indians finished as co-DAC champions...PERSONAL: Son of Derek and Jacquie Spearman.
Mike Steals DE 6-5 250 Fr.-Fr. North Braddock, Pa.-Woodland Hills
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pa....Played for Head Coach George Novak...Earned first team WPIAL Class AAAA All-Conference team honors in 2011...Elected to the 2012 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl...The senior co-captain was a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette All-Big East Conference selection on the offensive line as a junior...He helped to pave the way for a Wolverine offensive unit which averaged 26.2 points per game and reached the WPIAL AAAA championship game...Woodland Hills boasted an 1,800-yard rusher and two quarterbacks with at least 300 passing yards in 2010...PERSONAL: Son of Annie Wright.
Mycal Swaim S 6-4 205 Jr.-Jr. Chico, Calif.-Pleasant Valley-Butte College
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended Butte College in Oroville, Calif....Team finished 10-1 and ranked fifth in the state in 2011 under Head Coach Jeff Jordan...Named a unanimous All-Conference and All-Region selection as a sophomore...Led the Roadrunners in tackles with 64 (38 solo, 26 assist) to go along with six interceptions and six pass breakups...Had a sack, a fumble recovery and an interception in the first half in a 50-28 victory over Sierra College...Also a gaurd on the basketball team...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, Calif....Played under Head Coach Bill Haley...Played both wide receiver and free safety...Finished his senior season with 20 tackles (16 solo, 4 assist) plus an interception...Notched 59 (27 solo, 32 assist) tackles to go along with three pass breakups and an interception as a junior...PERSONAL: Son of Kathy and Casey Swaim.
Darien Terrell OT 6-3 340 Fr.-Fr. Canton, Ohio-Massillon Jackson
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Jackson High School in Massillon, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Beau Balderson...Ranked as the 146th best offensive guard nationally by ESPN.com...Was named the Jerry Dearmitt Memorial Award winner by his team...Garnered third-team All-Ohio honors with 83 pancake blocks...Named first-team All-Federal League and first-team All-NE Inland...Was placed on the WHBC All-Stark County offense, as well as the first team of the Canton Repository All-County team...Led the Jackson High offensive line that rushed for 2,583 yards and 30 touchdowns...Was a three-year letterwinner for the Polar Bears...PERSONAL: Son of Vertrence and Marla Terrell.
Matt Thornton OT 6-4 290 Fr.-Fr. Owosso, Mich.-Owosso
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Owosso High School in Owosso, Mich...Played under Head Coach Tom Harkema...Received a No. 99 offensive tackle rating from Scout.com...Ranked as the 186th best offensive tackle nationally by ESPN.com...Selected third-team Division III All-State by the Detroit Free Press...Was named to the Capital Area Activities Conference Red Division first-team unit and captured the Trojans' Most Outstanding Lineman award...Helped Owosso to a 5-4 record his senior year...Named The Argus-Press/Memorial Healthcare Sports T.E.A.M. Athlete of the Week on Dec. 4, 2011...Was named to the Lansing State Journal's Dream Team as a senior... Blocked for an offense that put up almost 30 points per game and helped Owosso to its first winning record since 2001...Division 3-4 all-state honorable mention selection...Selected to the first team All-State Dream Team by The Sports Scene...Also plays for the OHS basketball team...PERSONAL: Son of Star and Robert Ridenour...Coach Tom Harkema is the brother of former EMU Head Football Coach Jim Harkema, who led the then-Hurons to a 1987 California Bowl victory.
Andrew Wylie OL 6-5 260 Fr.-Fr. Midland, Mich.-Midland
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Midland High School in Midland, Mich...Started for three years under Head Coach Eric Methner...Ranked as the 157th best offensive tackle nationally by ESPN.com...Was named to the All-Saginaw Valley League second team and to The Daily News All-Area first team as a junior...Was a Division 1-2 All-State honorable mention selection...Named to the All-Saginaw Valley League first team and to The Daily News All-Area first team as a senior...Selected to the second team All-State Dream Team by The Sports Scene...Led the Midland High offensive line that rushed for 2,200 yards and a 9-2 record...Also an outstanding performer on the basketball team...PERSONAL: Son of Scott and Deb Wylie.
Anthony Zappone LB 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Westlake, Ohio-Westlake
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Westlake High School in Westlake, Ohio...Started for three years under Head Coach Mark Campo...Ranked as the 57th best inside linebacker nationally by ESPN.com...Was named first team All-Conference in each of his three seasons as a varsity player...Named to the All-Northeastern Ohio team following his junior and senior campaigns...Elected to the Next Level All-Cleveland team...Selected a National Underclassmen Combine MVP...Led the team in tackles as a junior, recording 76 tackles, including 10 for a loss, and three sacks for the Demons...PERSONAL: Son of Mike and Mary Zappone.
EMU Football Pregame Press Conference: Week 3 vs. Kentucky
Monday, September 08
Highlights: Football vs. LIU
Sunday, September 07
EMU Football Week Two Hype Video
Sunday, September 07
EMU Football Pregame Press Conference: Week 2 vs. LIU
Monday, September 01