Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Football Inks 16 in 2018 Early Signing Period
12/20/2017 12:30:00 PM | Football
Head Coach Chris Creighton adds players from eight states and the Netherlands
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Behind the Scenes of 2018 Early Signing Day.
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Chris Creighton officially welcomed 16 student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Dec. 20, during the newly established Early Signing Period. All have committed to join the Eagles for the 2018 campaign.
The class includes 10 defensive and six offensive players representing eight different states and the Netherlands. On defense, EMU adds four recruits in the defensive backfield, four defensive linemen, and two linebackers, while also signing two offensive linemen, two wide receivers, a quarterback, and a tight end on offense.
"You evaluate a recruiting class when they graduate, but in terms of our excitement about this group's potential – we are ecstatic," said Creighton. "We always go after great people who are talented and passionate about football, and this class is full of those guys."
The highly anticipated class features 12 different players ranked by the national recruiting services, including five rated as three-star prospects.
The early signing period was approved by the NCAA in May 2017. It allows high school seniors a 72-hour window in December to sign a national letter of intent with the school of their choice. It comes about two months before National Signing Day, which is Wednesday, Feb 7, 2018.
Eastern Michigan opens the 2018 season Friday, Aug. 31, against Monmouth University inside "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium. Other non-conference match ups include trips to Purdue University, Sept. 8, San Diego State University, Sept. 22, and a home game against Army West Point, Oct. 27.
In Mid-American Conference play, the Eagles will host Akron, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo. Road games will be at Ball State, Buffalo, Kent State, and Western Michigan.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's signees...
Kobie Beltram LB 6-2 230 Jr.-Jr. Antioch, Calif.-Antioch-City College of San Francisco
PERSONAL: Full name: Kobie Allen Beltram...Son of Rich and Terrie Beltram...Has three brothers, Markie , Richie, and Anthony, and a sister, Felicity...Sports performance and fitness major...SAN FRANCISCO: Played in 20 career games, posting 101 tackles (55 solo, 46 assisted), 11.5 tackles-for-loss, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries...2017: Played in 11 games, recording 67 stops, including 8.5 for a loss of 25 yards...Also notched six pass breakups...Had nine games with five-or-more tackles...Posted 11 tackles and two TFLs in a 59-7 victory over Diablo Valley (Oct. 14)...Added six tackles as CCSF defeated Sacramento City College, 55-21, to capture the 2017 Capital City Bowl...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Antioch High School and played under Head Coaches John Lucido and Brett Dudley as a Panther...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Finished career as the all-time tackle leader in school history with 343 tackles...Was a unanimous first-team all-league selection his sophomore and junior year...Registered 108 tackles as a sophomore and another 115 tackles his junior year.
Robert Daniel DB 6-0 185 Fr.-Fr. Oak Park, Mich.-Oak Park
PERSONAL: Full name: Robert Dwayne Jerry Daniel Jr...Son of Robert Daniel and Lakisha Humber...Has five brothers, Jaylyn Humber, Jermicah Humber, Robert Smith, Dwayne Truss, and Daniel Smith, and three sisters, Shiana Humber, Danielle Truss, and Maeleigh Daniel...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Oak Park High School and played under Head Coach Greg Carter as a Knight...Ranked as a three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports...Listed at 34th on Michigan's Top 50 Players by the Detroit Free Press, while coming in 32nd according to MLive...A four-year letterwinner at safety...Helped team to a 10-3 record as a senior while posting 75 tackles and four forced fumbles...Earned Second Team All-North honors from the Detroit Free Press in 2017 after grabbing honorable mention accolades in 2016.
Brian Dooley OL 6-6 275 Fr.-Fr. Bowling Green, Ohio-Toledo St. John's Jesuit
PERSONAL: Full name: Brian Spencer Dooley...Son of Dan and Jen Dooley...Has a brother, Sean...Criminal justice major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Toledo St. John's Jesuit High School and played under Head Coach Larry McDaniel as a Titan...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Earned Special Mention All-Blade honors from The Toledo Blade, while grabbing first team all-conference and all-district accolades in 2017...Helped team to a regional quarterfinals playoff appearance as a senior...Named Second Team Offense at the Detroit Elite Big Man Camp...Played at the same high school as former EMU quarterback Brogan Roback.
Dylan Drummond WR 6-0 180 Fr.-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio-Cuyahoga Heights
PERSONAL: Full name: Dylan A. Drummond...Son of Wayne and Trish Drummond...Has three sisters, Jordan, Brooke, and Bryaune...Business major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cuyahoga Heights High School and played under Head Coach Al Martin as a Redskin...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Finished career with three school records for touchdowns (41), defensive touchdowns (4), receptions (190), and receiving yards (3,210)...Set single season records for most receptions (61), receiving yards (1,051), and touchdown receptions (18)...Established school records with the longest punt return for a touchdown (83 yards) and the most touchdown receptions in a game (4)...Earned First Team Division VI All-Ohio honors by the Associated Press in both 2016 and 2017...Had 41 receptions for 755 yards and scored TDs on kickoff and punt returns against East Canton while also coming up with two interceptions...Helped his team to a 2017 OHSAA Division VI runner-up showing with a 12-2 record...Grabbed six balls for 66 yards and the lone touchdown in the state championship game against Minster...Also finished with seven tackles, a TFL, and an interception in his final prep game...Scored the game winning touchdown in the 2015 OHSAA Division VI second round matchup against Smithville...Helped create his game-winning opportunity by blocking a Smithville extra point after the Smithies scored first in overtime... Invited to play in the 2017-18 North/South All-Star Game and the 2017 Australian Down Under Football Game.
Mikey Haney DL 6-4 260 Fr.-Fr. Maumee, Ohio-Maumee
PERSONAL: Full name: Michael Daniel Haney...Son of Mike and Carolyn Haney...Has two brothers, Tim and Jeremy, and a sister, Gabbi ...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Maumee High School and played under Head Coach Marc Gibson as a Panther...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...A four-year varsity starter for the Panthers that steadily improved as a two-way player...Grabbed First Team All-Northwest District honors in addition to Honorable Mention All-Ohio accolades as a senior...Recorded 50 tackles, 10 quarterback hurries, eight tackles-for-loss, four pass deflections, and three sacks...Selected Second-Team All-Northern Lakes League in 2016...Also competed in basketball and track and field.
Aaron Jackson QB 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Cass Technical
PERSONAL: Full name: Aaron Jackson...Son of Clyde Jackson and EssiAlani Hollier...Has a sister, Jacquelene Hollier-Jackson...Both parents attended EMU, with dad playing both safety and linebacker for the football team...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cass Technical High School and played under Head Coach Thomas Wilcher as a Technician...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Dual-threat abilities at quarterback that helped team to a 42-7 record during his high school career...Earned Second Team All-Detroit honors from the Detroit News in 2017...Helped Cass Tech to its eighth-straight regional title as a senior...Threw for 1,575 yards while rushing for 1,025 yards...Totalled 26 touchdowns in 2017...Threw a touchdown pass and rushed for 116 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown, in a 32-26 regional final win over Chippewa Valley...Played the final two games for Cass Tech as a sophomore when the starter went down with an injury, losing in the state championship game to Romeo.
Marcellus Johnson OL 6-4 270 Fr.-Fr. Normal, Ill.-Normal Community
PERSONAL: Full name: Marcellus Morris Johnson...Son of Eric Johnson and Kesha Richardson....Has three brothers, Eric, Dillan, Jaylen, and a sister, Erica...Father played football at Illinois State and then professionally at defensive line...Brother, Eric II, plays football at Missouri State...Mechanical engineering major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Normal Community High School and played under Head Coach Wes Temples as an Ironman...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports...As a senior, was a unanimous Big 12 Conference selection after helping NCHS to the league championship and a 10-1 overall record...Named First Team Offense at the Midwest Elite Football Exposure Camp.
Line Latu WR 5-11 190 Jr.-Jr. San Mateo, Calif.-San Mateo-College of San Mateo
PERSONAL: Full name: Jarad Line Latu...Son of Patelesio and Emily Latu...Has five brothers, Patrick, Moses, Michael, Semisi, and Joseph...Sports management major...SAN MATEO: In two seasons, had 87 catches for 1,453 yards and 16 scores...Averaged 16.7 yards a reception...Earned all-conference honors twice...2017: Played in 12 games in 2017, recording 54 receptions for 838 yards and nine touchdowns...Ranked 15th in the California Community College Athletic Association in yards and 15th in TDs...Averaged 69.8 yards a contest and 15.5 yards per catch...Posted nine games with three-or-more receptions...Had a season-high 145 yards and two scores in a 58-12 victory at De Anza...Grabbed eight balls for 131 yards and a score in a 37-36 win at Sierra, including a season-best 73 yard reception...Team finished with an 11-2 record after playing in its second state title game since the program began in 1922...2016: Played in 10 games, finished with 33 catches for 615 yards and seven touchdowns...Had a 96 yard reception versus Fresno City...Finished with 103 yards on six catches at American River...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended San Mateo High School and played under Head Coach Jeff Scheller as a Bearcat...A two-way player, played quarterback, running back, safety and punter...As a senior, had 1,059 total yards, nine touchdowns, 62 tackles, and five interceptions...Was the 2015 Utility Player of the Year as well as earning team MVP honors.
Tyrone Neal LB 6-0 225 Jr.-Jr. Hillside, Ill.-Proviso West-Fort Scott C.C.
PERSONAL: Full name: Tyrone William Neal...Son of Ziporah Bellamy...Has a brother, Tavaris Neal, and a sister, Trenae Williams...Business major...FORT SCOTT: Appeared in nine games during the 2017 campaign under Head Coach Kale Pick...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Ranked second in the NJCAA with 119 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, to go along with 12 tackles-for-loss, a pass breakup and a forced fumble...Had nine-or-more tackles in every game, including posting five contests with more than 13 stops...Notched 18 tackles (11 solo, 7 assisted) against Dodge City C.C....Added two sacks for a loss of 22 yards in a win at Hutchinson C.C....HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Proviso West High School and played under Head Coach Famous Hulbert as a Panther...Was named the team MVP at linebacker as a senior after recording 107 tackles...Also competed in track and wrestling.
Thomas Odukoya TE 6-6 260 Jr.-Jr. Almere, Netherlands-Helen Parkhurst-Garden City C.C.
PERSONAL: Full name: Thomas Odukoya...Son of Michael Odukoya and Lisette Blankestijn...Has a brother, Jayden, and three sisters, Tobi, Florine, and Robyn...Sports management major...GARDEN CITY: Was a member of the Broncbusters football team...WEST HILLS-COALINGA: Finished with 15 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns...Named all-conference...Had two-or-more catches in six contests...Grabbed three balls for 33 yards and a score in a 42-7 win at Cabrillo...Added a touchdown reception against at Hartnell...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Helen Parkhurst High School and played for Head Coach Ronald Callenbach as a Phantom...Was a three-year captain...Totalled 22 sacks and was named the Dutch National MVP.
Turan Rush DL 6-1 260 So.-So. Charleston, W.Va.-Capital-Antelope Valley College
PERSONAL: Full name: Turan De'Angelo Rush...Son of Turan Rush and Dawn Walker...Has a brother, Turay, and three sisters, Ajee, Tyann, and Tariyah...Sports management major...ANTELOPE VALLEY: 2017: Played in 10 games, recording 36 tackles (12 solo, 24 assisted) to go along with 5.5 sacks for a loss of 32 yards...Registered 10 tackles-for-loss as well as three pass breakups and an interception...Selected Second Team All-American Pacific Conference...Posted nine stops against San Diego Mesa while notching 4.5 TFLs for a loss of 25 yards against LA Valley...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Capital High School and played under Head Coach Jon Carpenter as a Cougar...As a senior, earned first team all-state honors by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association...Recorded 83 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, and 11 sacks in 2016...Played in the North-South Football Classic.
Shawn Simeon DL 6-5 220 Jr.-Jr. Miami, Fla.-Central-Coffeyville C.C.
PERSONAL: Full name: Shawn Simeon...Son of Willy Simeon and Wilna Petit Frere...Has two brothers and two sisters...Communications major...COFFEYVILLE: Racked up 69 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, 6.0 sacks, and six pass breakups in two years while playing for the Red Ravens...2017: Played in 10 games, posting 34 stops (13 solo, 21 assisted) to go along with 4.5 for a loss of 20 yards...Notched a season-best nine tackles and three TFLs versus Butler C.C....Had five games with a sack...2016: Had 35 tackles, 12.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, and recovered a pair of fumbles...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Miami Central High School as a Rocket.
Timarcus Simpson DB 5-11 170 Fr.-Fr. Tampa, Fla.-Sickles
PERSONAL: Full name: Timarcus Tyree Simpson...Son of Timothy and Brenda Simpson...Has a brother, Tj, and a sister, Tina...Business major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Sickles High School and played under Head Coach Patrick Murphy as a Gryphon...Ranked as a three-star prospect by Scout and 247Sports...Is the 107th-ranked cornerback on 247Sports...Recorded the most interceptions in school history as a defensive back...Was part of the 2015 team that recorded six shutouts, including five at home, as they allowed only 11.5 points per game...In four games as a sophomore, recorded 12 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception...Joins former high school teammate Issac Holder on the roster.
Carter Stagner DL 6-4 225 Fr.-Fr. Birmingham, Mich.-Seaholm
PERSONAL: Full name: Carter Joseph Stagner...Son of Kirk and Dawn Stagner...Has two sisters, Maggie and Allie...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Seaholm High School and played under Head Coach Jim DeWald as a Maple...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports...As a senior, named to the Detroit News' All-State Honorable Mention team as well as the All-North squad released by The Detroit Free Press...Three-year varsity letter winner that finished with the second-most defensive line tackles in school history...Was a captain who made his presence known on both sides of the ball... Was voted Seaholm's Lineman of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons and won the school's Nick Deanne Memorial Leadership Award...Led team in 2017 with nine tackles-for-loss and four sacks...Finished senior year with 55 total tackles, second on the team...In on 12 tackles in a game against Rochester and totaled nine tackles against OAA White champion and Division III state finalist Farmington Harrison.
Isaiah Watson DB 5-10 160 Fr.-Fr. Towson, Md.-Calvert Hall
PERSONAL: Full name: Isaiah Markell Watson...Son of Bert and Cherie Watson...Has a brother, BJ, and three sisters, Nyree, Nyjae, Nylah...Father played football at Delware State, while brother is a running back at Harvard...Computer science major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Calvert Hall and played under Head Coach Donald Davis as a Cardinal...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports... As a senior, recorded 35 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and two interceptions...Invited to play in the Baltimore Touchdown Club's 22nd Annual Senior All-Star Football Classic...Maryland X Crab Bowl 2017 All Star...Under Armour All America ILLSPEED Finalist...Selected Honorable Mention Private School All-State as a junior...Also a member of the track team...Competed in the Penn Relays 4x100 & 4X400.
EJ Williams DB 6-1 208 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Pike
PERSONAL: Full name: Elijah Jeriel Williams...Son of Jeriel and Cheresa Williams...Has two brothers, Isaiah and Aiyden...Biology major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Pike High School and played under Head Coach Jimmy B. Graves as a Red Devil...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports...Listed 25th in the IndPreps Top 50 for the Class of 2018...Had 76 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles...Earned all-conference and all-county honors as a senior, while also being named team MVP...Also a member of the school's baseball team.
Behind the Scenes of 2018 Early Signing Day.
Social Accounts to Follow
@EMUAthletics (Twitter)
@EMUFB (Twitter)
Snapchat
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Chris Creighton officially welcomed 16 student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Dec. 20, during the newly established Early Signing Period. All have committed to join the Eagles for the 2018 campaign.
The class includes 10 defensive and six offensive players representing eight different states and the Netherlands. On defense, EMU adds four recruits in the defensive backfield, four defensive linemen, and two linebackers, while also signing two offensive linemen, two wide receivers, a quarterback, and a tight end on offense.
"You evaluate a recruiting class when they graduate, but in terms of our excitement about this group's potential – we are ecstatic," said Creighton. "We always go after great people who are talented and passionate about football, and this class is full of those guys."
The highly anticipated class features 12 different players ranked by the national recruiting services, including five rated as three-star prospects.
The early signing period was approved by the NCAA in May 2017. It allows high school seniors a 72-hour window in December to sign a national letter of intent with the school of their choice. It comes about two months before National Signing Day, which is Wednesday, Feb 7, 2018.
Eastern Michigan opens the 2018 season Friday, Aug. 31, against Monmouth University inside "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium. Other non-conference match ups include trips to Purdue University, Sept. 8, San Diego State University, Sept. 22, and a home game against Army West Point, Oct. 27.
In Mid-American Conference play, the Eagles will host Akron, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo. Road games will be at Ball State, Buffalo, Kent State, and Western Michigan.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's signees...
Kobie Beltram LB 6-2 230 Jr.-Jr. Antioch, Calif.-Antioch-City College of San Francisco
PERSONAL: Full name: Kobie Allen Beltram...Son of Rich and Terrie Beltram...Has three brothers, Markie , Richie, and Anthony, and a sister, Felicity...Sports performance and fitness major...SAN FRANCISCO: Played in 20 career games, posting 101 tackles (55 solo, 46 assisted), 11.5 tackles-for-loss, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries...2017: Played in 11 games, recording 67 stops, including 8.5 for a loss of 25 yards...Also notched six pass breakups...Had nine games with five-or-more tackles...Posted 11 tackles and two TFLs in a 59-7 victory over Diablo Valley (Oct. 14)...Added six tackles as CCSF defeated Sacramento City College, 55-21, to capture the 2017 Capital City Bowl...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Antioch High School and played under Head Coaches John Lucido and Brett Dudley as a Panther...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Finished career as the all-time tackle leader in school history with 343 tackles...Was a unanimous first-team all-league selection his sophomore and junior year...Registered 108 tackles as a sophomore and another 115 tackles his junior year.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Kobie Beltram (@KobieBeltram__)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Robert Daniel DB 6-0 185 Fr.-Fr. Oak Park, Mich.-Oak Park
PERSONAL: Full name: Robert Dwayne Jerry Daniel Jr...Son of Robert Daniel and Lakisha Humber...Has five brothers, Jaylyn Humber, Jermicah Humber, Robert Smith, Dwayne Truss, and Daniel Smith, and three sisters, Shiana Humber, Danielle Truss, and Maeleigh Daniel...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Oak Park High School and played under Head Coach Greg Carter as a Knight...Ranked as a three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports...Listed at 34th on Michigan's Top 50 Players by the Detroit Free Press, while coming in 32nd according to MLive...A four-year letterwinner at safety...Helped team to a 10-3 record as a senior while posting 75 tackles and four forced fumbles...Earned Second Team All-North honors from the Detroit Free Press in 2017 after grabbing honorable mention accolades in 2016.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Robert Daniel Jr. (@WatchChannel_2)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Brian Dooley OL 6-6 275 Fr.-Fr. Bowling Green, Ohio-Toledo St. John's Jesuit
PERSONAL: Full name: Brian Spencer Dooley...Son of Dan and Jen Dooley...Has a brother, Sean...Criminal justice major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Toledo St. John's Jesuit High School and played under Head Coach Larry McDaniel as a Titan...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Earned Special Mention All-Blade honors from The Toledo Blade, while grabbing first team all-conference and all-district accolades in 2017...Helped team to a regional quarterfinals playoff appearance as a senior...Named Second Team Offense at the Detroit Elite Big Man Camp...Played at the same high school as former EMU quarterback Brogan Roback.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Brian Dooley (@Dooley18Brian)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Dylan Drummond WR 6-0 180 Fr.-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio-Cuyahoga Heights
PERSONAL: Full name: Dylan A. Drummond...Son of Wayne and Trish Drummond...Has three sisters, Jordan, Brooke, and Bryaune...Business major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cuyahoga Heights High School and played under Head Coach Al Martin as a Redskin...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Finished career with three school records for touchdowns (41), defensive touchdowns (4), receptions (190), and receiving yards (3,210)...Set single season records for most receptions (61), receiving yards (1,051), and touchdown receptions (18)...Established school records with the longest punt return for a touchdown (83 yards) and the most touchdown receptions in a game (4)...Earned First Team Division VI All-Ohio honors by the Associated Press in both 2016 and 2017...Had 41 receptions for 755 yards and scored TDs on kickoff and punt returns against East Canton while also coming up with two interceptions...Helped his team to a 2017 OHSAA Division VI runner-up showing with a 12-2 record...Grabbed six balls for 66 yards and the lone touchdown in the state championship game against Minster...Also finished with seven tackles, a TFL, and an interception in his final prep game...Scored the game winning touchdown in the 2015 OHSAA Division VI second round matchup against Smithville...Helped create his game-winning opportunity by blocking a Smithville extra point after the Smithies scored first in overtime... Invited to play in the 2017-18 North/South All-Star Game and the 2017 Australian Down Under Football Game.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Dylan Drummond (@Dylan_Drummond9)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Mikey Haney DL 6-4 260 Fr.-Fr. Maumee, Ohio-Maumee
PERSONAL: Full name: Michael Daniel Haney...Son of Mike and Carolyn Haney...Has two brothers, Tim and Jeremy, and a sister, Gabbi ...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Maumee High School and played under Head Coach Marc Gibson as a Panther...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...A four-year varsity starter for the Panthers that steadily improved as a two-way player...Grabbed First Team All-Northwest District honors in addition to Honorable Mention All-Ohio accolades as a senior...Recorded 50 tackles, 10 quarterback hurries, eight tackles-for-loss, four pass deflections, and three sacks...Selected Second-Team All-Northern Lakes League in 2016...Also competed in basketball and track and field.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Mikey Haney (@xxhaneyxx13)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Aaron Jackson QB 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Cass Technical
PERSONAL: Full name: Aaron Jackson...Son of Clyde Jackson and EssiAlani Hollier...Has a sister, Jacquelene Hollier-Jackson...Both parents attended EMU, with dad playing both safety and linebacker for the football team...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cass Technical High School and played under Head Coach Thomas Wilcher as a Technician...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Dual-threat abilities at quarterback that helped team to a 42-7 record during his high school career...Earned Second Team All-Detroit honors from the Detroit News in 2017...Helped Cass Tech to its eighth-straight regional title as a senior...Threw for 1,575 yards while rushing for 1,025 yards...Totalled 26 touchdowns in 2017...Threw a touchdown pass and rushed for 116 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown, in a 32-26 regional final win over Chippewa Valley...Played the final two games for Cass Tech as a sophomore when the starter went down with an injury, losing in the state championship game to Romeo.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Aaron Jackson (@Aaron10Jackson)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Marcellus Johnson OL 6-4 270 Fr.-Fr. Normal, Ill.-Normal Community
PERSONAL: Full name: Marcellus Morris Johnson...Son of Eric Johnson and Kesha Richardson....Has three brothers, Eric, Dillan, Jaylen, and a sister, Erica...Father played football at Illinois State and then professionally at defensive line...Brother, Eric II, plays football at Missouri State...Mechanical engineering major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Normal Community High School and played under Head Coach Wes Temples as an Ironman...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports...As a senior, was a unanimous Big 12 Conference selection after helping NCHS to the league championship and a 10-1 overall record...Named First Team Offense at the Midwest Elite Football Exposure Camp.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Marcellus Johnson (@marcellus3006)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Line Latu WR 5-11 190 Jr.-Jr. San Mateo, Calif.-San Mateo-College of San Mateo
PERSONAL: Full name: Jarad Line Latu...Son of Patelesio and Emily Latu...Has five brothers, Patrick, Moses, Michael, Semisi, and Joseph...Sports management major...SAN MATEO: In two seasons, had 87 catches for 1,453 yards and 16 scores...Averaged 16.7 yards a reception...Earned all-conference honors twice...2017: Played in 12 games in 2017, recording 54 receptions for 838 yards and nine touchdowns...Ranked 15th in the California Community College Athletic Association in yards and 15th in TDs...Averaged 69.8 yards a contest and 15.5 yards per catch...Posted nine games with three-or-more receptions...Had a season-high 145 yards and two scores in a 58-12 victory at De Anza...Grabbed eight balls for 131 yards and a score in a 37-36 win at Sierra, including a season-best 73 yard reception...Team finished with an 11-2 record after playing in its second state title game since the program began in 1922...2016: Played in 10 games, finished with 33 catches for 615 yards and seven touchdowns...Had a 96 yard reception versus Fresno City...Finished with 103 yards on six catches at American River...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended San Mateo High School and played under Head Coach Jeff Scheller as a Bearcat...A two-way player, played quarterback, running back, safety and punter...As a senior, had 1,059 total yards, nine touchdowns, 62 tackles, and five interceptions...Was the 2015 Utility Player of the Year as well as earning team MVP honors.
The first NLI of the day is in!
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Line Latu (@JLatu11)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
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Tyrone Neal LB 6-0 225 Jr.-Jr. Hillside, Ill.-Proviso West-Fort Scott C.C.
PERSONAL: Full name: Tyrone William Neal...Son of Ziporah Bellamy...Has a brother, Tavaris Neal, and a sister, Trenae Williams...Business major...FORT SCOTT: Appeared in nine games during the 2017 campaign under Head Coach Kale Pick...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Ranked second in the NJCAA with 119 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, to go along with 12 tackles-for-loss, a pass breakup and a forced fumble...Had nine-or-more tackles in every game, including posting five contests with more than 13 stops...Notched 18 tackles (11 solo, 7 assisted) against Dodge City C.C....Added two sacks for a loss of 22 yards in a win at Hutchinson C.C....HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Proviso West High School and played under Head Coach Famous Hulbert as a Panther...Was named the team MVP at linebacker as a senior after recording 107 tackles...Also competed in track and wrestling.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Tyrone Neal (@teemonaayy)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Thomas Odukoya TE 6-6 260 Jr.-Jr. Almere, Netherlands-Helen Parkhurst-Garden City C.C.
PERSONAL: Full name: Thomas Odukoya...Son of Michael Odukoya and Lisette Blankestijn...Has a brother, Jayden, and three sisters, Tobi, Florine, and Robyn...Sports management major...GARDEN CITY: Was a member of the Broncbusters football team...WEST HILLS-COALINGA: Finished with 15 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns...Named all-conference...Had two-or-more catches in six contests...Grabbed three balls for 33 yards and a score in a 42-7 win at Cabrillo...Added a touchdown reception against at Hartnell...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Helen Parkhurst High School and played for Head Coach Ronald Callenbach as a Phantom...Was a three-year captain...Totalled 22 sacks and was named the Dutch National MVP.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Thomas Odukoya (@ThomasO_)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Turan Rush DL 6-1 260 So.-So. Charleston, W.Va.-Capital-Antelope Valley College
PERSONAL: Full name: Turan De'Angelo Rush...Son of Turan Rush and Dawn Walker...Has a brother, Turay, and three sisters, Ajee, Tyann, and Tariyah...Sports management major...ANTELOPE VALLEY: 2017: Played in 10 games, recording 36 tackles (12 solo, 24 assisted) to go along with 5.5 sacks for a loss of 32 yards...Registered 10 tackles-for-loss as well as three pass breakups and an interception...Selected Second Team All-American Pacific Conference...Posted nine stops against San Diego Mesa while notching 4.5 TFLs for a loss of 25 yards against LA Valley...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Capital High School and played under Head Coach Jon Carpenter as a Cougar...As a senior, earned first team all-state honors by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association...Recorded 83 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, and 11 sacks in 2016...Played in the North-South Football Classic.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Turan Rush!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Shawn Simeon DL 6-5 220 Jr.-Jr. Miami, Fla.-Central-Coffeyville C.C.
PERSONAL: Full name: Shawn Simeon...Son of Willy Simeon and Wilna Petit Frere...Has two brothers and two sisters...Communications major...COFFEYVILLE: Racked up 69 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, 6.0 sacks, and six pass breakups in two years while playing for the Red Ravens...2017: Played in 10 games, posting 34 stops (13 solo, 21 assisted) to go along with 4.5 for a loss of 20 yards...Notched a season-best nine tackles and three TFLs versus Butler C.C....Had five games with a sack...2016: Had 35 tackles, 12.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, and recovered a pair of fumbles...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Miami Central High School as a Rocket.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Shawn Simeon (@simeon_shawn)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Timarcus Simpson DB 5-11 170 Fr.-Fr. Tampa, Fla.-Sickles
PERSONAL: Full name: Timarcus Tyree Simpson...Son of Timothy and Brenda Simpson...Has a brother, Tj, and a sister, Tina...Business major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Sickles High School and played under Head Coach Patrick Murphy as a Gryphon...Ranked as a three-star prospect by Scout and 247Sports...Is the 107th-ranked cornerback on 247Sports...Recorded the most interceptions in school history as a defensive back...Was part of the 2015 team that recorded six shutouts, including five at home, as they allowed only 11.5 points per game...In four games as a sophomore, recorded 12 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception...Joins former high school teammate Issac Holder on the roster.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Timarcus Simpson (@timarcussimpson)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Carter Stagner DL 6-4 225 Fr.-Fr. Birmingham, Mich.-Seaholm
PERSONAL: Full name: Carter Joseph Stagner...Son of Kirk and Dawn Stagner...Has two sisters, Maggie and Allie...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Seaholm High School and played under Head Coach Jim DeWald as a Maple...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports...As a senior, named to the Detroit News' All-State Honorable Mention team as well as the All-North squad released by The Detroit Free Press...Three-year varsity letter winner that finished with the second-most defensive line tackles in school history...Was a captain who made his presence known on both sides of the ball... Was voted Seaholm's Lineman of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons and won the school's Nick Deanne Memorial Leadership Award...Led team in 2017 with nine tackles-for-loss and four sacks...Finished senior year with 55 total tackles, second on the team...In on 12 tackles in a game against Rochester and totaled nine tackles against OAA White champion and Division III state finalist Farmington Harrison.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Carter Stagner (@CoStagner)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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Isaiah Watson DB 5-10 160 Fr.-Fr. Towson, Md.-Calvert Hall
PERSONAL: Full name: Isaiah Markell Watson...Son of Bert and Cherie Watson...Has a brother, BJ, and three sisters, Nyree, Nyjae, Nylah...Father played football at Delware State, while brother is a running back at Harvard...Computer science major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Calvert Hall and played under Head Coach Donald Davis as a Cardinal...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports... As a senior, recorded 35 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and two interceptions...Invited to play in the Baltimore Touchdown Club's 22nd Annual Senior All-Star Football Classic...Maryland X Crab Bowl 2017 All Star...Under Armour All America ILLSPEED Finalist...Selected Honorable Mention Private School All-State as a junior...Also a member of the track team...Competed in the Penn Relays 4x100 & 4X400.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, Isaiah Watson (@zaymatters)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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EJ Williams DB 6-1 208 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Pike
PERSONAL: Full name: Elijah Jeriel Williams...Son of Jeriel and Cheresa Williams...Has two brothers, Isaiah and Aiyden...Biology major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Pike High School and played under Head Coach Jimmy B. Graves as a Red Devil...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports...Listed 25th in the IndPreps Top 50 for the Class of 2018...Had 76 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles...Earned all-conference and all-county honors as a senior, while also being named team MVP...Also a member of the school's baseball team.
Welcome to Eastern Michigan, EJ Williams (@_Jayzeus)!#TheRealest18 #NSD18 #EMUEagles
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 20, 2017
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/ FootballNational Signing Day - Behind the Scenes
Wednesday, December 03
2026 EMU Football Early Signing Day Show
Wednesday, December 03
EMU Football Signing Day: Aaron Kearse
Wednesday, December 03
EMU Football Signing Day: Adon Turner
Wednesday, December 03