EMU Football Adds 26 in 2017 Football Recruiting Class

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Chris Creighton officially welcomed 26 student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Feb. 1, on National Signing Day. All have committed to join the Eagles for the 2017 campaign.

The class includes 13 defensive and 12 offensive players along with a kicker representing 12 different states, Canada and Finland, with four recruits signing out of Florida and California, three from Michigan and Ohio, as well as two from Georgia and Indiana. On defense, EMU adds six recruits in the defensive backfield, four on the defensive line and three linebackers, while also signing four offensive linemen, four wide receivers, two quarterbacks, a running back, and a tight end on offense.

"Our class got off to a really good start in early January when we welcomed our four early enrollees," said Creighton." They are already part of the family and are working hard to make us better. Today is the culmination of a very long process of identifying, evaluating, building relationships and ultimately inviting guys to be a part of Eastern Michigan football. I have always evaluated a class after they have finished their careers but going into it we are excited about this group. We have both built for the future and brought in guys who will compete to play right away."

The highly anticipated class features 15 different players ranked by the national recruiting services, including five rated as three-star prospects.

Sam Dervil (Miami, Fla.-Miami Northwestern-Coffeyville C.C.), Shaq Jones (Philadelphia, Pa.-Imhotep Charter-Iowa Western C.C.), and Tyler LaBarbera (Elk Grove Village, Ill.-Conant-DuPage), as well as freshman Sidy Sow (Bromont, Quebec-J-H Leclerc-Champlain Lennoxville), are also enrolled in classes at EMU and are expected to take part in spring practice.

The class of 2017 includes five players that were previously enrolled in the fall of 2016. Those student-athletes include: Jesse Kelly (Ventura, Calif.-St. Bonaventure-Oregon-Ventura College), Johnnie Niupalau (San Mateo, Calif.-San Mateo-College of San Mateo), Antoine Porter (San Francisco, Calif.-Mission City-College of San Francisco), Dan Samuelson (Plymouth, Ind.-Plymouth-Univ. of Michigan), and Sal Velasquez (La Puente, Calif.-Bishop Amat-Citrus College).

"Those who follow EMU football already know the positive impact both Antoine Porter and Johnnie Niupalau made this past season," added Creighton. "Michigan transfer Dan Samuelson will be ready to go this fall, Sal Velasquez is competing at linebacker, and specialist Jesse Kelly the ability to both kick and punt."

The Eagles begin preparations for the 2017 schedule Tuesday, March 7, when they hit the field for the first time in the spring. The annual spring game will be held Saturday, April 8, inside "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium.

Season tickets for the 2017 Eastern Michigan University football season are now on sale. EMU will look to build upon its resurgence last year that saw the program finished tied for the most improved program in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Eastern Michigan offers the Ultimate Fan Season Ticket Plan for just $105 ($21 per game). The premiere plan includes a padded chairback seat at midfield along with free parking. Fans can also order reserved non-chairback season tickets for just $70 ($14 per game), EMU faculty and staff can secure non-chairback season tickets for $50 ($10 per game), and Young Alumni (35 and under) can purchase season tickets for only $40 ($8 per game). For more information, please call the EMU Athletics Ticket Office at 734.487.2282 or click here.

The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's signees…|

Name	Pos	HT	WT	Hometown	High School
Blake Bogan	DB	6-2	190	Grand Blanc, Mich.	Grand Blanc
Desean Boyd	LB	6-1	214	Detroit, Mich.	Cass Technical
Bobby Brown III	DB	6-1	175	Gibsonton, Fla.	East Bay
Sam Dervil	OL	6-5	300	Miami, Fla.	Miami Northwestern
Carthell Flowers	DB	6-2	195	Syracuse, N.Y.	Nottingham
Jairus Grissom	QB	6-2	204	Dearborn Heights, Mich.	River Rouge
Jeff Hubbard	DB	5-11	185	Atlanta, Ga.	Woodward Academy
CJ Hunt	DL	6-1	275	Avon, Ind.	Avon
Preston Hutchinson	QB	6-2	195	Mason, Ohio	Mason
Greg Jean	WR	5-11	164	Fort Lauderdale, Fla.	Boyd Anderson
Shaq Jones	DB	6-1	198	Philadelphia, Pa.	Imhotep Charter
Desmond Kelly	DL	6-1	295	Baltimore, Md.	Overlea
Jesse Kelly	K	6-0	195	Ventura, Calif.	St. Bonaventure
Tyler LaBarbera	DL	6-2	310	Elk Grove Village, Ill.	James B. Conant
Terry Myrick	LB	6-0	210	Austell, Ga.	Woodward Academy
Johnnie Niupalau	WR	6-0	228	San Mateo, Calif.	San Mateo
Karmi Mackey	RB	6-1	210	Seffner, Fla.	Seffner Christian Academy
Gunnar Oakes	TE	6-5	210	Swanton, Ohio	Swanton
Francisco Pedrozo	OL	6-7	300	Canton, Ohio	St. Thomas Aquinas
Antoine Porter	WR	5-8	185	San Francisco, Calif.	Mission
Dan Samuelson	OL	6-5	297	Plymouth, Ind.	Plymouth
Sidy Sow	OL	6-5	315	Bromont, Quebec	J-H Leclerc-Champlain Lennoxville
Russ Vaden	DB	6-3	195	Louisville, Ky.	Moore
Ville Valasti	DL	6-5	260	Helsinki, Finland	Itakeskuksen Iukio
Sal Velasquez	LB	6-1	225	La Puente, Calif.	Bishop Amat
Quian Williams	WR	5-11	170	Moore, Okla.	Southmoore

Name   Pos   Ht   Wt   Class   Hometown-High School-Previous School

Blake Bogan   DB   6-2   190   Fr.-Fr.   Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc

PERSONAL: Full name: Blake Harris Bogan...Son of Eric and Karleen Bogan...Has a brother, Luke, and a sister, Kolby...Undecided major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Grand Blanc High School and played under Head Coach Joe Delaney as a Bobcat...Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports and Scout...A three-time team captain...Collected all-conference accolades three times, honorable mention all-state honors once, as well as All-Metro North from The Detroit News as a wide receiver...As a senior, caught 57 passes for 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns...Added 45 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles and five interceptions as a free safety...Also lettered in baseball and basketball.

Desean Boyd    LB   6-1   214   Fr.-Fr.   Detroit, Mich.-Cass Technical

PERSONAL: Full name: Desean Boyd...Son of Sean and Dorothy Boyd...Has three sisters, Veronica Clarke, Sharee Callaway and Sharay Callaway...Business major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cass Technical High School and played under Head Coach Thomas Wilcher as a Technician...Ranked as a two-star recruit by Scout, Rivals and 247 Sports...Two-time captain, including of the team that won the 2016 Michigan High School Athletic Association Division I State Championship over Detroit Catholic Central, 49-20, to finish 14-0...Recorded 83 tackles, including 13 for loss, 10.5 sacks, as well touchdowns on defense and a kick return as a senior...Named all-city and all-state his senior year as well.

Bobby Brown III   DB   6-1   175   Fr.-Fr.   Gibsonton, Fla.-East Bay

PERSONAL: Full name: Bobby Dola Brown III...Son of Bobby Jr. and Rebecca Brown...Has three brothers, Ahmarean, Ca'dyn and Michael Tiller, and a sister, Zhanye...Physical therapy major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Easy Bay High School and played under Head Coach Frank LaRosa as a member of the Indians...Played running back, wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner, totaling 744 yards and six touchdowns, as well as two interceptions his senior season...Participated in the 2016 Hillsborough County Senior All-Star game held at Raymond James Stadium...Was named game MVP after recording a crucial interception in the final minutes to set up a game winning field goal...Also participated in track.

Sam Dervil   OL   6-5   300   So.-So.   Miami, Fla.-Miami Northwestern-Coffeyville C.C.

PERSONAL: Full name: Samuel Dervil...Son of Andre and Vertidieu Dervil...Has four brothers, Nathen, Levy, Lucson, and Bart, and three sisters, Mary, Ruth, and Ashley...Biology major...COFFEYVILLE C.C.: Ranked as a two-star recruit by Scout and 247Sports...Attended South Carolina State for a season before transferring to Coffeyville C.C. in Coffeyville, Kan...Played for Head Coach Aaron Flores as a Red Raven...Appeared in nine games on the offensive line in 2016...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Miami Northwestern High School and played under Head Coach Eddie Brown as a Bull...Was a two-time captain...Named to the North vs. South All-Star Game his senior season...Also participated in wrestling, where he was First Team All-Dade County.

Carthell Flowers   DB   6-2   195   Fr.-Fr.   Syracuse, N.Y.-Nottingham

PERSONAL: Full name: Carthell A. Flowers...Son of Sheldon and Francine Lloyd...Has five brothers, Cire and Kadire Flowers, Lamont Flemings, Sheldon and Phillip Lloyd, and a sister, Shaton Lloyd...Marketing major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Nottingham High School and played under Head Coach Fred Wheeler as a Bulldog...A three-time captain...Named first-team all sectional and all-league, as well as honorable mention all-state as a senior...Also lettered in basketball and track.

Jairus Grissom   QB   6-2   204   Fr.-Fr.   Dearborn Heights, Mich.-River Rouge

PERSONAL: Full name: Jairus Elijah Grissom...Son of Leon and Linda Grissom...Has two brothers, Joshua and Travis, and one sister, Jessica...Undecided major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended River Rouge High School and played under Head Coach Corey Parker as a Panther...Ranked as a consensus three-star prospect by 247Sports, Scout, Rivals and ESPN...Threw for 2,000 yards, rushed for 1,460 and accounted for 40 touchdowns his senior season, while leading his team to an 11-2 record and a state semifinal appearance...Three-time captain...Named first team all-state and to the MI Prep Zone Dream Team...Also lettered in basketball.

Jeff Hubbard   DB   5-11   185   Fr.-Fr.    Atlanta.-Woodward Academy

PERSONAL: Full name: Jeffrey Simon Hubbard...Son of Jeffrey Hubbard and Cynon Smith...Has one brother, Laramie, and one sister, Madison...   Business major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Woodward Academy and played under Ryan Davis and John Hunt as a War Eagle...Ranked as a three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, and 247 Sports and a two-star recruit by Scout...Was a four year letterwinner that was named a captain as a senior...Team posted a 34-4 record during his playing career...Selected first team all-state at Class AAAA in 2016 while playing cornerback...Earned second team all-state accolades as a junior...Originally, served as a punt returner and wide receiver during his freshman and sophomore seasons before making the transition to the secondary as a junior...Also participated in track.

CJ Hunt   DL   6-1   275   Fr.-Fr.   Avon, Ind.-Avon

PERSONAL: Full name: Caven Darnell Hunt Jr....Son of Caven Sr. and Roshwanda Thompson...Has one brother, Cavon, and two sisters, Ashanti and Tanijria...Sport management major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Avon High School and played under Head Coach Mark Bless as an Oriole...Ranked as a three-star prospect by Scout, as well as a two-star by 247Sports and Rivals...Was a captain his senior season in which he recorded 65 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks...Named first team all-conference and all-county, as well as first team all-state by the Associated Press and the Indiana Football Coaches Association as a senior.

Preston Hutchinson   QB   6-2   195   Fr.-Fr.   Mason, Ohio-Mason

PERSONAL: Full name: Preston Jayson Hutchinson...Son of Jayson and Jami Hutchinson...Has three brothers, Christian, Luke, and Jax...Undecided major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Mason High School and played under Head Coach Brian Castner as a Comet... Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports...Named to the Greater Miami All-Conference team three times...Also lettered in basketball.

Greg Jean   WR   5-11   164   Fr.-Fr.   Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-Boyd Anderson

PERSONAL: Full name: Gregory Jean...Son of Jose and Irlande Jean...Has three brothers, Steve, Jimpson, and Travis...Intends to major in criminology or social work...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Boyd Anderson High School and played under Head Coach Quincy Woods as a Cobra...Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports and Scout...A four-year letterwinner that helped his team to a 7-3 record in 2016....As a senior, caught 13 balls for 153 yards and four touchdowns...Won the district championships in 2015-16.

Desmond Kelly   DL   6-1   295   So.-So.   Baltimore, Md.-Overlea-Dodge City C.C.

PERSONAL: Full name: Desmond Andre Kelly...Son of Kelnita Kelly...Has one brother, Ja'Quan...Criminal justice major...DODGE CITY: Spent his first season of eligibility at Dodge City C.C...Played under Head Coach Gary Thomas as a Conquistador...Registered 31 tackles, including 11.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks his freshman season...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Overlea High School and played under Head Coach Craig Rollins as a Falcon...Was a three-time captain...Also lettered in wrestling, winning the county championship two years in a row.

Shaq Jones   DB   6-1   198   Jr.-Jr.   Philadelphia, Pa.-Imhotep Charter-Iowa Western C.C.

PERSONAL: Full name: Shaquille Jones...Son of Steven Jones and Elvita Williams...Has three brothers, Steven Jr., Shaquan, and Shakur Lewis, and one sister, Shamaya Oberlton...Communication major...IOWA WESTERN C.C.: Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports ...Played his first two seasons of eligibility at Iowa Western C.C....Played under Head Coach Scott Strohmeier as a Reiver...Was named all-conference twice, and finished in the top-10 in all time tackles...Helped his team to two conference titles, as well as a 2015 Graphic Edge Bowl win...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Imhotep Charter High School and played under Head Coach Albert Crosby as a Panther...Named captain of his team three times...Selected first team all-league and all-city twice, and was also a 2014 Offense-Defense All American...Helped his team to a state runner-up finish in 2013 and a league title in 2014.

Tyler LaBarbera   DL   6-2   310   Jr.-Jr.   Elk Grove Village, Ill.-Conant-DuPage

PERSONAL: Full name: Tyler Lee LaBarbera...Son of David and Lori LaBarbera...Has one brother, Brandon...Exercise science major...DUPAGE: Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports ...Spent his first two seasons of eligibility at the College of DuPage...Played under Head Coach Matt Foster as a Chapparral...Was a two-year starter, and served as a team captain his sophomore season...Member of the Champions Club, maintaining a 4.0 GPA both years...Team ranked fourth in NJCAA in 2015, making it to the El Toro Bowl, where he was named defensive MVP...Also helped his team to a 2016 Red Grange Bowl victory...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended James B. Conant High School and played under Head Coach Bill Modelski as a Cougar...Earned three varsity letters, and served as captain for two seasons...Named first team all-conference, all-area, and honorable mention all-state his senior season...Also named team defensive MVP after recording 78 tackles, including 21 for loss and nine sacks...Helped his team to the second round of the IHSA playoffs...Also lettered four years in wrestling, captaining the team for three seasons and winning an individual regional title in 2014.

Karmi Mackey   RB   6-1   210   Fr-Fr   Seffner, Fla.-Seffner Christian Academy

PERSONAL: Full name: Karmi Demetric mackey...Son of Karmi and Ashley Mackey...Has two brothers, Ayden and Kamarick, and a sister, Ajayliah Cromartie...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Seffner Christian Academy and played under Head Coach Travis Puleo as a Crusader...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Scout and 247Sports...Rushed for 1,953 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior, accounting for 39 total touchdowns in just eight games...Amassed 3,739 all-purpose yards in his high school career...Missed entire senior season after an injury sustained during track season... Ranked as the second-best player in Hillsborough County

Terry Myrick   LB   6-0   210   Fr.-Fr.   Austell, Ga.-Woodward Academy

PERSONAL: Full name: Terry Lamar Myrick...Son of Devon and Eboni Myrick...Has one brother, Tyree...Exercise science major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Woodward Academy and played under Head Coach John Hunt as a War Eagle...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals...Named first team all-region and second team all-state as a senior...Recorded 68 tackles, including 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his final season..Helped his team to three straight regional titles...Also participated in wrestling.

Gunnar Oakes   TE   6-5   210   Fr.-Fr.   Swanton, Ohio-Swanton

PERSONAL: Full name: Gunnar Wilson Oakes...Son of Eric and Leslie Oakes...Has one sister, Grace...Criminology major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Swanton High School and played under Head Coach Mike Vicars as a Bulldog...Tallied 51 receptions for 831 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior captain, helping his team to a 10-2 mark...Named first team all-state as a senior, and honorable mention all-state as a junior...Also named first team all-league twice for offense and once for defense, as well as first team all-district once for offense and once for defense...Lettered in basketball, baseball, and track as well, totaling a school-best 15 letters...Was a 1,000 point scorer on the hardwood, and a two-time state qualifier for track in the high jump.

Francisco Pedrozo    OL   6-7   300   Fr.-Fr.   Canton, Ohio-St. Thomas Aquinas

PERSONAL: Full name: Francisco Ignacio Pedrozo...Son of Zoilo Francisco and Barbara Jo Pedrozo...Has a sister, Lidia, who was a national champion on the equestrian team at Ohio State...Business major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School and played under Head Coach Badre Bardawil as a Knight...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Scout...Named first team all-state and all-county as a senior...Was a three-time All-North Coast League selection in 2014, 2015 and 2016...Selected to the 2017 Ohio North/South All-Star team...Helped team post a 9-3 record as a senior en route to a North Coast League Championship...Also played basketball.

Sidy Sow   OL   6-5   315   Fr.-Fr.   Bromont, Quebec-J-H Leclerc-Champlain Lennoxville

PERSONAL: Full name: Cheikhe Sidy Sow...Son of Vicky Lavalliere...Has two sisters, Yacine Sow and Bryana Tabet-Lavalliere...Criminal justice major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Joseph-Hermas LeClerc High School...Also played football at Champlain College Lennoxville as a Cougar...Was a two-time member of Team Quebec and Team Canada for football...Named a team captain of Team Quebec in 2015, guiding them to a Canadian Cup Championship...Played in the 2016 International Bowl for Team Canada at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Russ Vaden   DB   6-3   195   Fr.-Fr.   Louisville, Ky.-Moore

PERSONAL: Full name: Russell Vaden...Son of Russell and Victoria Vaden...Has a brother, Rae Von...Sports management major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Moore High School and played under Head Coach Carlos Stallings as a Mustang...Had 32 receptions for 669 yards and six scores as a junior, as well as 700 receiving yards and eight touchdowns as a senior...On defense, recorded 40 tackles, six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns in the secondary...Selected a team captain all four years of high school...Named All-District by the Greater Louisville Football Coaches Association (GLFCA) after his senior season...Also lettered in basketball.

Ville Valasti   DL   6-5   260   So.-So.   Helsinki, Finland-Itakeskuksen Iukio-Diablo Valley College

PERSONAL: Full name: Ville Pietunpoika Valasti....Son of Pietu Takala and Johanna Valasti...Has a brother, Mikko Takala, as well as two sisters, Veera Paavola and Emmi Takala...Business major...DIABLO VALLEY: Played in 11 games for Head Coach Mike Darr in 2016, recorded 36 tackles, including 10.5 sacks for a loss of 53 yards...Had a pair of two sack contests... Totaled five tackles, two sacks, three tackles-for-loss and a pass breakup in his team's 42-21 win over San Joaquin Delta...HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Finnish National Team from 2013-15...Earned first team all-state and all-conference honors.

Quian Williams   WR   5-11   170   Fr.-Fr.   Moore, Okla.-Southmoore

PERSONAL: Full name: Quian Eugene Williams....Son of Darryl Williams and Angela Hill...Has two brothers, Shamar Hill and LaBlaunt Reeves, as well as one sister, Shay'on Reeves...Communication major...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Southmoore High School and played under Head Coach Jeremy Stark as a SaberCat...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports and Scout...Recorded 56 receptions for 857 yards and 12 touchdowns, as well as six interceptions as a senior captain...Named first-team all-conference, all-city, and all-district, as well as honorable mention all-state as a senior...Also participated in basketball and track.

Players Mentioned

Blake Bogan

Desean Boyd

Bobby Brown III

Sam Dervil

Carthell Flowers

Jeff Hubbard

CJ Hunt

Preston Hutchinson

Greg Jean

Desmond Kelly

Jesse Kelly

Tyler LaBarbera

Terry Myrick

Johnnie Niupalau

Gunnar Oakes

Francisco Pedrozo

Antoine Porter

Dan Samuelson

Sidy Sow

Russell Vaden IV

Ville Valasti

Quian Williams

Eastern Michigan Athletics