Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Football Adds Nine Student-Athletes to 2019 Class
2/6/2019 2:56:00 PM | Football
Combined with early signees, EMU has added 28 players for the upcoming season
Complete Release (PDF) | Interview with Coach Creighton.
Early Signing Day Release.
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Chris Creighton continued to add to his roster for the upcoming 2019 campaign, as the Eagles welcomed nine student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Feb. 6, on National Signing Day. In total, EMU has added 28 fresh faces to the roster for the upcoming season after 19 players committed during the Early Signing Period in December.
The newest additions include three offensive, three defensive, and three special teams players representing seven different states. EMU added two defensive linemen, two kickers, a linebacker, a long snapper, a quarterback, a running back, and a wide receiver.
"Recruiting never stops," said Creighton. "Although the bulk of our class signed in December, we have added another strong group today. The incoming class has already bonded, and we cannot wait to get them here this summer."
Overall, the highly anticipated class features a total of 12 different players ranked as three-star prospect by the national recruiting services. Furthermore, 15 of the additions come from within a 260 mile radius of Ypsilanti.
Eastern Michigan returns to the gray turf for its first spring practice Tuesday, March 12. The session kicks off a string of 15 practice dates during a four-week period that culminates with the program's annual spring football game Saturday, April 13, inside "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's signees...
Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School
John Branham Jr. RB 5-9 215 Fr.-Fr. Columbus, Ohio-Northland
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Northland High School and played under Head Coach Brian Staats as a Viking...Ranked as a three-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals...Is rated as the No. 56 running back prospect in the country by 247Sports Composite...Was a four-time letterwinner that led his team in rushing all four seasons...As a senior, rushed for 1,196 yards on 155 carries, had 12 receptions for 160 yards, and scored 22 touchdowns as the Vikings went 8-2...Scored six first-half touchdowns on the way to an easy win over Linden-McKinley...Earned first team all-state, all-district, all-region, and all-league honors in 2018...Invited to play in the 74th Annual Ohio North-South Classic in Massillon, Ohio...Honored along with his brother, Kalil, by the Buckeye Touchdown Club...Selected one of the Top 25 players in the state of Ohio...During his junior season, posted 2,121 all-purpose yards with 28 scores...Finished his sophomore campaign with 843 yards rushing and 13 TDs while only playing in five contests...As a freshman, helped his team to its first winning season in 15 years...Also participated in track, baseball, and volleyball....Was the city champion in the shot put and ran a leg on the winning 400 relay team...PERSONAL: Full name: John Branham Jr...Son of John Branham Sr. and Trina Branham...Has one brother, Kalil...Sport management major.
Noah Cameron WR 6-1 185 Fr.-Fr. Kokomo, Ind.-Kokomo
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as a walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Kokomo High School and played under Head Coach Brett Colby as a Wildkat...Earned Honorable Mention All-State Class 5A honors by the Associated Press...Helped Kokomo upset McCutcheon, 22-20, in a Class 5A Sectional 11 semifinal game with a team-high nine tackles and a 44-yard touchdown reception...In 2017, caught four passes for 62 yards and had five tackles, an interception and two pass breakups in Kokomo's 33-21 victory over Zionsville in a Class 5A regional game...PERSONAL: Full name: Noah Patrick Cameron...Son of Sean and Mary Cameron...Has a brother, Luke, and two sisters, Grace and Annabeth...Entrepreneurship major.
Noski LaFleur DB 6-0 190 Jr.-Jr. Lake Charles, La.-LaGrange-Coffeyville C.C.
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...Already enrolled in classes at EMU...COFFEYVILLE: Played in 21 career games, posting 73 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss and two interceptions...Averaged 4.6 stops per game in 2018 with 46 tackles as a sophomore...Had two INTs in a 47-32 victory over Iowa Central C.C...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended LaGrange High School and played under Head Coach Jules Sullen as a Gator... Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports...Participated in the 2015 LHSCA/LFCA All-Star Game...Was a standout on defense for LaGrange but also played some offense...Twice selected All-Louisiana, LFCA All-State, and All-Southwest Louisiana...Career totals include 240 tackles, 19 interceptions, 18 pass break ups...On offense scored 32 total touchdowns, 13 rushing and 18 receiving, and also scored six times on kickoff returns...PERSONAL: Full name: Alvinoski LaFleur...Son of LeeRandy Doucet and Carleen Lafleur...Has a brother, Kazenski Joseph, and three sisters, Jakayla, Jacarla, and Martaysla...Communication major.
Sam Jackson LB 6-0 210 Fr.-Fr. Troy, Ohio-Troy
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Troy High School and played under Head Coach Matt Burgbacher as a Trojan...Was named the Ohio Prep Sportswriters' Association Division II Defensive Player of the Year, the Southwest District Division II Defensive Player of the Year, and the Greater Western Ohio Conference North Division Defensive Player of the Year... Was the first Troy player to be named the state's top defensive player since 1996...Prior to his senior year was moved from strong safety to outside linebacker/defensive end...In 2018, notched 168 tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries...On special teams, he recorded five tackles inside the 20-yard line on kickoffs...Helped guide the Trojans to their third GWOC North title in a row, third consecutive playoff appearance, and second 10-win season in the past three years...Became a full-time starter at strong safety his sophomore year, earning all-conference and all-district honors...PERSONAL: Full name: Samuel Jonathan Jackson...Son of Shane and Nichole Jackson...Has a sister, Brooklyn...Education major.
Christopher Kaminski QB 6-3 205 Fr.-Fr. South Lyon, Mich.-South Lyon
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as a walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended South Lyon High School and played under Head Coach Joe Pesci as a Cougar...Played in 24 career games, totaling 2,933 yards and 34 total touchdowns...Twice selected all-league...Threw for three touchdown passes in a 28-13 defeat of Walled Lake Northern...Earned the starting job as a sophomore...In 2016, completed 79-of-155 passes for 977 yards and eight touchdowns...PERSONAL: Full name: Christopher Edmund Kaminski...Son of Donald and Terry Kaminski...Has two sisters, Ashley and Kelsey...Business major.
Jose Ramirez DL 6-2 250 So.-So. Lake Alfred, Fla.-Auburndale-Arizona-Riverside City
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...RIVERSIDE CITY: Played in 12 games, recording 44 tackles, eight sacks and a forced fumble...Notched a pair of 2.5 sack contests versus El Camino and San Diego Mesa...ARIZONA: Practiced with the team but did not see game action in 2017...Graduated and enrolled early...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Auburndale High School and played under Head Coach Billy Deeds as a Bloodhound...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports...Earned four letters in football at wide receiver, cornerback, safety and linebacker...Recorded 148 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 PBU 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in three seasons at Auburndale...Served as a team captain his senior year...Earned all-state honors as a senior...Led his team with 114 tackles as a senior...Also had one blocked kick and one forced fumble...Finished his career with 99 solo tackles...Racked up 114 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, a PBU, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and a blocked punt during his senior campaign...PERSONAL: Full name: Jose Ramirez...Son of Magalie Edouard...Has four brothers, Paolo Ramirez, Magyla Ramirez, Teo Ramirez, Abuccio Renna, and a sister, Junie Joseph...Psychology major.
Caleb Richwine K 6-2 175 Fr.-Fr. Carlisle, Pa.-Carlisle
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Carlisle High School and played under Head Coach Brett Ickes as a Thundering Herd...Was 8-for-10 on field goals as a senior while recording a touchback on 91 percent of kickoffs...Holds the school-record with a 49-yard field goal make...Was the 20th-ranked kicker in the 2019 graduating class...Selected a Blue-Grey All-American, as well as earning first team all-conference and all-sentinel...Used his leg to raise $1,700 in 2018 for children battling with pediatric cancer through Alex's Lemonade Stand...Was recruited to his high school's football team because he was a soccer player with a "very good leg"...PERSONAL: Full name: Caleb Daniel Richwine...Son of Jason and Kelly Richwine...Has two brothers, Josh and Zach, and a sister, Ally...Undecided major.
Tyler Shaw LS 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Elkhorn, Wis.-Catholic Central
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Catholic Central High School and played under Head Coach Tom Aldrich as a Hilltopper...Was ranked as the No. 8 long snapper in the country...Collected Honorable Mention honors for the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-American Camp...PERSONAL: Full name: Tyler George Shaw...Son of A.G. and Maureen Shaw...Has a sister, Ella...Undecided major.
Tony Trabold K 5-8 155 Fr.-Fr. Joliet, Ill.-Joliet Catholic Academy
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Joliet Catholic Academy High School and played under Head Coach Jake Jawarski as a Hilltopper...Was 63-for-67 on Extra Point attempts, 3-of-3 on field goal tries and recorded 63 touchbacks on 81 attempts...Recorded the longest punt in IHSA state championship history at 67 yards...Was the Bugle Newspapers' All-Area kicker...Helped his team win the 2018 IHSA 5A State Championship...PERSONAL: Full name: Anthony James Trabold...Son of Jim and Tin Trabold...Has a sister, Samantha...Videography/Photography major.
Tommy Wright-Hodges DL 6-3 265 Fr.-Fr. West Bloomfield, Mich.-West Bloomfield
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as a walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended West Bloomfield High School and played under Head Coach Ron Bellamy as a Laker...Notched 45 stops, including 14 tackles-for-loss, as a senior...PERSONAL: Full name: Tommy Lee Wright-Hodges...Son of Jennifer Wright...Accounting major.
Early Signing Day Release.
Social Accounts to Follow
@EMUAthletics (Twitter)
@EMUFB (Twitter)
Snapchat
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Chris Creighton continued to add to his roster for the upcoming 2019 campaign, as the Eagles welcomed nine student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Feb. 6, on National Signing Day. In total, EMU has added 28 fresh faces to the roster for the upcoming season after 19 players committed during the Early Signing Period in December.
The newest additions include three offensive, three defensive, and three special teams players representing seven different states. EMU added two defensive linemen, two kickers, a linebacker, a long snapper, a quarterback, a running back, and a wide receiver.
"Recruiting never stops," said Creighton. "Although the bulk of our class signed in December, we have added another strong group today. The incoming class has already bonded, and we cannot wait to get them here this summer."
Overall, the highly anticipated class features a total of 12 different players ranked as three-star prospect by the national recruiting services. Furthermore, 15 of the additions come from within a 260 mile radius of Ypsilanti.
Eastern Michigan returns to the gray turf for its first spring practice Tuesday, March 12. The session kicks off a string of 15 practice dates during a four-week period that culminates with the program's annual spring football game Saturday, April 13, inside "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's signees...
Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School
John Branham Jr. RB 5-9 215 Fr.-Fr. Columbus, Ohio-Northland
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Northland High School and played under Head Coach Brian Staats as a Viking...Ranked as a three-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals...Is rated as the No. 56 running back prospect in the country by 247Sports Composite...Was a four-time letterwinner that led his team in rushing all four seasons...As a senior, rushed for 1,196 yards on 155 carries, had 12 receptions for 160 yards, and scored 22 touchdowns as the Vikings went 8-2...Scored six first-half touchdowns on the way to an easy win over Linden-McKinley...Earned first team all-state, all-district, all-region, and all-league honors in 2018...Invited to play in the 74th Annual Ohio North-South Classic in Massillon, Ohio...Honored along with his brother, Kalil, by the Buckeye Touchdown Club...Selected one of the Top 25 players in the state of Ohio...During his junior season, posted 2,121 all-purpose yards with 28 scores...Finished his sophomore campaign with 843 yards rushing and 13 TDs while only playing in five contests...As a freshman, helped his team to its first winning season in 15 years...Also participated in track, baseball, and volleyball....Was the city champion in the shot put and ran a leg on the winning 400 relay team...PERSONAL: Full name: John Branham Jr...Son of John Branham Sr. and Trina Branham...Has one brother, Kalil...Sport management major.
Noah Cameron WR 6-1 185 Fr.-Fr. Kokomo, Ind.-Kokomo
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as a walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Kokomo High School and played under Head Coach Brett Colby as a Wildkat...Earned Honorable Mention All-State Class 5A honors by the Associated Press...Helped Kokomo upset McCutcheon, 22-20, in a Class 5A Sectional 11 semifinal game with a team-high nine tackles and a 44-yard touchdown reception...In 2017, caught four passes for 62 yards and had five tackles, an interception and two pass breakups in Kokomo's 33-21 victory over Zionsville in a Class 5A regional game...PERSONAL: Full name: Noah Patrick Cameron...Son of Sean and Mary Cameron...Has a brother, Luke, and two sisters, Grace and Annabeth...Entrepreneurship major.
Noski LaFleur DB 6-0 190 Jr.-Jr. Lake Charles, La.-LaGrange-Coffeyville C.C.
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...Already enrolled in classes at EMU...COFFEYVILLE: Played in 21 career games, posting 73 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss and two interceptions...Averaged 4.6 stops per game in 2018 with 46 tackles as a sophomore...Had two INTs in a 47-32 victory over Iowa Central C.C...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended LaGrange High School and played under Head Coach Jules Sullen as a Gator... Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports...Participated in the 2015 LHSCA/LFCA All-Star Game...Was a standout on defense for LaGrange but also played some offense...Twice selected All-Louisiana, LFCA All-State, and All-Southwest Louisiana...Career totals include 240 tackles, 19 interceptions, 18 pass break ups...On offense scored 32 total touchdowns, 13 rushing and 18 receiving, and also scored six times on kickoff returns...PERSONAL: Full name: Alvinoski LaFleur...Son of LeeRandy Doucet and Carleen Lafleur...Has a brother, Kazenski Joseph, and three sisters, Jakayla, Jacarla, and Martaysla...Communication major.
Sam Jackson LB 6-0 210 Fr.-Fr. Troy, Ohio-Troy
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Troy High School and played under Head Coach Matt Burgbacher as a Trojan...Was named the Ohio Prep Sportswriters' Association Division II Defensive Player of the Year, the Southwest District Division II Defensive Player of the Year, and the Greater Western Ohio Conference North Division Defensive Player of the Year... Was the first Troy player to be named the state's top defensive player since 1996...Prior to his senior year was moved from strong safety to outside linebacker/defensive end...In 2018, notched 168 tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries...On special teams, he recorded five tackles inside the 20-yard line on kickoffs...Helped guide the Trojans to their third GWOC North title in a row, third consecutive playoff appearance, and second 10-win season in the past three years...Became a full-time starter at strong safety his sophomore year, earning all-conference and all-district honors...PERSONAL: Full name: Samuel Jonathan Jackson...Son of Shane and Nichole Jackson...Has a sister, Brooklyn...Education major.
Christopher Kaminski QB 6-3 205 Fr.-Fr. South Lyon, Mich.-South Lyon
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as a walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended South Lyon High School and played under Head Coach Joe Pesci as a Cougar...Played in 24 career games, totaling 2,933 yards and 34 total touchdowns...Twice selected all-league...Threw for three touchdown passes in a 28-13 defeat of Walled Lake Northern...Earned the starting job as a sophomore...In 2016, completed 79-of-155 passes for 977 yards and eight touchdowns...PERSONAL: Full name: Christopher Edmund Kaminski...Son of Donald and Terry Kaminski...Has two sisters, Ashley and Kelsey...Business major.
Jose Ramirez DL 6-2 250 So.-So. Lake Alfred, Fla.-Auburndale-Arizona-Riverside City
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...RIVERSIDE CITY: Played in 12 games, recording 44 tackles, eight sacks and a forced fumble...Notched a pair of 2.5 sack contests versus El Camino and San Diego Mesa...ARIZONA: Practiced with the team but did not see game action in 2017...Graduated and enrolled early...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Auburndale High School and played under Head Coach Billy Deeds as a Bloodhound...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports...Earned four letters in football at wide receiver, cornerback, safety and linebacker...Recorded 148 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 PBU 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in three seasons at Auburndale...Served as a team captain his senior year...Earned all-state honors as a senior...Led his team with 114 tackles as a senior...Also had one blocked kick and one forced fumble...Finished his career with 99 solo tackles...Racked up 114 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, a PBU, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and a blocked punt during his senior campaign...PERSONAL: Full name: Jose Ramirez...Son of Magalie Edouard...Has four brothers, Paolo Ramirez, Magyla Ramirez, Teo Ramirez, Abuccio Renna, and a sister, Junie Joseph...Psychology major.
Caleb Richwine K 6-2 175 Fr.-Fr. Carlisle, Pa.-Carlisle
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Carlisle High School and played under Head Coach Brett Ickes as a Thundering Herd...Was 8-for-10 on field goals as a senior while recording a touchback on 91 percent of kickoffs...Holds the school-record with a 49-yard field goal make...Was the 20th-ranked kicker in the 2019 graduating class...Selected a Blue-Grey All-American, as well as earning first team all-conference and all-sentinel...Used his leg to raise $1,700 in 2018 for children battling with pediatric cancer through Alex's Lemonade Stand...Was recruited to his high school's football team because he was a soccer player with a "very good leg"...PERSONAL: Full name: Caleb Daniel Richwine...Son of Jason and Kelly Richwine...Has two brothers, Josh and Zach, and a sister, Ally...Undecided major.
Tyler Shaw LS 6-1 220 Fr.-Fr. Elkhorn, Wis.-Catholic Central
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Catholic Central High School and played under Head Coach Tom Aldrich as a Hilltopper...Was ranked as the No. 8 long snapper in the country...Collected Honorable Mention honors for the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-American Camp...PERSONAL: Full name: Tyler George Shaw...Son of A.G. and Maureen Shaw...Has a sister, Ella...Undecided major.
Tony Trabold K 5-8 155 Fr.-Fr. Joliet, Ill.-Joliet Catholic Academy
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Joliet Catholic Academy High School and played under Head Coach Jake Jawarski as a Hilltopper...Was 63-for-67 on Extra Point attempts, 3-of-3 on field goal tries and recorded 63 touchbacks on 81 attempts...Recorded the longest punt in IHSA state championship history at 67 yards...Was the Bugle Newspapers' All-Area kicker...Helped his team win the 2018 IHSA 5A State Championship...PERSONAL: Full name: Anthony James Trabold...Son of Jim and Tin Trabold...Has a sister, Samantha...Videography/Photography major.
Tommy Wright-Hodges DL 6-3 265 Fr.-Fr. West Bloomfield, Mich.-West Bloomfield
EMU: 2019: Joins the EMU program as a walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended West Bloomfield High School and played under Head Coach Ron Bellamy as a Laker...Notched 45 stops, including 14 tackles-for-loss, as a senior...PERSONAL: Full name: Tommy Lee Wright-Hodges...Son of Jennifer Wright...Accounting major.
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