Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Football Inks 18 In Early Signing Period
12/21/2022 11:13:00 PM | Football
Eastern set to add players from nine different states in 2023
Complete Biographical Sketches (PDF)
Watch the EMU Signing Day Show.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University football program officially welcomed 18 student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Dec. 21, during the Early Signing Period. All have committed to joining the Eagles for the 2023 campaign.
The class includes 18 players, 17 of whom hail from nine states across the country. Head Coach Chris Creighton continued to demonstrate his ability to recruit international talent as well, with one of the signees coming from Germany.
The Eagles are said to have the fourth-best 2023 recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference as ranked by 247Sports, earning an overall score of 128.07 points and an average rating of 82.35 (of out 100) per player. The fourth-place ranking is the highest in Eastern Michigan's modern history.
"We try to find guys who fit who we are," said Creighton. "We have a really high standard. We want people who want to be coached, and people who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and so when you find players that fit, and you know that they can succeed here, it is a really big deal. This class is made up of those players, and I am so excited to get them to campus."
In its sixth year, the NCAA approved the Early Signing Period in May 2017. The early signing period 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. 1, 2023.
Eastern Michigan is flying high after winning the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, 41-27, over San Jose State University, Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 20, in Boise, Idaho. It is the second postseason bowl game win for the program, and its first since it defeated the same SJSU team in the 1987 California Bowl in Fresno, Calif. The Eagles finished the season with nine wins, the second-most in program history, and in addition to the Potato Bowl championship, also earned a co-Mid-American Conference West Division title, and won the Michigan MAC trophy (three-way rivalry between EMU, CMU, and WMU) for the first time since 2012.
In the midst of one of the most successful runs in program history, Eastern Michigan has made a bowl game appearance five times since 2016, a number that ties for the most by any team in the Mid-American Conference. Additionally, the team has now played in bowl games in four consecutive seasons (excluding COVID-shortened 2020 campaign) for the first time in school history, while 13 EMU student-athletes, as of yesterday, became the first in program history to be part of four postseason bowl games in their respective careers.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's newest additions.
Cedric Anton WR 6-4 235 Fr. Poppenhausen, Germany-Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Ga.)
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Originally from Germany, but moved to Georgia and attended Rabun Gap-Nacoochee High School...Played under Head Coach Joe Sturdivant as an Eagle...Considered a three-star recruit by 247 Sports...Listed as a top-100 tight end in the nation...Considered a top-200 overall prospect in the State of Georgia...Also played lacrosse as a prep athlete...PERSONAL: Full Name: Cedric Jeremiah Anton...Son of Frank Anton and Daniela Herpich...Has a brother, Elias, and a sister, Jennifer...Business intent.
Messiah Blair DE 6-7 225 Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Martin Luther King
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Martin Luther King High School and played under Head Coach Tyrone Spencer...Was a multiple-year letterwinner as a Crusader...Was named team captain for his senior season...Considered a three-star prospect by nearly every major recruiting service, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN...Listed by 247Sports as the fourth-highest-rated recruit in EMU history with an overall composite score of 0.8597 on a 1.0 scale...Considered the 17th-best overall collegiate prospect in the State of Michigan and a top-100 player at defensive end nationally...Named to the 2022 MLive Metro Detroit Football Dream Team...Helped MLK to a 10-3 overall record, including a MHSAA Division III State Championship in 2022...Helped lead King to back-to-back state titles...Received 23 offers out of high school, including four from 'Power Five' institutions and 11 Mid-American Conference Institutions...PERSONAL: Full Name: Messiah Iazar Blair...Son of Daniel and Amelia Blair...Has two sisters, Queautae and N'Dya...Business intent.
Deion Brown RB 5-8 170 Fr. Kirkwood, Mo.-Kirkwood
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Kirkwood High School and played under Head Coach Jeremy Maclin...Was a multiple-time letterwinner with the Pioneers...Was named a team captain for his senior season...Considered a three-star prospect by most major recruiting services, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN...Was a first-team all-conference honoree in 2022...Helped his team to a 7-4 overall record during his senior campaign...Rushed for 1690 total yards during his final season at Kirkwood, and was able to set numerous school rushing records along the way...Helped propel the Kirkwood offense to 38.4 points per game average in 2022...Rushed for 27 of the team's 50 total offensive touchdowns (54%)...Set the school record for most rushing yards in a single game (352)...Broke the Kirkwood record for rushing touchdowns in a single game (7)...His 27 touchdowns in a single season is also a school record, along with his 162 total points...Also ran track and participated in wrestling while in high school...PERSONAL: Full Name: Deion Keith Brown...Son of Derek Brown and Shea Webb...Has a brother, Derrion...Communications intent.
Caleb Dobbs CB 6-0 155 Fr. Cocoa, Fla.-Cocoa
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cocoa High School and played under Head Coach Ryan Schneider...Was a multiple-time letterwinner for the Tigers...Considered a three-star prospect by numerous major recruiting services...Helped his team to a 11-3 overall record and Class 2S State Championship in the State of Florida in 2022...Was named to the All-State Championship tournament team...Propelled his team to victory in the state title when he took an interception all the way back for a score in the third quarter...The play put his team ahead, 31-21, and they did not look back...Recorded 59 tackles and three interceptions during his senior campaign.
Bryce Eliuk LB 6-2 224 Fr. Linden, Mich.-Linden
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Linden High School and played under Head Coach Chad Williams...Was a four-year letterwinner and two-time team captain as an Eagle...Considered a two-star prospect by both 247Sports and Rivals...Named to the Associated Press Division 3-4 All-State Team in Michigan...Named the MLive Flint Area Football Dream Team in 2022...Named to the Detroit News All-State Football Team...Helped his team to a 7-5 overall record and a district championship in 2022...Recorded 117 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, during his senior campaign...Also hauled in five interceptions, and registered three sacks on the season...Was a three-time all-state honoree as a prep athlete...Earned State Bank Athlete of the Week honors twice...Was named to the aforementioned Flint All-Area Dream Team three times during his high school stint...Earned Kiwanis Athlete of the month honors while at Linden...Was a First Team All-Flint Metro League honoree following his senior season...Led Linden with 91 tackles during his junior season, and had 125 stops as a sophomore...Also played offense as a junior...Rushed for 641 yards, racked up 379 yards receiving, and scored 13 touchdowns...Also earned two letters in lacrosse...PERSONAL: Full Name: Bryce Gerald Eliuk...Son of John and Tina Eliuk...Has two sisters, Shelby and Hailey...Economics intent.
Luke Fletcher DL 6-3 246 Fr. Port Huron, Mich.-Port Huron Northern
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Port Huron Northern High School and played under Head Coach Larry Roelens...Four-time letterwinner and two-time captain as a member of the Huskies...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247 Sports...Named a top-50 recruit in the State of Michigan by MLive...Selected as an honorable mention All-East football player by the Detroit News...Named an All-Blue Water Area selection by The Times Herald...Helped his team to an 8-2 overall record and Macomb Area Conference Blue Division title in 2022...Played in six games, recording 33 tackles, including 13 TFLs...Registered six sacks and 26 quarterback hurries...Added 15 quarterback hits...Notched two blocked punts, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in his final high school campaign...Was selected as an All-Macomb Area Conference selection...Also earned two varsity letters as a track athlete...PERSONAL: Full Name: Luke Allen Fletcher...Son of Jason and Andrea Fletcher...Has two brothers, Ty and James, and a sister, Tia...Business intent.
Jaheim Jenkins CB 6-2 160 So. Bainbridge, Ga.-Bainbridge-Iowa Western
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...IOWA WESTERN: Has spent the last three seasons as a member of the Iowa Western football team...Has played in 16 career games, including a career-high 10 during the 2021-22 campaign...Recorded 10 tackles and six pass breakups in the corner position.
Kellen McDonough OL 6-5 240 Fr. Pittsburgh, Pa.-Woodland Hills
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Woodland Hills High School and played under Head Coach Tim Bostard...Was a four-year letterwinner as a Wolverine...Was a team captain during his senior campaign...Helped lead his team to a 6-6 overall record his senior season...Recorded 50 pancake blocks during his final 12 games at Woodland Hills...Was a First Team All-Big 56 Conference selection following his senior campaign...Was a nominee for the 2022 Bill Fralic Award, given by the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League to the state's best offensive lineman...Was a four-year letterwinner in basketball as well...PERSONAL: Full Name: Kellen Eager McDonough...Son of Jason and Kelly McDonough...Has a sister, Bailey...Undecided major.
Jaivian Norman CB 5-10 180 Fr. Springfield, Ohio-Springfield
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Springfield High School and played under Head Coach Maurice Douglass...Was a four-time letterwinner with the Wildcats...Was named a team captain for his senior campaign...Considered a two-star prospect by both 247Sports and Rivals...Was named the Co-Player of the Year in the Southwest Ohio Conference...Was named a Division I All-State honoree by the Columbus Dispatch...Led his team to a 13-2 overall record in 2022, including a trip to the state championship game...Finished as state runner-ups...Helped lead Springfield to at least a state semifinal appearance in each of his four seasons...Racked up 124 total tackles, including 20 tackles for loss and three sacks during his senior season...Recorded one interception for Springfield in 2022...Was a two-time First Team All-Ohio selection at linebacker...Started on varsity in each of his four seasons...Finished his high school career with more than 300 tackles...Also played baseball...PERSONAL: Full Name: Jaivian Anthony Clinton Norman...Son of George and Tanisa Norman...Has four brothers, Jovon, Jayvin, Julian, and Zion, as well as two sisters, Lynae and Trin...Undecided major.
Ugo Nosike DT 6-4 295 So. South Holland, Ill.-Thornwood-Arizona-Butler C.C.
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...BUTLER C.C.: Spent one season at Butler Community College as a member of the Grizzlies...Played in 10 total games in 2022...Recorded 19 tackles, including two sacks...Also added a pass break up as a defensive lineman...ARIZONA: 2021: Did not see any action...2020: Did not see any game action...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Thornwood High School and Midwest Prep Academy...Lettered four years in football along the defensive line...Also earned two letters in wrestling as a heavyweight and three letters in track and field competing in shot put and discus...Led the team with 9.5 sacks as a senior...PERSONAL: Full Name: Ugochukwu Clement Nosike...Son of Reginald and Stella Nosike…Has four sisters, Ashley, Jessica, Christine, and Stephanie...Undecided major.
Terrance Saunders OL 6-4 270 Fr. Overland Park, Kan.-Blue Valley West
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Blue Valley High High School and played under Head Coach Josh Kerkenmeier...Was a four-time letterwinner as a Jaguar...Named a Class 6A All-State honoree by the Kansas Football Coaches Association...Earned first-team all-conference recognition as a senior...Helped his team to a 5-6 overall record in 2021...Earned two playoff victories in 2021...Was a multi-time letterwinner for the Blue Valley track and field program while in high school...PERSONAL: Full Name: Terrance Lamont Saunders II...Son of Terrance and LaRonna Saunders...Has a brother, Darius, and a sister, Samara...Business intent.
Malik Tullis DL 6-2 265 Fr. Fairburn, Ga.-Creekside
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Creekside High School and played under Head Coach Maruice Dixon...Was a three-year letterwinner as a member of the Seminoles...Considered a three-star prospect by both 247Sports and ESPN...Listed as a top-100 prospect in the nation at the defensive line position by multiple major scouting services...Led his team to a 10-3 overall record and a regional championship in 2022, his senior campaign...Recorded 40 tackles, including five sacks in 2022...Notched two interceptions...Became the first defensive lineman in Creekside High School history to record multiple interceptions in a season...Was a first-team all-region selection as a senior...Second-team all-region honors as a junior...Had 67 tackles and 8.5 sacks as a junior...Also played tennis and basketball in high school...PERSONAL: Full Name: Malik William Tullis...Son of Kenneth Tullis and Rachel Davos...Has two brothers, Lynox Bowles and Joshua Tullis, and two sisters, Katelyn and Kennedy Tullis...Sport management intent.
Ike Udengwu III QB 6-3 195 Jr. City of Industry, Calif.-Workman-Mt. San Antonio
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...MT. SAN ANTONIO: Spent the 2022 campaign quarterbacking for Mt. San Antonio...Was selected the team MVP and selected the SoCal Regional Game Player of the Game...Collected first-team All-Southern California Football Association Central Conference...Played in eight games, amassing 444 yards through the air on 40-of-76 (53%) passing...Threw for seven touchdowns...Added more than 300 yards on the ground...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Workman High School in City of Industry, Calif...Amassed an incredible 3,440 yards passing and 34 touchdowns as a senior... Threw for 2,200 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior...Ran for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons...Showed off his versatility by kicking, punting, and playing defense...PERSONAL: Full Name: Ike Ferdinand Udengwu III...Son of Ike Udengwu Sr. and Winnie Clark...Has three brothers, Ikewin, Ike, and Semaj, and a sister, Royalty...Kinesiology major.
Trenton VanBoening OL 6-7 290 Fr. Libertyville, Ill.-Libertyville
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Libertyville High School and played under Mike Jones...Was a three-time letterwinner as a Wildcat...Was named a team captain during his senior campaign...Listed as a three-star prospect by 247Sports...Helped his team to a 5-5 overall record during his final stint as a prep player...Was named a Daily Herald All-Area Team honoree...Was an All-North Suburban Conference selection in 2022...Was named the league's most valuable offensive lineman...Was a News-Suns Football All-Area Team honoree...Was a three-year varsity starter and made 24 appearances during his career...Earned all-state honors during his high school career...Recorded more than 60 pancake blocks during his final campaign at Libertyville...PERSONAL: Full Name: Trenton Jacob VanBoening...Son of Simon and Susan VanBoening...Has two brothers, Rhett and Wyatt...Business intent.
Joseph Walker Jr. WR 6-4 210 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Warren Central
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Warren Central High School and played under Head Coach Mike Kirschner...Was a four-time letterwinner as a Warrior...Was named a team captain in each of his final three seasons with Warren Central...Considered a three-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN...Was named Indiana's Mr. Football at the wide receiver position in 2022...Led his team to a 6-6 overall record and sectional championship during his senior campaign...Earned All-State honors from the Indiana Football Coaches Association in 2022...Hauled in 35 receptions for 696 yards in 2022...Recorded 10 touchdowns, including one kickoff return for a score...Averaged 31 yards per kick return during his senior season, including a season-best 97 return...Also played on the defensive side of the ball, grabbing one interception as a member of the team's backfield...PERSONAL: Full Name: Joseph Lee Walker Jr...Son of Joseph and Ameeya Walker...Has a brother, Liam, and a sister, Jazmine...Business intent.
Ke'Vion Wellington DL 6-3 265 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-North Central
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended North Central High School and played under Head Coach Kevin O'Shea...Was a three-year letterwinner and two-time team captain as a Panther...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Referenced as a "top high school football player in Indiana" by High School Football America...Earned All-Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference and all-state honors during his senior campaign...PERSONAL: Full Name: Ke'Vion Jandelle Wellington...Son of Mike and Christique Wellington...Has one sister, Chozley...Business intent.
Daiquan White CB 5-11 165 Fr. Fairburn, Ga.-Creekside
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Creekside High School and played under Head Coach Maurice Dixon as a Seminole...Considered a three-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN... Led his team to a 10-3 overall record and a regional championship in 2022, his senior campaign...Joins fellow Creekside teammate Malik Tullis as an incoming signee...Recorded 68 total tackles, including 34 solo and 34 assisted, during his senior season...Added 4.0 tackles for loss...Recorded an interception, which he was able to return back for a score...Added five pass deflections...Racked up 155 punt return yards including a long of 70...Earned a spot in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game in 2022...Was a two-time all-region first-team selection...Earned two player of the game awards while at Creekside...Also ran track...PERSONAL: Full Name: Daiquan Ahmari White...Son of David and Sonya White...Has two brothers, Justin White and Trevon Jackson, and one sister, Jamesha Fambro...Undecided major.
Makhail Wood WR 6-1 155 Fr. Hoschton, Ga.-Mill Creek
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Mill Creek High School and played under Head Coach Josh Lovelady...Was a two-year letterwinner with the Hawks...Served as a team captain during his senior campaign...Considered a three-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN...Listed as a top-200 receiver in the nation...Captained his team to a 14-1 overall record, including an eight-game win streak to finish the season and capture the Georgia Class 7A High School state championship, the first ever for Mill Creek...Helped Mill Creek earn national top-25 rankings in seven different publications for the first time in school history...Returned a kickoff 96 yards for a score in the state championship game to officially record one of the longest scoring plays in Georgia high school history...Hauled in five passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns in Mill Creek's semifinal matchup...Hauled in 58 receptions for 1,055 yards and 14 touchdowns during his senior campaign with Mill Creek...Set numerous Mill Creek receiving records during his career...Was both an all-country and all-region honoree during his senior campaign...Was named to the Georgia High School Association's All-Finals Football Team following his outstanding play in the state championship game...Caught 23 passes for 361 yards and four touchdowns as a junior...Also played varsity basketball as a prep student...PERSONAL: Full Name: Makhail Matthew Wood...Son of Matthew and Kendra Wood...Has a brother, Matthew, and six sisters, Deara, Leara, Johnae, Mone, Alahni, and Arie...Undecided major.
Watch the EMU Signing Day Show.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University football program officially welcomed 18 student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Dec. 21, during the Early Signing Period. All have committed to joining the Eagles for the 2023 campaign.
The class includes 18 players, 17 of whom hail from nine states across the country. Head Coach Chris Creighton continued to demonstrate his ability to recruit international talent as well, with one of the signees coming from Germany.
The Eagles are said to have the fourth-best 2023 recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference as ranked by 247Sports, earning an overall score of 128.07 points and an average rating of 82.35 (of out 100) per player. The fourth-place ranking is the highest in Eastern Michigan's modern history.
"We try to find guys who fit who we are," said Creighton. "We have a really high standard. We want people who want to be coached, and people who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and so when you find players that fit, and you know that they can succeed here, it is a really big deal. This class is made up of those players, and I am so excited to get them to campus."
In its sixth year, the NCAA approved the Early Signing Period in May 2017. The early signing period 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. 1, 2023.
Eastern Michigan is flying high after winning the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, 41-27, over San Jose State University, Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 20, in Boise, Idaho. It is the second postseason bowl game win for the program, and its first since it defeated the same SJSU team in the 1987 California Bowl in Fresno, Calif. The Eagles finished the season with nine wins, the second-most in program history, and in addition to the Potato Bowl championship, also earned a co-Mid-American Conference West Division title, and won the Michigan MAC trophy (three-way rivalry between EMU, CMU, and WMU) for the first time since 2012.
In the midst of one of the most successful runs in program history, Eastern Michigan has made a bowl game appearance five times since 2016, a number that ties for the most by any team in the Mid-American Conference. Additionally, the team has now played in bowl games in four consecutive seasons (excluding COVID-shortened 2020 campaign) for the first time in school history, while 13 EMU student-athletes, as of yesterday, became the first in program history to be part of four postseason bowl games in their respective careers.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's newest additions.
Cedric Anton WR 6-4 235 Fr. Poppenhausen, Germany-Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Ga.)
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Originally from Germany, but moved to Georgia and attended Rabun Gap-Nacoochee High School...Played under Head Coach Joe Sturdivant as an Eagle...Considered a three-star recruit by 247 Sports...Listed as a top-100 tight end in the nation...Considered a top-200 overall prospect in the State of Georgia...Also played lacrosse as a prep athlete...PERSONAL: Full Name: Cedric Jeremiah Anton...Son of Frank Anton and Daniela Herpich...Has a brother, Elias, and a sister, Jennifer...Business intent.
Messiah Blair DE 6-7 225 Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Martin Luther King
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Martin Luther King High School and played under Head Coach Tyrone Spencer...Was a multiple-year letterwinner as a Crusader...Was named team captain for his senior season...Considered a three-star prospect by nearly every major recruiting service, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN...Listed by 247Sports as the fourth-highest-rated recruit in EMU history with an overall composite score of 0.8597 on a 1.0 scale...Considered the 17th-best overall collegiate prospect in the State of Michigan and a top-100 player at defensive end nationally...Named to the 2022 MLive Metro Detroit Football Dream Team...Helped MLK to a 10-3 overall record, including a MHSAA Division III State Championship in 2022...Helped lead King to back-to-back state titles...Received 23 offers out of high school, including four from 'Power Five' institutions and 11 Mid-American Conference Institutions...PERSONAL: Full Name: Messiah Iazar Blair...Son of Daniel and Amelia Blair...Has two sisters, Queautae and N'Dya...Business intent.
Deion Brown RB 5-8 170 Fr. Kirkwood, Mo.-Kirkwood
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Kirkwood High School and played under Head Coach Jeremy Maclin...Was a multiple-time letterwinner with the Pioneers...Was named a team captain for his senior season...Considered a three-star prospect by most major recruiting services, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN...Was a first-team all-conference honoree in 2022...Helped his team to a 7-4 overall record during his senior campaign...Rushed for 1690 total yards during his final season at Kirkwood, and was able to set numerous school rushing records along the way...Helped propel the Kirkwood offense to 38.4 points per game average in 2022...Rushed for 27 of the team's 50 total offensive touchdowns (54%)...Set the school record for most rushing yards in a single game (352)...Broke the Kirkwood record for rushing touchdowns in a single game (7)...His 27 touchdowns in a single season is also a school record, along with his 162 total points...Also ran track and participated in wrestling while in high school...PERSONAL: Full Name: Deion Keith Brown...Son of Derek Brown and Shea Webb...Has a brother, Derrion...Communications intent.
Caleb Dobbs CB 6-0 155 Fr. Cocoa, Fla.-Cocoa
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cocoa High School and played under Head Coach Ryan Schneider...Was a multiple-time letterwinner for the Tigers...Considered a three-star prospect by numerous major recruiting services...Helped his team to a 11-3 overall record and Class 2S State Championship in the State of Florida in 2022...Was named to the All-State Championship tournament team...Propelled his team to victory in the state title when he took an interception all the way back for a score in the third quarter...The play put his team ahead, 31-21, and they did not look back...Recorded 59 tackles and three interceptions during his senior campaign.
Bryce Eliuk LB 6-2 224 Fr. Linden, Mich.-Linden
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Linden High School and played under Head Coach Chad Williams...Was a four-year letterwinner and two-time team captain as an Eagle...Considered a two-star prospect by both 247Sports and Rivals...Named to the Associated Press Division 3-4 All-State Team in Michigan...Named the MLive Flint Area Football Dream Team in 2022...Named to the Detroit News All-State Football Team...Helped his team to a 7-5 overall record and a district championship in 2022...Recorded 117 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, during his senior campaign...Also hauled in five interceptions, and registered three sacks on the season...Was a three-time all-state honoree as a prep athlete...Earned State Bank Athlete of the Week honors twice...Was named to the aforementioned Flint All-Area Dream Team three times during his high school stint...Earned Kiwanis Athlete of the month honors while at Linden...Was a First Team All-Flint Metro League honoree following his senior season...Led Linden with 91 tackles during his junior season, and had 125 stops as a sophomore...Also played offense as a junior...Rushed for 641 yards, racked up 379 yards receiving, and scored 13 touchdowns...Also earned two letters in lacrosse...PERSONAL: Full Name: Bryce Gerald Eliuk...Son of John and Tina Eliuk...Has two sisters, Shelby and Hailey...Economics intent.
Luke Fletcher DL 6-3 246 Fr. Port Huron, Mich.-Port Huron Northern
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Port Huron Northern High School and played under Head Coach Larry Roelens...Four-time letterwinner and two-time captain as a member of the Huskies...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247 Sports...Named a top-50 recruit in the State of Michigan by MLive...Selected as an honorable mention All-East football player by the Detroit News...Named an All-Blue Water Area selection by The Times Herald...Helped his team to an 8-2 overall record and Macomb Area Conference Blue Division title in 2022...Played in six games, recording 33 tackles, including 13 TFLs...Registered six sacks and 26 quarterback hurries...Added 15 quarterback hits...Notched two blocked punts, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in his final high school campaign...Was selected as an All-Macomb Area Conference selection...Also earned two varsity letters as a track athlete...PERSONAL: Full Name: Luke Allen Fletcher...Son of Jason and Andrea Fletcher...Has two brothers, Ty and James, and a sister, Tia...Business intent.
Jaheim Jenkins CB 6-2 160 So. Bainbridge, Ga.-Bainbridge-Iowa Western
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...IOWA WESTERN: Has spent the last three seasons as a member of the Iowa Western football team...Has played in 16 career games, including a career-high 10 during the 2021-22 campaign...Recorded 10 tackles and six pass breakups in the corner position.
Kellen McDonough OL 6-5 240 Fr. Pittsburgh, Pa.-Woodland Hills
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Woodland Hills High School and played under Head Coach Tim Bostard...Was a four-year letterwinner as a Wolverine...Was a team captain during his senior campaign...Helped lead his team to a 6-6 overall record his senior season...Recorded 50 pancake blocks during his final 12 games at Woodland Hills...Was a First Team All-Big 56 Conference selection following his senior campaign...Was a nominee for the 2022 Bill Fralic Award, given by the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League to the state's best offensive lineman...Was a four-year letterwinner in basketball as well...PERSONAL: Full Name: Kellen Eager McDonough...Son of Jason and Kelly McDonough...Has a sister, Bailey...Undecided major.
Jaivian Norman CB 5-10 180 Fr. Springfield, Ohio-Springfield
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Springfield High School and played under Head Coach Maurice Douglass...Was a four-time letterwinner with the Wildcats...Was named a team captain for his senior campaign...Considered a two-star prospect by both 247Sports and Rivals...Was named the Co-Player of the Year in the Southwest Ohio Conference...Was named a Division I All-State honoree by the Columbus Dispatch...Led his team to a 13-2 overall record in 2022, including a trip to the state championship game...Finished as state runner-ups...Helped lead Springfield to at least a state semifinal appearance in each of his four seasons...Racked up 124 total tackles, including 20 tackles for loss and three sacks during his senior season...Recorded one interception for Springfield in 2022...Was a two-time First Team All-Ohio selection at linebacker...Started on varsity in each of his four seasons...Finished his high school career with more than 300 tackles...Also played baseball...PERSONAL: Full Name: Jaivian Anthony Clinton Norman...Son of George and Tanisa Norman...Has four brothers, Jovon, Jayvin, Julian, and Zion, as well as two sisters, Lynae and Trin...Undecided major.
Ugo Nosike DT 6-4 295 So. South Holland, Ill.-Thornwood-Arizona-Butler C.C.
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...BUTLER C.C.: Spent one season at Butler Community College as a member of the Grizzlies...Played in 10 total games in 2022...Recorded 19 tackles, including two sacks...Also added a pass break up as a defensive lineman...ARIZONA: 2021: Did not see any action...2020: Did not see any game action...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Thornwood High School and Midwest Prep Academy...Lettered four years in football along the defensive line...Also earned two letters in wrestling as a heavyweight and three letters in track and field competing in shot put and discus...Led the team with 9.5 sacks as a senior...PERSONAL: Full Name: Ugochukwu Clement Nosike...Son of Reginald and Stella Nosike…Has four sisters, Ashley, Jessica, Christine, and Stephanie...Undecided major.
Terrance Saunders OL 6-4 270 Fr. Overland Park, Kan.-Blue Valley West
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Blue Valley High High School and played under Head Coach Josh Kerkenmeier...Was a four-time letterwinner as a Jaguar...Named a Class 6A All-State honoree by the Kansas Football Coaches Association...Earned first-team all-conference recognition as a senior...Helped his team to a 5-6 overall record in 2021...Earned two playoff victories in 2021...Was a multi-time letterwinner for the Blue Valley track and field program while in high school...PERSONAL: Full Name: Terrance Lamont Saunders II...Son of Terrance and LaRonna Saunders...Has a brother, Darius, and a sister, Samara...Business intent.
Malik Tullis DL 6-2 265 Fr. Fairburn, Ga.-Creekside
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Creekside High School and played under Head Coach Maruice Dixon...Was a three-year letterwinner as a member of the Seminoles...Considered a three-star prospect by both 247Sports and ESPN...Listed as a top-100 prospect in the nation at the defensive line position by multiple major scouting services...Led his team to a 10-3 overall record and a regional championship in 2022, his senior campaign...Recorded 40 tackles, including five sacks in 2022...Notched two interceptions...Became the first defensive lineman in Creekside High School history to record multiple interceptions in a season...Was a first-team all-region selection as a senior...Second-team all-region honors as a junior...Had 67 tackles and 8.5 sacks as a junior...Also played tennis and basketball in high school...PERSONAL: Full Name: Malik William Tullis...Son of Kenneth Tullis and Rachel Davos...Has two brothers, Lynox Bowles and Joshua Tullis, and two sisters, Katelyn and Kennedy Tullis...Sport management intent.
Ike Udengwu III QB 6-3 195 Jr. City of Industry, Calif.-Workman-Mt. San Antonio
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...MT. SAN ANTONIO: Spent the 2022 campaign quarterbacking for Mt. San Antonio...Was selected the team MVP and selected the SoCal Regional Game Player of the Game...Collected first-team All-Southern California Football Association Central Conference...Played in eight games, amassing 444 yards through the air on 40-of-76 (53%) passing...Threw for seven touchdowns...Added more than 300 yards on the ground...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Workman High School in City of Industry, Calif...Amassed an incredible 3,440 yards passing and 34 touchdowns as a senior... Threw for 2,200 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior...Ran for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons...Showed off his versatility by kicking, punting, and playing defense...PERSONAL: Full Name: Ike Ferdinand Udengwu III...Son of Ike Udengwu Sr. and Winnie Clark...Has three brothers, Ikewin, Ike, and Semaj, and a sister, Royalty...Kinesiology major.
Trenton VanBoening OL 6-7 290 Fr. Libertyville, Ill.-Libertyville
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit for the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Libertyville High School and played under Mike Jones...Was a three-time letterwinner as a Wildcat...Was named a team captain during his senior campaign...Listed as a three-star prospect by 247Sports...Helped his team to a 5-5 overall record during his final stint as a prep player...Was named a Daily Herald All-Area Team honoree...Was an All-North Suburban Conference selection in 2022...Was named the league's most valuable offensive lineman...Was a News-Suns Football All-Area Team honoree...Was a three-year varsity starter and made 24 appearances during his career...Earned all-state honors during his high school career...Recorded more than 60 pancake blocks during his final campaign at Libertyville...PERSONAL: Full Name: Trenton Jacob VanBoening...Son of Simon and Susan VanBoening...Has two brothers, Rhett and Wyatt...Business intent.
Joseph Walker Jr. WR 6-4 210 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Warren Central
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Warren Central High School and played under Head Coach Mike Kirschner...Was a four-time letterwinner as a Warrior...Was named a team captain in each of his final three seasons with Warren Central...Considered a three-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN...Was named Indiana's Mr. Football at the wide receiver position in 2022...Led his team to a 6-6 overall record and sectional championship during his senior campaign...Earned All-State honors from the Indiana Football Coaches Association in 2022...Hauled in 35 receptions for 696 yards in 2022...Recorded 10 touchdowns, including one kickoff return for a score...Averaged 31 yards per kick return during his senior season, including a season-best 97 return...Also played on the defensive side of the ball, grabbing one interception as a member of the team's backfield...PERSONAL: Full Name: Joseph Lee Walker Jr...Son of Joseph and Ameeya Walker...Has a brother, Liam, and a sister, Jazmine...Business intent.
Ke'Vion Wellington DL 6-3 265 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-North Central
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended North Central High School and played under Head Coach Kevin O'Shea...Was a three-year letterwinner and two-time team captain as a Panther...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports...Referenced as a "top high school football player in Indiana" by High School Football America...Earned All-Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference and all-state honors during his senior campaign...PERSONAL: Full Name: Ke'Vion Jandelle Wellington...Son of Mike and Christique Wellington...Has one sister, Chozley...Business intent.
Daiquan White CB 5-11 165 Fr. Fairburn, Ga.-Creekside
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Creekside High School and played under Head Coach Maurice Dixon as a Seminole...Considered a three-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN... Led his team to a 10-3 overall record and a regional championship in 2022, his senior campaign...Joins fellow Creekside teammate Malik Tullis as an incoming signee...Recorded 68 total tackles, including 34 solo and 34 assisted, during his senior season...Added 4.0 tackles for loss...Recorded an interception, which he was able to return back for a score...Added five pass deflections...Racked up 155 punt return yards including a long of 70...Earned a spot in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game in 2022...Was a two-time all-region first-team selection...Earned two player of the game awards while at Creekside...Also ran track...PERSONAL: Full Name: Daiquan Ahmari White...Son of David and Sonya White...Has two brothers, Justin White and Trevon Jackson, and one sister, Jamesha Fambro...Undecided major.
Makhail Wood WR 6-1 155 Fr. Hoschton, Ga.-Mill Creek
EMU: 2023: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Mill Creek High School and played under Head Coach Josh Lovelady...Was a two-year letterwinner with the Hawks...Served as a team captain during his senior campaign...Considered a three-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN...Listed as a top-200 receiver in the nation...Captained his team to a 14-1 overall record, including an eight-game win streak to finish the season and capture the Georgia Class 7A High School state championship, the first ever for Mill Creek...Helped Mill Creek earn national top-25 rankings in seven different publications for the first time in school history...Returned a kickoff 96 yards for a score in the state championship game to officially record one of the longest scoring plays in Georgia high school history...Hauled in five passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns in Mill Creek's semifinal matchup...Hauled in 58 receptions for 1,055 yards and 14 touchdowns during his senior campaign with Mill Creek...Set numerous Mill Creek receiving records during his career...Was both an all-country and all-region honoree during his senior campaign...Was named to the Georgia High School Association's All-Finals Football Team following his outstanding play in the state championship game...Caught 23 passes for 361 yards and four touchdowns as a junior...Also played varsity basketball as a prep student...PERSONAL: Full Name: Makhail Matthew Wood...Son of Matthew and Kendra Wood...Has a brother, Matthew, and six sisters, Deara, Leara, Johnae, Mone, Alahni, and Arie...Undecided major.
2025 Football Week 4 Hype vs. Louisiana
Friday, September 19
Join Us Oct. 11 for the Annual EMU Car Show
Friday, September 19
EMU Football Pregame Press Conference: Week 4 vs. Louisiana
Monday, September 15
2025 Football Week 3 Hype vs. Kentucky
Saturday, September 13