Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Walt Middleton Photography
EMU Football Adds 30 In Early Signing Period
12/20/2023 12:24:00 PM | Football
Eastern set to add players from 11 states and two countries in 2024
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University football program officially welcomed 30 student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Dec. 20, during the Early Signing Period. All have committed to join the Eagles for the 2024 campaign.
The class includes a mix of 15 offensive and 15 defensive players hailing from 11 different states across the United States as well as Canada and Mali. Offensively, EMU added five players to the offensive line, four wide receivers, three tight ends, two quarterbacks, and a running back. On the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles welcome seven defensive backs, four linebackers, and four defensive linemen.
"This is a fantastic class! We are super excited," said Head Coach Chris Creighton. "We have an excellent incoming freshmen class and have added both Junior College players and transfers that will certainly make an immediate impact."
The highly anticipated class features 19 student-athletes who will be "true" freshmen next season. Of that group, a total of 14 earned a three-star ranking from 247Sports. The class also features the signing of 11 highly-rated transfers who are enrolled in classes for the upcoming winter semester.
In its seventh year, the Early Signing Period was approved by the NCAA 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. 7, 2023.
Eastern Michigan, playing in its third consecutive bowl game for the first time in program history, is set to face the University of South Alabama in the 68 Ventures Bowl Saturday, Dec. 23, inside Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala. Eastern is looking to make program history with back-to-back bowl wins after defeating San Jose State University at the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho, Dec. 20, 2022.
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN. As always, fans can hear the game on WEMU (89.1 FM), SiriusXM Channel 84, or the Varsity Network app with veteran broadcasters Tom Helmer and Rob Rubick calling the action from the press box. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's newest additions.
JT Bronaugh RB 5-11 185 Fr. Winter Garden, Fla./Foundation Academy
EMU: Pronounced: BRO-now...2024: Joins the program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Foundation Academy and played under Head Coach Andre Walker as a Lion...Considered a three-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports and Rivals...2023: As a senior, finished with 1,950 all-purpose yards and 25 total touchdowns on 112 total touches...Averaged 16.6 yards per carry and 181.0 yards per contest rushing with 19 scores...Averaged 22.8 yards per catch with five TDs...Also got it done on defense with 43 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles...Named the 2023 Orlando Touchdown Club Ironman Award winner...Earned the 2023 FHSAA District 1M Player of the Year, 2023 Orange County Observer Class 1M, District 2 Player of the Year, and the 2023 All-Orange County Observer First-Team...2022: Posted 1,277 yards rushing with 15 TDs...Averaged 14.0 ypc...Was selected a 2022-23 NCSAA (National Christian School Athletic Association) Varsity Football All-American at running back...Also a big sprinter...As a 11th grader, captured regional and district titles in the 100-meter dash with three sub 11-second efforts in the race...Part of a 4x100 squad that also took first at the FHSAA 1A meet...PERSONAL: Full name: James "JT" Bronaugh...Has a brother, Chris "CJ"...Received multiple "Power Five" offers out of high school.
Blake Bustard OL 6-7 295 Sr. Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores/Wayne State
EMU: 2024: Transferred to EMU from Wayne State University...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...WAYNE STATE: Played in 24 games, making 19 starts (first 10 at right tackle, and last nine at left tackle)...2023: Started all nine games played at left tackle...Played every snap at left tackle in five contests...Saw action on PAT/FG in all nine contests played...Missed two games (Michigan Tech and Davenport) due to an injury...Named to D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List...2022: Selected to the Hansen Football All-American Honorable Mention Team...Voted to the All-GLIAC First Team...Started at right tackle in all 10 games (first career start at Slippery Rock)...Played every snap in seven contests...Saw action on PAT/FG in all 10 contests...Selected WSU Offensive Player of the Week for the Michigan Tech contest...2021: Dressed for nine games, seeing action in five contests... Played in the first four games and versus Northwood...Made collegiate debut in the Slippery Rock contest...Saw action as the back-up right tackle in all five appearances...Missed two games (NMU and MTU) with an injury...Played on the PAT/FG unit in three contests...2020: Season canceled due to COVID-19...HIGH SCHOOL: A 2020 graduate of Mona Shores High School...Was a two-year starter for Coach Matt Koziak...Helped MSHS win a Division 2 state title in 2019 with a 35-26 victory over Detroit Martin Luther King...The Sailors ran for 208 yards and four touchdowns in the state title game victory...Received MHSFCA Dream Team honors as a senior as well as Division 2 First Team All-State accolades...Selected to the Detroit Free Press Division 2 All-State First Team... Earned First Team All-Area and First Team All-League recognition...Scored a rushing touchdown as a running back against Grand Rapids Union as a senior...Had seven pancakes in one game and only allowed one sack over his final two seasons...Was an Honorable Mention Academic All-State selection...Was a member of the National Honor Society...Earned All-Academic recognition...Served as a team captain in both football and baseball...Also played basketball for the Sailors...PERSONAL: Full name: Blake Michael Bustard...Son of Todd and Jennifer Bustard... Has a twin sister, Brenna...Individualized studies major with an emphasis on business.
Dodji Dahoue OL 6-9 295 Jr. Bamako, Mali/Lycée Liberté de Bamako/Santa Rosa JC
EMU: Pronounced: doh-jee day-who...2024: Transferred to EMU from Santa Rosa Junior College...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...Started playing football two years ago at SRJC...SANTA ROSA: Selected as the SRJC Freshman of the Year in the 2022 season...Served as a captain for the 2023 campaign as well as being named to the 2023 All-Nor-Cal Conference team...Spent his first year at SRJC as a full-time student, often getting asked if he was on the basketball team....Actually joined a basketball class but quickly found out he did not have the coordination for it...Practiced as a tight end and redshirted his first season as he learned the basics of the game...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lycée Liberté de Bamako High School where he did not play football...Born in France, he moved to the Washington D.C. area a couple months after he was born...After living in the states for five years, his family moved to Mali, where he became fluent in French, the country's official language...Did not return to the United States until the fall of 2021...Graduated high school in Bamako at age 16...PERSONAL: Full name: Dodji Dahoue...Son of Séverin Dahoue and Nadine Dulac...Has a sister, Anouk...Mom is French and works for the Belgian government as an engineer, while his dad owns a company in the West African country of Togo...Outside of some pick-up soccer in the street, he never played sports growing up...Mechanical Engineering major.
Marvell Eggleston Jr. LB 6-4 205 Fr. Detroit, Mich./King
EMU: Pronounced: mar-VELL...2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Martin Luther King High School and played under Head Coach Tyron Spencer as a Crusader....Considered a two-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports and Rivals...As a senior, tabbed 75 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, three forced fumbles and one interception...2023 MHSFCA Division 3 All-State First Team Defense...2023 Detroit News Division 3-4 All-State First Team...2023 Michigan AP Division 3-4 All-State Second Team...2023 Detroit Free Press All-Detroit First Team (LB)...Collected two regional and state championships in his high school days (2021 State Champs (D3), 2022 State Champs (D3), 2023 State Semifinals (D3)...PERSONAL: Full name: Marvel Eggleston Jr....Son of Marvell Eggleston Sr. and Sharon Eggleston...Has three brothers, Willie, Demarcus and Deshawn, and four sisters, Sharvell, Calyanna, Marianna, and Chanelle...Engineering major.
Terrelle Elmore LB 6-4 220 Fr. Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Merrillville High School and played under Head Coach Brad Seiss as a Pirate...Considered a two-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports and Rivals...Team advanced to the 2023 Class 5A State Semifinals...Named 2023 Indiana All-State and Duneland Athletic Conference All-Conference...Invited to play in the 2024 Blue-Gray All-American Bowl to be held Jan. 8, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas...As a senior, posted 39.5 total tackles, 18 QB pressures, nine TFLs, five sacks, four blocked field goals, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery...Started as a sophomore at West Side...Also wrestles, posting a 16-10 as a junior and a 7-4 record so far as a senior at 215 pounds...PERSONAL: Full name: Terrelle Xavier Elmore-Fields...Son of Byron and Tracie Matthews...Has three brothers, Braylon, Jalen, and Connor, and a sister, Sha'la...Digital Media major.
Antonio Floyd WR 6-4 170 Fr. Atlanta, Ga./Lovejoy
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lovejoy High School, serving as a captain for one season as a wide receiver...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Led the Wildcats to a 7-5 record in his senior season...Hauled in 40 receptions for 422 yards and five touchdowns offensively while notching three interceptions on the defensive side of the ball...As a junior, caught 27 passes for 511 yards and five scores...Also made seven tackles and an INT on defense...Earned Second Team Georgia Region 3-AAAAAA honors as he helped Lovejoy make playoffs...Also participated on the basketball and track & field teams...PERSONAL: Full name: Antonio Darrell Floyd...Son of Antonio Floyd Sr. and Charisse Floyd...Has two brothers, Christian and Jabrowski, and two sisters, Lundan and Tez...Undecided major.
Zion Fonua LB 6-1 250 Jr. Euless, Texas/Euless Trinity/Tyler JC
EMU: Pronounced: fuh-new-uh...2024: Transferred to EMU from Tyler Junior College...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...TYLER: Spent two seasons at Tyler Junior College as a linebacker, training under Head Coach Tanner Jacobson...Named First Team All-Conference and a Junior College All-American in his second season...Totaled 94 tackles, 10 TFLs, four sacks and one forced fumble in his junior college days...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Euless Trinity High School and played under Head Coach Chris Jensen as a Trojan...Posted 110 tackles and five sacks as a senior...Named first team all-district and defensive MVP along with being tabbed to the all-state team...PERSONAL: Full name: Zion Hilamani Fonua...Has four brothers, Blaze, Hex, Pippen, and Fine, and two sisters, Faleaka and Nirvana...Sport Management major.
Maddox Gonzalez OL 6-5 315 Fr. Bentley, Mich./Sterling
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Standish Sterling High School and played under Head Coach Marty Malcolm as a Panther...Considered a three-star prospect by On3, while receiving a two-star ranking from 247Sports and Rivals...Named 2023 MHSFCA Division 5 All-State First Team, 2023 Michigan Associated Press Division 5-6 All-State First Team, and 2023 Detroit News All-State First Team...Did not allow a single sack in his senior season...Named an all-state player in the state of Michigan in consecutive seasons...Also tabbed Bay City Dream Team First Team in back-to-back years...Competed on the Panthers track & field team...PERSONAL: Full name: Maddox Mark Gonzalez...Son of Cien Gonzalez and Katie Floyd...Has three brothers, Carter, Cody, and Zach, and two sisters, Brooklyn and Bethany...Aspires to be a teacher or a cyber security professional..Undecided major.
Ray Hester DB 6-0 180 Fr. Detroit, Mich./Chippewa Valley
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Chippewa Valley High School and played under Head Coach Scott Merchant as a Big Red...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...As a senior, recorded 47 tackles, nine pass breakups, six interceptions, a TFL, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery...Named 2023 Detroit Free Press All-East First Team, 2023 MLive Metro Detroit Dream Team Second Team, and 2023 MHSFCA All-Region First Team...Helped team reached state Division I Quarterfinals, falling to eventual champion Southfield A&T...Also a member of the basketball and track teams...PERSONAL: Full name: Rayshaun Graham Hester...Son of Graham and Shonda Hester...Has two sisters, Taylor and Skylor...Related to Antonio Gates and Devin Funchess, who both played in the NFL...Gates is the Chargers' career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns...Gates chose to pursue playing basketball by transferring to Eastern Michigan University...He played there part of a season before transferring to the College of the Sequoias, a junior college in California, to focus on academics...Recruited by current EMU Head Men's Basketball Coach Stan Heath, Gates transferred to Kent State University...Business management major.
ShuMond Johnson DL 6-3 245 Fr. Pebblebrook, Ga./Creekside
EMU: 2024: 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 two-star prospect by Rivals...Led the team with nine sacks in the regular season...Team finished as the 2023 Georgia 5A State Runner-up, with 37 sacks, 25 QB hurries, and 29 takeaways...Had three sacks in the 49-6 onslaught over Lithia Springs.
Braden Laux TE 6-4 215 Fr. Belle Vernon, Pa./Belle Vernon
EMU: Pronounced: locks...2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Belle Vernon High School and played under Head Coach Matt Humbert as a quarterback and defensive end...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Led the Leopards to a 13-1 record as a senior, throwing for 1,585 yards and 18 passing touchdowns while rushing for 248 and seven TDs on the ground...As a defender, notched 30 tackles, nine TFLs and four sacks...Set the single game passing yards record...Named first team all-conference as a defensive end and all-conference honorable mention as a quarterback...Earned three conference titles, two WPIAL titles and two Pennsylvania state titles in his time at Belle Vernon...Also earned three letters as a member of the Leopards' basketball team...PERSONAL: Full name: Braden Carl Laux...Son of Brian and Michelle Laux...Has one sister, Mia...Aspires to manage or own his own business...Business Administration major.
Dramarian McNulty DB 5-11 185 Jr. Brookhaven, Miss./Niceville (Fla.)/WCU/Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming transfer with two years of eligibility remaining...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST CC: Two-year member of the Bulldogs' program under Head Coach Jack Wright...Appeared in 17 career games for MGCCC, totaling 75 tackles, 45 of which were solo stops...Recorded three interceptions and eight pass breakups...Tallied 103 return yards on his picks, averaging 34 yards per runback...WESTERN CAROLINA: Spent one semester at Western Carolina University as a cornerback under Head Coach Kerwin Bell, but did not see game action...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Niceville High School and played under Head Coach Grant Thompson, earning four letters as a defensive back and wide receiver...Led his team to a 12-1 record in his senior season...Named First Team All-Area for his play on offense and defense...Offensively, caught 24 passes for 445 yards and five touchdowns while rushing eight times for 138 yards and one score...Compiled 20 tackles on defense with four pass break ups, one interception, and one forced and recovered fumble in his senior year...PERSONAL: Full name: Dramarian Marqiese McNulty...Nickname is "Juice"..Son of Ronnie McNulty and Princess Buie...Has three brothers, Reece, Keelan, and Tylan, and two sisters, Violette and Rose...Health Administration major.
Jaylyn Monds DB 6-1 175 Fr. Fort Pierce, Fla./Westwood
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Fort Pierce Westwood High School and played under Head Coach Chris Kokell...Considered a three-star prospect by On3...Mainly saw action as a cornerback and wide receiver...Served as a captain for one season...As a senior, recorded 21 tackles, one tackle for loss and two interceptions, along with 27 receptions for 414 yards...Also tabbed 600 all-purpose yards...Named to all-area first team as a junior and senior as well as an FACA All Star...Competes for the Panthers' baseball team and has earned all-area recognition as well...Earned offers from 26 NCAA Division I schools, including all eight members of the Ivy League...PERSONAL: Full name: Jaylyn Amarion Monds...Son of James and Erica Monds...Has two brothers, James and Jamari, and a sister, Justice...Comes from a very athletic family that includes six members that have played collegiately...Grandfather James Monds Sr. played for Tennessee-Martin; father James Monds Jr. played football at Toledo; uncle Mario played at Cincinnati before being drafted into the NFL (2001, Washington); uncle Todd played baseball; uncle Wonderful Monds was an All-American at Nebraska before playing in the NFL; and brother James III played football at Indiana...Aspires to be a pediatrician...Pre-Medicine major.
Luke Murphy LB 6-1 220 Jr. Massillon, Ohio/Massillon Washington/Kent State
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming graduate transfer with two years of eligibility...KENT STATE: Spent three seasons with Kent State as a linebacker...A member of the Golden Flashes' 2021 MAC East Championship team...Appeared in the 2021 MAC Championship game...Totaled 14 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss in his three seasons...Also earned an Academic All-MAC section...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Massillon Washington High School and played under Head Coach Nate Moore...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals and ESPN...Earned three letters as a safety for the Tigers...Led Massillon Washington to a 2018 and 2019 OSHAA Division II state championship appearance...Finished with a 14-1 record and the No. 5 ranked team in the state of Ohio...Leading Tackler for the 2019 Season (111) and is fifth all-time in tackles at Massillon Washington...Named First-Team All-Ohio and First-Team All-Academic in Ohio...Named First-Team All-County and First-Team All-District...Also lettered in track...PERSONAL: Full Name: Luke Thomas Murphy...Son of Dan and Leslie...Has two sisters, Janine and Cara...Business major.
Jonathan Odom TE 6-5 250 Sr. Tampa, Fla./Jesuit/Florida
EMU: 2024: Transferred to EMU from the University of Florida...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...FLORIDA: Played in 25 career games with 16 receptions for 144 yards and two scores...Averaged 9.0 yards per grab...2023: Appeared in four games and earned a redshirt...Totaled nine receptions for 75 receiving yards...Finished contest against Kentucky with one reception (Sept. 30)...Logged two catches for 18 yards in victory over No. 11 Tennessee (Sept. 16)...Started for the second consecutive game and totaled two receptions for eight yards in home opening win vs. McNeese (Sept. 9)...Recorded four receptions for a career high 46 yards at tight end in the season opener against No. 14 Utah (Aug. 31)...2022: Saw action at tight end in nine games, totaling seven receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns...Collected two receptions and 24 yards vs. No. 14 Oregon State (Dec. 17) in the Las Vegas Bowl...Registered a career-high three receptions and 39 yards with a touchdown at Florida State (Nov. 25)...Saw action at tight end at Vanderbilt (Nov. 19)...Registered his first-career reception and hauled in his first-career touchdown finishing with two receptions for six yards, one touchdown vs. South Carolina (Nov. 12)...Saw action in the win at Texas A&M (Nov. 5)...Appeared in the win over Missouri (Oct. 8)...Appeared at tight end in the win over Eastern Washington (Oct. 2)...Appeared at tight end at No. 11 Tennessee (Sept. 24)...Saw action at tight end vs. USF (Sept. 17)...2021: Appeared in eight games primarily in a special teams role and reserve tight end... Named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll...2020: Appeared in four games...Named to SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll...HIGH SCHOOL: Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN...Appeared in 31 games over three years at Jesuit High School, reeling in 34 career catches for 467 yards and 11 touchdowns...Captured a career-high 19 catches and eight receiving touchdowns as a junior in 2018-19...Committed to UF over Alabama, Iowa, LSU, and FSU, among others...PERSONAL: Full name: Jonathan Clark Odom...Son of Jason and Linda Odom...Has two sisters, Lauren and Lidia...Father was a four-year starter on the offensive line for the Gators from 1992-95 and member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996-99...Earned First Team All-SEC honors in 1994 and 1995 and unanimous All-American honors in 1995...Was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great" in 2010...Appeared in 46 games while making 41 starts for Tampa Bay over his four-year career...Education science major.
Noah Patterson DL 6-3 260 Fr. South Point, Ohio/Ironton
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Ironton High School and played under Head Coach Trevon Pendleton, mainly participating on the offensive and defensive lines...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Served as a captain for three seasons, leading his team to an 11-2 record as a senior...An Ohio All-State selection in 2022 and 2023...His Fighting Tigers were named OVC champs from 2020-23, regional champs in 2020 and 2022 as well as state runner ups...Also played on the Ironton basketball team...PERSONAL: Full name: Noah Andrew Patterson...Son of Rick and Stacy Patterson...Has one brother, Nyles, and one sister, Chloie...Aspires to be a physical therapist or athletic trainer...Major: Sports Management.
Porter Rooks WR 6-1 200 Sr. Charlotte, N.C./Myers Park/NC State
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...Considered a three-star transfer prospect by 247Sports and Rivals...NC STATE: Played 49 games as a member of the Wolfpack, catching 79 passes for 891 yards and one touchdown in his four seasons...Scored his first career touchdown in a win over UConn, Sept, 24, 2022...Also tied a career-high with five receptions in the game against the Huskies...Notched a career-best 58 receiving yards against Mississippi State, Sept. 11, 2021, also hauling the longest reception of his career, a 37-yarder...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Myers Park High School for his senior season after playing his sophomore and junior seasons at Providence Day School...Considered a four-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN...All told in prep career, he pulled in 173 catches for 2,424 yards and 34 touchdowns...As a senior, helped MPHS to a 12-1 record and an appearance in the North Carolina 4AA quarterfinals...Finished the year with 54 grabs for 905 yards and 13 scores...Selected to play in the World Bowl in Mexico City later that year...As a junior at PDS, recorded 58 receptions for 728 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games, earning first-team all-state honors by USA Today and was named to the Charlotte Observer's All-Observer Team...Was a four-star recruit according to Rivals and 247Sports while earning status as an ESPN Top 300 player...PERSONAL: Full name: Daniel Porter Rooks...Son of Steven and Vea Rooks...Has two brothers, Patrick and Parker...His mother competed in track & field at Appalachian State while his father, Steven, played basketball at Southern Wesleyan...His brother, Patrick, played basketball at Clemson...Sport Management major.
Dylan Shelton DL 6-1 295 Sr. Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln Way East/Indianapolis
EMU: 2024: Transferred to EMU from the University of Indianapolis...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...INDIANAPOLIS: Played in 35 career games for the Grayhounds...Notched 78 tackles (45 solo, 33 assist) to go along with 30.5 tackles-for-loss, and 15.5 sacks...Also has a pair of block kicks and a pair of pass deflections...Finished the 2023 season ranked 34th among active Division II players in sacks...2023: Named First Team Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLIVC)...Recorded 30 tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks, and five QBH...Ranked second in the conference and 43rd nationally with 1.3 TFLs per game...Posted a pair of 3.0 TFL games against McKendree and Pittsburg State..Team finished 9-2 while winning the GLVC Championship and making an NCAA Playoff appearance...2022: Had a breakout season, earning All-GLVC First Team accolades...Played in all 11 games, locking down a starting defensive tackle spot for the final six weeks...Shared the team lead with 6.5 sacks on the season, good for third in the GLVC...Notched multiple sacks in back-to-back weeks, including two on Homecoming versus Southwest Baptist and three at McKendree; totaled 4.5 TFLs in the latter contest on the way to GLVC Defensive Player of the Week honors...Recorded a safety at McKendree...Spent both 2021 and 2022 in the defensive line rotation...Blocked an extra-point try versus Ohio Dominican...2019: Redshirted..HIGH SCHOOL: Racked up nine sacks and five forced fumbles as a senior on the way to IHSFCA All-State accolades...Two-time all-conference honoree...Helped East to an IHSA 8A state title as a junior and a state semifinal appearance as a senior...National Honor Society member.
Oran Singleton WR 5-9 185 Jr. Clewiston, Fla./Clewiston/Akron/Hutchinson CC
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming transfer with two years of eligibility...HUTCHINSON CC: Played the 2022 season at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kan., under Head Coach Drew Dallas...Appeared in 11 games and led the team in receptions (31) and was second in yards (419)...Led the team with seven receiving touchdowns, a total that ranked second on the team overall...Recorded one receiving touchdown in seven games, including the final three of the season...Team was undefeated until falling in the NJCAA Semifinals to East Mississippi CC, 27-23...AKRON: Competed in nine games for the Zips in the 2021 season as a "true" freshman...A versatile player, recorded three rushes for 14 yards, 11 catches for 112 yards and 1 touchdown, five kick returns for 89 yards, and two punt returns for 17 yards...Scored his lone touchdown against Bryant, Sept. 18, 2021, on a 24-yard reception...In his final game with the Zips, at Toledo, Nov. 27, 2021, recorded a career-high 131 all-purpose yards, including career-highs in receptions (four), receiving yards (42), kick returns (five), and kick return yards (89)...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Clewiston High School and was a four-year letter winner and three-time captain under Head Coach Pete Walker... Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports...Garnered All-State 4A honors in Florida as a senior after capping his prep career with 3,113 yards and 26 touchdowns...Named MVP of the Palm Beach County All-Star Game his senior year…Also competed in baseball at CHS...PERSONAL: Full Name: Oran Cornelius Singleton Jr...Nickname is ManMan...Son of Steve Moore and Shalonda Pope...Has two brothers, Jay and Mod, and one sister, Amorea...Sports Medicine major.
Everett Small OL 6-4 280 Fr. Hamilton, Ontario/Clarkson North
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Clarkston Secondary School and played under Head Coach Jamie Lalonde as an offensive lineman...Considered a three-star prospect by On3, while receiving a two-star ranking from 247Sports...Named First Team All-ECP…Played a pivotal role in the Chargers winning an ECP League Championship in his high school days...Also served one season as a captain...PERSONAL: Full Name: Everett George Small...Son of George Small and Dianna Kupery...Has two brothers, Galen and Andrew, and one sister, Meaghan...Aspires to play professional football or serve his community as a fire fighter...Business Administration major.
Wendell Smith Jr. DB 6-0 165 Fr. Detroit, Mich./Southfield A&T
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Southfield A&T High School and played under Head Coach Aaron Marshall...Considered a two-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports...Mainly saw action as a cornerback...Served as a captain for four years...Led his team to a 13-1 record as a senior, earning a state title at the season's culmination...Tallied 29 tackles, 10 pass break ups and one interception as a senior...Selected to the All-OAA team...PERSONAL: Full name: Wendell Smith Jr....Son of Wendell Smith and Yvonne Woody...Has five brothers, including Lacari, Jerrill, Terrill, Rhamell, and Roggie, and one sister, Wynter...Aspires to be a realtor...Business major.
Andrew Steger OL 6-8 280 Fr. Fremont, Mich./Fremont
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Freemont High School and played under Head Coach Jared Hudson...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Named an all-conference offensive tackle in his time with the Wolves…Was injured six games into his senior season...Finished his high school career as a three-star recruit according to both On3 and 247 Sports and was tabbed a two-star recruit by Rivals...Plays basketball and dabbles in several track and field events, including the 100m dash, long jump, discus, and shot put...PERSONAL: Full name: Andrew David Steger...Son of Rick Steger and Amy Kurnat...Has two brothers, Ricky Kurnat and Jared Steger, and five sisters, Jennifer Steger, Jami Steger, Kimberley Holland, Rachel Breuker, and Jessica Kurnat...Undecided major.
Jace Stuckey QB 6-1 180 Fr. Fairland, Ind./Triton Central
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Triton Central High School and played under Head Coach Tim Able, participating as a quarterback...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Served as a captain for three seasons...Led the Tigers to an 11-2 record as a senior, totaling 2,827 passing yards, 880 rushing yards and posted a 145.85 quarter back rating...Set a multitude of records in high school including career, single season and single game passing yards, career, single season and game completions, career and single season completion percentage, career, single season and single game total yards, single season and career passing attempts, career and single season passing TDs, career, single season and game total TDs, and total team wins...Named to the IndyStar Super Team as well as First Team All-State in the state of Indiana along with a two-time all-conference selection...2023 The Shelby News Football Player of the Year…Played 7v7 football for Indy Select and Head Coach Chad Span...Was the only junior on the team of seniors…Helped the team to the 7EVENS Tournament title and was named MVP of the event...Also earned three letters as a member of the basketball team that has captured two county and two sectional titles...PERSONAL: Full name: Brian Aydan Jace Weisman Stuckey...Son of Brian and Staci Stuckey...Has a sister, Sydni...Aspires to be an NFL player or coach...Engineering major.
Javon Thomas DL 6-5 255 Fr. East Lansing, Mich./East Lansing
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended East Lansing High School and played under Head Coach Bill Feraco as a Trojan...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Was selected second team all-state as a defensive lineman...Named all-region by the MHSFCA...Notched 44 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks as a senior...Also throws the shot put/dIscuss on the track & field team...PERSONAL: Full name: Javon James Thomas...Son of Rasha and Vontresse Thomas..Has a sister, Jaida...Mechanical Engineeing major.
Jordan Toney DB 6-4 175 Fr. Decatur, Ga./Hapeville Charter
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Hapeville Charter High School and played under Head Coach Winston Gordon as a defensive back, serving as a captain for two seasons...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...As a senior, tabbed 33 tackles, 20 pass break ups, one interception and one touchdown...Offensively, caught 12 passes for over 200 total yards...Set the Hapeville Charter single-game record with nine PBUs...Earned first team all-region accolades as a senior...Also is a member of the Hornets' basketball team...Plays for C1N 7v7 and is coached by Cam Newton...Earned offers from 17 NCAA Division I schools...PERSONAL: Full name: Jordan Julius Toney...Has three brothers, Coy, Justin and David, and three sisters, Jerney, Jules and Justice...Aspires to be an athletic trainer...Kinesiology major.
Caleb Turner DB 6-4 190 Fr. Virginia Beach, Va./Green Run
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Green Run High School and played under Head Coach Brandon Williams...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...His Stallions posted a 12-1 record in his senior season...Named first team all-region...Raked in 60 tackles, eight TFLs, five interceptions, three pass break ups, one sack and two touchdowns as a senior...PERSONAL: Full name: Caleb Turner...Son of Ronnie Turner and Erica White...Has two brothers, Jaron Turner and Antonio Jackson, and two sisters, Nadaisha White and Amyah Turner-White...Undecided major.
Caden Vanderbush TE 6-5 190 Fr. Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Plainfield High School and played under Head Coach Tyler Bless...Considered a two-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports and Rivals...Named to the All-Mid State Conference team as well as IFCA 5A Senior All-State, Academic All-Conference, and IFCA Academic All-State...Earned four letters and served as a football captain for one season...Led his team to a sectional championship as a junior...As a senior, caught 32 passes for 397 yards and five touchdowns offensively while tallying 25 tackles and one interception on defense...Added duties as the long snapper for all kicks as well...Also earned three letters playing basketball while serving one season as a captain...PERSONAL: Full name: Caden Charles Vanderbush...Son of Randy and Audra...Has two brothers, Cael and Coen...His father, Randy, is the strength and conditioning coach at Plainfield and was a letterwinner in football and baseball at Michigan State...His brother, Cael, is a tight end at Iowa...Undecided major.
Drew Viotto QB 6-4 235 R-Fr. Sault Ste Marie, Ontario/Walled Lake Western/Minnesota
EMU: Pronounced: vee-OTT-oh...2024: Transferred to EMU from the University of Minneosta...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...MINNESOTA: Redshirted his one season as a quarterback for the Golden Gophers under Head Coach PJ Fleck...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Walled Lake Western High School and played under Head Coach Kory Cioroch...Was a consensus three-star prospect according to 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals...Rivals ranked him as the No. 16 prospect in Michigan and as the No. 30 quarterback in the nation...Named a 2023 Detroit News Blue Chip football prospects...Was the top ranked prospect on the CFC100 Class of 2023...Served as a captain for two seasons, leading the team to a 9-2 record as a senior...Tossed 22 TDs with just four interceptions as a senior with 2,200 passing yards...A first team all-state selection as a senior...Threw for 2,126 yards and 22 touchdowns, completing 70 percent of his passes...As a junior, passed for 1,944 yards and 22 touchdowns on 161 completions...Moved to Metro Detroit from Sault St. Marie, Canada in 2019...PERSONAL: Full name: Andrew Joseph Viotto...Son of Ross and Andrea Viotto...Has one sister, Taylor...Aspires to be an NFL player...Earned the nickname the "Canadian Cannon" in high school...Committed to EMU in high school before earning the "Power 5" offer to go to Minnesota...Business/Sport Management major.
Dalin Wilkins WR 6-3 200 Fr. Dayton, Ohio/Northmont
EMU: Pronounced: day-lin...2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Clayton Northmont High School and played under Head Coach Anthony Broering...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Accumulated 628 receiving yards on 33 grabs in just five games his senior season...Pulled down 11 touchdowns, averaging more than two scores per game...Averaged 125.6 yards per game and 19.0 yards per grab...Caught 11 passes for 202 yards and six touchdowns against Dayton Dunbar, Sept. 5, 2023, to break the school record and tie a state record for receiving scores in a single game...A 2023 Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association Division II All-Ohio Third Team selection...PERSONAL: Full name: Dalin Deonli Wilkins...Son of Tyree Thomas Sr. and Adale Wilkins...Exercise Science major.
Watch the EMU Signing Day Show | Signing Day Tracker.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University football program officially welcomed 30 student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Dec. 20, during the Early Signing Period. All have committed to join the Eagles for the 2024 campaign.
The class includes a mix of 15 offensive and 15 defensive players hailing from 11 different states across the United States as well as Canada and Mali. Offensively, EMU added five players to the offensive line, four wide receivers, three tight ends, two quarterbacks, and a running back. On the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles welcome seven defensive backs, four linebackers, and four defensive linemen.
"This is a fantastic class! We are super excited," said Head Coach Chris Creighton. "We have an excellent incoming freshmen class and have added both Junior College players and transfers that will certainly make an immediate impact."
The highly anticipated class features 19 student-athletes who will be "true" freshmen next season. Of that group, a total of 14 earned a three-star ranking from 247Sports. The class also features the signing of 11 highly-rated transfers who are enrolled in classes for the upcoming winter semester.
In its seventh year, the Early Signing Period was approved by the NCAA 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. 7, 2023.
Eastern Michigan, playing in its third consecutive bowl game for the first time in program history, is set to face the University of South Alabama in the 68 Ventures Bowl Saturday, Dec. 23, inside Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala. Eastern is looking to make program history with back-to-back bowl wins after defeating San Jose State University at the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho, Dec. 20, 2022.
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN. As always, fans can hear the game on WEMU (89.1 FM), SiriusXM Channel 84, or the Varsity Network app with veteran broadcasters Tom Helmer and Rob Rubick calling the action from the press box. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's newest additions.
JT Bronaugh RB 5-11 185 Fr. Winter Garden, Fla./Foundation Academy
EMU: Pronounced: BRO-now...2024: Joins the program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Foundation Academy and played under Head Coach Andre Walker as a Lion...Considered a three-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports and Rivals...2023: As a senior, finished with 1,950 all-purpose yards and 25 total touchdowns on 112 total touches...Averaged 16.6 yards per carry and 181.0 yards per contest rushing with 19 scores...Averaged 22.8 yards per catch with five TDs...Also got it done on defense with 43 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles...Named the 2023 Orlando Touchdown Club Ironman Award winner...Earned the 2023 FHSAA District 1M Player of the Year, 2023 Orange County Observer Class 1M, District 2 Player of the Year, and the 2023 All-Orange County Observer First-Team...2022: Posted 1,277 yards rushing with 15 TDs...Averaged 14.0 ypc...Was selected a 2022-23 NCSAA (National Christian School Athletic Association) Varsity Football All-American at running back...Also a big sprinter...As a 11th grader, captured regional and district titles in the 100-meter dash with three sub 11-second efforts in the race...Part of a 4x100 squad that also took first at the FHSAA 1A meet...PERSONAL: Full name: James "JT" Bronaugh...Has a brother, Chris "CJ"...Received multiple "Power Five" offers out of high school.
Blake Bustard OL 6-7 295 Sr. Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores/Wayne State
EMU: 2024: Transferred to EMU from Wayne State University...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...WAYNE STATE: Played in 24 games, making 19 starts (first 10 at right tackle, and last nine at left tackle)...2023: Started all nine games played at left tackle...Played every snap at left tackle in five contests...Saw action on PAT/FG in all nine contests played...Missed two games (Michigan Tech and Davenport) due to an injury...Named to D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List...2022: Selected to the Hansen Football All-American Honorable Mention Team...Voted to the All-GLIAC First Team...Started at right tackle in all 10 games (first career start at Slippery Rock)...Played every snap in seven contests...Saw action on PAT/FG in all 10 contests...Selected WSU Offensive Player of the Week for the Michigan Tech contest...2021: Dressed for nine games, seeing action in five contests... Played in the first four games and versus Northwood...Made collegiate debut in the Slippery Rock contest...Saw action as the back-up right tackle in all five appearances...Missed two games (NMU and MTU) with an injury...Played on the PAT/FG unit in three contests...2020: Season canceled due to COVID-19...HIGH SCHOOL: A 2020 graduate of Mona Shores High School...Was a two-year starter for Coach Matt Koziak...Helped MSHS win a Division 2 state title in 2019 with a 35-26 victory over Detroit Martin Luther King...The Sailors ran for 208 yards and four touchdowns in the state title game victory...Received MHSFCA Dream Team honors as a senior as well as Division 2 First Team All-State accolades...Selected to the Detroit Free Press Division 2 All-State First Team... Earned First Team All-Area and First Team All-League recognition...Scored a rushing touchdown as a running back against Grand Rapids Union as a senior...Had seven pancakes in one game and only allowed one sack over his final two seasons...Was an Honorable Mention Academic All-State selection...Was a member of the National Honor Society...Earned All-Academic recognition...Served as a team captain in both football and baseball...Also played basketball for the Sailors...PERSONAL: Full name: Blake Michael Bustard...Son of Todd and Jennifer Bustard... Has a twin sister, Brenna...Individualized studies major with an emphasis on business.
Dodji Dahoue OL 6-9 295 Jr. Bamako, Mali/Lycée Liberté de Bamako/Santa Rosa JC
EMU: Pronounced: doh-jee day-who...2024: Transferred to EMU from Santa Rosa Junior College...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...Started playing football two years ago at SRJC...SANTA ROSA: Selected as the SRJC Freshman of the Year in the 2022 season...Served as a captain for the 2023 campaign as well as being named to the 2023 All-Nor-Cal Conference team...Spent his first year at SRJC as a full-time student, often getting asked if he was on the basketball team....Actually joined a basketball class but quickly found out he did not have the coordination for it...Practiced as a tight end and redshirted his first season as he learned the basics of the game...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lycée Liberté de Bamako High School where he did not play football...Born in France, he moved to the Washington D.C. area a couple months after he was born...After living in the states for five years, his family moved to Mali, where he became fluent in French, the country's official language...Did not return to the United States until the fall of 2021...Graduated high school in Bamako at age 16...PERSONAL: Full name: Dodji Dahoue...Son of Séverin Dahoue and Nadine Dulac...Has a sister, Anouk...Mom is French and works for the Belgian government as an engineer, while his dad owns a company in the West African country of Togo...Outside of some pick-up soccer in the street, he never played sports growing up...Mechanical Engineering major.
Marvell Eggleston Jr. LB 6-4 205 Fr. Detroit, Mich./King
EMU: Pronounced: mar-VELL...2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Martin Luther King High School and played under Head Coach Tyron Spencer as a Crusader....Considered a two-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports and Rivals...As a senior, tabbed 75 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, three forced fumbles and one interception...2023 MHSFCA Division 3 All-State First Team Defense...2023 Detroit News Division 3-4 All-State First Team...2023 Michigan AP Division 3-4 All-State Second Team...2023 Detroit Free Press All-Detroit First Team (LB)...Collected two regional and state championships in his high school days (2021 State Champs (D3), 2022 State Champs (D3), 2023 State Semifinals (D3)...PERSONAL: Full name: Marvel Eggleston Jr....Son of Marvell Eggleston Sr. and Sharon Eggleston...Has three brothers, Willie, Demarcus and Deshawn, and four sisters, Sharvell, Calyanna, Marianna, and Chanelle...Engineering major.
Terrelle Elmore LB 6-4 220 Fr. Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Merrillville High School and played under Head Coach Brad Seiss as a Pirate...Considered a two-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports and Rivals...Team advanced to the 2023 Class 5A State Semifinals...Named 2023 Indiana All-State and Duneland Athletic Conference All-Conference...Invited to play in the 2024 Blue-Gray All-American Bowl to be held Jan. 8, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas...As a senior, posted 39.5 total tackles, 18 QB pressures, nine TFLs, five sacks, four blocked field goals, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery...Started as a sophomore at West Side...Also wrestles, posting a 16-10 as a junior and a 7-4 record so far as a senior at 215 pounds...PERSONAL: Full name: Terrelle Xavier Elmore-Fields...Son of Byron and Tracie Matthews...Has three brothers, Braylon, Jalen, and Connor, and a sister, Sha'la...Digital Media major.
Antonio Floyd WR 6-4 170 Fr. Atlanta, Ga./Lovejoy
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lovejoy High School, serving as a captain for one season as a wide receiver...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Led the Wildcats to a 7-5 record in his senior season...Hauled in 40 receptions for 422 yards and five touchdowns offensively while notching three interceptions on the defensive side of the ball...As a junior, caught 27 passes for 511 yards and five scores...Also made seven tackles and an INT on defense...Earned Second Team Georgia Region 3-AAAAAA honors as he helped Lovejoy make playoffs...Also participated on the basketball and track & field teams...PERSONAL: Full name: Antonio Darrell Floyd...Son of Antonio Floyd Sr. and Charisse Floyd...Has two brothers, Christian and Jabrowski, and two sisters, Lundan and Tez...Undecided major.
Zion Fonua LB 6-1 250 Jr. Euless, Texas/Euless Trinity/Tyler JC
EMU: Pronounced: fuh-new-uh...2024: Transferred to EMU from Tyler Junior College...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...TYLER: Spent two seasons at Tyler Junior College as a linebacker, training under Head Coach Tanner Jacobson...Named First Team All-Conference and a Junior College All-American in his second season...Totaled 94 tackles, 10 TFLs, four sacks and one forced fumble in his junior college days...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Euless Trinity High School and played under Head Coach Chris Jensen as a Trojan...Posted 110 tackles and five sacks as a senior...Named first team all-district and defensive MVP along with being tabbed to the all-state team...PERSONAL: Full name: Zion Hilamani Fonua...Has four brothers, Blaze, Hex, Pippen, and Fine, and two sisters, Faleaka and Nirvana...Sport Management major.
Maddox Gonzalez OL 6-5 315 Fr. Bentley, Mich./Sterling
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Standish Sterling High School and played under Head Coach Marty Malcolm as a Panther...Considered a three-star prospect by On3, while receiving a two-star ranking from 247Sports and Rivals...Named 2023 MHSFCA Division 5 All-State First Team, 2023 Michigan Associated Press Division 5-6 All-State First Team, and 2023 Detroit News All-State First Team...Did not allow a single sack in his senior season...Named an all-state player in the state of Michigan in consecutive seasons...Also tabbed Bay City Dream Team First Team in back-to-back years...Competed on the Panthers track & field team...PERSONAL: Full name: Maddox Mark Gonzalez...Son of Cien Gonzalez and Katie Floyd...Has three brothers, Carter, Cody, and Zach, and two sisters, Brooklyn and Bethany...Aspires to be a teacher or a cyber security professional..Undecided major.
Ray Hester DB 6-0 180 Fr. Detroit, Mich./Chippewa Valley
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Chippewa Valley High School and played under Head Coach Scott Merchant as a Big Red...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...As a senior, recorded 47 tackles, nine pass breakups, six interceptions, a TFL, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery...Named 2023 Detroit Free Press All-East First Team, 2023 MLive Metro Detroit Dream Team Second Team, and 2023 MHSFCA All-Region First Team...Helped team reached state Division I Quarterfinals, falling to eventual champion Southfield A&T...Also a member of the basketball and track teams...PERSONAL: Full name: Rayshaun Graham Hester...Son of Graham and Shonda Hester...Has two sisters, Taylor and Skylor...Related to Antonio Gates and Devin Funchess, who both played in the NFL...Gates is the Chargers' career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns...Gates chose to pursue playing basketball by transferring to Eastern Michigan University...He played there part of a season before transferring to the College of the Sequoias, a junior college in California, to focus on academics...Recruited by current EMU Head Men's Basketball Coach Stan Heath, Gates transferred to Kent State University...Business management major.
ShuMond Johnson DL 6-3 245 Fr. Pebblebrook, Ga./Creekside
EMU: 2024: 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 two-star prospect by Rivals...Led the team with nine sacks in the regular season...Team finished as the 2023 Georgia 5A State Runner-up, with 37 sacks, 25 QB hurries, and 29 takeaways...Had three sacks in the 49-6 onslaught over Lithia Springs.
Braden Laux TE 6-4 215 Fr. Belle Vernon, Pa./Belle Vernon
EMU: Pronounced: locks...2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Belle Vernon High School and played under Head Coach Matt Humbert as a quarterback and defensive end...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Led the Leopards to a 13-1 record as a senior, throwing for 1,585 yards and 18 passing touchdowns while rushing for 248 and seven TDs on the ground...As a defender, notched 30 tackles, nine TFLs and four sacks...Set the single game passing yards record...Named first team all-conference as a defensive end and all-conference honorable mention as a quarterback...Earned three conference titles, two WPIAL titles and two Pennsylvania state titles in his time at Belle Vernon...Also earned three letters as a member of the Leopards' basketball team...PERSONAL: Full name: Braden Carl Laux...Son of Brian and Michelle Laux...Has one sister, Mia...Aspires to manage or own his own business...Business Administration major.
Bryce Llewellyn DB 6-0 205 Jr. Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral/Charleston Southern
EMU: Pronounced: lou-ell-inn...2024: Transferred to EMU from Charlestons Southern University...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...CHARLESTON SOUTHERN: Tallied 92 tackles (68 solo, 24 assist) to go along with three sacks, two pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble forced in 20 career games...Notched 17 starts and a total of 1,036 snaps...2023: Played in 11 games, ranking second on the team with 60 tackles...Posted a team-best 10.0 TFLs and 5.0 sacks...Posted a piar of sacks against Tennessee State and Gardner-Webb...Ranked 78th in the FCS wth 0.45 sacks per contest...2022: Named a FCS Freshman All-American (4th Team) from Phil Steele Magazine...As a freshman, posted 37 tackles (25 solo, 12 assist), 3.0 TFLs, an interception, and a quarterback hurry...HIGH SCHOOL: Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Selected as the 2021 City Defensive Player of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis...Named to the 2021 All-Inner City Super Team...Ranked among the Top 50 defensive backs in the state by the Indiana Football Coaches Association...Placed among the top-three players for interceptions... Led his high school in tackles with over 70 to go along with 2.5 TFLs and eight interceptions... Member of the National Honor Society...Earned high honors all four years...Guided his high school to back-to-back state championships...Chosen as an Academic All-State pick.
EMU: Pronounced: lou-ell-inn...2024: Transferred to EMU from Charlestons Southern University...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...CHARLESTON SOUTHERN: Tallied 92 tackles (68 solo, 24 assist) to go along with three sacks, two pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble forced in 20 career games...Notched 17 starts and a total of 1,036 snaps...2023: Played in 11 games, ranking second on the team with 60 tackles...Posted a team-best 10.0 TFLs and 5.0 sacks...Posted a piar of sacks against Tennessee State and Gardner-Webb...Ranked 78th in the FCS wth 0.45 sacks per contest...2022: Named a FCS Freshman All-American (4th Team) from Phil Steele Magazine...As a freshman, posted 37 tackles (25 solo, 12 assist), 3.0 TFLs, an interception, and a quarterback hurry...HIGH SCHOOL: Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Selected as the 2021 City Defensive Player of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis...Named to the 2021 All-Inner City Super Team...Ranked among the Top 50 defensive backs in the state by the Indiana Football Coaches Association...Placed among the top-three players for interceptions... Led his high school in tackles with over 70 to go along with 2.5 TFLs and eight interceptions... Member of the National Honor Society...Earned high honors all four years...Guided his high school to back-to-back state championships...Chosen as an Academic All-State pick.
Dramarian McNulty DB 5-11 185 Jr. Brookhaven, Miss./Niceville (Fla.)/WCU/Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming transfer with two years of eligibility remaining...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST CC: Two-year member of the Bulldogs' program under Head Coach Jack Wright...Appeared in 17 career games for MGCCC, totaling 75 tackles, 45 of which were solo stops...Recorded three interceptions and eight pass breakups...Tallied 103 return yards on his picks, averaging 34 yards per runback...WESTERN CAROLINA: Spent one semester at Western Carolina University as a cornerback under Head Coach Kerwin Bell, but did not see game action...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Niceville High School and played under Head Coach Grant Thompson, earning four letters as a defensive back and wide receiver...Led his team to a 12-1 record in his senior season...Named First Team All-Area for his play on offense and defense...Offensively, caught 24 passes for 445 yards and five touchdowns while rushing eight times for 138 yards and one score...Compiled 20 tackles on defense with four pass break ups, one interception, and one forced and recovered fumble in his senior year...PERSONAL: Full name: Dramarian Marqiese McNulty...Nickname is "Juice"..Son of Ronnie McNulty and Princess Buie...Has three brothers, Reece, Keelan, and Tylan, and two sisters, Violette and Rose...Health Administration major.
Jaylyn Monds DB 6-1 175 Fr. Fort Pierce, Fla./Westwood
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Fort Pierce Westwood High School and played under Head Coach Chris Kokell...Considered a three-star prospect by On3...Mainly saw action as a cornerback and wide receiver...Served as a captain for one season...As a senior, recorded 21 tackles, one tackle for loss and two interceptions, along with 27 receptions for 414 yards...Also tabbed 600 all-purpose yards...Named to all-area first team as a junior and senior as well as an FACA All Star...Competes for the Panthers' baseball team and has earned all-area recognition as well...Earned offers from 26 NCAA Division I schools, including all eight members of the Ivy League...PERSONAL: Full name: Jaylyn Amarion Monds...Son of James and Erica Monds...Has two brothers, James and Jamari, and a sister, Justice...Comes from a very athletic family that includes six members that have played collegiately...Grandfather James Monds Sr. played for Tennessee-Martin; father James Monds Jr. played football at Toledo; uncle Mario played at Cincinnati before being drafted into the NFL (2001, Washington); uncle Todd played baseball; uncle Wonderful Monds was an All-American at Nebraska before playing in the NFL; and brother James III played football at Indiana...Aspires to be a pediatrician...Pre-Medicine major.
Luke Murphy LB 6-1 220 Jr. Massillon, Ohio/Massillon Washington/Kent State
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming graduate transfer with two years of eligibility...KENT STATE: Spent three seasons with Kent State as a linebacker...A member of the Golden Flashes' 2021 MAC East Championship team...Appeared in the 2021 MAC Championship game...Totaled 14 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss in his three seasons...Also earned an Academic All-MAC section...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Massillon Washington High School and played under Head Coach Nate Moore...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals and ESPN...Earned three letters as a safety for the Tigers...Led Massillon Washington to a 2018 and 2019 OSHAA Division II state championship appearance...Finished with a 14-1 record and the No. 5 ranked team in the state of Ohio...Leading Tackler for the 2019 Season (111) and is fifth all-time in tackles at Massillon Washington...Named First-Team All-Ohio and First-Team All-Academic in Ohio...Named First-Team All-County and First-Team All-District...Also lettered in track...PERSONAL: Full Name: Luke Thomas Murphy...Son of Dan and Leslie...Has two sisters, Janine and Cara...Business major.
Jonathan Odom TE 6-5 250 Sr. Tampa, Fla./Jesuit/Florida
EMU: 2024: Transferred to EMU from the University of Florida...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...FLORIDA: Played in 25 career games with 16 receptions for 144 yards and two scores...Averaged 9.0 yards per grab...2023: Appeared in four games and earned a redshirt...Totaled nine receptions for 75 receiving yards...Finished contest against Kentucky with one reception (Sept. 30)...Logged two catches for 18 yards in victory over No. 11 Tennessee (Sept. 16)...Started for the second consecutive game and totaled two receptions for eight yards in home opening win vs. McNeese (Sept. 9)...Recorded four receptions for a career high 46 yards at tight end in the season opener against No. 14 Utah (Aug. 31)...2022: Saw action at tight end in nine games, totaling seven receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns...Collected two receptions and 24 yards vs. No. 14 Oregon State (Dec. 17) in the Las Vegas Bowl...Registered a career-high three receptions and 39 yards with a touchdown at Florida State (Nov. 25)...Saw action at tight end at Vanderbilt (Nov. 19)...Registered his first-career reception and hauled in his first-career touchdown finishing with two receptions for six yards, one touchdown vs. South Carolina (Nov. 12)...Saw action in the win at Texas A&M (Nov. 5)...Appeared in the win over Missouri (Oct. 8)...Appeared at tight end in the win over Eastern Washington (Oct. 2)...Appeared at tight end at No. 11 Tennessee (Sept. 24)...Saw action at tight end vs. USF (Sept. 17)...2021: Appeared in eight games primarily in a special teams role and reserve tight end... Named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll...2020: Appeared in four games...Named to SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll...HIGH SCHOOL: Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN...Appeared in 31 games over three years at Jesuit High School, reeling in 34 career catches for 467 yards and 11 touchdowns...Captured a career-high 19 catches and eight receiving touchdowns as a junior in 2018-19...Committed to UF over Alabama, Iowa, LSU, and FSU, among others...PERSONAL: Full name: Jonathan Clark Odom...Son of Jason and Linda Odom...Has two sisters, Lauren and Lidia...Father was a four-year starter on the offensive line for the Gators from 1992-95 and member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996-99...Earned First Team All-SEC honors in 1994 and 1995 and unanimous All-American honors in 1995...Was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great" in 2010...Appeared in 46 games while making 41 starts for Tampa Bay over his four-year career...Education science major.
Noah Patterson DL 6-3 260 Fr. South Point, Ohio/Ironton
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Ironton High School and played under Head Coach Trevon Pendleton, mainly participating on the offensive and defensive lines...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Served as a captain for three seasons, leading his team to an 11-2 record as a senior...An Ohio All-State selection in 2022 and 2023...His Fighting Tigers were named OVC champs from 2020-23, regional champs in 2020 and 2022 as well as state runner ups...Also played on the Ironton basketball team...PERSONAL: Full name: Noah Andrew Patterson...Son of Rick and Stacy Patterson...Has one brother, Nyles, and one sister, Chloie...Aspires to be a physical therapist or athletic trainer...Major: Sports Management.
Porter Rooks WR 6-1 200 Sr. Charlotte, N.C./Myers Park/NC State
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...Considered a three-star transfer prospect by 247Sports and Rivals...NC STATE: Played 49 games as a member of the Wolfpack, catching 79 passes for 891 yards and one touchdown in his four seasons...Scored his first career touchdown in a win over UConn, Sept, 24, 2022...Also tied a career-high with five receptions in the game against the Huskies...Notched a career-best 58 receiving yards against Mississippi State, Sept. 11, 2021, also hauling the longest reception of his career, a 37-yarder...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Myers Park High School for his senior season after playing his sophomore and junior seasons at Providence Day School...Considered a four-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN...All told in prep career, he pulled in 173 catches for 2,424 yards and 34 touchdowns...As a senior, helped MPHS to a 12-1 record and an appearance in the North Carolina 4AA quarterfinals...Finished the year with 54 grabs for 905 yards and 13 scores...Selected to play in the World Bowl in Mexico City later that year...As a junior at PDS, recorded 58 receptions for 728 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games, earning first-team all-state honors by USA Today and was named to the Charlotte Observer's All-Observer Team...Was a four-star recruit according to Rivals and 247Sports while earning status as an ESPN Top 300 player...PERSONAL: Full name: Daniel Porter Rooks...Son of Steven and Vea Rooks...Has two brothers, Patrick and Parker...His mother competed in track & field at Appalachian State while his father, Steven, played basketball at Southern Wesleyan...His brother, Patrick, played basketball at Clemson...Sport Management major.
Dylan Shelton DL 6-1 295 Sr. Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln Way East/Indianapolis
EMU: 2024: Transferred to EMU from the University of Indianapolis...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...INDIANAPOLIS: Played in 35 career games for the Grayhounds...Notched 78 tackles (45 solo, 33 assist) to go along with 30.5 tackles-for-loss, and 15.5 sacks...Also has a pair of block kicks and a pair of pass deflections...Finished the 2023 season ranked 34th among active Division II players in sacks...2023: Named First Team Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLIVC)...Recorded 30 tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks, and five QBH...Ranked second in the conference and 43rd nationally with 1.3 TFLs per game...Posted a pair of 3.0 TFL games against McKendree and Pittsburg State..Team finished 9-2 while winning the GLVC Championship and making an NCAA Playoff appearance...2022: Had a breakout season, earning All-GLVC First Team accolades...Played in all 11 games, locking down a starting defensive tackle spot for the final six weeks...Shared the team lead with 6.5 sacks on the season, good for third in the GLVC...Notched multiple sacks in back-to-back weeks, including two on Homecoming versus Southwest Baptist and three at McKendree; totaled 4.5 TFLs in the latter contest on the way to GLVC Defensive Player of the Week honors...Recorded a safety at McKendree...Spent both 2021 and 2022 in the defensive line rotation...Blocked an extra-point try versus Ohio Dominican...2019: Redshirted..HIGH SCHOOL: Racked up nine sacks and five forced fumbles as a senior on the way to IHSFCA All-State accolades...Two-time all-conference honoree...Helped East to an IHSA 8A state title as a junior and a state semifinal appearance as a senior...National Honor Society member.
Oran Singleton WR 5-9 185 Jr. Clewiston, Fla./Clewiston/Akron/Hutchinson CC
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming transfer with two years of eligibility...HUTCHINSON CC: Played the 2022 season at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kan., under Head Coach Drew Dallas...Appeared in 11 games and led the team in receptions (31) and was second in yards (419)...Led the team with seven receiving touchdowns, a total that ranked second on the team overall...Recorded one receiving touchdown in seven games, including the final three of the season...Team was undefeated until falling in the NJCAA Semifinals to East Mississippi CC, 27-23...AKRON: Competed in nine games for the Zips in the 2021 season as a "true" freshman...A versatile player, recorded three rushes for 14 yards, 11 catches for 112 yards and 1 touchdown, five kick returns for 89 yards, and two punt returns for 17 yards...Scored his lone touchdown against Bryant, Sept. 18, 2021, on a 24-yard reception...In his final game with the Zips, at Toledo, Nov. 27, 2021, recorded a career-high 131 all-purpose yards, including career-highs in receptions (four), receiving yards (42), kick returns (five), and kick return yards (89)...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Clewiston High School and was a four-year letter winner and three-time captain under Head Coach Pete Walker... Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports...Garnered All-State 4A honors in Florida as a senior after capping his prep career with 3,113 yards and 26 touchdowns...Named MVP of the Palm Beach County All-Star Game his senior year…Also competed in baseball at CHS...PERSONAL: Full Name: Oran Cornelius Singleton Jr...Nickname is ManMan...Son of Steve Moore and Shalonda Pope...Has two brothers, Jay and Mod, and one sister, Amorea...Sports Medicine major.
Everett Small OL 6-4 280 Fr. Hamilton, Ontario/Clarkson North
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Clarkston Secondary School and played under Head Coach Jamie Lalonde as an offensive lineman...Considered a three-star prospect by On3, while receiving a two-star ranking from 247Sports...Named First Team All-ECP…Played a pivotal role in the Chargers winning an ECP League Championship in his high school days...Also served one season as a captain...PERSONAL: Full Name: Everett George Small...Son of George Small and Dianna Kupery...Has two brothers, Galen and Andrew, and one sister, Meaghan...Aspires to play professional football or serve his community as a fire fighter...Business Administration major.
Wendell Smith Jr. DB 6-0 165 Fr. Detroit, Mich./Southfield A&T
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Southfield A&T High School and played under Head Coach Aaron Marshall...Considered a two-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports...Mainly saw action as a cornerback...Served as a captain for four years...Led his team to a 13-1 record as a senior, earning a state title at the season's culmination...Tallied 29 tackles, 10 pass break ups and one interception as a senior...Selected to the All-OAA team...PERSONAL: Full name: Wendell Smith Jr....Son of Wendell Smith and Yvonne Woody...Has five brothers, including Lacari, Jerrill, Terrill, Rhamell, and Roggie, and one sister, Wynter...Aspires to be a realtor...Business major.
Andrew Steger OL 6-8 280 Fr. Fremont, Mich./Fremont
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Freemont High School and played under Head Coach Jared Hudson...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Named an all-conference offensive tackle in his time with the Wolves…Was injured six games into his senior season...Finished his high school career as a three-star recruit according to both On3 and 247 Sports and was tabbed a two-star recruit by Rivals...Plays basketball and dabbles in several track and field events, including the 100m dash, long jump, discus, and shot put...PERSONAL: Full name: Andrew David Steger...Son of Rick Steger and Amy Kurnat...Has two brothers, Ricky Kurnat and Jared Steger, and five sisters, Jennifer Steger, Jami Steger, Kimberley Holland, Rachel Breuker, and Jessica Kurnat...Undecided major.
Jace Stuckey QB 6-1 180 Fr. Fairland, Ind./Triton Central
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Triton Central High School and played under Head Coach Tim Able, participating as a quarterback...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Served as a captain for three seasons...Led the Tigers to an 11-2 record as a senior, totaling 2,827 passing yards, 880 rushing yards and posted a 145.85 quarter back rating...Set a multitude of records in high school including career, single season and single game passing yards, career, single season and game completions, career and single season completion percentage, career, single season and single game total yards, single season and career passing attempts, career and single season passing TDs, career, single season and game total TDs, and total team wins...Named to the IndyStar Super Team as well as First Team All-State in the state of Indiana along with a two-time all-conference selection...2023 The Shelby News Football Player of the Year…Played 7v7 football for Indy Select and Head Coach Chad Span...Was the only junior on the team of seniors…Helped the team to the 7EVENS Tournament title and was named MVP of the event...Also earned three letters as a member of the basketball team that has captured two county and two sectional titles...PERSONAL: Full name: Brian Aydan Jace Weisman Stuckey...Son of Brian and Staci Stuckey...Has a sister, Sydni...Aspires to be an NFL player or coach...Engineering major.
Javon Thomas DL 6-5 255 Fr. East Lansing, Mich./East Lansing
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended East Lansing High School and played under Head Coach Bill Feraco as a Trojan...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Was selected second team all-state as a defensive lineman...Named all-region by the MHSFCA...Notched 44 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks as a senior...Also throws the shot put/dIscuss on the track & field team...PERSONAL: Full name: Javon James Thomas...Son of Rasha and Vontresse Thomas..Has a sister, Jaida...Mechanical Engineeing major.
Jordan Toney DB 6-4 175 Fr. Decatur, Ga./Hapeville Charter
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Hapeville Charter High School and played under Head Coach Winston Gordon as a defensive back, serving as a captain for two seasons...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...As a senior, tabbed 33 tackles, 20 pass break ups, one interception and one touchdown...Offensively, caught 12 passes for over 200 total yards...Set the Hapeville Charter single-game record with nine PBUs...Earned first team all-region accolades as a senior...Also is a member of the Hornets' basketball team...Plays for C1N 7v7 and is coached by Cam Newton...Earned offers from 17 NCAA Division I schools...PERSONAL: Full name: Jordan Julius Toney...Has three brothers, Coy, Justin and David, and three sisters, Jerney, Jules and Justice...Aspires to be an athletic trainer...Kinesiology major.
Caleb Turner DB 6-4 190 Fr. Virginia Beach, Va./Green Run
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Green Run High School and played under Head Coach Brandon Williams...Considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...His Stallions posted a 12-1 record in his senior season...Named first team all-region...Raked in 60 tackles, eight TFLs, five interceptions, three pass break ups, one sack and two touchdowns as a senior...PERSONAL: Full name: Caleb Turner...Son of Ronnie Turner and Erica White...Has two brothers, Jaron Turner and Antonio Jackson, and two sisters, Nadaisha White and Amyah Turner-White...Undecided major.
Caden Vanderbush TE 6-5 190 Fr. Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield
EMU: 2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Plainfield High School and played under Head Coach Tyler Bless...Considered a two-star prospect by multiple major recruiting services, including 247Sports and Rivals...Named to the All-Mid State Conference team as well as IFCA 5A Senior All-State, Academic All-Conference, and IFCA Academic All-State...Earned four letters and served as a football captain for one season...Led his team to a sectional championship as a junior...As a senior, caught 32 passes for 397 yards and five touchdowns offensively while tallying 25 tackles and one interception on defense...Added duties as the long snapper for all kicks as well...Also earned three letters playing basketball while serving one season as a captain...PERSONAL: Full name: Caden Charles Vanderbush...Son of Randy and Audra...Has two brothers, Cael and Coen...His father, Randy, is the strength and conditioning coach at Plainfield and was a letterwinner in football and baseball at Michigan State...His brother, Cael, is a tight end at Iowa...Undecided major.
Drew Viotto QB 6-4 235 R-Fr. Sault Ste Marie, Ontario/Walled Lake Western/Minnesota
EMU: Pronounced: vee-OTT-oh...2024: Transferred to EMU from the University of Minneosta...Enrolled in classes for the winter semester...MINNESOTA: Redshirted his one season as a quarterback for the Golden Gophers under Head Coach PJ Fleck...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Walled Lake Western High School and played under Head Coach Kory Cioroch...Was a consensus three-star prospect according to 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals...Rivals ranked him as the No. 16 prospect in Michigan and as the No. 30 quarterback in the nation...Named a 2023 Detroit News Blue Chip football prospects...Was the top ranked prospect on the CFC100 Class of 2023...Served as a captain for two seasons, leading the team to a 9-2 record as a senior...Tossed 22 TDs with just four interceptions as a senior with 2,200 passing yards...A first team all-state selection as a senior...Threw for 2,126 yards and 22 touchdowns, completing 70 percent of his passes...As a junior, passed for 1,944 yards and 22 touchdowns on 161 completions...Moved to Metro Detroit from Sault St. Marie, Canada in 2019...PERSONAL: Full name: Andrew Joseph Viotto...Son of Ross and Andrea Viotto...Has one sister, Taylor...Aspires to be an NFL player...Earned the nickname the "Canadian Cannon" in high school...Committed to EMU in high school before earning the "Power 5" offer to go to Minnesota...Business/Sport Management major.
Dalin Wilkins WR 6-3 200 Fr. Dayton, Ohio/Northmont
EMU: Pronounced: day-lin...2024: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Clayton Northmont High School and played under Head Coach Anthony Broering...Considered a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports, while receiving a two-star ranking from Rivals...Accumulated 628 receiving yards on 33 grabs in just five games his senior season...Pulled down 11 touchdowns, averaging more than two scores per game...Averaged 125.6 yards per game and 19.0 yards per grab...Caught 11 passes for 202 yards and six touchdowns against Dayton Dunbar, Sept. 5, 2023, to break the school record and tie a state record for receiving scores in a single game...A 2023 Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association Division II All-Ohio Third Team selection...PERSONAL: Full name: Dalin Deonli Wilkins...Son of Tyree Thomas Sr. and Adale Wilkins...Exercise Science major.
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