DETROIT -- Wayne State University head football coach
Paul Winters has announced his 2013 recruiting class consisting of 18 incoming freshmen and one transfer.
“We are very pleased with the recruiting class of 2013,” stated Winters. “We were able to add quality depth to our offensive and defensive lines. The game is won in the trenches, and we feel like we have added 10 young men who will become fierce competitors on the line of scrimmage.
We were also able to add a kicker/punter (
Paul Graham) and a long snapper (Ronny Brant) to improve our special teams. We have added impact players at the skill positions of quarterback (
Trevor Van Tubbergen), tailback (
Romello Brown and
Amir Edwards) and in the secondary (CB -
Ose Omofoma and
James Howard, and safety -
Marqua Perdue and Brant).
“We are especially proud to add a “Dream Teamer” in
Romello Brown, and two state champions from the State of Ohio in O-Lineman
Jeff Dew and
Amir Edwards! We were able to travel all the way to Pittsburgh, Pa. to recruit an outstanding safety in
Marqua Perdue!
“This class is another example of the hard work our staff puts in to make the Wayne State football program a first class organization! I also want to thank the student-athletes and administrators who met with these young men when they visited our campus. These are the people who sell Wayne State University!
|
DL |
6-4 |
265 |
Mt. Clemens, Mich./L'Anse Creuse North |
|
S/LS |
6-0 |
190 |
Uniontown, Ohio/Green |
|
RB |
5-11 |
230 |
Westland, Mich./Livonia Churchill |
|
DE |
6-2 |
235 |
Hamler, Ohio/Patrick Henry |
|
OL |
6-2 |
300 |
Holland, Ohio/Toledo Central Catholic |
|
DT |
6-4 |
280 |
Holland, Mich./Saugatuck |
|
RB |
5-10 |
195 |
Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic |
|
PK/P |
6-2 |
175 |
Commerce Two., Mich./Orchard Lake St. Mary's |
|
CB |
6-1 |
170 |
Detroit, Mich./Chandler Park Academy |
|
OL |
6-3 |
300 |
Plymouth, Mich./Orchard Lake St. Mary's |
|
DT |
6-2 |
260 |
Comstock Park, Mich./Comstock Park |
|
DE |
6-5 |
220 |
Swartz Creek, Mich./Grand Blanc |
|
WR |
6-3 |
200 |
Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester |
|
CB |
6-0 |
180 |
Maumee, Ohio/Anthony Wayne |
|
S |
6-1 |
185 |
McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport |
|
OT |
6-4 |
280 |
Troy, Mich./Troy |
|
QB |
6-3 |
180 |
Holland, Mich./West Ottawa |
|
OL |
6-2 |
280 |
Troy, Mich./Troy |
|
DT |
6-2 |
295 |
Westlake, Ohio/Westlake (Erie C.C.) |
LaMonte Baker, DL, 6-4, 265, Mt. Clemens, Mich./L'Anse Creuse North
Three-year starter for the Crusaders … voted to the All-Macomb County Second Team ... also started at defensive tackle for coach Anthony Kiner … competed in the 2012 MHSAA state wrestling tournament at 285 pound weight class.
Coach Winters on
LaMonte Baker: “LaMonte is a tall athletic inside defensive linemen. He is a very successful wrestler and takes his grappling moves to the football field. He will really take off with time in a college strength and conditioning program.”
Ronny Brant, S/LS, 6-0, 190, Uniontown, Ohio/Green
Played in the 2012 Summit County All Star Game and served as a co-captain for the East Team … helped coach Ed Cybak's squads post back-to-back 6-4 records in 2011 and 2012 … named First Team All-Suburban League as a senior after earning Second Team All- League accolades in 2011 … recorded 89 solo tackles in 2012 along with five forced fumbles, seven pass break-ups and two interceptions … also had 13 punt returns for 124 yards and 17 kickoff returns for 280 yards … grabbed eight passes for 134 yards … three-year letterwinner for the Bulldogs … batted .436 as a junior helping GHS to a 17-8 record ... father, Ron Sr., was a running back with Akron (1981-84).
Coach Winters on Ronny Brant: “Ronny is a versatile, tough football player. He brings a mental and physical presence to the team. He can return punts and kicks, help on all coverage units of special teams. Ronny is the best long snapper that we have scouted in years. Ronny has the kind of try hard attitude that is infectious and makes his teammates better.”
Romello Brown, RB, 5-11, 230, Westland, Mich./Livonia Churchill
Helped the Chargers to a 10-1 overall record in 2012 … was a three-year starter for coach John Filiatraut … named captain of the Detroit Free Press All-West Team along with being named to the Dream Team … selected to participate in the 2013 Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star game … rushed for 1,843 yards and 29 touchdowns on 242 carries … named to the 2012 Associated Press Division 1-2 All-State Special Mention squad ... also caught 12 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns ... saw playing time at linebacker ... rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries in 2012 Division I District finals game ... gained 1,043 yards as a junior while scoring nine touchdowns ... rushed for 700 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010.
Coach Winters on
Romello Brown: “Romello is very big, very strong and a very tough tailback. One Defender has almost no chance to tackle Romello without help from multiple teammates. Romello has the versatility to also block in pass protection and catch the ball out of the backfield. He is an explosive football player.”
Jake Carrizales, DE, 6-2, 235, Hamler, Ohio/Patrick Henry
Was a Second Team Associated Press All-Ohio selection after recording 114 tackles including nine sacks among his 16 tackles for loss … forced three fumbles and recovered two others ... helped the Patriots reach the Division V regional final while serving as a team captain ... voted Northwest Ohio Athletic League defensive Player of the Year as well as Associated Press Division V Northwest Ohio District lineman of the year ... was a four-year letterwinner for coach Bill Inselmann … named to the Toledo Blade First Team as a defensive lineman ... was a three-time first-team all-league pick ... selected to participate in the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association North-South Classic on April 27 in Dayton ... competed in the shot put for PHHS and was a state qualifier in 2012.
Coach Winters on
Jake Carrizales: “Jake played both defensive end and linebacker in high school. He was one of the most active players we have seen. He plays angry and aggressively. His motor never stops and his competitive drive is really fun to watch. Jake also was a demon on special teams and brings an attitude of toughness that will make us better.”
Jeff Dew, OL, 6-2, 300, Holland, Ohio/Toledo Central Catholic
Served as a team co-captain for the Fighting Irish … voted to the All-Ohio Second Team after earning First Team All-Toledo Blade accolades … selected to the Associated Press Division II All-Northwest Ohio First Team in 2012 after earning Second Team accolades as a junior ... started every game on both offense and defense for coach Greg Dempsey … only allowed two sacks his entire senior season, and one his junior campaign … graded at over 90 percent as an offensive lineman ... recorded two tackles for loss in the 16-12 state championship game win over Trotwood Madison ... named to the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) First Team in both 2011 and 2012 ... also earned TRAC All-Academic honors.
Coach Winters on
Jeff Dew: “Jeff was one of the leaders of the 2012 Division 2 Ohio State Champions from Toledo Central Catholic. He joins teammate
Amir Edwards as a freshman at Wayne State. Jeff is an earth mover on the offensive line, creating lanes for the running game. He is a tough competitor who brings physical and mental toughness to our offensive line. His high school coach (Greg Dempsey) considers Jeff to be one of the best leaders that he has ever coached.”
Bobby Drew, DT, 6-4, 280, Holland, Mich./Saugatuck
Recorded 38 tackles including 20 solo as a junior at Holland High School ... did not compete as a senior at Saugatuck due to MHSAA transfer rules ... was a three-time all-conference thrower for Holland's track and field team.
Coach Winters on Bobby Drew: “Bobby has the prototypical size for the defensive tackle position. He also has really good movement and athleticism for someone of his size. Bobby will really improve with college coaching and a college strength and conditioning program. His potential is unlimited.”
Amir Edwards, RB, 5-10, 195, Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic
Voted to the Associated Press All-Ohio Second Team after rushing for 1,592 yards and 28 touchdowns on 231 carries as a senior … selected to the Associated Press Division II All-Northwest Ohio First Team in 2012 … also earned First Team All-Toledo Blade and Three Rivers Athletic Conference accolades … was a team co-captain for coach Greg Dempsey and the Division II State Champions ... competes in track running the 60m, 100m, and 200m.
Coach Winters on
Amir Edwards: “Amir carried the Fighting Irish to the Ohio State championship on his back. He rushed for 185 yards in the State Championship game on one leg. Amir combines quickness, instincts and toughness. He has the ability to make you miss or run through tacklers.”
Paul Graham, PK/P, 6-2, 175, Commerce Twp., Mich./Orchard Lake St. Mary's
Was 100 percent on field goals as a senior for coach George Porritt … earned All-State laurels in both football (Detroit News Division 3-4 Honorable Mention) and lacrosse (MHSLCA Division II Honorable Mention All-State for spring 2012) ... named to the Detroit Free Press All-North honorable Mention team as a senior ... selected to the Spinal Column Honorable Mention All-Area squad for 2012 ... averaged 36.0 yards per punt as a junior with a long of 70 yards ... older brother Sean was a kicker at Eastern Michigan (2010) scoring 38 points.
Coach Winters on
Paul Graham: “Paul gives us a prospect for the future with current All-GLIAC punter and place-kicker
Stefan Terleckyj heading into his senior season. Paul has a very strong kicking leg. He gets great distance on kickoffs and great hang time on his punts. He also has great size and athletic ability.
James Howard, CB, 6-1, 170, Detroit, Mich./Chandler Park Academy
Recorded six interceptions and 31 tackles for coach John Jergovich … was a First Team All-Conference selection for the Eagles … also had 30 receptions including six for touchdown … served as a team co-captain ... placed third in the 300m intermediate hurdles (45.90) and fourth in the 110m hurdles (17.25) at the 2012 regional track meet ... has also competed in the 100m and 200m ... helped the Eagles to an 8-3 mark in 2011.
Coach Winters on
James Howard: “James is really difficult to attack at the corner position. He usually intercepts the balls thrown his way because he has excellent ball skills. James has the long arms and athletic ability he combines with toughness to make him exactly what you look for in a college cornerback.”
Andrew Koterba, OL, 6-3, 300, Plymouth, Mich./Orchard Lake St. Mary's
Earned Second Team Detroit News All-Metro North honors ... was a two-year starter on offense for coach George Porritt and the Eaglets ... named Second Team All-Oakland County by the Oakland Press as well as to the Spinal Column All-Area First Team for 2012 ... selected to the All-Catholic League Central Division First Team as a senior ... was the starting left guard for the 2012 Division 3 state runners-up and the 2011 state champions ... was a two-year football team captain ... older brother Anthony is a soccer player at Madonna.
Coach Winters on
Andrew Koterba: “Andrew played offensive and defensive line for state finalist Orchard Lake St. Mary's. He will bring his strength and athletic ability to the Wayne State offensive line. Andrew is very physical and uses his size to create large running lanes. He has the ability to also pull and block well in space. Andrew is a leader from a winning program.”
Blake Mazur, DT, 6-2, 260, Comstock Park, Mich./Comstock Park
Was a two-time OK Blue All-Conference player for coach Mark Chapman … helped the Panthers advance to the Division 4 state semifinal game in each of the past two years … recorded 91 tackles including seven tacks and two forced fumbles as CPHS won a team record 11 games last fall, including a win over No. 1 ranked Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the second round of the playoffs … tallied 33 quarterback hurries and 11 pass break-ups … was a three-year starter who earned All-Area accolades in 2012 … is a member of the National Honor Society … participates in the shot put and discus throws for the Panthers.
Coach Winters on
Blake Mazur: “Blake played defensive end in high school and will compete as a defensive tackle for the Warriors. Blake shows a knack for anticipating the throw and timing his jump to block passes. He uses his hands well to disengage from blockers and uses excellent speed to run down the ball carrier. Blake is very athletic, intelligent and was a leader of his team.”
Reiley McFadden, DE, 6-5, 220, Swartz Creek, Mich./Grand Blanc
Led the Bobcats in sacks and pass break-ups as a senior ... helped coach Joe Delaney's squad to a 9-3 mark in 2011, the KLAA Championship, then the district title ... selected to The D Zone 2012 All-Southeastern Second Team Defense ... also played tight end for GBHS.
Coach Winters on
Reiley McFadden: “Reiley is an explosive edge pass rusher. His speed and athleticism will give him an advantage over most offensive lineman that he will face at this level. Reiley has really long arms which makes him very difficult to block. With time in our weight room, we could easily expect to see Reiley develop into a 6'5 250 pound defensive end.”
Manny Mendoza, WR, 6-3, 200, Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester
Was a two-time All-OAA Red defensive back for coach Erik Vernon ... earned 2011 Honorable Mention All-Oakland County by the Oakland Press ... also plays basketball for the Falcons ... son of Wayne State College (Neb.) Hall of Fame Offensive Lineman
Ruben Mendoza … father was a Kodak All-America offensive lineman in 1985 and also earned NAIA All-America and All-Central States Intercollegiate Conference first-team honors and was a team captain.
Coach Winters on
Manny Mendoza: “Manny combines excellent size with outstanding athletic ability which makes him difficult to contain. He brings great versatility and toughness to our team. He is a leader and a winner. He will also become a big special teams contributor because of his team attitude and toughness!”
Ose Omofoma, CB, 6-0, 180, Maumee, Ohio/Anthony Wayne
Named to the Ohio Division 1 All-State Third Team for coach Craig Smith … voted to the All-Northern Lakes League First Team as well as team Most Valuable Player for the Generals ... also competes in track (hurdles) and basketball for AWHS ... earned a spot on the NLL All-Academic team ... served as a team captain in both football and basketball.
Coach Winters on
Ose Omofoma: “Ose has the size, speed and athletic ability that you look for in a college cornerback. Ose has the ability to cover the bigger wide receivers in the GLIAC because of his size and very long arms. He also can cover the smaller quicker receivers because of his quick feet. Ose has a great attitude and will really improve with more experience playing football.”
Marqua Perdue, S, 6-1, 185, McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport
Recorded four interceptions, and two tackles for loss among his 27 total tackles for coach Jim Ward … also averaged over 30 yards per punt return on 10 attempts for the Tigers… made 12 receptions for 202 yards and three touchdowns … is an honor roll student.
Coach Winters on
Marqua Perdue: “Marqua is a smooth, fluid and very athletic safety. He played both ways for one of the best teams in the Pittsburgh area. He is a tough, physical, sure tackler. He has great ball skills and intercepts every ball thrown in his area. Marqua is a dominant football player from a dominant football program.”
Tommy Richardson, OT, 6-4, 280, Troy, Mich./Troy
Played for coach Gary Griffith … named Second Team All-Oakland County by the Oakland Press ... received Honorable Mention All-North accolades ... earned 2012 All-OAA Red Division honors ... also plays basketball for the Colts.
Coach Winters on
Tommy Richardson: “Tommy is an athletic offensive lineman who is light on his feet with the ability to pass protect. He also has good quickness and runs well enough to block defensive backs and linebackers on the second level. With continued work in the weight room he will become a dominant run blocker. Tommy is a leader and a winner!”
Trevor Van Tubbergen, QB, 6-3, 180, Holland, Mich./West Ottawa
Served as a team captain for coach Rory Zegunis … threw five touchdown passes in a win over Grand Haven … completed 160 of 294 passes as a senior for 2,071 yards and 27 touchdowns with only four interceptions … was a First Team OK Red selection … also named All-Area by the Holland Sentinel … older brother Tyler will be a fifth-year senior quarterback at Western Michigan this fall … Tyler passed for 1,825 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2012 for the Broncos.
Coach Winters on
Trevor Van Tubbergen: “Trevor has all the requisite skill to run our offense. He has a strong arm with a quick release. Trevor has the ability to run the ball and he does everything effortlessly. Trevor has played against some of the best teams in the state of Michigan with great success. He has an outstanding future.”
Greg Webber, OL, 6-2, 280, Troy, Mich./Troy
Was a four-year starter for coach Gary Griffith ... served as a team captain for the Colts ... voted to the Associated Press Division 1-2 All-State Honorable Mention team ... named Second Team All-Oakland County by the Oakland Press ... received Honorable Mention All-North accolades ... was a two-time All-OAA Red Division selection ... selected to play in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star game this summer.
Coach Winters on
Greg Webber: “Greg is an aggressive, physically tough inside player on the O-line. Greg is a hard-nosed competitive football player who excels in the run game. He can pull and hits well on the run. He has a bulldog tough mentality as a football player. He leads with his effort and his toughness.”
Jacob Kutz, DT, 6-2, 295, Westlake, Ohio/Westlake (Erie Community College)
Played in seven games last fall for the Erie C.C. Kats (Orchard Park, N.Y.) and coach Dennis Greene ... recorded 32 tackles including two sacks and a forced fumble ... totaled a team-leading 8.5 tackles for loss ... made a season-high 10 tackles (3-7), including three for loss in a 7-6 win at Hudson Valley Community College on Sept. 29, and blocked the potential tying extra point kick ... tallied sacks in 30-7 victory over Alfred State (Sept. 15) and HVCC ... named to the All-Northeast Football Conference Third Team for 2012 ... selected Southwest Conference Most Valuable Player as a senior in 2010 at Westlake after recording 50 tackles, 34 of which were solo ... tallied six sacks for coach Mark Campo and the Demons ... voted to the Associated Press Division I-II All-Ohio Second Team as a senior.
Coach Winters on Jacob Kutz: “Jacob is a large physical presence in the middle of the defense. He has the ability to control the gap, penetrate and run down the ball carrier. He has excellent athleticism and speed for a man his size. He will add toughness and maturity to the defensive line. We expect Jacob to make us better on defense quickly!”
