Feb. 6, 2008

DETROIT - Wayne State University head football coach Paul Winters has announced his 2008 recruiting class, consisting of 20 incoming freshmen.

"I am truly excited about the quality student-athletes that we were able to recruit to Wayne State University," stated Winters.

"Our coaches are the hardest working recruiters that you can find. I am very proud that we were able to improve the roster with young men who are scholars in the classroom and leaders on the football field.

"We recruited young men who had a desire for a world class education and a chance to help WSU compete for championships."

Ricky Abraham, DE, 6-4, 250, Sterling Hts., Mich./Utica Stevenson

Was a 2007 Detroit Free Press All-East Honorable Mention selection ... was a three-year starter for the Titans and coach Richard Bye ... made 63 tackles as a senior including nine sacks, while causing three fumbles ... recorded 68 tackles in 2006 with three sacks ... also saw playing time as an offensive tackle ... competed in the discus placing fourth at the 2007 Division I regionals ... served as a football team captain ... earned all-academic team accolades for three seasons ... born Oct. 24, 1989 ... son of Michael and Mary Abraham.

Coach Winters on Ricky Abraham: "Rickey is a rangy, athletic defensive line prospect. He brings toughness and speed to the defensive end position. He plays with a great motor. He is a quality student-athlete."

Pat Cecile, DE, 6-3, 240, Westland, Mich./Livonia Franklin

Was an All-Western Lakes Activities Association honoree in 2006 and 2007 ... helped coach Chris Kelbert and the Patriots to the 2007 Division I state playoffs and a district title ... earned 2007 Detroit Free Press All-West First Team honors as an offensive lineman ... was a three-year starter on offense at center and guard ... on defense, he registered 95 tackles, four sacks and six tackles for loss ... born May 1, 1990 ... son of Michael Cecile.

Coach Winters on Pat Cecile: "Pat is a high motor football player. He plays extremely hard. He was a leader of the Franklin playoff run. He will really take off when he can focus his energies on weight training."

Austin Davis, DT, 6-2, 265, Milford, Mich./Milford

Earned three varsity letters for coach Pat Fox ... was a 2007 Detroit Free Press All-North Honorable Mention selection ... named to the 2007 All-Area Second Team Offense selected by Spinal Column Newsweekly ... helped the Cardinal and White to a 10-2 mark and a league title as a junior ... served as a team captain for the Mavericks as a senior ... born April 18, 1990, in Kalamazoo ... son of Donald Davis.

Coach Winters on Austin Davis: "Austin is a high effort inside defender. He plays with a great passion for the game of football. He will improve with time with Coach Harker in the weight room."

Jake Doan, OL, 6-3, 270, Macomb, Mich./Dakota

Helped the Cougars to back-to-back state titles in 2006 (13-1) and 2007 (14-0) ... served as team captain for coach WSU graduate Mike Giannone ... named to the Detroit Free Press All-East Honorable Mention squad as a lineman ... Received the team's 2007 Courage Award ... also wrestled and placed fourth in the shot put at the 2007 Division 1 State Track Meet with a toss of 43'01" ... born February 21, 1990 ... son of John Doan.

Coach Winters on Jake Doan: "Jacob is an outstanding prospect for the offensive line position. Before suffering an injury he was one of the top heavyweight wrestlers in the state. He was a key member of the two-time state champion Dakota squad. He is also an Honor Student."

Curtis Ferguson, OL, 6-5, 280, Holt, Mich.

Was an All-Area offensive lineman ... helped coach Mike Smith's squad to an 11-1 mark and a district title in 2007... also wrestled for the Rams ... born September 14, 1989 ... son of Scott Ferguson.

Coach Winters on Curtis Ferguson: "Curtis is big, physical offensive line candidate. He is a great wrestler and knows how to play with leverage. He comes from a great program and earned all area honors in high school. Curtis plays with a mean streak."

Andrew Hall, LB, 6-1, 225, Detroit, Mich./Cooley

A four-year varsity player was a Detroit News Division 1-2 First-Team All-State selection ... had 184 tackles, 18 sacks and three interceptions ... at running back, he rushed for 380 yards and four touchdowns ... also played tight end at times ... was a 2007 Detroit Free Press All-Detroit First Team honoree.

Coach Winters on Andrew Hall: "Andrew is a good all around athlete. He's the perfect blend of size, strength and speed for the linebacker position. Andrew has the chance to develop into a dominant force on defense! Earned the nickname "The Rock", because of his big hits."

Branko Hamilton, QB, 6-1, 190, Troy, Mich./Troy

Helped the Colts reach the Class A state semifinals in 2007 for head coach Gary Griffith ... served as a team captain as THS went 10-3 ... rushed for 1,144 yards on 151 carries and 13 touchdowns with a long of 70 ... completed 108 of 200 passes for 1,370 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions ... the Observer & Eccentric All-Area First Team ... born February 6, 1990 ... son of Steve Hamilton.

Coach Winters on Branko Hamilton: "Branko is an outstanding dual threat quarterback. He led Troy to its first playoff experience. He is a leader and great competitor. He throws very accurately on the run."

Greg Hasse, LB, 6-3, 225, Northville, Mich./Northville

Led the Mustangs with 184 total tackles including 59 solo in 2007 to earn Observer & Eccentric All-Area accolades ... also recorded two sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick for coach Ryan Hockman... was a 2006 All-Area selection with 111 tackles ... recorded 91 tackles as a sophomore in 2005 to earn honorable mention All-Western Lakes Activities Association ... scored 23 points in a basketball win over Plymouth in January ... born March 3, 1990 ... son of Kenneth Hasse.

Coach Winters on Greg Hasse: "Greg is a physically tough and aggressive football player. He is an inside run stuffer. We think adding Greg Hasse makes us tougher and will help us stop the run."

Steve Heard, Athlete, 6-2, 180, Ferndale, Mich./Ferndale

Was a three-year starter for the Eagles ... was a 2007 Second Team All-Westside quarterback selection by C & G Newspapers and a First Team All-OAA Blue Division quarterback for coach Ryan Dunlap ... accounted for four touchdowns (two rushing, two passing) in a 2007 win over Hazel Park ... rushed for 10 touchdowns and 439 yards on 54 carries in 2007 ... completed 55 of 110 passes for 916 yards and 13 touchdowns with five interceptions ... placed second in the long jump (21-3) at the 2006 Oakland County Track and Field Championships ... also runs on the 4x100 relay team.

Coach Winters on Steve Heard: "Steven is a special athlete. He has the ability to score whenever he touches the ball. We will find ways to use his athletic ability. He also has excellent speed."

Mike Hinkle, OL, 6-2, 270, Livonia, Mich./Dearborn Divine Child

Was a 2007 Detroit Free Press All-State Honorable Mention selection ... earned three varsity letters for the Falcons and coach Jack Masserang ... named to the 2007 Detroit Free Press All-West Second Team as well as the 2007 All-Catholic League Central Division team ... earned 2006 Dearborn Press & Guide All-City Honorable Mention accolades ... also played on the defensive line ... spent his winters playing ice hockey as a defenseman ... served as a team captain in both sports ... born July 30, 1989 ... son of James and Caroline Hinkle.

Coach Winters on Mike Hinkle: "Mike is a physically strong inside player. He adds toughness to the center competition. He brings a great attitude to our football team. He plays smart and is a leader."

Mazen Jaddou, DB, 5-10, 193, Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Brother Rice

Helped the Warriors to an 11-1 mark as a junior and the Catholic League title ... was a key contributor to an 8-3 record as a senior for Coach Al Fracassa ... earned Observer and Eccentric All-Area First Team honors as a defensive back in 2007 after recording 70 tackles including 40 solo with three sacks ... also had two interceptions and seven fumble recoveries ... rushed for three touchdowns as a fullback ... had a 45-yard fumble return for a touchdown against Orchard Lake St. Mary.

Coach Winters on Mazen Jaddou: "Mazen is a very tough, very alert football player. He comes from an excellent program and is a leader. We expect Mazen to bring a positive attitude and work ethic to our team. Look for him to impact our special team almost immediately!

Jessie Johnson, RB, 5-11, 205, Monroe, Mich./Monroe

Was a four-year starter for coach Greg Hudkins and the Trojans ... listed on the Detroit News 2008 Blue Chip List at No. 50 ... named to the 2006 Toledo Blade Special Mention team as a linebacker after making 47 tackles with two sacks ... rushed for 789 yards on 110 attempts with nine touchdowns as a junior ... gained 746 yards on 124 carries in 2007 with nine touchdowns ... also caught 13 passes for 221 yards ... averaged 33.3 yards per kickoff return ... finished with 1,144 all-purpose yards ... had a 41-yard touchdown run vs. Livonia Franklin in the 2007 state playoffs ... born August 22, 1990 ... son of Jessie Johnson.

Coach Winters on Jessie Johnson: "Jessie continues the tradition of talented running backs at Wayne State University. He is a big physical runner, with good feet and great instincts."

Jordan Kidd, DB, 5-10, 185, Milford, Mich./Milford

Earned three varsity letters for coach Pat Fox ... was a 2007 Detroit Free Press All-North Honorable Mention selection as a quarterback after rushing for over 800 yards and passing for another 1,000 ... named to the 2007 All- Kensington Valley Conference (KVC) All-Academic team ... helped the Cardinal and White to a 10-2 mark and a league title as a junior ... was the offensive unit's Most Valuable Player after catching 47 passes in 2006 ... named to the Spinal Column 2006 All-Area team as a wide receiver and the 2007 team as a first team quarterback ... served as a team captain for the Mavericks in football, basketball (three-year starter) and track (high jump) ... born April 23, 1990, in Milford ... son of Terry and Lora Kidd.

Coach Winters on Jordan Kidd: "Jordan is very fast and athletic. He played both quarterback and defensive back for the Milford team. He really likes to deliver the hits and will focus on defense in college."

Donnie Laramie, DL, 6-3, 300, Canton, Mich.

A 2007 graduate of Canton High School ... earned three varsity letters for for the Chiefs ... was a Special Mention AP Class A All-State honoree for coach Tim Baechler ... had a team-leading 55 tackles during the regular season, including 39 solo stops ... named to the Detroit News All-Metro First Team and the Detroit Free Press All-West First Team ... earned all-state honors his junior year as a wrestler ... helped the football team reach the 2005 state title game and the 2006 state semifinals ... born December 27, 1988 ... son of Katina Ellis.

Coach Winters on Donnie Laramie: "Donnie is a big, physical inside presence. He really stuffs the run with strength and leverage. He was one of the top wrestlers in the state as a senior. He comes from a two-time state finalist program."

Harold Lloyd, DT, 6-2, 270, Janesville, Wis./Parker

Earned first-team Associated Press All-State honors on both sides of the football for coach Joe Dye ... selected Second Team All-State on offense in 2006 ... helped the Vikings to a Big Eight championship as a junior and in the past season was a member of the squad that posted a 6-4 record ... had 64 tackles including five sacks in 2007 ... first Janesville player to be named first-team all-state on offense and defense by The Associated Press since 1979 ... was a three-year starting lineman on Parker teams that went 20-10, including a 9-0 regular season mark as a junior ... was a first-team All-Big Eight selection as a junior and senior ... was the conference Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2006 and the league's Lineman of the Year both ways this past fall ... born September 2, 1989 ... son of Kimberly Lloyd.

Coach Winters on Harold Lloyd: "Harold is a very strong, very aggressive inside defender. He plays with leverage, great strength and a tireless motor. He is one of the top wrestlers in the state of Wisconsin. He also is an Honor Student."

Brian McInerney, OL, 6-4, 285, South Lyon, Mich./Brighton

Named to the 2007 Detroit Free Press All-State Division I team as an offensive lineman for coach Bill Murray ... selected to the Detroit Free Press All-North First Team for the Orange and Black ... is also a swimmer (200 individual medley, 50 free, 100 back and 100 fly) for the Bulldogs ... born June 15, 1990 ... son of Robert and Deborah McInerney.

Coach Winters on Brian McInerney: "Brian brings versatility having played both tackle and center in high school. He has a large wingspan, perfect to play the tackle position. He is also an Honor student."

Mick Mohner, QB, 6-3, 180, Painesville, Ohio/Harvey

Passed for 1,630 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2006 for coach Devlin Culliver ... helped the Red Raiders to a 5-5 mark in 2007 and a 6-4 ledger in 2006 ... tossed three touchdown passes in a 35-33 loss to Gilmour Academy in Oct. 2007 ... born August 16, 1989 ... son of Michael Mohner.

Coach Winters on Mick Mohner: "Mickey is a skilled, athletic quarterback prospect. He has excellent size and arm strength. He can make all the throws. He led his team with a no-huddle offense on 2007. He is also an honor student."

Josh Renel, RB/KR, 5-8, 170, Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams

Selected to 2007 Associated Press Division 2 All-State team as a specialist ... named to the Detroit Free Press Division 2 All-State team as a defensive back after recording three interceptions and 40 tackles ... helped the Highlanders to an 11-2 record and the state semifinals for coach Tony Patritto ... rushed for 26 touchdowns as a senior and 966 yards ... also had two touchdown catches and three punt returns for scores ... 31 total touchdowns in a season was a school record ... named to the All-OAA White First Team as a running back and the Observer & Eccentric All-Area First Team ... rushed for 553 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior on 87 carries ... also had 13 receptions for 202 yards and a score ... averaged 24.3 yards on 12 kickoff returns ... born December 11, 1989 ... son of Daniel Renel.

Coach Winters on Josh Renel: "Josh is a dynamic football player. His return ability gives him a chance to contribute early in his career. He made plays in all phases of the game for state semifinalist Adams High School."

Kevin Smith, QB, 6-2, 185, Detroit, Mich./Central

Completed 114 of 178 passes for 2,069 yards as a senior for the Trail Blazers ... he had 25 passing touchdowns and ran for six more scores ... he also rushed for 600 yards ... born February 20, 1990 ... son of Rhoda Barnes-Smith.

Coach Winters on Kevin Smith: "Kevin is an outstanding leader and competitor. He has a confidence about him that is infectious. He believes that he is going to win and makes everyone else believe it too. He combines accuracy, arm strength and the ability to run with the ball."

Nick Thomas, LB, 6-3, 215, Akron, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary

Named to the 2006 Associated Press Division IV Honorable Mention team and the 2007 AP ALL-Northeast Inland District First Team as a defensive lineman ... played his senior season for coach Dan Boarman ... is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta, a national mathematics honorary ... received a 2008 special recognition awards from the Dapper Dan Youth Charities Club of Akron ... born October 3, 1989 ... son of Jim and Martha Thomas ... older brother Jason will be a senior this fall on the Warrior football team.

Coach Winters on Nick Thomas: "Nick is a big, strong, athletic linebacker prospect. He is a tough competitor and a leader. He led his high school team to the state playoffs. He was a captain and key contributor to the Irish basketball team."