DETROIT -- Wayne State University head football coach Paul Winters has announced his 2012 recruiting class consisting of 31 incoming freshmen.

“Success breeds success,” said Winters, the 2011 AFCA Division II National Coach of the Year.  “We were able to move on from the NCAA national championship to our most impressive recruiting class to date.  We have signed 31 outstanding student-athletes to become members of the Wayne State Warrior football program.  These young men bring their own unique characteristics to the team.  All are hard-working, all are tough, and all of them are now Wayne State Warriors.  It was really difficult for our coaches to recruit and prepare for the playoffs, but they have done a fantastic job building relationships with these young men.  We had to build up the depth in both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as at tight end and linebacker, and we did that."

Wayne State added depth to the offensive line with eight commitments Chris Cox (Detroit, Mich./Michigan Collegiate), Robert Kelly (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Chandler Park Academy), Sawyer McFadden (Holt, Mich.), JT Pillars (Metamora, Mich./Lapeer East), Edward Reny (Whitmore Lake, Mich./Dexter), Lucas Sanders (Clarkston, Mich.), Jake Sheets (Ann Arbor, Mich./Skyline) and Andy Zimmerman (Grand Rapids, Mich./West Catholic).

In addition, there were six signees for the defensive line -- Dalton Binkowski (Washington, Mich./Romeo), Jequarius French (Flint, Mich./Beecher), Marvin Jefferson (Farmington, Mich.), Jada Littlejohn (Flint, Mich./Northern), David McPherson (Royal Oak, Mich.) and Alex Medenbach (Muskegon, Mich./Catholic Central).

Also joining the Warrior offense will be tight ends Trent Brodbeck (Toledo, Ohio/St. John's Jesuit), Alex Chorba (Essexville, Mich./Bay City Central), Aaron Weston (Comstock Park, Mich./Rockford) and Nathan White (Toledo, Ohio/St. Francis de Sales).  Wide receivers signing with WSU include Alonzo Lucas (Toledo, Ohio/Whitmer), Brandon Tinsley (Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King) and Clarence Turner (Flint, Mich./Grand Blanc).

Wearing the Green and Gold on the defensive side of the ball will be linebackers Anthony DeDamos (Rockford, Mich./Rockford), Jawun Gamble (Kalamazoo, Mich./Central), Idris Hobdy (Flint, Mich./Powers), Jon Jarvie (Macomb, Mich./Dakota) and Marcellous McElrath (Detroit, Mich./Crockett), as well as defensive backs Marico Cowans (O'Fallon, Ill.), Valorian Cunningham (Kalamazoo, Mich./Loy Norrix), DeAndre Grady (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids), James Hendrix (Livonia, Mich./Brother Rice) and Lairren Johnson (Warren, Mich./Lincoln).

WSU 2012 RECRUITING CLASS
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wgt.	Hometown/High School
Dalton Binkowski	DE	6-1	235	Washington, Mich./Romeo
Trent Brodbeck	TE	6-3	220	Toledo, Ohio/St. John's Jesuit
Alex Chorba	TE	6-5	210	Essexville, Mich./Bay City Central
Rico Cowans	DB	5-9	160	O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon
Chris Cox, Jr.	OL	6-4	285	Detroit, Mich./Michigan Collegiate
Valorian Cunningham	DB	6-2	195	Kalamazoo, Mich./Loy Norrix
Anthony DeDamos	LB	6-2	220	Rockford, Mich./Rockford
Jequarius French	DE	6-3	260	Flint, Mich./Beecher
Jawun Gamble	LB	6-0	195	Kalamazoo, Mich./Central
DeAndre Grady	DB	6-0	185	Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids
James Hendrix	DB	5-11	185	Livonia, Mich./Brother Rice
Idris Hobdy	LB	6-1	212	Flint, Mich./Powers
Jon Jarvie	LB	6-2	195	Macomb, Mich./Dakota
Marvin Jefferson	DL	6-1	240	Farmington, Mich./Farmington
Lairren Johnson	DB/WR	5-11	185	Warren, Mich./Lincoln
Robert Kelly	OL	6-3	280	Grosse Pointe, Mich./Chandler Park Academy
Jada Littlejohn	DL	6-2	245	Flint, Mich./Northern
Alonzo Lucas	WR	5-10	160	Toledo, Ohio/Whitmer
Marcellous McElrath	LB	6-1	200	Detroit, Mich./Crockett
Sawyer McFadden	OL	6-2	250	Holt, Mich./Holt
David McPherson	DE	6-5	235	Royal Oak, Mich./Royal Oak
Alex Medenbach	DE	6-5	220	Muskegon, Mich./Catholic Central
JT Pillars	OL	6-4	275	Metamora, Mich./Lapeer East
Edward Reny	OL	6-4	265	Whitmore Lake, Mich./Dexter
Lucas Sanders	OL	6-3	290	Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston
Jake Sheets	OL	6-6	300	Ann Arbor, Mich./Skyline
Brandon Tinsley	WR	6-1	190	Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King
Clarence Turner	WR	6-3	175	Flint, Mich./Grand Blanc
Aaron Weston	TE	6-6	245	Comstock Park, Mich./Rockford
Nate White	TE/DE	6-2	230	Toledo, Ohio/St. Francis de Sales
Andy Zimmerman	OL	6-6	255	Grand Rapids, Mich./West Catholic

Dalton Binkowski, DE, 6-1, 235, Washington, Mich./Romeo
Helped the Bulldogs to an 8-3 record in 2011 by recording 80 tackles, including 5.5 sacks while forcing two fumbles for coach Curt Rienas' squad … earned All-County and All-Metro East First Team accolades ... made 46 tackles as junior helping RHS to a 9-2 record … also had 2.5 sacks in 2010 ... served as a football team captain ... also participated in basketball, powerlifting and track (shot put) ... plans to major in criminal justice.
 
Coach Winters on Dalton Binkowski:  “Dalton fits the description of what we expect from a Wayne State Warrior; he plays with great effort and intensity, he is really tough, and football is fun for him.  He is a hard worker who understands what it takes to be a winner!
 
Trent Brodbeck, TE, 6-3, 220, Toledo, Ohio/St. John's Jesuit
Helped the Titans to an 11-2 mark as a junior and a 7-3 record as a senior for coach Doug Pearson … honorable mention All-Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) for 2011 … played basketball as a junior helping SJHS to a 20-3 record.
 
Coach Winters on Trent Brodbeck:  “Trent is a classic tight end prospect.  He can block and is also a good receiver.  He is physical and plays hard.”
 
Alex Chorba, TE, 6-5, 210, Midland, Mich./Bay City Central
Played for coach Morley Fraser and the Wolves ... had 16 receptions for 192 yards and a touchdown as a senior ... recorded 15 total tackles, including five sacks along with a fumble recovery.
 
Coach Winters on Alex Chorba:  “Alex is a tall, athletic prospect for the tight end position.  He has excellent hands, and is an immediate receiving prospect.  He will continue to develop in the weight room and should contribute on all special teams.”

Rico Cowans, DB, 5-9, 160, O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon
Helped the O'Fallon Panthers to a 10-2 mark in 2011 by catching 26 passes for 363 yards and four touchdowns … made 41 tackles and recovered two fumbles for coach Brandon Joggerst … also averaged over 30 yards on kickoff returns (6-188 with a long of 62) ... the Panthers had an 8-2 record in 2010 … had 10 receptions including two for touchdowns as a junior, while returning 11 kickoffs.
 
Coach Winters on Rico Cowans:  “Marico is an outstanding cover corner.  He has the combination of speed and foot quickness that you look for in a cornerback.  He has great ball skills and can return kicks and punts.”
 
Chris Cox, Jr., OL, 6-4, 285, Detroit, Mich./Michigan Collegiate HS
Helped the Cougars to an 11-1 mark in 2011 with the only loss coming in the regional championship game ... named to the All-Macomb County First Team as an offensive lineman … was a starter for coach Alfredo Calderon.
 
Coach Winters on Chris Cox:  “Chris is a big, tough, hard-working offensive lineman.  He is a leader and plays with great effort.
 
Valorian Cunningham, DB, 6-2, 195, Kalamazoo, Mich./Loy Norrix
Spent his senior year at Loy Norrix for coach Sean Bergan … recorded 84 tackles and seven interceptions in 2011 to earn Detroit Free Press Division 2 All-State honors … just the second LNHS football student-athlete to earn all-state accolades joining T.J. Duckett (1999) … also selected to the Associated Press Division 1-2 All-State Honorable Mention squad … also plays basketball for the Knights … earned Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference honors … selected to the Detroit News Division 1-2 Honorable Mention All-State team … rushed for 182 yards and a pair of touchdowns as a junior for Kalamazoo Central High School … also returned punts and kickoffs for the Maroon Giants … passed for four touchdowns as a sophomore.
 
Coach Winters on Valorian Cunningham:  “Valorian is an excellent athlete.  He has the combination of great size, athletic ability, speed, toughness and intelligence.  He is an impact football player who has great ball skills and is a threat to score at any time.”
 
Anthony DeDamos, LB, 6-2, 220, Rockford, Mich./Rockford
A two-year starter … helped the Rams to back-to-back state semifinal appearances in 2010 (11-2) and 2011 (11-2) .. made 95 tackles (40-55), including 10 for loss (six sacks) as a senior … had five pass break-ups and one interception in 2011 … earned Advance North All-Area honors for coach Ralph Munger … selected to the 2011 Detroit News Division 1-2 Honorable Mention All-State team… selected as a member of the West team for the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star Game to be played on June 30 ... was a four-year honor roll student ... also played lacrosse at RHS and was a two-year starter ... plans to major in kinesiology.
 
Coach Winters on Anthony DeDamos:  “Anthony is a relentless football player.  He brings intensity and toughness every play.  He will make everyone around him better.”
 
Jequarius French, DE, 6-3, 260, Flint, Mich./Beecher
Named to the Flint Journal's All-Area team for 2011 … had 11 sacks among his 56 tackles for coach Courtney Hawkins … forced three fumbles and knocked down 12 passes … helped the Buccaneers to a 6-4 mark as a senior … also had three rushing TD's in 2011 … was a unanimous selection to the Genesse Area Conference Red Division First Team on the defensive line … also played basketball … scored a career-high 22 points in win over Saginaw Buena Vista in January 2011 ... served as a football team captain ... plans to major in business.
 
Coach Winters on Jequarius French:  “Jequarius is a big active defensive lineman.  He is really athletic.  He also plays fullback and is a member of an undefeated basketball team at Beecher High School.”
 
Jawun Gamble, LB, 6-0, 195, Kalamazoo, Mich./Central
Made 99 tackles (47-52) in 2011, and had three interceptions along with two forced fumbles for coach Dana Chambers … caught 17 passes for 252 yards as a senior … named to the Big 16 Conference All-West Division First Team Defense as a senior … recorded 70 tackles (36-34) in 2010 … had 16 receptions for 188 yards and a touchdown (vs. Jackson Lumen Christi) as a junior … also plays basketball for the Maroon Giants.
 
Coach Winters on Jawun Gamble:  “Jawun is a very fast linebacker, who also played wide receiver in high school.  He plays with an aggressive attitude.  He will add speed and toughness to the linebacker position and all special teams.”
 
DeAndre Grady, DB, 6-0, 185, Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids
Helped the Pioneers to a 9-4 mark as a senior for coach Peter Stuursma … EGRHS went 14-0 in 2010 including a 35-27 Division 3 state championship game victory over Orchard Lake St. Mary's … tied for a team-high total with 11 tackles in state title game while starting at both defensive back and flanker … had four catches for 34 yards
 
Coach Winters on DeAndre Grady:  “DeAndre is a great athlete, who can play corner, safety or wide receiver.  He is a playmaker with excellent ball skills and outstanding body control.  He is a fun player to watch.”
 
James Hendrix, DB, 5-11, 185, Livonia, Mich./Brother Rice
Recorded 55 tackles (41-14) as a senior helping the Warriors and coach Al Fracassa's squad to a 10-4 mark … also had five interceptions and six pass break-ups … returned one interception 54 yards for a touchdown against Ann Arbor Pioneer … had a 51-yard interception return for a score vs. University of Detroit Jesuit … made 53 tackles as a junior along with five pass break-ups and two interceptions ... served as a team captain.
 
Coach Winters on James Hendrix:  “James is an all-around good football player.  He has the ability to come down and support in the run game as well as cover slot receivers.  We expect James to contribute heavily on our special teams.”
 
Idris Hobdy, LB, 6-1, 212, Flint, Mich./Powers
Recorded 55 tackles including 27 assists with seven sacks and six fumble recoveries for coach Bob Buckel as a senior … also rushed the ball for 189 yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries … helped the Chargers capture the Division 5 state championship … selected as a member of the West team for the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star Game to be played on June 30 … had a season-long 33 yard carry in the state championship game victory over Lansing Catholic Central … also had two tackles for loss in the game at Ford Field ... plans to major in physical therapy ... served as a team captain in both football and basketball.
 
Coach Winters on Idris Hobdy:  “Idris (E-drees) is the total package at linebacker.  He can cover wide receivers, take on offensive linemen or rush the quarterback.  He is very athletic and fast.”
 
Jon Jarvie, LB, 6-2, 195, Macomb, Mich./Dakota
Made 92 tackles (36-56) in 2011 and even returned a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown against Muskegon … had a touchdown reception against Utica Ford as a senior for coach Mike Giannone … recorded 65 tackles as a junior, including six sacks … also had four pass break-ups and three fumble recoveries in 2010 helping the Cougars to a 9-3 record ... served as a team captain ... plans to major in physical therapy.
 
Coach Winters on Jon Jarvie:  “Jon was a tough, physical leader of the Dakota defense.  He was very well coached in high school, as he has excellent fundamentals.  Jon runs very well and will play well on all special teams.”
 
Marvin Jefferson, DL, 6-1, 240, Farmington, Mich./Farmington
Named to the 2011 Oakland Activities Association White Division First team as well as the Detroit News All-Metro North First Team … started at both offensive guard and defensive line for the Falcons … helped coach John Bechtel's squads to a 7-3 record in 2010 and a 6-5 mark in 2011 … made 30 tackles as a senior including 19 solo stops .. served as a team captain in 2011 ... plans to major in biochemistry.
 
Coach Winters on Marvin Jefferson:  “Marvin is another very athletic explosive defensive lineman.  He makes plays because of great quickness and sheer determination.”
 
Lairren Johnson, DB/WR, 5-11, 185, Warren, Mich./Lincoln
Rushed for 967 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior to earn Detroit Free Press Second Team All-East accolades … also had four touchdown receptions in 2011 for the Abes ... made 85 tackles and forced five fumbles last fall for coach John Moher … named to the All-League and All-County First Teams ... averaged nearly 27 yards per kickoff return on 29 attempts with two returns over 80 yards … scored five touchdowns in a loss to Mt. Clemens … gained 525 yards on 81 carries as a junior … also caught 17 passes in 2010 ... plans to major in math education ... was a two-year football team captain.
 
Coach Winters on Lairren Johnson:  “Lairren is a tremendous athlete, who can play corner, safety,  wide receiver or running back.  He is an excellent returner and is always a threat to score with the ball in his hands.   He was a dominant performer in high school.”
 
Robert Kelly, Jr., OL, 6-3, 280, Grosse Pointe, Mich./Chandler Park Academy
Helped the Eagles to a 7-3 record as a junior and an 8-3 mark in 2011 … plans to major in chemical engineering.
 
Coach Winters on Robert Kelly:  “Robert is a big, athletic football player.  He runs very well and plays very hard.”
 
Jada Littlejohn, DL, 6-2, 245, Flint, Mich./Northern
Selected to the Saginaw Valley League Second Team as a sophomore and first team his last two seasons … recorded 65 solo tackles, including seven sacks in 2010 … helped the Vikings to a 5-4 mark as a junior for coach Fred Jackson.
 
Coach Winters on Jada Littlejohn:  “Jada (JA-tay) is an athletic, hard-working young man.  He played linebacker at times and can really run.  He makes plays with outstanding effort.”
 
Alonzo Lucas, WR, 5-10, 160, Toledo, Ohio/Whitmer
Selected to the Toledo Blade All-District First Team after scoring seven touchdowns and helping the Panthers to a 10-0 regular-season record as a senior … had 29 catches for 425 yards … had a touchdown reception in the playoff win over Wadsworth … voted to the Associated Press All-Ohio Division I Third Team … ran a 7.20 for 55m last month in a high school indoor meet.
 
Coach Winters on Alonzo Lucas:  “Alonzo is an explosive receiver after the catch.  He can run a 4.4 and has the ability to return punts and kicks.”
 
Marcellous McElrath, LB, 6-1, 200, Detroit, Mich./Crockett
Helped the Rockets to three straight 10-plus win seasons … recorded three forced fumbles and 14 tackles in a 2011 win over Martin Luther King … finished the year with 107 tackles including 16 for loss … also rushed for 513 yards and seven touchdowns … even saw playing time at tight end for coach Roderick Oden.
 
Coach Winters on Marcellous McElrath:  “Marcellus is another athletic, tough linebacker.  He also played running back at Crockett, but will focus on defense for the Warriors.  He runs well and likes to hit.”
 
Sawyer McFadden, OL, 6-2, 250, Holt, Mich./Holt
Was a two-year starter for coach Al Slamer ... helped the Rams to a 7-4 mark as a junior and a state playoff game.
 
Coach Winters on Sawyer McFadden:  “Sawyer is a hard-nosed, tough physical offensive line prospect.  He works very hard and is a relentless football player.”
 
David McPherson, DE, 6-5, 235, Royal Oak, Mich./Royal Oak
Served as a team captain for coach Jeff Hill and the Ravens in 2011.
 
Coach Winters on David McPherson:  “David has all the ability you can ask for in a defensive lineman.  He is big, athletic, quick twitch and has very long arms.  He is still learning fundamentals and is expected to improve greatly as he develops in a collegiate atmosphere.

Alex Medenbach, DE, 6-5, 220, Muskegon, Mich./Catholic Central
Helped the Crusaders to a 9-2 mark as a senior by making 36 tackles, including 2.5 sacks … had one fumble recovery in 2011 for coach Mike Holmes … earned All-Area honors the last two years ... recorded 71 tackles as a junior, including 18 in a win over Hopkins ... served as a football team captain ... was a state qualifier as a junior in the 110 hurdles.
 
Coach Winters on Alex Medenbach:  “Alex is tall and really athletic, especially for someone with his size.  He plays the game with great intensity.  He is intelligent, fundamentally sound and has really good quickness.  He has potential to put on more weight and become a dominant defensive lineman.”
 
JT Pillars, OL, 6-4, 275, Metamora, Mich./Lapeer East
Key member of an offensive unit that averaged nearly 27 points per game during the regular season … helped the Eagles to an 8-3 mark and a state playoff appearance … selected to the All-Flint Metro League Second Team as a senior … also plays basketball.
 
Coach Winters on JT Pillars:  “J.T. played Warrior Jake Weingartz.  He works very hard and hustles to make blocks 50 yards down the field.  He is a big, squared shouldered competitor on the offensive line.  J.T. has balance, good knee bend and quick feet. He plays with an aggressive attitude and can play tackle or guard.”
 
Edward Reny, OL, 6-4, 265, Whitmore Lake, Mich./Dexter
Selected to the Southeastern Conference White Division First Team as an offensive lineman … played for coach Brian Baird and the Dreadnaughts.
 
Coach Winters on Edward Reny:  “Edward is a very talented offensive lineman.  He has really good footwork, is athletic and aggressive.”
 
Lucas Sanders, OL, 6-3, 290, Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston
Played for coach Kurt Richardson … selected captain of the week for the Troy Colts game … selected to the All-Oakland Activities Association Red Division team as a senior.
 
Coach Winters on Lucas Sanders:  “Lucas is big, physical and tough.  He has the ability to come off the ball and create space for the running back.”
 
Jake Sheets, OL, 6-6, 300, Ann Arbor, Mich./Skyline
Played for coach Rod Jones … was voted the squad's outstanding linemen … also earned Academic recognition.
 
Coach Winters on Jake Sheets:  “Jacob moves very well and works very hard.  He has the potential to develop into an outstanding offensive lineman.”
 
Brandon Tinsley, WR, 6-1, 190, Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King
Had two touchdown catches against Crockett and one versus Cass Tech in 2011 … helped coach Dale Harvell and the Crusaders to a 9-4 record as a senior.
 
Coach Winters on Brandon Tinsley:  “Brandon is a big, physical receiver.  He is very strong and has the ability to overpower defensive backs or run by them.”
 
Clarence Turner, WR, 6-3, 175, Flint, Mich./Grand Blanc
Had 24 receptions for 391 yards and three touchdowns as a senior helping the Bobcats to a 9-3 record … made a 27-yard touchdown reception in 59-52 triple overtime win over Holt in 2011 for coach Joe Delaney … caught a touchdown pass in the 2010 playoff win over Clarkston, one of his two TD catches as a junior … also plays basketball and competes in the high jump.
 
Coach Winters on Clarence Turner:  “Clarence has the quickness and change of direction of a smaller athlete.  He has the ability to make a man miss in a tight area.  He can also use his size and speed to dominate a defensive back.  Clarence will really prosper in our strength and conditioning program.”
 
Aaron Weston, TE, 6-6, 245, Comstock Park, Mich./Rockford
Named to the North East All-Area Advance First Team … was an Academic All-State Honorable Mention selection … played for coach Ralph Munger … helped the Rams to an 11-2 record in 2011.
 
Coach Winters on Aaron Weston:  “Aaron is a very talented tight end prospect.  He has the size and growth potential to be a dominant force on the end of the line of scrimmage.  He is a really good run blocker, who can also get out into routes and use his size against linebackers and safeties.  Has good hands and plays with toughness!
 
Nathan White, TE/DE, 6-2, 230, Toledo/St. Francis de Sales
Helped the Knights to an 10-2 record in 2009 as a starting tight end … earned honorable mention all-conference accolades as a senior after catching 14 passes for 264 yards … received the squad's Team Player Award ... served as a team captain in both football and basketball ... plans to major in marketing.
 
Coach Winters on Nathan White:  “Nate is a multi-purpose performer.  He can play on the line as a tight end or defensive end, as well as play the H-Back or fullback position.  He is very athletic.”
 
Andy Zimmerman, OL, 6-6, 255, Grand Rapids, Mich./West Catholic
Helped coach Dan Rohn's squad to a 13-1 record and the Division 5 state championship as a junior and the state semifinals with a 10-3 mark in 2011 … selected Meijer Scholar Athlete of the week for the week of February 6, 2012 ... also plays basketball for the Falcons ... is a member of the National Honor Society ... plans to be a nursing major.
 
Coach Winters on Andy Zimmerman:  “Andy is an intelligent athletic offensive lineman.  He will continue to develop and prosper because of his work ethic.”