DETROIT -- Wayne State University head football coach Paul Winters has announced his 2018 recruiting class consisting of 18 incoming freshmen, who signed their National Letters of Intent earlier today on NCAA National Signing Day. In addition, defensive back Ruben Lile (Detroit, Mich. / Cass Tech) enrolled at Wayne State in January and will be participating in spring ball.
"We are proud to announce the Class of 2018," stated Winters. "I would like to thank everyone from the academic parts at Wayne State who took time out of their weekends to share their programs with the incoming recruits and show just how inviting this University is.
"Our coaching staff did an outstanding job of first finding the talented prospective student-athletes and then competing with GLIAC and other conference members to convince these young men to become Warriors.
"This class fills the needs to give us depth at certain positions," added Winters. "We are extremely pleased with the offensive line class. We recruited five young men who all have the talent to develop into starters in the future. We were fortunate to sign two of the top receivers in the state in Nolan Kimmey and Steven Mason. We feel as though Luke Pfromm, who led De La Salle to a state championship in his only year as a starter, is an under the radar steal because not many people knew about him.
"Defensively, we added four explosive and athletic defensive ends after taking four defensive tackles in last year's class," commented Winters. "The linebacker position has great competition with (Niko) Mosley, (Blake) Grice-Brunson, and a young man from Wisconsin in Julius Wilkerson, who are all anxious to compete. We signed the star of the state championship Clarkston team in safety Tieler Houston, who might have been the most highly-recruited secondary player in the state. We signed two quality cornerbacks from Northeast Ohio in Samari Dean and Martell Hill.
"We were able to get quality student-athletes from four different states (Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin), along with student-athletes from both local and top west side schools within the state of Michigan," mentioned Winters.
Wayne State bolstered its roster with the addition of five student-athletes to a Letter of Commitment in Chase Churchill, Brendan Madigan, Aidan Martini, Cameron Rogers and Dalton Thorner.
| OL/DL |
6-1 |
305 |
Muskegon, Mich. / Mona Shores |
| LB |
6-0 |
210 |
Lathrup Village, Mich. / Southfield A & T |
| CB/ATH |
5-11 |
180 |
Warren, Ohio / Howland |
| CB |
6-2 |
175 |
Akron, Ohio / East |
| S |
6-3 |
185 |
Waterford, Mich. / Clarkston |
| DE |
6-5 |
240 |
Rochester Hills, Mich. / Stoney Creek |
| DE |
6-3 |
230 |
Fort Gratiot, Mich. / Port Huron Northern |
| WR |
6-2 |
195 |
Farmington Hills, Mich. / U. of Detroit Jesuit |
| DE |
6-3 |
195 |
Detroit, Mich. / Voyageur College Prep |
| WR/DB |
6-0 |
185 |
Port Huron, Mich. / Northern |
| LB |
6-4 |
210 |
Livonia, Mich. / Franklin |
| OL |
6-2 |
295 |
Southgate, Mich. / Martin Luther King |
| LB |
6-2 |
210 |
West Bloomfield, Mich. / West Bloomfield |
| OT |
6-3 |
285 |
Davisburg, Mich. / Clarkston |
| QB |
6-6 |
230 |
Warren, Mich. / De La Salle |
| OL |
6-5 |
290 |
La Grange, Ill. / Lyons |
| OL |
6-4 |
260 |
Muskegon, Mich. / Mona Shores |
| LB |
6-1 |
220 |
Mequon, Wisc. / Homestead |
| DB |
6-3 |
220 |
Detroit, Mich. / Cass Tech (Iowa) |
| QB |
6-3 |
180 |
Richmond, Mich. / Richmond |
| LB |
6-0 |
195 |
Sterling Heights, Mich. / Warren De La Salle |
| OL/TE |
6-6 |
240 |
Grand Blanc, Mich. / Grand Blanc |
| LB |
6-0 |
210 |
Riverview, Mich. / Riverview |
| OL |
6-2 |
289 |
Emmett, Mich. / Yale |
*-Currently enrolled at WSU.
#-Letter of Commitment.
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Chuckie Anthony, OL/DL, 6-1, 305 Muskegon, Mich. / Mona Shores
Link to HUDL video
MLive article on Chuckie Anthony
Was a three-year letterwinner and two-year starter (both offensively and defensively) for coach Matt Koziak … was a Division 8 Honorable Mention All-State selection by the Detroit Free Press … earned First Team All-Lake Area Division 1-2 as an offensive lineman by the Lake Michigan Football Report … helped the Sailors to a 9-2 mark in 2017 … served as a team captain as a senior … also competed in wresting and track & field for MSHS … holds the school record in the discus (75-11) and has a career-best throw of 38-7 for the shot put … son of Yalanda Anthony … has an older brother, Ronnie, and an older sister, Laprea … plans to major in management … first name is Sylvester … born December 1, 1999, in Irvine, Calif.
Coach Winters on Chuckie Anthony: "Chuckie is an honor roll student and a leader as a center on offense and defensive tackle for the highly successful Mona Shores football team. Chuckie is a good athlete with the ability to pull, and work to the second level and stay on his feet to finish his blocks. He is very strong and uses outstanding leverage to move defensive linemen or take on double teams as a defensive tackle. He has been able to overcome adversity and excel on and off the football field!"
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Blake Grice-Brunson, LB, 6-0, 210, Lathrup Village, Mich. / Southfield A & T
Link to HUDL video
Was a varsity letterwinner and team captain for coach Timothy Conley … led the squad in sacks and tackles for loss in 2017 … also played running back for the Warriors … previously attended Bradford Academy … son of Evan Brunson and Kendra Grice-Brunson … plans to major in kinesiology … is a member of the school's Academic Honor Roll … born August 15, 1999, in Southfield.
Coach Winters on Blake Grice-Brunson: "Blake is a running back and linebacker who has excelled on both sides of the ball. He gives us another athletic defender who will match up well against spread offenses. He has shown outstanding pass rush moves off the edge against offensive linemen or running backs. We have also seen him accelerate and run away from defenders as a running back and run down quarterbacks as a linebacker. What excites us most about Blake is that he is another recruit that can't wait to put on that Warrior uniform!"
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Samari Dean, CB/Athlete, 5-11, 180, Warren, Ohio / Howland
Link to HUDL video
Passed for 1,410 and 15 touchdowns over his final two seasons (2016 and 2017) for coach Dominic Menendez and the Tigers … also rushed for 899 yards … served as both a punt returner and kickoff returner as a senior … had three interceptions in 2017 in helping WHHS to a 6-4 record … recorded 249 yards of total offense (136 rushing, 113 passing) in a 28-15 win over Akron East in 2017, while also throwing three touchdown passes … selected to the 2017 Northeast Ohio Division III Inland All-District Honorable Mention Team on offense.
Coach Winters on Samari Dean: "Samari played quarterback and defensive back at Howland H.S. He was a team leader and a dynamic play maker. You don't expect the quarterback to be one of the most physical players on the field, but Samari consistently was the most physical player on the field! A multiple-sport athlete in high school, we expect the full-time shift to one sport and one position will really help Samari develop into a dominant force!"
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Martell Hill, CB, 6-2, 175, Akron, Ohio / Akron East
Link to HUDL video
Was a two-year starter for coach Marques Hayes … helped the Dragons to an 8-3 mark in 2017 … totaled 27 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception and 16 pass break-ups as a senior … earned Honorable Mention All-City accolades … served as the Student Council President … also competed in track, placing third in the hurdles during the city league championship meet … served as a team captain in both football and track … son of Jermaine Hill and Lamicka Thomas … has one older brother, Jermaine, Jr. … plans to major in nursing … born April 17, 2000, in Akron, Ohio.
Coach Winters on Martell Hill: "Martell is a long athletic corner with excellent ball skills. He has the ability to press a receiver on the line of scrimmage or play off and shadow his man all over the field. He has put on a few pounds since the season ended, but we are still looking forward to Martell spending time with our strength and conditioning staff. Despite the need to add a few pounds, Martell is a good, reliable tackler. He is a very hard worker who leads a team with quite a few division 1 and 2 scholarship recipients. Martell is the class president at Akron East H.S."
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Tieler Houston, S, 6-3, 185, Clarkston, Mich. / Clarkston
Link to HUDL video
Was a two-year football letterwinner for coach Kurt Richardson ... selected to the Detroit Free Press All-State Honorable Mention Team in 2017 after earning Oakland Activities Association Red Division all-league honors … had a total of 10 interceptions over his final two seasons for the Wolves, along with 95 tackles … recorded an interception in the final 90 seconds of the 2017 state championship game win over West Bloomfield … previously notched a steal against WBHS in the 2017 Class A state semifinal basketball game at the Breslin Center … son Michael Houston and Leah Sherrill … father played 15 basketball games for Northwood in 2000-01 … has a younger sister, Peiten … plans to major in kinesiology … born March 22, 2000, in Waterford.
Coach Winters on Tieler Houston: "Tieler is a talented multi-sport athlete who led Clarkston to the Michigan State Championship, sealing the game with an interception. Tieler is tall, covers a lot of ground in coverage and tackles well. He improves the speed, athletic ability and the size of the secondary. Tieler is also very talented off the field as he often shows by singing the National Anthem at Clarkston basketball games."
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Athletic Jones, DE, 6-5, 240, Rochester Hills, Mich. / Stoney Creek
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year letterwinner for coach Robert Lantzy … served as a 2017 team captain for the Cougars … selected to the All-Oakland County Team by Michigan High School Football Blog in December, after recording 82 tackles including seven sacks and nine pass break-ups … son of Sean and Richelle Jones … cousin Kim Herring played 98 games in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals … plans to major in construction management … born April 16, 2000, in Detroit.
Coach Winters on Athletic Jones: "Athletic Jones is his name but it also describes what kind of football player we recruited from Stoney Creek. He is tall, fast twitched, good at the point of attack or running the ball carrier down with great effort. He is another young man who adds character and class to this year's recruiting class. We expect Athletic do develop into a dominant defensive lineman in the GLIAC!"
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Kofe Kimbrell, DE, 6-3, 230, Fort Gratiot, Mich. / Port Huron Northern
Link to HUDL video
Helped the Huskies win their first playoff game in 21 years by blocking a first quarter punt setting up the game's first score … played for coach Larry Roelens … earned Macomb Area Conference Gold Division All-League Honors … also plays basketball for PHNHS … plans to major in criminal justice … born April 9, 1999, in Samoa.
Coach Winters on Kofe Kimbrell: "Kofe is a big, raw defensive end with long arms and good speed off the edge. He is a real competitor and plays with a relentless attitude and great passion. He is a big defender with room to put on muscle in the weight room. Kofe has the natural strength to bull rush tackles, but he also has the athletic ability to stress the tackle with an edge rush."
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Nolan Kimmey, WR, 6-2, 195, Farmington Hills, Mich. / U. of Detroit Jesuit
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year letterwinner for coach Oscar Olejniczak … had a pick-six against Loyola … was an All-Catholic League honoree as a senior … served as a football team captain in 2017 … also competed in track and field (high jump, long jump, 4x200 Relay) as a junior for the Cubs … placed second at the 2017 Catholic League meet in the long jump, while also being a member of the 4x200 relay champions … son of Sharon Dodd-Kimmey and Byron Kimmey … father was a two-year track letterwinner (1988 and 1989) at the University of Michigan … has one older brother, Byron … plans to major in pre-med (biological sciences) … born July 12, 2000, in Commerce Township.
Coach Winters on Nolan Kimmey: "Nolan is an outstanding student-athlete. He dominates the game with his combination of size and speed. Nolan provides us with a receiver with good size that can play on the outside or inside. Nolan blocks well, tackles and tracks the ball extremely well as he showed as a standout defensive back in high school as well!"
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Daniel Knight, DE, 6-3, 195, Detroit, Mich. / Voyageur College Prep
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year varsity letterwinner and two-year team captain for coach John Pittman … recorded 54 solo tackles, a school-record 17 sacks and seven forced fumbles in 2017 for the Cougars … earned First Team All-Independent League honors … recorded seven sacks, eight tackles and a forced fumble in a 38-0 win over Detroit Public Safety Academy … selected to play for the USA National Football Team … also played basketball for VCP … son of Derek and Lisa Knight … father played basketball at Oakland (1977-78) … older brother Derek played football at West Virginia (2007-10) and Grand Valley (2011) … plans to major in sports medicine … born Feb. 18, 2000, in Detroit.
Coach Winters on Daniel Knight: "Daniel is explosively fast off the snap. He has a very similar take off to
Derrick Coleman. He uses his hands well to fend off tackles on his pass rush. He will need to get in the weight room to add some muscle to his long lean frame, but he has potential to be an explosive edge rusher with tremendous speed."
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Steven Mason, WR/DB, 6-0, 185, Port Huron, Mich. / Port Huron Northern
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year letterwinner for coach Larry Roelens … earned Macomb Area Conference Gold Division All-League Honors as a senior after totaling more than 800 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns … served as a football team captain as a senior … helped the Huskies to a 9-2 mark as a senior ... also competed in track and field winning the regional high jump championship in 2017 … son of Cynthia Howell … plans to major in computing and information technology … earned MAC All-Academic Team recognition … was a member of the National Honor Society … born March 16, 2000, in Port Huron.
Coach Winters on Steven Mason: "The first thing that you notice with Steven is his speed and quickness. He has the ability to turn a five-yard pass into a long touchdown. He runs through defenders because he is physically strong, and has the ability to run by defenders with his 4.4 speed. When you get up close to Steven, you notice just how strong and physical he is, which will really make a difference on special teams. He is an excellent return man on both kickoff and punt returns. Steven also excels in the classroom with perfect 4.00 GPA."
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Jacob Mass, LB, 6-4, 210, Livonia, Mich. / Franklin
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Chris Kelbert … recorded 122 tackles as a senior in helping the Patriots to an 11-3 mark … LFHS had a 27-11 record in his three seasons … earned All-State honors … set the school record with 270 career tackles … was an Honorable Mention Academic All-State recipient … served as a football team captain in 2017 … also received letters in basketball (three years) and track and field (two years) … won the city shot put championship in 2017 … son of Mike and Christine Mass … has two brothers, Nick and Aaron … plans to major in engineering … born May 17, 2000, in Garden City.
Coach Winters on Jacob Mass: "Jacob is a long framed linebacker who also has the ability to play defensive end. There is no questioning his physical toughness, so we expect him to excel at either position. Our strength staff can't wait to work with Jacob in the weight room and develop that long frame. Jacob runs well and plays with a good base and pad level. What excites us the most about Jacob is that he loves Wayne State and brings that Warrior mentality every single day!"
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Josh Mayberry, OL, 6-2, 295, Southgate, Mich. / Martin Luther King
Link to HUDL video
Was a four-year varsity letterwinner and two-year team captain for coach Tyrone Spencer, a former WSU defensive back … primarily played center at MLK … named to the Detroit Free Press All-State Honorable Mention Team … son of Torrey Mayberry and Greggory Trotter … has an older brother, Terrence … plans to major in sports medicine … was on the MLK Academic honor Roll all four years … born January 15, 2000, in Detroit.
Coach Winters on Josh Mayberry: "Josh is a young man from Detroit who is proud to play for his hometown team. With his athletic ability, speed and toughness, Josh is expected to push to get on the field quickly. Josh's best asset is his physical strength, his power to change the line of scrimmage and get a good push. The first year, coach Wooster will really work to help Josh make progress in his pass protection technique. Josh is an intelligent football player and a quick learner so improvements will happen fast!"
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Niko Mosley, LB, 6-2, 210, West Bloomfield, Mich. / West Bloomfield
Link to HUDL video
Was a two-year varsity letterwinner and a team captain for coach Ron Bellamy … helped the Lakers to a 12-2 record and a state championship game berth … recorded five tackles, including three for loss (one sack) in the 3-2 loss to Clarkston … named to the Detroit News Honorable Mention All-State Team as a senior … was an Honorable Mention All-State selection … also lettered in track and field at WBHS … son of Arbie Mosley and Vallory Mallory … older brother Navon plays safety at Purdue … Navon started 12 of 13 games in 2017 for the Boilermakers making 65 tackles with two interceptions … plans to major in engineering … born March 6, 2000, in Southfield.
Coach Winters on Niko Mosley: "Niko has great potential to develop into his large frame and become a dominant football player. He is very athletic for the linebacker position. It will be fun to watch the dramatic improvements that he will make with Coach Mendoza and the weight room staff. With so many teams running spread offenses, we need athletes playing in the secondary at linebacker. Niko is a premier athlete and will feel very comfortable against whatever offense we face. He is a very confident young man who follows a long line of successful West Bloomfield athletes who decided to compete for Wayne State! His brother is a member of the Purdue Boilermakers football team."
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Noah Nicklin, OT, 6-3, 285, Clarkston, Mich. / Clarkston
Link to HUDL video
Was a four-year varsity letterwinner and team captain for coach Kurt Richardson … earned Honorable Mention All-State recognition … a member of two state championship teams (2014 and 2017) for the Wolves … selected to the All-Oakland County Team by Michigan High School Football Blog in December … also lettered in baseball at CHS … son of Thomas and Karen Nicklin … has a younger brother, Max, and a younger sister, Natalie … plans to major in business … born February 17, 2000, in Clarkston … was a member of the school's Academic Honor Roll.
Coach Winters on Noah Nicklin: "Noah is an honor roll student and a leader on a state championship football team. Noah plays the game with a dominant attitude and is physically dominant as well. He has had to overcome an injury, but has demonstrated a great attitude in his rehab. Noah is a hard worker and a leader of men. He will fit in well with our offensive line."
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Luke Pfromm, QB, 6-6, 230, Warren, Mich. / De La Salle
Link to HUDL video
Helped lead De La Salle to the 2017 MHSAA Division 2 state title … completed 10-of-12 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns in the 41-6 win over Livonia Franklin … also had a second quarter touchdown run vs. LFHS … named to the 2017
Detroit News Division 1-2 Honorable Mention All-State Team for coach Mike Giannone … selected to the
Detroit Free Press Division 2 All-State First Team … son of Todd and Jane Pfromm … had two older brothers, Matt and Todd, and an older sister, Megan … is undecided on academic major … named to the Academic Honor Roll at DLSHS … born May 5, 1999, in Warren.
Coach Winters on
Luke Pfromm: "Luke led De La Salle to the State championship as a first-year starter at quarterback. Luke is an outstanding athlete who plays basketball as well for the Pilots. What stands out about Luke at first glance is his tremendous size and physical presence. When you watch him play you see that he is quick and athletic, with a strong arm. Luke is extremely talented as an athlete who will continue to develop his quarterback skills. He has a bright future!"
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Kevin Skonning, OL, 6-5, 290, La Grange, Ill. / Lyons
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year varsity letterwinner for coaches Kurt Weinberg and Jon Beutjer … served as a team captain in 2017 helping the Lions to a 7-4 record … also competed in track and field (shot put) … earned All-West Suburban Silver league honors in the shot put … son of Michael and Donna Skonning … has a younger brother, Luke, and an older sister, Jessica … Jessica is on the volleyball team at Northern Michigan … plans to major in business … was a two-year member of the school's Academic Honor Roll … born July 4, 2000, in La Grange, Ill.
Coach Winters on Kevin Skonning: "Kevin is another large, athletic offensive line prospect who really fits in with the prototype of an O-lineman that fits our needs. We are fortunate to sign Kevin, because he has the ability to play anywhere across the line from tackle, to guard or center. He has the ability to pull and square up a second level defender or to knock someone off the line of scrimmage. Kevin brings a high level of toughness that will make our offensive line better."
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Keontae Watson, OT, 6-4, 260, Muskegon, Mich. / Mona Shores
Link to HUDL video
Was a two-year starter for coach Matt Koziak and the Sailors … earned all-conference and all-area honors both seasons … son of Ghainia and Patrece Watson … has an older brother, Kenta … plans to major in management … born February 8, 2000, in Muskegon.
Coach Winters on Keontae Watson: "Keontae is physically gifted with exceptional athletic ability for a young man of his size. We are always looking to recruit the best athletes to play on our offensive and defensive lines, and Keontae really fits the mold. He is a young man who will really develop under the tutelage of Coach Mendoza and our outstanding strength staff! He joins a long list of student-athletes from Mona Shores who are currently attending Wayne State including
Chuckie Anthony."
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Julius Wilkerson, LB, 6-1, 220, Mequon, Wisc. / Homestead
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year letterwinner for coach Dave Keel … recorded 90 tackles as a senior for the Highlanders, including 24 for loss to earn First Team All-North Shore Conference accolades … also selected to the South Central All-Region First Team by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association … notched 3.5 sacks and two pass break-ups in 2017 … was a Second Team All-North Shore Conference honoree as a junior defensive back … was a two-year football team captain … also ran track for HSS recording career-best times of 12.21 (100m), 25.01 (200m) … son of Vincent and Linda Wilkerson … has one older brother, Vincent II, and two sisters, Dominique and India … brother played football at Memphis (2014-15) and College of DuPage (2016) … plans to major in either public relations or film … born March 4, 2000, in Mequon, Wisc. … was a member of the HHS Academic Honor Roll all four years.
Coach Winters on Julius Wilkerson: "Julius is a big physical inside or outside linebacker. He had 24 tackles for loss because of his explosive quickness, strength and instinct to read plays and slip blocks. He runs track (100m and 200m) in high school and has the speed to play in the secondary. Julius is a good football player who chose WSU over Division I opportunities.
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Ruben Lile, DB, 6-3, 220, Detroit, Mich. / Cass Tech (Iowa)
Currently enrolled at Wayne State … will be a junior in the fall … played three games for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2013 after redshirting in 2012 … a 2012 graduate of Cass Tech … spent three semesters at Wayne County Community College.
Coach Winters on Ruben Lile: "Ruben joins us this semester after taking care of family matters the last couple of years. He is anxious to return to playing football. Ruben is a very talented young man, right here from Cass Tech. We look forward to working him back into playing shape.
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Chase Churchill, QB, 6-3, 180, Richmond, Mich. / Richmond
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year varsity letterwinner at Richmond High School after spending his freshman year at T.R. Robinson High School ... was the Blue Water Area Conference (BWAC) Offensive Most Valuable Player for coach John Kocher ... passed for 1,521 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior, while completing 78-of-123 passes ... also had two rushing touchdowns in 2017 ... helped lead the Blue Devils to a 15-5 mark over his final two seasons ... completed 83-of-152 passes in 2016 for 1,749 yards and 23 touchdowns as RHS won the BWAC ... also competed in basketball and baseball at RHS, earning all-county honors in both sports ... served as a team captain in both football and basketball ... son of Jeff and Rachael Churchill ... has two younger brothers, Cole and Caden ... plans to major in pre-med (biological sciences) ... was a member of the National Honor Society ... born February 8, 2000, in Macomb County.
Coach Winters on Chase Churchill: "Chase is a tall athletic developmental prospect at the quarterback position. He will improve with the help of Coach Mendoza and his staff with work in the weight room as he learns the offense. Chase has had record-setting success on the high school level. He worked hard in the offseason to improve and looks forward to competing on the next level."
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Brendan Madigan, LB, 6-0, 195, Sterling Heights, Mich. / De La Salle
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year letterwinner for coach Mike Gianonne … helped the Pilots to the 2017 MHSAA Division 2 State title by returning a fumble 13 yards for a touchdown on the game's first play … also had a pass break-up, a kickoff coverage tackle and a six-yard punt return in the championship game … recorded 53 tackles (34-19) as a senior, including two sacks and four quarterback hurries … totaled five pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … earned All-Catholic League and All-County accolades … served as a football team captain as a senior … son of Jennifer Madigan and James Madigan … has one older brother, Connor, and one younger sister, Morgan … plans to major in civil engineering … born March 7, 2000 … member of the School's Principals list for Academic achievement.
Coach Winters on Brendan Madigan: "Brendan comes from a great program and fresh off a state championship. He is a great student and you can see his high football IQ on tape. He is another young man we are excited to see his development with Coach Mendoza. He is a very versatile player and we are looking to take advantage of that in the future."
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Aidan Martini, OL/TE, 6-6, 240, Grand Blanc, Mich. / Grand Blanc
Link to HUDL video
Was a two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Clint Alexander … also earned three letters in track and field (shot put and discus) … was a state qualifier in the discus … son of Aaron Martini and Alisa Swan-Martini … mother ran track at Central Michigan … has one older sister, Abbey … plans to major in accounting or finance … was a two-time Academic All-Kensington Lakes Athletic Association (KLAA) honoree … born June 5, 2000.
Coach Winters on Aidan Martini: "Aidan is an extremely intriguing prospect in this year's class. He started at left tackle for Grand Blanc and played with an edge. He has tremendous technique and knows how to use his levers. Aidan is very physical, and plays through the whistle finishing blocks. At the same time he is very athletic combining great play speed, has good quickness off the ball, and has terrific length. Because of this, we are going to start him off at tight end and see how his body develops because if he gains size and strength he could be an elite offensive tackle for us."
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Cameron Rogers, LB, 6-0, 210, Riverview, Mich. / Riverview Community
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year football letterwinner and two-year team captain … for coach Derek McLaughlin … helped the Pirates to an 11-2 record and a berth in the 2017 state semifinals … rushed for 1,310 yards and 18 touchdowns to earn All-State honors … recorded 74 tackles plus an interception … also lettered three years each in basketball and baseball … RCHS baseball MVP in 2017 … son of Anthony Rogers and Julia Rogers … plans to major in nursing … was a member of the National Honor Society … born April 14, 2000, in Wyandotte.
Coach Winters on Cameron Rogers: "Cameron excelled at running back and safety for the Pirates in 2017. He has a great frame and we are looking forward to his development with Coach Mendoza. He plays the game with toughness and a high motor. He is another guy who really wanted to be here!
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Dalton Thorner, OL, 6-2, 289, Emmett, Mich. / Yale
Link to HUDL video
Was a three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Scott Brown … served as a team captain for the Bulldogs as a senior … also played baseball for YHS … won two district titles in baseball … son of Trevor Thorner and Tonya Thorner … has two brothers, Tevin and Bradon … plans to major in construction management … born February 11, 2000, in Port Huron.
Coach Winters on Dalton Thorner: "Dalton is a strong, powerful blocker out of Yale High School. He loves the physical element of football and is a fantastic finisher -- a guy who isn't satisfied until his guy is on the ground. Dalton played offensive tackle in high school but will transition inside to guard or center for us, where he has shown the power to drive a defensive tackle off the ball. He has the quickness to get to the second level and block linebackers, and the play speed to pull and lead our outside zone play. His dad is in the construction trades and he brings that same blue collar attitude and work ethic to football and I love coaching guys like Dalton!
