The class includes 10 defensive and 10 offensive players representing nine states and three countries. On defense, EMU added six recruits to the defensive line, three defensive backs, and a linebacker. Offensively, EMU signed three wide receivers, two offensive linemen, two running backs, two tight ends, and a quarterback.
"This is a really strong group," said Head Coach Chris Creighton. "We are proud and excited to welcome these men into our football family. It was a challenge to recruit without any in-person contact since early March, but our culture attracted an incredible group of winners who are going to strengthen our program on and off the field. Today is a great day for Eastern Michigan Football."
The highly anticipated class features 14 of the 16 newest student-athletes rated as three-star prospects by the national recruiting services. Overall, four members of the class are already enrolled at Eastern Michigan with six more anticipated to enroll in January.
Jordan Crawford DL 6-1 350 Jr. Houston, Texas-Pearland-Tyler J.C.
EMU: 2021: Part of EMU's 2021 signing class after playing the 2020 season for EMU...2020: Played in six games, recording 19 tackles and 1.5 tackles-for-loss...Notched six stops against Toledo (Nov. 18), including his first TFL...Added four tackles in the road victory over MAC West Division leader Western Michigan (Dec. 5)..Had at least two tackles in every game...TYLER: Played two seasons at Tyler Junior College under Head Coaches Danny Palmer and Thomas Rocco...Rated as the 32nd best defensive lineman in the JUCO ranks by 247Sports...HIGH SCHOOL: Was rated as a three-star defensive tackle coming out of high school by 247Sports...Played at Pearland High School under Head Coach Tony Heath…Was a two-time all-district, one time first team all-county, and one time all-state honoree for the Oilers...Was named Pearland's Defensive Player of the Year once and also earned the team's most valuable player honor in 2016...Finished as a first round runner-up finalist for the Mr. Football award in the State of Texas...Led his squad to a 7-4 senior season record and compiled 48 tackles, three QB hurries, and 2.0 sacks...PERSONAL: Full Name: Jordan Scott Crawford...Son of former NFL linebacker Vernon Crawford and Kimberly Anderson...Has one brother, Jordan, and one sister, Khai...General studies major.
Carter Evans DL 6-4 240 Fr.-Fr. Crystal Lake, Ill.-Prairie Ridge
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Prairie Ridge High School and played under Head Coach Chris Schremp as a Wolf...Rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports...Had more than 30 collegiate offers as a tight end, linebacker, and defensive end...Considered the No. 26/28 overall player out of the Land of Lincoln as reported by 247Sports...Helped Prairie Ridge capture the 2017 Class 6A state championship and 2019 Class 6A runner-up as a two-way player for the teams...Has not played his senior season yet due to state regulations around the COVID-19 pandemic...Was a three-year starter for PRHS..Rushed for 922 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2019 for the Wolves...Selected as an all-area second team running back by the Northwest Herald following his impressive junior season... Also earned first team all-conference honors as well as first team academic all-state honors...Evans is the third brother in his family to start four years in high school and play D-I football...His oldest brother, Shane, was an offensive lineman at Northern Illinois...PERSONAL: Full Name: Carter Jackson Evans...Son of Matthew and Nancy Evans...Has two brothers, Shane and Samson... Joins his brother, Samson, on the EMU football team...Finance major.
Samson Evans RB 6-0 210 So. Crystal Lake, Ill.-Prairie Ridge-Iowa
EMU: 2021: Part of EMU's 2021 signing class after playing the 2020 season for EMU...2020: Played in five games for EMU, totaling 41 carries, 202 yards rushing, and one touchdown...Also caught six passes for 46 yards...Toted the rock 14 times for a season-best 80 yards at Ball State (Nov. 11)...Scored his first touchdown at Western Michigan (Dec. 5) to go along with 61 yards rushing on seven carries...Tallied 54 yards on seven carries in EMU's victory over Northern Illinois (Dec. 12)...IOWA: Played under Head Coach Kurt Ferentz as a Hawkeye spending two seasons with the Big Ten Conference member...Was named an Academic All-Big Ten selection and earned the team leader award for special teams in 2019 after redshirting in 2018...HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year football letterman and one-time captain while playing quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker, along with returning kicks and punts...Helped Prairie Ridge win back-to-back Illinois state titles (28-0) as a junior and senior...Holds school records for career rushing yards (6,386), career rushing touchdowns (111), career passing touchdowns (31), and career touchdowns (155)...Career rushing touchdowns ranks third best in state history...Rushed for 2,092 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior and added two kick return touchdowns...Rushed for 2,211 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior, added 814 passing yards and 14 touchdowns as the quarterback, and also had two kick return touchdowns..Was named Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior...Was also named the Illinois Player of the Year by the Chicago Sun-Times, Champaign News-Gazette, and Northwest Herald as a senior...Earned first team all-state and all-conference honors as a junior and senior...Named to Northwest Herald All-Area team three straight seasons...PERSONAL: Full Name: Samson Joseph Evans...Son of Matthew and Nancy Evans...Has two brothers, Shane and Carter, and one sister, Chandler...Brother, Cater, will join the EMU football team for the 2021 season...Business major.
Jaden Gaines DL 6-5 230 Fr.-Fr. Alpharetta, Ga.-Chattahoochee
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Chattahoochee High School and played under Head Coach Mike Malone as a Cougar...Rated as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports...Considered the No. 151 overall prospect in the State of Georgia according to ESPN...Earned three letters and was a two-time captain as a Cougar...Recorded 13 tackles-for-loss and four sacks as a senior...Was named the team's best defensive lineman in 2019...Earned all-star honors via the Georgia Coaches Association...PERSONAL: Full name: Jaden Asher Gaines...Son of James and Chermayne Gaines...Has one sister, Jordan Cameron...Business major.
Jez Janvier OL 6-5 315 Fr. Montreal, Quebec, Canada-Cegep Vieux Montreal
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cegep Vieux Montreal High School and played under Head Coach Renaldo Sagesse...Rated as a three-star recruit by both ESPN and 247Sports...Also played baseball and basketball...PERSONAL: Full name: Jez Janvier...Son of Perez Janvier and Jessy Louisville...Has one sister, Nissy Louisville...Kinesiology major.
Greg Kelley DB 6-2 215 Fr. Leander, Texas-Leander
EMU: 2021: Part of EMU's 2021 signing class after practicing with EMU during the 2020 season...2020: Did not see any game action, but practiced with the team...TEXAS: Attended a walk-on tryout for the Longhorns...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Leander High School and played under Head Coaches Clint Harper and Tony Salazar as a Lion...Selected first-team all-district and second team academic all-state...Named Central Texas Special Teams Player of the Year...PERSONAL: Full name: Gregory Raymond Kelley...Husband to wife, Gaebri...Son of Douglas and Rosa Kelley...Has a sister, Lisa, and brothers, Aldo, Marlon, Doug, and Jonathan...Exercise science major.
Dexter Manior DL 6-2 300 So. Rincon, Ga.-Rockdale County-U.S. Naval Academy
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...Transferred in from U.S. Naval Academy...Will join EMU for the Winter 2021 semester as a mid-year enrollee...NAVY: Was a member of the 2019 Autozone Liberty Bowl championship team under Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Rockdale County High School before going to the Naval Academy Prep School during the 2018-19 academic year...A three-sport athlete who earned letters in baseball (3), football (4) and track & field (1)...Was a two-time All-Region 8-7A selection - first team as a senior and second team as a junior...Garnered first team all-area honors as a senior...Selected to play in the 2017 Georgia Coaches Association North/South All-Star Game...Was a member of the Rockdale County HS team that claimed the 2016 Region 5A Championship...Totalled 22 TFLs, six sacks, 450 receiving yards, and four touchdowns as a senior...Also was a four-year letterwinner in baseball...PERSONAL: Full name: Dexter Manior...Son of Gregory and Janine Manior...Father played running back at N.C. State from 1989-92...Has a sister, Daria...Political science major.
JB Mitchell III WR 6-1 195 Fr. Alabaster,Ala.-Thompson
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Thompson High School and played for Head Coach Mark Freeman as a Warrior...Part of one of the best teams in Alabama for the past two years with a 26-1 record since 2019 and consecutive 7A state championships...Played in 37 career games with 177 catches, 2,589 yards receiving, and 26 touchdowns...Averaged 70.0 yards per game and 14.6 yards per catch...As a senior, grabbed 70 balls for 1,163 yards and 12 scores...Named First Team 2020 Alabama MaxPreps All-State...Selected to participate in the 34th Annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery...Snagged 53 balls as a junior for 682 yards and eight TDs...As a sophomore, notched 54 catches for 744 and six touchdowns...Also a part of the school's basketball team...PERSONAL: Full name: JB Mitchell III...Son of James and April Mitchell...Has a brother, Parker.
Bryson Moss RB 5-11 200 Fr.-Fr. Newman, Ga.-Newman
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Newman High School and played under Head Coach Chip Walker as a Cougar...Ranked as a three-star recruit by Scout and by 247Sports' composite rankings...Considered the No. 161 overall player in the State of Georgia by Scout and ESPN...Finished his senior season with 782 yards on the ground over 147 total carries, good for a 5.3 yards per rush average...Averaged 18 rushes per game for 71.1 total yards per contest during his final campaign as a Cougar...Helped lead his team to a 9-2 overall record during his most recent season...Had two games with 100+ rushing yards between 2019-20...Started as a freshman and sophomore before suffering a season-ending injury during his junior season...Compiled an impressive 3.6 GPA in the classroom at Newman High School...Attended Evans Middle School and played on a team that featured 12 future college football players...PERSONAL: Full name: Bryson Tyshaun Moss...Son of Tony and Tiffany Moss...Has one brother, Bryant...Business major.
Andreas Paaske TE 6-7 230 Fr. Copenhagen, Denmark-Søllerød Senior-Denmark Gold Diggers
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...Will join EMU for the Winter 2021 semester as a mid-year enrollee...HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Søllerød Gold Diggers in the in Danish National League... Had two catches for 70 yards and a touchdown in a 56-0 win over the Aarhus Tigers...Was named the team MVP in 2018 and 2019 and selected as the best player at the tight end position in Denmark...Selected to Denmark's 45-man U19 National Team roster that participated in the IFAF 2019 U19 European Championships in Bologna, Italy...Caught eight passes for 74 yards against Team France...PERSONAL: Full name: Andreas Keldskov Paaske...Son of Lars and Gitte Paaske...Has a twin brother, Rasmus, who played basketball for the National Team...International business management major.
Peyton Price DL 6-2 300 Fr.-Fr. Lafayette, Ind.-Jefferson
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lafayette's Jefferson High School where he played under Head Coach Pat Shanely as a Broncho...Rated as a three-star recruit in 247Sports' composite ranking system...Considered the No 33/39 overall player in the Hoosier State according to 247Sports and 247Sports' composite ratings, respectively...Helped anchor the defense that propelled Jefferson to a 10-1 record during his senior season...Racked up 90 tackles, including 54 solo stops, on the season...Contributed 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in his senior season...Was a four-time letterwinner for the Bronchos, and finished his prep career with four North Central Conference titles...Finished his career with 124 total tackles, with more than 30 for loss...Also played basketball in high school...Price's older brother Brian, a played Division I football at Texas-San Antonio under EMU Defensive Coordinator Neal Neathery before a career in the NFL, where he spent time with the Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns and currently the Jacksonville Jaguars...PERSONAL: Full name: Peyton Ware Price...Son of Brian and Lisa Price...Has one brother, Brian...Criminology major.
Cole Rusk TE 6-6 230 Fr.-Fr. Rock Island, Ill.-Rock Island
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Rock Island High School and played under Head Coach Ben Hammer as a Rock...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and as a two-star recruit by Rivals...Rated as the No. 59/60 overall player in the State of Illinois by 247Sports...Has not suited up for Rock Island as the season was postponed until the spring of 2021 due to COVID-19 protocols...Spent the majority of his prep career at Rockridge High School out of Taylor, Ill...Caught 39 passes for 684 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season with Rockridge (2019)...Earned First Team All-Three Rivers Conference's Rock Division a season ago...Split time between tight end and cornerback at Rockridge...Was a three-time letterwinner for Rockridge...His 684-yard junior season is an all-time single-season record at the school...Played varsity basketball as well...PERSONAL: Full name: Cole Wesley Rusk...Son of Steve and Joan Rusk...Has one sister, Hanna...Undecided major.
Quentavius Scandrett DB 6-3 200 Fr. Hampton, Ga.-Lovejoy
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lovejoy High School where he played under Head Coach Edgar Carson as a Wildcat...Played both ways for the team as a wide receiver and defensive back...In 2020, tallied 48 tackles, nine breakups, three interceptions, and a touchdown...Selected all-region...Caught a 53-yard touchdown pass midway through the third quarter to break a 7-7 tie with Tucker in a region 4-6A game...The win was the first-ever over Tucker and helped Lovejoy improved to 7-0 for the first time since 2011...Selected to play in the rising seniors game featuring players from Georgia versus Florida...PERSONAL: Full name: Quentavius D'shaun Scandrett...Son of Vincent and Antoinette Scandrett...Has two brothers, Dontrez and Tramius...Biology major.
Steven Scheidt LB 6-2 236 So. Clovis, Calif.-Buchanan-Fresno City College
EMU: 2021: Part of EMU's 2021 signing class after playing the 2020 season for EMU...2020: Played in four games for EMU...Notched six tackles, including a season-best three stops at Ball State (Nov. 11)..Had two tackles against Northern Illinois (Dec. 12) in the team's season finale...FRESNO CITY: Spent a year as a Ram under Head Coach Tony Caviglia...Led the team with 60 tackles (37 solo, 23 assist)...Notched 7.5 tackles-for-loss in 11 games...Named first team all-conference and preseason all-american...Team won the Valley Conference Championship with a perfect 5-0 record...Had nine stops against the College of the Sequoias and at San Mateo...HIGH SCHOOL: Was a two-time letterman under Head Coach Matt Giordano as a Bear...During his senior season, totaled 110 tackles, 10 TFLs, two fumbles forced, one sack, and one fumble recovery...Named City County All-Star defensive captain, North South All-Star defensive captain, and Defensive Coaches Award...Selected first team all-conference and first team all-valley...PERSONAL: Full Name: Steven Rix Scheidt...Son of Rick and Rae Ann Scheidt…Has two sisters, Sara and Amanda...Undecided major.
Austin Smith QB 6-2 190 Fr.-Fr. Ellenwood, Ga.-Cedar Grove
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...Will join EMU for the Winter 2021 semester as a mid-year enrollee...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cedar Grove High School and played under Head Coach Miguel Patrick as a Saint...Ranked as a two-star recruit by Rivals and as a three-star recruit by 247Sports...Compiled 20 offers, nearly all of which were from Division I institutions...Considered the No. 184/187 player from the football powerhouse State of Georgia by 247Sports and the 247Sports composite rankings...A dual-threat quarterback that threw for 985 yards on 65-of-107 passing during his senior season at CGHS...Threw for eight touchdowns and just one interception...Ran for 206 yards on the ground and three TDs in just five games during his senior season...Helped lead the Saints to two Class AAA state championships in Georgia, including a 13-2 overall record during the 2019 campaign...Was a two-time captain for his high school squad...Earned preseason all-state honors prior to his senior season...Also ran track in high school...PERSONAL: Full name: Austin Perry Smith...Son of Charles and Ricci Smith...Has two brothers, Justin and Jeremy Populus...Undecided major.
Cameron Smith DB 6-2 180 Fr.-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio-Euclid
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Euclid High School and played under Head Coach Jeff Rostky as a Panther...Rated as a three-star recruit by Scout and 247Sports...Ranked as the No. 52/56 overall player in the State of Ohio by the same outlets...Played safety for a EHS varsity squad that finished 5-3 in his senior season...Finished the campaign with better than 40 tackles...Recorded three interceptions, including one pick-six during his final season as a prep player...Added two fumble recoveries and 12 pass break-ups to his impressive stat line...Was a two-time First Team All-Greater Cleveland Conference honoree and two time all-state honoree in Ohio...Also excelled in baseball and track as a Panther...Finished his junior season with 50 tackles and three interceptions, two of which went for touchdowns...Broke up 11 passes and forced a pair of fumbles...PERSONAL: Full name: Cameron Joseph Smith...Son of William and Brittney Brown...Has two brothers, Chase and Darsean, and three sisters, Lai, Aniya, and Courtney...Undecided major.
Dylan Summers WR 6-1 180 So. Chicago, Ill.-Brother Rice-Cornell
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program...Transferred in from Cornell...CORNELL: Made his collegiate debut in 2019 against Columbia in the Empire State Bowl victory...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Brother Rice High School and played under Head Coach Brian Badke as a Crusader...Named Offensive Player of the Year at Brother Rice HS as a senior wide receiver...Earned second-team all-state honors after catching 78 passes for 1,228 yards and piling up 16 total touchdowns in his final season...Was a first-team all-conference pick...Had 12 consecutive games with a TD...Named the CCL Blue Offensive Player of the Year as well as the team's Offensive MVP...Part of a team that won the NFA 7-on-7 national championship and the Pylon 7v7 national title...Also part of the school's track and baseball teams...PERSONAL: Full name: Dylan James Summers...Son of James and Traci Summers...Has three sisters, Taylor, Mandy, and Emma, and a brother, Casey... Exercise science major.
Melvin Swindle II DL 6-3 300 Fr. Oklahoma City, Okla.-Heritage Hall
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Heritage Hall High School and played under Head Coach Brett Bogert as a Charger...Rated as a three-star player by 247Sports...Ranked as the state's eighth-best prospect by Rivals, while coming in at No. 9 according to ESPN...As a senior, was ranked eighth in the Super 50 in Oklahoma City as well as No. 19 in The Oklahoman Preseason Super 30...Listed No. 21 in OkPreps.com Preseason Top 6 as well as No. 22 in VYPE Oklahoma's Top 100...Had 38 tackles, eight TFLs, four sacks, a safety and an interception...As a junior in 2019, collected Second Team All-State honors on the offensive line by The Oklahoman and the Tulsa World...Earned 2019 all-city accolades by The Oklahoman...Part of ESPN's Top 300 in the Class of 2021 (#227)...Earned the team's Outstanding OL Award from 2017-19...Part of two state titles in football, two state titles in basketball, four district championships, two semifinals, and a state runner-up in basketball...PERSONAL: Full name: Melvin Earl Swindle II...Son of Melvin and Gayle Swindle...Has two brothers, Melvin and Lantez, and two sisters, Sheronica and Melody...Communication major.
Daniel Warnsman OL 6-4 300 Fr. Dublin, Ohio-Dublin Coffman
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Dublin Coffman High School and played under Head Coach Mark Crabtree as a Shamrock...Rated as a three-star player by ESPN and a two-star recruit by 247Sports...Notched three varsity letters for football...Earned First Team All-Central District and all-league honors as a senior...Also earned honorable mention all-state accolades...As a junior, collected second team all-conference as well as honorable mention all-district...Team was back-to-back conference champions in 2019 and 2020...Squad advanced to the regional final in 2018 and 2019...PERSONAL: Full name: Daniel Farren Warnsman...Son of Dale and Monica Warnsman...Has a brother, Kyle, and a sister, Emma...Business major.
Zach Westmoreland WR 6-2 200 So. Joplin, Mo.-Joplin-Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...NOAM: Spent his first semester of college with the NEO A&M Golden Norseman, but never actually got to see a game due to the coronavirus pandemic...The June after he graduated high school, suffered a Jones fracture in his foot that put him out for roughly five months...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Joplin High School and played under Head Coach Curtis Jasper as an Eagle...Played in 41 career games with 254 catches for 3,539 yards and 41 touchdowns...Averaged 13.9 yards per catch and 86.3 yards per game...Overall, found the endzone 74 times either receiving or rushing...Holds the school-record for most receiving yards and most receptions, along with the long jump and javelin records in track...As a senior, grabbed 105 balls for 1,655 yard and 21 scores...Had a career-long 95 yard touchdown strike in 2019...Was an integral part to Joplin's 2019 squad that contended for a state championship...Was a three-time first team all-state player at wide receiver and kick returner...As a junior, tallied 959 yards and 13 scores, while adding 74 catches for 921 yards and six TDs in 2017...Also ran for 841 yards and 24 touchdowns...Had one game with 100-or-more yards on the ground, including 8.6 yards per carry...Also a member of the school's baseball, track, and basketball teams...PERSONAL: Full name: Zachary Westmoreland...Son of Dantley Harbin, Tejuan Lockett, John Westmoreland, Christie Furest, and Ashley Westmorland...Has five brothers, Aiden, Tay, LJ, Carter, and Bryce, and four sisters, Olivia, Lydia, Braylee, and Mariah...Social work major.