In total, EMU has added 23 fresh faces to the roster for the upcoming season after seven players committed during the Early Signing Period in December.
The newest additions include 10 offensive players, five defensive players and a punter from 10 different states. Seven of the signees hail from the State of Michigan. EMU added five wide receivers, three offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two safeties, two linebackers, and a cornerback.
"We continue to find great fits for our program here at Eastern Michigan and this second signing period is certainly another example of that" said Head Coach Chris Creighton, who is set to enter his ninth season. "We are so close to another major breakthrough and our 2022 class is going to play a huge role in making that breakthrough happen. We are celebrating a great group of young men today."
Overall, the highly anticipated class features 17 student-athletes that will be "true" freshmen next season. Of that group, five have earned a three-star ranking from 247Sports, while a pair also received a three-star ranking from either ESPN or Rivals. One player was rated as a three-star prospect by each of those major recruiting services. The class also features the signing of two highly-rated transfers, both from "Power Five" institutions, as well as highly-rated graduate transfers at both the quarterback and wide out positions.
Eastern Michigan returns to the gray turf for its first spring practice in early March. The session kicks off a string of 15 practice dates during a four-week period that culminates with the program's annual spring football game in April.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's newest additions...
Tommy Dickinson OT 6-5 270 Fr. Collegeville, Pa.-Methacton
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Brian Kennedy as a Warrior...Was a three-year letterwinner and two-year starter...As a senior, earned First Team Mercury All-Area honors and First Team All-PAC accolades...Finished with 57 pancakes and no sacks allowed...The team's 4-3 finish in 2020 was the program's first winning season since 2014...Squad improved every year, starting at 1-9 as a freshman to 3-7 as a sophomore...Selected to the Al-PAC all-star team following his senior year...Also a two-time letterwinner in track...PERSONAL: Full name: Thomas Dickinson...Son of Tom and Meredith Dickinson...Has two sisters, Brittany and Julia... Brittany played field hockey at Wake Forest (2015-18), while Julia played at Ohio State (2018-22)...Mom played field hockey at Penn State (1991-95), while his aunts also played (Melanie Blakemore - Ohio State- 1989-93; Jennifer Mandracchia - Drexel - 2002-06)...Undecided major.
Hamze El-Zayat WR 5-10 185 Gr. Dearborn, Mich.-Fordson-Fordham
EMU: 2022: Transfers into EMU and will be part of the team during the spring...FORDHAM: A two-year starter...Moved into a starting role at wide receiver as a junior in 2019...Led team in receptions, second in receiving yards...Rebounded from an injury as a freshman to see action in six games as a sophomore...Named to the 2018 and 2020-21 Patriot League Academic Honor Roll...2020-21: Started two games at wide receiver...Caught seven passes for 90 yards...Grabbed six passes for 74 yards at Holy Cross...2019: Named Phil Steele Third Team All-Patriot League...Started all 12 games at wide out as a junior...Led team with 62 receptions for 642 yards with four touchdowns...Second on team in receiving yards and touchdowns...Third in Patriot League in receptions/game (5.3)...Made nine catches for 66 yards at Stony Brook, Sept. 21...Also had nine receptions for 95 yards at Colgate, Nov. 9...Grabbed nine passes for a career-high 122 yards vs. Holy Cross, Nov. 16...Caught eight passes for 70 yards with two touchdowns in season opener versus CCSU, Aug. 31...Finished with six receptions for 68 yards at Bryant...Recorded five catches for 37 yards in win over Bucknell, Nov. 23...Had three catches for 62 yards at Ball State, Sept. 7...Made three catches for 23 yards at Yale, Oct. 5...Recorded three receptions for 36 yards vs. Lehigh, Oct. 19...Had three catches for 33 yards and one score at Lafayette, Nov. 2...2018: Appeared in six games as a sophomore...2017: Appeared in one game as a freshman...HIGH SCHOOL: A graduate of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Mich., where he lettered in football for Head Coach Fouad Zaban...2016 MLive First Team All-State...2016 Detroit News First Team All-Metro...Named 2016 Wayne County First Team All-Area...2016 First Team All-Conference selection...Named team Most Valuable Player of the Year...Named team Offensive Player of the Year...Served as a team captain for football, basketball and track...Broke school record as part of the 4x100 relay...Named All-League in basketball...Named Male Athlete of the Year...PERSONAL: Full name: Hamze El-Zayat...Son of Sue Zaban and Gahad Elzayat...Has a younger brother, Mohamed-Ali...An International Political Economy major.
Quinn Fracassi WR 6-1 170 Fr. Howell, Mich.-South Lyon
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Jeff Henson as a Lion...Set the school record for most receptions in a season and career, most yards receiving in a season and career, longest interception return for TD, and the three longest kick returns for TDs, including state record 99 yard return...As a senior, recorded 62 receptions, 757 yards receiving, and 22 touchdowns...Finished the year with 2,225 total yards as well as eight interceptions and 32 tackles on defense...Paced South Lyon to the Division 2 semifinals as a threat any time he got the ball as a senior...Besides his pass-catching stats, rushed for seven touchdowns and 506 yards, and scored four more TDs returning kicks...Both of his passes resulted in touchdowns as well...Holds several team records and seven touchdowns, returned kicks and scored four TDs...Collected first team all-state Associated Press, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, and MHSFCA accolades...Team posted an undefeated regular season, while collecting league, district and regional championships...Also a member of the basketball team...PERSONAL: Full name: Quinn Murphy Fracassi...Son of Todd and Katie Fracassi...Dad played baseball at University of Michigan...Has a two brothers, Connor and Braden...Braden is the quarterback for South Lyon, and another brother, Connor, who plays for John Carroll...Business major.
Nicholas Gallegos OL 6-4 270 Fr. Naperville, Ill.-Neuqua Valley
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Played high school football as a member of the Neuqua Valley Wildcats under Head Coach Bill Ellinghaus...Earned three varsity letters...Helped lead his team to a 10-2 overall record during his senior campaign...Was a two-time all-conference selection and two-time all-conference academic team honoree...Earned all-area honors for his play during his senior year...Had an 87 percent block effective rate in 2021...PERSONAL: Full Name: Nicholas Javier Gallegos...Son on Jose and Nicholas Gallegos...Has a brother, Gregory, and a sister, Claudia...Biology intent.
Ryan Kingston P 6-5 195 Fr. South Bend, Ind.-Riley
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Justin Kinzie as a Wildcat...Ranked as the 19th-best punter in the nation on Kohl's...Holds the school record for highest punt average in school history...Kicked the longest field goal and punt in school history...Notched a 45.3 yard average on 23 attempts as a senior...Had 10 punts downed inside the 20...Collected Indiana 4A All-State honors...Earned First Team Northern Indiana Conference North-South Football team honors in 2020 and 2021...Grabbed NIC Academic All-Conference accolades as a senior...Selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl at AT&T Stadium...Attended the Kohl's National Scholarship Camp and graded out at the five-star level...Garnered Youth of the Month honors in January 2022, which is awarded to someone who has demonstrated a commitment to inspiring others through teamwork, dedication, or service to others...Also took part in soccer and track...PERSONAL: Full name: Ryan Cassidy Kingston...Son of Paul and Beverly Kingston...Has a brother, Conor...Electrical Engineering major.
Darius Lassiter WR 6-3 200 Jr. Lawrence, Kan.-Lawrence Free State-Butler C.C.
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program after beginning his collegiate career in the junior college ranks...BUTLER CC: Played in 17 career games for Grizzlies with 51 career receptions for 18.1 yards per reception...2022: Played in all 10 contests, racking up 37 receptions for 707 yards and 10 touchdowns...Averaged 70.7 yards per game via the air and 19.1 yards per catch...Selected first team all-conference and was named to the NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American team...Hauled in seven balls for 132 yard and three scores against Independence...Also caught seven balls for 108 yards at Hutchinson..Finished the year with seven games with a TD and three with more than 100-yards receiving...His 37 receptions was 22nd in the nation, and second in the Jayhawk Conference...The 10 touchdowns were fourth in the nation, and his 707 yards was good enough for 12th...His 70.7 yards per game and 19.1 yards per catch were both good enough for top 15 in the nation...2021: Played in six games during the spring with 13 catches for 206 yards and three TDs...Earned honorable mention all-conference accolades...2020: Played in one game, notched one reception for 10 yards...HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Lawrence Free State...PERSONAL: Full Name: Darius Antony Lassiter...Son of Kwamie and Ericka Lassiter...Has four brothers, Kj, Kwinton, Kwincy, Eric...Has two sisters, Aaliyah and Charmaine... His uncle, Kwamie Lassiter, was also an All-American while at Butler Kwamie earned the honors while playing in the 1990 season, before going onto a veteran NFL career that led to him being honored in the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2021...Fire Science major.
Barry Manning SAF 6-1 190 Fr. Stone Mountain, Ga.-Tucker
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit…HIGH SCHOOL: Was a two-time letterwinner and a team captain as a member of the Tucker High School varsity team...Was named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's All-Region 4-6A Team as a senior...In 11 games, recorded 45 receptions for 782 yards and five scores...Averaged 17.4 yards per catch and 4.1 receptions per game...On defense had 37 tackles (27 solo, 10 assist), two tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery...Set the school record with 212 receiving yards in a single-game...Nominated for the DeKalb County Player of the Year...Also played baseball and basketball...PERSONAL: Full Name: Barry Eugene Manning Jr....Son of Barry Manning Sr. and Kennetha Wright Manning...Has three sisters, Kyla, Kennedi, and Kassidy...Business intent.
Jason Marshall SAF 6-2 175 Fr. Trenton, Mich.-Trenton
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Played high school football under Chris Franco as a member of the Trenton varsity squad...Put together an impressive season at defensive back, finishing with 46 total tackles (25 solo, 21 assisted)...Added four pass break ups and one interception...Played wide out, where he hauled in 10 catches for 189 yards and four scores...Selected honorable mention all-state and all-Region...Played every snap in the 2021 Legacy Senior All Star Game...Also played Baseball, Basketball, Track...PERSONAL: Full Name: Jason Herman Marshall...Son of David and Denise Marshall...Has two sisters, Ashley and Allison...His father, David, played football for Eastern Michigan from 1989-91...Engineering intent.
Cam'Ron McCoy QB 6-2 180 Fr. St. Louis, Mo.-St. Mary's
EMU: 2022: Enrolled in classes and will take part in spring practice with the team...Is a dual sport athlete as a member of the EMU baseball team...HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Corey Bethany at St. Mary's High School in St. Louis, Mo...Ranked as a three star recruit by 247Sports...As a senior, racked up 38 passing touchdowns, 15 rushing touchdowns, and 3,118 passing yards...Set the school's record with seven passing touchdowns in a game...Finished with an 11-3 mark as a senior...Collected all-state, all-metro quarterback, and all-conference honors...Selected to participate in the Blue-Grey Football All-American Bowl at AT&T Stadium...On the baseball field, throws from a 3/4 arm slot...Fastball in the 90s and and curve ball with late movement...PERSONAL: Full name: Cam'Ron McCoy...Son of Mike McCoy and Lakisha Winder...Has a brother, Anthony, and a sister, Journee...Business major.
Cole McElvany LB 6-2 210 Fr. Milan, Mich.-Milan
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterwinner and two-time team captain for the Milan Big Reds...Played under Head Coach Jesse Hoskins...Doubled as both the starting quarterback and a starting linebacker during his high school career...Led Milan to an 8-3 overall record in 2021...Threw for 1,177 yards and nine touchdowns during his senior campaign...Added 1,185 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground...Defensively, racked up 104 tackles, including 10 tackles-for-loss...Added a pair of interceptions...Finished No. 3 in Milan history in rushing yards and eighth in passing yards in a season...Was a first team All-State selection in Michigan following his senior season...Earned second team All-State honors in Michigan the year prior...Earned First Team All-State academic honors as awarded by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA)...Was a two-time All-Huron League first team selection, and one-time second team honoree...Was named Monroe County's All-Region quarterback in 2021...Was named to the 2021 Ann Arbor Dream Team as both a first team offensive and second team defensive selection...Was a First Team MHSFCA All-Region selection...In two seasons as the starting QB, he accounted for more than 4,000 yards of total offense and 51 total touchdowns...Led Milan to a pair of district championships and a league title while in high school...PERSONAL: Full name: Cole Martin McElvany...Son of Josh and Jaymen McElvany...Has a brother, Tanner, and a sister, Madison...Education intent.
Taylor Powell QB 6-2 207 Gr. Fayetteville, Ark.-Fayetteville-Troy
EMU: 2022: Enrolled in classes and will take part in spring practice with the team...TROY: 2021: Played in eight games, starting five...Completed 125-of-189 passes for 1,251 yards and seven touchdowns...Averaged 178.7 yards per game via the air...Ran the ball 19 times, finding the endzone once against Southern (9-4)...Tossed for a season-high 311 yards and two TDs at ULM (9-25)...Was 35-for-49 against ULM...Threw for 255 yards and two scores against Southern Miss, Sept. 18...Also had two passing TDs against Southern, Sept. 4, while going 17-for-37 and 231 yards...Ranked 117th in the NCAA in passing touchdowns and 118th in passing yards...MISSOURI: 2019: Played in six games during his redshirt sophomore season, including one start, and completed 29-of-62 passes for 297 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions…Threw his first career touchdown against Arkansas, his hometown college, in the season finale, Nov. 29, a 10-yard strike to former Arkansas WR Jonathan Nance…He went 8-for-14 in that game vs. Arkansas for 105 yards, coming off the bench to replace starter Connor Bazelak who left the game during the first half with a torn ACL…Made his first career start on the road at No. 4 Georgia, going 10-for-22 for 84 yards…Went 6-for-8 for 57 yards against Troy, Oct. 5...2018: Earned his first collegiate letter serving as the primary understudy to star QB Drew Lock, and saw action in six games overall, completing 6-of-14 passes for 134 yards...Went 4-for-9 for 105 yards, including a career-long 44-yard completion in the season-opener vs. UT Martin in what was his first playing time as a Tiger…Also saw time vs. Wyoming, Sept. 8, as he was the first QB off the bench in relief of Drew Lock in Mizzou's two early season wins…Played in MU's Homecoming win over Memphis, Oct. 20, completing 1-of-3 passes for 23 yards, and closed the regular season by completing a pass for six yards against hometown school Arkansas, Nov. 23, with the pass going to his high school teammate, WR Barrett Banister...An outstanding student who was named to the SEC's 2018 Academic Honor Roll...Closed 2019 spring camp by throwing a 30-yard touchdown pass in the 2019 Black & Gold Spring Game to WR Kam Scott...Ended the game completing 10-of-20 passes for 142 yards and the one touchdown, to go with one interception...2017: Redshirt season...Made good impressions throughout the year running the scout team offense, showing good athleticism, versatility and mobility...Did very well in the classroom, and was recognized on the 2017-18 First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll, for his efforts...HIGH SCHOOL: Arkansas prep player of the year who was a big late recruiting win for Mizzou…Was a top-20 national quarterback prospect, according to ESPN.com…Lead his team to consecutive Class 7A state championships in 2015 and 2016…Was named the title game's Most Valuable Player each time…Finished his career fifth all-time in Arkansas history for passing yardage (10,413) and eighth all-time in touchdown passes (113)…Capped his storied career by winning the 2016 Landers Award, given annually to the Arkansas state player of the year, while he was also named the Gatorade Arkansas Player of the Year, as well as the 2016 ArkansasVarsity.com Mr. Football award…As a senior, threw for 3,473 yards and an eye-popping 44 touchdowns on 237-of-348 passing, while also scoring seven times with his feet…In the 2016 state title game, led the way by throwing four touchdowns and 265 passing yards as Fayetteville downed North Little Rock by a 53-19 score…The Bulldogs finished 13-1 on the year, and were ranked No. 20 in the nation by MaxPreps...PERSONAL: Full name: Taylor Wilson Powell...Son of Mark and Elizabeth Powell...Has one sister, Kailey...Quality management major.
Adam Rammouni WR 6-2 190 Fr. Dearborn, Mich.-Dearborn
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterwinner and two-time team captain as a member of the Dearborn High School varsity squad...Played under Head Coach Alex Grignon as a member of the Pioneers...Doubled as both a wide out and free safety during his prep days...Totaled 62 receptions for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns during his senior campaign...Defensively, recorded 59 tackles, six interceptions, and 10 pass break ups...Was a two-time Kensington Lakes Athletics Association All-Conference selection...Was named the team's MVP in 2021...Earned First Team All-State academic honors as awarded by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA)...Played as part of the Legacy All-Star Game following his senior campaign...PERSONAL: Full Name: Adam Zead Rammouni...Son of David and Brenda Rammouni...Has a brother, Ali, and a sister, Lena...Exercise science intent.
Amar'e Reed LB 6-1 220 Fr. Canton, Mich.-Canton
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Andy Lafata as a Chief...As a senior, recorded 35 tackles, 10 solo tackles, eight tackles-for-loss and two sacks in seven games...Also a member of the basketball team...PERSONAL: Amar'e Ali Reed...Son of Fred and Lashannon Reed...Dad, Fred, coaches the safeties and is the Defensive Pass Game Coordinator for EMU...Has a sister, Khamara...Criminology major.
Joshua Scott CB 6-0 180 So. Antioch, Calif.-Deer Valley-City College of San Francisco
EMU: 2022: Enrolled in classes and will take part in spring practice with the team...CITY COLLEGE OF SF: Spent the 2021 season as a defensive back with the City College of San Francisco...Played in 13 games...Recorded 25 solo tackles and six assisted stops...Finished with two interceptions...Added eight pass break ups and one sack...HIGH SCHOOL: Was a multi-year letterwinner and two-time team captain with the Deer Valley Wolverines, playing under Head Coach Robert Hubbard...Played both quarterback and defensive back while in high school...Threw for 1,005 yards and seven touchdowns during his senior campaign...Added 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground...Defensively, recorded 40 tackles and two interceptions during his final campaign...Recorded 13 pass deflections...Led Deer Valley to a 13-0 season and California State Championship in his senior season...PERSONAL: Full Name: Joshua Christian Scott...Son of David and Trisha Scott...Has three brothers, Madison Alexander, Dante Dixson, and Deion Dixson, and a sister, Destinee Dixson...Business major.
Chase Smith WR 6-1 175 Fr. Columbia, S.C.-Ridge View
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Derek Howard as a Blazer...Had 41 receptions, six touchdowns, and no dropped passes in 2021...Most of his catches occurred on third or fourth down to move the chains...Set the program record for least drops in a season with at least 30 catches...As a senior, helped the squad advance to the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs for the first time... Awarded Most Valuable Wide Receiver honors in 2021 and selected for I-20 All-Star Game...Transferred from Blythewood to Ridge View as a senior...Also participated in basketball and track...PERSONAL: Full name: Chase William Smith...Son of Craig Smith and Kathy Tart...Has a brother, Donovan, and four sisters, Riley, Cierra, Bree, and Calyn....Engineering major.
Dennis Strey Jr. OL 6-7 305 Fr. Paw Paw, Mich.-Paw Paw
EMU: 2022: Joins the EMU football program as an incoming recruit...HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Head Coach Matt Stephens as a Red Wolf...Three-year letterwinner and one-time captain...Team rushed for more than 3,000 yards for three consecutive years...Earned honorable mention all-state team by the Associated Press as a senior...Earned first team all-state honors, twice selected first team all-region and all-conference...Led team tackles-for-loss...Voted Kalamazoo area's top impact football player for 2021 season...As a junior, led the Red Wolves to a 6-3 record by paving the way for a rushing offense that collected over 1,000 yards in six regular season games and was held under 200 yards just twice..Also participated in basketball and track...PERSONAL: Full name: Dennis Edward Strey Jr....Son of Dennis and Jennifer Strey....Has a brother, Darrin, and a sister, Millie...Father was an All-American offensive lineman at Ferris State University...Father was an assistant coach at Paw Paw and got to coach both sons in 2021...Engineering major.