YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Chris Creighton officially welcomed 25 student-athletes to the football program Wednesday, Feb. 3, on National Signing Day. All have committed to join the Eagles for the 2016 campaign.
The class includes 12 defensive and 13 offensive players representing 11 different states with eight recruits signing out of Michigan, four from Florida, three from Indiana, and two each from California and Ohio. On defense, EMU adds six on the defensive line, five recruits in the defensive backfield and a linebacker, while signing four offensive linemen, three tight ends, three wide receivers, two quarterbacks and a running back on offense.
"Today is a great day for Eastern Michigan football," said Creighton." We have added . . .
The class includes 12 defensive and 13 offensive players representing 11 different states with eight recruits signing out of Michigan, four from Florida, three from Indiana, and two each from California and Ohio. On defense, EMU adds six on the defensive line, five recruits in the defensive backfield and a linebacker, while signing four offensive linemen, three tight ends, three wide receivers, two quarterbacks and a running back on offense.
"Today is a great day for Eastern Michigan football," said Creighton." We have added . . .
. . . quality people who are both talented and passionate to our football family. We look for young men who have courage and confidence, guys who will make a positive difference on and off the field, and we have found them. Our staff has done a great job in strategically and creatively building this team by awarding scholarships to five players last fall, four at the mid-year and those that have signed today."
The highly anticipated class features 17 different players ranked by the national recruiting services, including 10 rated as three-star prospects.
The class of 2016 includes five players that were previously enrolled in the fall of 2015. Those student-athletes include: Dieuly Aristilde (Boynton Beach, Fla.-Boynton Beach), Sam Browning (Escondido, Calif.-Escondido-Palomar C.C.), Sam Girodat (Jackson, Mich.-Lumen Christi), Nigel Kilby (Fort Wayne, Ind.-Northrop) and Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc-Pittsburgh).
Jimmy Leatiota (San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox-College of San Mateo), Steven Nielsen (Dragoer, Denmark-La Lumiere (Ind.) School), Willie Parker (Lutz, Fla.-Carrollwood Day School) and Todd Porter (O'Fallon, Ill.-O'Fallon-Western Kentucky-Garden City C.C.) are also enrolled in classes at EMU and are expected to take part in spring practice.
The Eagles begin preparations for the 2016 schedule Thursday, March 3, when they hit the field for the first time in the spring. The annual spring game will be held Saturday, April 2, inside "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium.
Season ticket deposits are now being taken for just $25 per seat. Place your deposit today to renew your seats from 2015 or to ensure the best available seat locations for the upcoming season. Season tickets are just $75 per seat including all six home games. In addition, there is a brand new Ultimate Fan package available for 2016 which includes a padded chair back seat on the 50 yard line, free parking, a food voucher and a VIP discount card to local businesses. For more information, please call the EMU Athletics Ticket Office at 734.487.2282.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's signees…
2016 Eastern Michigan University Football Recruits
Name Pos. Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School
Vincent Calhoun S 5-11 171 Fr.-Fr. Middletown, Ohio-Middletown
Rashon Davis DB 5-11 165 Fr.-Fr. St. Louis, Mo.-Christian Brothers College
Jake Donnellon OL 6-5 280 Fr.-Fr. Ann Arbor, Mich.-Gabriel Richard
Clayton Dryfuse DE 6-4 235 Fr.-Fr. Tiffin, Ohio-Columbian
Ohaji Hawkins CB 6-2 166 Jr.-Jr. Winter Haven, Fla.-Winter Haven
Joe Keels DE 6-3 265 Sr.-Sr. Kenosha, Wis.-Bradford-Highland CC-Nebraska
Jimmy Leatiota OL 6-3 290 So.-So. San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox-College of San Mateo
Tyler Lyle LB 6-0 210 Fr.-Fr. Kalamazoo, Mich.-Kalamazoo Central
Chase Lynch DL 6-4 210 Fr.-Fr. Fenton, Mich.-Fenton
Steven Nielsen OL 6-8 320 Fr.-Fr. Dragoer, Denmark-La Lumiere (Ind.) School
Willie Parker RB 5-9 185 Fr.-Fr. Lutz, Fla.-Carrollwood Day School
Jalen Phelps CB 5-10 171 Fr.-Fr. Powder Springs, Ga.-Hillgrove
Jordan Porter S 6-0 190 Fr.-Fr. Colleyville, Texas-Heritage
Todd Porter QB 6-3 185 Jr.-Jr. O'Fallon, Ill.-O'Fallon-Western Kentucky-Garden City C.C.
Mathew Sexton WR 5-11 170 Fr.-Fr. Clinton, Mich.-Clinton
Mike Smith Jr. DL 6-3 290 Fr.-Fr. Frostproof, Fla.-Frostproof
Isaac Stiebeling QB 6-4 195 Fr.-Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind.-Snider
Mike Van Hoeven OL 6-5 304 Fr.-Fr. Paw Paw, Mich.-Paw Paw
Josh Wilkes WR 6-2 170 Fr.-Fr. Rock Hill, S.C.-South Pointe
Justice Williams DE 6-4 205 Fr.-Fr. Belleville, Mich.-Belleville
Part of the 2016 Class - Previously Enrolled in the Fall of 2015
Dieuly Aristilde WR 6-4 197 So.-Fr. Boynton Beach, Fla.-Boynton Beach
Sam Browning TE 6-5 233 Sr.-Sr. Escondido, Calif.-Escondido-Palomar C.C.
Sam Girodat TE 6-3 244 So.-Fr. Jackson, Mich.-Lumen Christi
Nigel Kilby TE 6-7 235 So.-Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind.-Northrop
Luke Maclean DL 6-5 261 Sr.-Jr. Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc-Pittsburgh
Jake Donnellon OL 6-5 280 Fr.-Fr. Ann Arbor, Mich.-Gabriel Richard
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor, Mich...Played under Head Coach Mike Girskis as a member of the Fighting Irish...Is the first player out of a Washtenaw County high school to commit to EMU since 2008...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 24/7 Sports, Rivals and Scout...Named to the 2015 Ann Arbor Dream Team after not allowing a sack all season...Played in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 9, 2016...As a junior was a co-captain and made the All-Catholic League as well as picking up honorable mention Detroit News All-Metro West honors...Was also all-state in track and field with a fifth-place finish in shot put...PERSONAL: Full name: Jacob Michael Donnellon...Son of Lawrence and Karen Donnellon...Has five brothers, Kevin, Adam, Nathan, Sean and Zak, and two sisters, Grace and Sarah...Nursing major.
Clayton Dryfuse DE 6-4 235 Fr.-Fr. Tiffin, Ohio-Columbian
EMU: Joins the Eagles as a preferred walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Columbian High School in Tiffin, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Brian Colatruglio as a member of the Tornadoes...Earned two varsity letters and was team captian as a senior...Earned first-team all-conference honors and was named second team All-Northwest Ohio by the Associated Press...Recorded 49 tackles, four sacks, recovered two fumbles and blocked a kick as a senior...Also lettered two seasons in basketball.
Ohaji Hawkins CB 6-2 166 Fr.-Fr. Winter Haven, Fla.-Winter Haven
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Winter Haven High School in Winter Haven, Fla....Played under Head Coach Charles Tate as a Blue Devil...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 24/7 Sports and a two-star by ESPN and Scout...Named one of the top five college prospects in his county by The Ledger, playing as both a corner and a free safety...Played for Winter Haven's varsity squad since he was a freshman...Recorded a handful of interceptions as a junior...Also plays basketball and track
Joe Keels DE 6-3 265 Sr.-Sr. Kenosha, Wis.-Bradford-Highland CC-Nebraska
NEBRASKA: Saw reserve action in 2014, played in five games, seeing action in the first three games, and also against Illinois and Rutgers...Had an unassisted tackle at Fresno State...Earned a spot on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll in the Spring of 2014...HIGHLAND CC: Ranked as one of the top five defensive linemen in the junior college ranks by 24/7 Sports...Played for Head Coach Ryan Held at Highland (Kan.) Community College in 2013...Had 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks in nine games, helping Highland to a 6-4 record...Was a second-team All-Jayhawk League selection at defensive end...ROCHESTER C.C.: Starred at Rochester (Minn.) College in 2012, recording 12.5 sacks...NORTH DAKOTA COLLEGE OF SCIENCE: Began his college career at the North Dakota College of Science in 2011, but sat out as a medical redshirt...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wis....Helped his team to a trip to the Division 1 state semifinals as a senior in 2010...Made 65 tackles, including eight sacks...Spent his first three years of high school at Mt. Zion (Ill.) High School.
Jimmy Leatiota OL 6-3 290 So.-So. San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox-College of San Mateo
COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO: Played for Head Coach Bret Pollack as a Bulldog...Named first team All-Bay 6 Conference as a freshman...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, Calif...Played under Head Coach Dan Brown as a Charger...Earned three varsity letters and captained the team all three years as well...Was named a Literacy Classic All-Star and Wedemyer All Star...Team went 9-2 his senior season en-route to a conference title...In his final year, was named the most valuable lineman in the SCVAL De Anza Division after he helped pave the way for a running game that generated an average of 380.9 yards per contest.
Tyler Lyle LB 6-0 210 Fr.-Fr. Kalamazoo, Mich.-Kalamazoo Central
EMU: Joins the Eagles as a preferred walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Mich....Played under Head Coach Dana Chambers as a Giant...Three-year letterwinner and two-year captain...Named the 2015 Defensive Player of the Year by the Kalamazoo Gazette...Earned first team all-state honors by the Detroit Free Press...Also named first team all-conference and all-region...In nine games as a senior, finished with 101 tackles, 23 tackles-for-loss, six sacks and two fumble forced and recovered, as well as three touchdowns...Helped the Giants decrease their points allowed total by nearly 100...In 2014, recorded 84 tackles, 11 TFLs, three sacks and an interception...Also caught nine passes for 203 yards while rushing for 130 yards on 15 carries...As a sophomore, had 21 tackles and a pick versus Portage Northern...Also played baseball.
Chase Lynch DL 6-4 210 Fr.-Fr. Fenton, Mich.-Fenton
EMU: Joins the Eagles as a preferred walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Fenton High School in Fenton, Mich....Played under Head Coach Jeff Setske as a Tiger...Earned unanimous first team Flint Metro All-League honors in 2014 and 2015...Selected honorable mention All-Metro West by the Detroit News and honorable mention all-state...Finished his senior year with 20 tackles-for-loss and 11 sacks, as well as 3 fumble recoveries...Had two safeties and scored a touchdown by recovering a fumble in the end zone against Kearsley...Part of a defense that allowed just 19.6 points a game...As a junior, his team won the Flint Metro League outright in 2014, finishing 9-0 overall and a perfect 7-0 in the league before bowing out in a pre-district playoff game...Also played rugby and was a memebr of the track and diving teams.
Steven Nielsen OL 6-8 320 Fr.-Fr. Dragoer, Denmark-La Lumiere (Ind.) School
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended La Lumiere High School in La Porte, Ind...Played under Head Coach Sean Murphy as a Laker...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Scout...Earned two varsity letters and was named captain his senior season...Was named to the Danish u19 National Team as well as the International Federation of American Football World Team...Also played lacrosse in high school where he was named to the All-Europe team...Showcased his skills as the starting left tackle of the 2015 IFAF World Development Team...Was selected to participate in the 2016 Euro Futures All-Star Game at Amsterdam Arena.
Willie Parker RB 5-9 185 Fr.-Fr. Lutz, Fla.-Carrollwood Day School
EMU: Signed with EMU last year but did not enroll in classes until the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, Fla....Played under Head Coach Lane Mclaughlin as a Patriot...Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals and Scout..Selected first-team all-state in Class 2A...Posted an average of 9.3 yards per touch as a senior...Ran for 1,237 yards and 12 touchdowns...Posted six games with 100-or-more yards on the ground...Took part in the Blue/Gray All-American football game at Raymond James Stadium...Named offensive MVP of the game after he totaled 119 yards on 12 carries and two scores...Scored four touchdowns in CDS' 25-22 Class 2A-5 win over Canterbury, rushing for 178 yards on 14 carries...Ran for 1,019 yards on 117 carries with 10 touchdowns as a junior.
Jalen Phelps CB 5-10 171 Fr.-Fr. Powder Springs, Ga.-Hillgrove
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Ga...Played under Head Coach Phillip Ironside as a Hawk...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 24/7 Sports and a two-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN...Named first team all-region and honorable mention all-state his senior season...Named to the 2015 Marietta Daily Journal Dynamite Dozen...As a senior, recorded 92 tackles, nine pass breakups, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a punt return for a touchdown...Team played in the 2015 GEICO ESPN High School Football Showcase...Earned Georgia Athletic Coaches Association first team all-state honors at defensive back...Finished with 53 tackles (37 solo) and three interceptions as a junior in helping Hillgrove to a 9-4 record and a trip to the Class AAAAAA state quarterfinals...Had 40 tackles, 11 pass breakups and one interception as a sophomore.
Jordan Porter S 6-0 190 Fr.-Fr. Colleyville, Texas-Heritage
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas...Played under Head Coach Joe Willis as a Panther...Ranked as a two-star recruit by Rivals...Collected honorable mention all-state honors from the Associated Press...As a senior, posted 84 tackles, four deflections and a forced fumble...Also posted 439 all-purpose yards (150 rushing, 14 receiving, 166 kick return and 130 punt return)...Also played hockey for the Dallas Stars Eilte Hockey Club...Was drafted 132nd overall in 2013 by the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL...Joins high school teammate Maxx Crosby on the EMU roster.
Todd Porter QB 6-3 185 Jr.-Jr. O'Fallon, Ill.-O'Fallon-Wesetrn Kentucky-Garden City C.C.
GARDEN CITY C.C.: Appeared in seven games for the Broncbusters...Was the second leading passer and leading rusher in the 2015 season...Finished with 1,218 passing yards and 286 rushing yards, while throwing for 10 touchdowns and rushing for six more...Also caught a touchdown pass...WESTERN KENTUCKY: Spent his freshman season in 2013 as a Hilltopper...Started the lone game in which he appeared in as a "true" freshman, against Morgan State, going 5-for-10 with one interception and 76 yards, including a 56-yard completion...Became the first "true" freshman to start for the Hilltoppers since 2003...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended O'Fallon High School in O'Fallon, Ill...Played under Head Coach Brandon Joggerst as a Panther...Holds nearly every school passing record after wrapping up his career under center for the Panthers in 2012...Was a two-star recrit by Rivals...Threw for more than 6,200 yards during his career, breaking the school record for career passing yards and passing yards in a single-season after throwing for 3,009 yards in 2012, which also broke a conference record for single-season passing yards...Holds the school records for career touchdown passes (45), touchdown passes in a single season (22), touchdown passes in a game (5), career completions (319), completions in a season (209) and passing yards in a game (405)...Etched his name in the record books after a 2012 season that saw the senior signal-caller throw for more than 300 yards in six of the 11 games during his senior season, including a 405-yard performance late in the season that set the school record...Threw for over 400 yards on two different occasions in 2012, and in two playoff games, threw for a combined 797 yards and five touchdowns...Completed 61 percent of his passes for his career with 532 attempts during his three years as the starting quarterback...Despite 342 passing attempts in 2012, still completed 61 percent of his passes, having 20 or more completions in six of O'Fallon's games...Reunited with high school teammate Austin Barnes..
Mathew Sexton WR 5-11 170 Fr.-Fr. Clinton, Mich.-Clinton
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Clinton High School in Clinton, Mich...Played under Head Coach Scott McNitt as a member of the Redskins...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and 24/7 Sports...Two-way starter...Part of a program that went 45-4 during his career, having never lost a regular season game...Finished with 99 career touchdowns, including 68 on the ground....In 48 career games, carried the ball 373 times for 4,670 yards and 59 games with 100-or-more yards rushing...Averaged 12.5 yards per carry in his career...Caught 78 passes for 1,953 yards and 28 touchdowns while averaging 25.0 yards a catch...Racked up 6,623 yards of total offense during his four year career...On defense, finished with 340 career tackles (164 solo, 176 assist), 15.0 tackles-for-loss and six interceptions...As a senior, led team to its fourth straight league title...Helped team to district championship, regional championship and state final appearance in the MHSAA Division 6 State Finals...In 2015, rushed for 2,392 yards with an average of 11.4 yards per carry and 35 touchdowns...Also caught 12 passes for 220 yards and four touchdowns on the year...Had 245 yards on 18 carries and scored four touchdowns in Clinton's 49-20 regional victory over Jackson Lumen Christi...As a junior, he rushed for 1,250 yards with an average of 14.2 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns....Led the team in receiving with 284 yards and four touchdowns on a Clinton offense that averaged 46.3 points per game...As a sophomore, helped the Redskins reach Ford Field and the state championship game with more than 1,000 yards receiving and 600 yards rushing...In the state championship game, he returned a punt 86 yards for a touchdown, the second-longest punt return in championship game history...Burst onto the local football scene as a freshman, averaging 28.2 yards per catch and rushing for more than 450 yards on just 34 carries...Was part of Clinton's 400-meter relay team that won a state title at 44.51...Also part of the 800-meter relay that finished two tenths of a second out of first place..
Mike Smith Jr. DL 6-3 290 Fr.-Fr. Frostproof, Fla.-Frostproof
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Frostproof High School in Frostproof, Fla....Played under Head Coach Shannon Benton as a Bulldog...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 24/7 Sports and Scout...Listed as the No. 102 guard prospect in the country... Selected to play in the 61st Annual North vs. South All-Star Football Classic.
Isaac Stiebeling QB 6-4 195 Fr.-Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind.-Snider
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Snider High School in Fort Wayne, Ind.....Played under Head Coach Kurt Tippmann as a Panther...Ranked as a three-star prospect by Scout and two-star by Rivals, 24/7 Sports and ESPN...Is described as the hardest-working player in the Snider program...Finished his career with 3,859 yards passing and 39 touchdowns while also rushing for 730 yards and six scores...Led his team to a conference title and 5A state semifinal appearance his junior season and a 5A state championship his senior season...Named honorable mention all-state his senior season...Was voted to the Indiana Football Coaches Association Top-50 All-State Football Team...As a senior, passed for 2,447 yards and 27 touchdowns with just four picks...Completed 65.9 percent of his pass attempts and had a quarterback rating of 123.4...Had a three-yard touchdown run with eight seconds remaining to propel his team to the Class 5A state championship with a 64-61 win over New Palestine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis...In the championship game, threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns...Completed 18-of-21 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns in the Panthers' 55-27 win over Bishop Luers...As a junior, threw for more than 1,600 yards with 13 touchdowns to five interceptions while completing more than 60 percent of his passes...Also ran for more than 450 yards with six touchdowns....Helped the Panthers win a Summit Athletic Conference title and reach the Indiana 5A state semifinals..
Mike Van Hoeven OL 6-5 304 Fr.-Fr. Paw Paw, Mich.-Paw Paw
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Paw Paw High School in Paw Paw, Mich....Played under Head Coach Brad Hessler as a member of the Redskins...Ranked as a three-star prospect by ESPN and a two-star by Scout, Rivals and 24/7 Sports...Listed as one of the top 10 offensive line prospects in the class of 2016 in the state of Michigan...Four-year starter that has experience at both guard and tackle...Was a three-time first team all-conference selection while bring selected to the Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team in 2014 and 2015...Collected first team all-state accolades from the Detroit News as a senior... Also named team MVP as a senior...Selected as honorable mention Academic All-State in 2015...Started at guard as a sophomore then switched to tackle after four games into his junior season...Member of the track and field team...
Josh Wilkes WR 6-2 170 Fr.-Fr. Rock Hill, S.C.-South Pointe
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, S.C...Played under Head Coach Strait Herron as a Stallion...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Scout, Rivals and 24/7 Sports... As a junior, he caught 36 passes for 536 yards with 10 touchdowns for a team that finished 7-3 and reached the postseason...Also saw playing time on defense in the secondary..
Justice Williams DE 6-4 205 Fr.-Fr. Belleville, Mich.-Belleville
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Belleville High School in Belleville, Mich...Played under Head Coach Jermain Crowell as a Tiger...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 24/7 Sports...Played at Detroit Cass Tech before transferring to play his final season at Belleville...In 2015, earned All-Metro West honors from both the Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press...Had a big year to help the Tigers reach the state playoffs after suffering a losing season a year earlier...Had 47 tackles, including 14 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks...Forced three fumbles and recovered a fumble...Selected second team defense at the Midwest Elite Big Man Camp...
The highly anticipated class features 17 different players ranked by the national recruiting services, including 10 rated as three-star prospects.
The class of 2016 includes five players that were previously enrolled in the fall of 2015. Those student-athletes include: Dieuly Aristilde (Boynton Beach, Fla.-Boynton Beach), Sam Browning (Escondido, Calif.-Escondido-Palomar C.C.), Sam Girodat (Jackson, Mich.-Lumen Christi), Nigel Kilby (Fort Wayne, Ind.-Northrop) and Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc-Pittsburgh).
Jimmy Leatiota (San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox-College of San Mateo), Steven Nielsen (Dragoer, Denmark-La Lumiere (Ind.) School), Willie Parker (Lutz, Fla.-Carrollwood Day School) and Todd Porter (O'Fallon, Ill.-O'Fallon-Western Kentucky-Garden City C.C.) are also enrolled in classes at EMU and are expected to take part in spring practice.
The Eagles begin preparations for the 2016 schedule Thursday, March 3, when they hit the field for the first time in the spring. The annual spring game will be held Saturday, April 2, inside "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium.
Season ticket deposits are now being taken for just $25 per seat. Place your deposit today to renew your seats from 2015 or to ensure the best available seat locations for the upcoming season. Season tickets are just $75 per seat including all six home games. In addition, there is a brand new Ultimate Fan package available for 2016 which includes a padded chair back seat on the 50 yard line, free parking, a food voucher and a VIP discount card to local businesses. For more information, please call the EMU Athletics Ticket Office at 734.487.2282.
The following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's signees…
2016 Eastern Michigan University Football Recruits
Name Pos. Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School
Vincent Calhoun S 5-11 171 Fr.-Fr. Middletown, Ohio-Middletown
Rashon Davis DB 5-11 165 Fr.-Fr. St. Louis, Mo.-Christian Brothers College
Jake Donnellon OL 6-5 280 Fr.-Fr. Ann Arbor, Mich.-Gabriel Richard
Clayton Dryfuse DE 6-4 235 Fr.-Fr. Tiffin, Ohio-Columbian
Ohaji Hawkins CB 6-2 166 Jr.-Jr. Winter Haven, Fla.-Winter Haven
Joe Keels DE 6-3 265 Sr.-Sr. Kenosha, Wis.-Bradford-Highland CC-Nebraska
Jimmy Leatiota OL 6-3 290 So.-So. San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox-College of San Mateo
Tyler Lyle LB 6-0 210 Fr.-Fr. Kalamazoo, Mich.-Kalamazoo Central
Chase Lynch DL 6-4 210 Fr.-Fr. Fenton, Mich.-Fenton
Steven Nielsen OL 6-8 320 Fr.-Fr. Dragoer, Denmark-La Lumiere (Ind.) School
Willie Parker RB 5-9 185 Fr.-Fr. Lutz, Fla.-Carrollwood Day School
Jalen Phelps CB 5-10 171 Fr.-Fr. Powder Springs, Ga.-Hillgrove
Jordan Porter S 6-0 190 Fr.-Fr. Colleyville, Texas-Heritage
Todd Porter QB 6-3 185 Jr.-Jr. O'Fallon, Ill.-O'Fallon-Western Kentucky-Garden City C.C.
Mathew Sexton WR 5-11 170 Fr.-Fr. Clinton, Mich.-Clinton
Mike Smith Jr. DL 6-3 290 Fr.-Fr. Frostproof, Fla.-Frostproof
Isaac Stiebeling QB 6-4 195 Fr.-Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind.-Snider
Mike Van Hoeven OL 6-5 304 Fr.-Fr. Paw Paw, Mich.-Paw Paw
Josh Wilkes WR 6-2 170 Fr.-Fr. Rock Hill, S.C.-South Pointe
Justice Williams DE 6-4 205 Fr.-Fr. Belleville, Mich.-Belleville
Part of the 2016 Class - Previously Enrolled in the Fall of 2015
Dieuly Aristilde WR 6-4 197 So.-Fr. Boynton Beach, Fla.-Boynton Beach
Sam Browning TE 6-5 233 Sr.-Sr. Escondido, Calif.-Escondido-Palomar C.C.
Sam Girodat TE 6-3 244 So.-Fr. Jackson, Mich.-Lumen Christi
Nigel Kilby TE 6-7 235 So.-Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind.-Northrop
Luke Maclean DL 6-5 261 Sr.-Jr. Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc-Pittsburgh
Jake Donnellon OL 6-5 280 Fr.-Fr. Ann Arbor, Mich.-Gabriel Richard
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor, Mich...Played under Head Coach Mike Girskis as a member of the Fighting Irish...Is the first player out of a Washtenaw County high school to commit to EMU since 2008...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 24/7 Sports, Rivals and Scout...Named to the 2015 Ann Arbor Dream Team after not allowing a sack all season...Played in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 9, 2016...As a junior was a co-captain and made the All-Catholic League as well as picking up honorable mention Detroit News All-Metro West honors...Was also all-state in track and field with a fifth-place finish in shot put...PERSONAL: Full name: Jacob Michael Donnellon...Son of Lawrence and Karen Donnellon...Has five brothers, Kevin, Adam, Nathan, Sean and Zak, and two sisters, Grace and Sarah...Nursing major.
Clayton Dryfuse DE 6-4 235 Fr.-Fr. Tiffin, Ohio-Columbian
EMU: Joins the Eagles as a preferred walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Columbian High School in Tiffin, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Brian Colatruglio as a member of the Tornadoes...Earned two varsity letters and was team captian as a senior...Earned first-team all-conference honors and was named second team All-Northwest Ohio by the Associated Press...Recorded 49 tackles, four sacks, recovered two fumbles and blocked a kick as a senior...Also lettered two seasons in basketball.
Ohaji Hawkins CB 6-2 166 Fr.-Fr. Winter Haven, Fla.-Winter Haven
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Winter Haven High School in Winter Haven, Fla....Played under Head Coach Charles Tate as a Blue Devil...Ranked as a three-star recruit by 24/7 Sports and a two-star by ESPN and Scout...Named one of the top five college prospects in his county by The Ledger, playing as both a corner and a free safety...Played for Winter Haven's varsity squad since he was a freshman...Recorded a handful of interceptions as a junior...Also plays basketball and track
Joe Keels DE 6-3 265 Sr.-Sr. Kenosha, Wis.-Bradford-Highland CC-Nebraska
NEBRASKA: Saw reserve action in 2014, played in five games, seeing action in the first three games, and also against Illinois and Rutgers...Had an unassisted tackle at Fresno State...Earned a spot on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll in the Spring of 2014...HIGHLAND CC: Ranked as one of the top five defensive linemen in the junior college ranks by 24/7 Sports...Played for Head Coach Ryan Held at Highland (Kan.) Community College in 2013...Had 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks in nine games, helping Highland to a 6-4 record...Was a second-team All-Jayhawk League selection at defensive end...ROCHESTER C.C.: Starred at Rochester (Minn.) College in 2012, recording 12.5 sacks...NORTH DAKOTA COLLEGE OF SCIENCE: Began his college career at the North Dakota College of Science in 2011, but sat out as a medical redshirt...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wis....Helped his team to a trip to the Division 1 state semifinals as a senior in 2010...Made 65 tackles, including eight sacks...Spent his first three years of high school at Mt. Zion (Ill.) High School.
Jimmy Leatiota OL 6-3 290 So.-So. San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox-College of San Mateo
COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO: Played for Head Coach Bret Pollack as a Bulldog...Named first team All-Bay 6 Conference as a freshman...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, Calif...Played under Head Coach Dan Brown as a Charger...Earned three varsity letters and captained the team all three years as well...Was named a Literacy Classic All-Star and Wedemyer All Star...Team went 9-2 his senior season en-route to a conference title...In his final year, was named the most valuable lineman in the SCVAL De Anza Division after he helped pave the way for a running game that generated an average of 380.9 yards per contest.
Tyler Lyle LB 6-0 210 Fr.-Fr. Kalamazoo, Mich.-Kalamazoo Central
EMU: Joins the Eagles as a preferred walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Mich....Played under Head Coach Dana Chambers as a Giant...Three-year letterwinner and two-year captain...Named the 2015 Defensive Player of the Year by the Kalamazoo Gazette...Earned first team all-state honors by the Detroit Free Press...Also named first team all-conference and all-region...In nine games as a senior, finished with 101 tackles, 23 tackles-for-loss, six sacks and two fumble forced and recovered, as well as three touchdowns...Helped the Giants decrease their points allowed total by nearly 100...In 2014, recorded 84 tackles, 11 TFLs, three sacks and an interception...Also caught nine passes for 203 yards while rushing for 130 yards on 15 carries...As a sophomore, had 21 tackles and a pick versus Portage Northern...Also played baseball.
Chase Lynch DL 6-4 210 Fr.-Fr. Fenton, Mich.-Fenton
EMU: Joins the Eagles as a preferred walk-on...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Fenton High School in Fenton, Mich....Played under Head Coach Jeff Setske as a Tiger...Earned unanimous first team Flint Metro All-League honors in 2014 and 2015...Selected honorable mention All-Metro West by the Detroit News and honorable mention all-state...Finished his senior year with 20 tackles-for-loss and 11 sacks, as well as 3 fumble recoveries...Had two safeties and scored a touchdown by recovering a fumble in the end zone against Kearsley...Part of a defense that allowed just 19.6 points a game...As a junior, his team won the Flint Metro League outright in 2014, finishing 9-0 overall and a perfect 7-0 in the league before bowing out in a pre-district playoff game...Also played rugby and was a memebr of the track and diving teams.
Steven Nielsen OL 6-8 320 Fr.-Fr. Dragoer, Denmark-La Lumiere (Ind.) School
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended La Lumiere High School in La Porte, Ind...Played under Head Coach Sean Murphy as a Laker...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Scout...Earned two varsity letters and was named captain his senior season...Was named to the Danish u19 National Team as well as the International Federation of American Football World Team...Also played lacrosse in high school where he was named to the All-Europe team...Showcased his skills as the starting left tackle of the 2015 IFAF World Development Team...Was selected to participate in the 2016 Euro Futures All-Star Game at Amsterdam Arena.
Willie Parker RB 5-9 185 Fr.-Fr. Lutz, Fla.-Carrollwood Day School
EMU: Signed with EMU last year but did not enroll in classes until the winter semester...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, Fla....Played under Head Coach Lane Mclaughlin as a Patriot...Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals and Scout..Selected first-team all-state in Class 2A...Posted an average of 9.3 yards per touch as a senior...Ran for 1,237 yards and 12 touchdowns...Posted six games with 100-or-more yards on the ground...Took part in the Blue/Gray All-American football game at Raymond James Stadium...Named offensive MVP of the game after he totaled 119 yards on 12 carries and two scores...Scored four touchdowns in CDS' 25-22 Class 2A-5 win over Canterbury, rushing for 178 yards on 14 carries...Ran for 1,019 yards on 117 carries with 10 touchdowns as a junior.
Jalen Phelps CB 5-10 171 Fr.-Fr. Powder Springs, Ga.-Hillgrove
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Ga...Played under Head Coach Phillip Ironside as a Hawk...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 24/7 Sports and a two-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN...Named first team all-region and honorable mention all-state his senior season...Named to the 2015 Marietta Daily Journal Dynamite Dozen...As a senior, recorded 92 tackles, nine pass breakups, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a punt return for a touchdown...Team played in the 2015 GEICO ESPN High School Football Showcase...Earned Georgia Athletic Coaches Association first team all-state honors at defensive back...Finished with 53 tackles (37 solo) and three interceptions as a junior in helping Hillgrove to a 9-4 record and a trip to the Class AAAAAA state quarterfinals...Had 40 tackles, 11 pass breakups and one interception as a sophomore.
Jordan Porter S 6-0 190 Fr.-Fr. Colleyville, Texas-Heritage
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas...Played under Head Coach Joe Willis as a Panther...Ranked as a two-star recruit by Rivals...Collected honorable mention all-state honors from the Associated Press...As a senior, posted 84 tackles, four deflections and a forced fumble...Also posted 439 all-purpose yards (150 rushing, 14 receiving, 166 kick return and 130 punt return)...Also played hockey for the Dallas Stars Eilte Hockey Club...Was drafted 132nd overall in 2013 by the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL...Joins high school teammate Maxx Crosby on the EMU roster.
Todd Porter QB 6-3 185 Jr.-Jr. O'Fallon, Ill.-O'Fallon-Wesetrn Kentucky-Garden City C.C.
GARDEN CITY C.C.: Appeared in seven games for the Broncbusters...Was the second leading passer and leading rusher in the 2015 season...Finished with 1,218 passing yards and 286 rushing yards, while throwing for 10 touchdowns and rushing for six more...Also caught a touchdown pass...WESTERN KENTUCKY: Spent his freshman season in 2013 as a Hilltopper...Started the lone game in which he appeared in as a "true" freshman, against Morgan State, going 5-for-10 with one interception and 76 yards, including a 56-yard completion...Became the first "true" freshman to start for the Hilltoppers since 2003...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended O'Fallon High School in O'Fallon, Ill...Played under Head Coach Brandon Joggerst as a Panther...Holds nearly every school passing record after wrapping up his career under center for the Panthers in 2012...Was a two-star recrit by Rivals...Threw for more than 6,200 yards during his career, breaking the school record for career passing yards and passing yards in a single-season after throwing for 3,009 yards in 2012, which also broke a conference record for single-season passing yards...Holds the school records for career touchdown passes (45), touchdown passes in a single season (22), touchdown passes in a game (5), career completions (319), completions in a season (209) and passing yards in a game (405)...Etched his name in the record books after a 2012 season that saw the senior signal-caller throw for more than 300 yards in six of the 11 games during his senior season, including a 405-yard performance late in the season that set the school record...Threw for over 400 yards on two different occasions in 2012, and in two playoff games, threw for a combined 797 yards and five touchdowns...Completed 61 percent of his passes for his career with 532 attempts during his three years as the starting quarterback...Despite 342 passing attempts in 2012, still completed 61 percent of his passes, having 20 or more completions in six of O'Fallon's games...Reunited with high school teammate Austin Barnes..
Mathew Sexton WR 5-11 170 Fr.-Fr. Clinton, Mich.-Clinton
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Clinton High School in Clinton, Mich...Played under Head Coach Scott McNitt as a member of the Redskins...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and 24/7 Sports...Two-way starter...Part of a program that went 45-4 during his career, having never lost a regular season game...Finished with 99 career touchdowns, including 68 on the ground....In 48 career games, carried the ball 373 times for 4,670 yards and 59 games with 100-or-more yards rushing...Averaged 12.5 yards per carry in his career...Caught 78 passes for 1,953 yards and 28 touchdowns while averaging 25.0 yards a catch...Racked up 6,623 yards of total offense during his four year career...On defense, finished with 340 career tackles (164 solo, 176 assist), 15.0 tackles-for-loss and six interceptions...As a senior, led team to its fourth straight league title...Helped team to district championship, regional championship and state final appearance in the MHSAA Division 6 State Finals...In 2015, rushed for 2,392 yards with an average of 11.4 yards per carry and 35 touchdowns...Also caught 12 passes for 220 yards and four touchdowns on the year...Had 245 yards on 18 carries and scored four touchdowns in Clinton's 49-20 regional victory over Jackson Lumen Christi...As a junior, he rushed for 1,250 yards with an average of 14.2 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns....Led the team in receiving with 284 yards and four touchdowns on a Clinton offense that averaged 46.3 points per game...As a sophomore, helped the Redskins reach Ford Field and the state championship game with more than 1,000 yards receiving and 600 yards rushing...In the state championship game, he returned a punt 86 yards for a touchdown, the second-longest punt return in championship game history...Burst onto the local football scene as a freshman, averaging 28.2 yards per catch and rushing for more than 450 yards on just 34 carries...Was part of Clinton's 400-meter relay team that won a state title at 44.51...Also part of the 800-meter relay that finished two tenths of a second out of first place..
Mike Smith Jr. DL 6-3 290 Fr.-Fr. Frostproof, Fla.-Frostproof
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Frostproof High School in Frostproof, Fla....Played under Head Coach Shannon Benton as a Bulldog...Ranked as a two-star prospect by 24/7 Sports and Scout...Listed as the No. 102 guard prospect in the country... Selected to play in the 61st Annual North vs. South All-Star Football Classic.
Isaac Stiebeling QB 6-4 195 Fr.-Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind.-Snider
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Snider High School in Fort Wayne, Ind.....Played under Head Coach Kurt Tippmann as a Panther...Ranked as a three-star prospect by Scout and two-star by Rivals, 24/7 Sports and ESPN...Is described as the hardest-working player in the Snider program...Finished his career with 3,859 yards passing and 39 touchdowns while also rushing for 730 yards and six scores...Led his team to a conference title and 5A state semifinal appearance his junior season and a 5A state championship his senior season...Named honorable mention all-state his senior season...Was voted to the Indiana Football Coaches Association Top-50 All-State Football Team...As a senior, passed for 2,447 yards and 27 touchdowns with just four picks...Completed 65.9 percent of his pass attempts and had a quarterback rating of 123.4...Had a three-yard touchdown run with eight seconds remaining to propel his team to the Class 5A state championship with a 64-61 win over New Palestine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis...In the championship game, threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns...Completed 18-of-21 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns in the Panthers' 55-27 win over Bishop Luers...As a junior, threw for more than 1,600 yards with 13 touchdowns to five interceptions while completing more than 60 percent of his passes...Also ran for more than 450 yards with six touchdowns....Helped the Panthers win a Summit Athletic Conference title and reach the Indiana 5A state semifinals..
Mike Van Hoeven OL 6-5 304 Fr.-Fr. Paw Paw, Mich.-Paw Paw
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Paw Paw High School in Paw Paw, Mich....Played under Head Coach Brad Hessler as a member of the Redskins...Ranked as a three-star prospect by ESPN and a two-star by Scout, Rivals and 24/7 Sports...Listed as one of the top 10 offensive line prospects in the class of 2016 in the state of Michigan...Four-year starter that has experience at both guard and tackle...Was a three-time first team all-conference selection while bring selected to the Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team in 2014 and 2015...Collected first team all-state accolades from the Detroit News as a senior... Also named team MVP as a senior...Selected as honorable mention Academic All-State in 2015...Started at guard as a sophomore then switched to tackle after four games into his junior season...Member of the track and field team...
Josh Wilkes WR 6-2 170 Fr.-Fr. Rock Hill, S.C.-South Pointe
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, S.C...Played under Head Coach Strait Herron as a Stallion...Ranked as a two-star prospect by Scout, Rivals and 24/7 Sports... As a junior, he caught 36 passes for 536 yards with 10 touchdowns for a team that finished 7-3 and reached the postseason...Also saw playing time on defense in the secondary..
Justice Williams DE 6-4 205 Fr.-Fr. Belleville, Mich.-Belleville
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Belleville High School in Belleville, Mich...Played under Head Coach Jermain Crowell as a Tiger...Ranked as a three-star prospect by 24/7 Sports...Played at Detroit Cass Tech before transferring to play his final season at Belleville...In 2015, earned All-Metro West honors from both the Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press...Had a big year to help the Tigers reach the state playoffs after suffering a losing season a year earlier...Had 47 tackles, including 14 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks...Forced three fumbles and recovered a fumble...Selected second team defense at the Midwest Elite Big Man Camp...
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