2017 Concordia-St. Paul Football Recruiting Class

CONNECT WITH CONCORDIA FOOTBALL:
@CSPBears || @CSPBearsFB || Coach Currier @CoachCurrierCSP || Athletics Facebook || Football Facebook || Athletics YouTube || Football YouTube

|| || ||

PAST RECRUITING CLASSES:
[ 2016 ] | [ 2015 ] | [ 2014 ] | [ 2013 ] | [ 2012 ] | [ 2011 ] | [ 2010 ] | [ 2009 ] | [ 2008 ] | [ 2007 ] | [ 2006 ] | [ 2005 ] | [ 2004 ]

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Concordia-St. Paul head football coach Shannon Currier has announced the addition of 39 student-athletes to the 2017 Golden Bear recruiting class on National Signing Day, Wednesday, February 1.

All announced recruits to join the Golden Bear football team are contingent upon admission to Concordia University and compliance with NCAA rules and certification by the NCAA eligibility center.

"In my time as a head coach over 10 seasons, this is the best class I've ever experienced," said head coach Shannon Currier. "It's an impressive combination of talent on the field, leadership, and quality of student. The staff did a phenomenal job overall, and really excelled in building relationships and that's the backbone of our job as coaches and especially important in recruiting. That's what we all remember, the relationships, it's what the players remember the most when they leave and what we cherish as coaches. We really enjoy the kids we're bringing into the program in this class and growing as a football family at Concordia."

The 39 student-athletes come from 10 different states headlined by 10 from Minnesota, nine from Wisconsin and seven from Florida. The group primarily consists of prep recruits with two transfers and one prep early enrollee.

"We were able to address all positions on the field on both sides of the ball with a huge emphasis on the defense with continued depth on the offensive line. We also added some great playmakers on offense and the overall talent infusion will improve our special teams which is vital in helping us move up in the standings next fall. We feel like we've caught up with a full year of recruiting, which allows to focus on general day-to-day program operations. With a full staff in place, a full recruiting class and a regular offseason we are in better shape overall than we were last year at this time. And we're not done yet, recruiting is never done. We'll continue to pursue players and evaluate our current roster until we start camp in August, but the majority is complete and we're moving onto 2018!"

Since moving to NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun (NSIC) in 1999, the Golden Bears have captured two league championships and appeared in three Mineral Water Bowls. Currier rejoined the program in December, 2015 and will enter his sixth overall season as Concordia's head coach, leading the program to four consecutive winning seasons from 2000-03 including the program's first NSIC Championship and postseason appearance in the 2003 Mineral Water Bowl. Currier holds a 34-21 career record and his .618 winning percentage is a program record. He was the 2003 NSIC Coach of the Year. Overall, he'll enter his 11th season as a Division II head football coach with a 54-56 career record including his five years at Truman State.

Concordia-St. Paul is the only private, Division II institution in the state of Minnesota and the only Division II member in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

RECRUITING CLASS BY THE NUMBERS:
Total: 39 || Offense: 13 (1 QB, 4 RB, 1 WR, 2 TE, 5 OL) || Defense: 25 (8 DL, 5 LB, 12 DB) || Athletes: 1

By State: Minnesota (10) || Wisconsin (9) || Florida (7) || Illinois (4) || California (3) || Iowa (2) || Louisiana (1) || Arizona (1) || Ohio (1) || Nevada (1)

2017 Concordia-St. Paul Football Recruiting Class
Name	Pos	Ht	Wt	Yr	Hometown	High School	Previous School
Shawn Aarhus	DL	6-4	235	Fr.	Benson, Minn.	Benson HS
Opi Aghenu	Ath	5-11	201	Fr.	St. Paul, Minn.	Central HS
Desmond Bassett	DB	6-1	175	Fr.	Mankato, Minn.	Mankato East HS
Devarus Clark	OL	6-8	355	Jr.	St. Petersburg, Fla.	Gibbs HS	NDSCS
Jerrod Clersaint	DL	6-1	225	Fr.	Miami Gardens, Fla.	Carol City HS
Wardell Coleman	DL	6-2	235	Jr.	Clinton, La.	East Feliciana HS
Dakota Craig	TE	6-3	195	Fr.	Ashland, Wis.	Ashland HS
Trey Davis	QB	6-4	195	Fr.	La Crosse, Wis.	Logan HS
Will Dixon	RB	5-7	180	Fr.	Antigo, Wis.	Antigo HS
Ovie Embu	RB	5-8	175	Fr.	Hastings, Minn.	Hastings HS
Grant Ericksen	DB	6-0	185	Fr.	Naperville, Ill.	Naperville North HS
Blake Evans	LB	5-11	200	Fr.	Manhattan, Ill.	Lincoln-Way West HS
Pika Fakava	LB	5-11	220	Fr.	San Bernardino, Calif.	San Gorgonio HS
Colton Folliard*	DL	6-2	230	Fr.	Wonder Lake, Ill.	McHenry Community HS
Chris Garrett	DL	6-4	220	Fr.	Milwaukee, Wis.	Wisconsin Lutheran HS
Nick Green	WR	6-4	180	Fr.	Clermont, Fla.	East Ridge HS
Marcus Haskins	DB	6-0	175	Fr.	Cottage Grove, Minn.	East Ridge HS
Arik Johnson	DB	6-1	165	Fr.	Inver Grove Heights, Minn.	Simley HS
Shaquan Johnson	RB	5-9	180	Fr.	St. Petersburg, Fla.	Northeast HS
Oistin Jones	OL	6-3	290	Fr.	Lehigh Acres, Fla.	Dunbar HS
Neal Kallen	DL	6-4	210	Fr.	Gilbert, Ariz.	Perry HS
Tyson Kauffman	OL	6-5	285	Fr.	Stratford, Wis.	Stratford HS
Craig Kelso	OL	6-4	290	Fr.	Boulder City, Nev.	Boulder City HS
Trystin Kinkade	DB	5-11	203	Fr.	Waseca, Minn.	Waseca HS
Lorenzo Kendricks	DB	6-0	175	Fr.	Cincinnati, Ohio	Colerain HS
Max Masad	DB	5-11	187	Fr.	Chino Hills, Calif.	Chino Hills HS
Matthew Montgomery	OL	6-3	250	Fr.	Dassel, Minn.	Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted HS
Gabe Nkumu	DB	6-1	205	Fr.	Iowa City, Iowa	City HS
Paddy O'Rourke	TE	6-4	215	Fr.	Baraboo, Wis.	Baraboo HS
Marqui Passmore	LB	5-11	187	Fr.	Homestead, Fla.	Keys Gate HS
Jake Portz	LB	6-0	220	Fr.	Plainfield, Ill.	Plainfield South HS
Parker Powers	DB	5-11	165	Fr.	Tabor, Iowa	Fremont-Mills HS
Lajuan Preston	RB	5-9	180	Fr.	Fort Myers, Fla.	Dunbar HS
Hunter Quinn	DL	6-2	230	Fr.	Watertown, Wis.	Watertown HS
Rich Rigmaden	DL	6-3	205	Fr.	Stockton, Calif.	Cesar Chavez HS
Rhett Sheehan	DB	5-11	190	Fr.	Menomonie, Wis.	Menomonie HS
Jake Shepley	DB	6-3	180	Fr.	Burnsville, Minn.	Burnsville HS
Ryan Sorensen	LB	5-11	195	Fr.	Chippewa Falls, Wis.	McDonell Central HS
Dion Wallisch	DB	6-0	185	Jr.	Oakdale, Minn.	Tartan HS	Minnesota Crookston
* - early enrollee

RECRUIT HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

RECRUIT BIO INFORMATION (sorted alphabetically)

Shawn Aarhus (DL, 6-4, 235, Fr., Benson, Minn. / Benson HS)
Benson High School: An All-Section 5AA Team selection … named Mid State Sub 2 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year … WC Trib All-Area honorable mention … registered 68 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and a sack for the Braves … earned three letters in football, three in hockey and two in baseball as a three-sport prep athlete … member of the A-Honor Roll

Personal: Born July 26, 1999 … son of Robyn Aarhus … has an older brother, Jacob and a younger sister, Grace … will major in exercise science at Concordia and aspires to work in or start his own gym.

Currier on Aarhus: “Shawn is going to surprise NSIC offenses at some point. He's a big man with a big upside! We were excited about him from the get-go!"

Opi Aghenu (Ath, 5-11, 201, Fr., St. Paul, Minn. / Central HS)
St. Paul Central High School: A four-sport athlete for Central, earning four football letters, three in weight lifting, two in baseball and one in track and field ... named to the All-St. Paul Conference team and All-District team … named Team MVP.

Personal: Born September 18, 1999 ... son of Oladepe Aghenu ... has an older brother, Chika, and a younger sister, Victoria ... plans to major in engineering at CSP.

Currier on Aghenu: "Opi is coming from our own backyard at Central High School. He is a versatile athlete that will help improve our defense!"

Desmond Bassett (DB, 6-1, 175, Fr., Mankato, Minn. / Mankato East HS)
Mankato East High School: Earned two varsity letters in football and five varsity letters in track and field … earned All-State accolades in both football and track … named two time All-Big Southeast Conference in football and three time All-Big Southeast Conference in track and field … served as team captain in both football and track and field …. Finished his career with 79 total receptions, 17 total touchdowns, eight interceptions three kick returns for touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns … helped lead track team to a state championship … holds 4x400 state record in track

Personal: Born September 8, 1998 ... son of Billie Bassett ... has two younger brothers, TJ and Aden ... will major in pre-law at Concordia.

Currier on Bassett: "Dez is a lengthy, fanstastic athlete from Southern Minnesota. A track star who will stand out in the Golden Bear secondary!"

Davarus Clark (OL, 6-8, 355, Jr., St. Petersburg, Fla. / Gibbs HS / NDSCS)
North Dakota State College of Science: Was an All-Conference performer for the Wildcats, racking up 21 pancakes up front ... earned his Associate of Arts degree.

Gibbs High School: Played in high school All-Star game and earned All-Star ring ... compiled 32 pancakes and helped Gladiators to a 9-3 record.

Personal: Born March 19, 1994 ... son of Horace Clark and Yolanda Powell ... has a brother, Rober and a sister, Destiny ... will major in business management at Concordia.

Currier on Clark: "Davarus is a big man - I mean a BIG MAN!! He is in the program already, we are excited to work with him and see him reach his potential."

Jerrod Clersaint (DL, 6-1, 225, Fr., Miami Gardens, Fla. / Carol City HS)
Carol City High School: Earned varsity letters in football and wrestling … was the 2016 district wrestling champion … helped lead football team to a state championship in 2016 … tallied 66.5 career tackles, 10 career sacks, forced a pair of fumbles and 15 tackles for loss.

Personal: Born June 24, 1999 ... son of Jerrod Clersaint Sr. and Winneca Montgomery ... has a younger brother, Jordan, and two younger sisters, Jerneca and Jazzmen ... plans to major in business management at Concordia.

Currier on Clersaint: "Jerrod is a tough, relentless, playmaking defensive tackle that we are extremely excited about! Another fantastic player from the Sunshine State!"

Wardell Coleman (DL, 6-2, 235, Fr., Clinton, La. / East Feliciana HS)
East Feliciana High School: Earned varsity letters in football ... named Player of the Year as junior … named MVP of the All-Star game … two time All-District … tallied 68 career tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, recovered three fumbles and 11 sacks … played in four All-Star games as a senior.

Personal: Born February 19, 1999 ... son of Chris Young and Jomaka Coleman ... has an older brother, Cordell, an older sister, Elantra and two younger sisters, Tia and ja Liia.

Currier on Coleman: "Wardell is our only recruit from Cajun country. A tough, explosive, cowboy that helps the Golden Bears get better in the defensive front."

Dakota Craig (TE, 6-3, 195, Fr., Ashland, Wis. / Ashland HS)
Ashland High School: Earned varsity letters in football, basketball and track and field … named All-Great Northern Conference accolades in football … served as team captain.

Personal: Born June 20, 1999 ... son of Anthony and Krista Craig ... has three younger brothers, Anthony, William and Chris ... undecided on intended major at CSP.

Currier on Craig: "Dakota has something special about him. He has a big frame that will be one of our toughest players. No backing down in this one!"

Trey Davis (QB, 6-4, 195, Fr., La Crosse, Wis. / Logan HS)
Logan High School: A two-sport athlete for the Rangers, earning three football letters and three basketball letters ... a team captain ... earned first team All-Mississippi Valley Conference accolades ... helped the Rangers to a pair of conference championships ... held a 26-6 career record as the starting quarterback ... passed for 1,785 yards, 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions as a senior.

Personal: Born May 13, 1999 ... son of Garrick Davis and Stacy Hass-Davis ... has a younger brother, Keenan, and a younger sister, Morgan ... plans to major in biology with a minor in chemistry at Concordia ... father played basketball at Old Dominion University … uncle Mark Davis also played basketball at Old Dominion University and then went on to play for the Milwaukee Bucks ... uncle Brian Davis ran track at West Virginia … cousin Leslie played basketball at Old Dominion University and was an All-American.

Currier on Davis: "Trey popped out on video last spring. This big fella can run and was our first commit. We're very excited about him leading our class off."

Will Dixon (RB, 5-7, 180, Fr., Antigo, Wis. / Antigo HS)
Antigo High School: A three-sport athlete for the Red Robins ... earned three varsity letters in football, four in wrestling and four in track and field … was a two-time All-Greater Northern Conference honoree and a senior captain in football … named three-time All-GNC in wrestling … served as wrestling team captain as a junior and senior … two-time team MVP … led team in pins and technical falls … served as a senior captain on track team … earned All-GNC accolades in the 400m dash, 4x200 and 4x400 … tallied 1,216 all-purpose yards on 125 touches and 10 total touchdowns … helped lead team to back-to-back conference titles as a junior and senior … also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Personal: Born December 20, 1998 ... son of Ron and Bridgette Dixon ... has a younger brother, Damien, and a younger sister, Carissa ... will major in sport management with a minor in marketing at Concordia.

Currier on Dixon: "Will is a very tough, northeastern Wisconsin player. He brings tenacity and playmaking ability to CSP football!"

Ovie Embu (RB, 5-8, 175, Fr., Hastings, Minn. / Hastings HS)
Hastings High School: Earned varsity letters in football and track and field … named All-District twice … earned All-Metro East Conference accolades in track and football … carried the ball for 1,219 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior.

Personal: Born September 12, 1999 ... son of Reuben and Rhoda Embu ... has a younger sister, Davitta ... will major in exercise science and kinesilogy at Concordia.

Currier on Embu: "Ovie is a very impressive young man. He came highly recommended and makes a lot of football plays. This running back is impressive!"

Grant Ericksen (DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Naperville, Ill. / Naperville North HS)
Naperville North High School: Earned two varsity letters in football … was a two-time All-Dupage Valley Conference honoree … named All-City and All-Area … earned Honorable Mention All-State accolades … named to the Deep Dish Chicago football All-State team … recorded seven interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and 49 tackles as a senior … tallied four interceptions, seven pass breakups and 39 tackles as a junior … helped lead team a conference championship as a senior.

Personal: Born September 21, 1998 ... son of Andy and Joan Ericksen ... has a younger brother, Gavin... will major in business management at Concordia.

Currier on Ericksen: "Grant is a proven playmaker in the secondary! This young man is an instant impact player! We're very excited about Grant!"

Blake Evans (LB, 5-11, 200, Fr., Manhattan, Ill. / Lincoln-Way West HS)
Lincoln-Way West High School: Earned varsity letters in football … a two-time All-Southwest Suburban Conference honoree … named to second team All-Area … recorded 70 tackles, 3.5 sacks and forced three fumbles as a senior.

Personal: Born August 2, 1998 ... son of Scott and Heidi Evans ... has an older sister, Ashley, a younger sister, Kelsey and a younger brother, Gavin … plans to major in sport management at Concordia.

Currier on Evans: "Blake is a tenacious linebacker that will help immediately. He'll help us become a much more relentless defense. He's a hard-hitter from Chicagoland!"

Pika Fakava (LB, 5-11, 220, Fr., San Bernardino, Calif. / San Gorgonio HS)
San Gorgonio High School: A two-sport athlete for the Spartans ... earned varsity letters in football and wrestling … served as team captain on both the wrestling team and football team … was a two-time defensive league MVP … named Division 7 CIF SS MVP … named first team All-Conference … All-State selection … tallied 195 tackles, 100 solo, 15 tackles for loss, 80 assists, one interception and four caused fumbles as a senior … helped lead team to four league championships.

Personal: Born January 26, 1999 ... son of Folio and Jena Fakava ... has two younger brothers, Timoteo and Silas and two younger sisters, Lili and Tuutanga ... will major in kinesiology at Concordia.

Currier on Fakava: "This guy brings toughness and brings the wood! He will bring pop to our linebacker corps!"

Colton Folliard (DL, 6-2, 230, Fr., Wonder Lake, Ill. / McHenry Community HS)
McHenry Community High School: A two-time letter winner in football … named All-Fox Valley Conference and All-Area … recorded 10 sacks, 71 tackles, and two point conversion catch … helped lead team to the playoffs for the first time in nine years as a senior.

Personal: Born May 26, 1999 ... son of Mark and Irene Folliard ... has an older brother, MacGuire ... will major in criminal justice at Concordia.

Currier on Folliard: "We're lucky to already have Colton on campus this spring. He's even better in-person! He plays with a lot of fire and desire!"

Chris Garrett (DL, 6-4, 220, Fr., Milwaukee, Wis. / Wisconsin Lutheran HS)
Wisconsin Lutheran High School: Earned three football letters for the Vikings, also serving as a team captain ... an All-State honorable mention performer and an All-Region selection ... named first team All-Little Ten Conference as a linebacker, named second team as a junior and first team as a senior … named Defensive Player of the Year ... compiled 90-plus tackles ... helped the Vikings to a 15-0 season including a Wisconsin State Championship as a sophomore in 2015 ... team went 8-3, falling to the eventual state champions in the section playoffs as a senior ... compiled a 29-8 record as a three year prep player.

Personal: Born June 12, 1998 ... son of Antoine Garrett and Sherrie Rhodes ... has three brothers, Kenneth, Antoine and Darios and a sister, Brionna ... plans to major in education at Concordia and would like to be a teacher and football coach after his playing career.

Currier on Garrett: "We're very excited about this special player. Chris is long, explosive and will immediately make an impact on the Golden Bear defense. He will dominate!"

Nick Green (WR, 6-4, 180, Fr., Clermont, Fla. / East Ridge HS)
East Ridge High School: Earned four varsity letters in football for the Warriors.

Personal: Born July 28, 1999 ... son of Mike Jones and Precious Green ... has four sisters, Deondra, Kamia, Nakia and Nina ... will major in business at Concordia.

Currier on Green: "Nick is a long, 6-foot, 4-inch wide receiver with a big catch radius! He's another player that shows CSP football is getting bigger and stronger!"

Marcus Haskins (DB, 6-0, 175, Fr., Cottage Grove, Minn. / East Ridge HS)
East Ridge High School: Earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field … earned all-conference honorable mention in cross country … a first team all-conference honoree in football … helped lead football team to a Class 6A state runner-up finish … a four time all-conference recipient in track and field and three time All-State … served as track and field team captain as a senior.

Personal: Born September 25, 1998 ... son of Kevin and Naomi Haskins ... has an older brother, Juwan, a younger brother, Joshua, and a younger sister, Eva ... will major in criminal justice at Concordia … mother ran cross country and track and field at Mid America University.

Currier on Haskins: "Marcus is a rangy playmaker! He's a multi-sport athlete that we expect to lock receivers down! A great get for CSP!"

Arik Johnson (DB, 6-1, 165, Fr., Inver Grove Heights, Minn. / Simley HS)
Simley High School: A three-sport athlete for the Spartans … earned varsity letters in football, basketball and track and field … an All-Metro East Conference honorable mention honoree … earned All-District honorable mention … helped lead football and basketball team to state tournament appearances.

Personal: Born September 9, 1998 ... son of Jeff and Kathrine Johnson ... has one brother, Andrew ... will major in exercise science at Concordia.

Currier on Johnson: "Arik's a long, big hitting safety. We're very excited about this Twin City hitter! He has huge upside!"

Shaquan Johnson (RB, 5-9, 180, Fr., St. Petersburg, Fla. / Northeast HS)
Northeast High School: Earned varsity letters in Football, Wrestling, and Track and Field … named All-Conference and All-State as a running back … led the county in rushing on two occasions … served as captain of the football team … was a Top-10 running back in the state … was 70 yards shy of break the school record for most yards … a 2016 Pinellas County All Star … rushed for 1,931 yards, 23 touchdowns, caught six passes for 53 yards and also passed for one touchdown … helped lead team to a 7-2 record as a senior … was the city champ in wrestling in 2016.

Personal: Born February 3, 1999 ... son of LaTanya Scott ... plans to major in business marketing at Concordia.

Currier on Johnson: "Shaq is another Sunshine State running back that will compete for our top ball carrier job as a freshman. A very impressive young man!"

Oistin Jones (OL, 6-3, 290, Fr., Lehigh Acres, Fla. / Dunbar HS)
Dunbar High School: Earned four letters as a three-year starter for the Tigers ... also earned a letter on the track & field team ... a senior captain, named 2016 Fort Myers Rotary All-Star Participant ... two-time All-Conference 5A District 12 offensive lineman ... rolled up 54 pancake blocks ... helped the Tigers to a 2015 Class 5A District 12 Conference Championship.

Personal: Born January 26, 1999 ... son of Chris Jones and Amanda Helms ... undecided on a major at Concordia but is interested in a career path towards either a wildlife officer or a sports trainer.

Currier on Jones: "Oisten is a very athletic offensive lineman from the Sunshine State! We really like his ability to move! He is capable of playing any position along the offensive front."

Neal Kallen (DL, 6-4, 210, Fr., Gilbert, Ariz. / Perry HS)
Perry High School: Earned varsity letters in football, lacrosse and wrestling … served as defensive team captain as a senior … helped lead team to an 11-2 record which was best in school history … tallied 34 tackles, four sacks, one safety, one blocked punt, two forced fumbles and recovered two fumbles … served as lacrosse team captain … as a wrestler, held a 95% winning percentage … named 2016 Arizona 6A Honorable Mention selection.

Personal: Born December 16, 1998 ... son of Drew and Lee Anne Kallen ... has three older brothers, Bryce, Turner, and Andrew ... will major in marketing at Concordia … has a cousin who plays Division 1 hockey at Ferris State.

Currier on Kallen: "Neal is a long defensive end that has a tremendous motor. I really enjoy his relentless play. He will improve our ability to create pressure."

Tyson Kauffman (OL, 6-5, 285, Fr., Stratford, Wis. / Stratford HS)
Stratford High School: Earned varsity letters in football and wrestling … a unanimous first team All-Marawood Conference selection as a junior and senior … earned All-Region accolades as a senior … served as team captain as a junior and a senior … named 2016 Scholar Athlete of the Year … was the 285 pound state wrestling champion as a senior … helped lead team to a Marawood Conference title … held a 25-9 record as a member of the Tigers football team.

Personal: Born October 8, 1998 ... son of Jerome Kauffman and Betsy Miller ... has an older brother, Hunter who is also on the CSP football team ... will major in pre-med at Concordia ... has had several uncles and cousins compete in college sports: John Schmitt (uncle), defensive end for UW-Stevens Point football (1989-92) ... Paul Schmitt (uncle), defensive end/linebacker for UW-Stevens Point football (1999-01) ... Walt Schmitt (uncle), running back for UW-Stevens point football (1996-00) ... Matthew Bauman (cousin), linebacker for UW-Stevens Point football (2003-04) ... Dustin Bauman (cousin), University of Northern Iowa wrestling (2006-09) ... Jordan Bauman (cousin), defensive end for University of Minnesota Duluth football (2009-13).

Currier on Kauffman: "This man defines the term "road grader." CSP is looking to run the ball! He brings many qualities to CSP football!"

Craig Kelso (OL, 6-4, 290, Fr., Boulder City, Nev. / Boulder City HS)
Boulder City High School: Named All-Conference for the Eagles … broke the squat record at the school with a weight of 512.5 lbs.

Personal: Born September 10, 1998 … son of Kirsten Kelso … plans to major in business and marketing at Concordia … his cousin, Samuel Gomez, is on the track and field team at Cornell.

Currier on Kelso: "We are very excited about this big, athletic offensive lineman. This big strapper, from the City of Lights, is tough and has a huge upside."

Trystin Kinkade (DB, 5-11, 203, Fr., Waseca, Minn. / Waseca HS)
Waseca High School: Lettered three times in football, once in baseball and once in academics for the Bluejays … As a senior, he was First Team All-District, Team Captain, Jacob Gleason Award Winner for Commitment, First Team All-State Academic, Waseca County News Player of the Year Honorable Mention and Blue Grey All-American … as a junior, he was All-District Honorable Mention and set the Waseca High School Record Holder for Interceptions in a Game (3) … rushed 164 times for 834 yards with 14 touchdowns while also throwing for 342 yards as well … collected nine solo tackles, one interception and one forced fumble as a senior … FCA Huddle Leader … youth coach … founder of Waseca Intramural Basektball League.

Personal: Born July 28, 1998 … son of Jim and Jennifer Kinkade … plans to major in health science/pre-physical therapy at Concordia.

Currier on Kinkade: "Trystin defines relentless. I'm very excited about what he brings to our program. He improves Golden Bear football in many ways!"

Lorenzo Kendricks (DB, 6-0, 175, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio / Colerain HS)
Colerain High School: Lettered in football, baseball and track and field for the Cardinals … picked up 45 tackles and 10 pass break-ups as a senior … helped the team to a GMC Conference Championship … named to the honor roll all four years.

Personal: Born November 19, 1998 … son of Alan and Laurie Kendricks … has an older sister, Monique, and a younger brother, Alonzo … majoring in criminal justice with a communication studies minor at Concordia.

Currier on Kendricks: "Lorenzo is a S.T.U.D.! He comes from a great program and has played at a high level. We are blessed to have landed this talented young man!"

Max Masad (DB, 5-11, 185, Fr., Chino Hills, Calif. / Chino Hills HS)
Chino Hills High School: Lettered in football and track and field for the Huskies … named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Area as a junior and senior as well as All-Inland Valley as a senior … picked up 92 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a senior … helped the team to a 10-0 record.

Personal: Born November 13, 1998 … son of Chuck and Trisha Masad … has three brothers, Tyler, Travis and Jake, and three sisters, Demi, Emma and Bianca … plans to major in criminal justice and minor in business management at Concordia.

Currier on Masad: "Max is another defensive back that is a fierce competitor and comes from a great level of football in California. He's a defensive back that can play any spot in the secondary!"

Matthew Montgomery (OL, 6-3, 250, Fr., Dassel, Minn. / Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted HS)
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winstead High School: Named All-Conference, All-Section and All-District … named District Defensive Lineman of the Year and defensive MVP … participated in baseball, track and field, choir, National Honor Society and Student Council.

Personal: Born August 6, 1999 … son of George and Michelle Montgomery … has two sisters, Elizabeth and Lydia, and a brother, Stephen … undecided on a major … his father, George, played offensive line and linebacker and his mother, Michelle, played volleyball and softball at St. Paul Bible College … his brother, Stephen, plays football at Gustavus Adolphus.

Currier on Montgomery: "We are bringing in another impressive person with Matthew: student, leader, character! He's a big kid from Minnesota with a very high ceiling!"

Gabe Nkumu (DB, 6-1, 205, Fr., Iowa City, Iowa / City HS)
City High School: Lettered once in football and twice in basketball for the Little Hawks … First Team All-District and First Team All-Academic … collected 37.5 tackles, 26 solo tackles, three interceptions as well as 10 receptions and 310 yards … helped the team to an 8-3 record and a trip to the state quarterfinals.

Personal: Born October 28, 1998 … son of Peter and Stacia Nkumu … has a younger sister, Rose … plans to major in accounting and minor in finance at Concordia … had uncles that played football at Drake and basketball at South Dakota State as well as a cousin who plays football at Northern Iowa.

Currier on Nkumu: "Gabe is an explosive defensive player. His versatility makes him extremely valuable!"

Paddy O'Rourke (TE, 6-4, 215, Fr., Baraboo, Wis. / Baraboo HS)
Baraboo High School: Lettered eight times, three in football, three in basketball and two in track and field … named All-Conference and team captain in football and basketball … conference champion and state qualifier in track and field.

Personal: Born February 18, 1999 … son of Patrick and Deb O’Rourke … has a brother, Dan, and a sister, Emily … undecided on a major at Concordia … his sister, Emily, plays basketball at USC Aiken.

Currier on O'Rourke: "Here's a big boy that can run and create mismatches. We are looking forward to seeing this one run up the seam!"

Marqui Passmore (LB, 5-11, 187, Fr., Homestead, Fla. / Keys Gate HS)
Keys Gate High School: Collected 70 tackles, five sacks and six tackles for loss … named Defensive MVP … helped the team to a record of 5-5.

Personal: Born December 19, 1997 … son of Marqui Passmore, Sr. and Latoya Peyton … plans to major in education and minor in business and sport management at Concordia.

Currier on Passmore: "Marqui is another relentless defender! He plays with a lot of energy! He's a defensive playmaker from the Sunshine State!"

Jake Portz (LB, 6-0, 220, Fr., Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield South HS)
Plainfield South High School: Lettered three times in football for the Cougars … three-time First Team All-Conference and two-time All-Area … 2016 All-State honorable mention and SPC Defensive Player of the Year … two-time team captain … 303.5 career tackles.

Personal: Born July 12, 1998 … son of Darell and Michele Portz … has an older sister, Ally, and a younger brother, Nick … plans to major in marketing at Concordia.

Currier on Portz: "Jake is a college linebacker in a high school senior's body. We're looking for him to have an immediate impact on the Golden Bear defense!"

Parker Powers (DB, 5-11, 165, Fr., Tabor, Iowa / Fremont-Mills HS)
Fremont-Mills High School: Lettered 10 times, four in football, three in track and field, and three in basketball for the Knights … Elite All State Iowa Des Moines Register 2016 … All District First team 2013-2016 … All-State INA First team 2016 & Third team 2015 … KMA Defensive POY 2016 … Valley News Defensive POY 2016 … All Western Iowa Defense Captain First Team 2016 & First Team Defense 2014 … All-Mills County 2013-2016 … SWI Sportscorner POY 2016 … SWI Sportscorner Defensive POY 2013-2015 … All State Academic 2016 and Iowa's All-Time Interception Leader (31), including seven pick sixes … rushed for 1,095 yards and 16 touchdowns … collected 1,344 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns … helped the team to a combined record of 40-7, including three District Championships … 110 Hurdles Conference Champion & State Qualifer 2015-2016 ... High Jump Conference Champion 2014, State Qualifier 2014-2015 and Drake Relays Qualifier 2014 … 4x110 Shuttle Hurdle Relay Conference Champion & State Qualifier 2015-2016 … 4x100 Conference Champion 2015 and State Qualifier 2015-2016 … member of Student Council from 2013-17 … member of National Honor Society and Spanish Club.

Personal: Born April 27, 1999 … son of Rob and Corina Powers … has an older sister, Madison, and a younger brother, Jaeger … plans to major in exercise science at Concordia … hopes to continue his education in chiropractic school.

Currier on Powers: "Parker is the career interception leader in Iowa! He's a big-time ball hawk. Some guys just have the knack to take the ball away - he does!"

Lajuan Preston (RB, 5-11, 165, Fr., Fort Myers, Fla. / Dunbar HS)
Dunbar High School: Named team MVP … earned the 12th Man Award … rushed for 1,458 yards and 18 touchdowns … led the team to an 8-2 record and a District Championship.

Personal: Born December 29, 1998 … son of Lajuan and Laureen Preston … has two younger brothers, Lavarius and Ladarious … plans to major in nursing and minor in athletic training.

Currier on Preston: "Lajuan is one of the best athletes in this class. A 10.8 100 meter speedster that refuses to be tackles. We're very excited about him!"

Hunter Quinn (DL, 6-2, 230, Fr., Watertown, Wis. / Watertown HS)
Watertown High School: Lettered eight times, four in track and field, three in football, and one in basketball for the Goslings … 2016 All-Conference First Team and 2015 All-Conference honorable mention as a defensive lineman … two-time state qualifier in the discus … 2016 discus conference, regional and sectional champion … picked up 33 solo tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble and seven tackles for loss.

Personal: Born July 30, 1998 … son of Jamey and Karen Quinn … has two brothers, Bailey and Tanner, and a sister, Riley … plans to major in accounting at Concordia … his brother, Bailey, is a thrower on the track and field team at UW-Oshkosh.

Currier on Quinn: "Hunter defines high effort with a high motor! It all starts with great effort being a habit!"

Rich Rigmaden (DL, 6-3, 205, Fr., Stockton, Calif. / Cesar Chavez HS)
Cesar Chavez High School: Lettered in football and basketball for the Titans … named team captain … averaged 10 tackles and a sack per game.

Personal: Born March 3, 1998 … son of Richard Rigmaden, Jr. and Latoya Bottley … has three younger brothers, Richaad, Reyshawn and Kejahn, and three younger sisters, Reanna, Riziyah and Rayne … plans to major in exercise science at Concordia … his grandfather, Richard Rigmaden, Sr. played football at Sacramento State.

Currier on Rigmaden: "Rich led his conference in sacks and will improve the Golden Bear pass rush! He's another defensive player with big potential!"

Rhett Sheehan (DB, 5-11, 190, Fr., Menomonie, Wis. / Menomonie HS)
Monomonie High School: Lettered five times, three in football and two in track and field for the Mustangs … twice named All-Conference on offense and once on defense … team captain … All-Northwest Region honorable mention … made 78 tackles (48 solo) as a senior to go along with 738 receiving yards and five touchdowns … had 10 career interceptions … helped the team to a record of 11-2 and a trip to the state semifinals.

Personal: Born January 16, 1999 … son of Joe and Misti Huth … has an older sister, Caitlyn, and an older brother, Alex … plans to major in business management at Concordia.

Currier on Sheehan: "Here's a big-time playmaker in the secondary! He's one of the best leaders in the recruiting class. We are really looking forward to working with him!"

Jake Shepley (DB, 6-3, 180, Fr., Burnsville, Minn. / Burnsville HS)
Burnsville High School: Lettered four times in football and three times in lacrosse for the Blaze … named All-District and All-State … USA Today All-Minnesota Team … Star Tribune Prep Player of the Week … collected 499 yards receiving and six touchdowns with 31.2 yards per catch to go along with seven interceptions … helped his team to a record of 8-3 as a senior.

Personal: Born January 5, 1999 … son of Tom and Deb Shepley … has two older brothers, Brett and Tucker, and a younger brother, Marcus … undecided on a major at Concordia … his brother, Brett, plays football at Augustana and his brother, Marcus, plays basketball at Northwestern-St. Paul.

Currier on Shepley: "Jake is one of the best playmakers coming from the Twin Cities! He's a multidimensional player who had a very productive senior season."

Ryan Sorensen (LB, 5-11, 195, Fr., Chippewa Falls, Wis. / McDonell Central HS)
McDonell Central High School: Lettered 10 times, four in football, four in baseball and two in basketball for the Macks … three-time team captain … two-time All-Chippewa County and All-Conference after being named honorable mention in both as a sophomore … Academic All-State in both football and baseball … All-Region honorable mention in both baseball and football … collected 986 rushing yards and 1,148 total yards with 18 touchdowns to go along with 120 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, two sacks and two interceptions as a senior … had 110 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, four sacks and two interceptions as a junior … picked up 116 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five fumbles and three sacks as a sophomore … helped the basketball team to a state title as a junior and state runner-up in baseball as a freshman … was a Student Ambassador and a member of the Math Team.

Personal: Born May 10, 1999 … son of Dale and Angie Sorensen … has an older brother, Sam, and a younger sister, Cassie … plans to major in business management at Concordia.

Currier on Sorensen: "Ryan is a defensive player that will improve our linebacker corps and who plays like his hair is on fire - relentless!"

Dion Wallisch (DB, 6-0, 185, Jr., Oakdale, Minn. / Tartan HS / Minnesota Crookston)
University of Minnesota Crookston: 2016: Did not play. 2015: Played in 10 games played while starting at one of the corner spots for the Golden Eagles ... was fourth on the team with 56 tackles, while tallying 4.5 tackles for loss ... had one sack, one pass break-up and one forced fumble for the Golden Eagles. 2014: Redshirted for the Golden Eagles.

Tartan High School: Helped lead the Titans to a 6-2 regular season mark during his senior season … played as a defensive back ... 2012-13 All-Conference Honorable Mention pick for wrestling ... qualified for state twice as a wrestler ... Earned All-State in wrestling ... All-Conference pick as a senior for football ... named Defensive MVP as a senior.

Personal: Born June 8, 1996 … son of Stephanie Wallisch … has a younger sister, Sydney … majoring in sport management at Concordia.

Currier on Wallisch: "I'm very excited about Dion! He's already a proven and tested starter in the NSIC! We get to enjoy him roaming our secondary for a couple years!"

photo courtesy: UMC Athletics