Today head football coach Sean Kugler announced the 2014 recruiting class at the Larry K. Durham Center.
UTEP signed a total of 23 players for the 2014 season. The recruiting class consists of 20 high school players and three junior college transfers. Kugler mentioned that when he got the job they only had 23 defensive players on scholarships and now they have 40.
“We are in a constant struggle to guide this thing in the right direction, I thought it was going to take two years to balance out our offense and defense and (Recruiting Coordinator) Brian (Natkin) with great creativity has done it in one year,” Kugler said. “We are where we want to be in terms of numbers and from this point on we are not going to deviate from our plan of signing those numbers every year.”
The 23 signees are distributed as follows; 11 linemen (seven on defense, four on offense), two running backs, one full back, two tight ends, two linebackers, two defensive backs and two wide receivers.
“The focus for this group was to recruit linemen, we signed 11 lineman seven for defense and four on the offensive side of the ball, we added much needed size and toughness,” Kugler said. “Character is going to be the premium from here on now that the way we are going to do it and we think the end result its going to pay off.”
Out of the 23 signees, 13 come from the state of Texas, five from California, two from New York, and one from Ohio, Wisconsin and New Mexico.
Last season UTEP had one of the worse rush defenses in the nation and the priority was to bring in players to help stop the run.
Stephen Forester is a 6-foot-1-inch, 230 pound defensive end from Mesquite, Texas, who can also play as a linebacker. Junior college transfer Alex Villarreal is a 6-foot-4-inches, 300 pound defensive tackle and Jason Fao a 6-feet, 300 pound nose guard from Long Beach, Calif. could be three players that could potentially come in to contribute immediately for the defensive line.
“He (Villarreal) gives us much needed size inside, he signed with Oklahoma State and had very productive season with them, he is a special talent and an outstanding young man,” Kugler said.
As far as linebackers, another junior college transfer comes in to aid in that position, Jimmy Musgrave is a 6-foot, 235 pound linebacker from Victorville, Calif., while Justen Tatum is a 6-foot-1-inch, 240 pounds athlete that also has the potential to see extended playing time.
“He might be the most productive guy we signed overall (Justen Tatum),” Kugler said. “Maybe one of the most athletic kids that we had on visit he guided his team to a state championship game, he had 35 tackles and led his team in rushing in the title game alone.”
Just like on defense, the focus on offense was the line and finding players that will help in protecting senior quarterback Jameill Showers, and four of the new addition have the size and strength Kugler was looking for.
Chris Jones comes in as a 6-foot-1-inch center weighing 300 pounds from Corsicana, Texas. Derron Gatewood comes in as a guard at 6-feet-3-inches and 295 pounds, along with them two offensive tackles of considerable size have been added, Jerrod Brooks, 6-feet-5-inches weighing 305 pounds and Christopher Misaalefua who is 6-feet-5-iches tall and weighs 355 pounds completes the offensive line recruits.
Kugler and his staff added two more El Pasoans to the roster with the signings of wide receivers Eddie Sinegal (Andress High School) and Warren Redix (Montwood High School).
“We talked to a lot of coaches in town and asked ‘Name the most competitive kid in town’ just about everybody mentioned Redix being the most competitive kid in the city, he is an outstanding student and we are excited to get him,” Kugler said. “He can play slot receive, defensive back and return kicks, he reminds me of Aaron Jones.”
The third and last junior college transfer is tight end Nick Jones who served in the military for five years and transferred from Erie Community College in Buffalo, N.Y.
“We had sargent Kelley in our team last year who had tremendous work ethic, he graduated but I think he (Nick Jones) is very similar,” Kugler said. “Judging from the way he worked in our first workout, I believe we got ourselves a great leader.”
The other tight end part of the class is freshman Sterling Napier from Rio Rancho, N.M., he is one of the four players that are already enrolled at UTEP and is already working with the team.
“UTEP was the school that I wanted to go to. The offense and the coaching, there was no other team that looked at me that really uses tight ends and full backs as much as UTEP does, and their coaches are the best that I’ve talked to,” Napier said. “It’s exciting to be here because I get to work with the offense and learn the program and playbook.”
Kugler also announced some slight changes in responsibilities for his coaching staff. Natkin who was in charge of tight ends, will now be the special teams coordinator and Robert Rodriguez will be his assistant. Defensive backs coach Gabe Franklin will now have the responsibility of being the new recruiting coordinator.
To end the press conference Kugler said that he is still compromised to turn the program around and said that the team was able to sign 23 out of the 26 student athletes that visited UTEP.
“I didn’t come down here to lose games, I’m not going to go through seven straight losing seasons. I don’t want to put the fans through that,” Kugler said, referring to Mike Price’s seven losing seasons from 2006-2012. “If this thing isn’t right in three seasons I’ll walk — I promise — without pay, I don’t care. We are going to get this turned around. I promise you that.”
Edwin Delgado may be reached at [email protected].
Full Bios from all 23 recruits: (Information provided by UTEP Athletics.)
Stephen Forester | Fr. | DE | 6-1 | 230 lbs.
Mesquite, Texas (Dallas Christian HS)
Started all four seasons on the varsity squad … recorded 99 tackles (71s/28a), 26 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and five blocked kicks during senior season … opened the 2013 season with a career-best five sacks against Dallas HSAA North (8/30) … returned a fumble 22-yards for a touchdown in a 48-10 victory over Shelton High School (10/25) … registered eight quarterback hurries twice in 2013 (vs. Parish Episcopal & Ft. Worth Christian) … named district MVP, named first-team All-State and first-team All-District after senior season … during junior season (2012), recorded 111 tackles (70s/41a), 22 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, five forced fumbles and five blocked kicks … named first-team All-District , first-team All-State and district defensive lineman of the year… tallied 48 stops (21s/27a) in sophomore season (2011) and set career-high with 12 tackles (5s/7a) during a 38-10 win over Regents High School (9/23) … posted four sacks and 25 tackles (18s/7a) as a freshman (2010) … made impact during first season with two games registering 10 tackles or more, while setting a season-high with 11 stops (nine solo) versus Trinity Christian (11/8) … three-time SportsDay HS defensive Player of the Week Honorable mention … TAPPS D-11 District 2 Defensive MVP, All-District defensive lineman first-team, All-State defensive lineman first team and Academic All-State … Chargers recorded a 12-1 record in 2013 and won the TAPPS 3-III District title … son of Herschel and Cindy.
Alex Villarreal | Jr. | DT | 6-4 | 300 lbs.
Hidalgo, Texas (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College)
Started two seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College … had best season in 2012 where he helped the Golden Norsemen to their best record ever (9-3) … a three-star recruit on Rivals.com … received All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference honorable mention … started all 12 games as he tallied 80 tackles (33 solo) and two sacks … hit double-digit tackles twice during freshman season … notched a season-best 16 stops (six solo) against Navarro College (11/10/12) and tallied 11 tackles, also against Navarro College (10/27/12) … started all nine games in 2013 … recorded 46 tackles (18 solo), one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles … posted a season-best nine stops against Kilgore College (10/12/13) … signed with Oklahoma State in 2011 after senior season at Hidalgo High School where he recorded 10 sacks and had 12 tackles for loss … in 2010 was a Scout three-star recruit … was named first team All-District, third team Dave Campbell Super Team, third team Texas Football Magazine Super Team and Texas Football Magazine Top 25 Defensive Lineman … son of Deanna.
Jason Fao | Fr. | NG | 6-0 | 300 lbs.
Long Beach, Calif. (Long Beach Poly HS)
Four-year defensive starter for the Jackrabbits … posted 97.5 tackles (79s/18.5a), including 28 for loss and 8.5 sacks during senior season … finished career with 207.5 stops (135s/72.5a), 52 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks … scored a defensive touchdown during a 44-8 victory over St. Bonaventure High School in the CIF Southern Section football playoffs (11/22) … tallied nine tackles (8s/1a), five tackles for loss and two sacks in a 13-0 win over Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School … was also utilized as a linebacker and used on offense as a lead blocker … helped Long Beach Poly High School post an 11-2 overall record (6-0 league record) … the Jackrabbits finished the 2013 season ranked No. 10 in California and No. 54 nationally … a two-star recruit on Rivals.com and Scout.com … ranked 72nd nose guard prospect in the nation … named to first-team Long Beach Press-Telegram 2013 Football Dream Team and selected to the All-CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division defensive team…was named first team All-Moore League and was selected as the Moore League Defensive Lineman of the Year … son of Jason and Mona-Lisa.
Mike Sota | Fr. | DT | 6-4 | 260 lbs.
Placenta, Calif. (Valencia HS)
Tallied 69 tackles (50s/19a), 13 tackles for loss, six sacks (37 yards for loss), six quarterback hurries and six pass breakups … tallied 13 tackles (11s/2a), four tackles for loss and a sack against Yorba Linda (10/11/13) … recorded two sacks and eight tackles (5s/3a) versus Villa Park (9/6/13) … had nine solo stops, three tackles for loss, two sacks and one quarterback hurry during a 41-3 victory over Cypress (10/31/13) … named All-CIF Central Division defensive team … two-star recruit on Scout.com … during junior season, recorded 43 stops (21s/22a), four tackles for loss, two sacks, seven quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and one fumble recovery … had 11 tackles (6s/5a) and one quarterback hurry in a 14-7 win over El Dorado (9/14/12) … tallied five tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack in a 24-13 win over Kennedy (9/22/12) … recorded seven tackles (five solo), one sack and one quarterback hurry in a 31-13 win over Sonora (11/9/12) … named Empire League Lineman of the Year … son of Mike and Roxanne.
Joseph Kraemer | Fr. | DE | 6-3 | 245 lbs.
Kettering, Ohio (Archbishop Alter HS)
Played three years of varsity football for the Knights … named to 2013 Associated Press Southwest All-District IV – second team … 2013 All-Area Division IV-V second team … notched four solo tackles, two tackles for loss and three sacks during a postseason 35-21 win over Wyoming in the 2013 Ohio Boys Football playoffs … recorded 60 tackles, six sacks, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble during 2012 (junior) season … ranked 95th defensive end in the nation by Scout.com and is a three-star recruit on Scout.com … earned numerous accolades during 2012 … second team All-GCL … Rivals 5-Star Elite Big Man Camp invitee … NUC All-American Games invitee … Rivals 5-Star Elite Midwest Exposure Camp invitee … Rivals Elite Midwest combine invitee … VTO Sports Prep 100 Defensive Line MVP … played on a defense that allowed 10.5 points per game in 2013, while helping the Knights to an 11-2 record … tallied 15 (4s/11a), one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery during his season on varsity team (2011)…was a part of the North South All-Star League … son of Richard and Belinda.
Augie Touris | Fr. | DE | 6-4 | 235 lbs.
Buffalo, N.Y. (Canisius HS)
Played tight end and defensive end during senior season for Canisius … tallied three tackles (two tackles for loss) during the Crusaders’ 41-7 victory over St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in 2013 Monsignor Martin championship game (11/21) at Ralph Wilson Stadium (Orchard Park, N.Y.) … caught two passes for 23 yards during final season, including a seven-yard touchdown in a 41-0 win over Cardinal O’Hara (10/26) … blocked two punts during the 2013 season … guided the team to a fourth-place finish at State in 2013 with a 9-2 overall record …. A two-star recruit on Rivals.com … first-team All-Catholic selection and All-WNY league All-Star first-team defense honoree … in 2012 led the team to a 11-0 finish tying for the State title … will compete in the New York/New Jersey All-Star game and was selected to play in the 2014 All-WNY All-Star game … son of Lambros and Suzanne.
Luke Elsner | Fr. | DE | 6-3 | 240 lbs.
Seymour, Wis. (Seymour HS)
After a dominant junior season, Elsner was double teamed most of his senior season, recording 76 tackles (63s/13a), with 25.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks … also contributed with three forced fumbles, four blocked punts and five pass breakups … opened the 2013 Wisconsin High School Football Playoffs with 12 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss in a dominating 45-14 win over Medford (10/25/13) … had an all-around game stating 2.5 sacks, eight tackles (five solo), three tackles for loss, one pass breakup and one blocked punt during a 57-13 victory over Fox Valley Lutheran (9/20/13) … named WFCA Defensive First-Team All-State … AP All-State honorable mention … helped Thunder forge a 10-3 record in final season … during junior season, racked up 17.5 sacks, with 51 stops (36s/15a) … had three forced fumbles, one blocked kick and one pass breakup … opened the 2012 season with a dominating four-sack performance and five stops in a 35-0 win over Marinette (8/24/12) … sacked the quarterback three times and tallied eight tackles during a 13-7 victory over Hortonville (9/14/12) … recorded three sacks in a 48-0 win over Ripon (9/21/12) … earned first-team All-Bay Conference honors … son of Mark and Lisa.
Jimmy Musgrave | Jr. | LB | 6-0 | 235 lbs.
Victorville, Calif. (Victor Valley College)
Played and started in all 10 games at Victory Valley College in 2013 … named to 2013 American Division Mountain Conference first-team defense … efforts helped the Rams to a 6-4 record … tallied 94 tackles (47 solo), eight sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble … his 9.4 tackles per game ranked first in the conference, while his sack total was ranked fourth … made immediate impact in first game for the Rams as he tallied a season-high 14 stops (nine solo) and two sacks against L.A. Pierce (9/7/13) … recorded 11 tackles (eight solo), a forced fumble, six tackles for a loss and two sacks in a 48-28 win over L.A. Southwest (9/21/13) … notched double-digit tackles against San Bernardino (12), San Diego Mesa (11) and Southwestern (11) … a two-star recruit on Scout.com and is ranked 28th junior college linebacker in the country by 247sports.com … walked on Oregon football team where he was on the scout team for two seasons (2011-12) … named 2010 Daily Press Football Defensive Athlete of the Year during senior season at Silverado High School … also received Presidential Academic Award in 2010 … named to All-Desert Sky League Football Team as a running back (79 carries, 452 yards & six touchdowns) … son of Jim.
Justen Tatum | Fr. | LB | 6-1 | 240 lbs.
Dallas, Texas (First Baptist Academy)
Guided First Baptist to the 2013 TAPPS Division III State Championship title after compiling a career high 35 tackles (13s/22a) and leading the team in rushing with two touchdowns for 90 yards against Bryan Brazos Christian (12/9) … registered a showing of 26 tackles (13s/13a) and one sack in a 52-0 blowout versus Highlands garnering him SportsDayHS Hero of the Week … in 2013 posted nine performances with 17 or more tackles … rushed for 100 or more yards in back-to-back matchups for the Saints … finished senior campaign with 247 tackles (123s/124a), seven sacks, 1,013 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns … collected 145 tackles, eight sacks, ran for 410 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012 … checks in as a two-star recruit on Scout.com and Rivals.com … ranked 83rd linebacker in the nation … earned seven Defensive Player of the Week honors and was named to the Texas Associated of Private and Parochial Schools All-State Division III first team for both defense and offense…was team captain for the First Baptist Saints during the 2013 season … son of Shuwonna Smith.
Nik Needham | Fr. | DB | 5-11| 185 lbs.
Buena Park, Calif. (Buena Park HS)
2013 first-team All-Freeway League honoree … helped Coyotes post an 8-3 overall record (4-1 league record) … played defensive back and wide receiver during 2013 season … hauled in 39 passes for 877 yards (22.5 avg.) and five touchdowns … averaged 87.7 yards per game … tallied 38 tackles (31s/7a), three tackles for loss, two interceptions and .5 sack … named player of the game in a 47-15 victory over Westminster High School (10/4) after he caught four passes for 85 yards and a score, also ran for a 55-yard touchdown … on defense, notched two tackles and an interception in the same matchup … pulled in seven receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown during a 34-16 win over Troy High School (10/18) … recorded a season-high 180 yards on six catches and a score versus La Habra High School (11/8) … A two-star recruit on Sout.com and ranks 74th cornerback in the nation on 247sports.com … was named the 2013 Scholar Athlete … son of Steve Calhoun and Shannon Needham.
Adrian Hynson | Fr. | DB | 5-10 | 185 lbs.
Corpus Christi, Texas (Flour Bluff)
Played three seasons on varsity squad … a 2013 Dave Campbell’s All-State first team recipient … competed in 12 games during senior season … registered a team-leading 83 tackles (29s/54a and 4 tackles for loss), also picked off two passes for 100 yards, including a 54-yard pick-six in a 63-21 win against Mercedes High School (11/15) … 2013 All-South Texas first team … named 2013 All-District 31-4A District MVP and 2013 Friday Night Fever Play of the Year recipient … 2013 class 4A Region IV preseason Elite Team selection … registered four performances of 10 or more tackles in 2013 … helped Hornets to a 10-2 record (7-0 district) during senior season … rated a two-star recruit on Scout.com and ranks 75th safety in the nation on 247sports.com … 2013 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Call 4A All-State second-team honoree … played 14 games in 2012, tallying 106 tackles (57s/49a) and four tackles for loss … named first-team All-District … in 2011 (12 games played) recorded 89 tackles (42s/47a), three interceptions, one touchdown, three forced fumbles, three tackles for loss and three breakups … son of Donald and Lori.
Mookie Carlile | Fr. | DB | 6-1 | 200 lbs.
Stephenville, Texas (Stephenville HS)
Two-time 1A-3A Associated Press Sports Editors All-State Honorable (2012, 2013) … named to 2011 Associated Press 4A All-State team and a three-time All-Big Country 3A-5A first team and Super Team … played three season on varsity … played in 14 games during 2013 season … registered 90 tackles (51s/46a), seven tackles for loss, seven breakups, five interceptions (team leader), three forced fumbles … a two-star recruit on Scout.com and ranked 73rd safety in the nation on 247sports.com … as a senior garnered All-District FS 7-3A first team, All-District Return Specialist 7-3A second team, 2013 Class 3-A All-State Padilla Poll second team, All-District 7-3A All-Academic and All-State THSCA All-Academic Honorable Mention … played in 14 contests during 2012 season … tallied 97 tackles (45s/52a), two interceptions, one forced fumble, eight breakups and four tackles for loss … helped lead Stephenville High School to a District 8-4A Co-championship during 2011 season … was named to the 2012 All-District FS 7-3A first team, The Old Coach Class 3A All-State first team, All-State FS Class 3-A Padilla Poll first team and All-District 7-3A All-Academic …. in 2011 tallied six interceptions, five breakups, 89 tackles (52s/37a) prior to the state playoffs … also made three tackles for loss to go with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … helped guide Yellow Jackets to three straight district titles … the sophomore received multiple awards including: District 8-4A Co-Newcomer of the Year, All-State FS 4A Padilla Poll second team, TSWA 4A All-State Safety honorable mention and All-District 8 4-A All-Academic … also lettered in basketball and baseball … member of 2013 3A Region I finalist Yellow Jacket baseball team … a two-time All-District Outfielder first team honoree … son of Greg and Karli … has two siblings Stetson Carlile and Shay Douglas.
Chris Jones | Fr. | OC | 6-1 | 300 lbs.
Corsicana, Texas (Corsicana HS)
A three-year letterwinner and varsity starter for Corsicana … garnered back-to-back District 16-4A first team honors … was named the Newcomer of the Year and AP All-State Honorable Mention during the 2012 season … as a sophomore started in 15 games for the Tigers … a two-star recruit on Rivals.com … competed in the discus throw in high school … son of Tracy Jones.
Derron Gatewood | Fr. | OG | 6-3 | 295 lbs.
Odessa, Texas (Permian HS)
A two-year starter for the Panthers … earned a spot on the 2013 Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Super Team third team … gave up zero sacks during the 2013 campaign garnering him All-State Honorable Mention honors … named to the 2013 All-District 2-5A Superlatives first team and 2012 All-District 2-5A Superlative second team … an All-Region Football honoree, a All-Permian Basin candidate and a three-time All-Academic All-District recipient … played baseball two seasons … son of Kevin and Denisa.
Jerrod Brooks | Fr. | OT | 6-5 | 305 lbs.
Dallas, Texas (Seagoville)
Named to District 11-4A All-District football team along with offensive line teammates Nic Gardea, Eugene Alexander and Xzavier Watkins … allowed zero sacks … played on an offense that scored 426 points in 11 games (ranked second in district) … Seagoville finished second in district in rushing yards per game (265 yards per game) – 10 yards behind Dallas Carter – and rushed for 35 touchdowns … helped the Dragons advance to the 2013 UIL State Football Playoffs … is part of the track and field team at Seagoville where he competes in the shot put and discus throw … son of Jerry and Rhonda.
Christopher Misaalefua | Fr. | OT | 6-5 | 355 lbs.
Lindsay, Calif. (Lindsay HS)
A three-year starter for the Cardinals … as a senior was named Max Preps All-State Division III first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State team, All-Area Fresnobee first team, Visalia-Times Delta All-County first team and All-State by Calhi Sports honoree … garnered East Sequoia League Lineman of the Year honors for him play on both sides of the ball as a defensive and offensive lineman … played on an offensive squad that scored 415 points, while the Cardinals combined for 57 total touchdowns … the offense tallied 3,995 yards of total offense in 12 games (333 yards per game) … Lindsay quarterback threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns during a 44-7 win over Fowler (9/27/13) … Cardinals rushed for 255 yards on 36 carries (7.1 average) and five scores in a one-side 48-0 victory over Sierra Pacific (10/11/13) … on defense, compiled 22 tackles (13s/9a) and one fumble recovery during his senior year campaign … had eight stops (3s/5a) leading Lindsay to a 28-0 victory over Woodlake (10/25) … forced a safety against Fowler (9/27) as the Cardinals conquered a 44-7 win … during junior season registered 25 tackles (15s/10a) and one sack for a seven yard loss … in 2012 was appointed the East Sequoia League Lineman of the Year, Max Prep All-State Division III first team and Visalia-Times Delta All-County first team honoree … as a sophomore was named to the Sophomore NUC Schuman Outstanding Performance List … was selected for the DB Guru All-Star game … a three varsity basketball player … son of Joe and Rhonda.
Warren Redix | Fr. | WR | 5-10 | 175 lbs.
El Paso, Texas (Montwood HS)
Played and started three season on the varsity team for the Rams … earned back-to-back All-District 1-5A Overall MVP honors … registered 2,679 yards on 184 receptions (14.56 average) and 34 total touchdowns … during senior campaign, compiled 751 rushing yards on 63 carries and added 39 tackles (28s/11a) … couldn’t be stoped as a sophomore, scoring four touchdowns and catching nine passes for 171 yards to lead Montwood to a 52-35 victory over Hanks (10/28) … posted a career-long reception of 76 yards collecting 127 yards on 10 receptions against Americas (10/11) … had four showings with 100 or more receiving yards during the 2013 season … was named to the 2013 El Paso Times’ Preseason All-City first team, 2013 All-District first team and 2013 All-City first team … as a junior he tallied 857 yards (13.82 average) on 62 receptions and five touchdowns (8 total TDs) … guided the team to a 8-3 overall record in 2012 and set a career performance of 208 yards on 12 catches (17.33 average) versus Americas (10/12) … garnered 2012 All-District first team honors … in 2011, halted 1,071 yards on 59 receptions (18.15 average) and 15 touchdowns (24 total TDs) … the athlete executed five showings of 100 or more receiving yards as a sophomore … added 16 punt returns for 437 yards in his first year with the Rams … competed in the El Paso Football Showcase All-Star game … son of Warren and Arcy.
Eddie Sinegal | Fr. | WR | 6-0 | 170 lbs.
El Paso, Texas (Andress HS)
Started three seasons on the varsity squad for Andress High School … racked up 2,560 yards on 122 receptions (20.9 average) and 26 receiving touchdowns (29 total TDs) … during senior season, hauled in 52 passes for 1,086 yards (20.9 average) and nine scores (11 total TDs) … helped Eagles earn spot in the Class 4-A playoffs … named to 2013 District 1-4A first team, 2013 All-City first team … caught a two-point conversion and returned a kickoff 60 yards that set up a one-yard touchdown run by teammate Ruben Portillo in the Greater El Paso Football Showcase All-Star game for the West Side team … tallied career bests during junior season with 63 catches for 1,288 yards (20.4 average) and 13 touchdown (14 total TDs) … garnered El Paso Times Player of the Week after catching five passes for 189 yards and four scores, including a 61-yard punt return to the end zone during a 55-6 win over Jefferson (10/5/12) … named to 2012 District 1-4A first team, 2012 All-City first team … tabbed El Paso Area Players of the Week after catching seven passes for 85 yards and a score in a 41-15 win over Austin High School (10/26/12) … versatile athlete who excelled on the hardwood … played four years on the varsity basketball squad … named to All-City first-team in 2012 and 2013 …currently averaging 7.1 points per game in 12 games played this season for an Eagles squad that is 24-2 (11-0 district) as of Feb. 3 … scored 14 points (6-of-10 shooting) in a win over Rio Grande (12/27/13) … scored 15 points (5-of-6 shooting) during a 68-43 victory over El Paso High School (1/7/14) … earned First Team All-District in 2013 and All-District Honorable mention in 2012 … son of Eddie Sr. and Sibrena.
David Hamm | Fr. | RB | 6-0 | 220 lbs.
Klein, Texas (Klein HS)
During senior season at Klein High School, rushed 288 times for 1,821 yards and 18 touchdowns (19 total TDs) in 11 games (including playoffs) … led district 13-5A with 96 points … ran for 191 yards on 38 carries and two scores, also caught a 71-yard touchdown pass during the Bearkats playoff game versus Woodlands (11/15/13) … carried 27 times for 225 yards and a pair of touchdowns (39 and eight yards, respectively) in a 45-28 victory over cross-town rival Klein Collins to clinch a playoff spot (11/1/13) … ran 24 times for 170 yards and three scores in a 30-13 win over Klein Forest (10/11/13) … his 174 yards on 21 carries and three touchdowns paved the way for a Bearkats upset of No. 10 Kingwood, 49-21 (10/17/13) … voted district 13-5A Offensive Player of the Year … named first-team all-district … Dave Campbell’s Texas Football week two player of the week nominee … a Houston area’s top 100 football recruit … a 34th Annual UIL High School Touchdown Club finalist … son of Bryan and Sheri.
Treyvon Hughes | Fr. | RB | 5-11 | 220 lbs.
Carrollton, Texas (Hebron HS)
During senior season at Hebron High School, rushed 240 times for 1,445 yards (6.0 average) and 14 touchdowns (15 total TDs) … registered 222 yards on the ground and two scores during a37-24 win over Lewisville (11/1/13) as performance earned him SportsDay High School offensive Player of the Week honorable mention … also earned honorable mention for 173-yard and three touchdown performance in a 56-20 win over Flower Mound (10/25/13) … had six showings of 120 yards rushing or more during senior season … sprinted 71 yards to the end zone in 37-7 win over Abilene (12 carries, 129 yards, 2 touchdowns) 8/30/13 … also had a 71-yard run against Coppell … named 2013 co-offensive MVP District 5-5A … picked up a three-star rating by ESPN.com and is ranked 81st on the 2014 ESPN 300 Top Running Backs List … accounted for 43 percent of Hebron’s total yards … caught three passes for 36 yards and a score … played at Waxahachie during junior season (2012) … rushed 1,461 yards on 205 carries and 16 touchdowns … named to 2012 15-4A All-District first team … led the Indians to victory over No. 3 in SportsDay’s 4A area rankings – West Mesquite (42-0) with three touchdowns, including 35-yard punt return for a score … played linebacker during sophomore season on varsity squad for the Indians … son of Jasper Hughes and Shetara Dickerson.
Sloan Spiller | Fr. | FB | 6-0 | 225 lbs.
Katy, Texas (Katy HS)
Played and started two seasons as a tight end for the Tigers … earned 2013 All-District first team honors after halting 15 receptions for 275 yards and five touchdowns … guided Katy to a 15-1 season and a District 19-5A title, finishing the 2013 season ranked fifth in the MaxPreps Texas Top 25 Rankings … is ranked a two-star prospect by ESPN.com and checks in at No. 81 on the 2014 ESPN 300 Top Running Backs List … was named 2013 All-District Player and was a 2013 State finalist…registered five matchups with 30 or more receiving yards … recorded a 44 yard score in the state championship title game against Cedar Hill (12/21) … scored two touchdowns for 39 yards in a 49-7 victory versus Strake Jesuit (10/26) … in 2012 played in 10 games and compiled 247 yards and two touchdowns leading the Tigers to a State title … son of Reed and Amy.
Nick Jones | Jr. | TE | 6-7 | 260 lbs.
Buffalo, N.Y. (Erie Community College)
Played in seven games at Erie Community College in 2013 … caught 17 passes for 214 yards (12.6 avg.) and two touchdowns … had best game during a 35-7 victory over Onondage Ogres (10/26/13) with three catches for 46 yards and two scores … set season high in yards (49) and longest reception (33 yards) against Hudson Valley Community College (9/28/13) … ranked 19th on 247 Sports Top Junior College Tight Ends List … had season-high four catches at Milford Academy (9/14/13) … hauled in seven catches for 87 yards and a touchdown during 2012 campaign … earned the 2013 Top WNY Junior College Football Scholar Athlete award for excellence in college football and academics … served in the Marines from July 2007 to April 2012, including four tours of duty … earned 12 ribbons, including the combat action ribbon, the humanitarian ribbon, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal … all-around athlete who also played basketball and lacrosse at West Seneca West High School … son of Jeannie Jones.
Sterling Napier | Fr. | TE | 6-4 | 245 lbs.
Rio Ranch, N.M. (Cleveland High School)
Four-year starter at Cleveland High School (Rio Rancho, N.M.) … played tight end and defensive end for the Storm … caught 43 passes for 682 yards (15.9 avg.) and three touchdowns … tallied 31 tackles (four solo), 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks … helped No. 3 ranked Storm to an 11-2 record in 2013 … registered a season-high 172 yards receiving on seven catches and a touchdown in a 38-14 win over Volcano Vista High School (11/1/13) … caught a season-high eight passes for 106 yards during a 41-21 win over Clovis High School (9/20/13) … hauled in six passes for 110 yards and a score in a 52-12 victory over Hobbs High School (10/18/13) … a two-star recruit on Rivals.com and ranked fifth on New Mexico Top Recruits List … is a two-time All-District 1-5A first team honoree … was named 2013 District Player of the Year, 2013 Albuquerque Football Coaches Association’s All-Metro first team and 2011 All-District Honorable Mention … part of 2011 state championship squad … also played on the basketball squad at Cleveland HS … graduating in December 2013 and will begin working out with the Miners during the spring … son of Mike and Cindy.
