Wednesday, February 5, 2014

NDSU 2014 Football Recruiting Class

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State head football coach Chris Klieman today announced the addition of 29 student-athletes to the Bison program including 19 National Letter of Intent signees, two currently enrolled students and eight preferred walk-ons.
 
The recruiting class includes players from 10 states including North Dakota (6), Minnesota (8), Wisconsin (5), Nebraska (3), Missouri (2), South Dakota (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (1), Michigan (1) and Florida (1).  There are 16 players on offense and 13 on defense.
 
Two student-athletes already enrolled for spring semester at NDSU are sophomore running back
 King Frazier, who transferred from Nebraska after two years, and freshman tight end Marcus Collins from La Follette High School in Madison, Wis.
 
Here is a state-by-state listing of the National Letter of Intent signees followed by the preferred walk-ons:
 
NORTH DAKOTA
Eric Bachmeier, SS, 6-2, 179, Fr., Kindred, N.D. (Kindred HS)
High School: Two-time first team all-state player for Kindred High School and head coach Cody Kittelson...Started four years and played quarterback, wide receiver and in secondary...Also served on special teams as a punter and returner...North Dakota East Region Athlete of the Year as a senior...Accumulated over 2,300 yards in 2013...Scored 72 career touchdowns...Teams advanced to state semifinals in 2011 and quarterfinals in 2013...Lettered in basketball, baseball and track and field...Registered over 1,000 points midway through junior season and has scored 1,340 points in his basketball career...Member of state champion and school record 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams...Personal: Born Aug. 11, 1995...Son of Todd and Ruth Bachmeier...Has one sister, Ann.
 
Luke Bacon, OL, 6-5, 281, Fr., Granville, N.D. (Towner-Granville-Upham HS)
High School: Two-time all-state and three-time all-region for Towner-Granville-Upham High School and head coach Scott Thorson...Four-year starter…Played offensive and defensive line, tight end and was the long snapper...Finished with 254 career tackles...The Titans advanced to the state semifinals his junior year...During senior year, recorded 73 tackles, three passes defended, three fumble recoveries, a pair of sacks, one forced fumble and a blocked punt...Three-year starter on basketball court...Two-time all-district and all-region player, who averaged 12.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game as a junior...Member of the honor society and student council...Personal: Born Jan. 18, 1996...Son of Ryan and Michelle Bacon...Has one sister, Kaitlyn...Father attended NDSU.
 
Stanley Jones, DE, 6-4, 211, Fr., Bismarck, N.D. (Bismarck HS)
High School: Two-time state champion and first team all-state player under head coach Mark Gibson...Named the 2013 USA TODAY American Family Insurance All-USA North Dakota Football Team Defensive Player of the Year...First team all-state as a senior...Member of two-time Class 3A state champion football team...Broke high school state sack record with 13.5 sacks in 2012...Accumulated over 130 tackles during prep career...Captain senior year...Lettered three times in track and field and twice in basketball...Part of three-time state track championship teams...Member of basketball state runner-up squad...Personal: Born Jan. 25, 1996...Son of Alfred and Clara Jones...Has three brothers, Darwin, Lance and Dante, and four sisters, Marlene, Mariana, Lindsey and Celine.
 
Tanner Volson, OL, 6-4, 268, Fr., Balfour, N.D. (Drake-Anamoose HS)
High School: Four-year starter for Drake-Anamoose High School and head coach Chris Arnold...Named to all-region team in 2012 and 2013...First team all-state as a senior...Played on offensive and defensive line...Also served as a fullback and kicker...Recorded 231 tackles and 36 sacks during his prep career...Broke a school record for most rushing yards in a game...Selected to participate in 2014 Badlands Bowl...Four-year letterwinner in basketball...All-district and all-region in 2012-13...Personal: Born May 4, 1996...Son of Ralph and Wendy Volson...Has three brothers, Cordell, Kyle and Zack...Three cousins, Brandon, Brock and Brent Lemer, all played football for the University of Jamestown.
 
MINNESOTA
Eji Ejiya (AY-jee uh-JYE-uh), RB, 6-2, 189, Fr., Blaine, Minn. (Spring Lake Park HS)
High School: All-state performer for Spring Lake Park High School and head coach Jeff Schlieff ...First team all-state as a senior and the North Suburban Conference Defensive Player of the Year after setting the Panthers' career rushing record, and the single-season and career marks for tackles...Earned second team all-state honors as a junior after setting Spring Lake Park's single-season rushing record ...Two-time all-metro and three-time all-conference performer...Three-year starter at running back, wide receiver and linebacker for the Panthers...Played for a pair of conference championship and one section title team...Two-time letterwinner at power forward and center for the Spring Lake Park basketball team...Three-year letterwinner in track and field...Member of four conference championship teams...All-state and all-conference performer in the triple jump...Member of three all-conference 4x400 relay teams...Personal: Born Oct. 6, 1995...Son of Francis and Caroline Ejiya...Has one brother, Ehis, and one sister, Efe.
 
Khayvon Hawkins, WR, 6-1, 207, Fr., Crystal, Minn. (Robbinsdale Cooper HS)
High School: All-conference performer for Robbinsdale Cooper High School and head coach Willie Howard...Three-year starter…Played wide receiver, long snapper, kicker and punter for the Hawks...Caught 25 passes for 460 yards and six touchdowns as a senior...Punted 30 times for an average of 33.8 yards per attempt...Led Robbinsdale Cooper to a 6-4 record and second place in the section as a senior...Honorable mention in the discus for the Hawks track and field team...Has competed in the 100, 200, long jump, and the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relay teams... Personal: Born Dec. 18, 1995...Son of Nicole Harden, Crystal, Minn., and Eric Hawkins, Minneapolis...Has two brothers, Kyrell Hawkins and Eric Hawkins, and one sister, Khadeezah Hawkins...Uncle, Derrick Harden, played for the Green Bay Packers.
 
Greg Menard, DE, 6-2, 227, Fr., Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North HS)
High School: First team Associated Press all-state performer for  Lakeville North High School and head coach Brian Vossen...Three-year starter, who played defensive end, outside linebacker, running back and fullback during his career...Two-time all-South Suburban Conference selection...Named to the KARE 11, St. Paul Pioneer Press and Minneapolis Star Tribune all-metro teams...Lakeville North compiled a 29-6 record during his career, including three straight state playoff appearances and a pair of conference championships...The Panthers were the state runner-up his junior year...Set Panthers' single-season record with 14 sacks as a senior...Finished career with 178 tackles, 24 sacks and five TDs...Personal: Born July 3, 1996...Son of Ronald and Heidi Menard...Has one brother, Antonio, and one sister, Dominique...Father competed collegiately for Iowa State.
 
Christian Triplett, OL, 6-4, 305, Fr., Maple Plain, Minn. (Delano HS)
High School: Two-time all-conference player for Delano High School and coach Merrill Pavlovich...Three-year starter as offensive and defensive tackle...Recorded over 200 tackles during prep career...Second team all-state as a senior...Named to all-metro first team defense in 2013...Advanced to state semifinals in 2013...Captain on football and baseball teams...Member of 2012 and 2013 baseball state tournament teams...Personal: Born May 30, 1996...Son of Keith and Sara Triplett...Has two brothers, Nathan and Eric...Brother, Nate, played football for University of Minnesota and played in eight games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2010 and 2011.
 
WISCONSIN
Marcus Collins, TE, 6-4, 210, Fr., Madison, Wis. (La Follette HS)
High School: Three-year starter for La Follette High School and head coach Mike Harris...Two-time all-city and all-conference selection...Associated Press all-state defensive team as a senior...Recorded 57 tackles, eight pass breakups, three interceptions and two receiving touchdowns in 2013...Three-time letterwinner...Helped La Follette advance to playoffs in 2013...Also competed in basketball, bowling and track and field...Personal: Born March 13, 1996...Son of Willie and Amy Collins...Has one brother, Justus, and a sister Anna...Majoring in construction management...Father played football for Wisconsin (1978-81)...Cousins that played collegiate football include Julian Collins (Dartmouth, 2003-2007), Cameron Collins (Oregon State, 2007-2011) and Shane Savage (Cornell/Richmond, 2008-2013).
 
Colin Conner, OL, 6-5, 304, Fr., Mineral Point, Wis. (Iowa-Grant HS)
High School: Three-year starter for Iowa-Grant High School and head coach Gary Allen...Earned all-conference awards for play on offensive and defensive line in 2012 and 2013...Named SWAL conference co-Lineman and co-Defensive Player of the Year senior year...Selected by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association to all-area football team senior year...Honorable mention to all-state team...Captain on football and basketball teams senior year...Also lettered in basketball...Personal: Born Nov. 29, 1995...Son of James and April Conner.
 
Nate Jenson, TE, 6-6, 229, Fr., Waupaca, Wis. (Waupaca HS)
High School: All-conference for Waupaca High School and head coach John Koronkiewicz, the same high school that produced record-breaking NDSU quarterback Brock Jensen...Four-year starter for the Comets…Played quarterback, wide receiver, center, strong safety, defensive end and tight end during his career...Four-year starter at center or power forward for the Waupaca basketball team...Pitched and played first and second base for the Comets baseball team...Personal: Born Jan. 15, 1996...Son of Craig and Marsha Jenson...Has two brothers, Tyler and Aaron...Uncle, Brad Navin plays hockey for Wisconsin, and brother, Tyler, played football for North Dakota.
 
NEBRASKA
Jalen Allison, CB, 6-0, 167, Fr., Papillion, Neb. (Papillion-La Vista HS)
High School: Three-year starter for Papillion La Vista High School and head coach Jeff Govier...Named to first team all-area and all-district teams as a senior...Second team all-metro...Honorable mention for all-state team...Made 118 tackles and picked off six passes during prep career...Also recorded 80 catches and over 1,000 yards receiving combined...Selected to play in Nebraska Shrine Bowl...Member of state champion 4x100 relay team...Part of record-holding group in 4x100 relay with time of 41.40 seconds...Personal: Born March 6, 1996...Son of Brian and Euritici Allison...Has two brothers, Brian Allison II and Glenn...majoring in business management...Father played basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (1985-1988)...Teammate of current Bison Tyler Wrice.
 
Easton Stick, QB, 6-2, 205, Fr., Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep HS)
High School: Started at quarterback for two years at Creighton Prep and head coach Chris Nizzi...Named first team all-state and Super-State as a senior...Academic all-state and all-district in 2012 and 2013...Super Six selection by Omaha World Herald before senior season...Holds majority of school passing records...Passed for over 2,000 yards in 2012 and 2013...Threw for 37 touchdowns and was picked off nine times during prep career...Also rushed for over 950 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground...Team captain for two years...Helped Creighton Prep advance to the state semifinals as a junior and quarterfinals as a senior...Also a member of baseball team...Lettered in track and field...Teammate of Bison signee RJ Urzendowski...Personal: Born Sept. 15, 1995...Son of Mike and Shelly Stick...Has a brother, Aaron...Father played baseball at Creighton University and was in the Chicago Cubs organization for one year.
 
RJ Urzendowski, WR, 6-0, 191, Fr., Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep HS)
High School: Three-year starter for Creighton Prep and head coach Chris Nizzi...Holds state records for career receptions (156) and receiving yards (2,592)...Selected as senior to first team Super-State and first team all-state...First team all-metro as a junior and senior... Career highs senior year with 70 receptions and 1,127 yards receiving...Caught 26 TDs over his final two years...Selected to play in 2014 Nebraska Shine Bowl...Class representative on football leadership council in 2012 and 2013...Member of National Honor Society...Participated in varsity baseball and track and field...Teammate of Bison signee Easton Stick...Personal: Born May 7, 1996...Son of Joseph and Jane Urzendowski...Has two sisters, Devin and Brooke...Brooke plays tennis at Saint Louis University and cousin, Ryan, played baseball at Creighton University.
 
MISSOURI
King Frazier, RB, 6-0, 220, So., Greenwood, Mo. (Lee's Summit HS/Nebraska)
Before NDSU: Redshirted at Nebraska in 2012 and played in 12 games for the Huskers as a redshirt freshman in 2013...Totaled 12 carries 44 yards rushing with a rushing touchdown out of the backfield and was a key part of the special teams unit...Earned a spot on the Nebraska cholar-Athlete Honor Roll in the spring of 2013...High School: Two-time all-conference running back at Lee's Summit High School under head coach Eric Thomas…Named to Class 5 all-state second team... Ran for 1,453 yards and scored 16 touchdowns as a junior...Accumulated over 600 yards receiving with eight touchdowns as a junior and senior combined...Had over 100 tackles in prep career as a linebacker...Three-year letterwinner...Personal: Born Nov. 25, 1993...Guardians are Monica and Jeffrey Baker...Majoring in sociology.
 
Darrius Shepherd, WR, 5-11, 181, Fr., Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs HS)
High School: Two-time all-state wide receiver for Blue Springs High School and head coach Kelly Donohoe...Standout on back-to-back Class 6 state championship teams in 2012 and 2013...The Wildcats were 27-1 over last two seasons including a 24-game winning streak...Finished with 3,534 career all-purpose yards and 35 touchdowns...Made 134 receptions in career for 2,369 yards (17.68 avg/r) and 26 TDs...Caught 75 passes for 1,302 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior...Made eight catches for 229 yards and four TDs vs. Park Hill South including a 98-yard TD reception...Returned 29 punts for 502 yards (17.31 avg/r) and had a punt return TD in the state championship game...Returned three kickoffs for 46 yards (15.33 avg/r)...Defensively, had 25 tackles including 23 solos and two tackles for loss...Credited with a pair of interceptions, eight passes defended and a fumble recovery...Returned both picks for touchdowns...Three-time all-Suburban 6 Conference selection at wide receiver...Member of the Wildcats' state runner-up track and field team in 2013, running the anchor leg on the eighth place 4x400 meter relay team...Personal: Born Nov. 1, 1995...Son of Louis and Amy Shepherd...Has one brother, Xavier, and one sister, Cheyenne...Father played football for Missouri...Grandfather played basketball for Missouri State and the Los Angeles Lakers.
 
SOUTH DAKOTA
Dan Marlette, LB, 6-2, 194, Fr., Sioux Falls, S.D. (Washington HS)
High School: Two-time all-state and all-conference linebacker for Washington High School and head coach Brian Hermanson…Named to the 2013 Sioux Falls Argus Leader Elite 45 team...Member of the Warriors' undefeated 2012 state championship and 2011 state runner-up football teams...Four-year letterwinner and three-time state qualifier on the wrestling mat...Placed eighth at the 2012 state wrestling tournament...Four-year letterwinner and contributor on three state championship track and field teams for Washington...Placed second the 300 hurdles, fourth in the triple jump and fifth in long jump at the 2013 state track and field meet...Member of the 2012 state champion 4x400-meter relay team ...Named to the academic all-state team...Regular on the 'A' honor roll... Personal: Born July 21, 1995...Son of Bill and Jan Marlette.
 
IOWA
Lance Dunn, RB, 5-9, 200, Fr., Waterloo, Iowa (Waterloo West HS)
High School: Second team all-state running back for Waterloo West High School and head coach Lonnie Moore...Helped the Wahawks make back-to-back state playoff appearances for the first time in 20 years...Two-year starter…Played running back, cornerback, free safety, and returned punts and kickoffs...Credited with 1,800 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns on offense, along with three interceptions during his senior year...Set the Wahawks' single-game record with 336 all-purpose yards...Two-time all-conference and all-metro player...Three-year letterwinner in track and field...Member of the record-breaking state champion 4x100 meter relay team that recorded a time of 41.8 seconds...State and Drake Relays placewinner in  the 100-meter dash...Conference champion in both the 100 and 200 as a junior...Two-year basketball letterman at point guard and shooting guard, earning honorable mention all-conference honors...Personal: Born Aug. 6, 1996...Son of Lance and Jayme Dunn...Has three sisters, Lexus, Brooke and Kennedy...Father played football for Minnesota State Mankato (1989-92).
 
ILLINOIS
Dakota Reid, CB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Chicago, Ill. (Morgan Park HS)
High School: 2014 Graduate of Morgan Park High School...Three-year starter...Played secondary for the Mustangs...Ran on track and field team for three years...Member of National Honor Society since junior year...Personal: Born June 1, 1996...Son of Terrence and Necole Reid...Has three brothers, Houston, Denver, Colorado, and two sisters, Montana and Dallas.
 
MICHIGAN
Blake Williams, DL, 6-4, 248, Fr., Washington, Mich. (Romeo HS)
High School: Associated Press, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press all-state Division I player for Romeo High School, and coaches Jason Couch and Curt Reinas...Three-year starter on the defensive line and at tight end...Will play in the Michigan vs. Ohio All-Star Game in June on ESPN, featuring the top 40 players from each state...Three-year starter on the defensive line and at tight end...Three-time Macomb Daily all-county and Macomb Area all-conference selection...Two-time Detroit News all-region pick...Caught the game-winning TD vs. Lake Orion with less than minute remaining to help the Bulldogs advance to the state playoffs for the 10th straight year in 2013...Caught seven passes for 113 yards vs. Lake Orion...Made 17 tackles on defense that game including three TFL, one sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery...As a senior, credited with 73 tackles including 25 tackles for loss, 11 QB hurries, seven sacks, five forced fumbles, five pass deflections, four fumble recoveries and an interception...Offensively, made 31 receptions for 353 yards and two TDs and had 20 pancake blocks...U.S. Marines Gridiron Classic MVP...Compiled a 38-1 record on the wrestling mat, placing second at the 2011 Mid-Michigan Wrestling Association state tournament...Played center on a pair Romeo district champion basketball  teams...Competed in the shot put and the discus for the Bulldogs' track and field team...Personal: Born March 5, 1996...Son of Carl and Alisa Williams...Has one sister, Ashleigh.
 
FLORIDA
Isaac Cenescar, S, 5-10, 180, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Cypress Creek HS)
High School: Played for Cypress Creek High School and coach John Tezik...Lettered four years and was a team captain…Had 37 receptions for 469 yards and two touchdowns his senior year...Named to Central Florida Super 60 list...Competed in Orange County Metro All-Star Game and had a 40-yard interception return for touchdown...Member of track and field team...Ran the 400-meter dash in 50.3 seconds…Personal: Born Sept. 20, 1996...Son of Helas and Wisleine Cenescar...Has four brothers, Jimmy, Jehu, Joel and Isaiah, and one sister, Jessica.
 
NORTH DAKOTA STATE 2014 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Yr.
Hometown (Previous School)
Jalen Allison
CB
6-0
167
Fr.
Papillion, Neb. (Papillion-La Vista HS)
Eric Bachmeier
SS
6-2
179
Fr.
Kindred, N.D. (Kindred HS)
Luke Bacon
OL
6-5
281
Fr.
Granville, N.D. (Towner-Granville-Upham HS)
Isaac Cenescar
S
5-10
180
Fr.
Orlando, Fla. (Cypress Creek HS)
Marcus Collins
TE
6-4
210
Fr.
Madison, Wis. (La Follette HS)
Colin Conner
OL
6-5
304
Fr.
Mineral Point, Wis. (Iowa-Grant HS)
Lance Dunn
RB
5-9
200
Fr.
Waterloo, Iowa (Waterloo West HS)
Eji Ejiya
RB
6-2
189
Fr.
Blaine, Minn. (Spring Lake Park HS)
King Frazier
RB
6-0
220
So.
Greenwood, Mo. (Lee's Summit HS/Nebraska)
Khayvon Hawkins
WR
6-1
207
Fr.
Crystal, Minn. (Robbinsdale Cooper HS)
Nate Jenson
TE
6-6
229
Fr.
Waupaca, Wis. (Waupaca HS)
Stanley Jones
DE
6-4
211
Fr.
Bismarck, N.D. (Bismarck HS)
Dan Marlette
LB
6-2
194
Fr.
Sioux Falls, S.D. (Washington HS)
Greg Menard
DE
6-2
227
Fr.
Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North HS)
Dakota Reid
CB
5-9
175
Fr.
Chicago, Ill. (Morgan Park HS)
Darrius Shepherd
WR
5-11
181
Fr.
Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs HS)
Easton Stick
QB
6-2
205
Fr.
Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep HS)
Christian Triplett
OL
6-4
305
Fr.
Maple Plain, Minn. (Delano HS)
RJ Urzendowski
WR
6-0
191
Fr.
Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep HS)
Tanner Volson
OL
6-4
268
Fr.
Balfour, N.D. (Drake-Anamoose HS)
Blake Williams
DL
6-4
248
Fr.
Washington, Mich. (Romeo HS)
 
PREFERRED WALK-ONS
Caleb Butler, DE, 6-3, 220, Fr., Blaine, Minn. (Blaine HS)
Ian Gallagher, P/K, 6-3, 175, Fr., Walworth, Wis. (Big Foot HS)
Levi Hoiby, DL, 6-4, 230, Fr., Powers Lake, N.D. (Powers Lake HS)
Levi Jordheim, LB, 6-2, 188, Fr., Dickinson, N.D. (Dickinson HS)
Isaac Lashua, TE, 6-4, 232, Fr., Iola, Wis. (Iola-Scandinavia HS)
Peder Olson, LB, 6-1, 195, Fr., Maple Grove, Minn. (Maple Grove HS)
Nathan Preston, FB, 6-2, 226, Fr., New Prague, Minn. (New Prague HS)
Aaron Steidl, DL, 6-3, 260, Fr., Alexandria, Minn. (Jefferson HS)

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