Wednesday was National Signing Day, when colleges could officially sign high school athletes.
The University of Montana and Montana State University both announced their latest recruiting classes to much fanfare, including a booster event in Kalispell last night featuring new UM head coach Bob Stitt.
The Griz signed two local athletes: Bigfork’s Josh Sandry (Safety, 6-1, 190) and Glacier’s Andrew Harris (Defensive end, 6-4, 215). The Bobcats signed Glacier’s Josh Hill (Linebacker, 6-0, 200) and accepted Brady McChesney (QB, 6-1, 175) and Logan Jones (DB, 5-7, 165) as preferred walk-ons.
Here’s a breakdown of each school’s recruits:
University of Montana
Source: University of Montana
Colin Bingham, TE, 6-3 ½, 235, Fr., HS, Missoula, Mont. (Big Sky HS): Colin had 20 catches for 176 yards and five touchdowns as a senior for the Eagles, who advanced to the state AA semifinal game…a key blocker for a team that averaged 250 yards rushing a game…also a starter in hoops…his prep football coach was Matt Johnson…he plans to major in physical therapy…birth date: June 20, 1997….his parents are Sharon and Guy Bingham of Missoula…his dad, Guy, was a standout player for the Griz from 1976-79, and inducted into the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame in September of 2003. Guy played for 13 seasons in the NFL and was drafted by the New York Jets.
Chad Chalich, QB, 6-0, 204, Jr., TR, Coeur d-Alene, Idaho (U of Idaho/Coeur d’ Alene HS): Chad is currently enrolled at Montana…he is a transfer from the University of Idaho, where he lettered twice and started in eight games…last season he played in four games and passed for 491 yards and 2 TDs, and rushed for 160 yards and a score…started in seven games as a redshirt freshman at UI in 2013…he was the 5A player of the year as a junior and senior at Coeur d’ Alene HS, and Idaho’s Gatorade POW his senior season…career-wise he was 451-of-673-12 (67.0%) passing for 6,485 yards and 74 touchdowns…he broke 13 school records in football in high school…also lettered four times in basketball and twice in track…he will major in health and human performance…birth date: Aug. 23, 1993…his parents are Connie and Mark Chalich of Coeur d’ Alene.
Dalton Daum, WR, 6-1, 175, Fr., HS, Butte, Mont. (Butte HS): Dalton was slowed by an injury his senior season, but still finished with 53 catches for 766 yards and six TDs, despite playing with a cast on a broken hand…also a track star at Butte HS, and he is the defending AA champion in both the 100-and 200-meter races…has a PR of 10.66 in the 100…in his career he amassed 196 receptions for 2,997 yards and 32 touchdowns…in 2013 he set Bulldog single-season records with 76 catches for 1,217 yards and 16 TDs…birth date: Aug. 19, 1996…his parents are Julie and Rich Daum of Butte…he is undecided on a major.
Kobey Eaton, WR, 6-3, 185, Fr., HS, Vancouver, Wash. (Evergreen HS): Kobey was a three-sport standout at Evergreen HS, and was named MVP in football, basketball (twice), and track…he was the team captain in football (three times) and basketball (twice)…he was an all-league selection in football as a junior and senior…his senior year he had 19 catches for 526 yards and 6 TDs…he was tabbed “sprinter of the year” as a senior and was an all-league pick in track…a four-year starter in football for head coach Don Johnson…he plans to major in business administration…birth date: Aug. 18, 1997…his mom is Jessica Strange of Vancouver, and his dad is Maurice Eaton of Camas, Washington.
Siaumau (Mau) Ena (pronounced: Inn-uh), DT, 6-2, 305, Fr., HS, Vista, Calif. (Vista HS): Mau lettered in football and track at Vista HS…he was an All-CIF and all-league pick following his junior and senior seasons…his prep football teams were three consecutive CIF championships… he was chosen the top defensive lineman his junior and senior years, and first team San Diego County those years as well…in is his 19-game, two-year varsity career he had 76 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 2 blocked field goals, and an interception…he was named MVP varsity thrower in track in 2013…his coach was Dan Williams…he will major in communications…birth date: Nov. 6, 1997…his parents are Jessie and Paul Ena of Vista…he has five sisters and two brothers…his cousin Sarah Ena played basketball for the Lady Griz from 2008-11.
Andrew Harris, DE, 6-4, 215, Fr., HS, Kalispell, Mont. (Glacier HS): Andrew has officially accepted an admissions offer and will attend UM in the fall of 2015…he was a first team all-state player for 2014 state “AA” champion (13-0) Glacier HS…an all-state and all-conference selection his senior year, when he had 91.5 tackles, four fumble recoveries, and two sacks…voted special teams MVP in 2014…his head coach was Grady Bennett, a former (1988-90) Griz starting quarterback…served as a team captain his senior season…he will major in business…birth date: Jan. 8, 1997…his dad is Greg Harris of Kalispell…Greg played for the Grizzlies from 1971-75, and also played in the NFL for the Jets and 49ers…Andrews’ older brother Josh was a defensive end at UM from 2008-12.
Dallas Hart, OL, 6-5, 295, Fr., HS, Cypress, Calif. (Pacifica HS): Dallas was a first team all-conference player for Pacifica HS…voted team MVP as a senior…served as a team captain his senior season…a three-year letterman in football for head coach Marcello Giuliano…a Scholar Athlete as a prep…he hopes to pursue a career in engineering…birth date: June 20, 1997…his parents are Kim and Mike Hart of Cypress…Misc.: he was a nationally ranked BMX racer.
Jackson McCullough, OL, 6-6, 265, Fr., HS, San Diego, Calif. (Cathedral Catholic HS): Jackson was a two-time all-league pick as a prep offensive lineman…he earned four letters in football, and his freshman and junior teams won the CIF title…he earned letters in five sports: football, basketball, rugby, track, and wrestling…team captain in rugby team…chosen Defensive Lineman of the Year and received the Coaches’ Award as a senior…his major will be sports medicine…birth date: June 6, 1997…his parents are Megan and Jim McCullough of San Diego.
Cody Meyer, OL, 6-3, 270, Fr., HS, San Marcos, Calif. (San Marcos HS): Cody has officially accepted an admissions offer and will attend UM in the fall of 2015…he was an all-leaguer at San Marcos HS as a junior and senior…a three-year starter at center for head coach Jason Texler…earned three letters in football and two in volleyball…a two-year team captain in football…he will major in political science and pursue a career as an attorney…birth date: April 21, 1997…his parents are Renae and Jeff Meyer of San Marcos.
Dante Olson, LB, 6-3 ½, 230, Fr., HS, Medford, Ore. (Cascade Christian HS): Dante was a four-year letterman in football at Cascade Christian HS, where his team won four conference championships (10-3 in 2011; 13-1 in 2012; 12-2 in 2013, and 8-3 in 2014) in a row…three-year team captain and defensive player of the year….also led his team in tackles for three seasons…voted defensive MVP of his conference and the state two times…his senior year he had 135 tackles, 5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles; rushed for 583 yards and 8 TDs…named to the state’s All-Star Football Game…a three-time all-state selection at linebacker and tight end (as a senior)… his prep coach was Jon Gettman….also lettered in basketball and tennis…a student with a 4.0 GPA, he plans to major in wildlife biology…birth date: Jan. 1, 1997….his parents are Linda and Jeff Olson (the former head football coach at Southern Oregon University) of Medford.
Willy Pflug, QB, 6-0, 185, Fr., HS, Portland, Ore. (Sunset HS): Willy is currently enrolled at UM…he was voted team MVP as a junior and senior at Sunset HS…served as team captain his senior season… career-wise he was 495-of-812 (61%) passing for 7,230 yards and 78 touchdowns, and rushed for 615 yards and 10 scores…he was All-Metro League pick as a quarterback as a sophomore, junior, and senior…he lettered in basketball twice…his major is accounting…birth date: Nov. 15, 1995…his parents are Janelle and Roggy Pflug of Portland.
Donovan Rooks, WR, 6-2, 185, Fr., HS, Yuma, Ariz. (Yuma Catholic HS): Donovan earned nine letters at Yuma Catholic HS: four in football, three in track, and two in basketball…his football teams won three state championships in 2011 (12-1), 2013 (11-2), and 2014 (14-0), and his sophomore squad went 10-2…his senior season he had 60 catches for 1,262 yards and 21 touchdowns…all-state at receiver and returner as a senior…career-wise he had 110 catches for 2,575 yards and 35 touchdowns, and he had 4 TDs via returns….his prep coach was Rhett Stallworth…he will major in sociology…birth date: Jan. 27, 1997…his parents are Christina and Wayne Rooks of Yuma.
Holden Ryan, WR, 6-2, 215, Fr., HS, Billings, Mont. (Central Catholic HS): Holden rushed 227 times for 1,451 yards and 21 touchdowns, and also caught 22 passes for 346 yards and three scores as a senior…he was voted all-state at running back as a junior and senior…twice named all-league pick at running back and outside linebacker…his prep coach was Jim Stanton…he is undecided on a major…birth date: April 2, 1997…his parents are Trisha and Chris Ryan of Billings…his cousins, Casey and Kyle Ryan, played football at Montana.
Markell Sanders, CB, 6-1, 180, Fr., TR/RS, Renton, Wash. (Washington State): Markell is currently attending UM…he originally enrolled at Washington State in Jan. Of 2014…he attended Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish, Wash…his junior season he earned All-Metro League first-team honors after making 30 tackles and three interceptions…was team captain his senior year…he tallied 10 tackles and two interceptions in two games before suffering a season-ending injury…named a White Chip prospect as one of Washington’s top-100 prospects by the Seattle Times…ranked the No. 22 overall prospect in Washington by ESPN.com in 2012…also lettered in track…a psychology major…birth date: May 21, 1995…his parents are Richard and Sheila and Letrice Hendrix (mom).
Joshua Sandry, Safety, 6-1, 190, Fr., HS, Bigfork, Mont. (Bigfork HS): Josh was an all-state class “B” selection as a junior and senior, and voted team MVP those seasons as well…team captain for the Vikings as a senior in football and as a junior in hoops…also all-state pick at safety as a senior…played defensive back and handled punting/kicking, and was a returner…his prep football coach was Todd Emslie…he was also all-state in basketball his junior year and co-MVP of the 2014 state tournament, helping Bigfork to its first state title…all-state performer in track as a sophomore and junior, and state high jump champion his junior year…he is undecided on a major…birth date: Sept. 20, 1996…his parents are Christine and Paul Sandry of Bigfork…his grandpa, Bruce Olson, was a quarterback at Montana, and lettered in 1957-58.
Jesse Sims, DE, 6-4, 235, Fr., HS, Stevensville, Mont. (Corvallis HS): Jesse is a three-sport star at high schools in Corvallis and in his hometown of Stevensville, lettering in football, basketball, and track…he was an all-state pick in football at Corvallis HS as a senior for head coach Clayton Curly…his sophomore hoop team at Stevensville HS won the state championship, and he was named the MVP of the state tournament…he plans to major in kinesiology and pursue a career as an athletic trainer…birth date: Nov. 6, 1996…his parents are Julie and Rob Sims of Stevensville…his sister, Alycia, is a sophomore center on the Lady Griz basketball team.
Cy Sirmon, LB, 6-3, 225, Fr., HS, Wenatchee, Wash. (Wenatchee HS): Cy was a three-year starter at linebacker at Wenatchee HS…senior year he had 106 tackles, 10 TFLS, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries…a first team all-conference selection at linebacker as a junior and senior… team captain and MVP as a senior…MVP of freshman football squad…his prep football coach was Scott Deveraux he will major in pharmacy…a two-year letterman in wrestling…birth date: Feb. 4, 1997…his parents are Kaye and John Sirmon of Wenatchee…his dad John was a four-year starter at Idaho from 1988-92…his uncle Peter Sirmon is a member of Oregon’s hall of fame at linebacker (1996-99), and he played seven seasons for the Titans…his uncle David Sirmon played linebacker at Montana from 1992-95, and was a member of the Grizzlies’ national title team in 1995.
Angel Villanueva, OL, 6-5, 310, Fr., HS, Duarte, Calif. (Duarte HS): Angel earned 12 letters at Duarte HS: four each in football, wrestling, and track, and was a team captain in all three of those sports as a sophomore, junior, and senior…he was a three-time all-league pick and voted “Most Valuable Lineman” his senior season, when he registered 95 “pancake” blocks…also named All-Mid-Valley and All-San Gabriel Valley…he is interested in mechanical engineering…birth date: Dec. 7, 1996…his parents are Nydia Villanueva and Erik Garcia of Duarte.
Jerrin Williams, Safety, 6-2 ½, 200, Fr., HS, Vancouver, Wash. (Evergreen HS): Jerrin earned four letters in football and three in basketball at Evergreen HS…he was team captain in football as a senior… he was a three-time all-conference selection on the gridiron for coach Don Johnson…his senior season he had 30 tackles, 10 PDs, 6 picks, and 2 sacks…he will major in business management…birth date: April 14, 1996….his mom is Amanda Williams of Vancouver.
Montana State University
Source: MSU
Woody Brandom, TE
6-4, 225, Fr, Corona, CA (Santiago)
Earned All-CIF honors as a tight end and safety at Corona Santiago HS… caught 52 passes for 880 yards, 16.9 per catch… two-time first team all-league choice… voted Most Inspirational Shark by teammates.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Woody is a prototype, multi-talented tight end. He’s a great blocker and is also a very dynamic pass-receiving threat.”
Mitch Brott, OL
6-6, 270, Fr, Billings, MT (West)
First team all-conference and second team all-state… East-West Shrine Game choice… his brother Wilson redshirted at MSU as a tight end last fall.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Mitch is a local product, from Billings West, and he’s a big, strong, powerful offensive lineman. We’re always happy to bring the brother of current players into the program, and Mitch’s brother Wilson is a promising young player for us.”
Walker Cozzie, LB
6-1, 220, Fr, Helena, MT (Capital)
First team all-conference and all-state special teams player… first team all-conference and second team all-state linebacker… four-time academic all-state.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Walker Cozzie is a hard-hitting, instinctive inside linebacker. He’s very tough and was also a productive special teams player.”
Robert Evans, TE
6-5, 247, Fr, Victorville, CA (Silverado)
Earned First Team All-Conference and All-Area honors as a senior… 39 catches for 532 yards with seven touchdowns as a senior… 2014 NUC All-Star.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Robert is one of two tight ends in this class. He’s a big-bodied athlete who we see as having great development in his future. He’s a big target in the pass game and is a good blocker.”
Marcus Ferriter, DE
6-4, 220, Fr, Butte, MT (Central)
First Team All-Class A for the Butte Central Maroons… older brother Sean is a thrower for the Bobcat Track and Field team… started 40 straight games for the Maroons.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Marcus is a rangy, physically tough and very determined defensive lineman. He comes from a Bobcat family, and he’s a very good prospect.”
Riley Griffiths, DL
6-3, 260, Fr, Issaquah, WA (Skyline)
Logged 83 tackles, with 13.5 for a loss and 9.5 sacks as a senior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Riley Griffiths is a high motor, really tough and determined defensive lineman.”
Chris Harris, CB
6-2, 190, Fr, Lake Elsinore, CA (Elsinore)
Earned All-CIF and 1st Team All-League honors as a senior… named his team’s utility player of the year… a standout at defensive back, where he had nine interceptions, as well as receiver, at which he compiled 200 yards.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “We really like Chris’ length. He’s a long, lanky defensive back. He was injured during his high school season and is a possibility for a grayshirt year (to enroll in January, 2016) because of that injury.”
Josh Hill, LB
6-0, 200, Fr, Kalispell, MT (Glacier)
Helped lead Glacier’s 13-0 state championship team, earning Class AA Defensive MVP honors… first team all-state as a junior and senior, earning Great Falls Tribune Super State honors as a senior… Mon-Dak All-Star and East-West Shrine Game choice.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Josh was the Class AA defensive player of the year in Montana. He’s a dynamic, playmaking linebacker.”
Sidney Holmes III, S
5-11, 190, Fr, Silsbee, TX (Beaumont Central)
Earned first team all-district honors for a team that won the 5A District 22 championship… 78 tackles, four for loss, as a senior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Versatility is really what comes to mind about Sidney. He’s a very fast skill-position player, and we’re going to put him on defense.”
Jordan Hoy, QB
6-1, 187, Fr, Rockwall, TX (Rockwall-Heath)
Earned team MVP honors as a senior… All-District 12 5A honors… Dallas News Player of the Week honors in two consecutive weeks during the playoffs… 1,400 pass yards and 13 touchdown passes as a senior, with 1,000 rushing yards and 15 touchdown runs, as well.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Jordan Hoy is a dual-threat quarterback. He has a great arm, and is a very good runner. He is a perfect fit for Tim Cramsey’s offense.”
Brayden Konkol, S
6-1, 205, Fr, Belgrade, MT (Belgrade)
A versatile athlete who starred at defensive back and as a dual-threat quarterback… 2014 Great Falls Tribune Super State safety, registering 135 tackles, including 20 for loss, with four sacks, five interceptions, and two fumble recoveries… Central A Offensive MVP with 2,361 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns while throwing for 2,184 yards and 22 touchdowns.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Another highly versatile athlete, I really see him having a great future for us as a safety.”
Jake McFetridge, OT
6-6, 295, Fr, Huntington Beach, CA (Huntington Beach)
Huntington Beach’s offensive lineman of the year as a senior… #21 on Best Committed List in Orange County… lettered twice each in baseball and football, and posted highest GPA on his football squad.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Jake is a big offensive tackle who just recently committed to football after focusing on baseball through his sophomore year in high school. He has very good feet, and is a good blocker.”
B.J. Ojo, LB
6-2, 225, Fr, Manvel, TX (Manvel)
A first team all-district selection as a junior and senior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “B.J. is a big and athletic linebacker with excellent speed and instincts.”
Kash Perry, OL
6-6, 310, Fr, Utica, MT (Denton-Stanford-Geyser)
Player Notes: Played six-man Class C football… slated to graduate first in his class… team captain with one catch for a 35-yard touchdown as a senior… all-conference and all-state basketball player as a junior… National Honor Society.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Kash is a huge lineman with outstanding potential. He comes from the six-man football ranks in Montana.”
Sam Plucker, LB
6-2, 230, Fr, Appleton, WI (Kimberly)
Starter on Kimberly’s 2013 and ’14 state championship teams, enjoying a 44-0-1 record during his career… logged 190 tackles as a prep star, including 30 for a loss, with nine sacks and two interceptions… first team all-conference and all-area.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Sam was one of the earliest commits in this class. He is a highly-decorated middle linebacker for a state championship team in Wisconsin.”
Chris Robinson, DL
6-2, 250, Fr, Pasadena, CA (LaSalle)
Earned first team all-league and all-area honors as a senior last fall.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Chris Robinson is a defensive lineman from California who has an outstanding frame, with lots of room to develop. He has excellent quickness for his size.”
Byron Rollins, DE
6-3, 230, Fr, Missoula, MT (Sentinel)
First team all-conferece and all-state selection… chosen for the Montana East-West Shrine Game… an excellent student, with a 4.0 GPA.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Byron is a legacy Bobcat. His father, Josh, played here. He is a tough, gritty, technically sound defensive end.”
Keon Stephens, WR
6-1, 190, Fr, Rancho Cucamunga, CA (Etiwanda)
First team all-league receiver… caught 39 passes for 701 yards, averaging 100 yards a game and 18 yards a catch… first team all-area and all-county, as well.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Another very versatile skill-position player, who is a receiver and also a return man. He plays both the inside and outside receiver positions extremely well.”
Tre’von Strong, DB
6-1, 190, Fr, Billings, MT (Skyview)
A three-sport athlete at Skyview, starring in football, basketball and track… earned second-team all-state and first team all-conference honors at safety… also an honorable mention all-state receiver.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Tre’von is a tall, athletic skill position player from Billings Skyview. He has the ability to play many different positions, but we’re going to play him at corner.”
Cameron Sutton, WR
6-5, 190, Fr, Norco, CA (Norco)
Earned 2nd Team All Big 8 honors, racking up 36 catches for 752 yards and nine touchdowns… MVP of Cali-Classic All-Star Game after his senior season.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Cam is a super tall, rangy, athletic wide receiver. He was the MVP of a recent all-star game down in California.”
Bryan Wilkes, OT
6-3, 252, Fr, Great Falls, MT (CM Russell)
A first team all-state lineman at Great Falls CM Russell High School.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Bryan is a very versatile lineman. He has a chance to develop quickly.”
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