February 03, 2010
Pitt State Football Inks 27 High School Seniors, Announces Semester Transfers
PITTSBURG, Kan. — Pittsburg State University head football coach Tim Beck announced Wednesday (Feb. 3) that 27 high school seniors have signed letters of intent to join the Gorillas for the 2010 football season.
Additionally, 11 transfers have signed grant-in-aid (scholarship) agreements and joined the Pitt State football team at the start of the Spring 2010 semester, while 10 additional transfers are going through preseason workouts with the Gorillas.
Here’s a complete breakdown of Pittsburg State’s 2010 recruiting class:
ANTHONY ABENOJA, 6-3, 210, FR, QB
Hometown: Overland Park, Kan.
High School: Blue Valley
H.S. Coach: Steve Rampy
Honors/Stats: The Eastern Kansas League Offensive Player of the Year... the first-team All-EKL quarterback and punter for the Tigers… also an All-Metro selection at quarterback… a three-year starter for Blue Valley… also competes in basketball and baseball for the Tigers.
Personal: Born June 26, 1992… son of Mario and Tamela Abenajo.
Anticipated PSU major: physical education.
AVERY ADAIR, 6-5, 210, FR, DE
Hometown: Raytown, Mo.
High School: Raytown
H.S. Coach: Kevin Page
Honors/Stats: A second-team All-Conference performer as a senior in 2009… recorded 64 tackles with 7.5 QB sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception… a two-year starter for the Bluejays… logged 32 tackles with 2.5 QB sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a junior in 2008.
Personal: Born February 4, 1992… son of Adorra Adair.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
MATTHEW ANDERSON, 6-3, 305, FR, DL
Hometown: Sand Springs, Okla.
High School: Charles Page
H.S. Coach: Dustin Kinard
Honors/Stats: An All-Tulsa Metro selection as a senior in 2009… recorded 35 tackles for the Sandites… a three-year starter at Charles Page… also an All-State power lifter.
Personal: Born July 31, 1991… son of Trent and Sharon Kirven.
Anticipated PSU major: psychology.
TANNER BAILEY, 6-2, 205, FR, QB
Hometown: Winfield, Kan.
High School: Winfield
H.S. Coach: Justin Price
Honors/Stats: A two-time Kansas Class 5A All-State selection (2008-09)… passed for 1,407 yards and 13 TDs as a senior for the Vikings… passed for 1,586 yards and 15 TDs and scored six rushing TDs in 2008… a two-time All-League performer.
Personal: Born March 4, 1992… son of Kerry and Shelley Bailey.
Anticipated PSU major: business/marketing.
DALTON BEELER, 6-3, 290, FR, OL
Hometown: Alva, Okla.
High School: Alva
H.S. Coach: Ryan Laverty
Honors/Stats: A first-team Oklahoma Class 2A District I selection as a senior in 2009… a two-year starter for the Goldbugs… helped AHS to a 7-4 record as a junior in 2008.
Personal: Born August 1, 1991… son of John Beeler and Renae Beeler.
Anticipated PSU major: history education.
ERIC BRANTLEY, 5-10, 185, FR, OLB
Hometown: Kansas City, Mo.
High School: Raytown South
H.S. Coach: David Allie
Honors/Stats: An All-Conference selection as a senior in 2009… recorded 95 tackles with 5.0 QB sacks, three pass breakups, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries… helped the Cardinals to a 12-2 record and a state runner-up finish in 2008.
Personal: Born October 29, 1991… son of Christopher Smith (deceased) and Erike Brantley.
Anticipated PSU major: construction management.
TAYLOR “TANK” BURNS, 6-2, 250, FR, DL
Hometown: Columbus, Kan.
High School: Columbus Unified
H.S. Coach: Dan Grundy
Honors/Stats: A three-time Kansas Class 4A All-State performer (2007-09)… a first-team All-State selection as a senior in 2009, after earning honorable mention All-State accolades in 2007-08… recorded 74 tackles with 5.5 QB sacks as a senior for the Titans… a three-time first-team All-SEK League honoree (2007-09))… a 2010 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection.
Personal: Born July 6, 1991… son of David and Cristina Burns.
Anticipated PSU major: business.
GREGORY DeLOZIER, 6-2, 215, FR, LB
Hometown: Claremore, Okla.
High School: Claremore-Sequoyah
H.S. Coach: Jody Iams
Honors/Stats: An Oklahoma Class 3A All-State selection as a senior in 2009… helped the Eagles to a 10-4 record and the 3A state runner-up finish as a junior in 2008… also an All-District performer… helped guide the Eagles to a 20-7 combined record his final two prep seasons.
Personal: Born November 9, 1991… son of Greg and Trisha DeLozier.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
TYLER DISNEY, 6-0, 200, FR, S
Hometown: Stilwell, Kan.
High School: Blue Valley
H.S. Coach: Steve Rampy
Honors/Stats: A two-time All-Eastern Kansas League performer (2008-09)… garnered first-team All-League honors as a senior in 2009 after receiving honorable mention accolades his junior season.
Personal: Born June 13, 1992… son of Matt Disney and Diana Smith.
Anticipated PSU major: biology (pre-physical therapy).
MATT ERBERT, 6-4, 285, FR, OL/DL
Hometown: Ellis, Kan.
High School: Ellis
H.S. Coach: Butch Hayes
Honors/Stats: A two-time first-team Kansas Class 2A All-State selection (2008-09)… also a three-time All-League performer (2007-09), earning first-team honors his final two prep seasons…recorded 66 tackles with 1.0 QB sack and one forced fumble as a senior in 2009… logged 66 tackles with 1.0 QB sack and one interception in 2008… also a state medalist in the discus in track & field… an honorable mention All-State basketball player as a junior in 2009.
Personal: Born October 9, 1991… son of Deb Erbert.
Anticipated PSU major: mathematics education.
JACOB FRY, 5-11, 300, FR, OL/DL
Hometown: Joplin, Mo.
High School: Riverton (Kan.)
H.S. Coach: Cory White
Honors/Stats: A first-team Kansas Class 3A All-State selection as a senior in 2009… recorded 44 tackles with 13.0 tackles-for-loss for the Rams… helped RHS to a 12-1 record and a state semifinal appearance as a junior in 2008.
Personal: Born August 28, 1991… son of Jeff and Carol Smith.
Anticipated PSU major: physical education.
ARIES HERRION, 5-9, 180, FR, CB
Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.
High School: Booker T. Washington
H.S. Coach: Antwain Jimmerson
Honors/Stats: A first-team Oklahoma Class 5A District III selection as a senior in 2009… helped the Hornets to a 13-1 record and the 5A state title as a junior in 2008.
Personal: Born March 27, 1992… son of Ayania Herrion.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
CALE KARIGAN, 6-5, 280, FR, OL
Hometown: Paola, Kan.
High School: Paola
H.S. Coach: Mike Dumpert
Honors/Stats: A first-team Kansas Class 4A All-State selection as a senior in 2009… helped the Panthers to a 9-4 record and the 4A state semifinals his senior year… a two-time All-League performer… garnered first-team All-League honors in 2009, after earning honorable mention recognition as a junior in 2008... helped guide the Panthers to an 8-4 record and the 4A state quarterfinals in 2008... a three-year starter... a 2010 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection.
Personal: Born August 18, 1992… son of John and Suzy Karigan.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
LANE LETCHWORTH II, 6-4, 210, FR, TE/WR
Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
High School: Blue Springs
H.S. Coach: Kelly Donohoe
Honors/Stats: A first-team All-Suburban 7 Conference selection at tight end as a senior in 2009… caught 21 passes for 218 yards for the Wildcats… helped Blue Springs to a 12-2 record and the Missouri Class 6A state runner-up finish… a two-time All-Metro selection… a three-year starter for the Wildcats.
Personal: Born November 11, 1991… son of Lane and Barbie Letchworth.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
ADAM OLSEN, 6-2, 190, FR, S
Hometown: Shawnee Mission, Kan.
High School: Shawnee Mission South
H.S. Coach: Brandon Claypool
Honors/Stats: A first-team All-Eastern Kansas League selection as a senior in 2009… recorded 130 tackles (14.4 pg) for the Raiders… a two-time All-League performer… a three-year starter for the Raiders.
Personal: Born October 5, 1991… son of Lorin and Cindy Olson.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
AUSTIN RIGGS, 5-10, 180, FR, RB
Hometown: Pittsburg, Kan.
High School: St. Mary’s-Colgan
H.S. Coach: Chuck Smith
Honors/Stats: An honorable mention Kansas Class 2A All-State selection as a senior in 2009… carried the ball 77 times for 627 yards (8.1 ypc) and 10 touchdowns despite battling injuries… also averaged 22.7 yards per punt return with one touchdown… a two-time All-CNC League performer… helped the Panthers to a 21-4 combined record his final two prep seasons… also a state qualifier in the sprints (100m, 200m, 400m) in track & field.
Personal: Born April 17, 1992… son of Mitch Riggs.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
COLT ROGERS, 5-7, 155, FR, RB
Hometown: Smith Center, Kan.
High School: Smith Center
H.S. Coach: Roger Barta
Honors/Stats: A third-team Kansas Top 11 (All-State, All-Class) selection by the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal as a senior in 2009… a first-team Class 2A All-State performer… rushed for 1,935 yards during his senior season, helping the Redmen to a 12-1 record and the 2A state runner-up finish… compiled 4,600 career rushing yards as a four-year starter… helped Smith Center to three straight 2A state titles from 2006-08… the Redmen posted a 51-1 record during his four-year prep career… also a three-time state champion wrestler, helping Smith Center to three straight 321A state titles (2007-09)… also a state medalist in the pole vault and the 300m hurdles in track & field.
Personal: Born August 31, 1991… son of Mike and Cally Rogers.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
GATES SANDERS, 5-10, 165, FR, WR
Hometown: Joplin, Mo.
High School: Joplin
H.S. Coach: Doug Buckmaster
Honors/Stats: A first-team All-District performer as both a wide receiver and kick returner a senior in 2009… also a first-team All-Ozark Conference performer for the Eagles… totaled 800 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns during his senior season.
Personal: Born March 14, 1991.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
DALLAS SHALZ, 6-2, 230, FR, DE
Hometown: Kansas City, Kan.
High School: Bishop Ward
H.S. Coach: Greg Duggins
Honors/Stats: A Kansas Class 5A All-State selection as a senior in 2009… a two-time All-League performer… recorded 120 tackles with 15.0 QB sacks and five forced fumbles during his final two prep seasons… a 2010 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection.
Personal: Born January 21, 1992… son of Don and Cindy Shalz.
Anticipated PSU major: psychology.
ETHAN SIMPSON, 6-3, 240, FR, DE
Hometown: Claremore, Okla.
High School: Claremore
H.S. Coach: Rob Gilbreath
Honors/Stats: A first-team All-District performer as a senior in 2009… a two-time All-District selection, earnining honorable mention recognition as a junior in 2008… a four-year starter for the Zebras.
Personal: Born September 20, 1991… son of Jerry and Vickey Simpson.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
TYLER SMITH, 6-3, 290, FR, OL
Hometown: Sand Springs, Okla.
High School: Charles Page
H.S. Coach: Dustin Kinard
Honors/Stats: An honorable mention All-Tulsa Metro selection as a senior in 2009… also an All-District performer… a three-year starter for the Sandites… helped Charles Page to a 6-5 record and a state playoff appearance in 2008.
Personal: Born September 25, 1991... son of Scott and Kendra McLemore.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
DENNIS TANNER, Jr., 6-3, 170, FR, QB
Hometown: Kansas City, Mo.
High School: Raytown South
H.S. Coach: David Allie
Honors/Stats: A first-team Missouri Class 5A All-State selection as a senior in 2009… the 5A Offensive MVP… helped the Cardinals to a 10-4 record and a state semifinal appearance this past fall… a three-year starter… carried the ball 238 ties for 1,247 yards and completed 307 passes for 4,575 yards and 50 TDs during his prep career… helped guide the Cardinals to a 12-2 record and the 5A state runner-up finish in 2008.
Personal: Born October 4, 1991… son of Dennis and Misty Tanner.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
KYLER THOMPSON, 6-2, 220, FR, ILB
Hometown: LaHarpe, Kan.
High School: Iola
H.S. Coach: Rick Horton
Honors/Stats: A Kansas Class 4A All-State performer as a senior in 2009… a three-time All-SEK League selection (2007-09)… a four-year starter with more than 500 career tackles to his credit.
Personal: Born September 7, 1991… son of Kent and Susan Thompson.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
MICHAEL THOMPSON, 6-0, 185, FR, WR/LB
Hometown: Bartlesville, Okla.
High School: Bartlesville
H.S. Coach: Ron Smith
Honors/Stats: A first-team Oklahoma Class 5A All-State selection as a senior in 2009… caught 61 passes for 1,013 yards (16.6 ypc) during his senior season… helped the Bruins to a 9-3 record.
Personal: Born October 23, 1991… son of Lea Thompson.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
MATTHEW TYREE, 5-7, 175, RB/LB
Hometown: Riverton, Kan.
High School: Riverton
H.S. Coach: Cory White
Honors/Stats: A first-team Kansas Class 3A All-State selection as a senior in 2009… rushed the ball 165 times for 1,434 yards and 24 touchdowns his senior season… also averaged 31.4 yards per kickoff return and 17.1 yards per punt return… helped RHS to a 12-1 record and a state semifinal appearance as a junior in 2008… a 2010 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection.
Personal: Born August 12, 1991… son of Tommy and Connie Tyree.
Anticipated PSU major: physical education.
OLIVER VENEGAS, 6-3, 265, FR, OL
Hometown: Olathe, Kan.
High School: Olathe North
H.S. Coach: Pete Flood
Honors/Stats: A two-time Kansas Class 6A All-State performer (2008-09)… garnered first-team All-State honors as a senior in 2009, helping the Eagles to a 13-0 record and the 6A state title… an honorable mention All-State selection as a junior in 2008… a two-time All-Metro and two-time All-Sunflower League honoree.
Personal: Born December 22, 1991… son of Ed Venegas.
Anticipated PSU major: undecided.
ZACHARY WARANCH, 5-8, 185, RB
Hometown: Joplin, Mo.
High School: Carl Junction
H.S. Coach: Bret Gosch
Honors/Stats: A Missouri Class 4A All-District selection as a senior in 2009… also a two-time All-Big Eight Conference honoree (2008-09)… averaged 130 rushing yards and 18 points per game as a senior… a two-year starter for the Bulldogs.
Personal: Born June 4, 1992… son of Frank and Debbie Waranch.
Anticipated PSU major: education.
Additionally, the following transfers players signed grant-in-aid (scholarship) agreements and joined the Pitt State football team at the start of the Spring 2010 semester:
Calin Archer, 6-3, 290, JR, OL
Colwich, Kan./Hutchinson Community College
General: Comes to Pitt State after two seasons at Hutchinson CC… helped the Blue Dragons to a 7-4 record and a Salt City Bowl victory as a sophomore in 2009… In High School: A first-team Kansas Class 4A All-State performer as a senior at Andale High School in 2007… helped the Indians to back-to-back unblemished 14-0 seasons and consecutive 4A state titles (2006-07)… a two-time All-League performer… also a standout track & field athlete at AHS… Personal: Born August 7, 1989… son of Kevin and Denis Archer… a biology (pre-physical therapy) major.
Mark Chestnut, 6-2, 290, SR, OL
Miami, Okla./Oklahoma State University
General: Comes to Pitt State after two seasons at Oklahoma State… saw action as a reserve offensive guard for the Cowboys… redshirted in 2008… In Junior College: Spent two seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (2006-07)…. an honorable mention All-Conference selection as a sophomore in 2007… also garnered NJCAA Scholar-Athlete honors… In High School: A first-team Oklahoma Class 4A All-State performer as a senior at Miami High School in 2005… the District III Defensive Lineman of the Year that season… also an All-Conference basketball player during his prep years for the Wardogs… Personal: Born May 11, 1988… son of Chuck and Shirley Chestnut.
Kendall Davis, 5-9, 160, JR, CB
Wichita, Kan./Hutchinson Community College
General: Transfers to Pitt State after two seasons at Hutchinson CC… an honorable mention All-Jayhawk Conference performer for the Blue Dragons as a sophomore in 2009… recorded 45 tackles with four interceptions and six pass breakups this past fall… also scored a pair of touchdowns as a return specialist for HCC… In High School: An All-League performer at Wichita Heights High School… a four-year starter for the Falcons… also competed in basketball and track & field at Heights… Personal: Born September 23, 1990… son of Raymond, Sr., and Kimberly Davis… a management major.
C.J. Fondren, 6-4, 200, JR, WR
Pittsburg, Kan./Fort Scott Community College
General: A local product who returns to Pittsburg after two seasons at Fort Scott Community College… a first-team All-Jayhawk Conference and first-team All-Region VI pick for the Greyhounds… helped FSCC post an 11-1 record and finish the 2009 season as the NJCAA National Runner-up… caught 30 passes for 375 yards and one TD… In High School: A first-team All-SEK League performer as a senior at Pittsburg High School in 2007… also an All-Area performer for the Purple Dragons… helped PHS post a 15-4 record his final two prep seasons… also a stand-out basketball player during his prep years… Personal: Born October 16, 1989… son of Calvin Fondren and Holly Christiansen… a recreation major.
Will Grissom, 6-4, 255, FR-RS, DE
East Orange, N.J./Hutchinson Community College
General: Transfers to Pitt State after one season at Hutchinson CC… redshirted in his only season with the Blue Dragons… In High School: A New Jersey All-State performer as a senior at East Orange Campus High School in 2006… also an All-County selection for the Jaguars… an accomplished shot putter in track & field during his prep years… Personal: Born December 26, 1988… son of Celaine Grissom… a justice studies major.
Ty Henry, 6-3, 280, JR, OL
Olathe, Kan./Butler Community College
General: Comes to Pitt State after two seasons at Butler Community College… a first-team All-Jayhawk Conference performer as a sophomore for the Grizzlies… helped BCC to the 2008 NJCAA National Championship… In High School: An All-Conference performer at Olathe North High School as a senior in 2007… a two-year starter for the Eagles… also completed in track & field during his prep years… Personal: Born September 18, 1988… son of Rick and Marsha Henry… an education major.
Cody Moore, 6-0, 285, JR, OL
Columbus, Kan./Fort Scott Community College
General: Joins the Pitt State program after two seasons at Fort Scott Community College…an honorable mention All-Jayhawk Conference performer as a sophomore in 2009, helping the Greyhounds to the NJCAA National Runner-up finish… helped FSCC post a 20-3 combined record over the past two seasons (2008-09)… In High School: A two-time first-team Kansas Class 4A All-State performer at Columbus Unified High School (2006-07)… a Kansas Shrine Bowl selection… also a stand-out wrestler during his prep years for the Titans… Personal: Born February 7, 1990... son of Russell and Donna Moore… a nursing major.
Josh Nunu, 6-2, 265, JR, DL
Concord, Calif./Diablo Valley College
General: Comes to Pitt State after two seasons at Diablo Valley College… a two-time first-team All-Conference performer for the Vikings… recorded 47 tackles with 6.0 quarterback sacks as a sophomore in 2009… In High School: A second-team All-Conference performer as a senior at Clayton Valley High School in 2007… Personal: Born February 10, 1989… son of Barry Hamidou and Saloni Nunu.
Paul Robinson, 5-10, 175, JR, CB
Killeen, Texas/Dodge City Community College
General: Joins the Pitt State program after one season at Dodge City CC… recorded 28 tackles with two interceptions and two pass breakups as a sophomore for the Pirates in 2009… attended Independence Community College in 2008… In High School: A stand out prep performer at Junction City (Kan.) High School… registered 30 tackles and two interceptions as a senior in 2007… Personal: May 31, 1990… son of Timothy and Demetris Barksdale… a physical education major.
Anthony Sanchez, 6-0, 180, JR, WR
Olathe, Kan./Coffeyville Community College
General: Comes to Pitt State after two seasons at Coffeyville… an honorable mention All-Jayhawk Conference performer in 2009… helped the Red Ravens to a 7-5 record and a Northern Star Bowl victory… caught 26 passes for 473 yards (18.2 ypc) and two TDs… In High School: A first-team Kansas Class 6A All-State performer at Olathe South High School as a senior in 2007… caught 39 passes for 852 yards and nine touchdowns… also a stand-out track & field athlete during his prep years… Personal: Born March 7, 1990… son of Anthony Glenn and Monique Sanchez… a physical education major.
Justin Woods, 5-9, 185, JR, RB
Shawnee, Kan./Fort Scott Community College
General: Transfers to Pitt State after two seasons at Fort Scott CC… an honorable mention All-Jayhawk Conference performer for the Greyhounds despite sharing playing time with NJCAA Player of the Year Jasmin Hopkins…helped FSCC to an 11-1 record and the NJCAA National Runner-up finish this past fall… carried the ball 189 times for 941 yards and 10 TDs through FSCC’s first 10 games (12-game stats n/a)… signed with Kansas State University out of high school… In High School: A first-team Kansas Class 5A All-State performer at Mill Valley High School as a senior in 2006… also a two-time All-Conference performer… returned six kicks for touchdowns during his junior prep season… also an accomplished track & field athlete during his prep years… Personal: Born July 18, 1988… son of Maxwell, Sr., and Portia Woods… a psychology major.
The following transfers also have joined the Gorillas and are going through preseason workouts with the Pitt State football team:
Nathan Beachner, 6-0, 180, SO, WR
Parsons, Kan./Labette Community College
General: Comes to Pitt State from Labette Community College, where he played basketball one season for the Cardinals… In High School: A second-team All-SEK League performer as a senior at Parsons High School in 2006… a two-time All-League honoree… Personal: Born June 2, 1988… son of Gary and Kim Beachner… a marketing major.
Robby Castagno, 6-5, 355, JR, OL
Pittsburg, Kan./Independence Community College
General: A local product who returns to Pittsburg after two seasons at Independence CC… In High School: A two-year starter at St. Mary’s-Colgan High School… also competed in baseball and track & field for the Panthers… Personal: Born October 10, 1989… son of Leroy and Elaine Castagno… a management major.
Matt Chanay, 6-2, 215, SO, TE
Pomona, Kan./Independence Community College
General: Comes to Pitt State after two seasons at Independence CC… In High School: An All-Area and All-Conference performer as a senior at West Franklin High School in 2007… also competed in basketball and baseball for the Falcons… Personal: Born November 21, 1989… son of Tim and Karen Chanay… a biology (med tech) major.
Antonio Dowdy, 6-1, 210, FR, S
Garden Plain, Kan./Wichita State University
General: Transfers to Pitt State after one semester at Wichita State University… In High School: An honorable mention Kansas Class 3A All-State selection at wide receiver as a senior at Garden Plain High School in 2008… helped the Owls to the 2007 Class 3A state championship and an unblemished 14-0 record… also a 10-time 3A All-State track & field competitor… the 2009 3A state champion in the long jump… also the state runner-up in the triple jump and the 400 meters… Personal: Born February 6, 1991… son of Joseph Smith and the late Linda Dowdy… a business administration major.
Jeremiah Fleming, 6-1, 260, SO, OL
Pittsburg, Kan./Fort Scott Community College
General: A local product who returns to Pittsburg after two seasons at Fort Scott CC… a reserve lineman for the Greyhounds NJCAA National Runner-up squad this past fall… In High School: A Kansas Class 2A All-State performer at St. Mary’s-Colgan High School as a senior in 2007… Personal: Born June 17, 1989… son of Jeremiah and LeeAnn Fleming… an undeclared major.
Xavier Jackson, 6-2, 250, JR, DE
Dodge City, Kan./Dodge City Community College
General: Comes to Pitt State after two seasons at Dodge City CC… recorded 18 tackles with 2.0 tackles-for-loss for the Conquistadors in 2009… In High School: A three-year starter at Dodge City High School… Personal: Born June 12, 1989… son of Brecky Jones… an elementary education major.
Tyler Lawrence, 6-2, 215, JR, QB
Overland Park, Kan./University of Kansas
General: Comes to Pitt State after one year away from competition…a reserve quarterback for three seasons at the University of Kansas (2006-08)… a member of the Jayhawks’ Orange Bowl and Insight Bowl champion squads… In High School: A Kansas Class 6A All-State selection as a senior Shawnee Mission West High School in 2005… passed for more than 2,500 yards and 27 TDs and rushed for 1,320 yards and 13 scores during his prep career… helped the Vikings to an 18-5 combined record his final two prep seasons (2004-05)… rated the No. 4 player in the state of Kansas by rivals.com following his senior season… Personal: Born July 18, 1987… son of Michael Lawrence and Lisa Heath… graduated from KU in three years with a bachelor’s degree in business… currently pursuing a master’s degree in sociology.
Mike Noble, 6-2, 225, JR, TE
Dodge City, Kan./Dodge City Community College
General: Joins the Pitt State program after two seasons at Dodge City CC… a two-year starter at tight end for the Conquistadors… In High School: An honorable mention Kansas Class 6A All-State performer as a senior at Dodge City High School in 2007… also a two-time Western Athletic Conference performer (2006-07), earning first-team honors his senior prep year… Personal: Born August 1, 1989… son of Kent and Debbie Noble… a chemistry major.
Sam Norris, 6-0, 185, JR, S
Humboldt, Kan./Hutchinson Community College
General: Comes to Pitt State after two seasons at Hutchinson CC… recorded 40 tackles and one PBU in the defensive secondary for the Blue Dragons this past fall… In High School: A two-time first-team Kansas Class 2A All-State performer at Humboldt High School… rushed for 1,800 yards and 31 TDs and logged 60 tackles with eight interceptions as a senior in 2007… also competed in basketball and track & field during his prep years for the Cubs… Personal: Born June 5, 1980… son of Ralph and Cathy Norris… an education major.
Jared Vinoverski, 6-2, 205, FR, WR
Lawrence, Kan./Drake University
General: Comes to Pitt State after two seasons at Drake University… did not use any collegiate eligibility for the Bulldogs… In High School: A two-time All-Sunflower League performer at Lawrence High School… also competed in basketball for the Lions, helping the team to a Class 6A state title… Personal: Born October 29, 1989… son of Chuck Vinoverski and Lori Carson… a communication (broadcasting) major.