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Truman State University Athletics

16FBSigning Day

Football

Truman Football National Signing Day

Signing Day Video

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The Truman State University Bulldog Football team inked 22 players to a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.
 
The Bulldogs project 14 of the 22 to play on the offensive side of the ball with three quarterbacks, four offensive linemen and seven backs/receivers. North Central Illinois was a big area for recruiting this past season with seven players coming out of the Springfield, Peoria, Normal, Bloomington area. A total of 12 came from the state of Illinois as they were joined by a pair from the Chicago area and one apiece from Quincy, Geneseo and O'Fallon, near St. Louis.
 
Five future Bulldogs signed on the Missouri side of the St. Louis region with two more coming from mid-Missouri and one from the Kansas City area for a total of eight Missouri natives. Two Bulldogs will be travelling north from Texas.
 
"I am really proud of this signing class and thankful for all of the individuals and departments on the Truman campus that assisted us during this process," said Truman Head Coach Gregg Nesbitt. "Many of these young men we targeted early and our recruiting class gained fantastic momentum on our first weekend with 16 commitments out of a total of 20 official visits. We absolutely could not be more pleased with the overall quality and balance of our signing class. Associate Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Thomas Kearney and the rest of our football staff did an outstanding job facilitating official visits with our Admissions staff, University Faculty, Purple Pride members, Financial Aid office and Linda Anderson and the Athletics Compliance Office.
 
Student-AthletePos.Ht.Wt.Yr.Hometown/High School
Wendell AndersonQB6-2180Fr.Chicago, Ill./North Lawndale Prep
A.J. DevecchiDE6-1235Fr.Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community
Wyatt FishelS5-9185Fr.Arcola, Ill./Arcola Community
Jake FloydDT5-11280Fr.Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge
Brandon Hedrick *OL/DL6-2285Fr.Columbia, Mo./Battle
Alex Hockman *OL/LB6-0230Fr.Columbia, Mo./Father Tolton
Hayden Holt *LB5-11210Fr.Savannah, Mo./Savannah
Josh JacksonCB6-0185Fr.St. Louis, Mo./Pattonville
Caleb James *OL6-3250Fr.Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs
Brandon JonesTE6-0180Fr.Rochester, Ill./Rochester
Jake Koons *  WR6-0175Fr.Wentzville, Mo./Wentzville Holt
Griffin LemleyOL6-2255Fr.Orange, Texas/Lake Travis (Austin)
Michael LooneyDL/OL6-4250Fr.St. Charles, Mo./St. Charles
Reed McBroomLB5-11220Fr.Brookfield, Mo./Brookfield
Jackson Mitchell *LB6-1215Fr.Steeville, Mo./Cuba
James Mitchell *OL/DL6-3314Fr.Macon, Mo./Macon
Michael Mitchell *WR6-2190Fr.Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Southwest
Cam NisbetWR6-3195Fr.Eureka, Mo./Eureka
Devin ProstOL6-1260Fr.Quincy, Ill./Quincy
Dante RuffinCB6-0185Fr.Bloomington, Ill/Normal West
Jordan SalimaRB5-11205Fr.Independence, Mo./Truman
Evan Shukers *LB5-11210Fr.St. Louis, Mo./Parkway West
Jordan SiegelDB5-10180Fr.St. Louis, Mo./Afton
Drew SlagerWR5-10185Fr.Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln Way-North
Taylor SweattRB5-10205Fr.Argyle, Texas/Argyle
Jacob VanDorenOL6-4275Fr.Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo
Jarin WallaceWR6-1185Fr.Peoria, Ill./Peoria Heights
Dillon WeissDB6-1190Fr.O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township
Brandon WildmanQB6-4208Fr.Monticello, Ill./Monticello
Lawrence WoodsCB5-10165Fr.St. Louis, Mo./McCluer South
Dan ZeiglerQB6-4210Fr.Rochester, Ill./Rochester
* Signed Institutional Letter of Intent
 
Wendall Anderson                                     Chicago, Ill./North Lawndale Prep
Height: 6-2  Weight: 185                                                    Highlight Video
Quarterback
A three-sport athlete at North Lawndale College Prep and was named all-city, all-conference as a three-year starter at quarterback…he set school records for passing yards and passing touchdowns…a member of the National Honor Society…plans on majoring in Business at Truman.
 
Austin (AJ) DeVecchi                                 Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community HS
Height: 6-1  Weight: 235                                                      Highlight Video
Defensive End
Two year starting defensive end, three year letterwinner…had 6.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss during senior season…was a two-time first team all-Big 12 Conference selection, a two-time all-area pick and a two-time Class 7A Academic All-State honoree…a member of three conference championship teams and recipient of the Chris Hummel Award…Honor Roll member …plans majoring in Business at Truman.  
 
Jameson (Wyatt) Fishel                             Arcola, Ill./Arcola Community HS
Height: 5-9   Weight: 185                                                      Highlight Video
Safety
Was the leading rusher and tackler for the 2015 State Championship team…earned all-state honors and was second in career rushing at Arcola…a four-time all-conference honoree and two-time all-area selection…a four-sport athlete earning all-conference in basketball and qualifying for the state meet in Track…a member of the National Honor Society and All-State Academic Team …undecided on major at Truman
 
Jake Floyd                                                   Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge HS
Height: 5-11  Weight 280                                                        Highlight Video
Defensive Tackle
Named the Rock Bridge Defensive Linemen of the Year following both junior and senior seasons…registered 67 tackles, eight for loss and four sacks as a junior and 63 tackles, 11 for loss and six sacks as a senior…added 10 quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery to earn all-state and all-district honors…an Honor Roll member…plans on majoring in Exercise Science at Truman.
 
Josh Jackson                                               St. Louis, Mo./Pattonville HS
Height: 6-0   Weight: 195                                                         Highlight Video
Cornerback
Picked off nine passes over the past two seasons at Pattonville…had five INTs, nine breakups and 39 tackles as a season while nabbed four passes and recorded 24 tackles as a junior…named all-district and all-conference twice… plans on majoring in Business at Truman.
 
Brandon Jones                                             Rochester, Ill./Rochester HS
Height: 6-0  Weight: 180                                                            Highlight Video
Tight End
A two-year starter on both the offense and defensive lines for Rochester and a member of two state championship teams…recorded 30 tackles, 4.5 sacks and had four fumble recoveries during senior season…helped block for two all-state running backs as the team averaged 496 yards rushing per game in 2015…earned all-conference honors…a member of the National Honor Society…plans on majoring in Nursing at Truman.
 
Griffin Lemley                                                Orange, Texas/Lake Travis HS
Height: 6-2  Weight: 255                                                             Highlight Video
Offensive Line
Played in the Texas 6A UIL state championship game as a senior as the team posted a 15-1 record…earned all-District accolades for Lake Travis High School…was an Academic all-District honoree…participates in track and field.
 
Michael Looney                                             St. Charles, Mo./St. Charles HS
Height: 6-4  Weight: 250                                                             Highlight Video
Offensive/Defensive Line
Earned first team all-conference honors as both an offensive and defensive lineman for St. Charles High School…a four-year starter and led the team in both tackles and sacks…also lettered and started in baseball and basketball…first team all-conference outfielder with a .425 batting average in his junior season as the team placed fourth in Missouri Class 4A…basketball leader in rebounds and blocked shots…a member of the National Honor Society, A+ Program and earned Outstanding Academic Achievement award…plans on majoring in Business Management/Accounting at Truman.
 
Reed McBroom                                              Brookfield, Mo./Brookfield HS
Height: 5-11  Weight: 220                                                            Highlight Video
Linebacker
A Defensive Player of the Year and holds several Brookfield records on both sides of the ball…has the career rushing record at over 4,000 yards, single-season rushing record, career touchdowns with 56, career tackles with over 400…named all-State, all-Conference and was a KRES All-Star as a four-year starter and letterwinner for the Bulldogs…an all-State wrestler that has been ranked nationally…all-State honors in the Shot Put and all-conference in the Shot and Discus for the Track program…a member of the National Honor Society and Principals' Honor Roll.
 
 
Cam Nisbet                                                     Eureka, Mo./Eureka HS
Height: 6-3  Weight: 195                                                                Highlight Video
Wide Receiver
Earned first team all-conference and all-district honors after catching 40 passes for 756 yards during his senior season…averaged 19.5 yards per reception and hauled in a single-season school record nine touchdown receptions…broke a school record with 225 yards receiving…has earned second team all-league honors on the basketball court…plans on majoring in Business at Truman.
 
Devin Prost                                                       Quincy, Ill/Quincy HS
Height: 6-1  Weight: 260                                                                Highlight Video
Offensive Lineman
A three-year starter on the offensive line for the Blue Devils…earned all-State and all-Conference accolades…a two-time all-Area and three-time Academic All-Conference…a state playoff qualifier, member of a conference championship team and had key role in 21 varsity victories…also a member of the Quincy High Basketball and Track & Field squads…a Scholar Athlete Award winner…plans on majoring in Exercise Science at Truman. 
 
Dante Ruffin                                                       Bloomington, Ill./Normal West HS
Height: 6-0  Weight: 185                                                                  Highlight Video
Wide Receiver
Caught 38 passes for 731 yards as a senior and added 42 carries for 366 yards and a total of 15 touchdowns…was honorable mention all-state…two time all-conference choice and team MVP following junior season…named Big 12 and IHSA Scholar Athlete…played basketball and baseball at Normal West…a member of the National Honor Society and earned the ISAC Top Scholar and Academic Achievement Award…plans on majoring in Math at Truman.
 
Jordan Salima                                                     Independence, Mo./Truman HS
Height: 5-11  Weight: 205                                                                Highlight Video
Running Back
Ran for a school record 2,040 yards as a senior and had over 3,800 career rushing yards at Truman High School…had single game highs of 289 yards and five touchdowns while scoring a record 21 times…a first team all-State selection and twice named all-conference and all-district…was an unanimous all-conference running back choice and was the conference offensive player of the year and most valuable player in 2015…was a finalist for the Simone award, that is given to the best player in the Kansas City metro area and was on the 2015 all-Simone team…scored 38 career touchdowns, had eight 200-yard rushing games and 17 100-yard rushing games…a member of both the National and Spanish Honor Societies and was a McCoy Award winner…a member of the Chik-Fil-A Leadership Academy…plans on majoring in Exercise Science at Truman.
 
Jordan Siegel                                                    St. Louis, Mo./Afton HS
Height: 5-10  Weight: 180                                                             Highlight Video
Defensive Back
All-time leading scorer at Afton with 55 career touchdowns…helped Afton to two district and conference championships…averaged 7.6 yards per carry as a senior and had 1,371 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns…ran for over 1,500 with 23 touchdowns during junior year…two-time team captain, two time third-team all-State running back…on the defensive side, registered over 100 total tackles and was a first team all-conference linebacker…a state qualifier in track in the 4x200, 4x100 and Long Jump…plans on majoring in Business at Truman.
 
Drew Slager                                                       Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way North HS
Height: 5-10  Weight: 185                                                             Highlight Video
Wide Receiver
Accolades include all-State, all-Area and All-Conference as well as All-State Academic at Lincoln-Way North High School…caught 70 passes for over 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns in two years as a varsity starter…a member of the National Honor Society…plans on majoring in Business at Truman.
 
Taylor Sweatt                                                     Argyle, Texas/Argyle HS
Height: 5-10  Weight: 205                                                             Highlight Video
Running Back
As a senior, ran for 1,613 yards on 211 carries and 30 touchdowns…for his career, ran 240 times, 1,819 yards and 34 scores…on the defensive side of the ball, registered 303 tackles, 49 for loss and 18 sacks…broke school records in tackles for a season (197), tackles in a game (26), sacks (5)…was a conference all-Area and all-Region first team running back…earned AP first team all-State as a linebacker as a junior…played in three state championship games, winning the 2013 title with a 16-0 record…was 45-3 during his varsity career…a two-time conference champion in the Discus and state qualifier…also qualified for regional competition in the Long Jump, 4x100 meters and is part of a school record team in the 4x200…a National Honor Society Member and Academic All-State Football team…plans on majoring in Business/Computer Science at Truman.
 
Jacob VanDoren                                                  Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo HS
Height: 6-4  Weight: 28                                                                Highlight Video
Offensive Line
A three-year starter and four-year letterwinner at Geneseo High School…played on both sides of the ball and was a two-time Class 4 all-State and all-Conference honoree…as a senior, had 10 tackles for loss and five sacks…finished second in the state during sophomore season…broke two school records as a member of the baseball team in home runs (12) and RBIs (56) in a season while earned all-conference and all-metro accolades…a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society…plans on majoring in Accounting at Truman.
 
Jarin Wallace                                                         Peoria, Ill./Peoria Heights HS
Height: 6-1  Weig                                                                          Highlight Video
Wide Receiver
Earned all-State, all-Area and first team all-Conference honors as both a receiver and defensive back…set school records in receiving yards in a game and in a season during his three years as a starter…averages 10 points and five rebounds per game as a member of the Peoria Heights basketball team…plans on majoring in History at Truman.     
 
Nicholas (Dillon) Weiss                                       O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township HS
Height: 5-11  Weig                                                                         Highlight Video
Defensive Back
Broke school record in career interceptions with 10 and finished fifth on the school's all-time solo tackle list with 138 as a three-year starter for O'Fallon Township High School…twice earned first-team all-Area and All-Southwestern Conference Defensive back honors…was the 2015 Team Captain…a two-time all-State Academic team member…finished career with 173 total tackles…enters senior year as a two-time all-conference outfield for baseball team and was the offensive MVP in 2015…a member of the National Honor Society…plans on majoring in Business Management at Truman.
 
Brandon Wildman                                                    Monticello, Ill./Monticello HS
Height: 6-4  Weight: 208                                                                Highlight Video
Quarterback
Owns most season and career passing records at Monticello after starting three seasons at quarterback…was twice named all-State, all-Area and all-conference….threw for nearly 3,000 yards as a senior despite missing two games and 6,200 career yards…also plays basketball and participates in Track…has earned Honor Roll in every quarter of High School…plans on majoring in Education at Truman.
 
Lawrence Woods                                                      Kinloch, Mo./McCluer South
Height: 5-10  Weight: 160                                                              Highlight Video
Cornerback
A two-year starter and was named all-conference and STLToday all-American as a defensive back…a member of a state championship team in Track and was part of the 4x400 meter relay that won a state title…is a state qualifier in Wrestling and placed fifth while earning first team all-conference accolades…a member of the National Honor Society…plans on majoring in Accounting at Truman.
 
Dan Zeigler                                                                  Rochester, Ill./Rochester HS
Height: 6-4  Weight: 210                                                               Highlight Video
Quarterback
Broke school season and career passing touchdown records as a two year starter at Rochester…was only the third quarterback in school history to throw for over 5,000 career yards with 6,500 and passed for 75 touchdowns…named to the Illinois All-State Coaches Choice and Champaign News Gazette all-state team…was chosen to participate in June in the IHSCA All-State Team game…team won three state titles with Zeigler winning the 2014 game at quarterback…is undecided on a major at Truman.
 
 
The following signed an Institutional Letter of Intent
 
Brandon Hedrick                                                          Columbia, Mo./Battle HS
Height: 6-2  Weight:                                                                  Highlight Video
Offensive/Defensive Line
A member of the 2014 Missouri Class 5 state championship team…twice earned all-state honors…as a senior, registered 44 solo tackles, 12 assisted stops with 3.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss…scored the first defensive touchdown in Battle's history…an all-State Academic First team…plans on majoring in Health Science at Truman.
 
Alex Hockman                                                                Columbia, Mo./Father Tolton HS
Height: 6-0  Weight:  230
Offensive Line/Linebacker
A three-year letterwinner and starter on the Father Tolton Offensive Line…earned all-district accolades…broke the school record in the Shot Put…plans on majoring in Business at Truman.
 
Hayden Holt                                                                    Savannah, Mo./Savannah HS
Height: 5-11  Weight: 210                                                          Highlight Video
Linebacker
Earned all-conference honors for three seasons and was a two-time all-district pick…an all-state nominee…will major in pre-med at Truman.

Caleb James                                                                  Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs HS
Height: 6-3  Weight: 250                                                            Highlight Video
Offensive Line
Was an honorable mention all-conference offensive lineman as a senior…a two-year starter on the offensive line…will major in Health and Exercise Science at Truman.

Jake Koons                                                                       Wentzville, Mo./Wentzville Holt HS   
Height: 6-0  Weight: 175                                                                 Highlight Video
Wide Receiver
Caught 10 touchdown passes his senior season…a first team all-conference and all-district player…started and lettered three seasons…a starter for two seasons on the Holt Baseball team…plans on majoring in Computer Science at Truman.

Jackson Mitchell                                                                    Steelville, Mo./Cuba HS
Height: 6-1  Weight: 215                                                                     Highlight Video
Linebacker
Averaged 15.1 tackles per game as a senior…named defensive player of the year and most valuable player…two-time team captain…was an all-district selection as a Tight End following sophomore season…competes in basketball and track…plans on majoring in Health & Exercise Science at Truman.

James Mitchell                                                                  Macon, Mo./Macon HS   
Height: 6-3  Weight: 314
Offensive/Defensive Lineman
A two-year starter and three year letterwinner at Macon…had 101 total tackles, seven sacks and a fumble recovery…earned second team all-conference and all-district…a two-time all-State Academic Defensive Lineman…a three-year member of the Track & Field team….plans on majoring in Mathematics at Truman.

Michael Mitchell                                                              Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Southwest
Height: 6-2  Weight: 190                                                             Highlight Video
Wide Receiver
Had 22 catches for 253 yards to go along with 32 kick returns for 616 yards…was the city Long Jump champion and participated in the Nebraska State Meet…is undecided on major at Truman.

Evan Shukers                                                                      St. Louis, Mo./Parkway West HS
Height: 5-11  Weight: 210                                                               Highlight Video
Linebacker
A two-time all-conference and all-district linebacker with over 200 career tackles at Parkway West…had 117 total tackles as a junior with two fumble recoveries and as a senior had 107 tackles, a sack, fumble recovery and interception…was an all-conference selection following junior season as a catcher on the Parkway West Baseball team.

 
 
Recruits by Position (Offense)
QuarterbacksBacks/ReceiversLinemen
Wendall Anderson – Chicago, Ill.
6-2, 180		Brandon Jones (TE) – Rochester, Ill.
 6-2, 220		Griffin Lemley – Orange, Texas
6-2, 250
Brandon Wildman – Monticello, Ill.
6-4, 203		Cam Nisbet (WR) – Eureka, Mo.
6-3, 200		Michael Looney – St. Charles, Mo.
6-4, 235
Dan Zeigler – Rochester, Ill.
6-4, 210		Dante Ruffin (WR) – Bloomington, Ill.
6-0, 185		Devin Prost – Quincy, Ill.
6-1, 260
 Jordan Salima (RB)– Independence, Mo.
5-10, 195		Jacob VanDoren – Geneseo, Ill.
6-4, 275
 Drew Slager (WR) – Frankfort, Ill.
5-10, 185		Brandon Hedrick – Columbia, Mo.
6-2, 300
 Taylor Sweatt (RB) – Argyle, Texas
5-10, 205		Alex Hockman – Columbia, Mo.
6-0, 230
 Jarin Wallace (WR) – Peoria, Ill.
6-0, 175		James Mitchell – Macon, Mo.
6-4, 265  
Michael Mitchell (WR) - Wentzville, Mo.
6-2, 190		Caleb James - Blue Springs, Mo.
6-3, 250 
Jake Koons (WR) - Lincoln, Neb.
6-0, 175
 
Recruits by Position (Defense)
Corners/SafetiesLinebackersLinemen
Wyatt Fishel – Arcola, Ill.
5-10, 185		Reed McBroom – Brookfield, Mo.
5-11, 225		Austin DeVecchi – Bloomington, Ill.
6-1, 225
Josh Jackson – St. Louis, Mo.
6-0, 180		Alex Hockman – Columbia, Mo.
6-0, 230		Jake Floyd – Columbia, Mo.
5-11, 285
Jordan Siegel – Afton, Mo.
5-10, 180		Hayden Holt - Savannah, Mo.
5-11, 210  		Michael Looney – St. Charles, Mo.
6-4, 235
Lawrence Woods – St. Louis, Mo.
5-10, 165		Jackson Mitchell - Steeville, Mo.
6-1, 215 		Dillon Weiss – O'Fallon, Ill.
5-11, 185
 Evan Shukars - St. Louis, Mo.
5-11, 210 		Brandon Hedrick – Columbia, Mo.
6-2, 300
 
 
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