SAM AMPONSAH, DE – 6-1, 240 / McKendree University (Hometown: Romeoville, Ill.)
Played the past four seasons as a defensive lineman at McKendree University, an NCAA Division II school that is a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference … Was a three-time All-GLVC selection as he earned honorable mention honors as a freshman in 2021, was a second-team selection as a junior in 2023 and earned first-team honors as a senior in 2024 … Recorded 107 tackles in his Bearcat career, including 10.5 sacks and 23 tackles for a loss … Also tallied two forced fumbles, two pass deflections, and one fumble recovery … Before playing at McKendree, Amponsah was a three-year varsity starter in football for Coach Brad Kunz at Plainfield East High School … Graduated in 2020 … Served as a team captain for the Bengals … Earned All-Conference honors as a senior after carrying the ball 21 times for 106 yards and scoring four touchdowns on offense and tallying 108 total tackles, including 11 tackles for a loss and a blocked field goal on defense … In the classroom, carried a 3.8 GPA and was named to the All-State Academic Team as a senior … Expected to major in Psychology.
ATHIAUN AROL, DE – 6-4, 225 / Vista Grande High School (Hometown: Casa Grande, Ariz.)
Was a four-year letterman for Coach Jon Roberts at Vista Grande High School … Named Region Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Was a four-time All-Region performer, including a unanimous First-Team selection as a sophomore in 2022 … Earned Honorable Mention Class 4A All-State honors as a junior in 2023 … Recorded 250 career tackles, including 115 tackles for a loss … Also tallied 50 sacks and 18 quarterback hurries … Helped lead the Spartans to four straight winning seasons and four consecutive Arizona Class 4A Playoff berths … Carries a 2.7 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Communications.
PAYTON AUKLAND, S – 5-10, 172 / Legend High School (Hometown: Parker, Colo.)
Lettered for Coach Monte Thelen at Legend High School … Three-time All-Conference and two-time All-State selection … Recorded 11 career interceptions and tallied 275 career tackles … Was a member of Legend's Colorado State Runner-up team … Also lettered in basketball and track with the Titans … His father, Craig, played football at Western Colorado … Carries a 3.8 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.
CHARLES BRIGHT, OL – 6-5, 280 / North Forney High School (Hometown: Forney, Texas)
Lettered as an offensive lineman at North Forney High School … Played in 11 games as a senior … Led North Forney to back-to-back UIL Class 6A Playoff appearances … Also competed in track and field at North Forney … Carries a 4.2 GPA in the classroom.
ELIJAH BROTHERNS, CB – 6-0, 187 / Sand Creek High School (Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Lettered for Coach Eric Mitchell at Sand Creek High School … Was a four-time All-Conference selection … Earned All-State honors as a junior … Recorded 120 receptions over his final two years of high school as he caught 95 passes for 1,181 yards and hauled in 26 passes for 532 yards a senior … Totaled 16 receiving touchdowns in high school career … Helped lead the Scorpions to a second-place league finish in 2024 … Also lettered in both basketball and track … Earned All-Conference honors in basketball three times and was a four-time All-Conference honoree in track … Carries a 3.34 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business Management.
JACK BROWN, S – 6-1, 180 / Valor Christian High School (Hometown: Castle Pines, Colo.)
Was a three-sport letterman at Valor Christian High School … In football, recorded 134 career tackles, three sacks, and three interceptions … As a junior, played in eight games and recorded 54 tackles and one interception, while as a senior, tallied 80 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions in 13 games … Also lettered in baseball and track with the Eagles … Undeclared major.
JOSHUA CAMPBELL, OL – 6-4, 290 / Desert Edge High School (Hometown: Goodyear, Ariz.)
Was a three-sport letterwinner at Desert Edge High School … Played football at Desert Edge for Coach Henri Macaurthor … Earned 5A Desert West All-Conference and All-Region honors as an offensive lineman … Was a member of the Scorpions Arizona Class 5A State Championship team … Also played baseball and track for the Scorpions … Carries a 3.17 GPA and is expected to major in Business.
SEAN CONWAY, WR – 5-11, 175 / Mountain Vista High School (Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
Lettered for four years in football for Coach Garrett Looney at Mountain Vista High School … Named a two-time Continental League First-Team All-Conference selection … Earned a spot on the Denver Sports Magazine All-Colorado Team … Caught 155 passes for 2,653 receiving yards in his high school career … Hauled in 44 career touchdown passes … Helped led the Golden Eagles to an undefeated regular season … Also lettered for four years in track … Recorded a high school best 10.9 time in the 100-meter dash … Carries a 3.6 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.
DEVIN CROSS, RB – 5-7, 170 / Midwestern State University (Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas)
Cross played the past four seasons as a running back at Midwestern State University … In his three-year playing career with the Mustangs, he amassed 2,166 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in 29 games … Additionally, caught 27 passes for 206 yards and had three touchdown receptions … Was a three-time All-Lone Star Conference selection as he was an honorable mention honoree in 2022 and 2024 and earned first-team honors in 2023 … Named the LSC Freshman of the Year in 2022 and was an LSC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 9, 2023 … As a junior in 2024, played in eight games and rushed 85 times for 522 yards and scored two touchdowns and averaged 6.1 yards per game and 65.3 rushing yards per game … Had two 100-plus yard games, including a season-high 154 yards on 21 carries at Eastern New Mexico … Also caught seven passes for 26 yards and returned six kickoffs for 132 yards … During his sophomore campaign in 2023, played in 10 games and made three starts and was named a First-Team All-LSC selection after being the second leading rusher in the LSC with 813 yards on 136 carries and scored five rushing touchdowns … Caught eight passes for 74 yards and one touchdown … Tallied three games with 100 or more yards, including a career-high 150 yards on 23 carries against Mississippi College en route to earning LSC Offensive Player of the Week honors … Tabbed the LSC Freshman of the Year as a redshirt freshman in 2022 as he played in all 11 games and made two starts … Set the MSU all-time record for freshman running backs with 831 yards rushing in 144 carries and scored four touchdowns … Also caught 12 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns … Was fourth in the LSC and 56th in Division II with his 831 rushing yards and averaged 75.5 rushing yards per game … Had four games with 100 or more rushing yards … Redshirted as a freshman in 2021 as he was named the Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year … Prepped at Weiss High School for Coach Vernon Hughes at Weiss High School … Graduated from high school in 2021 … Amassed 1,612 rushing yards on 238 carries, scored 22 touchdowns, and had seven 100-yard rushing games in his high school career … Earned All-District 11-5A Division I First-Team honors as a senior in 2020 as he rushed for 855 yards in just six games and scored 11 touchdowns … Was also a Second-Team All-District 13-5A Division II honoree as a junior in 2019 as he gained 757 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns while leading the Wolves to a 9-3 District runner-up finish on a Region round appearance in the UIL Texas Class 5A Division Ii State Playoffs … Earned an Academic All-District honor as a junior … Also competed in track and field as a sprinter and jumper … Is expected to major in Exercise Science at CSU Pueblo.
KELLEN CURTIS, S – 5-9, 180 / Southwest Baptist University (Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska)
Curtis played as a defensive back for four seasons at Southwest Baptist University, an NCAA Division II team in Bolivar, Mo., that is a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference … Served as a team captain as a senior in 2024 … In his four years with the Bearcats, he played in 35 games and recorded 123 total tackles, including 70 solo stops … Also added five tackles for a loss, 0.5 sacks, and had eight passes defended … Forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble … As a senior in 2024, recorded 16 total tackles and one pass defended in four games … Led the team as a junior in 2023 in tackles with 54 and was also the team leader in assisted tackles with 23 … Recorded four pass breakups and 2.5 tackles for a loss in 11 games … Posted 45 total tackles, including 29 solo stops and had two pass breakups in 11 games as a sophomore in 2022 … Played in nine games as a freshman and recorded eight total tackles and one pass breakup … Earned a GLVC All-Academic Team honor in 2023 … Prepped at South Anchorage High School and recorded 154 total tackles, four interceptions, 10 passes defended, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble … Graduated from high school in 2021 … Named the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year by the Alaska State Coaches Association and was named the 2020 ASCA Utility Player of the Yeat … Was a two-time All-Conference selection … Helped lead the Wolverines to a 2019 Class 4A Alaska Football State Championship … Also lettered in baseball and bowling in high school … Played on the Wolverines' 2021 Class 4A Alaska Baseball State Championship team … Posted a 3.9 GPA in high school and is expected to major in Business Administration.
CARTER DANIELS, LB – 5-10, 198 / Mountain Vista High School (Hometown: Centennial, Colo.)
Lettered for four years in football at Mountain Vista High School … Ranked No. 3 all-time in the state of Colorado high school football for career tackles … Was a three-time All-State and two-time South Metro Defensive Player of the Year selection … Recorded 559 career tackles, 97 career tackles for a loss, 16 sacks, picked off six passes and forced nine fumbles … Posted a 3.8 GPA and is an undeclared major.
COREY DAVIS, S – 5-8, 175 / Chaffey College (Hometown: Eastvale, Calif.)
Lettered for two seasons as a safety for Coach Ben Buys Chaffey College … Played in 21 games with the Panthers … Earned Second-Team All-American Metro League honors as a freshman in 2023 … Recorded 55 total tackles, including 31 solo stops … Averaged 2.6 tackles per game in his time at Chaffey … Also tallied 1.5 sacks, 4.0 tackles for a loss and had two interceptions … Posted five pass breakups and forced a fumble … Played in 11 games and recorded 22 tackles, including 13 solo stops as a sophomore in 2023 … Averaged 2.0 tackles per game and had one sack, 2.5 tackles for a loss, two pass breakups and one interception … As a freshman in 2023, played in 10 games and recorded 33 tackles, including 18 solo stops and averaged 3.3 tackles per game … Also tallied 1.5 tackles for a loss, one interception, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble … Prepped at Eleanor Roosevelt High School … Graduated in 2023 … Recorded 113 tackles, four interceptions and two forced fumbles … Posted a 3.2 GPA in the classroom and is an undeclared major at CSU Pueblo.
BRAYDEN DORMAN, QB – 6-5, 225 / University of Arizona (Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Was a member of the Arizona Wildcats football program for three seasons, including redshirting as a freshman in 2023 … Did not see any action the past two seasons with the Wildcats … The 2024 Arizona football team finished with a 10-3 record and earned an Alamo Bowl victory over Oklahoma … Prepped at Vista Ridge High School for Coach Mike Vrana … Graduated in 2023 … Ranked as the No. 2 prospect in Colorado and the No. 18 quarterback prospect nationally … Earned First-Team All-State honors as both a junior and senior … Accumulated 10,285 passing yards with 116 passing touchdowns in his four-year varsity career with the Wolves … As a senior, threw for 3,783 yards and had 49 touchdowns and a QBR or 138.9 in 12 games … Was a four-time All-Conference selection and earned the Denver Post Gold Helmet Award … Led the state of Colorado in single-season passing yards with 3,783 as a senior … Passed for 2,765 yards with 30 touchdowns and completed 60.6 percent of his passes as a junior where he led Vista Ridge to a 7-4 record and second round Colorado Class 4A State Playoff appearance … A four-star quarterback in high school by 247Sports and was offered scholarships by California, Colorado, Colorado State, Iowa State, Kansas, Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Oregon State and Wisconsin out of high school … Also lettered for two years in basketball at Vista Ridge … Posted a 3.9 GPA in the classroom and is expected to be an Interdisciplinary Studies major at CSU Pueblo.
JACKSON DOWNS, OL – 6-4, 285 / Air Academy High School (Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Was a three-year letterman in football for Coach Waymond Jackson at Air Academy High School … Named a two-time Second-Team All-Conference selection and served as a team captain as a senior … Also lettered for four years in wrestling with the Kadets and was a State placer in wrestling … In the classroom, carries a 3.76 GPA and was named a two-time All-State Academic selection … Expected to major in Business Management.
BRAYLON EVANS, WR – 6-3, 170 / Frisco Reedy High School (Hometown: Frisco, Texas)
Lettered in three sports at Frisco Reedy High School … Played football for Coach Chad Cole … Earned Honorable Mention All-District honors … As a senior in 2024, caught 25 passes for 361 yards and averaged 14.4 yards per reception … Had five touchdown receptions… During his junior year in 2023, he caught 16 passes for 162 yards and averaged 10.1 yards per reception … Recorded two touchdown receptions… Also played basketball and track with the Lions … Carries a 3.25 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.
TAI FAAVAE, LB – 6-0, 215 / Washington State University (Hometown: Fountain, Colo.)
Began his collegiate career at Washington State in 2023 as he sat out as a redshirt for the Cougars … Before playing at Washington State, he prepped at Fountain-Fort Carson High School … Graduated in 2023 … Played football for Coach
Jake Novotny with the Trojans … Recorded over 100-plus tackles in each of his last two seasons of high school as he had 126 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss in 2022 and tallied 105 tackles and two sacks as a senior … Was a three-time MaxPreps All-State selection as he earned second-team honors in 2021 and first-team accolades in both 2022 and 2023 … Named First-Team All-State selection as a senior by the
Denver Post … Rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com as a senior … Was the No. 25 inside linebacker in the country and fifth-best overall prospect in Colorado by ESPN.com … Helped the Trojans to a State Semifinal Playoff appearance … Also lettered in volleyball at Fountain-Fort Carson … Carried a 3.0 GPA in the classroom and is an undecided major.
KAFUI FIADONU, DE – 6-1, 250 / D'Evelyn High School (Hometown: Lakewood, Colo.)
Lettered for four years in football for Coach Scott Culligan at D'Evelyn High School … Was a three-time First-Team All-Conference, a three-time Patriot-Central League Defensive Player of the Year, and a Defensive Player of the Year for Jefferson County … Served as a team captain for four years … Recorded 120 solo tackles and 99 assisted tackles … Averaged 15 tackles per game and had 45 tackles for a loss and 24 sacks in his high school career … Helped the Jaguars to a league title as a junior and a second-place finish as a senior … Also lettered in track and field and basketball with the Jaguars … Ran a 12.01 100-meter dash and posted a 37.89 mark in the shot put and a 104-foot mark in the discus … Averaged 5.0 points and 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game in basketball and served as both a starter and team captain … Expected to major in Business.
DESMOND GREEN, CB – 5-10, 158 / City View High School (Hometown: Wichita Falls, Texas)
Lettered in football for Coach Neiko Conway at City View High School … Two-time All-Red River All-Conference Team as both a receiver and cornerback … Caught 58 passes for 1,113 yards and had 16 touchdown receptions … On defense, recorded 30 tackles, five interceptions, five tackles for a loss, three pass breakups, and a blocked kick … Also lettered in both track and field and basketball with the Mustangs … Was a Regional finalist in the 400 meters as a freshman time of 52 seconds and was a District finalist in the 200 meters as a sophomore with a time of 22.7 seconds and a Regional finalist in the long jump … Earned All-District honors in basketball as a sophomore and was named to the All-Region Team and Defensive MVP as a junior … Carries a 3.2 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in either Sports Medicine or Kinesiology.
MARCELLUS HONEYCUTT, JR., WR – 6-0, 180 / Eastern Washington (Hometown: Aurora, Colo.)
Transfer from Eastern Washington University … Redshirted as a freshman in 2023 … Made his collegiate debut that season at Portland State … Did not see any action as a redshirt freshman in 2024 with the Eagles … Prepped at George Washington High School for Coach Dwight Swift … Graduated in 2023 … Named a three-time All-Conference selection, including earning first-team honors twice … As a junior in 2021, earned Class 3A All-State honors after rushing for 1,417 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns … Recorded 5,332 all-purpose yards, caught 60 passes and scored 63 touchdowns in his high school career with the Patriots … Also lettered in track and basketball at George Washington … Carried a 3.5 GPA in the classroom and was a four-time Academic Honor Roll member … Expected to major in Construction Management at CSU Pueblo.
GAVIN ISHMAEL, QB – 6-2, 215 / Frederick High School / Hometown: Frederick, Colo.)
Lettered in football for four years at Frederick High School for Coach Matt Loyd … Named the
Sports Illustrated Colorado Player of the Year as a senior and was a two-time Colorado Class 4A First-Team All-State selection as a junior and senior … Was also a three-time First-Team All-Conference selection and two-time League Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and senior … Nominee for Class 4A MVP honors, was the BOCO Offensive Player of the Year as a senior and served as a four-year team captain for the Golden Eagles … Broke 22 school records and is the school's all-time record holder in career passing yards (6,422), total touchdowns (97), and total offensive yards (8,294) … Set a school single-season mark with 31 touchdown passes as a senior and recorded 73 career touchdown passes and rushed for 1,872 yards in his career and scored 24 rushing touchdowns … Ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the state of Colorado in the Class of 2025 … Earned the annual "LET EM FLY" Award twice at Frederick High School … Helped lead the Golden Eagles to three Class 4A State Playoff appearances … Also played basketball and track at Frederick … Carries a 3.8 GPA in the classroom as was a three-time First-Team Academic All-State selection as a sophomore, junior and senior … Expected to major in Business at CSU Pueblo.
KEMON JACKSON, S – 5-11, 170 / McClintock High School (Hometown: Tempe, Ariz.)
Lettered in football for Coach Micah Fell at McClintock High School … Recorded 1,330 receiving yards and 443 yards rushing on offense as a senior … Scored 11 rushing touchdowns and had 21 receiving touchdowns as a senior … Tallied 2,093 all-purpose yards with 34 total touchdowns as a senior as he averaged 190.3 all-purpose yards per game … Also returned two interceptions for touchdowns and had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in his high school career … Earned Team MVP and Tempe All-City honors as an athlete … Named a Class 5A San Tan Region Player of the Year as a senior … Also named a First-Team Class 5A All-State selection and earned Conference Player of the Year accolades … Also lettered in track and basketball with the Chargers … Carries a 2.9 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business with an emphasis in Sports Management.
RASHARD JACKSON, DT, 6-0, 285 / Wheeling University (Hometown: Upper Marlboro, Md.)
Lettered for three years as a defensive lineman at Wheeling (W.Va.) University for Coach Zac Bruney … Played in a total of 25 games over the past four seasons with the Cardinals … Recorded 84 total tackles, including 43 solo stops, and had 8.5 tackles for a loss and one sack … Also defended a pass, recovered a fumble and blocked a kick in his career at Wheeling … In 2024, played in all 11 games and recorded 43 tackles, including 15 solo stops, and tallied five tackles for a loss, one sack, and one pass defended … Posted a season-high nine tackles against West Virginia State … Saw action in nine games in 2023 and recorded 36 tackles, including 24 solo stops, while tallying 3.5 tackles for a loss, blocking a kick and recovering a fumble … Played in four games in 2022 and recorded three tackles and had two tackles in one game in 2020 … Redshirted in 2021 … Was a two-time member of the Academic All-MEC Team in 2021 and 2023 and was selected to the MEC Commissioner's Honor Roll in 2022 … Named to the President's List in three semesters … Prior to playing at Wheeling University, Jackson prepped at Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School where he lettered in both football and wrestling … Graduated in 2020 … Played football for Coach Dalawn Parrish … Named a First-Team All-Conference selection and was a member of two State Championship teams with the Pumas … Recorded 64 total tackles in two varsity seasons … Was a three-time Defensive Player of the Game and was also an Offensive Player of the Game once … Earned a 3.0 Honor Roll Certificate in the classroom … Expected to pursue an MBA at CSU Pueblo.
CJ JAMES, DE – 6-6, 225 / Thompson Valley High School (Hometown: Loveland, Colo.)
Lettered in football for Coach Jamie Steele at Thompson Valley High School … Two-time All-Conference honors as a junior and senior … As a senior, named a Class 3A All-State selection and was also named to the
Denver Post All-Colorado Team … Was a Class 3A Defensive Playmaker of the Year Candidate, a Playmakers Corner Defensive End of the Year, the KFKA Radio Athlete of the Month and the
Reporter Herald Defensive Player of the Year … Recorded 68 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks as a senior … The Golden Eagles' defense held opponents to a 6.4 points per game average … On offense, caught 27 passes for 324 yards and had four touchdown catches as a receiver … Was a member of Thompson Valley's Conference Championship and 2024 State Championship team … Also lettered in wrestling and track and field … Expected to major in Business at CSU Pueblo.
JAYDEN JANSHEGO, DT – 5-11, 265 / Wylie East High School (Hometown: Wylie, Texas)
Lettered in football at Wylie East School … Named Division MVP honors and was a First-Team All-District selection … Played in 11 games as a senior and recorded 50 total tackles, including 33 solo stops … Averaged 4.5 tackles per game, and had 12 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks … Also recorded a fumble recovery and caused a fumble … Helped the Raiders advance to the Texas State Football Playoffs … Carries a 2.7 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Construction Management.
PRESTON JARVIS, OL – 6-1, 285 / Murray State University (Hometown: Westfield, Ind.)
Played the past two seasons on the offensive line at NCAA FCS program Murray State University … Started 11 games on the offensive line for the Racers as a redshirt freshman in 2024 … Redshirted in 2023 and did not see any game action … Named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Academic Honor Roll … Prepped at Brownsburg High School for Coach John Hart … Graduated in 2023 … Two-time Indiana All-State selection and was a two-time All-Conference selection … Named to the
USA Indianapolis Star Superstar Team … Ranked as a Top 22 underclassmen in the state of Indiana and was a two-time Top 50 ranked player in Indiana … Also played baseball with the Bulldogs … In the classroom, carries a 3.6 GPA and was named to the Indiana All-State Academic Team as a senior … Expected to major in Construction Management.
RYAN KAVALAMI, DE – 6-1, 225 / Thunderbird High School (Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.)
Lettered in football for Coach Matthew Nalette at Thunderbird High School … Was a three-time First-Team All-Region and First-Team All-State selection … Also was an Honorable Mention All-State honoree … Recorded 241 tackles, 62 tackles for a loss and 22 sacks in his high school career … Also lettered in basketball and track … Carries a 3.76 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Economics.
JAXON KNUTSON, QB – 6-3, 200 / McClintock High School (Hometown: Tempe, Ariz.)
Lettered for three seasons for Coach Mike Fell at McClintock High School … Was a two-time All-Region quarterback, a First-Team All-Conference and First-Team All-City of Tempe selection as a senior … Also named the San Tan Offensive Player of the Year, was a finalist for the Gatorade State of Arizona Player of the Year … Cardinals Week 1 Player of the Week and was selected as a Top 5 finalist for the Ed Doherty Award, which is Arizona High School Football's Heisman Trophy … Set a Arizona Class 5A Playoff for most passing yards and is the holder of seven high school record … Recorded 8,582 career passing yards and had 97 passing touchdowns … Also lettered in basketball for the Chargers … Carries a 3.1 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major Business Law and Medicine.
CALEB LLAMAS, RB – 6-1, 215 / Grandview High School (Hometown: Centennial, Colo.)
Lettered in football for Coach Thomas Doherty at Grandview High School … Named a First-Team All-Centennial Conference selection and an Honorable Mention CHSA/Max Preps All-State selection … Rushed for 941 yards on 139 carries and averaged 6.8 yards per carry as a senior in 2024 … Averaged 78.4 yards per game and scored nine rushing touchdowns ... Tallied five 100-plus rushing yard games … Helped leads Grandview to the second round of the Colorado State Football Playoffs … Carries a 2.9 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Kinesiology.
JEREMIAH MANN, DT – 6-1, 295 / Lemoore High School (Hometown: Lemoore, Calif.)
Lettered in football for Coach Jerald Campbell at Lemoore High School … Named the Defensive Lineman of the Year … As a senior, recorded 19 tackles, including five solo stops, and added two sacks and a forced fumble … Averaged 2.4 tackles per game as a senior … Helped lead the Tigers to a WYL Conference Championship … Recorded seven tackles, two sacks as a junior … Carries a 3.0 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.
AJ MANNING, S – 6-2, 190 / Cleveland High School (Hometown: Rio Rancho, N.M.)
Lettered in football for Coach Robert Garza at Cleveland High School … Earned two-time First-Team All-State, All-District, and All-Metro honors … Named a two-time Rivals Defensive Back of the Year … Ranked as the No. 1 Defensive Back in the state of New Mexico … In his high school career, he recorded 102 total tackles, including 62 solo stops, and added five tackles for a loss, 25 interceptions, eight passes defended, four fumble recoveries, one caused fumble, and averaged 2.5 tackles per game … As a senior in 2024, he recorded 59 tackles, three tackles for a loss, three interceptions and defended four passes in 13 games… Tallied 38 tackles, including 19 solo stops, and had two tackles for a loss, four interceptions, and defended four passes in 12 games … Was a member of the three consecutive New Mexico State Football Championships … He lost just four games in his high school career with the Storm … Carries a 3.3 GPA in the classroom and is a Pre-Chiropractic major at CSU Pueblo.
KALEB MANNING, DT – 6-0, 280 / Midwestern State University (Hometown: Clute, Texas)
Played the past three seasons as a defensive tackle at Midwestern State … In his time with the Mustangs, he played in 32 games and recorded 91 tackles, including 45 solo stops, while also tallying 10.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass defended … Earned Honorable Mention All-LSC honors in 2024 after recording 41 tackles, including 21 solo stops in 11 games and nine starts … Also recorded two tackles for a loss, one sack and one pass defended … In 2023, played in 10 games and made eight starts … Finished the season with 34 tackles, including 16 solo stops, and added 7.5 tackles for a loss, a sack, and a forced fumble … Played in 10 games as a redshirt freshman in 2022 … Tallied 16 tackles, including eight solo stops and added a tackle for a loss, a half-a-sack, and a quarterback hurry … Redshirted as a freshman in 2021 … Before playing at Midwestern State, lettered for two years at Brazoswood High School … Played football at Brazoswood for Coach Danny Youngs … Graduated in 2021 … Garnered All-District 24-6A Honorable Mention honors as a senior in 2020 … Recorded 46 tackles, including 17 tackles for a loss, six sacks and two fumble recoveries as a senior … Amassed 67 tackles, including seven tackles for a loss, a sack and two fumble recoveries in 10 varsity games in 2019 … Expected to major in Business Management at CSU Pueblo.
MASON MARKOVICH, LB – 5-11, 218 / Glenwood Springs High School (Hometown: Rifle, Colo.)
Was a four-year varsity starter at linebacker and running back at Glenwood Springs High School for Coach Mike West … As a senior in 2024, he was named a CHSAA Class 3A First-Team All-State selection, a Class 3A Western Slope League Player of the Year, a First-Team All-Conference selection and the Team MVP … Also was named the CHSAA All-State Game … Was a two-year team captain with the Demons … In 2024, recorded 1,624 all-purpose yards in eight games, including rushing for 1,361 yards and added 252 kickoff return yards, and scored 23 touchdowns on offense … Tallied 59 total tackles, including 24 solo stops, along with picking off one pass on defense … Recorded a kickoff return for a touchdown and tallied 140 total points … As a junior in 2023, earned Honorable Mention All-State and First-Team All-Conference honors … Rushed for a school-record 355 yards and gained 424 yards and scored four touchdowns against Summit in 2023 … Also lettered in baseball, basketball and track … Carries a 3.4 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.
EVAN MARTINEZ, LB – 6-3, 205 / Yslete High School (Hometown: Horizon City, Texas)
Lettered in football for Coach Joe Martinez at Ysleta High School … Gained 2,067 passing yards and 1,223 rushing yards with the Indians … Also recorded 1,146 receiving yards … Scored 34 touchdowns … On defense, recorded 108 tackles and tallied three interceptions … Was a member of five straight State Playoff teams at Ysleta … Expected to play linebacker with the Pack … Also played baseball at Ysleta and recorded a .456 batting average and had 124 strikeouts as a pitcher … Earned District MVP honors and First-Team All-City accolades … Carries a 3.7 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Nursing.
JESSIE "JJ" MATTHEWS, OL – 6-1, 295 / Denver East High School (Hometown: Denver, Colo.)
Lettered in football for Coach Stephen Ruempolhamer at Denver East High School … Was a three-time 5A Metro All-Conference selection as he earned honorable mention honors in 2022 and first-team accolades in both 2023 and 2024 … Also lettered in basketball and track and field … Earned All-Conference honors in basketball as a junior and was seventh in the District as a freshman … Carries a 4.7 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Media and Entertainment with an emphasis in Sports Media.
DAVONTE MCCLEVELAND, DT – 6-0, 260 / Southern Nazarene University (Hometown: Dallas, Texas)
Played the past two seasons at Southern Nazarene University, which is an NCAA Division II school that is a member of the Great American Conference … In two seasons with the Storm, played in 12 games and recorded 21 total tackles, including eight solo stops … Also tallied a tackle for a loss and defended one pass … As a redshirt freshman in 2024, played in 11 games and saw action in one game as a freshman in 2023 … Before playing at Southern Nazarene, prepped at Life School Oak Cliff … Gradated in 2023 … Recorded 145 tackles total tackles over his final two high school seasons … Named First-Team All-District honors and the Defensive Lineman of the Year … Expected to major in Marketing at CSU Pueblo.
GANNON McELROY, LB – 6-1, 205 / Jacksboro High School (Hometown: Jacksboro, Texas)
Was a three-sport star at Jacksboro High School, including lettering for three years in football for Coach Casey Hubble … Played both quarterback and linebacker with the Tigers … Was a First-Team All-District selection at linebacker and also earned All 940 First-Team All-Area and First-Team Red River 22 All-Region as a senior in 2024 … Earned First-Team All-District at linebacker and Second-Team All-District at quarterback as a junior in 2023 and named a Second-Team All-District H-Back as a sophomore in 2022 … Recorded 278 solo tackles, 119 assisted tackles, 159 sacks, five tackles for a loss and 19 pass break-ups in his high school career … Also picked off seven passes, had one quarterback hurry, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks … Helped lead the Tigers to a Regional Semifinalist berth … Also lettered in basketball and track … In the classroom, carries a 3.8 GPA and was a THSCA Academic All-State selection … Expected to major in Business.
CEDRIC MILLS, WR – 5-9, 173 / Cedar Hill High School (Hometown: Dallas, Texas)
Lettered in football for Coach Nick Ward at Cedar Hill High School … Earned Second-Team All-District honors … Recorded 954 receiving yards on 57 catches and had 12 touchdown receptions … Helped lead the Longhorns to a 2023 Elite 8 appearance in the Texas State Football Playoffs … Also lettered in track at Cedar Hill … Carries a 3.2 GPA in the classroom.
CHASE NELSON, QB – 6-5, 235 / Adams State University (Hometown: Monmouth, Ore.)
Played the past two seasons as a quarterback at Adams State University … As a redshirt freshman in 2024, he completed 55 percent of his pass as he was 86-for-155 passing for 943 yards and had five touchdown passes and six interceptions for the Grizzlies … He also gained 111 yards rushing on 41 carries and scored two rushing scores … Had four games with 100 or more passing yards, including passing 320 yards in his collegiate debut against Western New Mexico … In that same game, he rushed for 80 yards on seven carries and finished with 400 yards of total offense … Sat out the 2023 season as a redshirt … Named to the 2024 RMAC Football All-Academic Honor Roll … Before playing at Adams State, Nelson prepped at Central High School and was a three-sport athlete, including lettering in football for three years with the Panthers … Graduated in 2023 … Played football for Coach Joel Everett at Central High School … Was named a two-time First-Team All-League selection at quarterback and the Co-Player of the Year in football … Also earned Second-Team All-State accolades as a senior in 2022 … Recorded 4,500 career passing yards and had 46 passing touchdowns … Tallied 650 career rushing yards and scored 10 career rushing touchdowns … Led Class 5A Oregon high school football in passing yards and total touchdowns as a senior … Helped lead the Panthers to a State Playoff appearance for the first time since 2018 as a senior … In addition to playing football, he was a three-year letterman in basketball and also lettered one year in golf … Was a three-time All-League selection in basketball and named the Co-Player of the Year as a senior in 2022-23 … Carried a 3.71 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business Management.
CHRISTIAN NEWBERRY-JONES, OL – 6-6, 300 / Northern Arizona University (Hometown: Placerville, Calif.)
Played the 2024 season at Northern Arizona University of the Big Sky Conference and saw action in just one game in 2024 with the Lumberjacks … Before Northern Arizona, he played two seasons at American River Community College … Prepped at Folsom High School and played football for Coach Paul Doherty … Earned First-Team All-League and All-Metro honors … Was a member of Folsom's Nor Cal Championship team that defeated De La Salle, 28-27 … Carried a 2.6 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in History.
PATRICK NOGA, JR., RB – 5-11, 215 / Pueblo County High School (Hometown: Pueblo, Colo.)
Lettered in football for Coach Ramie Enriquez at Pueblo County High School … Was a two-time All-South Central League All-Conference selection and the SCL MVP in both 2022 and 2024 … Named an Honorable Mention All-State selection in 2022 and 2024 … Recorded 2,087 all-purpose yards and 1,662 rushing yards … Averaged 7.6 yards per carry and 85 yards per game in his high school career … Tallied 21 touchdowns … Also lettered in baseball with the Hornets … Carries a 4.33 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.
SAMUEL ODELAMI, DT – 6-2, 300 / Cisco College (Hometown: Dallas, Texas)
Played two seasons on the defensive line at Cisco College … Earned Second-Team SWJCFC All-Conference honors with the Wranglers … Before playing at Cisco College, lettered in both football and track and field at Lake Highlands High School … Graduated in 2022 … Played football for Coach Lonnie Jordan with the Wildcats … Earned First-Team All-District honors as a senior … Carried a 2.7 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Information Technology.
ADAM SALAH, S – 6-3, 210 / Northern Michigan University (Hometown: Dearborn, Mich.)
Lettered for three seasons at Northern Michigan University as a defensive back … Played in 11 games over the past two seasons with Wildcats, including eight games in 2024 … Recorded 65 total tackles, including 44 solo stops in his career … Also had two tackles for a loss, three passes defended, one fumble recovery and one career interception … In 2024, recorded 56 tackles, including 40 solo stops … Had at least five tackles in all eight games, including a high of 11 tackles at Michigan Tech … Collected his lone interception against Wisconsin-La Crosse … Played in three games as a freshman in 2023 and recorded nine total tackles, including four solo stops ... Before playing at Northern Michigan, lettered in football at Dearborn High School for Coach Alex Grignon … Earned All-Region honors and was a two-time All-Conference selection … Helped lead the Pioneers to three Michigan State High School Playoff appearances … His uncle, Robert Salah, is currently the defensive coordinator with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and was the head coach of the New York Jets from 2021-24 … Carried a 3.83 GPA in the classroom at Dearborn and is expected to major in Biology.
AUSTIN SCHEICH, S – 6-1, 185 / Mountain Vista High School (Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
Was a three-year letterman in football for Coach Garrett Looney at Mountain Vista High School … Recorded 194 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, seven passes defended, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles in his high school career … Returned on his interceptions for a touchdown … Helped lead the Golden Eagles to a Continental League title … Also lettered in basketball at Mountain Vista … Carries a 3.5 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.
JAKSON SEWELL, DT – 6-3, 265 / Lubbock Cooper High School (Hometown: Lubbock, Texas)
Lettered for two years as a defensive lineman at Lubbock Cooper High School for Coach Chip Darden … Earned First-Team All-District honors with the Pirates … Recorded 20 total tackles, four sacks and six tackles for loss as a senior … As a junior, recorded 61.5 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for a loss and added five sacks and nine quarterback hurries … Was a member of Cooper's 2021 State Semifinal team … Also lettered in wrestling … Graduated early and enrolled at CSU Pueblo for the 2025 spring semester … Carried a 3.6 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Psychology.
GARRETT SEXTON, DT – 6-4, 262 / Wakeland High School (Hometown: Frisco, Texas)
Lettered in football for Coach Chandler Isom at Wakeland High School … Recorded 19 tackles, including 14 solo stops in 12 games as a senior … Also tallied five tackles for a loss, four sacks, three pass breakups, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery … Earned All-District honors as a senior … Was a member of the Wolverines' State Playoff team … Also lettered in wrestling … Carries a 3.77 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.
JAYLEN SHAW, CB – 5-11, 185 / Midwestern State University (Hometown: McKinney, Texas)
Lettered during the 2023 season at Midwestern State … In his lone season with the Mustangs, named an Honorable Mention All-LSC selection after recording 32 tackles, including 20 solo stops and a tackle for loss from his cornerback position … He also picked off two passes and added five pass breakups and a fumble recovery … Played in 10 games and made nine starts … Had five or more tackles in four games and picked off passes against CSU Pueblo and West Texas A&M … Credited with three tackles and two pass breakups against Western Oregon … Named to the LSC Commissioner's Honor Roll in Spring 2024 … Began his collegiate career at Southeastern Oklahoma State, where he played for three seasons … Played in 25 games for the Savage Storm and recorded 55 tackles, including 30 solo stops and added 10 pass breakups and had two interceptions, including returning one 53 yards for a touchdown against Northwestern Oklahoma in 2021 … Prepped at McKinney Boyd High School for Coach Joe McBride … Graduated in 2020 … Was a three-year starter at cornerback … Earned All-District 9-6A First-Team honors as a senior in 2019 and was a Second-Team All-District 9-6A honoree as a junior in 2018 … Recorded three interceptions and nine pass breakups with the Broncos … Was also a three-year letterman in track and field and posted personal best of 17.81 in the 110-meter hurdles, 49.93 in the 300-meter hurdles and 6-feet in the high jump … Also played basketball at McKinney Boyd … His brother, Peyton, was named an Honorable Mention All-RMAC in his first season with the Pack in 2024 … Expected to major in Health Sciences.
ASHTON SHEPARDSON, LB – 6-1,215 / Cherry Creek High School (Hometown: Denver, Colo.)
Played football at Cherry Creek High School for Coach Dave Logan … Earned First-Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State honors … Was also named an Honorable Mention All-Colorado Team selection … Served as a team captain as a senior … Recorded 80 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass break-ups and seven sacks as a senior … Also had a fumble recovery and a forced fumble … Returned one his interceptions for a touchdown … Played on two State Championship teams at Cherry Creek … Carries a 3.025 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.
JACKSON SMITH, K/P – 5-11, 180 / Santa Barbara City College (Hometown: Centennial, Colo.)
Served as both a kicker and punter at Santa Barbara City College … Redshirted in 2023 … Played in nine games in 2024 and was 9-for-15 on field goals and 24-for-26 on extra points … Scored a total of 51 points for the Vaqueros … Had a long field goal of 50 yards at Saddleback … As a punter, recorded 40 punts for 1,591 yards and averaged 39.8 yards per punt and put 19 of his punts inside the 20-yard line … Averaged 5.7 points per game … Earned First-Team SFCA All-Conference honors … Before playing at Santa Barbara City College, he prepped at Arapahoe High School … Graduated in 2023 … Was 12-for-19 on field goals and 75 percent of his punts ended in touchbacks … Expected to major in Business at CSU Pueblo.
NATHAN SPIVEY, JR., S – 6-0, 195 / Salpointe Catholic High School (Hometown: Tucson, Ariz.)
Lettered in football for four years for Coach Pat Ryden at Salpointe Catholic High School … Was a two-time First-Team Arizona Class 6A All-State selection at defensive back and was also a two-time First-Team All-Region selection … Named the 2024 BJ Media Two-Way Player of the Year and the 2024 Region Returner of the Year … Nominated for the 2024 Ed Doherty, which is given to the Arizona High School Player of the Year … Earned three Player of the Week awards in his high school career … Recorded 145 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, four sacks, 10 interceptions and forced five fumbles on defense … On offense and special teams, tallied 2,511 all-purpose yards and scored a total of 25 touchdowns with the Lancers … Was a member of Salpointe's 2022 Arizona Class 5A State Runner-up team and also was a member of two Conference Championship teams in 2022 (Sonoran) and 2024 (6A Central) … Carries a 3.5 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Engineering.
DEDREK TAYLOR-AKINS, WR – 6-4, 195 / Northeastern State University (Hometown: Fontana, Calif.)
Lettered during the 2024 season at Northeastern State University … Played in 11 games for the Riverhawks, catching 17 passes for 249 yards, with an average of 14.7 yards per reception … He hauled in three touchdown passes throughout the year, which tied for the third-most on the team … He had a season-high of five receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown against nationally ranked Central Oklahoma … Before his time at Northeastern State, he spent the 2023 season at Mt. San Antonio College, where he played in 10 games and recorded 25 receptions for 484 yards, averaging 19.4 yards per catch and securing nine touchdown receptions … He prepped at Jurupa Hills High School … Graduated in 2018 … Finished his high school career with 58 receptions for 1,100 yards and 11 touchdown receptions … Is expected to major in Sports Media at CSU Pueblo.
GIO TOLDEO, S – 6-2, 205 / BROOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL (Hometown: Thornton, Colo.)
Played both offense and defense at Broomfield High School … Will play safety with the ThunderWolves … In his time with the Eagles, he recorded 156 career tackles, including 89 solo stops, and added one tackle for a loss, two interceptions, 20 passes defended, and one fumble recovery … As a receiver on offense, he caught eight passes for 165 yards and averaged 11.8 yards per reception and had two touchdown receptions … He also amassed 424 career all-purpose yards, including returning one kickoff for a touchdown as a junior in 2023 … Earned All-Conference honors … Was a member of two State Championship teams at Broomfield … Expected to major in Business Management.
NOAH TRIPLETT, RB – 5-9, 195 / New Mexico State University (Hometown: Littleton, Colo.)
Played the last two seasons at New Mexico State, but did not see any action for the Aggies … Redshirted as a true freshman in 2023 … Before playing at New Mexico State, he prepped at Dakota Ridge High School for Coach Ron Woitalewicz … Graduated in 2023 … Gained 4,973 career all-purpose yards and scored 76 touchdowns in his high school career with the Eagles … Named the Jeffco Conference Offensive MVP and a two-time All-State selection and a two-time All-Colorado selection by the
Denver Post … Helped lead Dakota Ridge to two league titles … Also lettered in lacrosse and track and field … Earned All-State accolades in lacrosse … Carried a 3.3 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Criminology.
IZAIAH TRUJILLO, WR – 6-0, 195 / Pueblo East High School (Hometown: Pueblo, Colo.)
Earned 11 letters in three sports at Pueblo East School … Played football for Coach Tony Valdez at Pueblo East … Was a two-time Second-Team All-State and a three-time First-Team All-Conference selection … Named the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year … Caught 108 passes for 1,977 yards in his high school career and hauled in 29 touchdowns … As a senior in 2024, he caught 44 passes for 730 yards and had 14 touchdown receptions … Averaged 16.6 yards per reception and 66.4 receiving yards per game … Amassed 2,344 career all-purpose yards and tallied a total of 32 touchdowns … Also lettered in both basketball and track and field with the Eagles … Named a two-time Second-Team All-SCL selection in basketball and was a three-time State qualifier in track … Received the SCL Male Athlete of the Year in track … Carries a 3.28 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Kinesiology.
VINCENT VIGIL, DT – 6-2. 260 / Arvada West High School (Hometown: Arvada, Colo.)
Was a four-year varsity starter in football for Coach Brad Pyatt at Arvada West High School … Named a two-time First-Team All-Conference selection … Earned Blue-Grey All-American, Second-Team All-State and Defensive MVP honors as a senior in 2024 … Served as a team captain as a senior … Ranked as the No. 2 best EDGE player in the state of Colorado by Colorado Prep Zone … As a senior, recorded 122 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss and five sacks … Totaled 337 career tackles, 54 tackles for a loss and 20 sacks … Had three high school seasons with at least 90 tackles as he tallied 105 tackles as a sophomore in 2022 and had 90 tackles as a junior in 2023 … Was a two-time Lift-a-Thon Champion and a two-time Mile High Prep selection … Took home the Iron Cat Award in 2023 … Helped lead the Wildcats to four straight Colorado 5A State Playoff appearances … Played club football with Mile High Prep and was a member of Mile High Prep's undefeated team … Also lettered for three years in track … Was the Arvada City Champion on the shotput … In the classroom, carries a 3.69 GPA, was named a First-Team Academic All-State honoree, and is expected to major in Economics with an emphasis in Finance at CSU Pueblo.
JARRIUS WARD, RB – 5-11, 205 / Overland High School (Hometown: Aurora, Colo.)
Was a three-sport standout at Overland High School … Played football at Overland for Coach Toney Lindsey … Was a two-time MaxPreps/CHSAA All-State selection as he earned first-team honors as a junior and honorable mention accolades as a senior … Played in 30 high school games and gained 3,090 yards on 406 carries … Averaged 7.6 yards per carry and 103 yards per game … Scored a total of 39 rushing touchdowns … Helped lead Overland to a 5A Metro North League title in 2024 … Also lettered in wrestling and track and field with the Trail Blazers … In track and field, was the Class 5A Discus Champion … Carries a 3.28 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Civil Engineering.
SLATER WARREN, OT – 6-3, 280 / Mesa Ridge High School (Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Lettered for three years in football at Mesa Ridge High School for Coach Jermi Calip … Was a two-time All-State and two-time All-Conference selection … Helped lead Mesa Ridge to three consecutive Colorado State Playoff appearances … Also was a thrower in track … In the classroom, carries a 4.02 GPA and was a First-Team Academic All-State selection … Is expected to major in Construction Management at CSU Pueblo.
CHURCHILL WILLIAMS V, S – 5-10, 180 / UT-Permian Basin (Hometown: Houston, Texas)
Comes to CSU Pueblo from the University of Texas-Permian Basin … Did not see any action the with the Falcons in 2024 after transferring New Mexico Military Institute … At NMMI, he played in 12 games in 2023 and recorded 78 total tackles, including 43 solo tackles … Averaged 6.5 tackles per game and also tallied 4.5 tackles for loss, forced four fumbles, broke up five passes and collected four interceptions … Began his collegiate career in 2021 at Missouri Southern State University … Played nine games in 2022 with the Lions and recorded 27 tackles, including 20 solo stops and had one pass defense … Redshirted as a freshman in 2021 … Prepped at Stafford High School for Coach Ken Savannah … Graduated in 2021 … Was a four-year letterman for the Spartans … Earned All-District honors twice as a running back and was a three-time All-District selection as a defensive back … Also earned All-State honors at Stafford … Helped lead the Spartans to the Texas State Football Playoffs … Also lettered in track for the Spartans … Expected to major in Health Care Administration at CSU Pueblo.
CODY WITTIG, DT – 6-3, 270 / Chatfield High School (Hometown: Littleton, Colo.)
Was a three-year starter for Coach Kris Rosholt at Chatfield High School … Was a CHSAA/MaxPreps Honorable Mention All-State selection and a First-Team All-Conference selection as a senior … Recorded 46 career tackles, including 36 as a senior in 2023 … Also tallied 7.0 career tackles for a loss and had two sacks and one caused fumble in his high school career … His older brother, Josh Croy, played football as a defensive lineman for the Pack from 2012-17 and was a member of the school's 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship Team … Is Expected to major in Business at CSU Pueblo.
