Mavericks Add 21 Recruits
02/03/10 - 08:45 PM
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Head Coach Joe Ramunno and the Mavericks football staff had a busy National Signing Day.

Ramunno announced on Wednesday a 2010 recruiting class with 21 student athletes. In addition, Ramunno plans to add a few more players in the coming months.

“Our coaching staff did an excellent job of identifying talent to fit what we want to represent Mesa State College and the Grand Junction community. We will always recruit the state of Colorado heavy and are excited about our local talent. With the help of our administration, admissions, financial aid and all of the MSC family we are fortunate to have the support that allows us to recruit top student-athletes from around the country”, said Ramunno in a press release.

The Mavericks signed nine lineman, seven linebackers, two wide receivers, two defensive backs and a quarterback. Most of those kids come from areas around Grand Junction. 11 players came from Colorado, five from Arizona, two from Utah and Wyoming and one from California.

“The excitement with the expansion of Mesa State College’s campus has made a profound impact this recruiting season”, added Ramunno. He went on to thank his coaching staff and Rick Martindale from Quality Inn for all of their hard work and help throughout the recruiting process.

2010 Mesa State Football Signees
    Information and Stats provided directly from Mesa State College press release.

Zach Beach - Defensive Line - 6’1” 235
Scout.com - *
Douglas County High School
Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
Coached by Jeff Ketron at Douglas County High School.. First Team All-Conference in 2009…Holds the School squat record of 710 pounds..Wrestling State qualifier.
Coach’s Comments:“Zach is an intense, smart, tough interior D-lineman. He has a great motor and plays the game full speed. We are very pleased to add Zach to the Maverick family.” Son of Bruce and Kathy Beach.

Austin Bennett - Offensive Line - 6’3” 265
Bear Creek High School
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
Coached by Tom Thenell at Bear Creek High School…Second Team All-Conference in 2009.
Coach’s Comments: “Austin has the ability to play multiple positions on the O-line. He has tremendous upside, very physical, smart and athletic. He is going to be a great one.” Son of Bryan and Cathy Bennett.

Jeff Berghorn - Offensive Line - 6’4” 300
Dakota Ridge High School
Hometown: Littleton, CO
Coached by Ron Woitalewicz at Dakota Ridge High School.. Second Team All-Conference in 2008..First Team All-Conference and All-State in 2009…Team made the State Semifinals in 2009.
Coach’s Comments:“Toughness and leadership are two of the many qualities Jeff brings to the Mavericks. He is a high quality kid and has the size to be very effective. He has the ability to be a solid anchor for our O-line in the future.” Son of Matt and Lori Berghorn.

Sean Blackmer - Quarterback - 6’3” 215
Scout.com - *
Greeley West High School
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Two-Time Team Captain for Mark Roggy and Kay Dalton at Greeley West High School… First Team All-State and All-Conference in 2008 and 2009…Threw for over 2,000 yards in 2008 and 2009…Threw 25 touchdown passes in 2008 and 20 touchdown passes in 2009… Rushed for over 500 yards as a senior with over a 4 yard a carry average…Two-Time Academic All State..Played in the 2008 State Championship game at Invesco Field.
Coach’s Comments:“Sean is 22-2 as a starter. He is a great competitor who handles pressure well. He’s what coaches look for in a quarterback!” Son of Ross and Teresa Blackmer.

Kaelen Bradfield - Offensive Line - 6’3” 260
Palisade High School
Hometown: Clifton, CO
Local Standout on both sides of the ball for Coach Jon Arledge at Palisade High School…Anchored line for Palisade’s rushing attack.
Coach’s Comments:“Dominating Offensive Lineman for Coach Arledge. Tough in the trenches but also a real versatile player.”

Joe Clausi - Linebacker - 6’2” 230
Cottonwood High School
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
Coached by Cecil Thomas at Cottonwood High School…First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region, Second Team All-State in 2009…Played in State Title game in 2008.
Coach’s Comments:“Joe is a great football player with great explosiveness. He has great nose for the football as well. He is the son of a football coach, so he has a great understanding of the game. We are anticipating great things from Joe.” Son of Joe Clausi and Missy Marlowe.

Dekota D’Angelo - Wide Receiver - 5’11” 190
Desert Mountain High School
Hometown: San Jose, AZ
Coached by Tony Tabor at Desert Mountain High School…Two-Time All-Region and Honorable Mention All-State in 2009.
Coach’s Comments:“Fast, physical receiver that runs great routes and catches the ball well. Solid yards after catch receiver. Dekota will be a great addition to the receiver corps.”
Son of John and Francine D’Angelo.

Tyler English - Linebacker/Fullback - 6’2” 220
Laramie High School
Hometown: Laramie, WY
Coached by Bob Knapton at Laramie High School…First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-State in 2009…Honorable Mention All-Conference in 2008.
Coach’s Comments: “Tyler is a fantastic addition to the Maverick football team. He is a versatile player that can play offense or defense with equal skill and intensity. We are very excited to have him be part of the Maverick program.” Son of University of Wyoming Defensive Coordinator Marty English and wife Suzanne

Tyler Funk - Defensive End - 6’1’’ 220
Rancho Bernardo High School
Hometown: San Diego, CA
In 2009, started 11 games and was named Second Team All-Conference…Team played in CIF Division I playoffs…In 2008, played at Delta High School in Muncie, IN…Started all 13 games and team lost in State quarterfinals.
Coach’s Comments:“Aggressive, smart defensive end that uses his hands very well and understands leverage. He has a motor that does not quit. Tyler will be a great football player for the Mavs.”
Son of former MSC football coach and current San Diego State coach Darrell Funk and wife Teresa

Dylan Heitsmith - Offensive Line - 6’2’’ 320
Rivals.com - **
Scout.com - *
Bear Creek High School
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
Three-Time First Team All-Conference…Didn’t allow a sack in his career.
Coach’s Comments:“Dylan is a physical, tough, hard-nosed player. He’ll bring a great work ethic and attitude to the offensive line.” Son of Jon and Stacey Heitsmith

Andrew Hurley - Linebacker - 6’3’’ 220
Scout.com - **
Pinnacle High School
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Played for Coach Dana Zupke at Pinnacle High School…First Team All-State, First Team All-Region and Region Defensive Player of the Year in 2009…First Team All-Region and Second Team All-State in 2008…Recorded 77 tackles, a sack, an interception and a touchdown in 2009…In 2008, 40 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 touchdowns.
Coach’s Comments:“Andrew is projected to be an early contributor to the Maverick defense. He brings size, speed and tenacity at the linebacker position. Played high school football for his dad, so he has a clear understanding of the game and the size and ability to get it done.” Son of Pat and Jill Hurley

Jacob Massey - Defensive Line - 6’3’’ 245
Rifle High School
Hometown: Rifle, CO
Coached by Ryan Sulkowski at Rifle High School…Named All-Conference in 2009.
Coach’s Comments:“Jacob is a good sized player with great mobility and energy that will add depth to the d-line. He was a stand-out player at Rifle High School and we expect similar results here at Mesa.” Son of Dan and Rhonda Massey

Travis (TJ) McRae - Safety - 5’11’’ 175
Bingham High School
Hometown: South Jordan, UT
Coached by Dave Peck at Bingham High School…Bingham is considered one of the top programs in Utah…First Team All-State in 2009…Region MVP…Team MVP 2008 and 2009…Team Captain…81 total tackles, 7 interceptions, 8 passes defended and 3 touchdowns…Regional Wrestling champ.
Coach’s Comments:“TJ could be an immediate impact player for the Maverick Secondary. He has great ball skills, fast, solid tackler and the ability to lock you down. We are extremely excited to have TJ join the program next fall.” Son of Kip McRae and Shantelle Young

Matthew Mitchell - Linebacker - 6’0’’ 230
Desert Mountain High School
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Played for Coach Tony Tabor at Desert Mountain…Two-Time All-Region Selection…Honorable Mention All-State…Two-Time city champ and regional champ in wrestling.
Coach’s Comments:“Matt is a versatile athlete that can play offense or defense. Matt embodies the team player concept by playing whatever position necessary for the success of his team. He started at four different positions his senior year to help his team get to the state semi-finals.”  Son of Mike and Vicki Mitchell

Holden Reed - Athlete - 6’2’’ 210
Central High School
Hometown: Grand Junction, CO
Coached by Vern McGee at Central High School…All-State and All-Conference Selection.
Coach’s Comments:“We are fired up to have Holden join the Maverick football team. He is an outstanding local athlete that will contribute greatly to the success of our program. He is a solid leader,
hard worker and an excellent young man. One of the best prospects to come out of the valley in years.” Son of Stuart and Gina Reed

Caleb Spaulding - Defensive Line - 6’3” 240
Scout.com - *
Ft. Collins High School
Hometown: Gillette, WY
Coached by Erik Rice at Fort Collins High School…Three-Time All-Conference selection…All-State and Conference Defensive MVP in 2009…All-Conference Track and Field 2008 and 2009.
Coach’s Comments:“Caleb is an extremely explosive d-lineman. He is a tenacious player with a big time motor. Caleb will be an early impact player for the Maverick defense.” Son of Bob and Janel Spaulding

Dylan Thompson - Defensive Back - 5’10’’ 185
Chatfield High School
Hometown: Littleton, CO
Rejoins with former teammate Nathan Neville (Wide Receiver for the Mavericks)...Had 5 interceptions in 2009.
Coach’s Comments:“Great Athlete who will fit right in with what we do at Mesa State.”

BJ Warrior - Offensive Lineman - 6’4” 250
George Washington High School
Hometown: Denver, CO
Coached by Steve Finesilver
Coach’s Comments: “BJ brings a good skill set to the Maverick o-line. He has good size, speed and ability.” Son of Demetra Whittington

Shane Williams - Linebacker - 5’11’’ 210
Desert Mountain High School
Hometown: Fountain Hills, AZ
Played for Coach Tony Tabor at Desert Mountain High School…Two-Time All-Region selection.
Coach’s Comments:’‘Shane is a high energy player that is all over the field. He has a great nose for the football and is a sure tackler. He will be a great addition to the linebacker position.’’ Son of Kirk Williams

Colton Vaughn - Linebacker -  6’1’’ 200
Pueblo West High School
Hometown: Pueblo, CO
Brother Chaz Vaughn is currently on the Maverick Football team…Won 4A State Title in 2007…All-State Honorable Mention…Two-Time All-Conference selection.
Coach’s Comments:“Colton is a mentally tough kid on and off the field. He will make huge contributions to the Mavericks in the near future.” Son of Roy and Stasi Vaughn

Alex Zemezonak - Kicker/Wide Receiver - 5’8’’ 170
Scout.com - *
Pinnacle High School
Hometown: Cave Creek, AZ
First Team All-Region as a Kicker and Wide Receiver…Led Arizona in Receiving and Field Goals…All-State Kicker and Receiver.
Coach’s Comments:“Alex is a great addition to the team. A highly decorated athlete from Arizona, he will be a difference maker at the kicker spot and add to the depth at wide receiver.” Son of Jim and Lisa Zemezonak

Information from Mesa State’s Athletic Department was used in this report.

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