| Athlete Biographies |
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Quarterback, 6-1, 180, Aurora, Colo. (Vista Peak HS)
Notes: Butler was a standout quarterback at Vista Peak High School where he was a three-time all-league selection in the Colorado 7. In 2013, Butler, the brother of Cougar safety Josh Butler, was honorable mention all-state. A dual threat, Butler had 286 rushes for 1,333 yards and 17 TDs on the ground; 464 yards receiving and four TDs and completed 268-of-501 passes for 4,021 yards with 31 TDs in his career. He also starred on the basketball court, earning first team all-eleague honors in both 2013 and 2014. He was a first team all-league performer in the high jump for his track team. Involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Black Student Alliance, he is the son of Oscar and Deborah Butler.
Coach Stugart on Butler: “Noah is a very athletic quarterback who fits the style of our offense. He is a person who will continue to bring athletic intangibles to our team.”
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Gunnar Dean
Linebacker, 6-2, 208, Lincoln, Neb. (East HS)
Notes: Dean had a standout career at Lincoln East High School, where he helped lead the Spartans to a two-year record of 15-5. Dean, who played for head coach John Gingery, was a standout linebacker for Lincoln East's 7-3 team this year. This past season, he accumulated 102 tackles, including 82 solo stops, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Spartans. In his career, he compiled 135 tackles with 101 solo stops. He rushed for two TDs on offense. Dean, whose team won the city champion as a senior, was a two-time Heartland Conference Academic All-Conference selection and also earned All-City honors. Dean was an honorable mention all-state selection at linebacker by the Lincoln Journal Star, Omaha World Herald and the Associated Press. In 2014, he was named the team's MVP and was selected Homecoming King. Dean, who was a staff writer for the school newspaper (Oracle), was on the Honor Roll for eight semesters. He is the son of Jeff and Lori Dean.
Coach Stugart on Dean: “A physical presence and prototypical Mike linebacker, Gunner is a hard-nosed linebacker, who has exhibited leadership on and off the field.
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Quarterback, 6-0, 190, Nicollet, Minn. (Nicollet HS)
Notes: Elliott has a stellar career at Nicollet High School for head coach Tom Murphy as he was a two-time AP third team All-State honoree. As a senior he led Nicollet to the Section 3 title and completed 200 passes (3rd in state history) on 359 attempts (3rd in state history) for 2,722 yards and 34 TDs. A dual threat, he also had 262 carries for 1,700 yards and 19 TDs. Elliott finished with a state record 3,468 all-purpose yards. In his career, he was 620-of-1,094 for 9,100 yards (state record), 113 TDs (state recored) while accumulating 739 carries for 4,075 yards and 50 TDs. In total he set a state record with 13,227 all-purpose yards with a state record of 163 combined TDs as he directed the Raiders to a 40-6 mark, including 32-5 as a starter. A Mr. Football Finalist, he was a three-time All-Southern Confederacy selection, a two-time All-Southern Confederacy Offensive Player of the Year, three-time New Ulm Journal All-Area Team, and two-time New Ulm Journal All-Area Offensive Player of the Year. The son of Darin and Tamara Elliott, he was also active in baseball track ad wrestling. In addition, he has been class president, an Honor Roll student, National Honor Society member and named to the Dean's List.
Coach Stugart on Elliott: "Dalton is a hard-nosed, play-making quarterback who fits great into our offense.. He is a dual threat.”
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Justin Fulks
Running Back, 5-10, 185, Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley HS/Northwest Missouri State)
Notes: Redshirted in 2012, Fulks is a transfer from Northwest Missouri State, who is already enrolled at USF. He played in 12 games over two years at Northwest Missouri State. In 2013, he had 14 receptions for 75 yards and 30 rushes for 154 yards and two TDs for the national champions (15-0). Last year, he had seven carries for 49 yards and a reception for eight yards for a 10-2 playoff team. As a prep standout, he was a three-year starter for Blue Valley High School, earning first-team all-state accolades as a junior and senior. He set the school record for most yards in a career with 5,111 and touchdowns with 51. As a senior Fulks rushed for 1,800 yards with 21 rushing TDs and 315 receiving yards on 22 catches with four TDs in leading Blue Valley to a runner-up finish. In his junior year, he had 1,700 yards rushing and 15 TDs, helping the Tigers to a Kansas 5A State Championship in a 12-1 season. Fulks was second team all-conference as a sophomore when he had 845 yards rushing and nine TDs. Blue Valley lost in the semifinals. Fulks also qualified in state in the 100 and 200 meters in track and field. He is the son of Willis and Cynthia Fulks.
Coach Stugart on Fulks: “He is a highly athletic and skilled back. We are excited to get Justin here to start work. Justin is both elusive and quick with outstanding hands. He will bring a speed element to our offense."
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Kicker, 5-10, 175, Springfield, Mo. (Catholic HS)
Notes: A placekicker from Springfield, Mo., Garner served as a team captain for Springfield Catholic High School while handling kicking duties (kicker/punter), playing wide receiver and cornerback. As a senior, he hit 3-of-4 field goals, including a long of 44 yards and converted 19-of-19 PATs. He also had 55 tackles, including 37 solo stops, and two interceptions for the Fighting Irish. On offense Garner had 30 carries for 274 yards and a TD along with 17 receptions for 306 yards and two TDs. He is a two-time selection on the Missouri Football Coaches Association (MFBCA) Academic All-State Team. An All-District selection, he was also selected to the AP Class 3 All-State team as a punter and second team on the MFBCA All-State team as a kicker. Garner, who also lettered in wrestling and was on the school's National Honor Society, is the son of Steve and Stacy Garner.
Coach Stugart on Garner: “Brett is an athlete who play kicker but has also played wide receiver and cornerback. He has been kicking off turf already. A very consistent kicker, he has great height and distance on his field goals. He has a quiet confidence that we really like.”
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Brody Grantham
Linebacker, 6-1, 208, Hayti, S.D. (Hamlin HS)
Notes: In his final three seasons at Hamlin HS, Grantham was one of the state's top players, twice (junior and senior seasons) earning 9B All-State honors and selection to the Argus Leader Elite 45. Grantham led the Chargers to consecutive state 9B title game appearances, including a 9B title in 2014. He was named the Joe Robbie MVP after accounting for four TDs and rushing for 173 yards in a 34-8 win over Faulkton in the 9B championship. In his career, Grantham totaled 444 carries for 3,622 yards and scored 62 TDs. He also had 177 tackles, 163 solo stops, 4.5 sacks, five interceptions and eight forced fumbles. As a senior quarterback, he had 176 carries for 1,833 yards and 34 TDs with nine 100-yard rushing games. He finished his career with 15 100-yard rushing games and three games over 250 yards (263, 287, 307). Through the air, he completed 130-of-284 passes for 2,449 yards and 36 TDs with 14 interceptions and as a senior was 38-of-83 for 810 yards and 13 TDs. He also had 6,090 total yards. As a senior, he had 112 tackles and an interception. Grantham, who played for head coach Jeff Sheehan, was a two-time Eastern Coteau Conference selection, earning defensive MVP honors in 2013. He is the son of Wesley and Cindy Grantham.
Coach Stugart on Grantham: “Brody is a kid that attracted us by his tenacious and high motor play. Very athletic with the ability to playdifferent positions Brody has great work ethic which will make him a great player. He will be another high character guy in the locker room.”
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Linebacker, 5-10, 170, Douglas, Wyo. (Douglas HS)
Notes: Haman, whose brother Hunter also signed with USF, was a standout linebacker at Douglas High School, earning first team all-state honors and was the team captain on the Wyoming Super 25 second team. A two-time all-conference selection, he was picked to play in the Shrine Bowl. Haman, who was also selected all-state as a junior, played for head coach Jay Rhoades. As a linebacker for the Bearcats, he accumulated career numbers including 197 tackles, 85 solo stops, six sacks, two fumble recoveries, and blocked a kick. He started at middle linebacker for three straight seasons. As a senior running back, he had 153 carries for 1,019 yards, 14 TDs with seven catches for 51 yards and threw a 40-yard TD pass.
Coach Stugart on Haman: “Colter is a hard-nosed player who likes to hit. He battles and will be a solid addition.”
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Defensive Back, 6-1, 170, Douglas, Wyo., (Douglas HS)
Notes: Haman was named to the Absaraka All-Conference team twice and also named all-state as a defensive back/wide receiver for Douglas High School. Haman, who played for head coach Jay Rhoads, had 86 tackles, including 31 solo stops, six pass breakups, five interceptions and three fumble recoveries for the Bearcats. He also had 19 receptions for 293 yards and two TDs. In addition, he was an all-conference and two-time state wrestling champion and track and field standout. Haman, whose brother Colter also signed with USF, is the son of Pete and Linda Haman.
Coach Stugart on Haman: “Hunter brings length with the ability to play both cornerback and safety.”
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Defensive Line, 6-3, 205, Brookings, S.D. (Brookings HS)
Notes: Helsper was a defensive end and tight end for the state runner-up Brookings High School Football Team in 2014. He accumulated 184 tackles, 20 sacks, blocked field goal, two block punt and had 10 receptions for 148 yards and a TD. He was a two-time Class 11A All-State defensive end, while also earning ESD Academic All-Conference honors three times and ESD All-Conference honors twice. Helsper also ran track at Brookings. He is the son of Rich and Mary Helsper.
Coach Stugart on Helsper: “R.J. is a high motor kid with a lot of upside. He brings length and athleticism to the defensive line. He has a keen sense of humor who will fit well with us.”
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Defensive Line, 6-0, 275, Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka HS)
Notes: A standout defensive lineman (nose tackle, tackle), Heredia started 19 games in a two-year varsity career for Minnesota Hall of Fame head coach Dave Nelson. He had 68 tackles, including 25 solo stops, two quarterback sacks, five quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, pass defended, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. As a senior, he had 39 tackles (18 solo), a sack, fumble recovery, two pass breakups. As a junior, he had 29 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles and two fumble recovery. A three year strength team captain, he was an honorable mention Lake Conference selection. Heredia, who also participated in track (shot put, discus), was a four-year Honor Roll student, and named to the Minnesota All-Academic Gold Team in 6A Football. He was also chosen to participate in a professional college prep program in health and exercise science as a senior. He is the son of Shelley and Tony Heredia.
Coach Stugart on Heredia: “Tyler is well-coached and polished as a high school player. He plays with aggressive, high motor and fits the mold of who we have had up front. He has a quiet personality who leads by his play on the field.”
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Nolan Kern
Offensive Line, 6-4, 315, Eau Claire, Wis. (Regis HS)
Notes: A standout offensive lineman at Eau Claire Regis High School, Kern, who played on both the offensive and defensive lines for head coach Bryant Brenner, was a four-time first-team All-Cloverbelt Conference selection, three-time All-Northwest Region honoree and twice was named honorable mention all-state. Kern also excelled in track and field for the Ramblers, finishing conference runner-up twice in the shot put and discus. He was also a three-time regional champion in the shot put and discus and qualified twice for the state meet. He is the son of Richard Kern and Susan Kern.
Coach Stugart on Kern: “Nolan has great size and is a powerful, mobile player. He has a great personality and really has a perfect personality to fit into our offense.”
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Tyler Larson
Tight End, 6-1, 195, Mitchell, S.D. (Mitchell HS)
Notes: At Mitchell High School, Larson was a standout tight end and defensive end for the Kernels and head coach Kent VanOverschelde. He had 16 receptions for 181 yards and two TDs for his career on offense. Defensively, he accumulated 117 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, interception, five pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and blocked a kick. As a senior he had 11 catches for 127 yards and two TDs along with 56 tackles and 6.5 TFLs. Larson is the son of Pat and Angie Larson, who has also achieved in the classroom. He a competitive power lifter.
Coach Stugart on Larson: “Tyler is an athletic kid, who played both ways for the Kernels. He has the potential to add some weight at tight end and already has a strong weight room background.”
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Defensive Back, 5-11, 175, Indianola, Iowa (indianola HS)
Notes: A standout defensive back at Indiana High School, Lehr was named Academic All-Conference and a first team safety on the Central Iowa Metro League All-Conference team. As a senior, he had 48 tackles, including 32 solo stops, two TFLs, and four interceptions, including an interception return for a TD. On offense, he had nine catches for 119 yards and three TDs as a wide receiver. In addition, he had six returns (kickoff or punt) for 108 yards. A member of National Honor Society, he is the son of Jerry and Lori Lehr.
Coach Stugart on Lehr: “A smart and athletic defensive back, Ryan will be a great locker room kid with great personality.”
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Tristen Leiseth
Linebacker, 6-2, 215, Hayti, S.D. (Hamlin HS)
Notes: A two-time All-State performer, Leiseth helped lead Hamlin High School to South Dakota 9B title in 2014 with a 34-8 win over Faulkton. A two-time all-Eastern Coteau Conference player, he was named the 2014 Most Outstanding Lineman at the 9B title game and earned the Eastern Coteau Defensive MVP in football. He lists his most memorable athletic moment as winning a state title, which was fulfilling a dream. Leiseth, who held lead Hamlin to a 31-2 record in his final three seasons, finished his career with 238 tackles, including 135 solo stops with 39 tackles for loss, and 28.5 sacks. He also accumulated 31 receptions for 732 yards and 11 TDs as a tight end. In his senior season, he had 96 total tackles, including 60 solo stops, 23 TFLs, and 14 sacks. Leiseth had six receptions for 216 yards and four TDs. At Hamlin High, he was involved in the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and Band. He is the son of David and Lisa Leiseth.
Coach Stugart on Leiseth: Tristen has a frame to grow. What intrigued us with Tristen is his high motor on every play and great work ethic. He is a player that really leads by example. We like his makeup on and off the field.”
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Defensive Line, 6-2, 270, Chippewa Falls, Wis. (Chippewa Falls HS)
Notes: Meinen started on the defensive and offensive line for Chippewa Falls High School. He is the son of Todd and Paula Meinen.
Coach Stugart on Meinen: “Devon plays hard, is scrappy and and brings a positive attitude.”
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Colton Myles
Running Back/Athlete, 6-0, 210, Richfield, Minn. (Thomas Jefferson HS)
Notes: A standout performer for Thomas Jefferson High School in Bloomington, Minn., Myles was named the offensive MVP and a team captain. He was also selected All-Metro Conference in football after rushing for 1,100 yards and scoring 15 TDs rushing and four receiving as a senior. A standout hurdler, he was named all-conference in the 300-meter hurdles and served two years as a track captain. An Academic All-Conference selection, Myles participated in the FCA and received the Jag Pride Award. He is the son of Gayle and Robert Myles.
Coach Stugart on Myles: “He has been to our camps so we saw his ability on the field. He is athletic running back who has potential to be a versatile player in our offense.”
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Hunter Nikolai
Defensive Back, 5-11, 175, Kenosha, Wis. (Tremper HS)
Notes: A standout for head coach Frank Matrise at Tremper High School, he was named first team All-Kenosha County, and to the All-Southeast Conference squad. The team's defensive MVP, he was ranked the 11th best defensive back in Wisconsin by Wisssports.net, named a finalist for the Ameche List (Kenosha's top football player) and to the Jim Leonhard finalist list. Nikolai finished with 208 tackles, 81 solo stops, two interceptions, nine forced fumbles four tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. As a senior, he had 122 tackles, 52 solo stops, a sack, interception, six forced fumbles, two tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and seven pass breakups. At Tremper High, he was named to the Honor Roll and volunteered as a baseball coach and at football camps. He also volunteered as a Salvation Army volunteer and also helped mentally disabled children learn how to ride bikes through the “I Can Shine Program.” He is the son of Jim Nikolai and Charlene Nikolas.
Coach Stugart on Nikolai: “Hunter flies around and plays aggressive in the secondary. He is a quality guy, who has good leadership qualities.”
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Isaiah Osborne
Running Back, 5-10, 205, San Diego, Calif. (Madison HS)
Notes: Osborn starred at Madison High School in San Diego, Calif., where he was a standout running back with the Warhawks. As a senior he was named team Offensive MVP, and to the first team All-Western League and second team All-CIF-San Diego squad. During that senior campaign Osborne had 167 carries for 1,758 yards and 18 TDs for Coach Rick Jackson and the Warhawks. The son of Kimberly Rosette and Grandmother Linda Osborne, he lists his most memorable moment as the scoring the winning TD in the semifinals of the district championship. A three-time Golden Pyramid Scholar Award recipient, he was named to the Honor Roll as a senior. He has received the College Readiness Scholarship.
Coach Stugart on Osborne: “Isaiah is a great zone runner with great vision and balance. He is a no-nonsense athlete who runs downhill. He blessed with speed and can go the distance. Isaiah has a great humility about him and will be a great team guy.”
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Elijah Perine
Offensive Line, 6-3, 290, Mequon, Wisc., Homestead HS
Notes: Perine was a standout offensive lineman for head coach Dave Keel of Homestead High School in the North Shore Conference. An all conference and all-state lineman in 2014, he played in the Wisconsin All-Star game. A starter since his sophomore season, he also was named first team all-region, first team all-area, first team all suburban this past year. A Joe Thomas Award finalist, he played on the 2012 state title team at Homestead and a semifinal squad this year. He is the son of Alex Perine.
Coach Stugart on Perine: “Elijah is an aggressive, athletic player who works hard. He has a quiet confidence about him.”
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Running Back, 5-6, 165, Eldridge, Iowa, North Scott HS
Notes: Ridgeway starred for North Scott High School in each of the past two seasons, accumulating 1,797 rushing yards and 23 TDs. Led by Ridgeway, North Scott High was 14-7 over that period, including 9-3 in his senior campaign when he had 183 carries for 840 yards and 15 TDs to go with nine receptions for 54 yards. As a junior, he rushed 159 times for 957 yards and eight TDs while catching 10 passes for 72 yards. He was named second team all-league for head coach Kevin Tippett at North Scott HS. A standout wrestler, he has 100 career wins. He is the son of Randy Ridgeway and Carrie Tracy.
Coach Stugart on Ridgeway: “A shifty running back who has ability catch the ball out of the backfield, Jacob will bring energy and excitement to the team.”
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Defensive Back, 5-10, 195, Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep)
Notes: Rodino helped lead Creighton Prep to an 11-2 mark in 2014 and a berth in the Nebraska State A championship. In his career, he had 135 tackles, including 46 solo stops, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. As a senior, Rodino was solid with 54 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. During his junior season, Rodino collected 81 tackles, five tackles for loss, forced fumble and two pass deflections.
Coach Stugart on Rodino: "Jpe is very tough, who plays in the box a lot and is active. He is an aggressive, sure tackler. He does well in the classroom and that intelligence translates on the field.”
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Connor Schissel
Offensive Line, 6-4, 265, Brooklyn Park, Minn. (Champlain Park HS)
Notes: A standout offensive lineman at Champlin Park High School, he was a leader upfront for a team that finished 5-4 in 2014. Schissel, who had 42 knockdowns and 26 pancakes in his career, was part of an offense that generated 1,443 yards rushing and 3,119 total yards in 2014 for head coach Mike Korton. A two-time letter winner, he also threw the shot put and discus for the Rebels. He was on the Honor Roll, FCA, and the Rebel Football Leadership Academy for three years. He is the son of Callistus and Stacie Schissel.
Coach Stugart on Schissel: “Connor is an athletic, big kid who loves the weight room. Connor has great length and he will be a great addition to our offensive front. He is an individual with a great personality and big smile.”
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Running Back, 5-7, 175, Fort Collins, Colo., Ft. Collins HS
Notes: In just six games a year ago, Schroyer accumulated 135 carries for 1,033 yards and seven TDs for the Fort Collins High School Lambkins and head coach Eric Rice. His 172.2 yards per game played a role in the team's 11-1 record and berth in the Colorado state quarterfinals. He rushed for 301 yards and a TD in a game this past season. A first team Academic All-State selection and is on pace to graduate high school with an associate's degree from Front Range Community College.
Coach Stugart on Schroyer: “Mason is a very tough, downhill runner who breaks arm tackles. Absolutely , he is a high work ethic kid.”
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Isaac Schubert
Athlete, 5-7, 165 Madison, S.D. (Madison HS)
Notes: Schubert was a running back/defensive back standout for Madison High, which reached the State 11A title game two straight years. He was named All-Dakota 12 Conference in 2014 and honorable mention All-Dakota 12 Conference in 2013. With the Bulldogs, he recorded 342 yards rushing on 60 carries with nine TDs. On defense, Schulbert had 55 tackles, and four interceptions while averaging 21.9 yards per kickoff return. He has committed to community service, including serving at the Banquet, as well as on church mission trips, church youth groups, peer ministry and with the Teens Encounter Christ group. He the son of Daryl and Jane Schubert.
Coach Stugart on Schubert: “Isaac is quick, shifty back with ability to play multiple positions. He has an energetic personality."
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Michael Spivey
Linebacker, 6-0, 240, San Ramon, Calif. (Dougherty Valley HS/San Mateo JC/Nevada)
Notes: A hard-nosed linebacker, Spivey attended San Mateo JC where he had 120 career tackles, 13 TFLs and an interception. In 2013, he had 67 tackles with 10 TFLs and five sacks. At San Mateo, he was first-team all-conference and led the team in tackles. A former standout at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, Calif., he played quarterback, running back, linebacker, safety and punted in high school for coach Bob Spain. There, he was also involved in basketball and track. He is the son of Michael and Pamala Spivey.
Coach Stugart on Spivey: “A big linebacker with a nose for the football. He is an aggressive, sure tackler. A soft-spoken person, Mike will have the ability to come in contribute.”
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Max Sturdevant
Linebacker, 6-2, 185, Sioux Falls, S.D. (Washington HS)
Notes: Sturdevant starred at Sioux Falls Washington High School at linebacker for head coach Chad Stadem. He was named All-City, All-Metro Conference, and 11AAA All-State. Named the defensive MVP for the Warriors, he finished with 54 tackles and six sacks as a senior. Overall, he recorded 97 tackles, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. At Washington High School, he was on the Honor Roll all four year and is a graduate of the Academy of Finance (May, 2015). He is the son of Tim and Nancee Sturdevant.
Coach Stugart on Sturdevant: “Sturdevant is a tall athletic linebacker. He brings playmaking ability and can get after the quarterback. Quiet and humble individual, he has been a great leader for his team.”
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Patrick Wiebers
Linebacker, 5-11, 210, Harrisburg, S.D. (Harrisburg HS)
Notes: Wiebers started at linebacker for Harrisburg High School which finished 5-5 and advanced to the 11AA semifinals, losing to the eventual state champion Yankton High School.
Coach Stugart on Wiebers: “He has a lot of intangibles with the ability to take on a lot of different positions. He has a great personality and someone who will emerge as a leader.”
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