SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The University of Sioux Falls Head Football Coach Jon Anderson  announced today that 41 student-athletes have signed to play football with the Cougars and will enroll at USF for classes in 2021.

The USF class is one that includes a strong influx of area talent along with several standouts from the region and across the nation. The class includes six mid-year transfers (three offensive linemen, one linebacker, two defensive backs) and 35 incoming freshmen (one quarterback, four running backs, one tight end, five wide receivers, eight offensive linemen, seven defensive linemen, three linebackers, six defensive backs, and one punter/kicker).

According to Anderson, the class exudes high character, strong academic backgrounds and is a highly motivated group that has the potential to impact a tradition-rich USF program where "Winners win."

"I am very excited to welcome the Class of 2021 to the Coo Family. As a group, this class adds talent to our roster and we look forward to seeing them compete on the field for the University of Sioux Falls," said Anderson, who has directed USF to NCAA DII Playoff appearances in two of his three seasons when USF has a 24-11 record.

"This group of signees is talented, dedicated and will fit in well with our campus.  Recruiting is a group effort and I would like to thank our campus community for their help and engagement in the Class of 2021. Countless hours from our partners in Admissions, Financial Aid, Athletics and Faculty have helped shape this into a class to watch in the future," said Anderson. "It's a challenge to recruit during a pandemic but the help and support from so many made it possible.  We searched long and hard for the right type of people to join our program and believe this group of players will continue the "Winners Win" tradition of USF Football.  I would like to also thank the football staff for their efforts and dedication to recruiting this class," added Anderson, who directed USF to the playoffs in 2019 (8-4) and its 26th straight winning season - the fourth best mark across all divisions.

Class of 2021 – List of Signees

Dominic Avant, 6-4, 330, OL, Sierra Vista, AZ/Buena HS

Ethan Bachmann, 6-4, 185, Fr., WR, Chaska, MN/Chaska HS

Isaac Benoit, 5-9, 175, Fr., RB, Sierra Vista, AZ/Buena HS

Hunter Brackee, 6-4, 285, Fr., OL, Chaska, MN/Chaska HS

Diamonte Bright, 6-2, 170, Fr., DB, Mesa, AZ/Desert Ridge HS

Cayden Camacho, 6-1, 170, Fr., DB, Chandler, AZ/Basha HS

Drew Conte, 6-2, 280, Fr., OL, Annandale, MN/Annandale HS

Colton Douglas, 6-4, 210, Fr., DL, Byron, MN/Byron HS

Jared Dexter, 6-4, 290, Jr., OL, Brentwood, CA/Laney College

Garrett Everitt, 6-4, 250, Fr., DL, Westminster, CO/Faith Christian Academy

Logan Flanagan, 6-5, 185, Fr., WR, Dubuque, IA/Dubuque Senior HS

Gunnar Gehring, 6-3, 260, Fr., DL, Pierre, SD/ Pierre T.F. Riggs HS

Matt Grzybowski, 5-9, 190, Fr., RB, Green Bay, WS/Bay Port HS

Seamus Hall, 6-2, 195, Fr., P/K, Walla Walla, WA/Walla Walla HS

Andrew Hanzal, 6-1, 170, Fr., WR, Chandler, AZ/Valley Christian HS

Jayden Harrington, 5-11, 175, Fr., DB, Buckeye, AZ/Verrado HS

Tristan Hoppe, 6-2, 225, Fr., LB, Dassel, MN/Hutchinson HS

Mohamed Ibrahim, 5-10, 185, Fr., DB, Colton, SD/Tri-Valley HS/Wayne State College

Donaven Johnson, 6-1, 205, Fr., LB, Rochester, MN/Century HS

Jarome Jackson, 6-3, 250, Fr., OL, Primghar, IA/South O'Brien HS

Matthew Kjeldgaard, 6-2, 295, Redshirt So., OL, Oakdale, CA/Fresno State

Joe Kohlbeck, 6-5, 250, Fr., OL, Savage,MN/Prior Lake HS

Jason LaGrange, 6-4, 285, Fr., OL, Prior Lake, MN/Prior Lake HS

Joshua Lanasa, 6-5, 280, Sr., OL, Escanaba, MI/Minnesota Crookston

Mason Martinson, 6-4, 220, Fr., WR, New Glarus, WS/New Glarus-Monticello HS

Cain McWilliams, 5-9, 165, Fr., RB, Dubuque, IA/Dubuque Senior HS

Jaxon Muma, 6-0, 175, Fr., DB, Lone Tree, CO/Legend HS

Caden Nelson, 6-1, 200, Fr., LB, Oakland, NE/Oakland-Craig HS

Kaden Oleson, 6-5, 213, Fr., DL, Amherst, WS/Amherst HS

Jack Olson, 6-3, 265, Fr., DT, Foreston, MN/Milaca HS

Ben Pederson, 6-5, 285, Fr., OL, Mason City, IA/Mason City HS

Lee Pitts, 5-11, 190, Grad., DB, Agoura Hills, CA/Azusa Pacific

Brian Radish, 6-2, 228, Fr., DL, Muskego, WS/Muskego HS

Ashaun Roach-Valandra, 6-2, 255, Fr., OL, Rosebud, SD/Dell Rapids St. Marys

Eddie Saidat, 6-2, 230, Fr., TE, Clive, IA/Waukee HS

Elijah Sanders, 5-10, 175, Fr., WR, Phoenix, AZ/Ironwood HS

Jack Scales, 5-11, 180, Fr., DB, Sugar Grove, IL/Marmion Academy

Eli Schlangen, 6-1, 170, Fr., DB, Two Harbors, MN/Two Harbors HS

Tyler Schuster, 6-2, 195, Fr., QB, Blaine, MN/Blaine HS

Ty'Rese Washington, 6-2, 200, Jr., LB, Columbia, SC/Richard HS/West Hills CC

Gavin Wysong, 5-8, 185, Fr., RB, Beaver Creek, MN/Hills-Beaver Creek HS



Bios of signees --

Dominic Avant, 6-4, 330, OL, Sierra Vista, AZ/Buena HS

Notes: Notes: A standout offensive lineman from Buena High School, Avant was invited to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Arlington, Texas in December. He was named by the AllSportsTucson.com Southern Arizona as a Lineman to Watch and named a 2019 All-Southern Arizona Lineman by AllSportsTucson.com. Avant has recorded 63 pancake blocks as an offensive lineman. He was a three-sport standout as he also participated in track and wrestling in addition to football. His community service includes logging over 100 hours with state and local agencies. He is joined at USF by teammate Isaac Benoit. The son of Damien and Melissa Avant, he has a sibling, Dontea. He plans to major in business (sports management) at USF.

Ethan Bachmann, 6-4, 185, Fr., WR, Chaska, MN/Chaska HS

Notes: A talented wide receiver from Chaska High School, Bachmann was named a 2020 Minnesota first-team All-District and second-team All-Metro wide receiver. A two-sport standout (football and baseball), he hauled in 45 receptions for 686 yards and four TDs in 16 games. Bachmann helped lead Chaska High to the 2019 Section 2 AAAAA Conference title and 2019 Minnesota State High School League championship. A high achiever in the classroom, he was an Outstanding Academic Award winner in high school. The son of Troy and Angie Bachmann, he has two siblings Kenzie and Brooke. Kenzie plays volleyball at Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Bachmann, who will be joined by teammate Hunter Brackee at USF, plans to major in applied mathematics/finance at USF.

Isaac Benoit, 5-9, 175, Fr., RB, Sierra Vista, AZ/Buena HS

Notes: A three-sport standout from Buena HS, Benoit was named a 5A All-Region Honorable Mention selection in 2020 and won his team's Player of the Year Award in 2021. A standout running back and linebacker, he had 376 rushing yards (7.2 yards per carry) with four TDs. Benoit had 38 tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss on defense. He also returned punts for his team. Aside from football, he is on the basketball and track and field teams. At Buena HS, Benoit, whose teammate Dominic Avant also signed with the Cougars, was a member of Student Council, Kappa League, and the A&B Honor Roll. The son of Yolanda and Ronald Edwards, he has one sibling, Monte Winffrey. He plans to major in media studies at USF.


Hunter Brackee, 6-4, 285, Fr., OL, Chaska, MN./Chaska HS

Notes: Brackee, who is a physical offensive lineman, played on both sides of the ball at Chaska High School. Brackee, whose teammate Ethan Bachmann signed at USF, helped lead Chaska High to the 2019 Section 2 AAAAA Conference title and 2019 Minnesota State High School League championship.  He was a standout wrestler as well with an eighth place finish at the 2017 state meet and was a 2019 All-Metro West honoree after leading team to the Metro West Conference title. He also participated in the Choir and the Boy Scouts Order of Arrow. His service work includes helping the Chaska and Chanhassen community as well as Victoria Lions with projects and clean-up. The son of Lance and Melissa Brackee, he has a brother Logan and sister Megan.

  Diamonte Bright, 6-2, 170, Fr., DB, Mesa, AZ/Desert Ridge HS

Notes: A standout defensive back and wide receiver at Desert Ridge HS in Mesa, Ariz., Bright registered 85 career tackles, including 60 solo stops, with two interceptions and a TD. Bright averaged 5.3 tackles per game and had a blocked field goal and fumble recovery. He recorded 10 kickoff returns for 207 yards and also caught a 54-yard TD pass as a junior. Bright plans to major in business at USF.

Cayden Camacho, 6-1, 170, Fr., DB, Chandler, AZ/Basha HS

Notes: At Basha High School, Camacho was named All-State in Arizona and first-team All-Region while earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Central Region after recording 105 tackles with two interceptions, 12 pass break-ups, three sacks and six TFLs. Recipient of the Eddie Basha Award in football, he was also a state qualifier in track. A standout safety and wide receiver, Camacho accumulated 186 career tackles with 15 pass break-ups, three sacks and eight tackles for loss. As a junior, he totaled 81 tackles, three forced fumbles, three pass break-ups and two tackles for loss. As Basha HS, he was involved in the Interact Club (community service-focused) and earned the 4.0 Academic Award as a freshman. The son of Heather and Bryon Camacho, he has two siblings – Macey and Maddyn. He will major in business at USF.

Drew Conte, 6-2, 280, Fr., OL, Annandale, MN/Annandale HS

Notes: At Annandale High, Conte was a two-way player on offense and defense. At USF, he will be on the offensive line. A three-sport standout (football, wrestling and track and field), Conte, who was the homecoming king at his high school, was a three-year starter who was named All-District Offensive Line and helped lead his team to the Wright County Conference co-title in 2019 and to the Wright County Conference title in 2020. Part of Annandale High's three-time East Central District champions, he helped the team to the State Tournament three times, reaching the quarterfinals in 2018, state semifinals in 2019 and earning mythical state championship honors in 2020 (CoVID 19 pandemic eliminated playoffs). Twice, he was an All-East Central District offensive line honoree. A team captain, he won the School Bench Press Award and served as a Youth Football Coach. His service work, includes the Heart of the Lake Triathlon, Cardinal Buddies (youth mentoring program) and After the Bill (youth mentoring program). The son of Mark and Renee Conte he has two siblings (triplets), Lily and Tessa. He plans to major in education and history at USF.

Colton Douglas, 6-4, 210, Fr., DL, Byron, Minnesota/Byron HS

Notes: A standout defensive end, Douglas was named to the Big Southeast All-District team in 2019 and 2020. In 2020, he was the Big Southeast Co-Lineman of the Year. He had 26 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 18 quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles. Douglas has participated in the Madonna Summit (community service). Beside football, he participated in the high jump in track and field. The son of Ken Douglas and Stacy Douglas, he has two brothers, Caden and Carson.

Jared Dexter, 6-4, 290, Jr., OL, Brentwood, CA/Laney College

Notes: A junior college transfer from Laney College; Dexter is a standout offensive lineman.  At Heritage High School. he played left tackle and was on the Junior Prep Sports Nor-Cal All-Star team for football his senior year. In high school, he also participated in track and field where he specialized in shot put and discus. The son of Zack and Laura Dexter, he has a brother Reece. He plans to major in social science at USF.

Garrett Everitt, 6-4, 250, Fr., DL, Westminster, CO/Faith Christian Academy

Notes: At Christian High, Everitt was a standout in football at defensive end. He was named all-conference, second-team All-State and "Defensive Lineman of the Year" in 2020. A four-sport athlete, he participated in baseball, basketball, football and golf in high school. He is a member of the National Honor Society. The son of April and Bill Everitt, he has one sibling, Ashley Hult. At USF, he plans to major in paramedic technology.

Logan Flanagan, 6-5, 185, Fr., WR, Dubuque, IA/Dubuque Senior HS

Notes: Flanagan was a two-sport athlete at Dubuque Senior High School where he participated in football and track. In football he was named second-team All-Conference. He had 15 receptions, 162 yards, and two touchdowns. The son of Mike and Peggy Flanagan, he has a brother, Dylan. He plans on majoring in sports management at USF.

Gunnar Gehring, 6-3, 260, Fr., DL, Pierre, SD/Pierre T.F. Riggs HS

Notes: Gehring is a standout defensive lineman from Pierre T.F. Riggs High School where he led his team to four straight South Dakota Class AA state titles. During his career, he had 181 career tackles and 16.5 career sacks. He was named to the SDFBCA All-State Team three times, All-Eastern South Dakota Conference three times, and was named Academic All-State. Gehring is also a member of National Honor Society. The son of Greg and Denise Gehring, he has two sisters, Aleesa and Jenna, as well as a brother Gage. He plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy at USF.

Matt Grzybowski, 5-9, 190, Fr., RB, Green Bay, WS/Bay Port HS

Notes: Grzybowski was a standout running back from Bay Port High School where he was named FRCC Honorable Mention. In his junior season he had 103 carries for 853 yards. He averaged 8.3 yards per carry and he finished the season with 12 TDs. He also participated in wresting and track. Grzbowski was named FRCC Honorable Mention for wresting as well in the 170-pound weight class. He was also awarded Academic Honorable Mention All-State honors for wrestling. The son of Mike and Melissa Grzybowski, he has four siblings - Mitchell, Peyton, Joseph, and Allie. He plans on majoring in exercise science at USF.

Seamus Hall, 6-2, 195, Fr., P/K, Walla Walla, Washington/Walla Walla HS

Notes: Hall was a multi-sport athlete at Walla Walla High School participating in soccer, football, track, and basketball. He was named first-team All-Mid-Columbia Conference punter and second-team all-league as a kicker. As a junior, he averaged 39.6 yards per punt, had eight touchbacks on kickoffs, and a recovered on-side kick. He is a five-star punter and was ranked as the 18th best punter in the nation by Chris Sailer Kicking. He is also a part of National Honor Society. The son of Chris and Chandra Hall, he has three siblings - Ava, Daniel, and Keeley. Hall will major in history at USF.

Andrew Hanzal, 6-1, 170, Fr., WR, Chandler, Arizona/Valley Christian HS

Notes: A talented wide receiver and defensive back at Valley Christian High School, Hanzal was named Honorable Mention All-State and first-team All-Region (AIA) as a wide receiver. He also received the Total Release Award (hardest worker) as a freshman. Hanzal broke the school record for most single game TDs with four as well as broke the school record for most career receiving yards with 1,561. Hanzal was also a standout track athlete at Valley Christian winning two 3A AIA track state championships as well as placing first at state as part of the 4x100 relay. He earned Valley Christian Honors for his GPA. The son of Trent and Stacey Hanzal, he has a brother, Asher. He plans to major in media studies at USF.

Jayden Harrington, 5-11, 175, Fr., DB, Buckeye, AZ/Verrado HS

Notes: A talented defensive back/return specialist from Verrado HS, Harrington recorded 76 tackles, six interceptions, 20 pass deflections, and 400 all-purpose yards. He was named third-team All-State cornerback, second-team All-Region cornerback, and first-team All-Region returner. He also served as Co-Captain for Verrado HS, where he also ran track. The son of Anthony and Angela Harrington, he has three siblings, Anthony, Desmond, and Janelle. At USF, he plans to major in business administration (accounting).

Tristan Hoppe, 6-2, 225, Fr., LB, Dassel, MN/Hutchinson HS

Notes: Hoppe was a standout football and hockey player at Hutchinson High School where he also played lacrosse. As a football player he was named first-team All-North Central White Conference three times as a linebacker. Twice, he was the MVP of the conference and earned second-team Associated Press All-State honors. A team captain as a senior, he also earned KARE 11 All-Metro team honors. Hoppe, who had 325 career tackles, was the team's leading tackler for four seasons. As a hockey player he was named Honorable Mention All-North Central White Conference and was a captain his senior year. Going in to his senior season of hockey, he has recorded 17 goals and 17 assists. The son of Matt and Erin Hoppe, he has one brother, Logan. At USF, he will major in business.

Mohamed Ibrahim, 5-10, 185, Fr., DB, Colton, SD/Tri-Valley HS/Wayne State College

Notes: Ibrahim was a two-sport athlete at Tri-Valley High School where he participated in football and track. In football he was named Class 11A All-State first-team as a linebacker, 11A Dakota XII All-Conference, and to the Argus Leader's "Elite 45" team. He had 74 tackles and an interception on defense and ran for 550 yards with six TDs. He also caught 10 passes for 220 yards and four TDs. Ibrahim also was a part of two relay teams that placed at the South Dakota State Track Meet as a junior. The son of Mahamud Hassan and Shukri Aden, he has 10 siblings- Saharo (who attends USF), Said, Fatuma, Isse, Zakriya, Sharif, Zainb, Isha, Ibrahim, and Musa. He plans on majoring in elementary education/special education at USF.

Donaven Johnson, 6-1, 205, Fr., LB, Rochester, MN/Century HS

Notes: Johnson was a standout linebacker at Century High School. He also played basketball and track in high school. The son of Craig Johnson, he has a sibling, Liric Johnson. He plans to major in business (sports management) at USF.

Jarome Jackson, 6-3, 250, Fr., OL, Primghar, Iowa/South O'Brien HS

Notes: Jackson was a multi-sport athlete in high school participating in football, basketball, and track. At South O'Brien High School, he was named first-team All-District, Class A All-State third-team, and to the Northwest Iowa Review fourth-team in football. He is a two-time state qualifier in track and field. On the football field, he totaled 55 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. He is also a two-year Honor Roll student. The son of Holly and Bill Klink and Jason Jackson, he has three siblings, Jaylah, Karl, and Jordan. 

  Matthew Kjeldgaard, 6-2, 295, Redshirt So., OL, Oakdale, CA/Fresno State

Notes: A standout offensive lineman and transfer from Fresno State, Kjeldgaard was named first-team all-league in 2016 and 2017 at Oakdale High School. He was also a part of the team that won a California State Championship in 2016. He was awarded "Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year" in 2018 at Fresno State. The son of Eric and Lisa Kjeldgaard, he has seven siblings - Nick, Kate, Stephen, Chris, Jack, Charlie, and Grace. He plans on majoring in psychology at USF.

Joe Kohlbeck, 6-5, 250, Fr., OL, Savage, MN/Prior Lake HS

Notes: Kohlbeck was a standout offensive and defensive tackle at Prior Lake High School. He was named captain his senior year and was a two-year starter on varsity. He was also named All-Metro West District Honorable Mention in the South Suburban All-Metro Conference in Minnesota, Pre-Season All-State Honorable Mention, and was given the Iron Man award. He also played rugby in high school and was named "Rookie of the Year' in his sophomore year. He has been on Academic Honor Roll for three years and is a part of Young Life Leadership/Mentorship for Christian Youth Group. The son of Greg and Diane Kohlbeck, he has a sister Taylor (dances at UW-Stevens Point). At USF, he plans on majoring in exercise science.

Jason LaGrange, 6-4, 285, Fr., OL, Prior Lake, MN/Prior Lake HS

Notes: LaGrange was a three-sport athlete participating in football, wrestling, and track at Prior Lake High School. He played on the offensive line and was awarded 6A South Suburban All-Conference honors football as a junior. The son of Brian and Gayelee LaGrange, he has two brothers Kyle and Eric. At USF he plans to pursue a major in business.

Joshua Lanasa, 6-5, 280, Sr., OL, Escanaba, MI/Minnesota Crookston

Notes: A talented offensive tackle graduate transfer from Minnesota-Crookston. He has been named to Minnesota Crookston's 2010's All-Decade first-team. He previously attended college at Nebraska (2015), St. Thomas (2015-2016), as well as Minnesota-Crookston (2016-2019). At Eden Prairie High School, he participated in football and basketball. In high school he was named to the 2015 All-Lake Conference squad and was the starting center in basketball. In 2018-2019, he was elected a Leadership Council member at Minnesota-Crookston. The son of Matthew Lanasa and Dawn Hanson, he has two siblings, Jordan Lanasa and Jared Hanson. He plans to get his MBA in healthcare administration at USF.

Mason Martinson, 6-4, 220, Fr., WR, New Glarus, WS/New Glarus-Monticello HS

Notes: Martinson is a standout player from New Glarus-Monticello High School where he played quarterback, tight end, receiver, defensive end, and linebacker. He was named Capitol Conference All-Conference as a quarterback and linebacker. He recorded 1,100 passing yards, 14 passing TDs, 150 yards rushing, three rushing TDs, three receiving TDs, and 160 receiving yards. He also plays basketball and participates in Spanish Club. The son of Jon and Aleta Martinson, he has one brother, Jared (plays golf at Clarke University) and one sister, Emma. He will major in business at USF.

Cain McWilliams, 5-9, 165, Fr., RB, Dubuque, IA/Dubuque Senior HS

Notes: At Dubuque Senior High School, McWilliams accumulated 1,872 career rushing yards with 15 touchdowns. McWilliams was named the first-team all-conference team and first-team all-district. As a junior he rushed for 1,014 yards and eight TDs. And, in his pandemic-shortened senior season, he amassed 858 yards and seven rushing scores. McWilliams earned first-team all-district, first-team All-Mississippi Valley Conference and Academic All-Mississippi Conference honors this season. In high school, he played not only football but basketball and was a sprinter on the track team. He has been named to the National Honor Society and the Black Men's Coalition. The son of Keli McWilliams and Torriano Stewart, he has six siblings including Marquies, Markel, Marshaun, Alex, Kalie and Kylia. Marshaun played college basketball at NIACC. He will major in business administration at USF.

Jaxon Muma, 6-0, 175, Fr., DB, Lone Tree, CO/Legend HS

Notes: Muma was a standout safety and receiver at Legend High School. He was named first team All-Conference his junior year, second-team All-State his senior year, "Defensive Player of the Year" in his conference, and he led the state in interceptions. He also played baseball in high school where he was a shortstop and pitcher. The son of Ty and Kara Muma, he has three brothers, Payton (who will be playing basketball at Gonzaga), Chad (starts at middle linebacker at Wyoming), and Marc. At USF, he will either major in business or criminal justice.

Caden Nelson, 6-1, 200, Fr., LB, Oakland, NE/Oakland-Craig HS

Notes: Nelson was a two-time first-team All-State linebacker for Oakland-Craig HS. A team captain and four-time letter winner, he was also a two-time All-East Husker Conference selection and three times earned All-District honors. During his career, he accumulated 235 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and four sacks, nine forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and had two interceptions. On offense, he had 907 rushing yards and 557 receiving yards. He played linebacker, wide receiver, running back and kicker.  In addition, he was a three-time letter winner and honorable mention All-District basketball standout and also lettered three times in track and field. Nelson was named to the High Honor Roll three times and was a three-time selection to TEAMS honorary select.  He has volunteered at the food pantry and park clean-up. The son of Merritt Nelson and Dannika Nelson, he has three siblings – Dacey, Chaney and Sadie. At USF he will major in entrepreneurial studies.
 
Kaden Oleson, 6-5, 213, Fr., DL, Amherst, WS/Amherst HS

Notes: Oleson was a three-sport athlete at Amherst High School where he competed in football, basketball, and track. He was named first-team All-Conference as a defensive end and was also second-team All-Conference for two years in a row as an offensive tackle. He was also awarded Academic All-Conference the last two years. The son of Kurt and Sherry Oleson, he has a brother Cole. He will major in criminal justice at USF.

Jack Olson, 6-3, 265, Fr., DL, Foreston, MN/Milaca HS

Notes: A standout defensive tackle, he was named a four-time letter winner, two-time All-Academic in the Granite Ridge Conference, two-time All-East Central District-North, three-time Defensive Player of the Week, and was Offensive Player of the Week. He was also a 2020 section finalist in football. In his high school career, he totaled up 107 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. He is also a part of National Honor Society, A Honor-Roll, and participates in Youth Group. The son of Scott and Julie Olson and Heidi and Todd Armbrust, he has a brother Jake Olson. He plans on double majoring in business and sports management at USF.

Ben Pederson, 6-5, 285, Fr., OL, Mason City, IA/Mason City HS

Notes: At Mason City HS, he was named to the All-District team twice (2018, 2020), including first-team in 2020. Also a standout in baseball, he was a two-time second-team all-league selection at first base. In addition, Pederson is a standout in wrestling, track and trapshooting. The son of Mike and Kelly Pederson, he has a sister, Lexy, who played softball at Augustana and a sister Livi. He plans to major in business administration at USF.


Lee Pitts, 5-11, 190, Grad transfer, DB, Agoura Hills, CA/Azusa Pacific

Notes: Pitts is a talented cornerback from Oaks Christian High School and a graduate transfer from Azusa Pacific. In high school he was named first team All-Ventura County, All-CIF, Los Angeles Daily News All-Area, All Fox Sports West, and All-Marmonte Conference. While Pitts was at Azusa Pacific, he recorded two interceptions, 35 tackles, and 10 pass break-ups. Pitts was also a standout baseball player in high school. The son of Ron Pitts and Babette Perry, he has one brother, Shea (linebacker at UCLA). Both his father, Ron, and late grandfather, Elijah, played in the NFL. At USF, he will be getting his master's in business administration.

Brian Radish, 6-2, 228, Fr., DL, Muskego, WS/Muskego HS

Notes: A talented defensive end, Radish was a first-team All-State, first-team All-Region, first-team All-Conference and first-team All-County selection. He is a two-time All-Conference performer who has 93 solo, 68 assisted and 161 total tackles with 39 tackles for loss, 14.4 sacks, three fumbles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and six passes defended. He also excelled in golf and track at Muskego HS. The son of Jennifer Radish and Steven Radish, he has a brother, Mark, and sister, Brittany.

Ashaun Roach-Valandra, 6-2, 255, Fr., OL, Rosebud, SD/Dell Rapids St. Marys

Notes: Roach-Valandra is a freshman offensive lineman who was named All-State tight end and All-Dakota Valley Conference at Dell Rapids St. Mary's. A standout in football and basketball, he played tight end, defensive end and fullback. In three seasons of varsity play, he had 56 catches for 610 yards with 12 TDs. He also had 136.5 tackles, 13 sacks and six forced fumbles in his career. As a senior he hauled in 17 catches for 216 yards with three TDs on offense and accumulated 41.5 tackles with nine sacks and three forced fumbles on defense. As a junior he recorded 30 catches for 307 yards and seven TDs while accounting for 49 tackles, a sack and forced fumble on defense. The son of Carmelle Roach and Philip Valandra, he has seven siblings (Anna Roach-Valandra, Riley Valandra, Seneca Valandra, Ryan Bordeaux, Byron Bordeaux, Brock Valandra and Tashina Valandra). At USF he plans to major in criminal justice. 

Eddie Saidat, 6-2, 230, Fr., TE, Clive, IA/Waukee HS

Notes: A talented tight end from Waukee HS, Saidat has recorded 64 receptions for 739 yards and five TDs in his career. A three-time letter winner, he has 29 receptions for 374 yards (12.4 ypc) and had three TDs as a senior. As a junior Saidat hauled in 34 catches for 365 yards (10.7 ypc) with two TDs. He also had three sacks on defense and a reception for 15 yards as a sophomore. A four-sport standout (football, basketball, wrestling and track), Saidat was named third-team All-State in football and first-team All-District twice. He lettered in track three times and wrestling once. The son of Tami and Ed Saidat, he has a sister, Carmen. At USF he will major in business.

Elijah Sanders, 5-10, 175, Fr., WR, Phoenix, AZ/Ironwood HS

Notes: At Ironwood HS, Sanders was a standout wide receiver, running back and return specialist. A two-sport stalwart (football, track and field), Sanders was second-team All-Region in 2019 and was named second-team All-West Valley Preps. He rushed for 328 yards (36.9 yards per game) and had 532 receiving yards or 76.0 per game with a 21.3 per catch averaging. Sanders, who earned the Phoenix Chapter Scholar Athletes Award and the Valle Luna Scholar Athlete Award (2019), registered 860 yards in total offense while scoring 11 TDs or 9.4 points per game. In track and field, he clocked a 10.9 100 meters, 22.5 in the 200 meters and ran a 53 split on the 4x400 meter relay squad. Community service includes the Phoenix Chapter Back to School Event and at the Abundance Life Church. The son of Debra and Steve Sanders, he has two siblings, Kendrick Molette and Kenzetta Lang. He will major in psychology and exercise science at USF.

Jack Scales, 5-11, 180, Fr., DB, Sugar Grove, IL/Marmion Academy

Notes: At Marmion Academy, Scales was named to the Chicago Catholic League Team and was All-Academic State as chosen by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association. In 2019, he recorded 18 solo tackles, 15 assisted, recovered three fumbles, forced two others, and registered six interceptions. Also a standout in baseball, he was named to the Superior Honor Roll, Distinguished Honor Roll while earning selection to the National Honor Society. Scales has accumulated 150 hours in community service in Crayons for Kids, Outreach Ministry, Giant Steps and volunteering as a coach for youth and serving as a mentor/tutor. The son of Tom and Michelle Scales, he has a brother, Bryan. At USF he will major in business (accounting/finance).

Eli Schlangen, 6-1, 170, Fr., DB, Two Harbors, MN/Two Harbors HS

Notes: Schlangen is a talented multi-sport athlete from Two Harbors HS. In football he was named MFCA 3A Individual Academic All-State, Duluth News Tribune All-Area Team, Section 7AAA Northeast White All-District First Team first-team as a defensive back. He has served as a team captain for football. In basketball Schlangenwas named team MVP as a guard, recipient of the Agate Heart Award, as well as serving as a two-time team captain. He has been on the Honor Roll 14 times, participates in Student Council, and is in National Honor Society. The son of Mark and Robyn Schlangen, he has two siblings, Kaija and Aiden. At USF, he plans to major in sports management.

Tyler Schuster, 6-2, 195, Fr., QB, Blaine, MN/Blaine HS

Notes: As Blaine High, Schuster named was to the All-Academic Team and was All-Conference. In seven games as a senior, he had a quarterback rating of 103.4 while throwing for 871 yards and rushing for 459. He scored 21 TDs with 13 through the air and eight by rush. Also a standout in hockey, Schuster is an Honor Roll Student at Blaine High. The son of Mark and Melissa Schuster, he has two siblings, Alyssa and Jared.  At USF he will major in business.

Ty'Rese Washington, 6-2, 200, Jr., LB, Columbia, SC/Richard HS/West Hills CC

Notes: Washington is a transfer from West Hills CC (Calif.) and will play linebacker at USF. At West Hills CC, he was All-Conference in 2018-19 after recording 40 tackles with five interceptions. He also was named to the Honor Roll. The son of Candice Williams, he has two siblings, TyReah Washington and Royal Williams.


Gavin Wysong, 5-8, 185, Fr., RB, Beaver Creek, MN/ Hills-Beaver Creek HS

Notes: Wysong was a standout three-sport athlete at Hills-Beaver Creek HS where he played football and basketball as well as ran track. As a freshman he was named 9-South All-District Honorable Mention. As a sophomore he was named to the 9-South All-District team. Wysong was selected to the Minnesota 9-Man All-State, 9-South All-District, as well as Worthington Daily Globe All-Area as a junior. As a senior he was named to the Minnesota Vikings All-State, Minnesota 9-Man All-State, 9-South All-District, 9-South Co-Offensive Back of the Year, Worthington Daily Globe All Area, and was a KSFY's Pigskin Preview Cover Athlete. In a season cut short by CoVID-19 he led H-BC, coached by former USF standout Rex Metzger, to the playoffs. He had 1,068 rushing yards and 19 TDs plus 505 yards passing with seven TDs. At linebacker, he had 39 tackles, 15 by solo, as a senior. Wysong was also named All-Red Rock Conference Honorable Mention in basketball his junior year and was a four-year varsity letter winner in track. The son of Blake and Denise Wysong, he has a sister Avery ,who is a catcher for the NDSU softball team. At USF, he plans to major in business.