GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - The Colorado Mesa football team welcomed 47 new student athletes that signed their National Letter's of Intent (NLI) or Letter's of Commitment (LOC) on Wednesday (Feb. 7) morning on the first day of the regular signing period for football.
All 47 student-athletes went to high school in six states (home towns may be slightly different) in Colorado, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Indiana and Wyoming and will be eligible for the fall 2024 season.
Jack Burke - WR - 6-2 - 190 - Lehi, Utah (Skyridge High School)
At Skyridge High School: Coached by Justin Hemm...Two-time State Finalists...Utah 6A State Champions in 2022...Second Team All-State selection...Had 91 catches for 1,156 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior.
Personal: Intends to major in Business Administration...Son of Sarina Dean...Has two siblings, Ronni and Lainey...Chose CMU for the athletic and academic opportunities...Enjoys bowling, golfing, and playing video games.
Keyshaun Ceaser - DL - 6-2 - 220 - Denver, Colo. (Thomas Jefferson High School)
Cooper Connelley - LB - 6-3 - 185 - Elizabeth, Colo. (Elizabeth High School)
At Elizabeth High School: Coached by Michael Zoesch...All-State selection...Two-time Academic All-State...First Team All-Conference Linebacker...Two-time First Team All-Conference Running Back.
Personal: Intends to major in Aviation...Son of Luke and Dondi Connelley...Has two siblings, Ryan and Halli...Chose CMU for the environment and the location...Enjoys hunting, fishing, and flying airplanes.
Austin Contreras - LB - 6-2 - 240 - Lakewood, Colo. (Green Mountain High School)
At Green Mountain High School: Coached by Jesse German...Three-time All-State selection...Three-time All-Mountain Metro selection...Two-time Academic All-State selection.
Personal: Intends to major in Electrical Engineering...Son of Peter and Jaime Contreras...Has one sibling, Drew...Chose CMU for the location, the campus and the people...Enjoys watching movies, riding dirt bikes and golfing.
O'Marius Dimry-Lockhart - DL - 6-0 - 240 - Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville High School)
At Lewisville High School: Coached by McLaughlin...Academic Honor Roll.
Personal: Intends to major in Business...Son of Jerimi Lockhart and Angela Fisher...Chose CMU for the coaching staff and the atmosphere...Enjoys working out and hanging out with friends.
Jon Dowell - DE - 6-6 - 220 - Saratoga Springs, Utah (Westlake High School)
At Westlake High School: Coached by Arnold Ale...All-Region selection...Academic All-Region...Finished the season with 10 sacks.
Personal: Intends to major in Business...Son of Erika and Gary Dowell...Has five siblings, Jordan, Logan, Emily, Alyssa, and Isabelle...Chose CMU for the athletic and academic opportunities.
DJ Elchlinger - OL - 6-5 - 225 - Sheridan, Wyo. (Sheridan High School)
At Sheridan High School: Coached by former Maverick Jeff Mowry...All-State selection...Super 25 selection...All-Conference as both an offensive and defensive lineman.
Personal: Intends to major in Kinesiology...Son of Dennis and Cassie Elschlinger...Has three siblings, Molly, Sam, and Charlie...Chose CMU for the athletic programs and campus...Enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping.
Noah Farris - QB - 5-10 - 165 - San Antonio, Texas (Harlan High School)
At Harlan High School: Coached by Eddie Salas...Unanimous All-District First Team selection...Three-time First Team Academic All-District...Finished his high school career with over 7,000 yards passing and 76 touchdowns.
Personal: Intends to major in Computer Information Systems...Son of Ronald and Kristina Farris...Has two siblings, AJ and Sidney...Chose CMU for the academic and athletic opportunities...Enjoys working out, playing video games and spending time with family.
Luke Flowers - WR - 5-10 - 180 - Canadian, Texas (Canadian High School)
At Canadian High School: Coached by Andy Cavalier...All-State selection...Academic All-State...Finished his senior season with 66 catches for 1,471 yards and 29 total touchdowns.
Personal: Intends to major in Mechanical Engineering...Son of Kevin and Mandy Flowers...Has two siblings, Hannah and Olivia...Chose CMU for the campus, athletic and academic opportunities...Enjoys golfing, fishing and skiing.
Isaac Freng - ATH - 5-10 - 190 - Littleton, Colo. (Heritage High School)
At Heritage High School: Coached by Tyler Knoblock.
Personal: Intends to major in exercise science...Son of Dan and Kelly Freng...Has four siblings, Noah, Jasmine, Brian, and Shamie...Aspires to become a physical therapist.
Easton Fuentes - RB - 6-1 - 220 - Bushland, Texas (Bushland High School)
At Bushland High School: Coached by Josh Reynolds...Three-time All-District Defensive Line...All-District selection at Running Back.
Personal: Intends to major in Geosciences...Son of Eddie and Heather Fuentes...Has two siblings, Ethan and Ekaterina...Brother Ethan plays football at William Jewell College...Chose CMU for the campus and people.
Austin Gaertner - OL - 6-1 - 270 - Waxahachie, Texas (Waxahachie High School)
At Waxahachie High School: Coached by Shane Tolleson...Second Team All-District selection.
Personal: Intends to major in Criminal Justice...Son of Ashley Villalobos and Andrew Gaertner...Has three siblings, Adyn, Adam, and Abram...Chose CMU for the city and the facilities...Enjoys Fishing and going outside.
Logan Gross - WR - 6-6 - 180 - Rifle, Colo. (Rifle High School)
At Rifle High School: Coached by Ty Leyba...Is also committed to play baseball at Colorado Mesa.
Personal: Intends to major in business...Son of Brandon and Terena Gross...Has two siblings, Averi and Paityn...Chose CMU for the campus and proximity to home...Aspires to own his own gym...Enjoys fishing, bowling, and gaming with friends.
Ian Hafey - LB - 6-3 - 195 - Craig, Colo. (Moffat County High School)
At Moffat County High School: Coached by Nick Colgate...All-State selection...CHSCA All-State game...Finished his senior season with 10 sacks and 43 solo tackles.
Personal: Intends to major in construction management...Son of Kip and Jill Hafey...Has three siblings, Kaden, Ethan and Logan...Chose CMU for the academic and thletic opportunities...Enjoys hunting, fishing and camping.
Jackson Hansen - WR - 5-10 - 150 - Arvada, Colo. (Ralston Valley High School)
At Ralston Valley High School: Coached by Jared Yannocito.
Personal: Intends to major in pre-med...Son of Kristen Hansen...Has one sibling, Quentin...Chose CMU for the location and the football program...Enjoys playing basketball and baseball.
Tyler Harms - QB - 6-3 - 205 - Durango, Colo. (Durango High School)
At Durango High School: Coached by Coach Burton...All-State selection...Three-time First Team All-Conference selection...Won the State Championship during his freshman season...Three-year starter.
Personal: Intends to major in Business Finance...Son of Tom and Robin Harms...Has one sibling, Riley...Chose CMU for the coaching staff and location...Aspires to become a financial advisor...Enjoys golfing.
Brent Harris - DB - 6-0 - 175 - Broomfield, Colo. (Broomfield High School)
At Broomfield High School: Coached by Robert O'Brien...All-State selection...All-Conference for both offense and defense...All-Academic Team.
Personal: Intends to major in business...Son of Melanie and Wayland Harris...Has one sibling, Tiana...Chose CMU for the athletic and academic opportunities...Enjoys playing video games and outdoor activities.
Bronco Hartson - QB - 6-0 - 190 - Johnstown, Colo. (Roosevelt High School)
At Roosevelt High School: Coached by Lane Wasinger...Two-time All-State selection...Three-time All-Conference selection...Holds school records for passing yards in a game, career passing yards, career pass completions, career passing touchdowns, and single season passing yards...Three-time State Placer in wrestling...Two-time Academic All-State.
Personal: Intends to major in Aviation and Business...Son of Shane and Cameo Hartson...Has two siblings, Brig and Brody...Brother Brig plays quarterback at Colorado State University...Chose CMU for the campus, coaching staff and academic programs...Enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking.
Judd Harvey - LB - 6-2 - 220 - Meeker, Colo. (Meeker High School)
Aaron Hutson - DL - 6-5 - 200 - Sanford-Fritch, Texas (Sanford Fritch High School)
At Sanford Fritch High School: Coached by Phil Wiggins...All-District selection...Two-time Academic All-District.
Personal: Intends to major in Aviation and Business...Son of Chad and Kellye Hutson and Emily and Shannon Vinson...Chose CMU for the coaching staff and the people...Enjoys skiing, water sports and the outdoors.
David Ives - DL - 6-3 - 225 - Lakewood, Colo. (Green Mountain High School)
At Green Mountain High School: Coached by Jesse German...All-State selection...Three-time All-Conference selection...Two-time Academic All-State...CHSCA All-State Football Game participant.
Personal: Intends to major in business...Son of Angie and Dave Ives...Has one sibling, Allie...Chose CMU for the people and the opportunity to continue playing football...Enjoys hanging out with friends, the outdoors and watching movies.
Levi Jayne - LB - 6-2 - 225 - Thornton, Colo. (Riverdale Ridge High School)
At Riverdale Ridge High School: Coached by Wayne Vorhees...All-State selection...Defensive Player of the Year...Three-time All-Conference selection.
Personal: Intends to major in business finance...Son of Jessica and Levi Jayne...Has two siblings, Mathew and Kennedy...Chose CMU for the coaching staff and the academic programs.
Sammy Johns - DB - 5-10 - 175 - Mesa, Ariz. (Desert Ridge High School)
At Desert Ridge High School: Coached by Roy Lopez...All-State punt returner...All-Region as a punt returner and safety...Academic All-State.
Personal: Son of Sam and Marge Johns...Has three siblings, Brooklyn, Jacqueline, and Amelia...Chose CMU for the location and the football program...Enjoys hunting and fishing.
Kendrick Jones - DB - 5-9 - 170 - Crandall, Texas (Crandall High School)
At Crandall High School: Coached by Kyle Hardin...Three-time All-District selection...All-State selection...Defensive Player of the Year.
Personal: Intends to major in criminal justice...Son of AurKelia Ponds...Has one sibling, Mia...Chose CMU for the coaching staff and felt like home...Aspires to become a judge...Enjoys playing video games and hanging out with friends.
Will Knox - LB - 6-0 - 200 - Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Arapahoe High School)
At Arapahoe High School: Defensive Player of the Year...All-State selection...All-League selection.
Personal: Intends to major in aviation...Chose CMU for the atmosphere and coaching staff.
Kullen Lerma - ATH - 6-2 - 185 - Broomfield, Colo. (Legacy High School)
At Legacy High School: Coached by former Maverick Jay Madden.
Personal: Intends to major in Kinesiology...Son of Mandi and Keith Lerma...Has one sibling Eric who plays baseball at Nebraska Wesleyan...Chose CMU for the campus and football program.
Nick Long - LB - 6-1 - 215 - Littleton, Colo. (Heritage High School)
At Heritage High School: Coached by Tyler Knoblock...All-Colorado selection...Two-time All-State selection...Two-time All-Conference selection...Conference Defensive Player of the Year...State leader in sacks with 21.
Personal: Son of Kevin and Natalie Long...Has one sibling, James...Chose CMU for the coaching staff and the location...Enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing video games.
Troy Mataia - DE - 6-0 - 270 - Rifle, Colo. (Rifle High School)
At Rifle High School: Coached by Ty Leyba...All-State selection...Lineman of the Year...All-Conference selection.
Personal: Intends to major in kinesiology...Son of Fuatai and Fuea Mataia...Has four siblings, Titus, Ohana, Leilani, and Angel...Chose CMU for the proximity to home...Enjoys cooking, drawing and playing cards.
Colton Mills-Younger - TE - 6-2 - 215 - Wellington, Colo. (Poudre High School)
At Poudre High School: Coached by Eric Tonkin...All-State selection...Two-time All-Conference selection...Three-time Academic Team selection.
Personal: Intends to major in business...Son of Jessica and Jon Mills-Younger...Has one sibling Chase...Chose CMU because it felt like home...Enjoys playing basketball and the outdoors.
Jack Munro - OL - 5-11 - 260 - Castle Pines, Colo. (Rock Canyon High School)
At Rock Canyon High School: Coached by Kevin Meyer...All-Conference selection.
Personal: Son of Jennifer and Greg Munro...Has one sibling, Hunter...Chose CMU for the campus and coaching staff.
Jayce Prante - DL - 6-0 - 230 - Englewood, Colo. (Englewood High School)
At Englewood High School: Coached by Mike Campbell...All-State selection...Three-time All-Conference selection...Academic All-State...Finished his high school career with 140 tackles and nine sacks.
Personal: Intends to major in biology...Son of Missy and Joe Prante...Has two siblings, Tucker and Bre...Chose CMU for the community support and the campus...Enjoys hunting, hiking and camping.
Xavier Ramirez - RB - 5-11 - 180 - Milliken, Colo. (Roosevelt High School)
At Roosevelt High School: Coached by Lane Wasinger...Two-time All-State selection...Three-time All-Conference selection...Rushed for over 4,700 yards and 65 touchdowns in his high school career.
Personal: Intends to major in construction mangement...Son of Veronica and Francisco Ramirez...Has four siblings, Alondra, Athnadi, Athlita, and Aniessa...Chose CMU for the athletic and academic opportunities...Enjoys swimming, paddle boarding and hiking.
Will Reeves - LB - 6-1 - 200 - Fort Collins, Colo. (Resurrection Christian High School)
At Resurrection Christian High School: Coached by Bob Mauch...All-State selection...Three-time All-Conference selection...Acaemic All-State.
Personal: Intends to major in business entrepreneurship and welding...Son of Nicole and Ty Staudinger...Has five siblings, Hailey, Wyatt, Kyla, Lexi and Lauren...Chose CMU for the campus and coaching staff...Enjoys playing video games and spending time with family.
Logan Ryan - TE - 6-4 - 230 - San Mateo, Calif. (Eaglecrest High School (CO))
At Eaglecrest High School: Coached by Coach Schmitt...All-State selection...All-League selection...Finished the season with 50 catches for 700 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Personal: Intends to major in business management...Son of James and Kendra Ryan...Has two siblings, Ava and Rachel...Chose CMU for the coaching staff and community support...Enjoys golfing, fishing and camping.
George Soppe - LB - 6-2 - 200 - Lakewood, Colo. (Green Mountain High School)
At Green Mountain High School: Coached by Jesse German...All-State selection...Two-time All-Conference selection.
Personal: Intends to major in sport management...Son of Kathy and Brad Soppe...Has four siblings, Paige, Sydney, Nicole, and Elise...Chose CMU for the locationa and coaching staff...Enjoys frisbee golf, golfing and fishing.
Charie Sparks - TE - 6-3 - 220 - Lake City, Fla. (Rocky Mountain High School (CO))
At Rocky Mountain High School: Coached by Coach Undow.
Personal: Intends to major in business...Son of Charles and Rachel Sparks...Has three siblings, Connor, Clay, and Susie...Chose CMU for the environment and coaching staff...Enjoys going to the gym and hanging out with his dog.
Damarius Taylor - DB - 5-11 - 170 - Aurora, Colo. (Regis Jesuit High School)
At Regis Jesuit High School: Coached by Denny Fileman...All-Conference selection.
Personal: Intends to major in business...Son of Dervin and Dawnisha Taylor...Has four siblings, Dervin, Da'moni, Daiza, and Nalayah...Brother Dervin plays football at Adams State...Chose CMU for the coaching staff...Enjoys playing video games and watching sports.
Owen Taylor - OL - 6-3 - 255 - Brighton, Colo. (Brighton High School)
At Brighton High School: Coached by Michael Brown...Three-time All-Conference selection...All-State selection.
Personal: Intends to major in agricultural business...Son of Kristen Taylor and Mathew Good...Has two siblings, Evan and Ashlyn...Chose CMU for campus and coaching staff...Enjoys fishing and lifting.
Jaden Thermidor - RB - 6-0 - 200 - Aurora, Colo. (Regis Jesuit High School)
At Regis Jesuit High School: Coached by Danny Filleman...All-League selection.
Personal: Intends to major in business...Son of Charles and Sabine Thermador...Has one sibling, Javon...Chose CMUbecause it felt like home...Enjoys playing video games and hanging out with friends and family.
Jonas Tuimaseve - DE - 6-2 - 230 - Riverton, Utah (Riverton High School)
At Riverton High School: Coached by Jim Freeland...All-Region selection.
Personal: Intends to major in exercise science...Son of Misi and Melissa Tuimaseve...Has three siblings, Raziah, Max, and Zayna...Chose CMU for the campus and culture...Enjoys music and playing the guitar.
Quezon Villa - WR - 6-0 - 200 - Hau'ula, Hawaii (Timpview High School (UT))
At Timpview High School: Coached by Donny Atuaia...Utah Player of the Year...Helped team claim 5A State Championship.
Personal: Intends to major in business...Son of Suelan and Kahi Villa...Has eight siblings, Jessiya, Telryn, Anaisa, Kaila, Tialei, Merica, Aleziandra, and Zett...Jessiya plays basketball at Chaminade and Telryn plays basketball at Hawaii-Hilo.
Brody Van Cleave - LB - 6-2 - 200 - Fort Collins, Colo. (Poudre High School)
At Poudre High School: Coached by Eric Torkin.
Personal: Intends to major in criminal justice...Son of Jennifer and Jason Van Cleave...Chose CMU for the academic and athletic opportunities...Enjoys hanging out with friends and family.
Brooks Wilde - RB - 5-9 - 185 - Highland, Utah (Lone Peak High School)
At Lone Peak High School: Coached by Bart Brockbank...Two-time All-Region selection...All-Valley selection...Three-time Academic All-Region.
Personal: Intends to major in nursing...Son of Bevan and Darcey Wilde...Has two siblings, Alyssa Bengtzen and Averie Banks...Chose CMU for the coaching staff and nursing program...Enjoys legos, grilling, and working out.
Greg Williams - LB - 6-3 - 200 - San Antonio, Texas (Wagner High School)
At Wagner High School: Coached by Coach Starin...All-San Antonio First Team selection...District 12 Defensive Player of the Year...Finished the season with 82 tackles, four sacks, and an interception.
Personal: Intends to major in sport management...Son of Morris and Nikkia Williams...Has three siblings, Mylasia, Jax and JiJi...Chose CMU because it felt like home...Enjoys playing basketball, sleeping and cutting hair.
Qyion Williams - DB - 5-9 - 160 - Yoakum, Texas (Yoakum High School)
At Yoakum High School: Coached by Coach Bo...All-Area selection...All-District selection...Finished the season with 60 tackles, five interceptions and 13 pass break-ups.
Personal: Intends to major in nursing...Son of Amanda and Cornell Smith...Has three siblings, Javon, Cavan, and Brent...Chose CMU because it felt like home...Enjoys playing video games and listening to music.
Amari Wilson - ATH - 6-2 - 210 - Fruita, Colo. (Fruita Monument High School)
At Fruita Monument High School: Coached by former Maverick Cameron Ross...4A Metro Offensive Player of the Year...All-Conference selection...Academic All-State...CHSCA All-State game...Finished his senior season with 33 touchdowns.
Personal: Intends to major in business...Son of Megan Wilson...Chose CMU for the coaching staff and academic programs...Enjoys playing board games.
Isaac Wilson - ATH - 5-9 - 160 - Pendleton, Ind. (Pendleton Heights High School)
At Pendleton Heights High School: Coached by Jed Richman.
Personal: Intends to major in sport management...Son of Corrie and Adam Wilson...Has one sibling, Hannah who does Acro and Tumbling at Trine University...Chose CMU for the campus, facilities and coaching staff...Enjoys rugby, video games and hanging with friends.
