EMU Football Adds 21 in 2013 Football Recruiting Class

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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach Ron English announced the 2013 football recruiting class Wednesday, Feb. 6, as part of the annual National Letter of Intent Signing Day. The list includes 18 high school standouts and three talented junior college transfers.

The class exhibits quite a bit of variety as the Eagles will welcome student-athletes at 11 different positions, including center, cornerback, defensive line, halfback, linebacker, long snapper, offensive line, punter, quarterback, safety and wide receiver

The largest group of Eagle newcomers - six - are from the state of Indiana, but EMU coaches fanned out across the country for this class with eight states represented. The Green and White added multiple players from Michigan (3), Ohio (3), California (2), Pennsylvania (2) Virginia (2) and Washington (2). Illinois is also represented.

Two student-athletes from the 2013 class are already enrolled and taking classes at Eastern Michigan this semester, meaning they will be able to participate in spring drills, which begin Tuesday, March 12. The pair of early enrollees includes Kent Collins (Norwalk, Calif.-Los Alamitos-Cerritos JC) and Willie Creear (Seattle, Wash.-Lindbergh-Butte JC).

This year for the first-time since the Scout and Rivals recruiting databases began in 2002, EMU signed a student-athlete with a four-star ranking. In total, five student-athletes in this year's class have received at least a three-star ranking.

Each year under English, the Eagles' recruiting class had received more national attention. A year ago, EMU received its best-ever recruiting rankings as the Class of 2012 was selected the fifth in the Mid-American Conference by Scout.com and 77th nationally.

The Eagles, who retained the Michigan MAC trophy following a 29-23 victory over Western Michigan, Nov. 17, finished nationally in the top--75 in five statistical categories to go along with a pair of top-five rankings in the MAC standings.

Offensively, Eastern Michigan rushed for 1,960 yards and 13 touchdowns on 448 carries for the 61st-best ground attack in the nation. The Eagles have now rushed for more than 1,900 yards in each of the past three seasons. Defensively, EMU ranked 38th nationally and third in the MAC in pass defense. The Eagles gave up just 212.75 yards per game. Additionally, the team ranked 21st nationally in net punting with an average of 39.35 yards per kick.

Following is a roster and biographical sketches for each of EMU's 21 signees…

2013 Eastern Michigan University Football Recruits

Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School
Nathan Adams LB 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Crozier, Va.-Goochland
Duwhan Alford HB 6-1 240 Fr.-Fr. Elkhart, Ind.-Concord
Austin Barnes P 6-2 185 Fr.-Fr. Fairview Heights, Ill.-O'Fallon
Reginald Bell Jr. ATH 6-3 180 Fr.-Fr. Los Angeles, Calif.-Susan Miller Dorsey
Brandon Bossard QB 6-2 200 Fr.-Fr. Eagleville, Pa.-Methacton
Dwayne Brown OL 6-3 308 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Warren Central
Jaleel Canty DB 5-9 191 Fr.-Fr. Lansing, Mich.-Everett
Kent Collins OL 6-3 295 Jr.-Jr. Los Alamito, Calif.-Los Alamitos-Cerritos JC
Willie Creear CB 5-9 180 Jr.-Jr. Seattle, Wash.-Lindbergh-Butte JC
Derrick Dunlap DT 6-2 290 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Lawrence Central
Jacob King WR 6-1 185 Fr.-Fr. East Cleveland, Ohio-Shaw
Diondre Moore-Young CB 5-10 185 Jr.-Jr. Spokane, Wash.-Cheney-Glendale CC
Chris O'Risky LS 6-0 215 Fr.-Fr. Poseyville, Ind.-North Posey
Daquan Pace CB 5-9 165 Fr.-Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Cass Technical
Deshai Powell DT 6-2 245 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Lawrence Central
David Pulliam SAF 6-0 200 Fr.-Fr. Philadelphia, Pa.-Northeast
Brogan Roback QB 6-3 185 Fr.-Fr. Maumee, Ohio-Toledo St. John's Jesuit
Lavonte Robinson LB 5-10 225 Fr.-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio-Saint Edward
Austin Stone WR 6-1 185 Fr.-Fr. Palmyra, Va.-Fork Union Military Academy
Mario Swann SAF 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Greenwood, Ind.-Center Grove
Derric Williams LB 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Lake Orion, Mich.-Lake Orion

Nathan Adams LB 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Crozier, Va.-Goochland

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Goochland High School in Goochland, Va.....Played under Head Coach Joe Fowler as a Bulldog...Was named the 2012 All-Region B Defensive Player of the Year...Selected first team All-Region as a senior...Picked up first team James River All-District team honors...Recorded 139 tackles and 18 for loss in 15 games...Had a pair of interceptions, a blocked punt and a blocked field goal attempt...Helped propel his team to a 13-2 record and a state championship as a senior...Played linebacker and tight end in high school...In 2012, recorded 207 yards receiving and four touchdowns...As a junior, totaled 46 tackles (20 solo, 26 assists), 2.5 tackles-for-loss and an interception...Also caught 13 passes for 338 yards and five touchdowns as the Bulldogs notched a 14-1 record in 2011...PERSONAL: Son of David and Susan Adams.

Duwhan Alford HB 6-1 240 Fr.-Fr. Elkhart, Ind.-Concord

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Concord High School in Elkhart, Ind...Played under Head Coach Tim Dawson as a Minuteman...Ranked as the 31st-best running back in the state of Indiana by 247Sports.com...Toted the football 492 times for 2,801 yards and 34 touchdowns over his final three seasons...Concord posted a record of 31-6 during that span...Selected Associated Press All-State Honorable Mention in 2012...Ran for 1,246 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior...Even after missing the better part of five games during the 2011 campaign, he wound up with 151 carries for 805 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns...Also played inside linebacker making 11 solo and 11 assisted tackles in 2011...Was selected All-Northern Lakes Conference at running back in 2011-12 after earning honorable mention accolades in 2009-10...Also played basketball at Concord, netting 151 points as a junior...PERSONAL: Son of Dean and Stephanie Coleman and Duwhan Sr. and Lisa Alford.

Austin Barnes P 6-2 185 Fr.-Fr. Fairview Heights, Ill.-O'Fallon

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended O'Fallon High School in O'Fallon, Ill...Played under Head Coach Brandon Joggerst as a Panther...Considered by many kicking analysts as one of the top specialists in the nation for the class of 2013...Received a three-star ranking and is ranked as the 18th-best kicker in the nation by ESPN.com...Selected to the 2013 U.S Army All-American Bowl as a first alternate punter...Garnered 2012 All-State honorable mention accolades...During his high school career, he averaged 47.1 yards per punt and made 85 percent (69-of-81) of his point-after-touchdown kicks...As a senior, punted the ball 28 times for an average of 44.86 yards per kick...Notched 28 touchbacks on 55 kickoffs...Had a season-long punt of 66 yards and had 11 downed inside the 20-yard-line...Made 36-of-44 PATs to go along with 4-of-7 field goal attempts in 2012...As a junior, broke school records for PATs (43) and touchbacks (60) en route to earning first team All-Conference accolades...Finished first in punting competitions at Auburn University and the University of Illinois...Started a fundraising drive called 'Kickin' it for Cans' which donated 10 cans of food to the local pantry for every kick made...In total, more than 3,700 canned goods were donated to the Fairview Heights Food Pantry in Fairview, Ill. following the 2012 season...In the off-season, has gone on mission trips to Joplin, Mo. (tornado victims) and Nashville, Tenn. (flood victims)...Also was a member of the school's wrestling team...PERSONAL: Son of Angela Barnes.

Reginald Bell Jr. ATH 6-3 180 Fr.-Fr. Los Angeles, Calif.-Susan Miller Dorsey

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, Calif....Played under Head Coach Paul Knox as a Don...Received a two-star ranking by Scout.com and Rivals.com...Played quarterback in high school...Was a two-time All-Conference selection...As a senior, totalled 1,800 yards passing to go along with 400 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns...Threw for 1,365 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior while rushing for another 387 yards and five scores...Showcased his talent at the Best Of The Midwest Invitational Football Camp at the Pontiac Silverdome...Also ran track...Won the Los Angeles City Championship in the110 high-hurdles...PERSONAL: Son of Reginald Sr. and Yarvelle Bell.

Brandon Bossard QB 6-2 200 Fr.-Fr. Eagleville, Pa.-Methacton

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Methacton High School in Norristown, Pa.....Played under Head Coach Paul Lepre as a Warrior...Received a three-star ranking and is listed as the No. 64 quarterback recruit in the nation by ESPN.com...Ranked by PaPreps.com as a top six quarterback in Pennsylvania for the Class of 2013...Had started at quarterback since his freshman season at Methacton...Recipient of the 2012 Mini Maxwell Award...Finished his career with more than 3,700 yards passing and 37 touchdowns while rushing for 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns...In 2011, showed his multi-talented skills by rushing for 446 yards on 140 carries (3.2 ypc) and five touchdowns while hitting 92-of-196 passing attempts for 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns...Selected to the Times Herald All Area Team...Selected to the Philadelphia Inquirer 150 Pre-Season Watch List...Selected to the EasternPA Football Pre-Season Watch List...Picked for the Junior Rank Semper Fidelis Proving Ground National Combine in Phoenix, Ariz....In his sophomore season, produced 1,443 total yards of offense, throwing for 910 yards and five scores and rushing for 533 yards and seven TDs...Brought his team back from a 14-0 deficit by scoring three fourth-quarter touchdowns to defeat Spring-Ford, 25-20...During his freshman year, threw for 261 yards on 25-of-55 passing with a pair of touchdowns...Ranked the No. 2 freshman quarterback in Pennsylvania and No. 3 in the East Region by Schuman's National Underclassman Combine...Volunteered with Bringing Hope Home, an organization that raises money for families stricken with cancer who are struggling financially...PERSONAL: Son of Eric and Liz Bossard (pronounced BA-ssard).

Dwayne Brown OL 6-3 308 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Warren Central

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind....Played under Head Coach Steve Tutsie as a Warrior...Received a three-star ranking as the 52nd guard recruit in the nation by Scout.com...ESPN.com lists him as a three-star prospect...Named the 22nd-best player in the state of Indiana by 247sports.com...Flashes the ability to dominate as a run blocker using his playing strength and mobility...In 2011, helped pave the way for the Warriors running game which averaged 271.6 rushing yards per game, and 43.5 points per game on offense...The Warriors also racked up 3,259 yards rushing and scored 52 touchdowns in 2011...Warren Central went undefeated in 2011 (9-0) and scored at least 50 points in six games...PERSONAL: Son of Dwayne Brown and Mistie Trotter.

Jaleel Canty DB 5-9 191 Fr.-Fr. Lansing, Mich.-Everett

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Everett High School in Lansing, Mich....Played under Head Coach Marcelle Carruthers as a Viking...Ranked as the No. 21 overall recruit in the state of Michigan according to The Detroit News...Received a three-star ranking and is listed as the No. 61 defensive back recruit in the nation by ESPN.com...Received a three-star ranking and is ranked as the No. 26-best player in the state by Scout.com...Ranked as the 19th-best athlete in the state of Michigan by 247Sports.com...Selected to the All-State Dream Team by The Detroit Free Press...Ranked as the 20th best player by The Detroit Free Press' Mick McCabe...Garnered All-Conference honors his final three seasons...Notched 27 tackles, eight interceptions and five punt returns for a touchdown as a senior...As a junior, registered 28 tackles, 14 pass deflections and four interceptions...PERSONAL: Son of Yolanda Sherrer.

Kent Collins OL 6-3 295 Jr.-Jr. Los Alamitos, Calif.-Los Alamitos-Cerritos JC

EASTERN MICHIGAN: Enrolled in classes in January of 2013...JUNIOR COLLEGE: Named first team All-California Region IV and was a unanimous first team All-National Division Northern Conference selection as a center...Selected first team South Coast Conference in 2012...Helped the offense set a new school record with 2,664 passing yards and 4,943 total yards as a freshman...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Los Alamitos High School in Norwalk, Calif....Played under Head Coach John Barnes as a Griffin...Named the Sunset League Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior...Helped the team win the league championship...Voted his team's Most Improved Player as a junior after it won the league championship…Spent three years on the football team....PERSONAL: Son of Pat and Lisa Collins...His father played football at Fresno State University, while his brother, Mike, plays at Benedictine College.

Willie Creear CB 5-9 180 Jr.-Jr. Seattle, Wash.-Lindbergh-Butte JC

EASTERN MICHIGAN: Enrolled in classes in January of 2013...JUNIOR COLLEGE: Named first team All-America, All-All-Region and All-Conference in 2012...Helped Butte to a 20-2 record, two bowl wins and a conference championship in his two season seasons...As a sophomore, played in 10 games recorded 28 tackles (20 solo, 8 assist) and a pair of interceptions...Also competed in the long jump for the track team...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lindbergh High School in East Seattle, Wash...Played under Head Coach Dustin Yarrington as an Eagle...Was a two-sport star in football and basketball...As a senior, caught 37 passes for 544 yards and seven touchdowns...Named first team All-League as a senior... PERSONAL: Son of Patricia Creear.

Derrick Dunlap DL 6-2 290 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Lawrence Central

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind...Played under Head Coach Jayson West as a Bear...Joins teammate Deshai Powell in the Eagles' 2013 recruiting class...Ranked as the 37th-best defensive lineman in the state of Indiana by 247Sports.com...Received a two-star ranking by Scout.com...A honorable mention All-State selection by the Associated Press...Selected All-County by the Indianapolis Star...Helped his team to a 15-0 record, tallying 41 tackles (23 solo, 18 assists), 12 tackles-for-loss, seven sacks, and a forced fumble in 2012...Had his best game in the sectional finals against North Central recording six tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble...PERSONAL: Son of Michael Dunlap and Tina Miles.

Jacob King WR 6-1 185 Fr.-Fr. East Cleveland, Ohio-Shaw

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Shaw High School in East Cleveland, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Rodney Brown as a Cardinal... Received a two-star ranking by ESPN.com...Played quarterback during his senior year of high school...Completed 54-of-120 passes for 1,088 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior...Also ran for 372 yards and five touchdowns on 81 carries in 2012...A a junior, averaged 28.3 yards per catch...A three-sport start, plans to run track in the spring...Was an honorable mention All-America selection at catcher as a freshman...PERSONAL: Son of Robert and Brenda King.

Diondre Moore-Young CB 5-10 185 Jr.-Jr. Spokane, Wash.-Cheney-Glendale CC

JUNIOR COLLEGE: As a sophomore, played in 11 games recording 49 tackles (31 solo, 18 assist) to go along with seven interceptions...Also returned seven kicks for an average of 19.1 yards...Helped Glendale to an 8-3 record in 2012...Earned a NJCAA Top Performers mention after picking up eight tackles and a 53-yard interception in a win over Arizona Western College...In his first year at Glendale, played in nine games recording 34 tackles, five pass breakups, two fumbles recovered and an interception...The interception return was for 94 yards and a touchdown...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cheney High School in Spokane, Wash...Played under Head Coach Jason Williams as a Blackhawk... A three-year starter and four-year letterman on the football team..Twice named an All-Great Northern League defensive back and an all-league running back...Also was a state contender in both the 110- and 300-meter hurdles...PERSONAL: Son of Melissa Moore.

Chris O'Risky LS 6-0 215 Fr.-Fr. Poseyville, Ind.-North Posey

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended North Posey High School in Poseyville, Ind...Played under Head Coach Joe Gengelbach as a Viking...Ranked as the ninth best long snapper by 247Sports.com...Received a two-star ranking by Scout.com and ESPN.com...Voted Team Captain...Recipient of the Bud Fehrbach Award for outstanding community service and involvement...Selected All-Conference as a senior...Awarded a varsity letter for three years...In 2012, recorded 57 Tackles, eight quarterback-hurries, six tackles-for-loss, five sacks and a safety...Attended the Rubio Longsnapping Camps in Chicago and Las Vegas, as well as the Top 12 Elite Camp in California and North Carolina...Also was a member of the school's wrestling team....PERSONAL: Son of Jeff and Linda O'Risky.

Daquan Pace CB 5-9 165 Fr.-Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Cass Technical

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Mich....Played under Head Coach Thomas Wilcher as a Technician...Part of the 2011 squad which became the first ever Detroit Public School League team to win the Division 1 state title...Played both defensive back and wide receiver in high school...Was a first team All-Metro selection according to The Detroit News...Was a two-year starter at slot back...Got his first shot as a starter on defense and had 17 unassisted tackles and four interceptions while also finishing with 548 yards receiving and eight touchdowns...PERSONAL: Son of Elmo Pace and Eva Jackson.

Deshai Powell DT 6-2 245 Fr.-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind.-Lawrence Central

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind...Played under Head Coach Jayson West as a Bear...Received a three-star ranking by Scout.com...Joins teammate Derrick Dunlap in the Eagles' 2013 recruiting class...A honorable mention All-State selection by The Associated Press...Selected first team All-County and All-Conference honors...Helped his team to a 15-0 record, tallying 32 tackles (18 solo, 14 assists) five tackles-for-loss and four sacks in 2012...Had his best game in the sectional finals against North Central recording seven tackles...Finished his career with 75 tackles and 10 sacks...PERSONAL: Son of Sherrie Bebill and Keith Jones.

David Pulliam SAF 6-0 200 Fr.-Fr. Philadelphia, Pa.-Northeast

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Northeast High School in Philadelphia, Pa....Played under Head Coach James Adams as a Viking...Named one of the top-35 players in southeat Pennsylvinia..Picked up first team All-Philadelphia Public team honors while garnering second team All-City accolades...Selected honorable mention All-State after recording 68 tackles, eight sacks and a pair of touchdowns as a senior...Named to the city All-Star game...A four-year letterwinner, was also a two-time captain...Finished second in the javelin at the City Championships...PERSONAL: Son of James and Denise Pulliam.

Brogan Roback QB 6-3 185 Fr.-Fr. Maumee, Ohio-Toledo St. John's Jesuit

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended St. John's Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Doug Pearson as a Titan...Is the first four-star recruit to sign a letter of intent with the program since the Scout's and Rivals' recruiting databases began in 2002...Ranked as the No. 29-ranked quarterback in the nation by Scout.com...Rivals.com lists him as a four-star prospect and the country's No. 11 pro-style quarterback...Received a three-star ranking and is listed as the No. 71 quarterback recruit in the nation by ESPN.com...Rated the nation's No. 38 pocket passer by ESPN...Finished his high school career with 5,887 yards and 60 touchdowns...During a junior campaign when he often had to force the passing game, still completed 98-of-181 passes for 1,645 yards and 14 TDs in 2011 as St. John's finished 7-3...As a sophomore, completed 119-of-210 passes for 2,179 yards, and a school-record 25 touchdowns while helping the Titans to an 11-2 finish and the Division I regional final...Earned an invitation to the New York City Elite 11 regional and was named the MVP...PERSONAL: Son of William and Ronda Roback...Sister Paige plays on the EMU volleyball team...Father played football and basketball for both Western Michigan University and Adrian College from 1978-81.

Lavonte Robinson LB 5-10 225 Fr.-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio-Saint Edward

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio...Played under Head Coach Rick Finotti as an Eagle...Was a special mention selection according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer...Earned honorable mention All-State honors...Had 143 tackles as a senior, including 63 solos, eight tackles-for-loss and six sacks...Also intercepted three passes to go along with three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries...Had 15 tackles in a 45-21 win over Youngstown Ursuline...Earned the Captains Award and was a student ambassador...PERSONAL: Son of Wanda Hill.

Austin Stone WR 6-1 185 Fr.-Fr. Palmyra, Va.-Fork Union Military Academy

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Va....Played under Head Coach Mickey Sullivan as a Blue Devil...Received a two-star ranking by Scout.com...Had four catches for 47 yards and two scores as the team captured the Prep League Championship with a 42-14 victory over Woodberry Forest...As a junior, caught 18 passes for 195 yards in three games to go along with recording 17 tackles on defense...Twelve former Fork Union players have been selected in the first round of the NFL draft since 1954...PERSONAL: Son of Joseph and Kimberly Stone.

Mario Swann SAF 6-2 205 Fr.-Fr. Greenwood, Ind.-Center Grove

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Center Grove High School in Center Grove, Ind....Played under Head Coach Eric Moore as a Trojan...Selected Class 5A First Team All-State by The Associated Press in 2012...Named to the 2013 Indianapolis Star Super Team...Garnered 2012 Top 50 All-State Football Team honors by the Indiana Football Coaches Association...Recorded 81 tackles (68 solos, 13 assist), four pass breakups and two forced fumbles...Helped lead the Trojans to a regional championship and a share of the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference title...Also part of the track team, running the 100, 400 and the 4x400...PERSONAL: Son of Mario Sr. and Jo Swann.

Derric Williams LB 6-2 210 Fr.-Fr. Lake Orion, Mich.-Lake Orion

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Lake Orion High School in Lake Orion, Mich...Played under Head Coach Chris Bell as a Dragon...Ranked 39th in the Rising Stars Recruiting Top 100...Ranked as the No. 47 overall recruit in the state of Michigan according to The Detroit News...Earned Special Mention All-State honors in Division 1-2 team by The Associated Press...Was a two-time first-team all-league selection...In 2012, he made 90 tackles —15 of them going for lost yardage — and came away with nine sacks...Helped the Dragons go 11-2 and capture both district and regional championships as a senior...In two years as a starter for Lake Orion, he spearheaded teams that won 17 games and qualified for the postseason both years...The state-power Dragons have qualified for the playoffs for the past 12 straight seasons, claiming a state title in 2010...Selected to participate in the 33rd Michigan High School Football Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game to be held June 22 at Grand Valley State University...PERSONAL: Son of Wanda Wolber.

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