Feb. 4, 2004
Truman Football Signs 15 Players On the First Day Of The Signing Period
Bulldog head football coach Shannon Currier announced that 15 high school seniors signed national letters of intent today to play at Truman in the fall.
"We still have to get a few more guys to fill some holes, but this is a great start to our 2004 class," said Currier. "There are a lot of talented players and all of them will be able to help us at some point. It is a great mix of skill players, a kicker and guys up front. We are definitely excited about the group."
Currier took over the Bulldog program less than two weeks ago after four successful seasons at Concordia-St. Paul. Truman plays in one of the top NCAA Division II football conferences in the country and has had winning seasons in 11 out of the last 14 years.
Bulldog 2004 Signees:
Cyprin Alaribe, RB, 5-8, 185 lbs. (Chicago, Ill./Corliss HS)
Richard Branson, LB, 6-1, 210 lbs. (Eureka, Mo./Eureka HS)
Matt Burel, QB, 6-1, 190 lbs. (Germantown, Tenn./Houston HS)
Third-team all-state and first-team all-conference last season. He
has named the team's defensive MVP.
Caleb Ebel, RB, 5-11, 205 lbs. (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs South)
Justin Erickson, DE, 6-1, 240 lbs. (Urbandale, Iowa/Urbandale HS)
Third-team all-state and first-team all-conference last season. He
has named the team's defensive MVP.
Blake Eyres, QB, 6-1, 190 lbs. (Creve Coeur, Mo./Parkway North HS)
Jon Frantz, OL, 6-5, 240 lbs. (Normal, Ill./Normal Community HS)
Earned all-conference and honorable mention all-area honors as a
senior.
Phillip Henry, DB, 5-9, 165 lbs. (Boonville, Mo./Boonville HS)
A first-team all-state defensive back last season. He was also a
two-time first-team all-conference and all-district for both offense and
defense.
Steve Johnson, DB, 6-0, 170 lbs. (Jefferson City, Mo./Jefferson City
HS)
Honorable mention all-state and first-team all-district this past
season.
Chris Meckem, TE, 6-1, 215 lbs. (Lebanon, Mo./Lebanon HS)
A second-team all-district running back and linebacker and an honorable
mention all-ozark conference running back.
Kurt Napier, QB, 6-2, 195 lbs. (Chatsworth, Ga./Murray County HS)
A team captain who received the Golden Helmet Award. He passed for
1,202 yards and rushed for 425 yards and had 11 touchdowns last season.
Michael Patenode, WR, 5-10, 175 lbs. (Princeton, Minn./Princeton HS)
John Ruth, LB, 6-0, 200 lbs. (Jefferson City, Mo./Jefferson City HS)
Donald Stevenson, DT, 6-0, 240 lbs. (Snellville, Ga./South Gwinnett
HS)
On the offensive honor roll and was once named the State Farm lineman
of the week.
Marcelo Valazquez, K, 6-2, 195 lbs. (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs
HS)
A 2003 first-team all-state, all-conference, all-district and all-area
player.