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2009 Bulldog Football Signing Class

 

Wed. Feb. 4th is "National Signing Day" and this is your place to check the most up to date list of future Bulldog football players.  As the signings come in, this site will update throughout the day with Truman's 2009 Signing Class.

 

 

Updated: Feb. 9th

Current Count: 33
(.pdf Release)

Ethan Allen – QB/Athlete

6-1, 180, Kahoka, Mo.; Clark County HS

BIO:

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “We are excited to have state champion, Clark County’s signal caller commit to our program.  Ethan is an outstanding athlete that is a proven winner as he has led his high school football team to the ultimate prize, the state championship.”

 

Wesley Allen – Running Back

6’0, 180, St. Charles, Ill.; St. Charles East HS

BIO: Three-year starter and letter earner under Coach Ted Monken… rushed for 1,992 yds and 29 tds his senior season… was Team Captain, Illinois All State, Two-time Upstate Eight all-Conference, and two-time Team Offensive MVP… rushed for 4,250 career yards and 58 touchdowns…also ran track…son of Keith and Mary Allen.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Wes brings the physical presence to the backfield that we need.  He runs hard and was a two-time All-State running back.  We like his frame and believe he will be a punishing runner.”

 

Justin Amick – Wide Receiver

6’3, 180, Johnston, Iowa; Johnston HS

BIO: Three-year starter and letterwinner under head coach Brian Woodley … made 99 receptions for 1,652 yards and caught 19 touchdowns while garnering first-team all-conference as a junior and senior … also was second-team all-conference as a sophomore.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “I have never seen a high school tape where a receiver showed the abilities to block as well as Justin. We were impressed by his tenacious play, in addition to his big frame and abilities to make plays and get open. He will be a fantastic special teams player because he likes to block and knows how to play full speed on every down.”

 

Michael Biggs – Offensive Lineman

6-2, 265, Joshua Texas; Joshua HS

BIO: Was a three-year letter winner for Coach Phil Shaffer at Joshua High School… earned first-team all-District and first-team all-County honors… led the team in sacks and tackles for loss as a junior… named team captain as a senior and earned defensive player of the year…threw the shot-put for school’s track and field team…competes as a powerlifter and holds school record in the hang clean at 290 pounds…son of Robert & Stephanie Biggs.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Michael is a very athletic offensive lineman – while watching his highlight I saw him demonstrate one of the best pulls that I’ve seen an offensive lineman execute.   I expect him to be a major contributor very early in his career.”

 

Steve Bosilovatz (BO-SILL-OH-VATZ) – Offensive Tackle

6’4, 270, Plainfield, Ill.; Plainfield Central

BIO: Three-year starter for Coach John Jackson at Plainfield Central…earned all-Conference and First-Team all-Area Joliet honors…won Conference Championship in his senior year…Three-time letter winner in Track and Field…son of Paul and Kathi Bosilovatz.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “We were fortunate to have found Steve early in the process.  We thought he was a stand-out offensive lineman from the get-go.  He demonstrates the mentality that we are looking for – he wants to punish defenders for being in his way.”

 

Matthew Degler – Linebacker

6’0, 200, Ferguson, Mo.; Lutheran HS North

BIO: Three-year starter and letter earner under Coach Troy Fehrs… earned 2nd Team all-ABC League 2007 and first-team all-Lutheran 2007…took first place at the state track & field championships in the 4x2…son of John and Pamela Degler.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Mathew is a very fast Outside linebacker – his highlight tape consisted of many big time special teams plays.  His 10.9 100 meter time show cases the speed that he will bring to our outside linebacker corp.”

 

Jeramey Dockery – Defensive Lineman

6’0, 250, Flower Mound, Texas; Flower Mound HS

BIO: Two-year starter under the direction of Coach Cody Vanderford at Flower Mound High School…earned first-team all-District in 2007 and 2008…recorded 68 tackles and 4.5 sacks in his senior year…three-year letter winner in Track and Field…son of Joe and Kim Dockery.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Jeramey had a very productive high school football career at Flower Mound High School (6-5A Texas football) where he was a two-time 1st All-District selection.  He brings a tremendous motor to our defensive line.”

 

Joe Ferguson – Running Back

5’10; 190, Santa Rosa, Calif.; Cardinal Newman HS

BIO: Had 223 carriers for 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns earning first-team all-league honors and honorable mention all-metro honors as a running back…also had 42 receptions for 940 yards and eight touchdowns…team won the North Bay league championship twice and they were state finalist this past year…also was a guard on the school’s basketball team and a member of the track & field squad…son of Joseph Ferguson II and Carla Harris.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Joe is a complete back – he has the abilities to run the football, blocks well and has demonstrated outstanding receiving skills.  In addition, he has good vision and gives outstanding effort for the duration of the play.”

 

Mac Findeiss (FINDICE) – Tight End/Defensive End

6’5, 225, Washington, Mo.; St. Francis Borgia

 

BIO: Was a four-year starter and letter winner for Truman Hall of Famer Dale Gildehaus at St. Francis Borgia…a member of three district championship teams and was a state semi-finalist in 2007…as a receiver, had 20 catches for 375 yards and five touchdowns and on defense had 36 tackles, five sacks and two fumble recoveries…earned first-team East Central Coaches Association honors and first-team all-area accolades…son of Bob and Debbie Findeiss.

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Mac brings the versatility we are looking for in a tight end.  His high school offense used him in many ways (slot, attached tight end, lead blocker, etc.).  He is an outstanding athlete with a huge upside.”

Seth Flint – Wide Receiver

6’3, 190, Du Quoin, Ill.; Du Quoin HS

BIO: Was a member of a state runner up squad in 2008 under Coach Al Martin…earned first-team all-conference and all-South honors following senior season…was a first-team all-conference choice in 2007 and was named the varsity most valuable player as a sophomore…also participates in basketball and baseball…son of Monte and Valerie Flint.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Seth is a player that stood out immediately while watching his film.  He was a standout on both sides of the ball.  We will use him as a wide receiver but expect him to be a superb special teams player due to his size, physicality and play making ability.  He was high on both our offensive and defensive board.”

 

Charlie Heinzmann - Linebacker

6’1, 215, Peoria, Ill.; Metamora Township HS

BIO: Four-year starter and letter earner under Coach Pat Ryan… recorded 96 tackles and 9.5 sacks his senior season…was a member of a state championship team in 2007 and runner-up in 2008…earned all-state by the Illinois Football Coaches Association, academic all-state, and all-area Journal Star… also participated in Basketball, Track and Bass Fishing…son of Chuck and Laure Heinzmann.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Charlie is an explosive linebacker – he demonstrates outstanding instincts.  He has good size and a frame to get bigger.  He shows an incredible ability to make tackles.”

 

Blake Holland – Offensive Lineman

6’2, 290, Oak Point, Texas; Billy Ryan HS

BIO: Was a three-year starter at offensive tackle for Coach Joey Florence…earned first team all-District in 2007 and 2008…didn’t allow a sack in his sophomore and senior seasons…earned first-team pick to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine his senior year…four-year letter winner in track and field throwing the shot-put and the discus…son of Gary and Lori Holland.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Blake is an exceptionally physical offensive lineman and excels at finishing his blocks.  He has the strength and size to compete early.  He is a six-second player.   His ability is supported by him being a two-time 1st Team All-District Offensive Lineman.”

 

Dustin Howard – Line Backer

6’2, 195, Elkhart, Iowa; North Polk HS

BIO: Was named all-state (Class 2A) after recording 107 tackles and rushing for over 1,000 yards…was a first-team all-district line backer and named the district’s most valuable defensive player…a four-sport athlete with participation in basketball, track & field and baseball…son of Jeff and Beth Howard.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Dustin showed very good athleticism on his high school footage – he demonstrated the ability to move well showing agility and speed.  He has a big frame and was all over the field as a senior.” 

 

Ivan James – Wide Receiver

6’1, 180, St. Louis, Mo.; Lutheran HS North

BIO: Three-year starter and letter earner for Coach Troy Fehrs… in high school played wide receiver, cornerback, kick and punt returner… holds records for second longest run (93 yds.) and longest kick return (95) in school history… third in school history in interceptions (12)… also played basketball and track and field…son of Kevin Hill and Meredith Walker.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Ivan defines the word explosive – his team found various ways to get the ball in his hands.  He has good size so in addition to being a wide receiver and cornerback, he was a key returner on special teams.”

 

Jack Klein – Defensive Back

5’10, 195, Aurora, Ill.; Oswego East HS

BIO: Led Coach Mark Green’s squad in tackles with 84 last season and had six tackles for loss…averaged 7.4 yards per carry and 15.2 yards per return…named the team’s defensive player of the year as a senior and earned all-conference athletic award in both 2007 and 2008…son of David and Debbie Kline.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Jack is a very passionate player that plays the game with unbridled enthusiasm and energy.  We were able to see firsthand (from camp) his incredible work ethic and dedication to the game.  He also shows the ability to tackle well.”

 

Derek Koon – Kicker

5’9, 175, Kearney, Mo.; Liberty HS

BIO: Was an all-conference selection in both 2007 and 2008 under Coach Joel Wells…connected on 124 of 129 point after opportunities (96%) and was 12 of 17 in field goal tries with a long of 42…son of Steve and Traci Koon.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Derek Koon is one of the top place kickers around.  He has performed very well at the various kicking camps he has attended; including Truman State University’s kicking camp.  He is comes highly recommended by Jamie Kohl, one of the nations’ leading kicking gurus.” 

 

John Lindstrom - Outside Linebacker

6’3, 215, Bettendorf, Iowa; Pleasant Valley HS

BIO: Three year starter and letterwinner under head coach Steve Hillman … selected as a first-team all-conference running back, a second-team defensive end and a second-team punter in 2008 … all-conference and all-metro area team member in 2007 … invited to and participated in Spring 2007 Nike football training camp at Ohio State University … also an all-conference and all-metro basketball player in 2008 … son of Kim and Lynne Lindstrom.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “John is a terrific athlete that has been successful playing many positions. He is a big time outside linebacker prospect, showing explosiveness and an ability to make plays. We believe his combination of speed, size and explosiveness will make him a phenomenal outside linebacker.”

 

Harold Lloyd – Nose Tackle

6’2, 280, Janesville, Wisc.; Janesville Parker HS; Wayne State (Mich.)

BIO: Transfer from Wayne State in Michigan…earned first-team all-State, all-Region, all-Area, and all-Conference honors as an offensive and defensive lineman for Coach Joe Dye at Janesville Parker…also earned American Legion Student-Athlete of the Year and Marines Student-Athlete of the Year…also a four-year letter winner in wrestling and track and field…was a member for four wrestling conference championships and two track conference championships…son of John and Kim Lloyd.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Harold was one of our top prospects in our 2008 recruiting season.  Fortunately we are getting him on the rebound from Wayne St., MI (8-3) where he played defensive tackle as a true freshman.  I expect him to become one of the best NT’s in DII football.”

 

Jeremy Mayweather – Defensive Back

5’8, 180, Spring, Texas; Klein Oak HS

BIO: Three-year starter for Coach David Smith…totaled 165 tackles with four interceptions…earned team Most Valuable Defensive Back and Team Most Versatile Player award…also earned a letter three years in a row in the long jump for track and field…son of Marvin and Danita Jones.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Jeremy is one of the best athletes of our recruiting class.  He is a three year starter at a very good high school football program in Texas.  His coach started him at 4 different positions in his time which shows us that he is a tremendous athlete.  We are very excited about him!”

 

Jake McKinnis – Defensive End/Long Snapper

6’3, 230, Harrisonville, Mo.; Harrisonville HS

BIO: Was a three-year varsity letterwinner under Coach Chuck Lliteras…recorded 80 tackles, 3.5 sacks and had an interception and fumble recovery during senior season…was named outstanding defensive lineman and earned first-team all-conference and all-county accolades...member of two back-to-back state championships teams as team went 37-3 during his high school career…son of Brad and Melissa McKinnis.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Jacob has outstanding explosion and has shown a fantastic ability to get off the football, in addition to having a high motor.  Furthermore, he will compete as a long-snapper.”

 

Phillip McKinnon – Offensive Line

6’3, 252, Missouri City, Texas; Elkins/Missouri City

BIO: Was a two-year letter winner for Coach Robert Crivellari…earned second-team all-district his senior year…two-time offensive lineman of the week and was an off-season captain…was a finalist for Houston Touchdown Club…o-line coach was NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews…also lettered in baseball and basketball…son of Michael and Shelley McKinnon.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “We expect Phillip to be one of the best tackles in the MIAA.  He brings the total package - his combination of size, athleticism and physicality will make him a very successful tackle.  His high school offense and coaching has prepared him well for the college game.”

 

Eian O’Brien – Defensive Back

5’10, 185, St. Charles, Ill.; St. Charles East HS

BIO: Two-year starter and four-year letter earner under Coach Ted Monken… earned all-Conference and St. Charles Republican all-Area honors… had three interceptions, 35 tackles, and one touchdown in his senior season…son of Dennis O’Brien and Suzanne Smith.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Eian is very competitive player and plays the game with an intense fashion.  In addition to playing defensive back, Eian is very good punt returner.”

 

Drew O’Connell – Wide Receiver

6’2, 195, Ballwin, Mo.; Parkway West HS

BIO: Three-year starter and letter earner under Coach Mike Roth… earned school record with 728 receiving yards, 43 receptions, and kicked nine out of 10 field goals during his senior season… earned second-team all-State, third-team all-Metro and all-conference…also played baseball and ran track…son of Dennis and Cindy O’Connell.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Drew has a very good body control and has demonstrated time and time again the ability to make plays down the field.  He brings a big frame and the ability to get open.”

 

Eric Phillips – Kicker/Punter

6’2, 190, Overland Park, Kan.; Blue Valley Northwest

BIO: Named all-state as a kicker and was a first-team all-Johnson County as both a kicker and a punter following senior season under Coach Mike Zegunis…was 19-of-23 in field goal attempts for his high school career, including two of 52 yards…averaged 40.23 yards per punt with a long of 71 in 155 opportunities…was a three-time all-conference and all-Johnson County kicker and punter…son of Jim and Cathy Phillips.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Eric brings a booming leg to the Bulldog program.  His kickoffs are incredible and he has been an outstanding punter.  He will compete immediately for some kicking/punting duties as a freshman.”


Jon-Luke Ratliff – Quarterback

6’3, 225, Yukon, Okla.; Southwest Covenant

BIO: Threw for 3,387 yards and 68 touchdowns while completing 66% of his passes at Southwest Covenant HS under coach Bill Martin…won the 2007 state championship after finishing as a runner-up in 2006…named OCSAA all-state, all-conference and was the OCSAA offensive player of the year…son of Rick and Shari Ratliff.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Jon-Luke is a very big, athletic quarterback with a very strong arm. He played eight-man football where he was a man amongst boys – we believe his best days are ahead of him."

 

Conrad Schottel – Quarterback

6’4, 215, Kearney, Mo.; Kearney HS

BIO: Two-year starter under the direction of Coach Greg Jones at Kearney High School…earned first-team all-conference and first-team all-district as a senior…threw for school record of 1,987 yards in his senior year…holds school records for passing yards in career (3,630), pass completions (138), and completion percentage (59%)…won back to back district championships and was a class 4 state semi-finalist…a two-year starter on the basketball team…son of Philip and Kristi Schottel.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Conrad brings an exceptional arm and knack for making plays to our program.  He is a big QB that can throw the ball very well.  He was the Kansas City High School Player of the Year – he is a proven winner and has been extremely productive.”

 

Jared Shipley – Defensive Tackle

6’0, 220, Indio, Calif.;LaQuinta HS (College of the Desert)

 

BIO: Played in the All-American All-Star game while attending the College of the Desert…was named the league defensive most valuable player and to the all-CIF squad following senior season in high school where he recorded 127 tackles…was a member of the school’s wrestling and track teams…son of Ron and Dannette Shipley.

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Jeremy is  a transfer with three years of eligibility remaining.  He is an extremely productive football player.  He plays fast and has excellent instincts, and has demonstrated the skills to play outside linebacker in our 3-4 defense.”

 

Ben Sparkman – Athlete

6’1, 170, Rock Island, Ill.; Rock Island HS

BIO: Started three years and picked up all-state honors under head coach Vic Boblett … was part of a 2008 conference championship team and was named all-conference and all-metro twice … an all-metro and all-conference player of the year … rushed for 820 yards and passed for nearly 500 while compiling 20 touchdowns as a senior.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: Ben was a standout quarterback in high school running the option. He was able to outrun many defenders and showed the ability to make plays with the football in his hands. He certainly jumped out at us while watching him make play after play.

 

Erik Stone – OL/DL

6’2, 255, Lindenhurst, Ill.; Lakes Community

BIO: A three year letter winner for Coach Luke Mertnes at Lakes Community…was an all-conference player as an offensive lineman…led the team in sacks and yards for loss in tackles…two-time division champ in track and field by throwing the shot and discus…son of Kevin and Susan Stone.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Eric’s film showed a player that gets major movement – he dominated the folks he played against.  He also showed persistence and the desire to block as many would be tacklers as possible on each play.  He is part of an outstanding group of offensive linemen.”

 

Joshua Thomas – Defensive Back

5’11, 170, Houston, Texas;James Taylor HS

BIO: A 2008 captain under coach Flint Risien and was named the team’s defensive most valuable player…had 41 tackles, four interceptions, including a pick-six, five pass breakups and one blocked kick for a touchdown…named second-team all-district and a member of the Bi-District and Area Champions…son of Will Thomas and Jami Anders-Kemp

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Josh is an explosive player who demonstrates to be a certain tackler and has demonstrated excellent ball and coverage skills, making him a complete cornerback”

 

Dennis Walls – Defensive Back

5’11, 180, Pearland, Texas; Pearland HS

BIO: A two-time all-district first-team selection … recorded 73 tackles in 2008 with two interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown … for his career, tallied more than 100 tackles with four interceptions … a Texas Sports Writers Association all-state nominee.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Dennis is a versatile defensive back as he has the skills to play both corner and safety. He is a very good tackler and plays the game fast. I like his size and his ability to bring the punch to the party, yet the athleticism to be an effective cover guy."

 

Cory Weekes – Defensive End

6’2, 200, Cuba, Mo.; Earl Warren HS (San Antonio, Texas)

BIO: A four-year varsity letterwinner who broke a school record with 13 sacks…earned second-team all-district as a defensive end and was a member of a district championship team…was also a first-team all-district as a member of the school’s baseball team…son of Rachel Weekes.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Corey Weekes played out of position as a high school senior, doing what ever he needed to do to help his football team.  However, he will be a fantastic player for us as we plan to play him at outside linebacker.  He plays hard, shows toughness and the ability to make plays.”

 

Brad Young – Linebacker

6’1, 210, Crystal Lake, Ill.; Prairie Ridge

BIO: Was a three-year starter for Coach Chris Schremp at Prairie Ridge…earned all-Area and all-conference honors as a junior and senior…had 130 career tackles and ranks second all-time in tackles for loss…three-time conference champions…won Team Defensive MVP…also played baseball…son of Charles and Kimberly Young.

 

Coach Currier’s Comments: “Brad is an awfully aggressive linebacker that plays the game fast.  He has excellent instincts and shows very good abilities to tackle.  He reminds of one of our best defenders, Eric Sternberg.”