Press Release

Feb. 6, 2013

Bearcat football inks 34

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State football coaching staff announced its 2013 signing class with 34 high school athletes signing National Letters of Intent Wednesday.

Northwest finished 10-3 last season advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the ninth straight season, the longest current streak of any NCAA II team. The Bearcats finished in the top five offensively for the third straight season and had the second-best defense, holding opponents to just over 13 points per game while also leading the nation in interceptions.

The Northwest staff will add 21 players from the state of Missouri, the most in this year’s class, followed by five players from Iowa. In addition to successful recruiting in Missouri, Northwest will add three players from Illinois and Nebraska along with two from Kansas.

“Our coaching staff did a tremendous job helping make this class a special one,” said Dorrel, who earned back-to-back playoff appearances in his first two seasons at the helm of the Bearcats. “Recruiting quality student-athletes takes a lot of time and energy. We worked hard to recruit young men that possess high character, are solid students and great athletes.

“Lori Hopkins, along with Joe and Kelly Quinlin also played a big role in the process. When a mom, dad and student-athlete feel comfortable with our compliance, strength training and medical personnel it helps make the decision easier.”

The academic success of the recruits is also a point of pride for the football staff. Dorrel added that 30 of the recruits qualified for academic scholarships and have an average GPA of 3.1. The average ACT score of the class was 22.

“For the second consecutive season we had great feedback from student-athletes and their parents on our academic appointments,” Dorrel added. “I know we beat out some larger schools on a few recruits and that was based on our academic success and appointments. All the professors who took time out of their busy schedules, we owe a big thank you.

“The Talent Development Center (TDC) was praised by prospective student-athletes again and is a very impressive facility with a great record of helping all our student-athletes. Dr. Leslie Galbreath, Linda Standerford, Michelle Shade, Tasha Sherman and Adam Stone, were a huge help to the future student-athletes.”

In addition to the academic help Bearcat student-athletes receive once at Northwest, Coach Dorrel continued with praise of Northwest Admissions Office on helping student-athletes start the collegiate experience.

“Tamera Grow and her staff have been great to work with,” Dorrel added. “The help they provide potential student-athletes and a parent is extremely helpful. I can’t say enough about how great their staff is to work with and it makes life easier getting everyone enrolled.”

The second signing class for Dorrel he describes as one of the most complete classes he’s seen.

“From top to bottom this is a very complete class,” Dorrel said. “I feel we were able to check every box. You look up and down the list and they are athletic, big, fast and powerful.”

Below is an alphabetical listing of the 2013 Northwest football class with notes and Dorrel’s comments on each student-athlete:

Jimmy Alloway (O’Fallon, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-4, 270
High School: Francis Howell HS  Head Coach: Bryan Koch
Parents: Tim & Cheri Alloway
Notes: Alloway earned all-state, all-district, all-conference honors as a senior … was named all-St. Louis Metro helping the Vikings to a Missouri State runner-up finish in 2012 and a state semifinal appearance in 2011
Coach Dorrel: “Jimmy will likely play right tackle. He has great feet and is a very good pass protector. He plays with a good motor and understands the game of football.”

Jonathan Baker (Maryville, Mo.) – Quarterback, 6-0, 180
High School: Maryville HS  Head Coach:  Matt Webb
Parents: Roger and Susan Baker
Notes: Baker was a highly decorated signal caller for the Spoofhounds earning all-state and all-district honors … was a two-time all-conference pick leading Maryville to back-to-back conference and district titles and a 2012 Missouri State Class 3 football championship with a perfect 15-0 mark … was tabbed St. Joseph News-Press Offensive Player of the Year as a senior … teammate of Bearcat recruit Caleb Mather
Coach Dorrel: “Jonathan is a dual threat quarterback that throws very well on the move. He will fit our system very well. He’s a great leader that knows how to win and has very good football instincts.”

Jarrod Bishop (St. Louis, Mo.) – Linebacker, 6-0, 215
High School:  Kirkwood HS  Head Coach: Matt Irvin
Parent: Chris Rolf
Notes: Bishop was named Class 5 Defensive Player of the Year helping lead the Pioneers to a 13-0 record and the Missouri Class 5 State Championship … a first-team all-state linebacker and all-conference selection … also earned second-team all-metro accolades helping Kirkwood to a state runner-up finish as a junior … teammate of Bearcat recruits, Josh Spiller, Edward Richey and twin brother Jordan Bishop
Coach Dorrel: “Jarrod plays extremely hard and has a good motor. He is a great leader that has some of the best football instincts we’ve seen.”

Jordan Bishop (St. Louis, Mo.) – Athlete, 5-11, 186
High School:  Kirkwood HS  Head Coach: Matt Irvin
Parent: Chris Rolf
Notes: Bishop was a two-time all-state quarterback helping the Pioneers to a perfect 13-0 mark and Missouri Class 5 State Championship as a senior … was also named first-team all-metro quarterback during his senior campaign … helped Kirkwood to a state runner-up finish as a junior … teammate of Bearcat recruits, Josh Spiller, Edward Richey and twin brother Jarrod Bishop
Coach Dorrel: “Jordan is going to be a slot receiver where we will utilize his great quickness. He is really good with the ball in his hands and knows how to find the end zone.”

Ben Calamari (Barrington, Ill.) – Defensive Line, 6-3, 245
High School: Barrington HS  Head Coach: Joe Sanchez
Parents: Chuck and Jonna Calamari
Notes: Calamari was a two-year varsity starter earning all-conference honors as a senior … he earned all-area honors for the Broncos in 2012 … was a two-time conference champion wrestler at 285 lbs. and was a Illinois state qualifier at same weight in 2012 … helped the Broncos’ wrestling team to a fourth place finish at the Illinois State Championships
Coach Dorrel: “Ben could be a defensive tackle or nose tackle. He is a great high school wrestler that plays well with his hands and is extremely aggressive.”

Bryce Denton (St. Joseph, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-3, 270
High School: St. Joseph Lafayette HS  Head Coach: Paul Woolard
Parents: Rick Welliver and Christy Acton
Notes: Denton earned first-team all-district honors helping the Fighting Irish to a 7-3 record and a Missouri Class 3 playoff appearance … was also first-team all-city and second-team all-conference as a team captain at St. Joseph Lafayette High … tabbed all-News Press by the St. Joseph News Press and was also a Cameron Radio Top 50 athlete
Coach Dorrel: “A tough hard-nosed football player. Bryce can play guard or center for us and you can tell he really loves to play the game.”

Derrick Dow (Oak Grove, Mo.) – Wide Receiver, 6-4, 188
High School: Oak Grove HS  Head Coach: Pat Richard
Parents: Sheila Groves
Notes: Dow was a three-time all-conference receiver for the Panthers … was also a two-time all-conference punter and earned academic all-conference honors … helped Oak Grove to a 11-1 mark before being upset in the District Championship game as a senior … was also a standout track and field athlete earning all-state honors three years
Coach Dorrel: “Derrick has a great frame that makes him a big target for quarterbacks. We are excited to watch him progress in our system.”

Luke Drazic (Omaha, Neb.) – Defensive Line, 6-5, 224
High School: Elkhorn South HS  Head Coach: Guy Rosenberg
Parents: Jone and Mark Drazic
Notes: Drazic was a two-time all-state selection also earning all-conference accolades for the Storm … was an all-district pick and selected to play in the 2013 High School Shrine Bowl
Coach Dorrel: “Luke is a tall rangy athlete that could play strong side or weak side end. He is a good pass rusher that knows how to get to the quarterback with plenty of growth potential too.”

Alex Easley (Webb City, Mo.) – Kicker, 5-10, 160
High School: Webb City HS  Head Coach: John Roderique
Parents: Amos and Amanda Easley
Notes: Easley was a three-time all-state kicker at Missouri powerhouse Webb City … also earned all-conference and all-district honors all four years for the Cardinals … connected on 82 of 87 PAT and was 5 for 7 on field goal attempts … was a member of three undefeated Missouri State Champion football teams helping the Cardinals claim titles in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Coach Dorrel: “A left footed kicker with a very strong leg, Alex will compete for our starting kicking job next year. He can put the ball wherever you want it and is a good directional kicker.”

Bobby Gruenloh (Palmyra, Mo.) – Defensive Line, 6-4, 225
High School: Palmyra HS  Head Coach: Kevin Miles
Parents: Anne and Jim Clark and Robert and Darla Gruenloh
Notes: Gruenloh was a two-time all-district and all-conference selection for the Panthers  … earned honors as a defensive lineman and tight end … also earned all-state honors helping lead Palmyra High to a Missouri State Quarterfinal appearance
Coach Dorrel: “Bobby is a tough blue collar type of player that has a tall rangy body. He could play defensive end or defensive tackle and he plays on the edge every snap.”

Jordan Harold (Ferguson, Mo.) – Defensive Line, 6-2, 245
High School: McCluer North HS  Head Coach: Jim Schottmueller
Parents: Aleshia and Victor Jordan
Notes: Harold was a standout lineman earning first-team all-conference accolades three times … was named team captain for the Stars … helped lead the Stars to back-to-back playoff appearances including a 10-2 mark as a junior … was a three-time honor roll student and active in the community serving as a youth coach … teammate of Bearcat recruit, Myles McIntyre
Coach Dorrel: “Jordan has a tall, rangy body and because of his athleticism he has a chance to be a very good player. He is a very good athlete.”

Ryan Huff (Ralston, Neb.) – Offensive Line, 6-4, 250
High School: Ralston HS  Head Coach: Tyler Zahn
Parents: Mike and Chris Huff
Notes: Huff was a two-time all-conference and all-district selection for the Rams … was also an all-state lineman and academic all-state honoree … a three-year letter winner, Huff was also a four-time academic all-conference student-athlete
Coach Dorrel: “Ryan is a center that has good feet and comes from a football family as both older brothers played college football. He is really good at getting to the second level and blocking the linebackers.”

Zack Hughes (St. Louis, Mo.) – Defensive Line, 6-4, 245
High School: Mehlville HS  Head Coach: Eric Meyer
Parent: Susan Wucher
Notes: Hughes earned all-conference honors for the Panthers … was team captain and was voted best defensive lineman … teammate of Bearcat recruit, Jimmy Sellers
Coach Dorrel: “Zack is a defensive end with a long body that plays really hard. He has great potential and could possibly be an inside guy on the line down the road.”

Keaton Hulett (Creston, Iowa) – Defensive Line, 6-3, 215
High School: Creston HS  Head Coach:  Brian Morrison
Parents: Chuck and Tami Hulett
Notes:  Hulett earned first-team all-state honors as a senior and second-team honors as a junior … was a two-time first-team all-district selection … Hulett was also a standout wrestler for the Panthers and was a state runner-up in Class 2 at 195 lbs.
Coach Dorrel: “Keaton is a defensive end who is also a phenomenal wrestler in high school. When he gets to college and puts on the weight he needs, we feel like he’ll be a very good player. He plays well with his hands and has a very good motor.”

Dylan Jones (Johnston, Iowa) – Offensive Line, 6-6, 245
High School: Johnston HS  Head Coach: Brian Woodley
Parents: Michael and Jana Jones
Notes: Jones earned first-team all-conference  honors for the Dragons … was also a two-time All-Mouth of the Midwest Team selection and earned Johnston High Lineman of the Year honors … was selected to play in the Iowa Shrine Bowl … Jones was also a standout in the classroom earning academic all-conference honors all four years and was a member of National Honor Society
Coach Dorrel: “Dylan is a tall rangy athlete that’s going to be a good left tackle. As he continues to develop he has a chance to be a special player. His long arms and good foot work make him a prototypical left tackle.”

Marcus Jones (Gladstone, Mo.) – Defensive back, 6-0, 180
High School: North Kansas City HS  Head Coach: Leon Douglas
Parent: Richetta Jones
Notes: Jones was a second-team all-state selection and first-team all-conference and all-district pick … finished as a top five running back in Missouri with more than 1,400 yards and 32 touchdowns … was also an all-state honoree in the 4x200-meter relay in track and field
Coach Dorrel: “Marcus is an explosive athlete that will play corner or safety. He will also be a kick returner and punt returner. Marcus loves to compete and is a pure football player. He has a gear that not many kids have!”

Caleb Mather (Maryville, Mo.) – Defensive Line, 6-1, 265
High School: Maryville HS  Head Coach: Matt Webb
Parents: Jeff and Laura Mather
Notes: Mather was a standout lineman for the Spoofhounds earning all-state honors as a junior and senior and was named Class 3 Defensive Player of the Year … was a three-time all-conference lineman and a two-time all-district selection … helped lead Maryville High to an undefeated 15-0 record and the Missouri Class 3 State Championship … teammate of Bearcat recruit, Jonathan Baker
Coach Dorrel: “Caleb will be a dual-sport athlete playing football and track and field at Northwest. He has a great hip pop and plays with his hands really well. He’s also a very physical player with a great motor.”

Eric Mayo (Lawrence, Kan.) Defensive Back, 5-10, 170
High School: Lawrence HS  Head Coach: Dirk Wedd
Parents: Mark and Lori Howell
Notes: Mayo earned all-state honors for the Lions as a senior … was also a first-team all-conference receiver and second-team all-conference defensive back … helped lead Lawrence High to back-to-back playoff berths and an 8-4 record as a senior … teammate of Bearcat recruit Brad Strauss
Coach Dorrel: “Eric is a very smart football player. He understands leverage and is really good at bump and run coverage.”

Myles McIntyre (Florissant, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-3, 308
High School: McCluer North HS  Head Coach: Jim Shottmueller
Parents: Catherine and Lawrence McIntyre
Notes: McIntyre was a two-time all-state selection on the offensive line … twice named first-team all-conference and was a second-team all-metro pick … helped lead the Stars to back-to-back playoff appearances including a 10-2 mark as a junior … teammate of future Bearcat, Jordan Harold
Coach Dorrel: “Myles has a great frame for an offensive guard and is very physical. He is another good puller that will fit well in our system.”

Brandon Miller (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) – Defensive Back, 6-0, 190
High School: Lee’s Summit West HS Head Coach: Royce Boehm
Parents: Fred and Alicia Miller
Notes: Miller was a three-time all-conference defensive back for the Titans earning all-state accolades his senior season … was also a two-time first-team all-conference and all-district defensive back helping Lee’s Summit West High win three conference championships  … was also an all-conference punt returner as a senior and a two-year team captain … helped the Titans finish 12-2 as a sophomore winning the Missouri State Championship and reached the state semifinals as a junior and state quarterfinals as a senior … a three-year starter for Head Coach Royce Boehm finished with a 37-4 record
Coach Dorrel: “Brandon is a corner back or safety that could also be a good kick returner and punt returner. His number one attribute is his ball skills. He can cover and is a smart football player that is very good at reading routes.”

Jamie Nix (Raytown, Mo.) – Defensive Line, 6-7, 240
High School: Raytown HS  Head Coach: Kevin Page
Parent: Jennifer Jones
Notes: Nix was named second-team all-state by the Missouri Football Coaches Association … helped the Blue Jays to the second round of the Class 5 Missouri football playoffs
Coach Dorrel: “Jamie is a tall, rangy defensive end. He has huge potential and the chance to be a very special player at Northwest.”

Edward Richey (Kirkwood, Mo.) – Defensive Back, 5-11, 185
High School: Kirkwood HS  Head Coach: Matt Irvin
Parents: Kevin Richey and Marketa Edwards
Notes: Richey was a first-team all-state defensive back … helped lead the Pioneers to a perfect 13-0 record and a Missouri State Championship as a senior after falling in the championship game as a junior … teammate of Bearcat recruits, Josh Spiller, Jarrod Bishop and Jordan Bishop
Coach Dorrel: “Edward is really good at getting into the box and helping support the run. He is a very physical player as well as a good hitter and great tackler.”

Randy Schmidt (Eldridge, Iowa) – Quarterback, 6-2, 190
High School: North Scott HS  Head Coach: Kevin Tippet
Parents: Mark and Karla Schmidt
Notes:  A first-team all-state quarterback and two-time all-conference selection … was named all-metro and helped the Lancers to the second round of the Iowa State playoffs during his junior and senior seasons
Coach Dorrel: “Randy is a dual threat quarterback who is also a great punter. He was able to make plays when his team needed them in high school and is very explosive.”

Jimmy Sellers (St. Louis, Mo.) – Defensive Line, 6-0, 285
High School: Mehlville HS  Head Coach: Eric Meyer
Parents: James and Deonna Sellers
Notes: Sellers was team MVP for Mehlville High earning first-team all-conference honors … a two-year team captain for the Panthers, Sellers also earned the Mark DeWalle Courageous Heart Award voted on by coaches, administrators and teammates … was an all-state wrestler in 2012 and a four-year varsity letter winner … teammate of future Bearcat defensive lineman, Zach Hughes
Coach Dorrel: “Jimmy is a tough big-body kid that will play nose guard. He plays very well with his hands and is a very good wrestler. His best attribute we saw was his toughness.”

Bryce Sheard (Papillion, Neb.) – Wide Receiver, 6-3, 186
High School: Papillion-La Vista HS  Head Coach: Jeff Govier
Parents: Steven & Lynn Sheard
Notes: Sheard was a two-time all-state wide receiver by the Omaha World-Herald … helped the Monarchs to a 9-3 record as a junior and back-to-back playoff appearances … was a second-team all-metro pick … invited to play in the 2013 Nebraska Shrine Bowl … will also participate in track and field at Northwest as a high jumper
Coach Dorrel: “Bryce is a big-framed wide receiver and has great leaping ability. He will be a huge asset for us in the red zone.”

Josh Spiller (Kirkwood, Mo.) – Defensive Line, 6-2, 260
High School: Kirkwood HS  Head Coach: Matt Irvin
Parents: Sheila Hayden
Notes: Spiller was a two-sport athlete for the Pioneers … helped Kirkwood High to a 2012 Missouri State Championship and 13-0 record … was also a member of the Pioneer track and field team … is one of four Bearcat recruits from Kirkwood High, joining Edward Richey, Bryce Sheard and brothers Jarrod Bishop and Jordan Bishop
Coach Dorrel: “Josh is a big-bodied athlete that can play defensive end or move inside to defensive tackle. He is a very high energy guy with a great motor.”

Brad Strauss (Lawrence, Kan.) – Athlete, 6-1, 180
High School: Lawrence HS  Head Coach: Dirk Wedd
Parents: Mike and Lisa Strauss
Notes: A highly decorated quarterback who was a two-time all-state selection at quarterback and three-time all-state pick at defensive back … was a three-year starter at both positions also earning all-conference, all-area and all-metro honors … Strauss was a finalist for the Simone Award, given to the top player in the Kansas City Metro area and was named to the Simone all-Kansas City Metro Team as a senior … was also a Simone Award semifinalist and earned Simone All-Kansas City Metro Team honors as a junior as well … he was a two-time Sunflower League Offensive Player of the Year Award winner … set school records for passing yards in a season and a career with three 300-yard passing games and an impressive streak of 111 consecutive passes without an interception … helped turnaround a Lions team that was 1-9 before Strauss became a starter leading Lawrence High to back-to-back playoff appearances as a junior and senior … was selected to play in the 2013 Kansas Shrine Bowl …teammate of Bearcat recruit Eric Mayo
Coach Dorrel: “Brad is a tremendous competitor when the lights come on Friday nights. He is a very good player that made plays with his feet and arm in high school and knows how to find the end zone.”

Noah Taylor (Bouton, Iowa) – Offensive Line, 6-4, 270
High School: A-D-M HS  Head Coach: Mike Whisner
Parents: Dan and Ila Jean Taylor
Notes: Taylor was a three-time all-state selection by Iowa Preps and the DSM Register … earned first-team all-district honors as a junior and senior … helped lead the Tigers to the Iowa State playoffs all four years including a 12-1 record as a junior helping ADM claim a district championship … excelled in the classroom as well as a four-year honor roll student … teammate of future Bearcat recruit, Jordan Grove
Coach Dorrel: “Noah is a big-body young man who has great feet for his size. He is a really good puller who will fit well in our system and plays very hard.”

Nicholas Turner (St. Louis, Mo.) – Linebacker, 6-0, 225
High School: Hazelwood East HS  Head Coach: Brian Simmons
Parents: Herschel and Angela Turner
Notes: Turner was a two-time all-conference linebacker and a second-team all-state athlete … was named team captain as a junior and senior for the Spartans … a selection for the Missouri vs. Illinois All-Star Game
Coach Dorrel: “Nicholas is one of the best tacklers I’ve seen in a long time coming out of high school. He is a great leader that was a multiyear captain and has great football instincts.

Tyler Van Dahm (North Riverside, Ill.) – Defensive Line, 6-3, 235
High School: Nazareth Academy  Head Coach: Tim Racki
Parents: Steve and Denise Van Dahm
Notes: A three-year varsity starter and team captain … earned all-area honors at Nazareth Academy
Coach Dorrel: “Tyler has a great frame and a great motor. He is a defensive end and good pass rusher who knows how to finish and get to the quarterback.”

Cameron Wilcox (Naperville, Ill.) – Running Back, 5-10, 190
High School: Metea Valley HS  Head Coach: Ben Kleinhans
Parents: Richard and Catura Wilcox
Notes: Wilcox was a two-time all-conference  running back and team captain for the Mustangs … holds Metea Valley High record for rushing yards in a career … named Offensive MVP as a junior and senior
Coach Dorrel: “Cameron will fit in our system really well and we saw him run the stretch and inside zone plays very well. He runs really hard and finishes his runs.”

Shane Williams (Mount Vernon, Mo.) – Wide Receiver, 6-0, 185
High School: Mt. Vernon HS  Head Coach: Ozzie Riley
Parents: Doug and Linda Williams
Notes: Williams earned All-State honors from both Missouri Football Coaches Association and the Missouri Sports Writer’s Association … a three-time all-conference selection on both sides of the ball at running back and defensive back … received all-state honorable mention accolades twice for the Mountaineers as a return specialist … Williams was also a first-team all-state selection on the hardwood helping Mt. Vernon reach the MSHSAA Final Four his junior season after claiming a conference championship … earned all-state honors in the long jump, high jump and triple jump and was named Outstanding Track and Field Athlete for Class 3 at the prestigious Aldo Sebben Relays
Coach Dorrel: “Shane is a good receiver that comes from a very athletic family and is a very smart football player. He is a really strong athlete and has a good combination of speed and quickness.”

Wes Williams (St. Louis, Mo.) Defensive Back, 6-1, 181
High School: Maplewood Richmond Heights HS Co-Head Coaches: Richard Nixon/Brandon Gregory
Parent: Neota Williams-Anderson
Notes: Williams was a two-time first-team all-state athlete as a junior and senior … also earned all-conference honors during his junior and senior seasons as well … helped the Blue Devils to back-to-back 11-3 records … the Blue Devils reached the state semifinals falling to eventual Missouri State Champion, Lamar during his junior season and reaching the state quarterfinals as senior
Coach Dorrel: “Wes is a great athlete with very good ball skills. He really likes to hit and is a great tackler that is very physical too.”

Clayton Wilson (Sidney, Iowa) – Tight End, 6-4, 200
High School: Fremont-Mills HS Head Coach: Jeremy Christiansen
Parents: Allen and Randy Wilson
Notes: Wilson was an all-state linebacker also earning first-team all-conference … was a two-time all-district selection also earning Special Teams Player of the Year for Southwest Iowa
Coach Dorrel: “We’ve had the privilege of having Clayton in camp the past few years and he will play tight end and H-Back for us. He played multiple positions in high school and is very good with the ball in his hands for a big man. He also has a huge upside.”

Also committed to Northwest:

Hayden Bryant (Bullard, Texas) – Wide Receiver, 6-0, 175
High School: Bullard HS  Head Coach: Shannon Wilson
Parents: Keith and Tanya Bryant
Notes: Bryant was a three-time all-district wide receiver and two-time all-district defensive back for the Panthers … earned honorable mention all-state honors and was also an academic all-state selection
Coach Dorrel: “Hayden could be either a slot or outside receiver. He is a smart football player that runs good routes and understands defensive coverage’s. He’s also a very fundamentally sound football player.”

Jordan Grove (Adel, Iowa) – Running Back, 5-11, 190
High School: A-D-M HS  Head Coach: Mike Whisner
Parents: Grove was an all-state running back for the Tigers … he also earned all-district and all-county honors as he set school records for most rushing yards in a single-game and single-season … teammate of Bearcat recruit, Noah Taylor
Coach Dorrel: “Jordan had a great senior year after a knee injury during his junior season. He is tough and finishes runs, a north and south type of runner. He is also a great wrestler.”