Valparaiso University head coach Dale Carlson has announced his first recruiting class for the Crusaders, which consists of 33 players that have committed to play for the Brown and Gold beginning in the fall of 2010.

All 33 will be incoming freshmen in the fall.  Among the recruiting class are 16 offensive players, 14 defenders, two kickers, and a long snapper.

“I am very pleased with the quality student-athletes our staff was able to recruit considering the late start we got,” Carlson said.  “We did well in the four-state region.  We were also able to recruit some very fine student-athletes on a national basis as well.”

Six players among the incoming class are from the state of Indiana while eight hail from Illinois.  A total of 12 different states are represented on the incoming roster.

“Recruiting coordinator Bob Muckian’s strategy of targeting certain areas of the country showed dividends and brings a great sense of excitement for next year’s class,” Carlson concluded.

The 33 players will arrive in August for preseason and the Crusaders’ season opener is slated for 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 2 in Macomb, Ill. against Western Illinois.

2010 Valparaiso University Recruiting Class