The 2022 Valparaiso University football roster has continued to take shape this month as 32 student-athletes were added to the incoming recruiting class. The class, which also features six early signees who were introduced in December, will join the program for the 2022-23 academic and athletic year. Two midyear additions have also joined the roster.  

The Valpo football program continues to welcome talent from all parts of the country as the incoming group covers 13 states – Ohio, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Virginia, Arizona and Texas. In addition, 27 members of the incoming class plus both of the midyear additions were team captains in high school and figure to continue the tradition of student-athlete leadership within head coach Landon Fox’s program.

“During the recruiting process, we always emphasize finding good football players who are, more importantly, good students,” Fox said. “We were fortunate to add players who fit that mold in addition to being leaders on their high school teams. Many members of our incoming class come from winning programs. Those are all important elements to our program here at Valpo. We recruited a variety of states across the country while placing an emphasis on talent in the Chicagoland area. This is our third recruiting class since I arrived, and we’re excited to see what type of impact they can make on our program.”

Jon Henderson, DB, 5-11, 180, Macedonia, Ohio (Nordonia)

Intends to study premed... Son of Jon and Sheryse Henderson... Has one younger brother, Joshua... Father played baseball at Cleveland State University... Four-year varsity letter winner... Helped his team to a 10-3 record and conference title as a senior while earning first team all-conference, second team all-district and third-team all-Ohio... Had seven interceptions during his senior season including two against Bedford... Had three touchdowns in a game against Wadsworth in 2020... Also played three years of high school basketball... Team captain in both football and basketball... Loves to play instruments, read and cook... Has played the drums for 13 years... Four-year high honor roll member.

Coach Fox on Henderson: “Jon has a very good understanding of the position as a corner. He has some length and is a dual-sport athlete, playing basketball as well. He is also strong in the return game.”

Max Carter, TE, 6-5, 230, Camarillo, Calif. (Adolfo)

Intends to major in finance... Son of Clint and Molly Carter... Has one brother, Drew... Both parents were student-athletes at the University of Pacific for four years with his mother playing tennis and his father playing football... Two-year varsity letter winner... Named all-league, All-CIF and team Offensive Player of the Year as a senior... Had four receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns against Moorpark as a senior... Team captain as a junior and senior... Also played three years of high school basketball... Hobbies include golf, surfing and skiing... Is Scuba certified.

Coach Fox on Carter: “Max has extremely impressive ball skills. He has the ability to flex out at tight end and also play at the end of the line. He is a player who can cause opponents problems in the passing game.”

Adrian Divcic, DL, 6-4, 255, Trinity, Fla. (J.W. Mitchell)

Plans to study business... Son of Sasa and Martina Divcic... Three-year varsity letter winner... Team captain and earned first-team all-conference as a senior... Awarded team’s top defensive lineman as both a junior and senior... Named the athlete with the highest GPA in the FCA East vs. FCA West Classic... Had 11 tackles and one sack in the 2020 regional final game against Edge Water... First generation American who speaks three languages fluently.

Coach Fox on Divcic: “Adrian is big and strong at the point of attack. He will demand double teams inside. In addition, he’s an excellent student who will thrive academically.” 

Matt Cotterman, LB, 6-3, 225, Germantown, Ohio (Valley View)

Intends to major in criminal justice... Son of Susan and Jeff Cotterman... Has one brother, Mitchell, and one sister, Megan... Uncle Bob Neatherton played four years of football at Findlay University and cousin Jake Neatherton played five years of football at Ohio University... Four-year varsity letter winner... Third-team all-state, first-team all-district, first-team all-league, league Defensive Player of the Year and Team Defensive MVP during an accomplished senior season... Team captain as a senior... Also played basketball as a freshman and sophomore... Enjoys hunting, fishing, playing outdoor games like cornhole and swimming... Has two dogs... Member of the honor roll.

Coach Fox on Cotterman: “Max is a big, physical linebacker who thrives at the point of attack. He has the ability to get downhill and is very physical when he does so. He uses his hands well.”

Anthony Hightower, WR/DB, 5-11, 171, Youngtown, Ohio (Boardman)

Plans to major in business... Son of Anthony and Toya Hightower... Has three brothers – Tre Forte, Jajuan Forte and Antajuan Hightower... Brother Tre played at Ohio State from 2014-2018, brother Jajuan plays wide receiver at UCF and cousin Talmadge Jackson played DB at Oregon and played a season in the NFL, participating in preseason games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2011... Four-year varsity letter winner... First team all-county, All-Ohio Honorable Mention and all-NEO honorable mention as a senior... Had five receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns along with an interception and six tackles in a 2020 playoff game vs. Riverside... Team captain as a junior and senior... Played four years of basketball plus track & field as a junior and senior... Hobbies include listening to and making music, playing Madden and NBA 2K and putting in extra field work... High honor roll member.

Coach Fox on Hightower: “Anthony is a very good athlete who plays on both sides of the ball. He’s very productive on both offense and defense in addition to being a three-sport athlete. We’re excited about his ability to play a number of different positions.”

Connor Dickson, DB, 6-0, 185, Libertyville, Ill. (Libertyville)

Intends to pursue a degree in business... Son of Stephanie and Kevin Dickson... Has two younger brothers, Gavin and Jonathan... Father played football and rugby at Lake Forest College... Two-year varsity letter winner... Two-time all-conference honoree... Went 19-of-22 for 275 yards passing and accrued 54 yards rushing in a game against Lake Forest High School... Team captain as a senior... Also played baseball from kindergarten to his senior year of high school and earned all-conference and all-area in baseball as a junior... Hobbies include working out, fishing and spending time with friends... Four-year member of academic honor roll.

Coach Fox on Dickson: “Connor is productive on both sides of the ball. He has good ball skills and an ability to go up and high point the ball. He is physical in both blocking and tackling.”

Niko Paic, DL, 6-2, 285, Crown Point, Ind. (Crown Point)

Plans to major in finance... Son of George and Irene Paic... Has two younger brothers, Luka and Ilija... Uncle Dan Paic played football at Truman State from 1987-1990 and cousin Adrianna Naumoski has played women’s soccer at Iowa since 2018... Four-year varsity letter winner... Earned all-conference, all-area and academic all-state as a senior... Had two sacks and over 10 tackles in a 2020 game vs. Merrillville... Team captain as a senior... Also competed in basketball as a freshman and wrestling as a sophomore... Hobbies include golf and basketball... Can speak Serbian and Macedonian... Member of National Honor Society.

Coach Fox on Paic: “Niko is another player who has thrived on both sides of the ball. He can demand double teams and is very powerful. We always enjoy adding local talent to the program.”

Wade Abrams, LB 6-0, 200, Fox River Grove, Ill. (Cary-Grove)

Intends to major in economics... Son of Jennifer and Michael Abrams... Has two younger brothers, Logan and Ryan, and an older sister, Alyssa... Three-year varsity letter winner... Helped his team to a 14-0 record and 6A Illinois state title as a senior... Had three touchdowns, 106 rushing yards, six tackles and three pass breakups in a 2021 game vs. Burlington Central... Wrestled all four years of high school... Team captain as a senior in football and as both a junior and senior in wrestling... Hobbies include training for his sports and traveling... Was born at 10 pounds... Four-year member of the honor roll.

Coach Fox on Abrams: “Wade plays running back and inside linebacker. He won a state championship and was a state qualifier in wrestling. Bringing in players with a winning background is a high priority for our program.”

Cam Harbaugh, QB, 6-1, 210, Mountville, Pa. (Hempfield)

Plans to study sport management... Son of Amy and Dan Harbaugh... Has one brother, Conner... Father played football at Ellsworth CC and Loras College from 1987-1989... Three-year varsity letter winner... Accolades during his senior season included first team Lancaster Lebanon League quarterback, Section 1 Lancaster Lebanon League Offensive Back of the Year, Elite 11 Regional Quarterback, Mini Maxwell Football Club award winner, Eastern PA Honorable Mention All-State quarterback, team offensive MVP and Team Order of the Black Knight... Passed for 303 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 47 yards and one score in a game vs. Cocalico during his junior season... Team captain as a senior... Enjoys hanging out with friends and family, playing PlayStation and lifting... Is ambidextrous... Member of honor roll, superior honors and two-time LL League Academic All-Star.

Coach Fox on Harbaugh: “Cam is a dual-threat quarterback. He is explosive and has the ability to make big plays with his feet. He will continue to grow as a passer in college.”

Matthew Francisco, DL, 6-3, 230, Bolingbrook, Ill. (Bolingbrook)

Plans to major in mechanical engineering... Son of Brandy and Marcelino Francisco... Has two brothers, Clark and Benjamin, and a sister, Moranda... Two-year varsity letter winner... Earned all-conference while helping his team to a 7-3 record as a senior... Had five sacks and seven stops in a game vs. Sandburg... Team captain as a senior... Hobbies include cars and video games... His mother held up a “Fathead” of his face at each of his high school games.

Coach Fox on Francisco: “Matthew is physical at the point of attack. He has the ability to get off plays and set the edge on defense. He’s an engineering student who fits well on our campus.”

Jason Harden, DL, 6-2, 225, Chula Vista, Calif. (Mater Dei Catholic)

Intends to study business... Son of Melissa Harden... Four-year varsity letter winner... Helped his team to a state championship as a senior while leading the team in sacks... Had four QB pressures in the state title game... Team captain as a senior... Enjoys gaming, sports and working out.

Coach Fox on Harden: “Jason is an explosive edge rusher who has the ability to get to the quarterback.”

Rowan Keefe, QB, 6-3, 185, Park Ridge, Ill. (Maine South)

Plans to major in marketing... Son of Jim and Michelle Keefe... Has one sibling, James... Father Jim played football at Loras College from 1989-1991... Two-year varsity letter winner... All-conference as a senior... Went 19-of-29 through the air for 259 yards and two passing touchdowns in a 35-33 win over Marist in a 2021 semifinal playoff game... Team captain as a senior... Also played basketball as a freshman and three years of lacrosse... Enjoys hunting, fishing and competition... His aunt and uncle live in the Valpo area... Academic all-conference honoree.

Coach Fox on Keefe: “Rowan is a dual-threat quarterback from a highly successful program. He can make all the throws and is a good leader.”

Bryce Koteles, OL, 6-2, 285, Shelby Township, Mich. (Utica)

Plans to study sport management... Son of Bob and Karrie Koteles... Has one brother, Trey... Four-year varsity letter winner... Two-time first team all-county and a first-team all-Metro East performer... Had two sacks, two TFLs and seven tackles in 2021 vs. Henry Ford... 2020-2021 team captain... Also played three years of high school basketball... Hobbies include watching movies, hanging out with friends and working out... Played soccer as a child.

Coach Fox on Kosteles: “Bryce has a big, strong body and is very powerful. He is physical at the point of attack.”

Brenden Freiermuth, LB 6-2, 215, Hastings, Minn. (Hastings)

Son of Troy Freiermuth and Tina Folch... Has one brother, Chase Freiermuth... Father played football at the University of Minnesota from 1988-1991... Three-year varsity letter winner... First team all-conference honoree and all-state nominee who helped his team to a 7-3 record as a senior... Had a single game with four total TDs, three rushing TDs, one interception return for a TD, a blocked punt and 14 total tackles vs. CDH in 2021... Also competed in four years of track & field and one year of basketball... Hobbies include weightlifting and basketball... Coaches youth sports for the YMCA... Six-time “A” honor roll member, one-time “B” honor roll member, honors biology student of the year and honors chemistry student of the year.

Coach Fox on Freiermuth: “Brenden has speed and good size. He runs really well and has played on both sides of the ball, seeing time at running back and linebacker. He’s very active with an ability to get from sideline to sideline.”

Frank Bartell, DB, 5-10, 205, Park Ridge, Ill. (Maine South)

Intends to major in sport management... Son of Shannon and Jim Bartell... Has three brothers – Anthony, Jimmy and Sam... Two-year varsity letter winner... All-conference honoree and all-area honorable mention while helping his team to a 12-2 record and state runner-up finish... Had a pick six and a receiving TD in a game against Evanston... Team captain as a senior... Also wrestled for three years... Enjoys playing Madden, watching movies and hanging out with friends... Can play the piano.

Coach Fox on Bartell: “Frank has a nose for the football. He had eight picks his senior year in addition to two blocked punts and two forced fumbles, so it’s clear that he’s always around the ball. He’s going to find a way to make a play. He comes from a very good high school program.

Justin Jurmu, WR/LB/TE, 6-1, 205, Marquette, Mich. (Marquette Senior)

Plans to study pre-physical therapy... Son of Brad and Allyson Jurmu... Has two brothers, Jordan and Jaxon... Grandfather Paul Jurmu played football at Michigan Tech and grandfather Rowland Babcock Jr. played football at Northern Michigan... Three-year varsity letter winner... Three-time conference champion and two-time first-team all-conference honoree... Helped his team to a 7-3 record as a senior... Had seven catches for 200 yards and two receiving TDs in a game during his junior season vs. Menominee... Also played four years of basketball including three years on varsity... Team captain in both football and basketball as a senior... Hobbies include sports, video games and watching movies... Oldest brother Jordan was a national finalist in the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship in 2015 at Augusta National... Member of National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars and multiple honor rolls.

Coach Fox on Jurmu: “Justin is a long athlete who has an ability to play multiple positions. He played both wide receiver and linebacker for his high school team, and was extremely productive at both spots.”

Jeffery Vercher, RB, 5-9, 195, Nashville, Tenn. (Franklin Road Academy)

Plans to study occupational therapy... Son of Tanaka Vercher... Has one sister, Ravan Cunningham... Four-year varsity letter winner... All-State and specialist of the year as a senior... Team captain during his senior season... Top individual performance featured 15 rushes for 179 yards, four rushing TDs, two receptions for 73 yards and one receiving TD in 2021 vs. Columbia Academy... Competed in track & field from fifth grade through his senior year of high school... Hobbies include music and video games... Member of aviation club.

Coach Fox on Vercher: “Jeffery can run fast and is very explosive. When he gets the ball in his hands, he has the ability to go the distance. He can still be a physical runner at times even though he’s a speed guy. He’s also a good runner on his track & field team.”

Watson Allan, OL, 6-1, 285, Lake Forest, Ill. (Lake Forest HS)

Intends to major in business marketing... Son of Elisa Allan... Has two siblings, Campbell and Ainsley... Three-year varsity letter winner... All-conference honorable mention as a senior after helping his team to a 10-3 record... Competed in two years of track & field... Hobbies include collecting football cards.

Coach Fox on Allan: “Watson is physical at the point of attack. He has the ability to get to the second level and plays multiple positions on the offensive line.”

Clayton Fliss, OL, 6-6, 255, Oconomowoc, Wis. (Oconomowoc)

Plans to major in mechanical engineering... Son of Dawn and Jeff Fliss... Has one younger sister, Gretta... Four-year varsity letter winner and starter... Team captain as a senior... Also competed in four years of track & field... Hobbies include football, cars and math... Four-time scholar-athlete.

Coach Fox on Fliss: “Clayton is long with a great frame. He has big upside and good feet. He’s an engineering student who will fit well with the academic profile of our institution.”

Owen Cherry, DB, 6-1, 200, La Grange, Ill. (Lyons Township)

Plans to major in business management... Son of Mike and Allison Cherry... Has two younger brothers – Sean and Liam – and a younger sister, Maeve... Two-year varsity letter winner... All-conference and all-state academic honoree as a senior, helping his team to its first playoff appearance since 2017... Team captain during his senior season... Had 15 solo tackles and forced a turnover in the first round of the playoffs vs. Lockport... Competed in two years of basketball and three years of track & field... Hobbies include video games and golf... Used to play three instruments... Honor roll all four years of high school.

Coach Fox on Cherry: “Owen is a downhill safety and physical tackler. He has good range at free safety and always seems to be around the ball.”

Mathew Logan, OL, 6-3, 290, Poplar Grove, Ill. (Boylan Catholic)

Plans to study criminology... Son of Mary Haverly and Terry Logan... Has an older brother, Tyler Logan, and a younger sister, Reagan Kasper... Mother played volleyball at Beloit College from 1989-1992... Other family members to compete collegiately include cousin Jordan Haverly (volleyball, Indiana) and cousin Kyle Johnson (track & field, Loyola)... Three-year varsity letter winner... Three-time all-conference performer, 2019 team defensive MVP, 2021 WIFR Fab 5 Players of the Year... Helped his team to an 11-4 record as a senior... Had three sacks, 10.5 tackles and a safety in a game against Oregon HS as a sophomore... Also played one year of high school basketball and four years of baseball... Enjoys cooking, fishing and playing sports with friends... Finished third in a cooking competition against 20 others in sixth grade... Honor roll as a junior and senior.

Coach Fox on Logan: “Mathew plays on both sides of the ball as he has experience on both offensive line and defensive line. He has a good motor and good fit. He does a nice job finishing plays.”

Matt Martin, WR, 5-10, 150, San Diego, Calif. (Mission Hills)

Plans to major in sport management... Son of Janet Martin... Has one older brother, Ian Martin... Two-year varsity letter winner... First team All-Avocado League wide receiver... 45 catches for 500 yards and 11 touchdowns... Owned an 8-3 overall record and 5-1 mark in league play as a senior... Six catches for 145 yards and two touchdowns in a game against San Marcos during his junior season... Played basketball as a freshman and competed in four years of track & field... Served as a track & field team captain during his senior season... Hobbies include traveling the world, being outside and going on hikes... Originally from New Jersey.

Coach Fox on Martin: “Matt is quick in the slot and very productive. He can play on the inside or the outside. He has the ability to create great matchups in the slot with his lateral quickness.”

Keagan Henschel, LB, 5-11, 200, Fond du Lac, Wis. (Fond du Lac)

Plans to major in finance... Son of Amanda Henschel... Has two brothers, Mason and Alex, and one sister, Aundreya... Three-year varsity letter winner... Unanimous first-team all-conference honoree... Earned all-region large 1 and all-state as a senior... Team captain during his senior season... Also competed in track & field all four years of high school... Hobbies include lifting, gaming and football... Interests include business and investments... Is ambidextrous... Member of National Honor Society.

Coach Fox on Henschel: “Keagan plays with great leverage. He has an outstanding motor and is very active.”

Owen Semp, WR, 6-2, 175, Novi, Mich. (Detroit Catholic Central)

Intends to major in kinesiology... Son of Brad and Lee Semp... Has two brothers, Nathan and Austin, and two sisters, Morgan and Peyton... Two-year varsity letter winner... Finished his senior season as an MHSFCA Division 1 All-State receiver and led his team in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns... Competed in track & field as a high school junior... Lived in Germany for four years... Hobbies include traveling, video games and cooking... DCC Gabriel Richard Award honoree for academic success.

Coach Fox on Semp: “Owen is a deep ball threat who also has the ability to make things happen when he catches intermediate passes. He can go the distance with a run after a catch. He’s very good in the return game as well.”

Akim Abdur-Rahim, DB, 6-1, 180, Indianapolis, Ind. (Pike)

Majoring in business... Son of Shereefah Miles... Has two brothers, Amir and Ahmad... Three-year varsity letter winner... Had three TD passes for 213 yards vs. Lawrence Central and 200+ rushing yards against North Central during his senior season... Served as a team captain during his senior season... Also competed in two years of track & field and one year of baseball... Hobbies include designing and manufacturing clothes... Has played quarterback his whole life.

Coach Fox on Abdur-Rahim: “Akim is a good player and an all-around athlete. He can play running back as well as defensive back. He has good speed and quickness as well as great bursts.”

Alex Goworowski, LB, 6-3, 220, Chicago, Ill. (Saint Patrick)

Plans to major in engineering... Son of Katherine and John Goworowski... Has two sisters, Ella and Lilly... Three-year varsity letter winner... Three-time all-conference performer... 2020 Division Defensive Player of the Year, 2021 Division Player of the Year, National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award... Had 4.5 sacks, seven tackles, nine QB hurries, a forced fumble, 150 rushing yards and four TDs in a game vs. Carmel during his senior season... Also competed in four years of wrestling and two years of baseball... Served as a two-year wrestling captain and as a team captain in football as both a freshman and senior... Hobbies include playing spike ball... Has never seen Star Wars, Rocky, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones or Caddyshack... Four-year honor roll member, top four in his graduating class in terms of grade point average and Illinois state scholar.

Coach Fox on Goworowski: “Alex has an ability to play on both sides of the ball at running back and linebacker. He can even rush the passer off the edge. He plays with great leverage. He’s another great student and his sister goes to school here. He has also qualified for state in wrestling.”

Aaron Larkins, RB, 6-0, 190, Plainfield, Ill. (Plainfield Central)

Plans to major in engineering... Son of Theresa and Aaron Larkins Sr... Has an older sister, Madison... Two-year varsity letter winner... Two-time all-conference honoree (Spring 2021, Fall 2021)... Offensive MVP in the SPC east division... Class 7A all-state choice... Helped his team to an 8-2 mark as a senior... Had 44 carries for 259 yards and a touchdown in a single game... Also competed in track & field as a freshman and senior... Team captain in both football and track & field during his senior season... Hobbies include fishing... Can say the alphabet backward.

Coach Fox on Larkins: “Aaron is a physical, downhill running back. He’s a one-cut guy who runs behind his pads.”

Matt Molnar, DL, 6-3, 235, Avon Lake, Ohio (St. Edward)

Intends to study finance... Son of Trudy and Vince Molnar... Has one sister, Bridget... Father played college football at Ohio Northern and sister played basketball at Kenyon... Two-year varsity letter winner... Finished the season with a 14-1 record... Had two sacks and three TFL vs. Bera Midpack in Round 2 of the 2021 playoffs... Served as a captain during his senior season... Also competed in basketball and track as a high school freshman... Enjoys watching movies, lifting and swimming... Earned high academic honors all four years.

Coach Fox on Molnar: “Matt has length and can play a number of different positions. He comes from a state championship program, so he knows how to win. He’s excited to study finance at Valpo and has a 4.5 GPA in high school.”

Grady Hickey, WR, 5-9, 175, Scottsdale, Ariz. (Chaparral)

Intends to study business marketing... Son of Kim Hickey... Has one brother, Connor, and one sister, Abby... Two-year varsity letter winner... 6A regional offensive player of the year, first-team all-conference honoree, Arizona Player of the Year nominee and Ed Doherty award nominee... Enjoyed a single game against Saguaro in 2021 with five receptions for 84 yards and four carries for 102 yards... Team captain as a senior... Enjoys playing basketball with his friends and playing with his dog.

Coach Fox on Hickey: “Grady can play inside and outside. He possesses a good combination of speed and quickness to go along with a sturdy build. He has the ability to be handed the ball in the backfield, play at the slot and even play outside receiver. He’s a very multiple athlete with the ability to run after the catch.”  

Amar Elmore, DL, 6-2, 250, Chandler, Ariz. (Chandler)

Plans to major in civil engineering... Son of Asheeki and Andre Elmore... Has one brother, Andre Jr., and one sister, Jamesse Evans... Cousin Markus Wheaton played college football at Oregon State and went on to play in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2013-2016), Chicago Bears (2017) and Philadelphia Eagles (2018)... Three-year varsity letter winner... 2021 Valle Luna scholar athlete... Helped his team to an 11-2 record as a senior... Also competed in four years of track & field... Interests include creating/producing buildings and other structures... Also enjoys historical figures and history... Honor roll student every year of high school and member of the dean’s list.

Coach Fox on Elmore: “Amar has great quickness. He can play on the edge, play outside or even move down to the three technique. He plays with his hands well and is productive both inside and out.”

Christian Hilton, LB, 6-2, 220, Fairfax, Va. (Woodson)

Intends to study business... Son of Kevin and Caroline Hilton... Has a brother, Joseph, and a sister, Darcy... Four-year varsity letter winner... First-team all-district honoree and team captain as a senior... Also competed in two years of basketball and one year of track & field... Hobbies include food and lifting... Is a Super Smash Bros legend... Named an outstanding student-athlete.

Coach Fox on Hilton: “Christian is very disruptive in the backfield and is quick off the ball. He has a high motor and an ability to make big plays.”

Gabe Watkins-Daigle, OL, 6-3, 270, Sahuarita, Ariz. (Walden Grove)

Intends to major in business... Son of Emily and Telly Daigle... Has two younger sisters, Kayla and Destini... Three-year varsity letter winner... All-region selection and first-team all-star... Part of an offensive line that didn’t allow any sacks all season... Team captain as a freshman and senior... Competed in track & field as a junior and senior, throwing shot put... Loves to work on cars, fish, snowboard and perform outside activities... A-B honor roll student.

Coach Fox on Watkins-Daigle: “Gabe has very good feet and is a great finisher on plays. He has a good punch.” 

Chase Randall, DL, 6-1, 275, Tucson, Ariz. (Canyon Del Oro)

Has joined the program as a midyear addition... Majoring in business management... Son of Eric and Ruby Randall... Has one older brother, Gunner... Two-year varsity letter winner... First Team Southern Arizona Football All-Star in 2021... Had 11 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two tackles for loss against Sahuaro High School in a game during his junior season. He was named Arizona’s Defensive Beast of the Week following the contest... Team captain as a senior... Hobbies include collecting sports memorabilia... Is a huge fan of Star Wars, Marvel and DC.

Coach Fox on Randall: “Chase is physical at the point of attack. He has a high motor, is active and has the ability to get off blocks and get to the ball.”

Ryan Mann, RB, 5-11, 210, Vernon Hills, Ill. (Vernon Hills)

Has joined the program as a midyear addition... Majoring in business... Son of Elyce and Jim Mann... Has two sisters, Kaylin and Carly... Three-year varsity letter winner... Illinois all-state honoree... Helped his team to a conference championship as a senior... Had 29 carries for 208 yards and two touchdowns in a 2021 game against Deerfield... Team captain... Also played hockey and baseball until his senior year of high school... Enjoys playing video games... Favorite food is steak... Member of National Honor Society who earned academic all-state recognition.

Coach Fox on Mann: “Ryan has a good combination of size and speed. He is a one-cut guy who can get downhill. He can be physical at the point of attack and also go the distance.”