KENT, Ohio ?[/B] Kent State kept local talent close to home with seven Northeast Ohio natives announced in its 2014 recruiting class Wednesday on National Signing Day. In all, the Golden Flashes added 11 players on defense, eight on offense and one kicker.
The 20-member class comes from five different states with 15 Ohio natives. Two players will join the Flashes from Miami, Fla., along with one from Nevada, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Eighteen members served as team captains in high school.
The group includes 11 all-state selections, four players on state championship teams, five players with state runner-up finishes and six players with academic honors.
Offense[/B]
GEORGE BOLLAS, QB, 6-3, 205[/B]
Aurora, Ohio
Aurora High School
Notables:[/B] Chagrin Valley Conference Offensive MVP as a senior and all-state selection Team captain Led Aurora to state semifinal appearance and 12-2 record as a junior Greenmen also won state playoff game in 2013, finishing 10-2 Earned all-conference and all-district first team honors as a senior Former high school teammate of Jake McVay Two-time all-academic team selection for Chagrin Valley Conference Wrestled for two seasons at Aurora, qualifying for the state tournament as a sophomore Father and grandfather both wrestled at Ohio State.
Stats:[/B] Rushed for 1,323 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, throwing for 1,355 yards and 13 touchdowns Ran for 1,072 yards and 16 touchdowns in junior season and threw for 1,483 yards and 14 touchdowns.
LUKE GRANDJEAN, WR, 6-3, 185[/B]
North Canton, Ohio
Hoover High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time all-state second team selection Team captain Named to All-Stark County (Repository) First Team in junior and senior seasons Northeast Inland All-District First Team Beacon Journal All-Star Team All-Federal League First Team Helped Hoover to a playoff appearance in 2012 Played two seasons of basketball and lacrosse at Hoover Scored 35 goals career goals in lacrosse Uncle Charlie Grandjean played at Kent State and is member of Varsity "K" Hall of Fame Will be seventh member of extended family to attend Kent State.
Stats:[/B] Made six interceptions as a junior Caught 34 passes for 623 yards and six touchdowns in 2012 Threw for 1,402 yards and eight touchdowns in 2013, while rushing for 970 yards and 14 touchdowns.
ZAQUON TYSON, WR, 5-9, 155[/B]
Miami, Fla.
Norland High School
Notables:[/B] Helped Norland win a state title in 2011 Team captain...Earned MVP of both Georgia vs. Florida and Private vs. Public All-Star Games Joins linebacker Darius Redmond among Miami natives on Kent State roster.
Stats:[/B] Made 30 catches for 550 yards and four touchdowns as a senior.
MILES HIBBLER, RB, 5-10, 185[/B]
Troy, Ohio
Troy High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time All-Greater Western Ohio Conference First Team selection Earned all-state honorable mention Two-time All-Southwest Ohio District First Team selection Team captain Helped Troy to state playoffs as a sophomore Earned three varsity letters in football and four in track & field Was a two-time state qualifier in the 4x100.
Stats:[/B] Ran for 1,644 yards and 21 touchdowns on 235 carries as a senior Ranks seventh among Troy's all-time rushing leaders.
STEFANO MILLIN, OL, 6-5, 245[/B]
Massillon, Ohio
Perry High School
Notables:[/B] All-Federal League honors as a senior Team captain...Also a standout wrestler at Perry Was a two-time state tournament qualifier Two-time place winner at both Iron Man and Beast of the East tournaments.
Stats:[/B] Recorded 18 career sacks and 25 tackles for loss
COLLIN PROUTY, OL, 6-5, 280[/B]
Dresden, Ohio
Tri-Valley High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time All-Ohio Second Team selection Two-time Muskingum Valley League Offensive Lineman of the Year Two-time all-district and all-region selection Team captain Three-year letterwinner Helped Tri-Valley to playoff wins in three different seasons High school teammates with Nathan Strock Named Eastern Region Track & Field Athlete of the Year and finished fifth in the state in discus as a junior Father played football at Muskingum.
NATHAN PUTHOFF, OL, 6-5, 287[/B]
Columbus, Ohio
St. Charles High School
Notables:[/B] All-Ohio First Team selection Offensive Team MVP Was also a first team selection on all-conference, all-district and All-Metro teams Helped St. Charles to a playoff appearance Father and uncle both played football at Ohio Will be seventh member of family to compete as a student-athlete in the Mid-American Conference Also competed in baseball and track & field.
Stats:[/B] Totaled 73 pancake blocks as a senior and 24 as a junior.
CONNOR SHINSKY, OL, 6-6, 260[/B]
Butler , Pa.
Knoch High School
Notables:[/B] All-Greater Allegheny Conference First Team selection on offense in junior and senior seasons Also an all-conference second team selection on defense Team captain Helped Knoch to a pair of playoff appearances, including a WPIAL runner-up finish in 2011 Knoch finished 12-1, winning a Section 3 championship Named to Butler Eagle Sweet 16 and Pittsburgh Post Gazette North Finest 22 Also played basketball at Knoch.
Stats:[/B] Totaled 45 tackles and six sacks as a junior
Defense[/B]
JON CUNNINGHAM, DT, 6-0, 265[/B]
Bedford, Ohio
Bedford High School
Notables:[/B] Earned all-conference honors in junior and senior seasons Team captain Also wrestles at Bedford Was a state qualifier as a junior Freestyle/Greco Roman state champion Father played football at Toledo Mother attended Kent State
Stats:[/B] Made 77 tackles, including 55 solo stops Scored two touchdowns.
KALIL MORRIS, DT, 6-3, 280[/B]
Columbus, Ohio
Bishop Hartley High School
Notables:[/B] All-Ohio First Team (defense) in junior and senior seasons Three-time all-district and All-Central Catholic League First Team selection Team captain...All-Metro First Team North-South All-Star Game selection Helped Hartley to state championship game appearance as a senior and state semifinal appearance as a junior Back-to-back undefeated regular seasons Also played basketball at Bishop Hartley.
Stats:[/B] Made 161 career tackles with 15 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered.
ZACK SINGER, DT, 6-3, 290[/B]
Las Vegas, Nev.
Bishop Gorman High School
Notables:[/B] Earned all-state honors in all four seasons Helped Bishop Gorman to four state titles and four Top 25 national rankings Team captain Played both ways and rarely left the field Competed in both baseball and wrestling at Bishop Gorman, finishing fourth at state wrestling tournament.
Stats:[/B] Made 37 tackles as a senior.
JAMES ALEXANDER, LB, 5-11, 219[/B]
Miami, Fla.
Miami Jackson High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time All-Dade County First Team selection Team captain Helped Jackson to a Regional title as a junior One of two Miami natives in recruiting class (Zaquon Tyson) Was also a captain on Jackson's track & field team where he earned all-county honors and qualified for the state meet.
Stats:[/B] Recorded 351 career tackles and 15 sacks Scored two defensive touchdowns Recovered seven fumbles and forced three Broke school record for tackles in a season with 145.
MARQUES MOORE, LB, 6-2, 200[/B]
Springfield , Ohio
Springfield High School
Notables:[/B] Named to All-Greater Western Ohio Conference First Team Received invites for National Underclassmen (NUC) All-American Game, NUC Ultimate 100 and Texas vs. the World Game Also competed in basketball and track & field at Springfield Two uncles and a cousin all played in the NFL.
Stats:[/B] Blocked three punts Made two interceptions Recorded 34 tackles and recovered a fumble
MATTHEW SOMMERS, LB, 6-2, 220[/B]
Kent , Ohio
Roosevelt High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time Portage Trail Conference Defensive Player of the Year Earned All-Ohio Second Team honors as a senior and special mention as a junior Team captain Three-time all-conference first team selection Helped Roosevelt to three conference championships Joins Evan Shimensky as third Roosevelt player on roster Also played lacrosse at Roosevelt, earning all-district honors in two seasons.
Stats:[/B] Totaled 421 career tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles and an interception Holds Roosevelt records for tackles in a season and tackles in a career.
ELDIN ANU, CB, 5-10, 165[/B]
Columbus, Ohio
Westerville Central High School
Notables:[/B] All-Ohio Second Team selection Earned all-region and all-district first team honors Team captain Named to Ohio Capital Conference Second Team Helped Westerville Central to Cardinal Division title in OCC Also competed in track & field, earning all-state honors Born in Cameroon .
Stats:[/B] Made 53 catches for 718 yards and seven touchdowns totaled 1,075 all-purpose yards Recorded four interceptions, 58 tackles and 13 pass breakups.
QUAN ROBINSON JR., CB, 6-1, 170[/B]
Cleveland, Ohio
Glenville High School
Notables:[/B] Senate League All-Star Team captain Three-year starter at quarterback Led Glenville to state title game in senior year and three Senate League titles One of two Glenville players (Erik Simpson) joining Glenville grad Chris Overton.
Stats:[/B] Threw for 1,945 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior Ran for 500 yards and 14 touchdowns.
JERRELL FOSTER, CB, 6-0, 180[/B]
Cincinnati, Ohio
Winton Woods High School
Notables:[/B] Earned all-district honors Team captain All-City selection...Helped Winton Woods advance to the third round of the state playoffs Will join Cincinnati natives Kevin DeWalt.
Stats:[/B] Intercepted three passes as a senior, totaling eight pass breakups.
MARCUS ELLIOTT, DB, 6-1, 200[/B]
Toledo, Ohio
Whitmer High School
Notables:[/B] All-Ohio First Team selection as a senior and second team choice as a junior Team captain Two-tine selection on all-district, all-conference and All-Blade teams Team MVP Helped Whitmer in four playoff appearances, three regional championships, two state semifinal s and one state final appearance Will join Whitmer grads Nate andNick Holley Was a four-year letterwinner in track & field Also lettered in basketball.
Stats:[/B] Made 259 career tackles and 10 interceptions Holds school record for interceptions in a season with eight Scored three touchdowns, including 86-yard kick return Totaled 13 career tackles for loss and eight forced fumbles.
ERIK SIMPSON, S, 6-0, 175[/B]
Cleveland, Ohio
Glenville High School
Notables:[/B] All-Senate League First Team selection Team captain Two-year starter at cornerback Helped Glenville to state title game in senior year and three Senate League titles One of two Glenville players (Quan Robinson) joining Glenville grad Chris Overton Also lettered in track & field Ranked second in his class academically OHSAA Academic All-Ohio.
Stats:[/B] Made 54 tackles with six pass breakups and one interception in senior season Receivers he covered did not catch a pass during his junior season.
Specialist[/B]
SHANE HYNES, K, 5-10, 150[/B]
Clarkston, Mich.
Clarkston High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time all-state selection Helped Clarkston to state championship as a senior All-Metro Detroit First Team selection Two all-county honors Clarkston went 42-3-1 in last four years Will join former Clarkston teammate Matt Dellinger Also played baseball.
Stats:[/B] Kicked a school record 53-yard field goal as a junior Made eight field goals as a senior Totaled 63 kickoffs for touchbacks as a senior Had the longest punt in school history (81 yards) as a senior.
2014 National Signing Day
The 20-member class comes from five different states with 15 Ohio natives. Two players will join the Flashes from Miami, Fla., along with one from Nevada, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Eighteen members served as team captains in high school.
The group includes 11 all-state selections, four players on state championship teams, five players with state runner-up finishes and six players with academic honors.
Offense[/B]
GEORGE BOLLAS, QB, 6-3, 205[/B]
Aurora, Ohio
Aurora High School
Notables:[/B] Chagrin Valley Conference Offensive MVP as a senior and all-state selection Team captain Led Aurora to state semifinal appearance and 12-2 record as a junior Greenmen also won state playoff game in 2013, finishing 10-2 Earned all-conference and all-district first team honors as a senior Former high school teammate of Jake McVay Two-time all-academic team selection for Chagrin Valley Conference Wrestled for two seasons at Aurora, qualifying for the state tournament as a sophomore Father and grandfather both wrestled at Ohio State.
Stats:[/B] Rushed for 1,323 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, throwing for 1,355 yards and 13 touchdowns Ran for 1,072 yards and 16 touchdowns in junior season and threw for 1,483 yards and 14 touchdowns.
LUKE GRANDJEAN, WR, 6-3, 185[/B]
North Canton, Ohio
Hoover High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time all-state second team selection Team captain Named to All-Stark County (Repository) First Team in junior and senior seasons Northeast Inland All-District First Team Beacon Journal All-Star Team All-Federal League First Team Helped Hoover to a playoff appearance in 2012 Played two seasons of basketball and lacrosse at Hoover Scored 35 goals career goals in lacrosse Uncle Charlie Grandjean played at Kent State and is member of Varsity "K" Hall of Fame Will be seventh member of extended family to attend Kent State.
Stats:[/B] Made six interceptions as a junior Caught 34 passes for 623 yards and six touchdowns in 2012 Threw for 1,402 yards and eight touchdowns in 2013, while rushing for 970 yards and 14 touchdowns.
ZAQUON TYSON, WR, 5-9, 155[/B]
Miami, Fla.
Norland High School
Notables:[/B] Helped Norland win a state title in 2011 Team captain...Earned MVP of both Georgia vs. Florida and Private vs. Public All-Star Games Joins linebacker Darius Redmond among Miami natives on Kent State roster.
Stats:[/B] Made 30 catches for 550 yards and four touchdowns as a senior.
MILES HIBBLER, RB, 5-10, 185[/B]
Troy, Ohio
Troy High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time All-Greater Western Ohio Conference First Team selection Earned all-state honorable mention Two-time All-Southwest Ohio District First Team selection Team captain Helped Troy to state playoffs as a sophomore Earned three varsity letters in football and four in track & field Was a two-time state qualifier in the 4x100.
Stats:[/B] Ran for 1,644 yards and 21 touchdowns on 235 carries as a senior Ranks seventh among Troy's all-time rushing leaders.
STEFANO MILLIN, OL, 6-5, 245[/B]
Massillon, Ohio
Perry High School
Notables:[/B] All-Federal League honors as a senior Team captain...Also a standout wrestler at Perry Was a two-time state tournament qualifier Two-time place winner at both Iron Man and Beast of the East tournaments.
Stats:[/B] Recorded 18 career sacks and 25 tackles for loss
COLLIN PROUTY, OL, 6-5, 280[/B]
Dresden, Ohio
Tri-Valley High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time All-Ohio Second Team selection Two-time Muskingum Valley League Offensive Lineman of the Year Two-time all-district and all-region selection Team captain Three-year letterwinner Helped Tri-Valley to playoff wins in three different seasons High school teammates with Nathan Strock Named Eastern Region Track & Field Athlete of the Year and finished fifth in the state in discus as a junior Father played football at Muskingum.
NATHAN PUTHOFF, OL, 6-5, 287[/B]
Columbus, Ohio
St. Charles High School
Notables:[/B] All-Ohio First Team selection Offensive Team MVP Was also a first team selection on all-conference, all-district and All-Metro teams Helped St. Charles to a playoff appearance Father and uncle both played football at Ohio Will be seventh member of family to compete as a student-athlete in the Mid-American Conference Also competed in baseball and track & field.
Stats:[/B] Totaled 73 pancake blocks as a senior and 24 as a junior.
CONNOR SHINSKY, OL, 6-6, 260[/B]
Butler , Pa.
Knoch High School
Notables:[/B] All-Greater Allegheny Conference First Team selection on offense in junior and senior seasons Also an all-conference second team selection on defense Team captain Helped Knoch to a pair of playoff appearances, including a WPIAL runner-up finish in 2011 Knoch finished 12-1, winning a Section 3 championship Named to Butler Eagle Sweet 16 and Pittsburgh Post Gazette North Finest 22 Also played basketball at Knoch.
Stats:[/B] Totaled 45 tackles and six sacks as a junior
Defense[/B]
JON CUNNINGHAM, DT, 6-0, 265[/B]
Bedford, Ohio
Bedford High School
Notables:[/B] Earned all-conference honors in junior and senior seasons Team captain Also wrestles at Bedford Was a state qualifier as a junior Freestyle/Greco Roman state champion Father played football at Toledo Mother attended Kent State
Stats:[/B] Made 77 tackles, including 55 solo stops Scored two touchdowns.
KALIL MORRIS, DT, 6-3, 280[/B]
Columbus, Ohio
Bishop Hartley High School
Notables:[/B] All-Ohio First Team (defense) in junior and senior seasons Three-time all-district and All-Central Catholic League First Team selection Team captain...All-Metro First Team North-South All-Star Game selection Helped Hartley to state championship game appearance as a senior and state semifinal appearance as a junior Back-to-back undefeated regular seasons Also played basketball at Bishop Hartley.
Stats:[/B] Made 161 career tackles with 15 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered.
ZACK SINGER, DT, 6-3, 290[/B]
Las Vegas, Nev.
Bishop Gorman High School
Notables:[/B] Earned all-state honors in all four seasons Helped Bishop Gorman to four state titles and four Top 25 national rankings Team captain Played both ways and rarely left the field Competed in both baseball and wrestling at Bishop Gorman, finishing fourth at state wrestling tournament.
Stats:[/B] Made 37 tackles as a senior.
JAMES ALEXANDER, LB, 5-11, 219[/B]
Miami, Fla.
Miami Jackson High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time All-Dade County First Team selection Team captain Helped Jackson to a Regional title as a junior One of two Miami natives in recruiting class (Zaquon Tyson) Was also a captain on Jackson's track & field team where he earned all-county honors and qualified for the state meet.
Stats:[/B] Recorded 351 career tackles and 15 sacks Scored two defensive touchdowns Recovered seven fumbles and forced three Broke school record for tackles in a season with 145.
MARQUES MOORE, LB, 6-2, 200[/B]
Springfield , Ohio
Springfield High School
Notables:[/B] Named to All-Greater Western Ohio Conference First Team Received invites for National Underclassmen (NUC) All-American Game, NUC Ultimate 100 and Texas vs. the World Game Also competed in basketball and track & field at Springfield Two uncles and a cousin all played in the NFL.
Stats:[/B] Blocked three punts Made two interceptions Recorded 34 tackles and recovered a fumble
MATTHEW SOMMERS, LB, 6-2, 220[/B]
Kent , Ohio
Roosevelt High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time Portage Trail Conference Defensive Player of the Year Earned All-Ohio Second Team honors as a senior and special mention as a junior Team captain Three-time all-conference first team selection Helped Roosevelt to three conference championships Joins Evan Shimensky as third Roosevelt player on roster Also played lacrosse at Roosevelt, earning all-district honors in two seasons.
Stats:[/B] Totaled 421 career tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles and an interception Holds Roosevelt records for tackles in a season and tackles in a career.
ELDIN ANU, CB, 5-10, 165[/B]
Columbus, Ohio
Westerville Central High School
Notables:[/B] All-Ohio Second Team selection Earned all-region and all-district first team honors Team captain Named to Ohio Capital Conference Second Team Helped Westerville Central to Cardinal Division title in OCC Also competed in track & field, earning all-state honors Born in Cameroon .
Stats:[/B] Made 53 catches for 718 yards and seven touchdowns totaled 1,075 all-purpose yards Recorded four interceptions, 58 tackles and 13 pass breakups.
QUAN ROBINSON JR., CB, 6-1, 170[/B]
Cleveland, Ohio
Glenville High School
Notables:[/B] Senate League All-Star Team captain Three-year starter at quarterback Led Glenville to state title game in senior year and three Senate League titles One of two Glenville players (Erik Simpson) joining Glenville grad Chris Overton.
Stats:[/B] Threw for 1,945 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior Ran for 500 yards and 14 touchdowns.
JERRELL FOSTER, CB, 6-0, 180[/B]
Cincinnati, Ohio
Winton Woods High School
Notables:[/B] Earned all-district honors Team captain All-City selection...Helped Winton Woods advance to the third round of the state playoffs Will join Cincinnati natives Kevin DeWalt.
Stats:[/B] Intercepted three passes as a senior, totaling eight pass breakups.
MARCUS ELLIOTT, DB, 6-1, 200[/B]
Toledo, Ohio
Whitmer High School
Notables:[/B] All-Ohio First Team selection as a senior and second team choice as a junior Team captain Two-tine selection on all-district, all-conference and All-Blade teams Team MVP Helped Whitmer in four playoff appearances, three regional championships, two state semifinal s and one state final appearance Will join Whitmer grads Nate andNick Holley Was a four-year letterwinner in track & field Also lettered in basketball.
Stats:[/B] Made 259 career tackles and 10 interceptions Holds school record for interceptions in a season with eight Scored three touchdowns, including 86-yard kick return Totaled 13 career tackles for loss and eight forced fumbles.
ERIK SIMPSON, S, 6-0, 175[/B]
Cleveland, Ohio
Glenville High School
Notables:[/B] All-Senate League First Team selection Team captain Two-year starter at cornerback Helped Glenville to state title game in senior year and three Senate League titles One of two Glenville players (Quan Robinson) joining Glenville grad Chris Overton Also lettered in track & field Ranked second in his class academically OHSAA Academic All-Ohio.
Stats:[/B] Made 54 tackles with six pass breakups and one interception in senior season Receivers he covered did not catch a pass during his junior season.
Specialist[/B]
SHANE HYNES, K, 5-10, 150[/B]
Clarkston, Mich.
Clarkston High School
Notables:[/B] Two-time all-state selection Helped Clarkston to state championship as a senior All-Metro Detroit First Team selection Two all-county honors Clarkston went 42-3-1 in last four years Will join former Clarkston teammate Matt Dellinger Also played baseball.
Stats:[/B] Kicked a school record 53-yard field goal as a junior Made eight field goals as a senior Totaled 63 kickoffs for touchbacks as a senior Had the longest punt in school history (81 yards) as a senior.
2014 National Signing Day
