Following along throughout the day on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 as we announce the newest recruits to join the Western Oregon University football program
Total players as of 6:05 p.m. (31)
Players by State:
Oregon (26), Washington State (2), Hawaii (1), California (1), Alaska (1)
Players by Position:
LB (9), DL (6), DB (5), QB (4), WR (4), OL (3)
Comments from head coach Arne Ferguson ""We are very excited with the level of depth and talent we added with this class. We not only added length and athleticism, but we picked up very skilled players all across the board at every position. Being able to once again bring in a majority of in-state players is a credit to all of the work that our coaches have done over the past year. Thank you to President Dr. Fuller, Interim AD Randi Lydum and everyone else at WOU for all their help and support during the recruiting process."
Joseph Northcutt, 6-4/240, DL, Henley High School, Klamath Falls, OR
Northcutt helped lead Henley to a seven-win season during the 2019-20 campaign, holding a 241-150 scoring advantage and advanced to the playoffs. Playing both along the defensive line and as a tight end, Northcutt was named to the Skyline Conference 2019 All-Conference teams landing on the first team defense and honorable mention offense.
Isaako Manu, DL/E, 6-5/270, East Anchorage High School, Anchorage, AK
Manu was tabbed a three-star recruit by 24/7 sports and was listed as the top recruit out of the state of Alaska by 24/7 sports. Manu helped power a dominating East Anchorage team that went undefeated in 2020 and winning their Regional Championship game. They outscored opponents 215-31. During the 2019 season, he helped the team to six wins and reached the playoffs once again. His career started off strong as the team won a combined 18 games over his freshman and sophomore seasons, advancing to the second round of the playoffs his freshman year and winning the state title with 10 wins as a sophomore. Holds a solid 3.83 GPA and took home First Team All-Conference in 2020.
JJ Neece, LB, 6-2/205, Mapleton High School, Mapleton, OR
Neece has put together a strong past couple of seasons, throwing for almost 1,000 yards as a junior and sophomore combining for 1,928 yards and 20 touchdowns, with a high of 13 as a junior. He also rushed for 4,442 yards, going for nearly 2,000 in each season and reaching a high of 2,533 yards as a junior. He scored of 30 touchdowns in each year, with a high of 31 as a junior, tallying 61 over the two seasons. On defense, he posted 181 total tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and five passes defended. Neece helped Mapleton reach the playoffs during the 2019-20 season. He was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year. He entered the eight-man football record books during his sophomore season when he rushed for 484 yards to rank sixth on the all-time list. He also scored eight touchdowns in the game to tie him for fourth all-time. Neece was named to the 1A Oregon All-State honorable mention team.
Wyatt Frost, OL, 6-5/240, Imbler High School, Imbler, OR
Frost helped Imbler reach the playoffs during the 2018-19 season picking up seven wins, tallying 298 points and allowing 223. Frost was named to the Special District 3 Second Team. He also participated in football.
Logan Vinyard, DL/T, 6-2/300, Grants Pass High School, Grants Pass, OR
Vinyard helped Grants Pass reach the playoffs each of the past three years during his time on the team. He was named to the All-League honorable mention team and was mentioned in the Players to Watch for the Class 6A Southwest Conference entering the 2019 season. Added All-League honors following the 2019 campaign as well.
Lawrence Matusik IV, WR, 6-4/170, Hidden Valley High School, Grants Pass, OR
Matusik IV was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. Matusik IV helped cap his past three seasons in style at Hidden Valley, as the team steadily improved each year. He helped the team reach the state title game during the 2019-20 season. Hidden Valley won 12 games that season, scoring 644 points and allowing just 256. The team reached the playoffs during his sophomore season. Over the past two seasons, he hauled in 83 passes for 1,452 yards and 15 touchdowns. His junior season was a big one, brining in 55 receptions for 989 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 76.1 yards per game in helping the team to the state title game. On defense, added 46 total tackles, with 33 coming solo over the past two seasons. Matusik IV also added three interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries. Listed in the Oregon Predict of "Must Watch Athletes." Competed in the MVP 7-on-7 tournament, winning the title. Took home First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference at wide receiver following his junior season.
Kasey Robinson, 6-3/230, LB, Springfield HS, Springfield OR
An all-around athlete from Springfield, Robinson was rated as a two-star recruit by 24/7 Sports. Robinson competed at the Combine Top Performers where he was named the Defensive Line top Performer. Top performers were chosen strictly based on their ranking on all testing results within their position group. He was featured in the Battle West Prep as one of the top wide receivers in Oregon. Robinson earned 2021 Honorable Mention All-League defensive end.
Jaxon Rozewski, 6-6/230, QB, Toledo High School, Toledo, OR
Rozewski was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. Playing both quarterback and free safety at Toledo, he put together an impressive three-year career. He passed for 5,720 yards and 67 touchdowns, throwing for 34 and 26 touchdowns over his final two seasons. On defense he compiled 62 total tackles, with 17 coming solo. Rozewski helped lead Toledo to eight wins during the 2019-20 season, while compiling 426 points and advancing to the second round of the playoffs. He was also named to the First Team All-League at quarterback. He was also mentioned in the Prep Redzone as one of the top-10 quarterbacks in the state of Oregon.
Blake Swanson, LB/S, 6-3/225, Pendleton High School, Pendleton, OR
Swanson was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports, he helped Pendleton reach the playoffs this past year as the offense piled up 312 points and the defense limited teams to just 183 points. During his sophomore season, the team made a deep run in the playoffs winning 10 total games while scoring 491 points and allowing just 227. He started his career helping the team reach the playoffs as a freshman. Swanson was ranked among the top edge (weak side and stand up) rushers by the Oregon Prep Evaluations. Swanson was named to the Northwest Oregon Conference East Football 2019 honorable mention team. Â
David Codington, LB, 6-2/190, Churchill High School, Eugene, OR
Codington competed in the National Preps Collegiate Showcase- Oregon this past fall. Helped Churchill put together a strong run during the 2018-19 season winning nine games, tallying 542 points and allowing just 280 in making a deep run in the playoffs. During his freshman season, the team won 12 games and reach the state championship game after scoring 597 points and allowing 246. Earned All-League honors throughout his career.
Kaleb Price, 6-5/225, LB, Del Norte HS/Crescent City, CA
The versatile linebacker played in 15 games during the 2019-20 season coming away with 29 total tackles, 19 solo. He also added an interception and a pass defended. Price also was a big part of the offense collecting 14 receptions for 178 yards and six touchdowns. He also completed a pass that went for a touchdown during the season. Price also played basketball helping the Warriors make a run in the state playoffs.
Garrett Olson, 6-3/210, LB, South Wasco HS, Maupin, OR
Olson was named both the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year in his district. Also competed in basketball. Olson showcased his abilities playing multiple positions on offense and defense for the six-man South Wasco Team, regularly piling up 50-plus points per contest. Olson also earned All-League honors for his play on the basketball court.
Brennick Beck, 5-11/220, LB, Grant HS, Portland, OR
Beck played multiple positions including running back, defensive back and linebacker at Grant. He was part of a team that picked up seven wins during the 2019-20 season, piling up over 50 points in four different games, including a season-high 74. Beck earned multiple accolades including First Team All-League and All-State at linebacker. Comes from a dominant Grant HS program that has recorded 25 PIL Championships and six OSAA Championships.
Keenan O'Donnell, 6-5/360, DL, Thurston High School, Springfield, OR
A three-star recruit by 24/7 sports. During the 2019-20 season he posted 27 total tackles, 15 solo, along with two sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, an interception, a pass defended and a fumble recovery. O'Donnell helped power Thurston to an undefeated state title winning season in 2019-20 going 13-0. They outscored opponents 611-151.That came after the team won 10 games and won the state title in 2018-19, catching fire to end the season as they dropped their final regular season game before winning all four in the playoffs. Was selected to the All-Area Team by Prep Talk Eugene, ranked as one of the top defensive lineman in the state of Oregon by Battle Prep West and was named to the Second Team All-State squad as a defensive lineman
Cole Brosterhous, WR, 6-2/175, Mazama High School, Klamath Falls, OR
Brosterhous helped lead Mazama to a seven-win season and playoff appearance in 2019-20. The team limited opposing teams to just 111 total points in nine games. During his sophomore season, the team again won seven games and reached the playoffs, limiting teams to just 131 points, while scoring 289. Started his career off strong with the team picking up nine wins his freshman year and advancing to the third round of the playoffs. Mazama scored 427 points and allowed just 162 during the season. Earned All-Conference honors in both football and basketball throughout his career.
Dominic Hankins, DL/E, 6-0/230, Mazama High School, Klamath Falls, OR
Hankins helped lead Mazama to a seven-win season and playoff appearance in 2019-20. The team limited opposing teams to just 111 total points in nine games. During his sophomore season, the team again won seven games and reached the playoffs, limiting teams to just 131 points, while scoring 289. Started his career off strong with the team picking up nine wins his freshman year and advancing to the third round of the playoffs. Mazama scored 427 points and allowed just 162 during the season. Took home Skyline Conference honors being selected to the First Team on offense. Hankins was also strong in wrestling, winning his weight class during the Rogue Valley Championships.
Beau Stork, DB, 6-0/200, Henley High School, Klamath Falls, OR
Stork was an All-Conference defensive back throughout his career, along with being a three-year team captain and served as class president. Helped lead Henley to the playoffs his junior season with seven wins, as the team held a 241-150 scoring advantage. Henley also reached the third round of the playoffs during his freshman season. Stork was named to the Skyline Conference All-League Team being named to the Second Team on defense.
Aden Murphy, 6-3/220, LB, Tigard High School, Tigard, OR
Murphy played on a very successful Tigard program that went 10-2, advancing deep into the playoffs during the 2019-20 season. The team won 10 games each of the past three seasons, advancing to at least the third round of the playoffs each year. In addition to playing linebacker, he was also along the offensive line. He was named to the 2019 Three Rivers League All-League team landing on the Second Team as an offensive lineman and honorable mention as a linebacker. Murphy helped block for an offense that put up 492 points during the 2019-20 season, while allowing just 216 points. It was almost the same story in 2018-19, scoring 521 points and allowing just 235.
Kainoa Jones, QB, 6-0/180, Konawaena High School, Kealakekua, HA
Jones helped the team to an eight-win season and reached the playoffs during the 2019-20 season as they piled up 371 points and allowed just 189. The team reached the playoffs his first two seasons as well, including a nine-win season as a freshman in which they made a deep run in the playoffs. He earned honorable mention at the 24/7 Sports National Combine in 2020.
Jaylen Fite, WR, 6-1/175, Evergreen High School, Vancouver, WA
Fite was tabbed a three-star recruit by 24/7 sports. Competed in the FSP College ID All Star Weekend. Also competed in the MVP 7-on-7 combine. Was named to both the First Team 3A Greater St. Helens League Football Team as a wide receiver and defensive back. Fite was mentioned in the Seattle Times "The Chips List" as one of the top prospects in the state of Washington. Also took home Second Team Greater St. Helens 3A All-League honors after the 2018 season.
Xavier Owens, DB, 6-0/175, Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA
Owens was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. Competed for USA Football in the International Bowl this past December. Also competed in the U17 International Bowl helping the team to a win with a key 37-yard TD reception. Named to the All-Region Team after helping Skyview to eight wins in 2019 and reaching the playoffs as the offense compiled 451 points and allowed just 172. Reached the playoffs the season before in 2018 and tallied 355 points.
Isaiah Rickard, WR, 6-2/205, Franklin High School, Portland, OR
Rickard was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. Competed at the NW Best Showcase 2020. Featured in the Prep Redzone Oregon wide receiver spotlight and in Battle Prep West. Rickard was named to the PIL 2019 All-League Second Team. Helped Franklin reach the state playoffs during his freshman year.
Dalton Puckett, DL/T, 6-5/245, North Lake High School, Silver Lake, OR
Puckett earned All-League honors during his football career playing both defensive line and offensive line at North Lake. Puckett showed his versatility as he was also a strong wrestler becoming the first placer from North Lake since 2015 when he placed fourth during the 2019 state meet in the Class 2A/1A.
Matthew Iwamizu, LB/M, 6-1/205, Hidden Valley High School, Grants Pass, OR
Iwamizu was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. Iwamizu helped cap his past three seasons in style at Hidden Valley, as the team steadily improved each year. He helped the team reach the state title game during the 2019-20 season. Hidden Valley won 12 games that season, scoring 644 points and allowing just 256. The team reached the playoffs during his sophomore season. Competed in the National Preps Showcase-Oregon. Listed as one of the top inside linebackers in the state of Oregon by Oregon Prep Evaluations. Also played both basketball and baseball during his high school career. Named to the Oregon 3A All-State First Team as an offensive lineman. Iwamizu also took home Co-Lineman of the Year awards in his league.
Emilio Castaneda, OL, 6-2/285, Hood River High School, Hood River, OR
Castaneda was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. He earned First Team All-Conference along the defensive line and Second Team All-Conference along the offensive line. Castaneda was named a co-offensive line MVP of the National Preps Collegiate Showcase in the Oregon Showcase. He competed in the MVP 7-on-7 Showcase.
Andrew Simpson, DB, 6-1/160, Mountainside High School, Beaverton, OR
Simpson was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. Listed as one of the best defensive players in the state of Oregon by Prep Redzone and was selected as one of the top-eight best Oregon defensive backs by Prep Redzone. Helped Mountainside to the Class 6A quarterfinals during the 2019 season. Was named to the Third Team Metro League 2019 All-League Teams. Landed on the ScoreBook Live Oregon All-State 2020-21 list being named to the Second Team. Simpson was also named to the Battle Prep West as one of Oregon's Top Athletes in the class of 2021.
Dawson Muggy, DB, 6-0/180, Thurston High School, Eugene, OR
Muggy was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. Helped lead Thurston to back-to-back State Championships in 2018 and 2019. Competed in the Pylon 7-on-7 All-American game in January against some of the best players in the country. Listed in the Prep Redzone as one of the top defensive backs in the state of Oregon. Muggy was named to the First Team for both offense and defense in the Class 5A Special District 2 North. Listed in the 2019 All-Area Football Team by Prep Talk Eugene. Muggy also earned All-MWL honors for his play in the outfield during the baseball season.
Aiden Tyler, 6-1/190, QB, Sweet Home High School, Sweet Home, OR
Tyler, a dual-threat quarterback, was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. Helped the team tally 265 points and record six wins, reaching the playoffs during the 2018-19 season. That came after a strong freshman season where Sweet Home went 8-2, reaching the second round of the playoffs and tallying 295 points. He was named to the Oregon West Conference 2019 All-League team landing on the Second Team offense.
Timon Davis, 5-11/160, DB, Grant High School, Portland, OR
Davis earned All-PIL First Team defensive honors during the 2019 season. Was listed as a Players to Watch in the Class 6A Portland Interscholastic League in 2019. Competed in the Best Coast Showcase following his sophomore season. Featured in Prep Redzone as one of the top-eight returning defensive backs in the state of Oregon for the 2021 season. Mentioned by Battle Prep West as one of Oregon's Top Sophomore classes in early 2019. Comes from a dominant Grant HS program that has recorded 25 PIL Championships and six OSAA Championships. Also excelled on the track and in the classroom earning state awards in the 4x100 and 100m and holds a 3.9 GPA.
Dontae Myrick, OL, 6-6/275, Jefferson High School, Portland, OR
Myrick helped power an offense that scored 358 points and reached the playoffs during the 2019-20 season. Also reached the playoffs during his freshman season as they tallied 303 points. Posted a high GPA throughout his high school career and was also strong in track and field competing in the discus, shotput and high jump. Competed in the National Preps Collegiate Showcase- Oregon. Listed as one of the top defensive ends in the state of Oregon for class of 2021 by Oregon Prep Evaluations.
Jayden Wilson, QB, 6-5/205, Heppner High School, Heppner, OR
Wilson was tabbed a two-star recruit by 24/7 sports. He put up solid numbers throughout his career as over the course of the past three seasons he threw for 3,121 yards, including over 1,000 each of the past two seasons. He passed for 47 touchdowns, reaching 23 during the 2019-20 season. On the ground he rushed for 1,489 yards and 30 touchdowns, tallying double-digits in touchdowns twice with a high of 14 during the 2019-20 season in which he rushed for 797 yards. On defense, he added 103 total tackles with 76 coming solo. He posted a high of 46 during the 2018-19 season. Wilson collected five interceptions, forced two fumbles and recovered three. Heppner won the state title during the 2019-20 season with a perfect 13-0 campaign in which they scored 535 points and allowed just 98 points. Wilson was named to the First Team All-State on both offense and defense following the 2019 season. He also landed on the Blue Mountain First Team All-League team.
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