KU Announces 2005 Football Signees
Feb. 2, 2005
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Twenty-five standout student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Kansas and play football next season for head coach Mark Mangino. The recruiting class – Mangino’s fourth at KU – is once again ranked among the nation’s top 50 by Rivals.com.
“This class will help our program in many areas,” said Mangino. “Especially along the defensive and offensive lines, which were a high priority. We were able to land our No. 1 quarterback prospect and strengthen our overall speed and athleticism on both sides of the ball.
The Jayhawks signed four of the top high school recruits from the state of Kansas — defensive lineman Caleb Blakesley (Ottawa HS), quarterback Kerry Meier (Pittsburg HS), offensive lineman Adam Welty (Newton HS) and defensive back Darrell Stuckey (Washington HS). In addition, KU landed six high school athletes from the state of Texas.
Seven players will be with the team when the Jayhawks begin spring practice next month, including Kansas junior college transfers Brian Murph (Marston, Mo./Butler County CC) and Wayne Wilder (Forsyth, Ga./Garden City CC).
Biographical sketches for each of KU’s signees are below.
Rodney Allen
DE, 6-3, 275, Jr.-TR
Miami, Fla.
Coral Gables HS/Garden City Community College
At Garden City CC: Played two seasons for coach Bob Larson at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kan. … Was an NJCAA preseason first-team All-American … Earned first-team All-Jayhawk Conference honors as a sophomore … Tallied 62 total tackles, including 11 behind the line of scrimmage as a sophomore … Ended the 2004 season with 10 quarterback sacks … Ranked as the 37th best prospect among all junior college players by Superprep Magazine. High School: A 2003 graduate of Coral Gables High School in Miami, Fla. … Earned all-conference honors as a senior in 2002. Personal: Cousin, Willis McGahee, started 11 games in 2004 for the Buffalo Bills.
*Marcus Anderson
OL, 6-3 1/2, 285, Jr.-TR
Hayward, Calif.
Skyline HS/City College of San Francisco
At City College of San Francisco: Played two seasons for coach George Rush at City College of San Francisco … Started every game of his sophomore season at left tackle while helping the team to an 11-1 record … Helped the Rams to a national championship and conference title as a freshman. High School: A 2002 graduate of Skyline High School in Oakland, Calif. … Was named the team’s best lineman as a senior … Earned varsity letters in football for the Titans … Coached in football by John Beam. Personal: Son of Arthur and Deborah Anderson.
*Tang Bacheyie
S, 6-1, 195, Fr.-HS
Windsor, Ontario
Sandwich HS
High School: A 2003 graduate of Sandwich High School in Lasalle, Ontario … Originally signed with Kansas, but was sidelined by a high school injury and deferred entrance until this year … Named All-Canadian and all-conference after his senior season … Was the team’s offensive player of the year as a junior … Earned varsity letters in football and track and field for the Sabres … Helped the team to three province championships … Sandwich HS was ranked the top team in Canada on two occasions during his time at the school … Once ran for 350 yards and four touchdowns in the first half of a game … Coached in football by John Bloomfield. Personal: Son of Godfrey and Bernadette Bacheyie.
Josh Bell
TE, 6-7, 250, Fr.-HS
Hitchcock, Texas
Hitchcock HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Hitchcock High School in Hitchcock, Texas … Was named first-team all-district as an offensive tackle after his senior season … Was nominated as a U.S. Army All-American … Earned 11 varsity letters in football, basketball and track for HHS … Played tight end through his junior season, but was moved to tackle as a senior to help solidify the offensive line … Also an all-district basketball player, he led the Bulldogs to a regional championship in 2004 … Coached in football by Gary Carney. Personal: Son of Alvin and Alberta Stoneham … Father, Alvin, was a collegiate athlete at Texas Southern.
Caleb Blakesley
DL, 6-5, 277, Fr.-HS
Ottawa, Kan.
Ottawa HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Ottawa High School in Ottawa, Kan. … Ranked the top collegiate football prospect in the state of Kansas by Rivals.com … Was named All-Huron League after his sophomore and junior seasons … Earned all-area honors by the Lawrence Journal World and Ottawa Herald after his junior campaign … Earned a total of 11 varsity letters in football, basketball and track and field for the Cyclones … Led the football team to the district championship in 2002 … Helped the Tigers to a share of the league title as a junior … Coached in football by Pat Boeh … Was the state champion in the shot put. Personal: Son of Gregory and Patricia Blakesley.
Russell Brorsen
DE, 6-4, 235, Fr.-HS
Stillwater, Okla.
Stillwater HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Stillwater High School in Stillwater, Okla. … A first-team all-state selection by the Daily Oklahoman and the State High School Coaches Association … Named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the district … Was Stillwater High School’s Male Athlete of the Year … Recorded 287 career tackles, including 46 behind the line of scrimmage … Collected 34 quarterback sacks during his career … Was the school’s football player of the year as a sophomore … Earned varsity letters in football, wrestling and track for SHS … Helped the Pioneers to a second-place finish in the district as a senior … Placed in the state wrestling tournament as a sophomore and junior … Coached in football by Kirk Fredrich. Personal: Son of Wade and Kathy Brorsen.
*Paul Como
OLB, 6-2, 248, Jr.-TR
Dana Point, Calif.
Murrieta Valley HS/Saddleback College
At Saddleback College: Played two seasons for coach Mark McElroy at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif. … Earned second-team all-conference honors in 2004 … Helped the Gauchos to their first Mission Conference championship since 1996 and an 11-2 record as a sophomore … Accounted for 63 tackles during the 2004 season, including a team-high seven sacks and 19 tackles for lost yardage … Also forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbles, and batted down three passes. High School: A 2003 graduate of Murrieta Valley High School in Murrieta, Calif. … Was named MVP of the Southwestern League as a senior defensive lineman … Earned all-sectional honors and was named MVP of Division 5 … Scored 11 touchdowns and accumulated 850 rushing yards as a senior running back, but made his mark with 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss as a defender … Earned varsity letters in football and track for the Nighthawks … Coached in football by Wally Clark. Personal: Son of Ross Como and Kathleen Cullen.
*Jake Cox
OL, 6-5, 295, Jr.-TR
Marengo, Iowa
Iowa Valley HS/Iowa Central Community College
At Iowa Central CC: Played two seasons for coach Kevin Twait at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa … Earned Junior College All-American honors as a sophomore … Was a second-team all-conference selection in 2003 and and first-team member 2004 … Helped the team to back-to-back ICCAC conference championships … Key cog of the offensive line that blocked for a pair of 1,000 yard rushers and led the country in rushing during the 2004 season … Led the Tritons to the Graphic Edge Bowl at the UNI dome in Cedar Falls against Harper College in 2003 and 2004. High School: A 2003 graduate of Iowa Valley High School in Marengo, Iowa … Was first-team all-district as an offensive lineman in both 2001 and 2002 … Selected as the team’s most improved player prior to the 2001 season … Earned varsity letters in football, wrestling and track for the Tigers … Coached in football by Chuck Kyte. Personal: Son of Emmett Cox and Paula Schropp.
Alex Hanson
PK, 6-0, 180, Fr.-HS
Ankeny, Iowa
Ankeny HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Ankeny High School in Ankeny, Iowa … Named first-team All-CIML as a kicker … Selected to the Central Iowa ESPN Radio All-Star team … Named second-team All-State by the Des Moines Register and the Iowa Newspaper Association … Earned varsity letters in football, wrestling and soccer for AHS … Helped the team to a pair of conference titles and two appearances in the semifinals of the state football tournament … Connected on 47-of-48 point-after-tries as a senior … Collected 39 touchbacks on kickoffs during the season … Had a season-long 47 yard field goal in 2004 … Helped the Hawks to a 20-4 overall record during his junior and senior seasons … Coached in football by Jerry Pezzetti. Personal: Son of Mark and Janice Hanson.
James Holt
S, 6-3, 200, Fr.-HS
Altus, Okla.
Altus HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Altus High School in Altus, Okla., … Named to the All-Area team after junior and senior seasons … Garnered all-state honors and was named the District I Offensive Player of the Year in 2004 … Earned varsity letters in football, basketball and track for the Bulldogs … Coached in football by Jim Holloway … Helped the track team to a 5A state championship as a junior … A member of the school’s academic honor roll. Personal: Son of Valerie Holt … Father, Steve McKeaver, played football for the Cincinnati Bengals and at Oklahoma.
Bobby Johnson
DT, 6-3, 270, Fr.-HS
Kansas City, Mo.
Westport HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Westport Senior High School in Kansas City, Mo. … Named first-team All-Interscholastic League and was an all-state selection at defensive end … Earned all-district honors as a defensive tackle … Coached in football by Jimmie Warren … Helped the Tigers to four straight district championships … Earned four consecutive conference championships … Collected 10 total tackles including seven sacks against Central High School in 2004 … A member of the school’s academic honor roll. Personal: Son of Patricia Rogers … Uncle, Clay Johnson, played in the NBA for several different teams.
Kerry Meier
QB, 6-3, 208, Fr.-HS
Pittsburg, Kan.
Pittsburg HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, Kan. … Named first-team All-Southeast Kansas League as a quarterback and a punter in both 2003 and 2004 … An all-state selection at quarterback by the Kansas Football Coaches Association as a senior … Also named to the KFCA’s Top 11 … Named to the All-Area team by the Joplin Globe … Ranked as the 13th best high school senior quarterback in the nation by Superprep Magazine … Connected on 72-of-151 passes for 930 yards and nine touchdowns in 2004 … Accumulated 634 yards rushing, scored nine touchdowns on the ground and averaged 40.3 yards per punt in 2004 … Led the PHS Dragons to the sectional championship as a junior and senior … Coached in football by Merle Clark … Also a standout basketball performer. Personal: Son of Dennis and Valerie Meier … Three brothers, Shad (Kansas State), Adam (Pittsburg State) and Dylan (Kansas State) all played football at the collegiate level … Shad is currently with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.
*Brian Murph
WR, 6-1, 185, Jr.-TR
Marston, Mo.
New Madrid County HS/Butler County Community College
At Butler County CC: Played two seasons for coach Troy Morrell at Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kan. … Ranked among the top junior college players in the nation by Superprep Magazine … Led the Grizzlies to the national championship game during both of his seasons and won the NJCAA title as a freshman … Helped the team capture a pair of Jayhawk West Conference championships … Played in all 12 games as a sophomore and finished third on the team with 20 catches for 396 yards … Led all receivers with six touchdown catches in 2004 … Also served as Butler County’s punt returner and averaged 11.9 yards per return during his sophomore campaign. High School: A 2002 graduate of New Madrid County High School in New Madrid, Mo. … Earned varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball for the Eagles … Coached in football by Arlen Pixley. Personal: Son of Marilyn and Willie Jimerson.
Raimond Pendleton
WR, 5-10, 180, Fr.-HS
Garland, Texas
South Garland HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of South Garland High School in Garland, Texas … Named first-team All-State as a wide receiver in 2004 … Was an all-district wide receiver after his junior and senior seasons … Named the Offensive MVP after the 2004 season … Named MVP of the Coca-Cola All-Star game as a senior … Earned Sophomore of the Year honors following the 2002 football season … Top game as a senior saw him haul in 14 catches for 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Plano West … Earned varsity letters in football and basketball for the Colonels … Led the football team to league titles in 2003 and 2004 … Coached in football by Mickey Moss. Personal: Son of Michael and Terry Pendleton … Father, Michael, played cornerback for the University of Indiana and for the Miami Dolphins … Grandfather played football for Indiana and for the Baltimore Colts.
Angus Quigley
RB, 6-2, 210, Fr.-HS
Cleburne, Texas
Cleburne HS
High School: Explosive running back is a 2005 graduate of Cleburne High School in Cleburne, Texas … Named a second-team all-district running back by the Abilene Reporter-News in 2004 … Earned all-county honors following his senior season … Gathered varsity letters in football, basketball and track for the Yellow Jackets … Once rushed for 234 yards and four touchdowns in a single game … Returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown in a game against Midlothian HS … Coached in football by Mickey Finley. Personal: Son of Tammie Hemlee.
Jose Rodriguez
OL, 6-6, 255, Fr.-HS
LaPuente, Calif.
Bishop Amat HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, Calif. … Was named first-team All-San Gabriel Valley as a senior offensive lineman … Earned varsity letters in football and basketball for the Lancers … Coached in football by Mike DiFiori. Personal: Older brother, Cesar, is also an offensive lineman for the Jayhawks and started eight games during the 2004 season as a redshirt freshman … Son of Ben and Lupe Rodriguez.
Jake Schermer
LB/S, 6-2, 200, Fr.-HS
Nixa, Mo.
Ozark HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Ozark High School in Ozark, Mo. … Was named all-district and all-state as a senior … Earned All-Central Ozark Conference honors for three years … Earned varsity letters in football and basketball for OHS … Left Ozark as the all-time leading tackler in school history … Led the football team to conference championships in 2003 and 2004 … Helped the Tigers to a district title as a senior … Coached in football by Chris Allison. Personal: Son of Bob and Debra Schermer … Father, Bob, played football at SMS.
Darrell Stuckey
DB, 6-1, 183, Fr.-HS
Kansas City, Kan.
Washington HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Washington High School in Kansas City, Kan. … Was named Offensive Player of the Year and team MVP for the Wildcats after both his junior and senior seasons … An all-state defensive back as a senior … Earned All-Metro honors in 2004 … Selected to participate in the 2005 Kansas Shrine Bowl … Collected 176 tackles and had nine interceptions on defense … Scored 32 career touchdowns … Earned varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball and track for WHS … Helped the team to three-straight KCK League championships from 2002-04 … Coached in football by Darwin Franklin. Personal: Son of Michelle Foulks.
Justin Thornton
DB, 6-1, 185, Fr.-HS
St. Joseph, Mo.
Central HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph, Mo. … Named all-state as a wide receiver after senior season … Was named all-district, all-conference and all-city as both a wide receiver and defensive back in 2004 … Had 39 solo tackles and four interceptions, including three for touchdowns in 2004 … Collected 46 catches for 894 yards and 15 touchdowns during his senior season as a wide receiver … Also ran the ball for 205 yards and a pair of touchdowns … Best game was a six touchdown performance helping the Indians to a 56-30 victory against Oak Park … Earned 10 varsity letters in football, basketball and track for CHS … Coached in football by Tony Dudik … Also a standout track athlete and all-state hurdler. Personal: Son of Mitchell Thornton, Sr., and Tracy Turpin.
Jonathan Throneberry
DT, 6-3, 300, Fr.-HS
Lone Grove, Okla.
Lone Grove HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Lone Grove High School in Lone Grove, Okla. … An all-state selection as a senior … Was a member of the Daily Ardmoreite’s Super Team in 2003 and 2004 … Earned first-team all-state honors by the Daily Oklahoman … Was named a 3A All-Star … Had 80 tackles and five quarterback sacks in 2004 … Posted 60 pancake blocks on the offensive side of the ball … Finished fifth in the heavyweight division of the state’s powerlifting championships in 2004 … Earned a total of eight varsity letters in football and powerlifting … Coached in football by Kevin Foster … Named to the school’s academic honor roll. Personal: Son of Twyla Tolbert and Audie Throneberry.
Darius Warner
DE, 6-3, 245, Fr.-HS
Grapevine, Texas
Grapevine HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Grapevine High School in Grapevine, Texas … Participated in the 2004 Coca-Cola All-Star game … An all-district selection in 2003 … Earned varsity letters in football and track for the Mustangs … Coached in football by Gary Mullins. Personal: Son of Kevin and Janice Warner … Father, Kevin, played basketball at Southern University.
*Eric Washington
LB, 6-2, 220, Jr.-TR
Detroit, Mich.
Crockett HS/Minnesota West Community College
At Minnesota West CC: Played two seasons for coach Jeff Linder at Minnesota West Community College in Worthington, Minn. … Earned all-region and all-conference honors both years for the Blue Jays … Named second-team All-America and was the Region 13 Player of the Year as a sophomore … Recorded 257 total tackles and 20.5 quarterback sacks during his career. High School: A 2002 graduate of Crockett High School in Detroit, Mich. … Earned varsity letters in football and basketball for the Rockets … Helped the team to conference and district titles as a senior … Once recorded 17 tackles, three sacks and three forced fumbles in a single high school game … Coached in football by Steven McGee … A member of the school’s academic honor roll. Personal: Son of Linda Hobbs.
Adam Welty
OL, 6-6, 280, Fr.-HS
Newton, Kan.
Newton HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Newton High School in Newton, Kan. … Named to the Coaches All-State 5A football team … Earned all-state honors by HovpenSports.com … A first-team All-Ark Valley-Chisolm Trail League selection as a senior … Named to the All-State and All-Metro teams by the Wichita Eagle and the Topeka Capital-Journal … Was nominated to participate in the 2005 Kansas Shrine Bowl … Named the Offensive Lineman of the Year at Newton HS … Earned varsity letters in football and track and field for the Railroaders … Led the football team to the AV-TCL title in 2004 … Helped the team to a regional championship as a sophomore … Coached in football by Brent Glann … Finished first in the state’s powerlifting championship in the clean lift each of the last two years. Personal: Son of Tim and Julie Welty.
Jeff Wheeler
DE, 6-7, 240, Fr.-HS
Houston, Texas
Clear Lake HS
High School: A 2005 graduate of Clear Lake High School in Houston, Texas … Earned second-team all-state honors in Class 5A by the Texas Sports Writers Association … Was named first-team all-district as a senior defensive lineman … Named second-team All-Houston by the Houston Chronicle … Was the team’s defensive MVP and earned honorable mention all-league honors as a junior … Earned varsity letters in football, lacrosse and track and field for CLHS … Led the football team to district championships as a junior and senior … Helped Clear Lake HS to the state semi-finals in 2004 … Won the district championship in both the shot put and discus as a junior … Coached in football by Troy Addudell. Personal: Son of Carl and Joyce Wheeler … Sister, Lindsey, is a middle hitter on the volleyball team at Radford University.
*Wayne Wilder
DT, 6-3, 295, Jr.-TR
Forsyth, Ga.
Mary Persons HS/Garden City Community College
At Garden City CC: Played one season for coach Bob Larson at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kan. … Earned second-team all-conference honors on the defensive line in 2004 … Helped the Broncbusters to the second round of the Region VI playoffs before bowing to No. 1 Butler County CC … Collected 25 tackles, including eight stops behind the line of scrimmage … Spent two seasons at Georgia Military College (including a redshirt year) before transferring to Garden City CC. High School: A 2001 graduate of Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, Ga. … Earned team Defensive MVP honors as a senior … Rushed for 167 yards on 12 carries as a fullback against Monticello HS … Earned varsity letters in football, basketball and track for the Bulldogs … Was named MVP of the basketball team as a senior … Coached in football by Steve Chafin. Personal: Son of Anita Mathis and Wayne Wilder, Sr.
Arist Wright
LB, 6-0, 200, Fr.-HS
Houston, Texas
Alief Taylor HS
High School: Speedy linebacker is a 2005 graduate of Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Texas … Named first-team academic all-district after his senior season … Posted 259 total offensive yards in a game against Katy HS as a senior, including 124 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns … Earned varsity letters in football, baseball and track for ATHS. Personal: Son of Lash and Sandra Wright.
* Will participate in spring drills.
