Coach Andersen Presents #BuildTheDam16
February 03, 2016 | Football
Head coach Gary Andersen presents Beaver Nation with the 2016 football recruiting class. Access Signing Day Central for video, photos and more.
JUNIOR COLLEGE SIGNEES
Player | Pos. | HT | WT | Hometown | (JC/JC Coach) / (High School/HS Coach)
- David Fangupo | DT | 6-2 | 325| Kailua-Kona, Hawai'I | Cerritos JC/Frank Mazzotta | Kealakehe HS/Sam Papalii)
- Timmy Hernandez | WR | 6-1 | 190 | Phoenix, Ariz. | (Pima CC/Jim Monaco) / (Mountain Pointe HS/Norris Vaughan)
- Phillip Napoleon | DL | 6-5|290 | San Diego, Calif. | (Mt. San Jacinto CC/Casey Mazzotta) / (Helix HS/Troy Starr)
- Landry Payne | S | 6-1 | 205 | Maricopa, Ariz. | Pima CC/Jim Monaco)/Mountain Pointe HS/Norris Vaughan)
- Wesley Payne |LB | 5-11 | 210 | Maricopa, Ariz. | Pima CC/Jim Monaco)/Mountain Pointe HS/Norris Vaughan)
- Paisa Savea |DT | 6-4 | 290 | Layton, Utah | Snow JC/Britt Maughan)/Northridge HS/Erik Thompson
- Kyle White | RB | 6-0 | 205 | Montgomery, Ala. | (Orange Coast CC/Kevin Emerson) / (Macon East Academy/Glynn Lott)
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
Player | Pos. | HT, WT | Hometown | (High School) HS Coach
- Trevon Bradford | WR | 5-11 | 180 | Oregon City, Ore. | Oregon City HS Randy Nyquist
- Isaac Garcia | DE/OLB | 6-4 | 225 | Bellevue, Wash. | Bellevue HS Butch Goncharoff
- Andrzej Hughes-Murray | LB |6-3| 230 | Federal Way, Wash. | Federal Way HS John Meagher
- Gus Lavaka | OL | 6-4 | 350 | Kearns, Utah | Kearns HS Bill Cisper
- Mason Moran | QB | 6-3 | 195 | Gilbert, Ariz. | Chandler HS Shaun Aguano
- Tyson Penn |WR | 6-4 | 195 |Bellevue, Wash. | Bellevue HS Butch Goncharoff
- Artavis Pierce | RB | 5-11 | 195 | Lake Alfred, Fla. | Auburndale HS William Deeds
- Hamilcar Rashed |OLB |6-4 | 225 |Chandler, Ariz. | Chandler HS Shaun Aguano
- Joah Robinett |DE/OLB | 6-8 | 220 | Vista, Calif. | San Marcos HS Jason Texler
- Riley Sharp | TE/OLB | 6-5 | 220 |Salt Lake City, Utah | Skyline HS Justin Thompson
- Shemar Smith |OLB |6-2 |210 |Miami, Fla. |Jackson HS Earl Little
- Doug Taumoelau |OLB |6-2 |215 |Salt Lake City, Utah |Brighton HS Ryan Bullet
- Shurod Thompson |S |6-1 | 190|Antioch, Calif. |Liberty HS Jeff Walters
- Kenny Turnier |DE/OLB|6-4| 235 |Miami, Fla. |Miami Central HS Roland Smith
- Shemiah Unutoa-Whitson|DE/OLB|6-3|230 | San Bernardino, Calif. | San Gorgonio HS Ron Gueringer
- Christian Wallace |CB |6-3| 205|Sealy, Texas | Sealy HS Jason Holcomb
- Kevontre Whetzel |OLB|6-4|200 |Clearwater, Fla. |Countryside HS Eric Schmitz
- Kiahve Dennis-Lee |OLB|6-1|200|Oregon City, Ore |Oregon City HS Randy Nyquist *
- Luke Leonnig |LB|6-0|220|Eagle, Idaho | Eagle HS Paul Peterson *
*Preferred walkon
JUNIOR COLLEGE SIGNEES
David Fangupo, DT, 6-2, 325, Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i (Cerritos JC/Kealakehe HS)
Fangupo (pronounced Fawn-gu-po) … 247Sports three-star recruit … played as a lineman and running back in high school … multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers and interest out of high school and Cerritos Junior College … 49 tackles, including 12.5 for loss and 7.5 quarterback sacks last season … also had two blocked kicks, seven quarterback hurries, broke up three passes and had one interception … first team all-division both years at Cerritos … Cerritos won the conference title and qualified for the regional playoffs … originally signed with Hawai'i out of high school … Kealakehe High School head coach Sam Papalii on David as a senior, courtesy of Rick Reilly and ESPN.com – "I saw his light feet, his bounce, his acceleration, and I couldn't believe it. He's so explosive. He's such an athlete. He can dunk a basketball like it's nothing. So I knew if he could get beyond the line of scrimmage as a running back, he'd be a loooooooad to bring down” … two-time Big Island Interscholastic Federation First Team … led Kealakehe to the state title as a senior … led his club rugby team in Hawai'i to three state titles … three years to complete two years of playing eligibility.
Timmy Hernandez, WR, 6-1, 190, Phoenix, Ariz. (Pima CC/Mountain Pointe HS)
Three-star recruit by ESPN and rated as the No. 12 junior college wide receiver … first player in league history to earn All-ACCAC First Team on offense and defense … recorded 53 receptions for 849 yards, to lead the conference, and six touchdowns on offense in 2015 … registered 45 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown on defense … high school teammates with current Beaver Paul Lucas … earned All-Arizona, All-Division 1 and Section Defensive MVP honors at cornerback as a senior at Mountain Pointe … earned academic All-Arizona honors at wide receiver … Honor Roll student … pre-mechanical engineer major … his brother, Brian, played football at Utah (recruited by Gary Andersen) and for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins… arrives at Oregon State with four years to play three seasons … Coach Andersen on Timmy – “He's a talented receiver who is very competitive. He brings a lot of energy and excitement to the wide receiver group; he will make big plays for us.”
Phillip Napoleon, DL, 6-5, 290, San Diego, Calif. (Mt. San Jacinto CC/Helix HS)
Three-star recruit according to Rivals … Rivals top 100 junior college recruit in the nation … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … registered 43 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble and one interception in 2015 … recorded 41 tackles, including 12.5 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks in 2014 … nicknamed Leepo … arrives at Oregon State with three years to play two seasons … majoring in sociology … Coach Andersen on Phillip – “Phillip is a strong and physical athlete who had a lot of options (to play at this level), but chose Oregon State because he liked what he saw. He has great temperament and knowledge, and I look forward to him contributing right away.”
Landry Payne, S, 6-1, 205, Maricopa, Ariz. (Pima CC/Mountain Pointe HS)
NJCAA All-American, Western States Football League First Team, and Arizona Community College Athletic Association First Team … Rivals three-star athlete … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … made 54 tackles, five interceptions and six pass breakups last season … helped Pima to the Western States Football League title game … Pima recorded its best season ever in 2015 going 7-4 … attended Mesa Community College for two years … posted 55 tackles and four interceptions in his one playing season at Mesa … two years of eligibility at OSU to be completed in two seasons … among the state's best in the 110 meter and 300 meter hurdles as a senior at Mountain Pointe … Arizona Republic ranked Landry No. 7 on its all-time list of best players at Mountain Pointe HS, where as a senior he made 92 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss and seven quarterback sacks … also played running back at Mountain Pointe where he averaged 19.5 yards per carry as a senior … he and his brother Wesley earned Arizona Republic Second Team All-State in 2012 at Mountain Pointe … joins OSU with fellow Pima/Mountain Pointe receiver Timmy Hernandez and former Mountain Pointe teammate Paul Lucas.
Wesley Payne, LB, 5-11, 210, Maricopa, Ariz. (Pima CC/Mountain Pointe HS)
Rivals and 247Sports three-star athlete … National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … led the NJCAA for tackles with 149 and was the Western State Football League's Defensive Player of the Year … Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year … attended Mesa Community College for one year, making 130 tackles … 170 tackles as a senior at Mountain Pointe for a team that went 12-2 … East Valley Tribune Second Team in 2012 after setting the school record for tackles … joins OSU with fellow Pima/Mountain Pointe receiver Timmy Hernandez and former Mountain Pointe teammate Paul Lucas … two seasons of eligibility remaining to be completed in three years.
Paisa Savea, DT, 6-4, 290, Layton, Utah (Snow JC/Northridge HS)
Paisa Savea (pronounced pie-zuh saw-vey-ah) helped Snow to the Western State Football League title and the title in the Salt City Bowl in Kansas … Rivals, Scout and 247Sports three-star recruit … Snow was 10-1 last season and finished No. 2 in the country ... completed a two-year LDS Mission to central and southern California … two seasons of eligibility remaining to be completed in three years … also has played rugby and basketball … Honor Roll and National Honor Society member at Northridge HS … strong community service presence … from Rivals' Justin Rowland – “He plays low and with good leverage and will occasionally get a good pass rush up the middle even playing on a three-man line. But mostly he's good for occupying blockers and getting off blocks to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage in the run game. He takes good angles and Savea does a good job of wrapping up ball carriers in his vicinity” … Savea on his decision to attend OSU – “I really love the team, the coaches and where the college is located. It just feels like home.”
Kyle White, RB, 6-0, 205, Montgomery, Ala. (Orange Coast CC/Macon East Academy)
Three-star recruit by ESPN and 247Sports … ESPN top five national JC running back … earned second team all-conference both years at OCC … ran for more than 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in high school … played football, basketball and volleyball in high school … earned All-Metro honors in basketball … team captain in football and basketball … father, Mark, ran track and graduated from Oregon State … mother, Penny Lucas-White, is the head volleyball coach at Alabama State … has two years to play two seasons … pre-communication major … Coach Andersen on Kyle – “We are very excited to have Kyle arrive and compete at what will be a very competitive position this spring; he chose to attend Oregon State for the opportunity to play in the Pac-12 knowing that the competition will be fierce at the running back position this spring and into the season.”
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
Trevon Bradford, WR, 5-11, 180, Oregon City, Ore. (Oregon City HS)
Rivals, Scout, ESPN and 247Sports three-star recruit … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … considered the No. 6 recruit in the state of Oregon by Rivals, Scout, MaxPreps and 247Sports … Scout also has him ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver in the state … 2015 Mt. Hood Conference Offensive Player of the Year and earned first team all-conference on offense, defense and as a returner … Tacoma News Tribune Northwest Nuggets team member … 2015 Oregon 6A all-state first team at receiver and second team as a defensive back … recorded 60 receptions for 1,176 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior for the Pioneers … registered 980 receiving yards and 20 Touchdowns in 2014 … first team all-conference on offense and defense as a sophomore … earned second team all-league as a freshman at defensive back … two-time team captain … Oregon City head coach Randy Nyquist on Trevon – “Trevon is a fiery competitor with outstanding athleticism who has the ability to change the game every time he touches the ball. He is an outstanding young man in our school and community who leads by example” … Coach Andersen on Bradford – “Trevon is exactly what we are looking for as we build this program. He is tough, is a great student-athlete who expects to succeed at a high level on and off the field, and has a huge care factor for Oregon State.”
Isaac Garcia, DE/OLB, 6-4, 225, Bellevue, Wash. (Bellevue HS)
Rivals, Scout, and 247Sports three-star recruit … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … rated the No. 2 prospect in the state of Washington by Scout, No. 4 by 247Sports, and No. 5 by Rivals ... Scout ranks Garcia No. 20 on its top athletes in the west … KingCo All-League First Team … All-USA Western Washington First Team … led Bellevue to an 11-2 record in 2015 and to the state title game for the second straight year … 30 tackles, including 8.5 for loss and six quarterback sacks as a senior … also played tight end at Bellevue … member of Greg Biggins' West 150 roster … 247Sports ranked Garcia No. 21 in the nation in its 2015 preseason list of top weakside defensive ends … also competed in 200 and 400 meters in track and field … Garcia on his decision to attend OSU – “I chose this great university because I know it has all the right resources for me to achieve my goals/dreams, and because of Coach Andersen and the coaching staff” … contemplating majoring in business or political science.
Andrzej Hughes-Murray, LB, 6-3, 230, Federal Way, Wash. (Federal Way)
Andrzej (pronounced ON-jay) is a Rivals, Scout, 247Sports three-star recruit … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … Scout ranks him No. 5 on its list of top inside linebackers on the West Coast and No. 31 overall in the nation … All-USA Western Washington First Team … South Puget Sound League First Team … Tacoma News-Tribune All-Area Team and Northwest Nuggets team member … member of Greg Biggins' West 150 roster … three-year letterman in football and was the team captain as a senior … standout in wrestling and is currently ranked No. 1 in the state at 220 pounds after placing third as a junior at the class 4A level … two-year team captain in wrestling … from Scout – “Hughes-Murray is a classic physical inside linebacker who's best in stopping the run and plays really well sideline to sideline. His biggest strength is his ability to hit and end plays with his tackling ability and being able to chase down backs before bigger gains. He's a high-motored player with an edge to him and good leadership ability on the field” … Hughes-Murray on accepting his OSU scholarship offer – “I love Coach Andersen and what he stands for; he's the main reason I committed to OSU. He makes me feel like family, which is big for me. Plus, how the coaches describe the scheme and uses for me are all I could dream of. Lastly, I love Corvallis and the college town feel – it's really the best opportunity for me on and off the field” … active in community service, including traveling to Ecuador to assist in the construction of a school, and has served as a mathematics tutor at Federal Way HS … contemplating studying physical therapy or accounting.
Gus Lavaka, OL, 6-4, 350, Kearns, Utah (Kearns HS)
Gus Lavaka (luh-vah-kuh) originally signed an NLI with Hawai'i in 2012 … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … recently returned from his two-year LDS Mission to the Kingdom of Tonga … played on both the offensive and defensive lines in high school … named to 5A all-state second team by the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News … selected to Region 2 First Team on offense … earned all-league honors in football, wrestling and basketball … one of the state's top heavyweights in wrestling -- runner-up at the state meet in the 285-pound division as a junior … Coach Andersen on Gus – “Gus is a very strong and physical young man who has experience and a level of maturity that will help us immediately.”
Mason Moran, QB, 6-3, 195, Gilbert, Ariz. (Chandler HS)
Rivals, Scout, ESPN and 247Sports three-star recruit … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … considered the No. 6 recruit in the state of Arizona by Rivals … named 2015 Arizona Varsity Rivals Division 1 Offensive Player of the Year … received the National Football Foundation's Arizona Chapter High School Senior Quarterback Danny White Award … named the 2015 Arizona 24-7Football.com All-Division One Team quarterback … Rivals rates him the No. 18 dual-threat quarterback in the nation … first team all-region and all-state … all-region offensive player of the year … threw for 2,882 yards on 211-for-324 (.651) passing with 22 touchdowns, and rushed for 872 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior … earned all-section honors in 2013 and 2014 … named all-state in 2014 … also participated in track and field in the 400 meters, 200 meters and 1600-meter relay one season … Honor Roll student … Coach Andersen on Moran – “Mason is a young man who is scary for opponents as he can beat you with his brain, his legs and his arm. He had many options over time to go elsewhere, but he stayed committed to Oregon State and I commend him and his parents for honoring that commitment.”
Tyson Penn, WR, 6-4, 195, Bellevue, Wash. (Bellevue HS)
247Sports, Scout and Rivals three-star recruit rated among top 10 prospects in Washington … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … Tacoma News Tribune Northwest Nuggets team member … Scout on Penn – “Penn is one of the most athletically gifted prospects in the state. He can jump out of the gym and he's got enough speed to get down the field against any secondary” … All-USA Western Washington First Team as a senior … helped Bellevue to back-to-back state championship game appearances … elite national track athlete who owns five state championships entering his senior year – as a junior he won the triple jump (47-4 ¾) and high jump (6-8), as a sophomore the triple jump (49-2) and high jump (6-9), and as a freshman the high jump (6-8) … cleared 7-0 feet as a junior at the District meet.
Artavis Pierce, RB, 5-11, 195, Lake Alfred, Fla. (Auburndale HS)
Rivals and 247Sports three-star recruit … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … rated among the top 100 running back prospects in the nation … played in the Blue-Grey All-Star game in Tampa Jan. 9 … offensive MVP of the Blue-Grey Super Combine last June in Daytona Beach … four-year starter and two-year team captain … two-time all-county selection, including first team as a junior … all-region second team as a senior … Associated Press 5A All-State Honorable Mention as junior and sophomore … 2,076 career rushing yards with 18 touchdowns … Artavis is involved in local community service activities, including youth football … a sprinter on the track team (200 meters) and a small forward on the basketball team … Auburndale's William Deeds on Artavis-- “A great kid to coach and even better person/teammate. Art's leadership skills both on and off the field are second to none. As a player he is blessed with great size and speed. His vision as a running back is the best I have coached in 25-plus years. Oregon State is truly getting a complete package in Mr. Pierce. I hope your fans enjoy watching him run like the town of Auburndale did for the last four years.”
Hamilcar Rashed, OLB, 6-4, 225, Chandler, Ariz. (Chandler)
Rashed (pronounced Ruh-shed) is a Rivals, Scout and 247Sports three-star recruit … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … rated the No. 7 prospect in the state of Arizona by Rivals … first team all-state as a junior and senior … once had 10 sacks in a single game as a junior … 100 tackles, including 13 sacks as a senior … high school teammate of fellow Beaver freshman quarterback Mason Moran … youth football teammate of current Beaver Paul Lucas … started playing football at five years of age … Hamilcar's older brother is Beaver basketball incoming player Keondre Dew … Hamilcar on his decision to attend OSU – “I felt the family atmosphere that fits me perfectly and I'm ready to take on the challenges of the Pac-12 with my brother Keondre.”
Joah Robinett, DE/OLB, 6-8, 220, Vista, Calif. (San Marcos)
Rivals, Scout and 247Sports three-star prospect who received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … made 92 tackles with 8.5 sacks, forced four fumbles and blocked two field goals last season … also played tight end … selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-America Bowl … made 85 tackles with eight quarterback sacks as a junior … played basketball until his senior year … San Diego Section CIF Second Team last year … two-time all-academic team member … nominated for the National Football Foundation's Scholar Athlete Award … two-time first team all-league … helped San Marcos to the state playoffs as a senior … originally attended Dunlap High School in Illinois where he played quarterback and wide receiver … from San Marcos High School head coach Jason Texler – “Joah's integrity and character are every bit as big as he is (6'8”). As a head coach we have to deal with difficult players, parents and administrations -- individuals like Joah make it all worth it. He will be greatly missed” … Oceanside High School head coach Dave Rodriguez following a game against San Marcos last season, courtesy of the San Diego Tribune – “That kid (Joah) is a load. He's big, he's strong, and he's fast. He gets off the ball extremely well” … Robinett on his decision to attend Oregon State, courtesy of the San Diego Tribune – “I loved Corvallis. It's a real college town. They have a top-flight business school and they treated me like family on my visit. I got a peaceful, easy feeling there” … contemplating majoring in business marketing.
Riley Sharp, TE/OLB, 6-5, 220, Salt Lake City, Utah (Skyline HS)
Rivals, Scout and 247Sports three-star recruit … multiple scholarship offers … two-way player at Skyline HS … as a junior he made 57 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and had 1,032 receiving yards with 12 touchdowns … Salt Lake Tribune First Team All-State last season and Second Team as a junior … Desert News Second Team in 2014 and '15 … All-USA Football Second Team as a senior … all-region first team as a senior … for his final two prep seasons he scored 18 receiving touchdowns (school record) with 1,600 yards … for his three-year varsity career on defense he made 155 tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss and 10.5 quarterback sacks … team captain as a senior and was involved in numerous community service projects … 3.89 cumulative GPA … Riley on his decision to attend OSU – “Right from the start, I really could feel the love. I am blessed to be offered by such an excellent school. On my official visit driving into Corvallis, I could feel a different vibe, and then when I walked into the stadium I was overwhelmed by the fans and how supportive they are. I knew that OSU was the place for me in that moment. Not only is Oregon State a very prestigious school in the Pac-12, but I wanted to play somewhere where I'll be loved and supported by the coaching staff, fellow teammates, and especially the fans. I'm so excited for this opportunity I have and I can't wait to arrive in Corvallis. THANK YOU BEAVER NATION!”
Shemar Smith, OLB, 6-2, 210, Miami, Fla. (Jackson HS)
Shemar (pronounced shuh-mar) is a three-star linebacker according to ESPN … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … rated the No. 45 outside linebacker in the nation by ESPN … as a senior in 2015, named First Team All-Dade County and First Team All-District 16-5A after tallying 16 sacks … recorded 70 tackles, 18 sacks, three forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown as a junior … named the 2014 Miami Defensive Player of the Year … 2014 Miami Herald First Team All-Dade County … Coach Andersen on Smith – “Shemar is a very talented athlete who was highly recruited. He liked what he saw on his recruiting trip in terms of the community, the family environment and what this program is about. It is a great for him and we are excited to have him here.”
Doug Taumoelau, OLB, 6-2, 215, Salt Lake City, Utah (Brighton HS)
Taumoelau (pronounced Dao-moy-lao) … is a Rivals, Scout and 247 Sports three-star prospect … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … made 77 tackles with six quarterback sacks as a senior … 106 tackles over the last two seasons … also played fullback … helped Brighton advance to the state playoffs last season and was named the team's most outstanding defensive lineman … first team all-region his senior year … football team was 30-8 while a team member … four-year rugby player … team captain for Brighton's rugby team and was a four-year letterman … also plays for the Cannibals Rugby team that will play in tournament in Las Vegas next month … Brighton High School's Homecoming King … his older brother, Percy Taumoelau, was a four-year letterman offensive lineman at Utah (2010-13) … his uncle, Steve Kaufusi, is the defensive line coach at BYU … his uncle, Jason Kaufusi, is the defensive coordinator at Weber State … has numerous other relatives either active or are former college football, NFL and college basketball players, including Seattle Seahawk fullback Will Tukuafu … Doug on his decision to attend OSU – “I feel this school is a good fit for me, I want to be a part of and help build OSU's football program. I'm thankful that Coach Andersen and OSU have given me a great opportunity to further my education. I'm excited and can't wait to play some football."
Shurod Thompson, S, 6-1, 190, Antioch, Calif. (Liberty HS)
Shurod (pronounced sure-rod) Rivals, Scout and 247Sports four-star recruit … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … rated the No. 8 safety in the country, top 25 player in California and among the top 150 players overall in the nation … 247Sports No. 7 safety prospect … 2016 Semper Fidelis All-American bowl and International Bowl participant … cousin of current Beaver Xavier Crawford …played for the U.S. Under 19 National Team … transferred to Liberty High School and was eligible for just four games of his senior year … a sprinter on the track team … 122 tackles combined as a sophomore and junior with six interceptions … scored six touchdowns as a senior … also played receiver and running back … CIF North Section preseason first team as a junior … North Coast second team selection following his junior season … Thompson on his decision to attend OSU, courtesy of The Oregonian -- "Honestly, it was the coaching staff. I fell in love with the atmosphere and the facilities are awesome. The locker room is being built, and I'm excited to see how that's going to look. It's more than football. If I take football out of the equation, I could see myself there for four years … from Rivals' Blair Angulo after day one of the Semper Fidelis Bowl – “If you couldn't see the four-star safety, you could certainly hear him. Thompson was tremendous in pass coverage but also a nuisance on shorter routes and in run support. His awareness and leadership skills are impressive.”
Kenny Turnier, DE/OLB, 6-4, 235, Miami, Fla. (Miami Central)
Turnier (pronounced tern - yā) is a Rivals, Scout and 247Sports three-star prospect … rated the No. 64 defensive end in the country per 247Sports … received multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … playing his first football season ever, after competing in basketball for three years, he made 81 tackles, including 20 for loss and 17 quarterback sacks … helped Miami Central to the state championship (fourth straight year), a No. 2 ranking in the state and No. 14 in the nation … Beaver running backs coach Telly Lockette was Miami Central's head coach 2008-12 … two-year varsity basketball career averages of 10.5 points and 8.1 rebounds … Turnier on playing football for the first time, courtesy of The Oregonian – “When I first started playing football, Coach Lockette told me that I had potential. Over time he kept checking up on me. He was doing something other coaches didn't do. At the end of the season, he offered me."
Shemiah Unutoa-Whitson, DE/OLB, 6-3, 230, San Bernardino, Calif. (San Gorgonio HS)
Unutoa (pronounced Ooh-nuh-toe-ah)-Whitson is a Scout and 247Sports three-star recruit … multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … in 31 career varsity games he had 24 sacks and 20 quarterback hurries … played as a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid at San Gorgonio … played in the Inland Empire All-Star Game last month … Unutoa-Whitson on his decision to be a Beaver -- “I decided to attend Oregon State because I want to be that spark that ignites the potential that is on this team. We have the chance to do something great next year, and I want to be a part of it all” … helped San Gorgonio to the San Andreas League title … nominated for the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Team … 2014 and '15 San Bernardino Sun All-Area Team member … first team all-conference, All-CIF and all-area as a senior … member of the Polynesian Bowl “watch list” … Honor Roll student.
Christian Wallace, CB, 6-3, 205, Sealy, Texas (Sealy HS)
247Sports, Rivals and Scout four-star recruit with multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … ranked as the No. 6 “athlete” in the country and among the top 150 overall prospects … among the top 20 prospects in Texas … competed in The Opening Nike elite camps in 2015 in Portland and New Orleans … played running back and cornerback at Sealy … rushed for more than 1,000 yards with 10 touchdowns as a senior in leading Sealy to the second round of the class 4A playoffs … rushed for 278 yards on 33 carries in one prep game last season … one of 12 players on the Texas Team Elite roster … three-time all-district, including being named the Offensive MVP as a senior … a standout basketball player … member of the track team as a sprinter … from Sealy head coach Jason Holcomb – “Christian has good natural ability. He made a lot of explosive plays for us and has a big frame with big potential.”
Kevontre “Kee” Whetzel, OLB, 6-4, 200, Clearwater, Fla. (Countryside HS)
247Sports and Rivals three-star recruit with multiple Power 5 Conference scholarship offers … 100 career total tackles with 12 quarterback sacks … 1,609 career all-purpose yards, including 1,078 yards and 13 touchdowns receiving last season … from Scout's Corey Bender – “You have to like Whetzel's ability to roam sideline to sideline and wreak havoc in space at outside linebacker. The versatile standout plays with an impressive motor, and flashes nice burst and closing speed when pursuing the football as well. Whetzel also does a good job of breaking down in space and changing direction. This is a relentless edge rusher that certainly doesn't shy away from contact” … a quarterback on the junior varsity team … played basketball his sophomore and junior years … competed in the Blue-Grey All-America game in Jacksonville last month … sprinter and hurdler on the track team where he reached the regional finals … MVP of last December's Pinellas County All-Star Classic … 2015 Tampa Tribune Pinellas County First Team and 2014 Second Team … helped Countryside to a 9-2 record as a senior ... Kee on his decision to attend OSU – “I really didn't think I'd enjoy OSU as much as I did on my visit. I clicked naturally with the coaches and it felt great, which is why I committed. I see myself playing for a great coaching staff and alongside some great athletes at OSU. I'm so excited for this next chapter in my life -- I'm very blessed” … contemplated major is business.
Kiahve Dennis-Lee, OLB, 6-1, 200, Oregon City, Ore (Oregon City HS)
Kiahve (pronounced Key-ah-vay) is a preferred walkon who has signed a non-binding letter of intent to enroll at OSU … made 88 tackles with three interceptions last season … 100-plus tackles as a sophomore … helped Oregon City to the quarterfinals of last year's state playoffs … three-time Mt. Hood Conference First Team honoree … 2015 all-state second team … four-year letterman … Dennis-Lee on his skillset, courtesy of Northwest Elite Index -- “I played mostly in the middle because that's where my team needed me to play, but I'll probably move outside when I get to college. I think one of the biggest things about me, and what I do well, is that I play fast and that I have a really strong motor. I can rush the quarterback, I can stop the run and I can drop into coverage. I worked a lot on my coverages last summer and it has really helped me” … also a sprinter on the track team … Oregon City head coach Randy Nyquist on Kiahve – “Kiahve is a tremendous defensive football player with a nose for the football and knows how to finish when he arrives. Kiahve is a great young man who is extremely loyal.”
Luke Leonnig, LB, 6-0, 220, Eagle, Idaho (Eagle HS)
Luke is a preferred walkon who has signed a non-binding letter of intent to enroll at OSU … played in the 2015 Idaho East-West Shrine Game … 2015 first team all-state as a defensive lineman … three-year letterman in football, and track and field … one of the state's top athletes in the shot put and discus, winning the district championship as a junior … won the discus at the 2012 National Outdoor Junior Olympics in 2012 earning a gold medal … Idaho Freshman Track Athlete of the Year … two-time track team MVP … finished fifth in the discus at the 2015 Oregon Relays in Eugene … National Honor Society member … Honor Roll all four years at Eagle HS … three-year Southern Idaho Conference All-Academic team member for both football, and track … owns school records in the shot put and discus … multiple community service hours … contemplated major at OSU is kinesiology … Luke on his decision to attend OSU – “It has been a dream my entire life and I have always loved Oregon State. The school also offers the degree I'm interested in” … fifth generation family member to attend OSU … Eagle head football coach Paul Peterson on Luke – “Oregon State is getting a '100 percent Beaver' -- since grade school age playing at OSU has been his goal. Luke has prepared every day for this opportunity through his hard work in every aspect of his life. He makes every environment better because of his physical abilities and leadership.”
