POCATELLO, Idaho- As
Mike Kramer and his coaching staff went about their recruiting for the 2012 recruiting class the number one emphasis they had was finding help on the offensive line. That was remedied when the coaching staff added five offensive linemen in this year in this year's recruiting class. In all the Bengal coaches added 17 high school seniors to this year's recruiting class.
“The number one thing we were looking for on offense was immediate size and help on the offensive line," Kramer said. "We feel we were very successful in attracting a number of guys. This is the largest offensive line class we have ever signed. This is area we need to make most improvement in performance and growing our depth. The next area was attracting enough WR to have enough depth. Every one of these guys has an opportunity to play immediately.”
Also of note, this year's class included three kids from Ferris High School in Spokane, Wash., in
Cole Lemer,
Kurt Karstetter and
Drew Sharkey. Two Meridian High School players signed with the Bengals in
Cody Abbott and
Hayden Stout and four Highland High School players will join Idaho State next year in
Taison Manu,
Kai Campbell, Patrick Ryan and
Montana Gessell.
“We had pretty good focus by our coaching staff on recruiting particularly in Pocatello and Spokane where seven of our recruits come from two schools,” Kramer said. “We are not afraid to go other parts of country as witnessed by going to San Diego to Georgia.”
In all the Bengals added recruits from Alabama, Utah, California, Georgia, Idaho and Washington.
“It was an excellent job by our coaches but we are not done,” Kramer said. “We hope to sign an additional corner, one linebacker, two wide receivers, a tight end, an offensive linemen and a quarterback. All have been offered and are waiting achievement of Idaho State football academic standards.”
Here is a closer look at this year's signing class.
8:11 a.m.
The first National Letter of Intent has arrived.
DeShawn Perkins, 5-9, 185, DB, West Jordan High School, West Jordan, Utah, Fr.
Perkins was a four year starter at West Jordan High School where he earned all-conference all four years … two-year team captain … offensively had 169 receptions for 2,055 yards for his high school career … had 152 tackles and 17 interceptions in his four years of starring for West Jordan … mother is Parylee Perkins … was coached by Mike Morgan ... was recruited by Daniel Drayton.
Kramer on Perkins
“He is a very versatile athlete who will play corner or safety. He has great spacial awareness. You can see that in how he plays wide receiver and defensive back. He understands space. He never came off the field. He is very competitive. He plays with maturity and he has the ability to play for us immediately.”
8:16 a.m.
Colin Prestesater, 6-6, 285, OL, Crespi Carmelite High School, Encino, Calif. Fr.
Played for coach Jon Mack … two-year varsity starter at offensive tackle for Glendora and Crespi Carmelite High School … team went 7-3 in arguably one the toughest leagues (Serra) in the state of California … currently wrestling with a 22-9 record in the Heavyweight division … plans to major in business … son of Kevin and Leslianne Prestesater … had one older sister, Hannah who attends Texas … was recruited by Cal Poly, San Diego State and San Diego ... was recruited by Anthony Tucker.
Kramer on Prestesater
“Having played for a coach with national accolades we recognized that Colin's training has kick started him into a very fine college career. He is a long, rangy tackle type body with the ability to glide in pass protection. He has exceptional reach and length which makes him a
Nick Beckman type of offensive lineman for us. He has the ability to contribute right away.”
Kai Campbell 5-10, 185 WR, Highland High School, Pocatello, Idaho, Fr.
Was first-team all-league and second-team all-state as a wide receiver and returner … was the team's offensive player of the year … named the Idaho State Journal Offensive Player of the Year and to the all-area team … for his career had 96 carries for 606 yards and 10 touchdowns … had 137 receptions for 1,977 yards and 30 touchdowns … was the No. 2 ranked wide receiver in Highland High School history in receptions and No. 1 in kick return yards … son of Mark and Tracey Campbell … has two-younger brothers, Kekoa and Tama Lii … father Mark played football at Idaho State from 1989-90 … was recruited by Dartmouth, Air Force, Navy, Hawai'i, Weber State and Montana State ... was coached by Gino Mariani … has a 3.57 GPA and was three-year starter ... was recruited by Anthony Tucker.
Kramer on Campbell
“He is our first commit. He is an outstanding every down player with the ability to play inside and outside receiver. He is a mature competitor. Because of his association with our program he understands the nuances of what we expect on and off the field. He will contribute immediately.”
9:51 a.m.
Cole Lemer, 6-1, 190, DB, Ferris High School, Spokane, Washington. Fr.
Three-year letterwinner at Ferris High School where he played in over 40 varsity football games … first-team ALL-GSL in 2011 as a wide receiver and second-team All-GSL in 2010 as a linebacker … team won the 4A state championship in 2010 and placed second in 2009 … was invited to play in the East West Shrine game … as a senior had 20 receptions for 574 yards and seven touchdowns and 82 tackles, 11 being for a loss … as a junior at linebacker had 82 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and nine receptions for 226 yards and two touchdowns … competed on the track team … parents are Jason Lemer and Dionne Lemer … plans to major in business or communications … was coached by Jim Sharkey … was recruited by
Matt Troxel.
Kramer on Lemer
“He is a proven winner at the highest level of football in the state of Washington. He played a vital part of Ferris' run to state championship in 2010. His versatility as wide receiver and defensive back make him a candidate for a lot of positions other than safety. His versatility at those other positions makes him a strong candidate at safety.”
Kurt Karstetter, 6-2, 197, LB, Ferris High School, Spokane, Washington, Fr.
Played running back and linebacker at Ferris High School … earned first-team All-GSL as a linebacker in 2011 and second team as a junior … helped his team to the 4A state championship in 2010 and they were the 2009 runner ups … was a three-year letterman and starter … had 49 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two interceptions as a senior and had 35 carries for 180 yards and five touchdowns … most of his carries came on short yardage situations … played linebacker in 2010 and had 46 tackles and two interceptions … runs sprints and relays on the track team … ran an 11.4 in the 100m and was a two-year letterman and is a two-year letterman in basketball … parents Jerry Karstetter and Perrianne Karstetter … was recruited by
Matt Troxel.
Kramer on Karstetter
“He is an excellent student who had a remarkable career at Ferris High School. As Ferris rose to state prominence he was a sophomore starter who continued the programs dominance. He is a tough minded and hard minded competitor. He will compete to play right away. He has very impressive blood lines in his family with his father a division I athlete and older brother was a leading receiver at Washington State.”
10:30 a.m.
Xavier Finney, 5-11, 200, RB, EL Camino HS, Oceanside, Calif. Fr.
Rushed for 2,857 yards and 31 touchdowns in his career … earned 5 All-Avocado West honors … selected by teammates as a team-captain and offensive MVP two-years in a row … as a senior rushed for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns while earning first-team All-Avocado honors … rushed for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior, earning first-team All-Avocado West honors at running back and corner … as a sophomore rushed for 556 yards and 10 touchdowns and started at corner back and totaling 108 tackles … earned second-team All-Avocado West honors at running back and corner back … mother is Allison Finney … was recruited by Ryan Smaha.
Kramer on Finney
“He is a very rare three-year starter at tailback at one of nations most prestigious high school programs in one of the most prestigious areas. He is a proven performer and he will be expected to compete for playing time if not starting time in 2012. We liked his size because we wanted a bigger tailback then we have had in previous seasons.”
10:47 a.m.
Patrick Ryan, 6-3, 255, DL, Highland High School, Pocatello, Idaho, Fr.
Was a three-year starter at Highland High School where he helped lead his team to a 10-1 record as a senior … earned first-team all-district and All-Southeast Idaho and second-team All-Idaho as a senior … was a team-captain and named to the MVP of the Rocky Mountain Rumble this year … as a junior earned first-team All-Southeast Idaho and as a sophomore was named to the second-team … finished third in career tackles at Highland … parents are Kevin and Christy Jones … was recruited by
Matt Troxel.
Kramer and Ryan
“Through circumstance on the defensive line, scholarships opened late. We are proud that we were able to offer him an opportunity to play at Idaho State on full scholarship. He was very productive and very determined to be successful as a team leader. He is an excellent all-around athlete in football and baseball . His dad was a four-year starter here at Idaho State. At 255 pounds he has a chance to have an impact.”
11:08 A.M.
Broc Malcom, 5-11, 165, WR, Hanceville High School, Hanceville, Alabama, Fr.
Is a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track and field at Hanceville High School … played quarterback and defensive back and led his team to the first-ever undefeated regular season at 10-0 … averages 15 points a game for the basketball team … ran 22.85 in the 200m and is the 400 meter state champion clocking a time of 49.92 … parents are Randy and Julie Malcolm and was coached by Danny Miller … was recruited by Todd Bates.
Kramer on Malcom
“He is a very versatile two-way athlete. He has great awareness as a quarterback and defensive back. He is a mature athlete with above average body control. His willingness to go to school along ways from home indicates his maturity, stability and leadership potential.”
11:16 A.M.
Drew Sharkey, 6-2, 240, DL, Ferris High School, Spokane Washington, Fr.
Played his senior year at fullback, tight end, quarterback and on the defensive line … earned first-team AP all-state on the defensive line as a senior and first-team All-GSL as a junior and senior on the defensive line … four-year letterman and four-year starter … four-year letterman in wrestling and lettered in track and field … placed second in the 2011 4A State Track and Field Meet in the Discus with a throw of 159-06 … football team won the 4A GSL championship in 2011 and the state championship in 2010 … parents are Jim and Kelly Sharkey.
Kramer on Sharkey
“He is one of the exceptional athletes in the history of Ferris High School and the GSL in Spokane. He played a vital role in the rise of the Ferris program. He becomes the fourth member of the 2010 Ferris High School team to join our program. He has exceptional quickness, football quickness and hand quickness. He is a very strong athlete and he can play anyone of positions across defensive front.”
Devin Benjamin, 6-2, 175, WR, Sacramento High School, Sacramento, Calif. Fr.
Played for coach Paul Doherty … two-time first-team all-metro league as a wide receiver … awarded the teams most outstanding offensive player … in two-years he had 61 catches for 1,159 yards and 13 touchdowns … had two interceptions and a punt return for a touchdown … also had 21 carries for 121 yards and four touchdowns … forward on the Sacramento High School basketball team that is 16-5 … plans to major in sports medicine or exercise science … parents are Jarrel and Dytanya Benjamin … had one-younger brother, Cameron and one older brother Jarrel Benjamin III … recruited by San Diego, Lamar, Colorado State, Eastern Washington, Sacramento State and Idaho … was recruited by Anthony Tucker.
Kramer on Benjamin
“We discovered him during the week we played at Sacramento State. Coach Tucker saw him play and we have recruited him consistently since that moment and we have patiently waited his decision since he tripped in December. He will join a core of receivers with above average size.”
11:28 a.m.
Hayden Stout, 6-2, 185, RB, Meridian High School, Meridian Idaho, Fr.
Was a three-year starter at Meridian High School … earned 2011 5A All-Idaho first-team honors as a running back and was named to the 5A All-Southern Idaho Conference first-team … was the 2011 Idaho Statesman Athlete of the Week for the week of Sept. 12-17 for his 26 carries for 200 yard and four touchdown performance … competed on the track team in the 100m, 110m and 300m hurdles and the 4x400m relay team … is a three-year letterwinner in basketball … finished his career with 462 carries for 3,347 yards and 31 touchdowns … longest rush from scrimmage was 94 yards … had 151 yards receiving and five touchdowns … completed two passes for 81 yards … earned second-team all-conference honors as a junior and honorable mention as a sophomore … earned the 2009 and 2010 Academic All SIC Award (4.0 GPA) … parents are James and Christy and holds a 3.97 GPA … was recruited by Derrick Roche.
Kramer on Stout
“He is one of most productive players that has played in state of Idaho in last 10 years. He is another bigger running back who might see himself at linebacker. He is a proven winner who single handily carried his team to as many wins as they had this year. His intelligence level gives him an opportunity to play a lot of spots really fast.”
11:31 a.m.
Wesley Wingrove, 6-5, 305, OL, Hephzibah HS, Hephzibah, Georgia , Fr.
Was a three-year starter … has 79 inch wing span, bench presses 340 pounds and squats 475 pounds … was the leader of the offensive line for the past two seasons … started in the AAAA state playoffs as a sophomore and as a junior led the Rebels to within one-game of returning to the state playoffs … handled all long snapping duties … parents are Wayne and Vicky and was coached by Jon Bowen … was recruited by Rudy Griffin.
Kramer on Wingrove
“He is an extremely strong and talented two-way player from a part of the country we have recruited very strongly. Being from Rudy's (Griffin) old high school, coach Griffin had a good understanding of what it would take to be successful at Idaho State. He will challenge immediately for playing time. He is tough, fast and hard nosed.”
11:42 a.m.
Taison Manu, 5-9, 180, DB, Highland High School, Pocatello, Idaho, Fr.
Was a two-sport star in football and basketball … two-year letterman and starter for Gino Mariani in football at strong safety … as a senior had 85 tackles and four interceptions … named Class 5A 5th/6th District Defensive Player of the Year … selected to the Idaho 5A all-state second-team … had 90 tackles and one interception as a junior … parents are Tony and Kim Manu … was recruited by Daniel Drayton.
Kramer on Manu
“He is very similar to some of the storied big sky safeties I have coached in my career particular Kane Ione. He is aggressive, smart, confident and accelerates into his tackles. With the injury to
Cody Sorensen he finds himself in a two-deep position already.”
Matt Lewis, 6-4, 295, OL, Judge Memorial High School, Salt Lake City, Utah, Fr.
Was a three-year starter and played both ways … competed in the Simplot games here at Idaho State for past three years … mother is Cindy Lewis and boasts at 3.0 GPA … was recruited by
Don Bailey.
Kramer on Lewis
“He is a strong, mobile and versatile offensive lineman that can play center. He will have to make a lengthy transition in his play from a run heavy offense to pass oriented offense. He has excellent footwork and balance. He already possesses the size to be an impact player on our front.”
12 p.m.
Montana Gessell, 6-3, 300, OL, Highland High School, Pocatello, Idaho, Fr.
Was a two-year starter at Highland High School … named to the first-team all-district as a junior and senior offensively … named to the 2011 Idaho State Journal all-area first-team … led team to a 10-1 record as a senior … parents are Brett and Kris Gessell … has three sisters, Heather, Kelsey and Emilee … Heather and Kelsey are graduates of Idaho State … holds a 4.0 GPA … will major in Pre-Med with the ultimate goal of being an Orthopedic Surgeon … was recruited by Derrick Roche.
Kramer on Gessell
“Montana had a unique opportunity of being the only person we recruited on campus on Jan. 21-22. He is dedicated to his academic future and has a very accurate perspective on being a competitive athlete in his drive to become a physician.”
12:45 p.m.
Cody Abbott, 6-3, 277, OL, Meridian HS, Meridian, Idaho, Fr.
Earned first-team all-state honors and All-SIC … played in the all-star game … boasts a 3.85 GPA and was a team-captain … parents are Shawn and Kevin … plans to major in Engineering … was recruited by Derrick Roche.
Kramer on Abbott
“He was a very consistent and sturdy performer at Meridian where he was a dominant player through-out his career. He has good footwork and balance. Because of his size we are already able to project him into our two-deep.”
1:25 p.m.
Marcus Reaves, 6-1, 185, WR, Clay Chalkville High School, Birminham, Alabama, Fr.
Had over 2,300 all purpose yards as a two-year starter at 6A Clay Chalkville High School ... played running back and wide receiver and led the Cougars to a 10-0 regular season record this season ... was Birmingham All Metro Team and honorable mention all-state performer ... parents are Darrin & Chrystal Reaves ... was coached by Jerry Hood ... had 115 rushes for 686 yards, good for an average of 6.0 yards a carry ... caught 29 passes for 353 yards and returned nine kickoffs for 215 yards ... scored 12 touchdown's as a senior ... was recruited to coach Todd Bates.
Kramer on Reaves
“He came to our attention in December. He is a long strider running back with the skill set more in line with our wide receiver play. This week after watching video of him we decided to reduce scholarships at other positions to add to our wide receivers. With his height and size he can play right now.”
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