ACU makes big haul on signing day
2/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Wildcats make big haul on signing day
10 new wide receivers highlight largest class in years
ABILENE -- The ACU Wildcats had more than their share of trouble catching the football during the 2003 season.
Wildcat coaches hope they began to remedy the problem Wednesday when they signed eight high school wide receivers and added two transfer wide receivers on national signing day, the first day high school players can sign binding national letters-of-intent with colleges and universities.
The 10 receivers are part of a class of 39 players the Wildcats added to their roster for the 2004 season. Of those 39, 34 are high school signees and five are four-year college or junior college transfers.
"We really feel like this is a tremendous class," said ACU head coach Gary Gaines, who has led the Wildcats to back-to-back 6-4 records. "Aside from our punting and kicking games, we were able to add quality players at just about every position.
"We obviously had some trouble catching the football last year, so hopefully some of the guys we signed and got by transfer can really make some plays and help us," said Gaines, who last year watched his receiving corps struggle to consistently catch the football. "That group as a whole has some guys with speed who can go catch the football."
Leading the list from the high school ranks are former Abilene High standouts Turtle Conner and Jerale Badon. Conner last year was named first team all-District 3-5A and second team Class 5A all-state by the Associated Press. Badon, who signed with ACU last year but had to re-sign this year after spending last fall at Cisco Junior College in Abilene, finished his career with 116 catches for 1,853 yards and 17 touchdowns and was named first team all-state in 2002.
Another prep receiver who might make a difference with his speed is Tyjuan Manning of Corsicana, the uncle of ACU's Danieal Manning, who was a third team all-America in 2003 as a freshman. Tyjuan Manning had 23 catches for 370 yards and eight touchdowns last season, earning first team all-District 16-4A honors. The Wildcats also signed Danieal Manning's brother, Jonte Manning, a second team Class 4A all-state defensive back at Corsicana.
The biggest catch for the Wildcats at receiver, though, could be Warren Rogers, a transfer from Santa Monica (Calif.) Community College. Rogers originally signed with UCLA out of Junipero Serra High School in Los Angeles and ran track with the Bruins as a freshman in 2000. Rogers, who was the nation's top prep sprinter as a senior in 1999-2000, ran on the Bruins' 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams, and also ran the 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters.
"Warren can really fly and get down the field and make plays," Gaines said of the receiver who might also see some time in an ACU track and field uniform. "He's got the ability to stretch out a defense like no one we've had here in a while."
The Wildcats also got transfer wide receiver John Brock from Rice, who signed with the Owls out of Spearman High School. Brock was the Amarillo Globe-News' Player of the Year in 2001 after racking up 2,500 all-purpose and 32 touchdowns.
The Wildcats also did extremely well on the local front, signing six players from the Big Country, including Badon and Conner. Other area standouts signing with the Wildcats were running back Jacobie Russell of Colorado City, defensive lineman Ted DeVries of Dublin and offensive lineman Garrett Carpenter of Clyde and Terry Smith of Jim Ned, who played running back for the Indians but will probably move to receiver for the Wildcats.
Russell ran for 2,054 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior in 2003 and was named first team Class 2A all-state, while Smith ran for 1,908 yards and 28 touchdowns and was named second team Class 2A all-state after leading the Indians to the Class 2A Division I state championship game.
"There were some good players in the area this year, and we're glad we got a few of them," Gaines said. "We're excited to have Jacobie and Terry, because we feel like that, in time, both of those guys will be playmakers for us."
The Wildcats also did well on the defensive side of the ball, especially at linebacker where Ty Kuhn of Burnet, Michael Kern of Leander, Matt Koenig of Plano West, Mason Pierce of Patton Springs, Sy Slover of Panhandle and Cody Stutts of Mesquite signed with the Wildcats.
Kuhn was the AP Class 3A Defensive Player of the Year in 2003, helping the Bulldogs to a 14-1 record and their second straight Division I runner-up finish. Stutts was a two-time first team all-district player who played for the Skeeters' 2001 15-0 Class 5A Division I state championship team.
"Kuhn and Stutts are two really fine football players, and both have a chance to play and contribute as freshman," Gaines said. "But those aren't the only two good players we signed at that position; I really like all of those guys and believe they'll contribute to a lot of great things here before they're finished."
The Wildcats also signed five defensive linemen and had one transfer to the defensive line, shoring up an area that was hit hard by graduation. DeVries was an all-state defensive lineman at Dublin, as was Jacob Passmore at Dayton. Dallas Carter graduate Darryl Freeman also transferred to ACU from Trinity Valley Community College where he was an all-conference defensive tackle.
ACU coaches hit the Texas Panhandle hard, and came away with two of the best offensive players in the area in Panhandle quarterback Brock Sherwood and Plainview running back Taber Minner. Sherwood threw for 3,653 yards and 42 touchdowns as a senior after throwing for 1,834 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior. He was named the Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame football Athlete of the Year, and was a finalist for Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine Class 2A Player of the Year.
Minner led Class 4A in rushing as a junior in 2002 with 2,104 yards, and he followed that with another 2,000 yards as a senior in 2003 and second team all-state honors.
The Wildcats were also able to sign quarterback Nick Bird of Lake Travis High School, who threw for 2,384 yards as a senior after throwing for 2,140 yards as a junior at Mission High School. He led Central Texas in passing last year, and finished his career with 5,681 yards passing and 46 touchdowns. He is from the same high school as current ACU quarterback Greg Wiggins, who enters his senior season as the Wildcats' starting quarterback.
Overall, one of the biggest signing classes in ACU history could well go down as one of the best.
"We filled a lot of holes with this signing class," Gaines said. "We'd like to redshirt a lot of them, but there are a few who will be too talented to keep off the field and will play as true freshmen.
Here's a quick glance at the players the Wildcats signed Wednesday:
HIGH SCHOOL
Jerale Badon, WR, 5-11, 175, fr, HS, Abilene (Abilene HS) - Signed in 2002, but re-signed after spending the fall semester at Cisco Junior College ... 1st team Class 5A all-state by the Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association. ... 66 catches for 1,168 yards and 11 TDs in 2002. ... Named to Abilene Reporter-News' All-Big Country Super Team in 2001 and 2002.
Nick Bird, QB, 6-2, 195, fr, HS, Austin (Lake Travis HS) - Threw for 5,681 yards and 46 touchdowns in his career. ... As a junior in 2002, he threw for 2,140 yards and 19 touchdowns at Mission High School, earning second team all-district honors. ... Led Mission to an 11-2 record and a state quarterfinal playoff appearance. ... As a senior at Lake Travis High School, threw for 2,384 yards, leading Central Texas in passing yards.
Garrett Carpenter, OL, 6-5, 275, fr, HS, Clyde (Clyde HS) - First team all-district and team captain as a senior. ... Graded out at 85.7 percent by coaches, recording 45 "pancake" blocks during season. ... An Abilene Reporter-News all-Big Country selection as a senior.
Cody Collins, DB, 6-0, 160, fr, HS, Plainview (Plainview HS) - Three-year letterman for the Bulldogs. ... Second team all-district as both a junior and senior. ... Helped lead the Bulldogs to a 10-3 record as a senior.
Turtle Conner, 5-9, 165, fr, HS, Abilene (Abilene HS) - Caught 63 passes for 859 yards and 10 touchdowns to lead the Eagles to their fifth straight playoff appearance. ... Was named second team Class 5A all-state by the Associated Press, and first team all-District 3-5A. ... Also named to the Abilene Reporter-News' Class 4A-5A team and the ARN's Big Country Super Team.
Ted DeVries, DL, 6-0, 225, fr, HS, Dublin (Dublin HS) - Coaches call him a "football player with a mean streak." ... Second team Class 2A all-state as a senior. ... Second team academic all-state. ... Four-time first team all-district player who was the district's defensive MVP as a senior. ... As a senior he recorded 92 tackles and 13 sacks to go along with 750 rushing yards and 13 TDs.
Sean Feasel, DB, 6-1, 195, fr, HS, Fort Worth (Christian HS) - All-district performer for the Cardinals. ... Played for former ACU all-America Kenny Davidson, and his father is former ACU all-America offensive lineman and NFL veteran Grant Feasel.
Jonathan Ferguson, WR, 6-2, 185, fr, HS, Belton (Belton HS) - Enjoyed a stellar career at Belton where he was a three time all-district performer. ... Lettered in football three years and in basketball he was a two-year letterinner.
Ben Gamron, TE, 6-2, 230, fr, HS, Trophy Club (Justin Northwest HS) - Caught 46 passes for 951 yards and three TDs in the last two seasons. ... First team all-district as a senior, second eam all-district as a junior. ... Fortune football all-America tight end as a senior. Selected to play in the Classic Football All-Star Game in Tampa, Fla., and the East-West Coca-Cola All-Star Game in Denton.
Charles Hasley, DB, 6-0, 175, fr, HS, Carrollton (Lewsville Hebron HS) - Led team to 8-4 record as a senior, and was named academic all-state. ... Caught six passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns and had 22 tackles and 2 INTs as a senior before breaking his leg early in the season. ... Selected to play in the East-West Coca-Cola All-Star Game in Denton.
Dominic Jackson, DL, 6-2, 215, fr, HS, Plainview (Plainview HS) - One of five Plainview players to sign with ACU. ... First team Class 4A all-state by Associated Press. ... 125 tackles and 17 sacks for the Bulldogs as a senior. ... Plainview finished 10-3, reaching the Class 4A Division I semifinals.
Jonathan Jordan, DB, 5-11, 160, fr, HS, Plainview (Plainview HS) - First team all-district as a senior, helping the Bulldogs to a 10-3 record and spot in the Class 4A Division I semifinals. ... Honorable mention all-district as a junior.
Shelby Kaiser, OL, 6-3, 305, fr, HS, Waco (Waco HS) - One of the top offensive linemen in the Central Texas region. ... First team all-district and first team Super CenTex by the Waco Tribune-Herald. ... Three-year letterman for the Lions who started on 11-1 team as a junior.
Michael Kern, LB, 6-1, 210, fr, HS, Leander (Leander HS) - One of the top two-way players in Central Texas. ... As a junior he had 120 tackles and was named first team all-District 14-5A. ... As a senior, he moved to running back and rushed for 2,400 yards and 35 TDs, earning second team Class 5A all-state honors by the Associated Press. ... First team Super CenTex by the Waco Tribune-Herald.
Matt Koenig, LB, 6-1, 220, fr, HS, Plano (Plano West Senior HS) - First team all-District 9-5A, and first team all-Collin County as a senior. ... Played for teams that finished 5-5 in 2002 and 7-3 in 2003. ... Honorable mention all-District 9-5A as a junior.
Ty Kuhn, LB, 6-1, 200, fr, HS, Bertram (Burnet HS) - Class 3A Defensive Player of the Year by Associated Press. ... First team all-state in 2002 and 2003, helping Bulldogs to 28-2 overall record and back-to-back Class 3A Division I runner-up finishes. ... Finished senior season with 222 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 4 fumble recoveries, 6 caused fumbles, 8 sacks, 6 passes broken up and 2 interceptions. ... First team all-state by Texas Sports Writers Association. ... First team all-District 25-3A and all CenTex by Waco Tribune-Herald.
Jonte Manning, DB, 6-1, 190, fr, HS, Corsicana (Corsicana HS) - Brother of ACU all-America defensive back Danieal Manning. ... Second team Class 4A all-state by Associated Press as a senior. ... 76 tackles, 4 INTs, 1 fumble recovery, 2 caused fumbles and six pass breakups as a senior. ... Also returned 11 kickoffs for 325 yards and 1 TD (90 yards vs. Waco University). ... Honorable mention all-state as a junior.
Tyjuan Manning, WR, 6-3, 190, fr, HS, Corsicana (Corsicana HS) - Uncle of ACU all-America defensive back Danieal Manning. ... 23 catches for 370 yards and 8 TDs as a senior. ... First team all-District 16-4A.
Taber Minner, RB, 5-11, 185, fr, HS, Plainview (Plainvew HS) - One of five Plainvew Bulldogs to sign with ACU. ... The first running back in school history to rush for 2,000-plus yards in back-to-back seasons. ... Led Class 4A in rushing with 2,104 yards in 2002, earning first team all-state honors. ... Recorded another 2,000-yard season as a senior in 2003, earning third team all-state honors and helping the Bulldogs to a 10-3 mark and a spot in the Class 4A Division I semifinals. ... As a junior he was named the Player of the Year by both the Amarillo Globe-News and Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
Chris Morris, WR, 6-1, 180, fr, HS, Kennedale (Kennedale HS) - Rolled up 2,266 total yards as a senior (1,007 receiving yards, 533 rushing yards, 726 return yards). ... Also picked off four passes as a senior at defensive back. ... Three-year letterman for a team that went 34-6 over the last three seasons. ... All-district wide receiver and defensive back as both a junior and senior. ... Selected to play in East-West Coca-Cola All-Star Game in Denton.
Jacob Passmore, DL, 6-0, 275, fr, HS, Dayton (Dayton HS) - One of the top defensive linemen in the greater Houston area as a senior. ... Named second team Class 4A all-state by the Associated Press. ... As a senior he recorded 78 tackles, 10 sacks and 10 quarterback pressures.
Mason Pierce, LB, 6-3, 195, fr, HS, Afton (Patton Springs HS) - One of the top Six-Man players in the state as a senior. ... As a senior, he had 103 tackles on defense, and offensively he rushed for 1,992 yards and 40 touchdowns, while throwing for 449 yards and 7 TDs. ... Named first team all-state running back by the Six Man Coaches' Association.
Jeremy Rankin, WR, 6-3, 185, fr, HS, Killeen (Shoemaker HS) - First team all-district as a senior in 2003. ... Caught 34 passes for 544 yards and 6 TDs as a senior.
Shaunacy Ray, DB, 6-0, 180, fr, HS, Plainview (Plainview HS) - One of five Bulldogs to sign with ACU. ... Started in the secondary for the Bulldogs, who finished 10-3 and reached the Class 4A Division I semifinals.
Jacobie Russell, RB, 5-11, 190, fr, Colorado City (Colorado City HS) - Rushed for 2,054 yards and 30 TDs as a senior, earning first team all-district and first team Class 2A all-state honors. ... Rushed for more than 4,000 yards in four years at Colorado City.
Jake Schutter, TE, 6-5, 210, fr, HS, Copperas Cove (Copperas Cove HS) - Only played one season of football after playing three seasons of basketball. ... Averaged 20 yards per catch, and caught four touchdown passes for the Bulldogs. ... Named first team all-district.
Brock Sherwood, QB, 6-2, 220, fr, HS, Panhandle (Panhandle HS) - Threw for 3,653 yards and 42 touchdowns as a senior in 2003 to lead Panhandle to a 14-1 record and the Class 2A Division II semifinals. ... Named second team Class 2A all-state. ... Amarillo Globe-News Super Team Offensive Player of the Year. ... KGNC Radio/Sonic Scholar Athlete of the Year. ... Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame Football Athlete of the Year. ... Finalist for Dave Campbell's Texas Football Class 2A Player of the Year. ... District Offensive MVP as both a junior and senior. ... Finished his career by completing 342 of 629 passes for 5,487 yards and 64 TD passes.
Christopher Stone, RB, 6-0, 185, fr, HS, Killeen (Shoemaker HS) - Over three years, rushed for 2,215 yards and 20 TDs on 261 carries. ... Rushed for 1,063 yards and 9 TDs on 135 carries as a junior. ... Named first team all-district as both a junior and senior.
Sy Slover, LB, 6-3, 205, fr, HS, Panhandle (Panhandle HS) - Honorable mention Class 2A all-state by the Associated Press. ... Played both running back and linebacker at Panhandle. ... As a junior he caught 50 passes for 730 yards and 8 TDs, and then added 1,284 yards and 11 TDs on 83 catches. ... At defensive back he recorded 151 tackles, 2 INTs and 3 fumble recoveries as a junior, and then 163 tackles, 2 INTs and 2 fumble recoveries as a senior. ... Three-time first team all-district performer. ... Named second team all-state at wide receiver by the AP as a junior.
Terry Smith, WR, 6-0, 175, fr, HS, Tuscola (Jim Ned HS) - Second team Class 2A all-state running back by the Associated Press. ... Rushed for 1,908 yards and 28 TDs as a senior, helping the Indians to a 14-1 record and Class 2A Division I runner-up finish. ... Also caught 17 passes for 187 yards and 2 TDs. ... Named to Abilene Reporter-News' Class 2A All-Big Country Team, and the All-Big Country Super Team.
Cody Stutts, LB, 6-1, 230, fr, HS, Mesquite (Mesquite HS) - Three-year letterman who played on the Skeeters' 15-0 Class 5A Division I state championship team in 2001. ... Led team with 83 tackles as a senior, giving him 180 for his career. ... Selected to play in East-West Coca-Cola All-Star Game.
Julius Thomas, DL, 6-4, 210, fr, HS, Temple (Temple HS) - Named Temple Daily Telegram co-Defensive Player of the Year. ... Recorded 97 tackles (23 for loss) and 2 sacks for the Wildcats. ... Named second team all-district.
Joseph Thompson, OL, 6-3, 260, fr, HS, Dallas (Dallas Lincoln HS) - Helped Lincoln finish 10-2 in 2003. ... Named first team all-district.
Cody Warner, WR, 5-10, 170, fr, HS, Bertram (Burnet HS) - Playing in Burnet's wide-open offense, Warner caught 60 passes for 1,068 yards and 12 TDs. ... He and Texas signee Jordan Shipley (son of former ACU head coach and Burnet head coach Bob Shipley) were the only players who started both ways each of the last three years. ... As a defensive back as a senior, he caught 105 tackles, picked off 9 passes, caused 6 fumbles, came up with 4 fumble recovers, returned 3 punts for TDs and 2 kickoffs for TDs. ... Named Super CenTex as both a wide receiver and defensive back.
TRANSFERS
John Brock, WR, 6-3, 190, soph, Tr, Spearman (Rice) - Brother of former ACU tight end Jordan Brock. ... At Spearman HS, he had more than 4,900 all-purpose yards and scored 65 TDs. ... All-state running back as a senior in 2001, and that same year was named the Amarillo Globe-News' Area Player of the Year. ... Last year at Rice he had 11 catches for 180 yards.
Darryl Freeman, DL, 6-3, 265, jr, T, Dallas (Trinity Valley CC) - Two-year starter at Trinity Valley Community College.
Tony Martinez, FB, 6-2, 250, jr, Tr, Dallas (Kilgore JC) - As a junior college fullback, started 12 games and was an honorable mention all-conference player as a sophomore. ... At Dallas Molina HS, he was first team academic all-state and was the valedictorian of his graduating class.
Warren Rogers, WR, 5-9, 175, jr, Tr, Los Angeles, Calif. (Santa Monica CC) - Caught 7 TD passes last year at Santa Monica Community College, and averaged 43 yards per kickoff return. ... Signed with UCLA out of Los Angeles Junipero serra High School as the nation's top prep sprinter in track and field. ... As a senior in high school, he caught 47 passes and 9 TDs, and also scored 2 TDs on punt returns. ... As a defensive back he had 5 INTs, 63 tackles and 19 pass breakups. ... Has personal bests in track and field of 10.32 (100 meters) and 46.2 (400 meters).
