Kramer Inks 'Big' Class
2/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
We added some big kids, we addressed some needs, but most importantly this is a very high-quality recruiting class, Kramer said of his fourth class as MSU’s head football coach. "There are no hidden hopefuls, no maybes, in this class. This isn’t the biggest class we’ve had in terms of numbers, but that allowed us to get strong reads on every single kid we signed in terms of character. There aren’t any partial scholarships or any reaches in this class. This is the kind of class, up and down the list, that I envisioned being able to attract to Montana State when I took this job."
Kramer addressed immediate needs by bringing receivers Ricky Gatewood and Eddie Sullivan and offensive lineman Rory Canfield to campus this semester. Each will participate in spring drills.
Three additional offensive linemen and a linebacker are expected to compete for starting honors when they enroll in the fall.
"We have an offensive line with four returning starters, and we were able to add to that four new offensive linemen who I also consider starters. That will give us a great situation in the offensive front."
The Bobcats attracted high school student-athletes from the familiar recruiting areas of Montana, California, Oregon, and Florida. Size is the primary characteristic of this class, with half of the 10 prep signings standing 6-3 or taller.
Jason Goodman of Great Falls CMR, MSU’s most high-profile in-state signing in the last 20 years, joins Harlowton’s Adam DeCock and Wibaux’s Travis Nellermoe as what Kramer believes is an outstanding trio of local recruits.
"I’m thrilled that we were able to attract three outstanding in-state players," Kramer said.
Kramer also said this year’s recruiting class is an exciting mix of skill and speed.
"We signed some players with outstanding speed, some with very good strength, but particularly we signed skilled, advanced football players. There are kids in this class that will compete for time right away."
Kramer indicated that MSU’s coaches will continue to recruit this spring, and could add another three or four players.
Transfers Already Enrolled:
Rory Canfield, OL 6-3 275 Jr San Diego, CA Helix Palomar JC
Ricky Gatewood, WR 6-0 190 Jr Richmond, CA Richmond Contra Costa College
Eddie Sullivan, WR 6-1 190 Jr Carlsbad, CA Carlsbad Palomar JC
Transfers to Enroll Next Fall:
Joaquin Echauri, OL (uh-CHAR-o) 6-4 285 Jr Napa, CA Napa Butte JC
Lawrence Figueroa, OL(fig-uh-RO-uh) 6-1 285 Jr Bakersfield, CA Bakersfield JC
Jason Gathing, LB (GAY-thing) 6-0 195 Jr Oak Grove, CA Del Oro American River JC
Chris Haynes, OL 6-3 255 Jr Canyon Country, CA Service College of the Canyons
High School Signees:
Cory Carpenter, QB 6-1 197 Fr The Dalles, OR The Dalles
Rick Coppack, QB (COPP-eck) 6-0 180 Fr Oceanside, CA Oceanside
Adam DeCock, OL 6-6 285 Fr Harlowton, MT Harlowton
Johnathan Edwards, LB 6-1 225 Fr Pompano Beach, FL Blanche Ely
Mike Feist, DL (like iced) 6-3 235 Fr Downey, CA Cathedral
Andre Fuller, DB 5-10 163 Fr Pompano Beach, FL Coconut Creek
Jason Goodman, TE 6-4 235 Fr Great Falls, MT CM Russell
Peder Jensen, OL 6-5 235 Fr La Costa, CA La Costa Canyon
John LeBrum, DB 5-11 175 Fr Ft. Lauderdale, FL Stranahan
Travis Nellermoe, DL 6-4 245 Fr Wibaux, MT Wibaux
MORE ON THE SIGNEES:
TRANSFERS ENROLLED AT MSU:
Rory Canfield, OL (6-3/275/Jr/--Palomar JC)
Started and earned all-conference honors for Palomar’s nationall-ranked team... helped lead team to 11-1 record in 2002. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Rory is an experienced starter for a nationally-ranked junior college program. He’s a little behind in his weight lifting because of some health issues related to a shoulder. He’s an excellent prospect with a redshirt available."
Ricky Gatewood, WR (6-0/190/Jr/Richmond, CA--Contra Costa College)
Earned first team all-conference honors last fall, finishing seventh among California JC players with 573 receiving yards... counted eight TDs among his 41 catches, averaging 71.6 yards a game and 6.1 yards a catch. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Ricky has good size and exceptional speed. He gives us big-play capability."
Eddie Sullivan, WR (6-1/190/Jr/Carlsbad, CA--Palomar JC/Carlsbad HS)
Was a JC Gridwire Second Team All-America last year... caught 55 passes for 848 yards... was California’s Co-Offensive MVP. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Kolby’s addition to our team will have an immediate impact at tight end. He’s a little undersized, but he is a great athlete with superior pass-catching skills. We have injury troubles at tight end, so Kolby and Blake Wolf give us good options going into spring ball."
TRANSFERS TO ENROLL AT MSU NEXT FALL:
Joaquin Echauri, OL (6-4/285/Jr/Napa, CA--Butte JC)
Started for a nationally-ranked JC squad this fall that finished 11-1... was named NorCal Division All-Conference first team... was also Butte’s most valuable offensive lineman. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Joaquin Echauri will definitely compete for a starting spot at right tackle right away. He is a gifted player who can play any position on the offensive line. He was a two-year starter in a very sophisticated program. He’s a knowledgeable and serious-minded guy who fits us like a glove."
Lawrence Figueroa, OL (6-4/285/Jr/Bakersfield, CA--Bakersfield JC/Bakersfield)
Was a two-year starter at Bakersfield JC... triggered a complex offensive system. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "I expect Lawrence to come in and compete with Nic Stevenson for the starting center spot or at either one of the guard positions. I consider Lawrence a starter, a guy who we’ll have to find a place to play. He will improve our offensive line, and will make it deeper and more versatile than it’s been."
Jason Gathing, LB (6-0/195/Jr/Oak Grove, CA--American River JC/Del Oro HS)
Was a two-year starter at American River JC... was an outstanding prep running back at Del Oro High... had 26 tackles, 21 assists and five pass deflections last fall. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Jason is an impressive strong-side linebacker who will compete with Nick Marudas for time at the Sam linebacker spot. He’s a lot like David Smith, he has defensive back speed and can play with his hands on the tight end."
Chris Haynes, OL (6-3/255/Jr/Canyon Country, CA--College of the Canyons)
Was a two-year starter at left tackle... anchored the offensive line of a team that threw for over 4,000 yards last fall... helped lead team to league championship and a berth in the California title game... was an all-conference and All-California selection. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Chris Haynes is another player in the mold of Lawrence Figueroa, a player that I consider a starter. He has tight end-type ability to move his feet and can set his hands as a pass-blocker. Like Lawrence, he’s a long-armed, ornery-minded player, highly competitive, who will have to be on the field."
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES:
Cory Carpenter, QB(6-1/197/Fr/The Dalles, OR-The Dalles)
Threw for 8,282 yards and 73 touchdowns during his high school career, rushing for another eight TDs... led his team to the Tri Valley Conference title and the state semifinals last fall... rushed for 1,038 yards... also a basketball and baseball standout, with a 3.9 GPA. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Cory is really an outstanding quarterback talent. He has shown the ability to throw every type of pass, on the move and in the pocket. He is accurate, poised, and a winner. He led his team in comeback victories eight times during the past two seasons. He has great vision and resourcefulness."
Rick Coppack, QB(6-0/180/Fr/Oceanside, CA-Oceanside)
Threw for 4,713 yards and 46 touchdowns with a 58% completion percentage at Oceanside... was named All-CIF San Diego Offensive Player of the Year, first team quarterback, and San Diego Union Tribune first team as a senior... a team captain... led his team to a #7 ranking in California. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Rick was a highly-recruited student-athlete who chose between Montana State and Harvard. He selected our program because of this school’s outstanding engineering department. He was a tremendous multi-sport athlete who as a quarterback operated a wide-open, pass-oriented offense in one of the nation’s premiere high school leagues. It speaks well of our program and what we’re about academically and athletically that we’re able to attract someone of Rick’s stature."
Adam DeCock, OL(6-6/285/Fr/Harlowton, MT--Harlowton)
A four-year starter at Harlowton... earned invitations to three all-star games (Shrine, Mon-Dak and Class C)... considered an excellent pass blocker. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Adam has a massive frame and very long arms. He has the ability to play guard or tackle. We fell in love with him when he was in our camp. We saw a huge up-side in him then, and I think right now he projects as an outstanding player."
Johnathan Edwards, LB (6-1/225/Fr/Pompano Beach, CA--Blanch Ely)
Led his high school to a 5A state championship... was a two-year starter... registered 83 tackles, 14 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions... returned one fumble for a TD... picked off a pass during the Dade-Broward All-Star Game. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Playing on a state championship football team in the state of Florida is as big an accolade as you can find in high school football. Johnathan was the emotional leader and glue for the Ely Tigers that won the 5A championship, and he was used as both a run-stopper and an edge pass-rusher. He is a skilled defensive player that will add another dimension to our stop unit."
Mike Feist, DL (6-3/235/Fr/Downey, CA--Cathedral)
A three-year starter at both tight end and defensive end... was first team All-CIF and his team’s Defensive MVP... was his school’s Scholar-Athlete for 2003. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Mike is a multi-talented, multi-sport athlete who came to our attention as a tight end. We will use him on the defensive front because of his exceptional body control and temperament. He has an exuberant personality."
Andre Fuller, DB (5-10/163/Fr/Pompano Beach, FL/Coconut Creek)
A three-year starter at defensive back, running back and wide receiver for Coconut Creek... was his team’s offensive MVP and team captain as a senior... a four-time letterman. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Andre caught our eye as much for his academic achievement as his athletic ability. His grade point average is above 4.0 on a 4.0 scale, and he’s demonstrated the type of tactical skill and athletic ability that safeties in our program exhibit. He’s very much a player like Kaihiam Hunter or Derrick Davis. He needs some size and strength in the long run, but we expect him to contend for playing time next fall."
Jason Goodman, TE (6-3/235/Fr/Great Falls, MT--CMR)
Was a nationally-recruited player noted for his size and mobility... a two-time Great Falls Tribune Superstate and all-state tight end... caught 32 passes for 394 yards and four TDs last fall, and as a junior caught 33 passes for 509 yards and six TDs... as a sophomore, caught 24 passes for 243 yards and three scores. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Jason is a big, strapping target, and he’s probably the most high-profile in-state recruit this program has signed in the last 20 years. He’s played enough football in the state’s best program to show us that he’ll compete for time right away. He will add to a young tight end corps that is becoming more highly-considerable every day."
Peder Jensen, OL (6-5/235/Fr/La Costa, CA-La Costa Canyon)
A two-year starter at La Costa Canyon... a versatile athlete who also started in both basketball and volleyball. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Peder is another in the line of young offensive linemen. His main attribute is his outstanding height as well as his size and athletic ability. He has an excellent frame and quality balance and footwork as a result of his success as a multi-sport athlete."
John LeBrum, DB (5-11/175/Fr/Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Stranahan)
A defensive back who also played receiver in high school... caught eight passes for 263 yards as a senior (33 yards per catch), with five touchdown catches... returned a fumble and a kickoff for touchdowns... had 34 tackles... played only one year of high school football. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "John is another athletic defensive back from south Florida that we expect to be in the mix next fall. He’s registered a time of 10.7 in the 100 m, as well as several other track accomplishments. In fact, he’s very highly-regarded as a track athlete."
Travis Nellermoe, DL (6-4/245/Fr/Wibaux, MT--Wibaux)
Was part of three Class C State Championship squads at Wibaux... chosen for the Mon-Dak, Shrine and Class C All-Star Games... was a two-time all-state choice... named to the Great Falls Tribune Superstate Team. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Travis is simply the preeminent defensive lineman in Montana. With his size, he probably gives us the best looking and most prototypical defensive lineman we’ve signed here in a while. We think he can be a destructive force in the defensive line for us."
Kramer addressed immediate needs by bringing receivers Ricky Gatewood and Eddie Sullivan and offensive lineman Rory Canfield to campus this semester. Each will participate in spring drills.
Three additional offensive linemen and a linebacker are expected to compete for starting honors when they enroll in the fall.
"We have an offensive line with four returning starters, and we were able to add to that four new offensive linemen who I also consider starters. That will give us a great situation in the offensive front."
The Bobcats attracted high school student-athletes from the familiar recruiting areas of Montana, California, Oregon, and Florida. Size is the primary characteristic of this class, with half of the 10 prep signings standing 6-3 or taller.
Jason Goodman of Great Falls CMR, MSU’s most high-profile in-state signing in the last 20 years, joins Harlowton’s Adam DeCock and Wibaux’s Travis Nellermoe as what Kramer believes is an outstanding trio of local recruits.
"I’m thrilled that we were able to attract three outstanding in-state players," Kramer said.
Kramer also said this year’s recruiting class is an exciting mix of skill and speed.
"We signed some players with outstanding speed, some with very good strength, but particularly we signed skilled, advanced football players. There are kids in this class that will compete for time right away."
Kramer indicated that MSU’s coaches will continue to recruit this spring, and could add another three or four players.
Transfers Already Enrolled:
Rory Canfield, OL 6-3 275 Jr San Diego, CA Helix Palomar JC
Ricky Gatewood, WR 6-0 190 Jr Richmond, CA Richmond Contra Costa College
Eddie Sullivan, WR 6-1 190 Jr Carlsbad, CA Carlsbad Palomar JC
Transfers to Enroll Next Fall:
Joaquin Echauri, OL (uh-CHAR-o) 6-4 285 Jr Napa, CA Napa Butte JC
Lawrence Figueroa, OL(fig-uh-RO-uh) 6-1 285 Jr Bakersfield, CA Bakersfield JC
Jason Gathing, LB (GAY-thing) 6-0 195 Jr Oak Grove, CA Del Oro American River JC
Chris Haynes, OL 6-3 255 Jr Canyon Country, CA Service College of the Canyons
High School Signees:
Cory Carpenter, QB 6-1 197 Fr The Dalles, OR The Dalles
Rick Coppack, QB (COPP-eck) 6-0 180 Fr Oceanside, CA Oceanside
Adam DeCock, OL 6-6 285 Fr Harlowton, MT Harlowton
Johnathan Edwards, LB 6-1 225 Fr Pompano Beach, FL Blanche Ely
Mike Feist, DL (like iced) 6-3 235 Fr Downey, CA Cathedral
Andre Fuller, DB 5-10 163 Fr Pompano Beach, FL Coconut Creek
Jason Goodman, TE 6-4 235 Fr Great Falls, MT CM Russell
Peder Jensen, OL 6-5 235 Fr La Costa, CA La Costa Canyon
John LeBrum, DB 5-11 175 Fr Ft. Lauderdale, FL Stranahan
Travis Nellermoe, DL 6-4 245 Fr Wibaux, MT Wibaux
MORE ON THE SIGNEES:
TRANSFERS ENROLLED AT MSU:
Rory Canfield, OL (6-3/275/Jr/--Palomar JC)
Started and earned all-conference honors for Palomar’s nationall-ranked team... helped lead team to 11-1 record in 2002. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Rory is an experienced starter for a nationally-ranked junior college program. He’s a little behind in his weight lifting because of some health issues related to a shoulder. He’s an excellent prospect with a redshirt available."
Ricky Gatewood, WR (6-0/190/Jr/Richmond, CA--Contra Costa College)
Earned first team all-conference honors last fall, finishing seventh among California JC players with 573 receiving yards... counted eight TDs among his 41 catches, averaging 71.6 yards a game and 6.1 yards a catch. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Ricky has good size and exceptional speed. He gives us big-play capability."
Eddie Sullivan, WR (6-1/190/Jr/Carlsbad, CA--Palomar JC/Carlsbad HS)
Was a JC Gridwire Second Team All-America last year... caught 55 passes for 848 yards... was California’s Co-Offensive MVP. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Kolby’s addition to our team will have an immediate impact at tight end. He’s a little undersized, but he is a great athlete with superior pass-catching skills. We have injury troubles at tight end, so Kolby and Blake Wolf give us good options going into spring ball."
TRANSFERS TO ENROLL AT MSU NEXT FALL:
Joaquin Echauri, OL (6-4/285/Jr/Napa, CA--Butte JC)
Started for a nationally-ranked JC squad this fall that finished 11-1... was named NorCal Division All-Conference first team... was also Butte’s most valuable offensive lineman. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Joaquin Echauri will definitely compete for a starting spot at right tackle right away. He is a gifted player who can play any position on the offensive line. He was a two-year starter in a very sophisticated program. He’s a knowledgeable and serious-minded guy who fits us like a glove."
Lawrence Figueroa, OL (6-4/285/Jr/Bakersfield, CA--Bakersfield JC/Bakersfield)
Was a two-year starter at Bakersfield JC... triggered a complex offensive system. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "I expect Lawrence to come in and compete with Nic Stevenson for the starting center spot or at either one of the guard positions. I consider Lawrence a starter, a guy who we’ll have to find a place to play. He will improve our offensive line, and will make it deeper and more versatile than it’s been."
Jason Gathing, LB (6-0/195/Jr/Oak Grove, CA--American River JC/Del Oro HS)
Was a two-year starter at American River JC... was an outstanding prep running back at Del Oro High... had 26 tackles, 21 assists and five pass deflections last fall. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Jason is an impressive strong-side linebacker who will compete with Nick Marudas for time at the Sam linebacker spot. He’s a lot like David Smith, he has defensive back speed and can play with his hands on the tight end."
Chris Haynes, OL (6-3/255/Jr/Canyon Country, CA--College of the Canyons)
Was a two-year starter at left tackle... anchored the offensive line of a team that threw for over 4,000 yards last fall... helped lead team to league championship and a berth in the California title game... was an all-conference and All-California selection. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Chris Haynes is another player in the mold of Lawrence Figueroa, a player that I consider a starter. He has tight end-type ability to move his feet and can set his hands as a pass-blocker. Like Lawrence, he’s a long-armed, ornery-minded player, highly competitive, who will have to be on the field."
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES:
Cory Carpenter, QB(6-1/197/Fr/The Dalles, OR-The Dalles)
Threw for 8,282 yards and 73 touchdowns during his high school career, rushing for another eight TDs... led his team to the Tri Valley Conference title and the state semifinals last fall... rushed for 1,038 yards... also a basketball and baseball standout, with a 3.9 GPA. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Cory is really an outstanding quarterback talent. He has shown the ability to throw every type of pass, on the move and in the pocket. He is accurate, poised, and a winner. He led his team in comeback victories eight times during the past two seasons. He has great vision and resourcefulness."
Rick Coppack, QB(6-0/180/Fr/Oceanside, CA-Oceanside)
Threw for 4,713 yards and 46 touchdowns with a 58% completion percentage at Oceanside... was named All-CIF San Diego Offensive Player of the Year, first team quarterback, and San Diego Union Tribune first team as a senior... a team captain... led his team to a #7 ranking in California. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Rick was a highly-recruited student-athlete who chose between Montana State and Harvard. He selected our program because of this school’s outstanding engineering department. He was a tremendous multi-sport athlete who as a quarterback operated a wide-open, pass-oriented offense in one of the nation’s premiere high school leagues. It speaks well of our program and what we’re about academically and athletically that we’re able to attract someone of Rick’s stature."
Adam DeCock, OL(6-6/285/Fr/Harlowton, MT--Harlowton)
A four-year starter at Harlowton... earned invitations to three all-star games (Shrine, Mon-Dak and Class C)... considered an excellent pass blocker. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Adam has a massive frame and very long arms. He has the ability to play guard or tackle. We fell in love with him when he was in our camp. We saw a huge up-side in him then, and I think right now he projects as an outstanding player."
Johnathan Edwards, LB (6-1/225/Fr/Pompano Beach, CA--Blanch Ely)
Led his high school to a 5A state championship... was a two-year starter... registered 83 tackles, 14 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions... returned one fumble for a TD... picked off a pass during the Dade-Broward All-Star Game. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Playing on a state championship football team in the state of Florida is as big an accolade as you can find in high school football. Johnathan was the emotional leader and glue for the Ely Tigers that won the 5A championship, and he was used as both a run-stopper and an edge pass-rusher. He is a skilled defensive player that will add another dimension to our stop unit."
Mike Feist, DL (6-3/235/Fr/Downey, CA--Cathedral)
A three-year starter at both tight end and defensive end... was first team All-CIF and his team’s Defensive MVP... was his school’s Scholar-Athlete for 2003. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Mike is a multi-talented, multi-sport athlete who came to our attention as a tight end. We will use him on the defensive front because of his exceptional body control and temperament. He has an exuberant personality."
Andre Fuller, DB (5-10/163/Fr/Pompano Beach, FL/Coconut Creek)
A three-year starter at defensive back, running back and wide receiver for Coconut Creek... was his team’s offensive MVP and team captain as a senior... a four-time letterman. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Andre caught our eye as much for his academic achievement as his athletic ability. His grade point average is above 4.0 on a 4.0 scale, and he’s demonstrated the type of tactical skill and athletic ability that safeties in our program exhibit. He’s very much a player like Kaihiam Hunter or Derrick Davis. He needs some size and strength in the long run, but we expect him to contend for playing time next fall."
Jason Goodman, TE (6-3/235/Fr/Great Falls, MT--CMR)
Was a nationally-recruited player noted for his size and mobility... a two-time Great Falls Tribune Superstate and all-state tight end... caught 32 passes for 394 yards and four TDs last fall, and as a junior caught 33 passes for 509 yards and six TDs... as a sophomore, caught 24 passes for 243 yards and three scores. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Jason is a big, strapping target, and he’s probably the most high-profile in-state recruit this program has signed in the last 20 years. He’s played enough football in the state’s best program to show us that he’ll compete for time right away. He will add to a young tight end corps that is becoming more highly-considerable every day."
Peder Jensen, OL (6-5/235/Fr/La Costa, CA-La Costa Canyon)
A two-year starter at La Costa Canyon... a versatile athlete who also started in both basketball and volleyball. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Peder is another in the line of young offensive linemen. His main attribute is his outstanding height as well as his size and athletic ability. He has an excellent frame and quality balance and footwork as a result of his success as a multi-sport athlete."
John LeBrum, DB (5-11/175/Fr/Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Stranahan)
A defensive back who also played receiver in high school... caught eight passes for 263 yards as a senior (33 yards per catch), with five touchdown catches... returned a fumble and a kickoff for touchdowns... had 34 tackles... played only one year of high school football. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "John is another athletic defensive back from south Florida that we expect to be in the mix next fall. He’s registered a time of 10.7 in the 100 m, as well as several other track accomplishments. In fact, he’s very highly-regarded as a track athlete."
Travis Nellermoe, DL (6-4/245/Fr/Wibaux, MT--Wibaux)
Was part of three Class C State Championship squads at Wibaux... chosen for the Mon-Dak, Shrine and Class C All-Star Games... was a two-time all-state choice... named to the Great Falls Tribune Superstate Team. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: "Travis is simply the preeminent defensive lineman in Montana. With his size, he probably gives us the best looking and most prototypical defensive lineman we’ve signed here in a while. We think he can be a destructive force in the defensive line for us."
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