Feb. 7, 2007
2006 NSIC champions ink five offensive players and 10 defenders to NLIs

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Bemidji State head football coach Jeff Tesch today announced the addition of 49 student-athletes to the BSU roster for the 2007 season. Of the 49-member signing class, 15 are signing National Letters of Intent and 34 have signed letters of admission to attend Bemidji State.

The entire 49-man signing class is comprised of high school seniors who will join the program as true freshmen next year.

The 15 NLI signees include five offensive players - two offensive linemen, one quarterback, one running back and one wide receiver - and 10 defensive players - three cornerbacks, one safety, two defensive linemen and four linebackers. Only three of the 15 NLI signees stands less than six feet tall, and eight of the 15 check in at 200 pounds or heavier.

The remaining 34 players who will be joining the BSU program after signing letters of admission are spread evenly across both sides of the line of scrimmage, with 19 offensive players, 12 defensive players and three kickers. The 34 letter of admission players include four safeties, one cornerback, one defensive lineman, six linebackers, seven offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two running backs, two tight ends, five wide receivers and three kickers.

Bemidji State (9-3/ 8-0 NSIC) captured the first outright Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship in its history in 2006, posting the third-best league record in NSIC history at 8-0 and earning the first post-season berth in school history. BSU fell 35-27 to No. 16 Pittsburg State (Kan.) in the Mineral Water Bowl in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

National Letter of Intent Signees

• ANTHONY BENEDETTO (WR, 6-1, 190; Fr-HS; Crystal Lake, Ill. / Crystal Lake South) -
Four-year letterwinner in track, earned two letters each in basketball and football at Crystal Lake South... Three-time CLHS offensive MVP in 2003, 2004 and 2006... Team captain during junior and senior seasons... Earned first-team all-conference and first-team all-area honors in 2006... Led team with 546 yards receiving... Holds school record and qualified for state championships in 4x400 relay; also earned Most Valuable Athlete award in track... Coached by Jim Stuglis... Will have five years to play four.

• BRYCE BUCHANAN (LB, 6-1, 210; Fr-HS; Cedar Rapids, Iowa / Washington) -
Lettered three times each in football and track, lettered twice in baseball at Washington High... Earned starting varsity spot as a sophomore, led team in tackles and interceptions as a junior... Pre-season all-area linebacker as a senior and earned first-team all-metro and second-team all-conference after leading team in tackles... Coached by Tony Lombardi... Will have five years to play four... Father Bob Buchanan had a 14-year professional baseball career; played 14 games with the Cincinnati Reds in 1985 and two games with the Kansas City Royals in 1989.

• ZACHARIAH BUSCH (OL, 6-2, 300; Fr-HS; Holt, Mo. / Kearney) -
Lettered in football, wrestling and track at Kearney High... Helped lead Kearney to a 31-13 record during his career, including a 14-0 record and Class 4 state championship as a freshman in 2003... First-team all-conference on offensive line in 2004... First-team all-conference on offensive and defensive lines in 2005; was first-team all-state on offensive line and second-team all-state on defensive line... First-team all-conference, all-district and all-state on offensive line in 2006... Coached by Greg Jones; former BSU assistant coach Dave Rash is also on the Kearney coaching staff... Will have five years to play four.

• KELLEN GULLICKSON (LB, 6-1, 220; Fr-HS; Monticello, Minn. / Monticello) -
Earned three letters each in football, hockey and lacrosse at Monticello... Recorded over 200 tackles during his career and led MHS in tackles during junior and senior seasons... Two-time all-conference selection... Holds MHS career sack record... Coached by Brian Odland... Will have five years to play four...

• LUKE KNUTSON (OLB, 6-1, 190; Fr-HS; Bagley, Minn. / Bagley) -
Four-time letterwinner in football and basketball; also lettered in track at Bagley... Three-time all-conference selection; North Star Conference MVP and All-Section 8AA selection in 2006... Honorable-mention all-state at both linebacker and wide receiver... Coached by Chuck Anderson... Will have five years to play four.

• DAVID LARSON (RB, 5-11, 195; Fr-HS; Eden Prairie, Minn. / Eden Prairie) -
Earned two varsity letters in football and four in track at Eden Prairie... Played tailback and fullback... Sprint competitor in track in 100m and 200m dashes and 4x100m and 4x200m relays... Coached by Mike Grant... Will have five years to play four.

• JUSTIN LEE (CB, 5-10, 180; Fr-HS; Elgin, Ill. / Central) -
Lettered in football and track at Elgin Central... Earned four newspaper All-Area Player of the Year laurels; was a unanimous All-Big Northern Conference selection; also earned honorable mention all-state honors... Also a three-time state qualifier in track... Coached by Aaron Wichman... Will have five years to play four.

• TYLER McDANNALD (DB, 5-10, 180; Fr-HS; Columbia, Mo. / Rock Bridge) -
Four-year letterwinner in football at Rock Bridge; also earned one letter in baseball... Three-year starter at defensive back; finished amongst team’s top five in tackles during junior and senior years; team co-captain during last two years at Rock Bridge... Helped lead Rock Bridge to two state playoff appearances and a district championship... Coached by A.J. Ofodile, who was a fifth-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1994 and played 25 games at tight end for the Baltimore Ravens from 1997-99; also played in the XFL and NFL Europe... Will have five years to play four.

• MICKY NICHOLAS (QB, 6-0, 175; Fr-HS; Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) -
Set Oak Forest career records for completions, passing yardage, touchdowns and rushing yards for a quarterback... Three-year starter helped direct OFHS to state playoffs three times... Posted a 25-10 record as a starter and threw for over 5,000 career yards... First-team all-conference as a junior in 2005... First-team all-conference, all-area and all-state as a senior; directed Oak Forest to Class 6A semifinals... Coached by Brian Mcdonough... Will have five years to play four.

• GEORGE PERCAK-DENNETT (OLB, 6-1, 215; Fr-HS; Wasilla, Alaska / Colony) -
Earned three letters in football and two in soccer at Colony... Was named first-team all-conference and all-state at both defensive end and tight end in 2006; was named the 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year for Alaska and was the Alaska 4A Defensive Player of the Year... Set a state record with a 38-yard field goal in the championship game of the state playoffs... Finished senior campaign with 95 tackles, including 26 tackles-for-loss and 14 sacks... Forced three fumbles with two interceptions and six passes defensed... Coached by Jamie Mayo... Will have five years to play four.

• COLIN PETERSON (DL, 6-2, 285; Fr-HS; Chisago City, Minn. / Forest Lake) -
Lettered in football, wrestling and track at Forest Lake... Coached by Matt Cleary... Will have five years to play four.

• AUSTIN ROBERTS (OL, 6-5, 245; Fr-HS; Soldotna, Alaska / Soldotna) -
Earned four letters in basketball and three letters each in football and track at Soldotna... Helped lead Soldotna to its first-ever state championship in 2006; was named first-team all-conference and all-state at guard and was the Alaska 2006 Lineman of the Year... Was one of two sophomore varsity starters in 2004; two-way starter as a junior in 2005, was named first-team all-conference and earned all-state honors at both guard and defensive end... Also a standout track athlete who reached the state discus finals as a junior... Coached by Sarge Truesdell... Will have five years to play four.

• DUSTIN SLUZEWICZ (CB, 6-0, 180; Fr-HS; Lockport, Ill. / Lockport) -
Earned four letters in football, three in baseball and two in track at Lockport High... Earned first-team all-conference and all-area honors as a senior; recorded 58 tackles, 19 passes defensed and three interceptions; also had 30 receptions for 360 yards and four touchdowns... Helped lead Lockport to 2003 state championship... Coached by Bret Kori... Will have five years to play four.

• ZACH WOLD (S, 5-11, 185; Fr-HS; Hatton, N.D. / Hatton) -
Earned 15 varstiy letters in a variety of sports at Hatton... Four-year starter in football... As a junior, earned second-team all-region honors... As a senior, was named team MVP and earned first-team all-conference and second-team all-state awards; selected to Grand Forks Herald Fab 50 team and was selected tto participate in the Shrine Bowl and Badlands Bowl... As a senior, finished with 1800 yards rushing and 800 yards passing with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions; had 82 tackles and five interceptions on defense... As a junior, had 1,300 yards rushing with 13 touchdowns and had another seven passing touchdowns... Coached by Justin Foss... Will have five years to play four.

• ERIC ZINGLEMAN (DL, 6-2, 250; Fr-HS; Ham Lake, Minn. / Andover) -
Three-time All-Northwest Suburban selection at Andover... NWSC Defensive Line MVP in 2006 en route to All-Metro and Second-Team All-State laurels... Also a member of the Vikings All-State Team... Coached by Rich Wilkie... Will have five years to play four.

BSU Letter of Admission Signees

• CAMERON ABRAM (WR, 5-10; 185; Fr-HS; Brooklyn Park, Minn. / Osseo) -
Two-time all-conference selection in football and basketball... Coached by Derrin Lamker... Will have five years to play four.

• MATT ANDERSON (LB, 5-10; 215; Fr-HS; Hibbing, Minn. / Hibbing) -
Earned four letters each in football and wrestling and five in track at Hibbing High... Three-year starter in football, was named all-conference and all-area twice... Helped lead Hibbing to 2006 regional championship as team captain... Two-time all-conference in track; region 7AA placewinner in discus in 2005 and shot put & 4x100 relay in 2006... Coached by Dan Moberg... Will have five years to play four.

• NATE ARENDS (OT, 6-3, 295; Fr-HS; Moorhead, Minn. / Moorhead) -
Lettered twice in football and twice in wrestling at Moorhead High School... Captained the Moorhead squad... Helped lead Moorhead to section finals... Captured Defensive Lineman Award at North Dakota State team camp... Coached by Rick Eidsness... Will have five years to play four.

• JOSH BESTE (LB, 6-2, 225; Fr-HS; East Grand Forks, Minn. / East Grand Forks) -
Three-year letterwinner in football, basketball and track... Helped lead East Grand Forks to the 2004 State 8AAA state championship after an undefeated 14-0 season... Won 2005 Hardest Worker award... Captained team in 2006; led conference with 102 tackles en route to All-Conference and All-Conference Top Linebacker honors... 2004 True Team state track particpant... Helped lead Moorhead to section runner-up finish in basketball as team captain in 2006; earned all-conference honors; set school record with 14 free-throws made in a game... Coached by Todd Schumacher and Bruce Nelson... Will have five years to play four... Uncle Jon Absey served as The Bear mascot for the NBA’s Utah Jazz.

• MICHAEL BROWN (RB, 5-11, 200; Fr-HS; Lake in the Hills, Minn. / Crystal Lake South) -
Lettered in basketball, track and football at Crystal Lake South; three-year varsity starter in football... Rushed for 2,591 yards during his career, ranking third-most in Crystal Lake history... All-conference and all-area honoree in 2006... Coached by Jim Stuglis... Will have five years to play four.

• JACOB CAILLIER (OL, 6-2, 280; Fr-HS; Crookston, Minn. / Crookston) -
Lettered in football and wrestling at Crookston... Helped lead CHS to conference title in 2006... Earned all-conference honors at defensive lineman in 2005 and 2006... Helped lead Crookston to section championship game as a sophomore... Coached by Eric Schmit... Will have five years to play four.

• ROBERT CLAY (DB, 5-8, 175; Fr-HS; Omaha, Neb. / Omaha Central) -
Helped lead Omaha Central to the state playoffs in 2006... Two-year varsity participant... Three-time track letterwinner, helped set a metro record in the 4x100m (42.44 seconds) as a junior... Coached by Greg Jones... Will have five years to play four... First player from the state of Nebraska to be recruited to BSU under head coach Jeff Tesch.

• JAMES FISCHER (OL, 6-4, 250; Fr-HS; Lakeville, Minn. / Lakeville South) -
Helped Lakeville South to a state runner-up finish... Coached by Larry Thompson... Will have five years to play four.

• BENJAMIN GORT (TE, 6-4, 190; Fr-HS; Forest Lake, Minn. / Forest Lake) -
Lettered in football at Forest Lake... Helped direct Forest Lake to a 5-6 record in 2006... Also participating in baseball... Coached by Matt Cleary... Will have five years to play four.

• KOLBY GULLICKSON (RB, 5-11, 200; Fr-HS; Fertile, Minn. / Fertile-Beltrami) -
Five-time letterwinner in baseball, four-time letterwinner in football, earned three letters each in basketball and track at Fertile-Beltrami... Three-time all-conference selection, honorable-mention all-state pick following junior and senior seasons... Conference offensive player of the year in 2006... Set FBHS career records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns... Helped lead FBHS to state playoffs in both 2005 and 2006... Coached by Brian Nelson... Will have five years to play four... Aunt Maria Bruggeman is the head volleyball coach at North Dakota.

• JUSTIN HUNT (WR, 5-10, 155; Fr-HS; Bemidji, Minn. / Bemidji) -
Four-year letterwinner in track, three-year letterwinner in both football and hockey at Bemidji High... Bemidji High offensive MVP and honorable-mention all-state honoree as a senior... Set school records for single-game receiving yards (217) and single-season receiving yards (907)... BHS special-teams MVP as a sophomore... Freshman MVP in both football and track... Coached by Dwight Jensen... Will have five years to play four.

• CORY IMMERMAN (RB, 6-0, 245; Fr-HS; Becker, Minn. / Becker) -
Three-time letterwinner in football and wrestling for Becker... Helped lead BHS to a 26-2 record during junior and senior seasons, including a 14-0 campaign and state Class 3A championship in 2005... Second-team all-conference in 2005... All-conference, Mississippi 8 Conference Lineman of the Year, St. Cloud Times All-Area Team in 2006... Coached by Dwight Lundeen... Will have five years to play four.

• MATTHEW JAUCH (LB, 6-1, 190; Fr-HS; Middleton, Wis. / Middleton) -
Earned two letters in football at Middleton... Posted 64 tackles with 4.5 sacks as a senior in 2006 en route to all-conference honors at defensive end; also had five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and eight quarterback hurries... Coached by Tim Simon... Will have five years to play four.

• BRIAN JENSEN (RB, 5-11, 210; Fr-HS; Underwood, Minn. / Underwood) -
Four-year letterwinner in football; set Underwood career record with 5,280 yards rushing... Helped Underwood to a 19-4 record during his junior and senior seasons... Four-time all-conference selection, three-time all-section pick... All-state nine-man team in 2006; honorable-mention all-state in 2005... Coached by Chuck Ross... Will have five years to play four.

• JEFFREY JOHNSON (LB, 6-2, 220; Fr-HS; Maywood, Ill. / Proviso East) -
Earned all-conference and team MVP honors at Proviso East... Coached by Aaron Peppers... Will have five years to play four.

• SCOTT KETTNER (TE, 6-2, 200; Fr-HS; Hubertus, Wis. / Hartford Union) -
Two-year letterwinner in football at Hartford Union... Coached by Dan Brunner... Will have five years to play four.

• JACOB LEDDING (LB, 6-0, 200; Fr-HS; Underwood, Minn. / Underwood) -
Earned three varsity letters each in football and wrestling at Underwood... Helped direct Underwood to a 20-4 record during his junior and senior seasons... All-conference in 2005; All-conference, all-section and all-state selection in 2006, helped direct Underwood to state semifinals... Coached by Chuck Ross... Will have five years to play four.

• DAVIS MICKLESON (OL, 6-6, 285; Fr-HS; Ashby, Minn. / Ashby Public) -
Earned honorable-mention all-conference honors in football, basketball and baseball during his prep career... Coached by Joey Anderson... Will have five years to play four.

• KRISTOPHER MICKSCH (PK, 5-9, 160; Fr-HS; Shawano, Wis. / Shawano Community) -
Three-year varsity letterwinner at Shawano... Coached by Matt Zoll... Will have five years to play four.

• STEPHEN PAPPAS (OL, 6-3, 290; Fr-HS; Appleton, Wis. / Appleton East) -
Earned two letters in football at Appleton East... Helped Appleton East post 295 yards rushing against Oshkosh North as a senior... Two-time letterwinner and state qualifier in powerlifting... Coached by Pat Schwanke... Will have five years to play four.

• ALEX PEARSON (FS, 6-3, 180; Fr-HS; Moorhead, Minn. / Moorhead) -
Lettered in football and track at Moorhead High... Recorded 55 tackles (26 solo) with two tackles-for-loss in 2006; also had three interceptions, a forced fumble and five passes broken up... Averaged 17.3 yards per catch as a receiver with a 28-yard long... Helped lead Moorhead to section championship game after a 7-4 season... Coached by Rick Eidsness... Will have five years to play four.

• CHASE QUINNEY (QB, 6-2, 200; Fr-HS; Gresham, Wis. / Shawano Community) -
Won 11 letters in a variety of sports at Shawano... Set passing records for Bay Conference including attempts, yards, rushing touchdowns, career passing yards and passing touchdowns... Also scored 1,000 career points in basketball... Coached by Matt Zoll... Will have five years to play four.

• JEREMY ROSS (LB, 5-10, 200; Fr-HS; Sauk Centre, Minn. / Sauk Centre) -
Lettered in football, basketball and track at Sauk Centre... Received all-conference defensive MVP and all-area honorable mention honors in 2006... Coached by Bryan Olson... Will have five years to play four.

• CONNOR SATHRE (QB, 6-1, 205; Fr-HS; Maple Grove, Minn. / Osseo) -
Two-time all-conference selection and team offensive MVP honoree... Coached by Derrin Lamker... Will have five years to play four.

• TIM SAXON (WR, 6-1, 205; Fr-HS; Minneapolis, Minn. / Patrick Henry) -
Earned all-conference and conference MVP honors; also an all-state selection... Coached by Roger French... Will have five years to play four.

• JORDAN SCHAEFER (OL, 6-1, 300; Fr-HS; Bismarck, N.D. / Century) -
Second-team all-state defensive lineman... All-Western Dakota Conference at defensive line and kicker... Selected to participate in teh North Dakota Shrine Bowl and the Mon-Dak Bowl... Coached by Mark Gibson... Will have five years to play four.

• TYSON SCHATZ (RB, 5-8, 170; Fr-HS; Minot, N.D. / Minot) -
First-team all-state at running back, all-Western Dakota Conference at linebacker and running back... Academic All-State... Rushed for 1,749 yards and scored 26 touchdowns in leading Minot to a state runner-up finish... Coached by Barry Holmen... Will have five years to play four.

• JACOB SCHMIDT (S, 5-10, 170; Fr-HS; Frederic, Wis. / Frederic) -
Won nine letters in a variety of sports at Frederic... Helped lead FHS to four consecutive playoff berths and a combined record of 32-12 during his career... Coached by Ken Belanger... Will have five years to play four.

• JERRY SMITH (DL, 5-10, 240; Fr-HS; Eau Claire, Wis. / North) -
Lettered in football and wrestling at Eau Claire North... Earned first-team all-city, second-team all-conference; honorable-mention all-region honors as a senior in 2006... Coached by John Phelps... Will have five years to play four.

• NATHANIEL SOLORS (K, 5-8, 200; Fr-HS; Elk River, Minn. / Elk River) -
Four-time letterwinner in both football and track for Elk River... Scored 230 points during his career with 373 receivng yards and 1,336 yards rushing... Coached by Mike Cross... Will have five years to play four.

• JESSE SUNDBY (K, 5-8, 190; Fr-HS; Argyle, Minn. / Stephen-Argyle Central) -
Helped lead Stephen-Argyle to a 54-0 record and four consecutive state championships during his high school career... Ranks second all-time in Minnesota high school history with 151 successful point after touchdown kicks... Holds school record for longest field goal at 46 yards... 2006 Section 8 Special Teams Player of the Year... Also lettered in track, golf and basketball... Coached by Mark Kroulik... Will have five years to play four... Cousin of current BSU running back Tyler Olson.

• CURTIS SZMANSKI (CB, 6-0, 160; Fr-HS; Calhan, Colo. / Calhan) -
All-conference and honorable-mention all-state honoree... Coached by Rob Lessig... Will have five years to play four.

• RYAN WEBBER (WR, 5-11, 180; Fr-HS; Fon du Lac, Wis.) -
Will have five years to play four.

• NICK WILSON (DL, 6-0, 215; Fr-HS; GFreen Isle, Minn. / Mayer Lutheran) -
Will have five years to play four.

--bsu--

--bsu--