Feb. 6, 2008

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Bemidji State head football coach Jeff Tesch today announced the addition of 39 student-athletes to the BSU roster for the 2008 season. Of the 39-member signing class, 21 are signing National Letters of Intent and 18 have signed letters of admission to attend Bemidji State.

The class is comprised of 36 high school seniors who will join the program as true freshmen next year with three junior college transfers.

The 21 NLI signees include nine offensive players - four offensive linemen, one tight end, one quarterback, one running back and two wide receivers, and 12 defensive players - two defensive backs, six defensive linemen and four linebackers.

The remaining 18 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 11 offensive players, seven defensive players. The 18 letter of admission players include one defensive back, two defensive lineman, four linebackers, five offensive linemen, one quarterback, one running back, two tight ends, two wide receivers.

Of the 39 signees, 17 are projected as either offensive or defensive linemen. The nine offensive linemen that made commitments today stand at an average of six-feet, three-inches and weigh in at 273 pounds--with the largest of those stretching the tape to 6-5 while tipping the scales to 310 pounds.

The 2008 class was drawn from seven states with 22 hailing from Minnesota. In addition, players committed from Alaska (1), California (1), Illinois (3), Georgia (3), North Dakota (2) and Wisconsin (6).

Bemidji State is coming off a season in which it finished 7-4 overall and took fourth place with a 6-3 mark in NSIC play.

The team will open the 2008 schedule at Minot (N.D.) State Aug. 28 with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

National Letter of Intent Signees

• BRAD ALBANO (DL, 6-2, 270; Jr-HS; Farmington, Minn. / N.D. State College of Science) -
One of three transfers in the 2008 signing class, Albano comes to BSU after a year at North Dakota State College of Science where he was a starter on the defensive line and earned All-Region honors... A 2006 graduate of Farmington High School he was a two-sport prep lettering in both football and baseball... Was named FHS Co-Defensive MVP as a senior while he garnered All-Missota Conference, All-Metro and All-State laurels for the Tigers... On the diamond, he twice earned all-conference honorable mention recognition.

• JORDAN ANDERSON (OL, 6-3, 305; Fr-HS; Newfolden, Minn. / Marshall County Central HS) -
A three-time All-Top of the State Conference offensive lineman... Anderson became the first gridder to be named to the All-State team in Marshall Country Central history... Named Conference Co-Lineman of the year in 2007... Played on both sides of the line of scrimmage for Marshall County Central averaging 10 tackles per game on defense while he helped clear the way for a Nordics' rushing attach that averaged nearly 250 yards per game... Earned all-conference laurels for the Nordics' basketball team. A student that has been as active off the court and field as he has been on, Anderson is a member of the National Honor Society and is the student council president... His brother Jacob Anderson played football at BSU from 2003-05.

• DAN CHRISTENSEN (LB, 6-2, 210; Fr-HS; Chicago, Ill. / Amos Alonzo Stagg HS) -
A two-sport athlete at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, Christensen a four-year letter winner in both football and track and field... As a senior linebacker, he paced the team in tackles and interceptions for touchdowns while finished the season second on the team in kick-return yards, forced fumbles and tackles for loss en route to an all-conference selection... Christensen is also a decorated track prep... He earned all-conference honors four times while was selected all-section in his last three seasons as a 110-meter and 300-meter hurdler and on the 4x100-meter relay team... In the classroom, he is a member of the Amos Alonzo Honor Roll, is a Scholar Athlete and is a four-time academic letter winner.

• CORY CROSBY (OLB, 6-3, 215; Fr-HS; Cold Spring, Minn. / Rocori HS) -
A two-time all-section pick at Rocori High School... He started two seasons for RHA while lettering in football three times... As a senior, Crosby was selected as the Spartans' Defensive Lineman of the Year and its Defensive MVP... He was also rewarded by being named to the All-Central Lakes Conference football team last fall... Crosby is a member of the National Honor Society.

• BRETT DELANGE (OL, 6-2, 285; Fr-HS; Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield Central HS) -
DeLange, a 2007 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-State pick, earned a pair of football letters at Plainfield Central High School... The anchor of the PCHS offensive line as a senior, he garnered four Southwest Prairie Conference Player of the week awards on his way to his second all-conference selection... Recognized with the Jeff Hiller Award as Plainfield Central's Outstanding Lineman at the completion of his prep career, also earned a spot on the 2007 Joliet Herald All-Area Second Team and the 2007 Plainfield Enterprise All-District First Team... DeLange wrapped up his career owning single-season and career knockdown blocks marks with 36 and 61 respectively... Also active in power lifting, he was the 2007 Plainfield District 202 bench press and overall champion while he holds the PCHS bench press mark at 395 pounds.

• MATT GANDRUD (WR/D, 6-2, 170; Fr-HS; Elk River, Minn. / Elk River HS) -
Voted team captain and "Face of Elk River Football" (player to watch), Gandrud earned All-Northwest Suburban Conference honors last fall... Played on both sides of the line of scrimmage for the Elks... He racked up over 30 receptions while recording four interceptions as a senior... Started five seasons for the ERHS... Has also been a starter on the Elks basketball and baseball teams.

• JODY HENNINGSON (WR, 6-0, 170; Fr-HS; Elburn, Ill. / Kaneland HS) -
A proven versatile athlete, Henningson played quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, punter and kicker at Kaneland High School... Completed 216-of-388 pass attempts for 2,714 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2007... In addition to his air attack, he posted nearly 100 yards per game on the ground netting 890 yards with eight touchdowns in nine games... His 3,604 yards of total offense and 29 touchdowns was tops in the Chicagoland... Also averaged 38.5 yards per punt, made three-of-four field goal attempts and successfully converted 30-of-31 point after attempts... Earned Rivals.com High School National Player of the Week after a game in which he passed for 412 yards, rushed for 145 more, accounted for four touchdowns and kicked the game-winning field goal... For his efforts he gained all-conference accolades as a quarterback and punter while he was selected as the Western Sun Conference Offensive MVP... Was also named all-state in 2007 by the Illinois High School Coaches' Association... The team captain and four-year letter winner was a four-time recipient of the Western Sun Conference Prep Player of the Week Award and was named as the Walter Payton Roundhouse High School Player of the Years at the conclusion of the season... A starter on both sides of the ball as a junior he garnered all-conference and Kane County Chronicle First Team selections as both a kicker and wide receiver while he was named KHS's Best Defensive Back.

• CHARLES HRDLICKA (DB/C, 5-8, 175; Fr-HS; Wolf Lake, Minn. / Menahga HS) -
Recorded a career total of 3,567 rushing yards while scoring 37 touchdowns in his four-year career at Menahga High School... Owns MHS single-game records for 314 rushing yards and five touchdowns while his 1,701 on the ground and 19 TD's as a senior stand as the school top single-season marks... Was named All-Prairie North Conference in his final two prep campaigns capping each season as the Prairie North Offensive MVP... In addition to excelling the football field, Hrdlicka is a five-time letter winner on the track... Last spring, he took second in the 100-meter dash at the Minnesota State High School Track and Field meet while finishing sixth in the 200-meters... Hrdlicka is also a member of the Menahga High School Honor Roll.

• JAKE KELLY (DB/S, 5-11, 185; Fr-HS; Alpharetta, Ga. / Chatahoochee HS) -
A second team all-conference pick and state all-state honorable mention in 2007... Will move from his high school outside linebacker position into the Beavers' secondary... Kelly was twice selected as the conference defensive player of the week last fall while earning the league's offensive player of the week on one occasion.

• DUSTIN KROEPLIN (RB, 6-0, 210; Fr-HS; Withee, Wis. / Owen-Withee HS) -
Rushed for 4,804 yards and 55 touchdowns on 608 carries for Owen-Withee HS to cap his career as the school's all-time rushing leader... As a senior led OWHS to a 12-1 mark and a spot in the state semifinal game... Carried the ball 294 times as a senior piling up 2,686 yards and 31 touchdowns... He also anchored the team's defense as a linebacker... Was named all-conference as a running back and linebacker in 2007 while pulling down Small Cloverbelt Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year honors... In addition the Owen-Withee Team MVP was selected all-region and all-state on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

• GARRETT LEE (DE, 6-4, 210; Fr-HS; Otsego, Minn. / Rogers HS) -
A starter on the end of the Rogers High School defensive line... He earned all-conference honors in his final two seasons... Set school and conference records for sacks in a single season with 14... In 2007 was a Section 5AAAA pick as well as the Mississippi 8 Defensive Lineman of the Year... Associated Press All-State Honorable Mention as a senior... Was also selected as the Royals' Best Role Model by his teammates... Is and honor roll student at Rogers High School.

• BRIAN LEONHARDT (TE, 6-6, 215; Fr-HS; Blaine, Minn. / Spring Lake Park HS) -
A three-sport athlete at Spring Lake Park High School, Leonhardt has excelled in football, wrestling and track and field... He captained the Panthers' football team as a senior... Is a two-time all-conference pick and was named to the academic all-conference team... On the mat, Leonhardt has served as the captain of the Panthers' wrestling team for each of the past two years... He has been named All-Conference on two occasions and earned all-state accolades placing fifth in 2007... Leonhardt is a three-time all-conference thrower... A conference champion in the shot put, he captured section title in both the shot put and discus en route to all-state hors in both... Plans to throw the discus for the Bemidji State track and field team.

• ALONZO MELTON (OL, 6-5, 290; Fr-HS; Minneapolis, Minn. / Minneapolis Patrick Henry HS) -
Captained the Patriots from his defensive lineman position in 2007... Garnered First Team All-Minneapolis City Conference honors... Is a member of the Patrick Henry High School Honor Roll.

• ANDREW MESKER (DE, 6-3, 225; Fr-HS; Parkers Prairie, Minn. / Parkers Prairie HS) -
A starter on both offense and defense since his sophomore season, Mesker was an all-conference pick in 2006 and 2007 as well as being named to the All-Section 6A Team both seasons... As a senior he captained the Panther football team and was an all-state nominee... In addition to his success on the field, Mesker earned varsity letters in basketball, wrestling and track and field during his prep career.

• GARY MILLER (LB, 6-2; 235; Jr-TR; Ukiah, Calif. / Mendocino CC) -
A two-year starter and Mendocino Community College, he follows in the footsteps of Adrian and Jared Dunn who also transferred to BSU from the California junior college... One of three junior college transfers in the 2008 commitment class... A two-time first team all-conference pick... Was voted team captain and earned the coach's award for attitude and intensity... Prior to his junior college career, he was Defensive MVP, first team all-conference and garnered first team all-Northern California at Ukiah High School... His connections to BSU run deep. His step brother, Michael Nordyke, played for BSU from 2003-04 and ranks among the top 10 in six receiving categories.

• ZACH ORR (DL, 6-4, 270; Fr-HS; Wasilla. Alaska / Wasilla HS) -
The only 2008 signee hailing from the state of Alaska, joins a handful of Beavers hailing from the Land of the Midnight Sun marking a continuation in the tradition that has featured an Alaskan signee... A three-year starter for Wasilla High School, Orr played on both sides of the ball each of the last two seasons... A captain in 2007, the senior earned all-state honors on offense and defense... A first team all-conference pick as a junior, he earned all-state laurels on the defensive side of the ball... In addition to his thee letter sin football ad WHS, Orr is a two-time basketball letter winner.

• BRIAN RENKES (LB, 6-0, 195; Fr-HS; Hutchinson, Minn. / Hutchinson HS) -
A four-year starter at linebacker for Hutchinson High School, he is three-time All-Missota Conference selection... Capped his prep career with 588 tackles to leave the school as its all-time leading stopper... As a senior, he posted 187 tackles in just 10 games gaining KARE 11 All-Metro First Team, Star Tribune All-Metro First Team, Associated Press All-State and Minnesota Vikings All-State First Team accolades... Cousin Bobby Renkes was a kicker at Notre Dame from 2003-07 while his dad was a linebacker at Illinois State University in 1977-78.

• LANCE RONGSTAD (QB, 6-3, 190; Fr-HS; Eleva, Wis. / Eleva-Strum Central HS) -
The starting quarterback for the undefeated 2007 state championship football team, Rongstad has led ESCHS to a 26-2 record and two trips to the state championship game... He was a 2007 All-state honorable mention selection in the gridiron... Is a four-sport standout at Eleva-Strum Central owning three letters in football and basketball and four in both golf and baseball... A First Team All-State D4 pick on the basketball court in 2006-07, he helped lead the quad to a second place finish at the state tournament and is currently competing for the 14-0 and No. 1-ranked Cardinals in 2007-08... Rongstad has been a member of three state tournament gold teams with each finishing in the top 7 including a fourth-place finish in 2007... Rongstad is a honor roll student, is a member of the National Honor Society and has been selected Dairyland Academic All-Conference.

• ALEX VERNERET (DE, 6-2, 235; Fr-HS; Snellville, Ga. / Dacula HS)
A defensive starter for Dacula High School, he helped his team earn playoff berths in 2004, 2005 and 2006... Served as a team captain in 2007... Was selected to the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Gwinnett Daily Honor Rolls... Capped his senior campaign with 75 total tackles (39 solo, 36 assisted)... Had six tackles for loss, four sacks and two fumble recoveries.

• JACOB ZIMMERMAN (DL, 6-4, 244; Fr-HS; Bruce, Wis. / Bruce HS)
A three-sport standout at Bruce High School, Zimmerman finished his prep career as one of the most prolific tacklers in school history... He collected 155 tackles as a junior to set a new school mark for a single-season total while his also set the school's single-game mark for stops registering 29 in a contest... He has twice been named All-Small Lakeland Conference on defense while he earned all-area and Honorable Mention All-Northwester as a senior... In addition to his four varsity football letters, he has also been a regular on the wrestling and track and field teams. Zimmerman is a member of the Bruce High School Honor Roll.

BSU Offer of Admission Signees

• KYLE BLANCHARD (OL, 6-2; 275; Fr-HS; Park Rapids, Minn. / Park Rapids HS) -
An all-state honorable mention pick from Park Rapids High School... Participated in four sports for the Panthers earning varsity letters in basketball, baseball and wrestling in addition to his football awards.

• BRANDON BONDERSON (LB, 6-1; 220; Fr-HS; Nashwauk, Minn. / Nashwauk-Keewatin HS) -
Two-time all-conference... Four-time letter winner at Nashwauk-Keewatin HS... Helped the team to conference titles in 2004 and 2005 en route to back-to-back trips to the state tournament... A 2008 captain of the wrestling team, he is a four-time letter winner... A member of conference championship baseball teams at NKHS in 2005 and 2007... Made an appearance in the 2007 state tournament.

• TROY DALE (DE, 6-2; 230; Fr-HS; Portland N.D. / May-Port CG HS) -
Captained the football and basketball teams at May-Port CG High School... Recorded a career-high 105 tackles as a senior while he anchored an offensive line that produced two 1,000-yard rushers during his four-year prep football career... A two-time all-state selection at line backer was invited to participate in the North Dakota Shrine game in 2007... The three-sport standout has helped his basketball team to a pair of trips to the state tournament while he has placed as high as second in the shot put qualifying for the state meet in two events... He is a member of the May-Port CG High Honor Roll.

• Billy Deane (OL, 6-2; 225; Fr-HS; Adams, Wis. / Adams-Friendship HS) -
Six-time all-conference earning spot on both the offensive and defensive lines for Adams-Friendship High School... Was selected Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2007... Was also named to the All-regional team as an offensive lineman.

• MITCH FORD (RB, 5-10; 175; Fr-HS;Cavalier, N.D. / Cavalier HS) -
The three-sport athlete has led Cavalier High School to state championships in baseball and football while earning an individual state championship as a wrestler as a junior... Ford has earned six letters in wrestling, five in baseball and four on the CHS football team... Posted 3,747 career rushing yards with 2,003 coming during his senior campaign... Owns the CHS single-game rushing record of 356... Also played in the defensive side of the ball and led the team in tackles as a senior... Has been selected to the all-region football team on three occasions... Is a CHS Honor Roll student.

• CODY GREGG (OLB, 5-9; 195; Fr-HS; Bemidji, Minn. / Bemidji HS) -
A two-sport athlete at Bemidji High School, he is one of two BHS players to commit to BSU in this spring's class... A three-year letter winner and team captain Lumberjack football team, he amassed 320 career tackles including a 25-stop performance in a game during his senior year... Was a 2007 Section 8 5A Honorable Mention selection... Has played four years of varsity hockey captaining the team during the last two seasons... was named the team's most improved player as a freshman... His connections to BSU run deep. His sister Lindsey (Gregg) Noble was a member of the Beavers' track and field team from 2003-2005 and was a member of the 4x200-meter indoor, 4x400-meter outdoor school-record-holding relay squads while his brother-in-law, Adam Noble, played football for Jeff Tesch at BSU from 2001-2004 and is still ranked among the top five receivers in Beaver football history in career receiving yardage (1,871), Career receptions (123), touchdowns (25) and career 100-yard receiving games (5).

• NEIL GROSSE (OL, 6-2; 240; Fr-HS; Spring Lake Park, Minn. / Spring Lake Park HS) -
A two-sport standout at Spring Lake Park High School... Was a member of three consecutive conference championship teams while the team advanced to the section final one season... Earned two varsity letters in football and three in weight lifting... Is an honor roll student at Spring Lake Park High School.

• MIKE GRYTE (LB, 6-3; 235; Fr-HS; Chisago Lakes, Minn. / Chisago Lakes HS) -
A three-year football letter winner... Posted the conference's second-leading tackle total in 2007... Was named to the all-conferee team as a senior... Has also earned varsity letters in track and field and power lifting during his high school career.

• TAD HANSON (TE, 6-3; 220; Fr-HS; Altoona, Wis. / Altoona HS) -
Finished his Altoona High School career second on the school's all-time receiving list... A team captain, an All-Large Cloverbelt pick and Special Mention All-Northwest wide receiver, he helped lead his team to its first playoff appearance in four years... A three-sport standout at AHS he also has three-years of varsity basketball and two varsity baseball seasons under his belt.

• KORY HARRIS (DB, 5-10; 160; Fr-HS; Eagan, Minn. / Eagan HS) -
A two-sport athlete at Eagan High School participates in track and field in addition to football... A starter for the Wildcats...Went to the state track and field meet as a member of EHS 4x100-meter relay team as a sophomore... Has collected two all-conference awards in track and field.

• ANDREW MATTHIESON (QB, 6-3; 210; Fr-HS; Alpharette, Ga. / Milton HS) -
Recorded 2,372 career passing yards and 16 touchdowns in 23 career starts for Milton HS... Under the direction of head coach Scott Walker, he helped lead MHS to its first winning season in 1999... Ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in Georgia by Georgia Football Magazine... Earned an invitation to the Nike Football Prospect Camp... Was five-times honored in the Atlanta Journal Constitution's weekly honor roll.

• LUKE MATTSON (WR, 6-3; 175; Fr-HS; Eagan, Minn. / Eagan HS) -
A wide receiver for the Eagan High School football team… Set a personal record with six receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown in a single game.

• JONATHAN MILLER (OL, 6-2; 270; Fr-HS; Bemidji, Minn. / Bemidji HS) -
A three-year football letter winner at Bemidji High School, he is one of two BHS players to commit to BSU in this spring’s class… Garnered the Oxen Pride Award his junior and senior seasons and was Oxen of the Year during his sophomore season... His father, Jonathan Miller played football at Bemidji State University in 1968.

• ROBERT REGAN (LB, 6-1; 205; Fr-HS; Jamestown, N.D. / Jamestown HS) -
A two-sport athlete at Jamestown High School, he is a four-time letter winner in wrestling in addition to garnering three for his gridiron play... Named Hardest Working Defensive Lineman by his teammates and coaches... Earned all-conference laurels as a defensive lineman in 2006 and was selected to the all-conference and first team all-state squad as a senior... A two-time state tournament participant at the 189 weight class, he finished fourth in 2006 and won the state championship on 2007...Holds the Jamestown High School record for career victories at 189.

• BILLY SATHER (DE, 6-3; 225; Fr-HS; Brainerd, Minn. / Brainerd HS) -
An all-section, All-Area defensive lineman at Brainerd High School... Posted 96 tackles, four sacks and 10 deflections as a senior... Helped the Warriors to a 2007 overall record of 11-1 and a trip to the semi-finals.

• BEAU WAKEFIELD (WR, 5-9; 155; Fr-HS; Butternut, Wis. / Park Falls HS) -
A three-sport athlete at Park Falls High School… A four-year letter winner for the Park Falls football team, he holds the single-season scoring records at PHS… Sits second in school history for single-season rushing yards with 1,248… A two-year letter winner in basketball, he was part of three teams that made it to the playoffs… A three-year letter winner in baseball, was a member of the 2005 conference championship team and the 2006 regional title team… He also excels in the classroom as a member of the National Honor Society, honor roll and was selected Who’s Who Among American Students.

• NICK WILSON (OL, 6-3; 240; Fr-HS; Forest Lake, Minn. / Forest Lake HS) -
The starting center for Forest Lake High School, Wilson was named all-conference in the SEC last fall.

--bsu--