MOUNT PLEASANT – Central Michigan University head football coach Butch Jones has announced the signing of 30 high school student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent.

“We are very excited to welcome 34 new members into our family,” Jones said. “This is obviously a very exciting day for the CMU football program, and it is the culmination of a long and tedious, but enjoyable, process. We look forward to these individuals continuing and embracing the great traditions and expectations that surround the CMU football program.

“Our coaches worked extremely hard to assemble a class based on character, personality types, competitiveness, a passion for academics, a passion for the game of football and great family backgrounds. We are looking forward to their arrival on campus and to being a part of their lives.”

Three of the signees—offensive lineman Jeff Fantuzzi and defensive backs Jason Johnson and D.J. Scott—enrolled at CMU for the Spring 2009 semester and will participate in spring practice beginning next month.

The Chippewas’ signing class includes student-athletes hailing from eight different states, including 13 from the state of Michigan. Other states represented in the class are Maryland (four signees), Florida (three), Indiana (three), Ohio (two), Kentucky (two), Illinois (two) and Pennsylvania (one).

Sixteen of the signees are slated for duty on the defensive side of the ball, while 14 will line up on offense. Broken down by position, the class includes five offensive linemen, five linebackers, four defensive ends, four defensive backs, four running backs, three wide receivers, three defensive linemen, one quarterback and one tight end.

All 13 signees from Michigan were ranked among the top 50 players in the state in the Detroit Free Press Fab 50. Nineteen members of the class helped lead their high school teams to conference championships, state championships or postseason appearances, and 23 served as captains of their high school teams.

Jones also announced the addition of four preferred walk-ons who will join the Chippewas for the 2009 season: kicker Connor Gagnon, tight end Charlie Hoch and receivers Jordan McConnell and Connor Odykirk.

2009 CMU Football Signing Class Biographical Sketches

Justice Akuezue • DE • 6-3 • 205 • Ann Arbor, Mich./Huron • Coach Joel Przygodski
At Huron High School: Earned all-area first team honors from the Ann Arbor News ... All-SEC Red Division first team selection ... No. 45 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... nominated for the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star Game. Personal: Son of Hysinus and Sherri Akuezue ... born April 9, 1991 ... chose CMU over Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan.

Deja Alexander • WR • 6-1 • 190 • Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast • Coach Marty Lee
At First Coast High School: Collected All-First Coast second team honors from the Florida Times-Union ... named to the Florida Times-Union Super 24 ... All-District 3-5A first team selection ... All-Gateway Conference second team ... caught 14 touchdown passes as a senior ... named team’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 ... selected to play in the North-South Shrine Bowl ... helped lead team to four straight district titles and four straight playoff berths. Personal: Son of Jerome Alexander ... born March 17, 1991.

Shamari Benton • LB • 6-0 • 180 • Detroit, Mich./Brother Rice • Coach Al Fracassa
At Brother Rice High School: Three-year starter ... team captain ... ranked No. 19 on Lansing State Journal’s list of the top 22 seniors in the state ... ranked No. 37 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... named to Oakland County Dream Team by the Oakland Press ... collected 72 tackles, including 12 for a loss, one interception and one fumble recovery ... career totals are 167 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and nine sacks ... helped lead Brother Rice to two Catholic League championships ... earned one varsity letter in track and field. Personal: Son of Jamal and Damali Gaddie ... born May 9, 1991 ... chose CMU over Eastern Michigan, Toledo, Bowling Green, Akron and New Mexico.

Galen Clemons • DE • 6-2 • 255 • Danielsville, Pa./Northampton • Coach Bob Steckel
At Northampton High School: Four-year starter ... 2008 team captain ... all-conference first team selection as an offensive and defensive lineman in 2008 ... earned all-area first team honors from both the Express-Times and the Morning Call ... credited with 87 tackles in 2008 ... made 83 stops in 2007, 102 tackles in 2006 and 71 in 2005 ... helped lead team to 4A Eastern Conference championships in 2006 and 2008 ... Northampton finished 10-3 overall in 2008 ... two-year letterman in track and field. Personal: Son of Steve and Wendy Clemons ... born June 3, 1990 ... chose CMU over Akron and Army.

Jon Czerwienski • OL • 6-3 • 260 • Roseville, Mich./Fraser • Coach Joe Kaczanowski
At Fraser High School: Three-year letterman ... team captain ... earned all-league and all-county honors ... No. 42 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... named to the Detroit Free Press All-East team ... two-sport athlete who also lettered in track and field. Personal: Parents are Edward and Lori Czerwienski ... born March 1, 1991.

Leron Eaddy • DB • 5-10 • 190 • Clarksville, Md./River Hill • Coach Brian Van Deusen
At River Hill High School: Three-year letterman ... two-time all-state first team selection by the Associated Press ... helped lead River Hill to back-to-back undefeated seasons and Class 2A state titles in 2007 and 2008 ... team finished 2008 season ranked No. 23 nationally in USA Today Super 25 rankings ... tallied 89 tackles, including three sacks, in 2008 ... finished career with 225 tackles, eight interceptions and 15 sacks ... competed in the 2008 Maryland Crab Bowl All-Star Game ... three-time all-conference honoree ... team’s Defensive MVP in 2008 ... lettered twice in basketball. Personal: Mother is Lashavio Nias ... born March 10, 1991 ... high school teammate of fellow CMU signee Malek Redd ... chose CMU over Bowling Green and Wake Forest.

Jeff Fantuzzi • OL • 6-4 • 280 • Macomb, Mich./Dakota • Coach Mike Giannone
Enrolled at CMU for spring semester. At Dakota High School: Two-way starter on the offensive and defensive lines ... 2008 team captain ... ranked No. 19 on Lansing State Journal’s list of the top 22 seniors in the state ... member of the Detroit Free Press All-State Dream Team ... ranked No. 21 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... named to the Associated Press Division 1-2 all-state squad in 2008 ... part of two state championship teams (2006, 2007) ... team was 14-1 overall in 2006 and 15-0 in 2007 ... Dakota finished 9-2 and advanced to the playoffs in 2008 ... all-county and all-conference first team honoree. Personal: Parents are Paul and Jeanine Fantuzzi ... born May 31, 1991 ... chose CMU over Louisville, Syracuse, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Ball State, Miami, Buffalo and Bowling Green.

Adam Fenton • LB • 6-2 • 215 • Birmingham, Mich./Seaholm • Coach Chris Fahr
At Seaholm High School: Three-year starter ... two-year team captain ... selected team’s 2008 MVP after recording 119 tackles, eight sacks and six forced fumbles ... No. 38 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... named to the Detroit Free Press All-North squad ... Oakland Press All-Oakland County Dream Team selection ... Detroit News All-Metro honoree ... earned three varsity letters in lacrosse and one in wrestling ... two-time all-state selection in lacrosse. Personal: Son of Patrick and Laura Fenton ... born Jan. 23, 1991 ... chose CMU over Eastern Michigan, Buffalo and Army.

Eric Fisher • OL • 6-7 • 243 • Rochester, Mich./Stoney Creek • Coach Calvin Gross
At Stoney Creek High School: Three-year starter ... team captain as a senior ... earned all-state honorable mention accolades from the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News and Associated Press ... selected to play in Michigan High School Football Coaches Association all-star game ... ranked No. 48 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... All-Oakland County Dream Team member ... tabbed first team all-league, All-Eccentric, All-North and All-Detroit Metro ... helped lead team to 2006 and 2007 OAA Blue championships ... earned honorable mention all-area and all-league honors as a junior ... also lettered three years in basketball ... earned all-league honors on the hardwood ... basketball team captain. Personal: Parents are Tim Fisher and Jim Coe and Heidi Fisher Coe ... born Jan. 5, 1991 ... chose CMU over Purdue, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan.

Jarrett Fleming • DE • 6-6 • 215 • South Bend, Ind./Washington • Coach Antwon Jones
At Washington High School: Two-year team captain ... three-year starter ... earned Class 4A all-state honorable mention accolades ... two-time all-conference selection ... earned junior all-state honors as a sophomore and junior ... made 56 tackles, including 45 solo stops, last season ... credited with five sacks ... also caught 18 passes for 344 yards and eight touchdowns ... invited to the U.S. Army National Combine ... three-year starter in basketball ... captain of the basketball team ... earned all-conference honorable mention recognition as a junior. Personal: Parents are Dennis Fleming and Cathy Diggins ... born Nov. 20, 1990 ... chose CMU over Northern Illinois and Bowling Green.

Bobby James • TE • 6-3 • 227 • Hobart, Ind./Hobart • Coach Wally McCormack
At Hobart High School: Four-year starter ... team captain as a senior ... finished career with 173 receptions for 2,904 yards and 35 touchdowns ... career yardage total ranks ninth in Indiana history ... named to the Class 4A all-state first team in 2008 ... named Northwest Indiana Times Offensive Player of the Year ... 44 receptions for 776 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008 ... 41 receptions for 639 yards and seven touchdowns in 2007 ... 41 receptions for 738 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2006 ... 47 receptions for 751 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman in 2005 ... playing linebacker as a senior, added 27 tackles, two interceptions and three defensive touchdowns. Personal: Parents are Michael James and Barb Law ... born Dec. 14, 1990 ... chose CMU over Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Miami and Syracuse.

Jason Johnson • DB • 6-0 • 177 • Durand, Mich./Durand • Coach Bryan Carpenter
Enrolled at CMU for spring semester. At Durand High School: Four-year starter on offense and defense ... two-year team captain ... led team in tackles with 102 in 2007 and 121 in 2008 ... intercepted 11 passes during final two seasons ... ranked No. 35 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... three-time all-conference selection ... collected athlete of the week honors from the Flint Journal and Argus Press and athlete of the month accolades from Memorial Healthcare and 92.5 FM ... earned three varsity letters in wrestling, three in track and field and one in baseball ... National Honor Society member ... selected as Durand Student of the Month and Rotary Student of the Month ... four-year honor roll student. Personal: Son of Marty and Pat Johnson ... born Dec. 30, 1990 ... high school coach, Bryan Carpenter, was an All-Mid-American Conference offensive lineman at CMU ... chose CMU over Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green.

Aaron Kaczmarski • DL • 6-5 • 255 • Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville • Coach Zac Wells
At Merrillville High School: Team captain ... Class 5A all-state first team selection by the Associated Press ... named Region Sports Monthly’s 2008 Lineman of the Year ... all-area selection by the Northwest Indiana Times and Post-Tribune ... credited with 58 tackles, including 36 solo, two sacks and five tackles for loss in 2008. Personal: Son of Tony and Janice Kaczmarski ... born April 6, 1991 ... chose CMU over Eastern Michigan and Ball State.

Ronnie Kennedy • WR • 5-8 • 150 • Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas • Coach George Smith
At St. Thomas Aquinas High School: All-state second team selection as a defensive back ... rushed for 192 yards on 25 carries in 2008 ... caught two passes for 12 yards ... defensively, credited with 38 tackles, three interceptions, 10 pass breakups and a forced fumble ... scored eight touchdowns — four rushing, two punt returns, one kickoff return and one interception return ... scored on a 3-yard run, 30-yard interception return and 92-yard punt return in a Class 5A state quarterfinal victory ... helped lead St. Thomas Aquinas to a 15-0 record, Class 5A state championship and the No. 1 national ranking in the USA Today Super 25 rankings ... Aquinas also won the Class 5A state title in 2007 ... caught a 37-yard touchdown pass in the 2007 state championship game and scored on an 8-yard run in the 2008 title game. Personal: Parents are Cassandra Flood and Ronnie Kennedy Sr. ... born Dec. 26, 1990 ... chose CMU over Troy, Auburn, Minnesota and South Carolina.

Dominic Mainello • OL • 6-4 • 250 • Fort Mitchell, Ky./Beechwood • Coach Noel Rash
At Beechwood High School: Two-way starter on the offensive and defensive lines ... team captain ... all-state first team selection by the Louisville Courier-Journal in 2008 ... earned all-state honorable mention recognition as a junior ... helped lead team to Kentucky Class 1A state championships in 2007 and 2008 ... two-time all-conference first team selection on offense. Personal: Parents are Bernie Mainello and Michelle Iles ... born Aug. 22, 1991.

Aaron McCord • DL • 6-3 • 265 • Warren, Mich./Crockett • Coach Rod Oden
At Crockett High School: Three-year letterman ... team captain as a senior ... all-state first team selection by the Detroit Free Press ... ranked No. 31 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... All-Detroit first team selection as an offensive lineman by the Detroit Free Press ... All-Detroit first team selection as an defensive lineman by the Detroit News ... tallied 63 tackles, including 18 for a loss and 13 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 2008 ... finished career with 43 tackles for loss, 24 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries ... earned all-academic honors from the MHSAA ... lettered twice in track and field. Personal: Son of Anntoinette McCord ... born Feb. 23, 1991 ... high school teammate of CMU freshman receiver Valtorrey Showers ... chose CMU over Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Ball State and Bowling Green.

Davon Muse • RB • 5-9 • 160 • Baltimore, Md./Dunbar • Coach Lawrence Smith
At Dunbar High School: Team captain in 2008 ... all-state honorable mention selection by the Associated Press ... ran for more than 1,100 yards and scored 14 touchdowns and 12 two-point conversions in 2008 ... also ranked second on team with eight interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns ... helped lead team to third consecutive Class 1A state championship ... competed in the 2008 Maryland Crab Bowl All-Star Game. Personal: Parents are John Gross and Katherine Muse ... born Nov. 28, 1990.

Cody Pettit • DL • 6-3 • 232 • Deshler, Ohio/Patrick Henry • Coach Bill Inselmann
At Patrick Henry High School: Two-year starter ... team captain ... recorded 100 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and five sacks, as a senior in 2008 ... All-Ohio Division V first team selection in 2008 ... named Ohio Division V co-Defensive Player of the Year ... selected to participate in Big 33 Ohio vs. Pennsylvania all-star game ... team was 12-0 before falling in Division V state quarterfinals in 2008 ... Patriots advanced to state semifinals and finished 12-2 in 2007 ... named to 2008 All-Toledo Blade team ... All-Ohio first team selection as an offensive lineman in 2007 ... earned one varsity letter in basketball. Personal: Son of Gregg and Fawn Pettit ... born March 12, 1990 ... chose CMU over Michigan State, Purdue, Akron, Ohio and Kent State.

Tim Phillips • RB • 5-5 • 165 • Louisville, Ky./Trinity • Coach Bob Beatty
At Trinity High School: Team captain as a senior ... part of four consecutive state championships ... scored four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) in the 2008 6A title game ... ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the 2007 title game ... team finished 2008 season ranked 13th nationally in USA Today Super 25 rankings ... ran for 1,032 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2007 ... rushed for 1,535 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior ... caught 29 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns in 2008 ... in five playoff games alone in 2008, rushed for 771 yards and 14 touchdowns ... school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,587 yards ... had a 97-yard touchdown run as a senior ... ranks 18th in state history with 76 career rushing touchdowns ... Louisville Courier-Journal all-state first team selection ... rushed for at least 100 yards in 10 consecutive playoff games over his final two seasons ... caught 56 passes for 575 yards and seven touchdowns during career ... also returned two kickoffs for scores ... three-year letterman in track and field ... National Honor Society member ... nominee for the Governor Scholar award. Personal: Son of Christine Phillips ... born Dec. 30, 1990.

Evan Ray • DB • 6-1 • 185 • Detroit, Mich./Finney • Coach Tony Elliott
At Finney High School: Three-year starter ... two-year team captain ... All-Detroit first team selection by the Detroit News ... No. 46 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... All-Detroit honorable mention selection by the Detroit Free Press as a quarterback ... collected 21 tackles and five pass break-ups last season ... as a quarterback, threw for 674 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 646 yards. Personal: Parents are Eric and Carolyn Ray ... born Aug. 20, 1991 ... high school coach, Tony Elliott, was a defensive back at CMU from 1983-86 ... chose CMU over Ball State.

Malek Redd • RB • 5-5 • 150 • Columbia, Md./River Hill • Coach Brian Van Deusen
At River Hill High School: Three-year letterman ... all-state second team selection by the Associated Press ... helped lead River Hill to back-to-back undefeated seasons and Class 2A state titles in 2007 and 2008 ... team finished 2008 season ranked No. 23 nationally in USA Today Super 25 rankings ... ran for 1,301 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2007 ... averaged 11.5 yards per carry ... rushed for 1,079 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2008 ... averaged 13.5 yards per carry ... competed in the 2008 Maryland Crab Bowl All-Star Game ... finished career with more than 4,000 yards rushing, 850 yards receiving and 50 touchdowns ... recorded 13 career interceptions ... two-time all-conference selection ... team’s Offensive MVP in 2008. Personal: Parents are Camero Mercer and Monica Blakney-Mercer ... born Feb. 28, 1990 ... high school teammate of fellow CMU signee Leron Eaddy ... chose CMU over Syracuse, West Virginia and Wake Forest.

Caesar Rodriguez • DE • 6-2 • 215 • Miami, Fla./Christopher Columbus • Coach Chris Merrit
At Christopher Columbus High School: Three-year starter ... two-year team captain ... earned All-Dade County 6A-4A first team accolades from the Miami Herald ... second team all-state honoree ... helped lead team to a 9-1 overall record and berth in the Class 6A playoffs ... selected to compete in both the 2009 Dade-Broward All-Star Game and the 2009 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl ... team captain in the Dade-Broward game ... made 50 tackles, including 14 sacks, as a senior ... credited with 51 tackles, including nine sacks, as a junior ... two-year letterman in track and field. Personal: Son of Robert and Xiomara Rodriguez ... born Oct. 22, 1990 ... chose CMU over Western Michigan, Kent State, Florida International, Florida Atlantic and La.-Lafayette.

Adam Schneid • OL • 6-5 • 255 • Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake • Coach Dave Dlugosz
At Avon Lake High School: Two-year starter ... Division II All-Ohio first team selection by the Associated Press ... all-district and All-Lorain County first team selection ... named Lorain County’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman by the Lorain Chronicle-Telegram ... selected to the All-Morning Journal first team ... team finished 8-3 and advanced to the state playoffs in 2008 ... team was 11-1 and won a first-round playoff game in 2007 ... Avon Lake won back-to-back conference championships in 2007 and 2008 ... earned one varsity letter in track and field. Personal: Parents are Jeff and Sue Schneid ... born June 27, 1991 ... chose CMU over Eastern Michigan, Ball State, Miami, Bowling Green and Air Force.

Will Schwarz • LB • 6-5 • 215 • Troy, Mich./Troy • Coach Gary Griffith
At Troy High School: Two-year starter ... 2008 team captain ... ranked No. 30 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... All-North honoree by the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press ... all-area first team selection by the Observer & Eccentric ... two-time all-league first team selection ... credited with 72 total tackles in 2008 ... also tallied nine sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown ... collected 84 tackles, including 12 for a loss and six sacks, and two fumble recoveries as a junior ... helped lead team to playoff appearances in 2007 and 2008, including a berth in the Division 1 state semifinals in 2007 ... earned three varsity letters in track and field and one in basketball. Personal: Son of Eric and Margie Schwarz ... born June 1, 1990 ... chose CMU over Stanford, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green and Buffalo.

D.J. Scott • DB • 5-9 • 165 • Frederick, Md./Thomas Johnson • Coach Ben Wright
Enrolled at CMU for spring semester. At Thomas Johnson High School: Team captain ... two-time all-state selection who lined up at receiver, defensive back and kick returner ... intercepted 11 passes as a junior, returning three for touchdowns ... part of the Baltimore All-Star team that competed against a team of all-stars from Washington, D.C. in the 2008 Maryland Crab Bowl. Personal: Son of Darrick and Terresa Scott ... born Aug. 1, 1990 ... chose CMU over Syracuse.

Alex Smith • LB • 6-3 • 220 • Barrington, Ill./Barrington • Coach Joe Sanchez
At Barrington High School: Two-year starter ... helped lead team to a 9-3 record and Class 8A state quarterfinals appearance in 2008 ... named to the Chicago Sun-Times Top 30 ... earned all-area and all-conference honors in 2007 and 2008 ... credited with 101 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks, as a senior ... earned one varsity letter in track and field. Personal: Son of Iain and Debbie Smith ... born Sept. 6, 1990 ... chose CMU over Illinois, Purdue, Colorado, Ball State, Northern Illinois and Akron.

Zurlon Tipton • RB • 6-1 • 195 • Detroit, Mich./Parkway Christian • Coach Jason Hann
At Parkway Christian High School: Four-year letterman in three sports: football, basketball and track and field ... captain of the football team in 2008 ... ranks in the top 20 in state history in eight categories including single-season rushing yards (1,607) and rushing touchdowns (25) and career rushing yards (5,115) and rushing touchdowns (76) ... four-time all-conference selection and three-time conference MVP ... earned all-state honors from the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News in 2008 ... two-time Associated Press all-state selection ... ranked No. 24 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... selected to play in the 2009 Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star Game ... rushed 152 times for 1,607 yards (10.6 ypc) and 25 touchdowns and caught five passes for 104 yards and a score as a senior ... also returned four kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns in 2008 ... defensively, credited with 121 tackles, including three sacks, and three forced fumbles as a senior ... finished career with 76 rushing touchdowns, nine touchdown receptions, six kickoff returns for touchdowns and three punt returns for touchdowns ... averaged 11.2 yards per carry rushing for his career ... career totals also include 301 tackles, 16 sacks and 14 forced fumbles. Personal: Parents are George and Cortrice Boone ... born April 27, 1990 ... chose CMU over Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Kansas and Ball State.

A.J. Westendorp • QB • 6-1 • 210 • Holland, Mich./Holland Christian • Coach Willie Snead
At Holland Christian High School: Three-year letterman and two-year starter ... team captain as a senior ... Associated Press Division 3-4 all-state first team selection ... ranked No. 34 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... helped lead Holland Christian to a 14-0 record and the 2008 Division 4 state championship ... completed 26-of-33 passes for 318 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 108 yards on 19 carries in the state championship game ... set Michigan state championship game records for completions (26), passing yards (318) and total offense (426) ... named MVP of the state title game ... completed 226 of 326 passes (69.3 percent) for 3,600 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior ... also ran for a school-record 1,251 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2008 ... tied a state record for single-season touchdown passes and ranks second in single-season completions and passing yards ... finished senior season with 4,851 yards of total offense and 65 total touchdowns ... set school career records for touchdown passes (68) and passing yards (5,938) ... WZZM TV-13 West Michigan Player of the Year ... named to the Holland Sentinel all-area team in 2007 and 2008 ... member of the Grand Rapids Press Dream Team ... two-time all-conference selection ... also made 64 tackles as a linebacker in 2008 ... three-year letterman in track and field and two-year letterman in basketball. Personal: Son of Jeff and Nancy Westendorp ... born April 8, 1991.

Cody Wilson • WR • 5-10 • 175 • Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams • Coach Tony Patritto
At Rochester Adams High School: Three-year starter ... 2008 team captain ... part of back-to-back OAA championship teams in 2007 and 2008 ... helped lead team to a 12-1 record and regional championship in 2007 ... selected to Detroit Free Press All-State Dream Team as a senior ... ranked No. 18 on Detroit Free Press Fab 50 ... also earned all-conference, all-area and All-North first team honors ... set school records with 52 receptions, 985 receiving yards and 12 touchdown receptions as a senior ... also rushed for 440 yards and seven scores and threw a 29-yard touchdown pass in 2008 ... defensively, made 57 tackles, intercepted three passes and blocked two kicks ... as a junior, caught 32 passes for 501 yards and seven touchdowns ... tallied 20 receptions for 400 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore ... selected to play in 2009 Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star Game. Personal: Son of Dave and Ann Wilson ... born March 5, 1991 ... chose CMU over Eastern Michigan, Northwestern, Purdue and Cincinnati.

Kyle Zelinsky • LB • 6-1 • 225 • Bartlett, Ill./Bartlett • Coach Thomas Meaney
At Bartlett High School: Three-year letterman ... two-year team captain and MVP ... Courier News 2008 Player of the Year ... named Upstate Eight Conference Defensive MVP in 2008 ... helped lead team to a conference championship, undefeated regular season and Class 8A state semifinal appearance in 2008 ... one of two honorary captains of the Daily Herald’s all-area team ... collected all-state first team honors from the Chicago Tribune, News-Gazette and Illinois High School Football Coaches Association ... named area player of the year by the Suburban News ... earned academic all-conference and academic all-state honors as a junior and a senior ... recorded 125 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, as a senior ... finished career with 298 total tackles ... lettered in swimming as a freshman ... won conference and sectional titles and advanced to the state finals in the pool. Personal: Parents are Paul and Michelle Zelinsky ... born Aug. 13, 1991 ... chose CMU over Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Ball State, Akron and Air Force.


2009 CMU Football Preferred Walk-Ons Biographical Sketches

Connor Gagnon • K • 6-1 • 175 • Midland, Mich./Midland • Coach Eric Methner
At Midland High School: All-Saginaw Valley League first team selection in 2008 ... earned Division 1-2 all-state honorable mention recognition from the Associated Press ... named to the Midland Daily News Dream Team ... all-area first team selection by the Saginaw News ... converted 56-of-58 PATs ... longest field goal was 42 yards ... helped lead team to the Division 2 regional finals and a 10-2 overall record ... Midland finished as the Division 2 state runner-up in 2007. Personal: Son of Gary and Lori Gagnon ... born January 18, 1991 ... father, Gary, is a professor at CMU.

Charlie Hoch • TE • 6-4 • 205 • Kewadin, Mich./Elk Rapids • Coach Ed Schindler
At Elk Rapids High School: Three-year letterman ... 2008 team captain ... earned all-state honors as a tight end in 2008 ... named to Traverse City Record-Eagle Dream Team ... academic all-state honorable mention selection by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association ... selected to play in MHSFCA All-Star Game ... caught 39 passes for 815 yards and five touchdowns ... credited with 45 tackles and three sacks as a defensive end ... helped lead team to a 7-3 record and state playoffs appearance ... caught 16 passes for 314 yards as a junior ... Elk Rapids advanced to the district finals in 2007 ... earned three varsity letters in basketball and one in track and field ... National Honor Society member. Personal: Son of Mark and Cindy Hoch ... born Dec. 21, 1990.

Jordan McConnell • WR • 5-10 • 175 • Clare, Mich./Clare • Coach Doug Haggart
At Clare High School: Helped lead team to a 9-2 overall record and state playoffs appearance ... Clare advanced to the district finals in 2007 ... team won Jack Pine Conference championships in 2007 and 2008 ... two-time all-conference second team honoree ... earned all-area second team honors from the Morning Sun and all-area honorable mention accolades from the Saginaw News ... earned all-conference honorable mention accolades in basketball as a junior. Personal: Son of Ray and Renee McConnell ... born July 31, 1990.

Connor Odykirk • WR • 6-3 • 195 • Mount Pleasant, Mich./Mount Pleasant • Coach Jason McIntyre
At Mount Pleasant High School: Two-year starter ... Associated Press Division 3-4 all-state first team selection ... All-Saginaw Valley League first team honoree ... helped lead team to a 9-2 overall record and Division 3 district finals appearance ... Mount Pleasant advanced to the regional finals in 2007 ... 2008 Morning Sun Offensive Player of the Year ... named 2008 team MVP ... caught 62 passes for 1,127 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior ... also made 120 tackles on defense in 2008 ... helped lead Mount Pleasant to three playoff victories and a co-Saginaw Valley League title during the 2007 and 2008 seasons ... will graduate with 10 varsity letters: four in track and field, three in baseball, two in football and one in basketball ... baseball team won a state title in 2007 and finished runner-up in 2008 ... 2008 track and field state qualifier in the high jump. Personal: Parents are Dan and Laura Odykirk ... born Oct. 2, 1990 ... father, Dan, and grandfather, Bill, both played football at CMU.