Signing Day Graphics Gallery

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University football team announced its 2021 recruiting class with the addition of three transfer students that are already enrolled and 12 high school seniors that signed national letters of intent Wednesday on National Signing Day.
 
The 15-person class is smaller than The Rock's typical yearly recruiting class due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A majority of SRU's 2020 seniors have elected to return for their final year of eligibility in the fall of 2021, limiting the amount of roster spots available.
 
"This was a unique year for us in terms of recruiting," said head coach Shawn Lutz. "We were in a really good place because so many of our seniors and upperclassmen are planning to return next fall, which is great for us because we bring back some All-Americans and veteran leaders, but it did limit our ability to add a large recruiting class.
 
"That said, we did have some spots open up and we recruited pretty aggressively to try to fill those spots with guys that were on top of our boards. Every player we signed was at the top of our boards and I'm very pleased with the overall quality of the class."
 
The three transfer students all come from Division I or Division II programs and all have extensive collegiate experience, while the 12 high school players hail from three different states and Washington, D.C.
 
"The strength of our program and how many games we've been winning is really helping us expand our reach in recruiting," said Lutz. "We definitely aren't forgetting about our backyard and we did sign some local and western Pennsylvania kids, but to be able to recruit in New Jersey, Maryland, D.C. and the eastern side of Pennsylvania has really opened up some new opportunities for us in recent years."
 
The transfer students include wide receiver Izzy Adeoti from Division I North Dakota, defensive lineman D.J. Adediwura from Fairmont State and defensive back Hunter Merritt from Mercyhurst.
 
"We really like all three of these guys," said Lutz. "Izzy played with our quarterback transfer Noah Grover at North Dakota. He's got a lot of speed and great ball skills. D.J. is a guy we really went after that we think can make a big impact right away. He was All-Region in our region in 2019 and has proven himself at this level. Hunter is a guy we have played against for three years at Mercyhurst. He's a smart football player that can move around from safety to outside linebacker for us."
 
In addition to the transfer students, Slippery Rock signed 12 high school seniors that include one tight end, one running back, one offensive lineman, one linebacker, one defensive back, one defensive lineman, three quarterbacks and three wide receivers.
 
"Overall, I really believe this is tremendous class," said Lutz. "Our offensive system is built around speed and we got a lot of speed and athleticism in this class. We also added some real playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. When you factor in that we really didn't lose many pieces from the best team in school history, we feel really good about where we are heading into 2021."
 
Some of the headliners of the incoming freshman class are running back Xander McClure from New Market, Maryland, tight end Nathan Waltman from Fenelton, Pennsylvania, quarterback and versatile athlete Michael Henwood from Hermitage, Pennsylvania, offensive lineman Eli Podgorski from South Park, Pennsylvania, cornerback Ali Abdul-Hakim from Washington, D.C. and wide receiver Jemel Carter from Paterson, New Jersey.
 
"We like the class from top to bottom so it's hard to point out just a few to highlight," said Lutz. "But we really believe Xander could be one of the best skill position players we have signed out of high school in a long time. He's a big-time playmaker and home run threat with the ball in his hands. Nathan is a beast that could step in as a big, physical tight end for us right away. His upside is tremendous. Michael is one of the best athletes to ever play QB in Mercer County. We could end up using him all over the field. Eli was one of the best offensive linemen in Pennsylvania last year and his older brother was an All-Region starter for us. Ali might be the steal of the class. He is a lockdown corner with great feet and athleticism and Jemel might be the fastest player on the team. He's a track star coming in from one of the best programs in the country in Paramus Catholic and he's also going to run track here at The Rock."
 
In addition to their on-field performance, the 2021 recruiting class has also shined in the classroom.
 
"We feel really good about this class, not only for their performance on the field, but also in the classroom," said Lutz. "The average GPA of this group of guys is 3.3, which shows that we're not just recruiting for athletic ability. We want guys that will perform well in the classroom and be accountable in athletics and academics."
 
Slippery Rock did not play in the fall of 2020 after canceling the season due to the pandemic. The Rock are coming off the best season in school history in 2019 when they won their first 13 games on the way to a 13-1 overall record, PSAC and NCAA Super Region One titles, National Coach and Player of the Year awards and a trip to the NCAA Semifinals. SRU is the most successful program in the PSAC over the last decade, winning six of the nine PSAC Western Division titles since 2011 and three overall PSAC championships.
 
More information about each of the 15 members of the 2021 recruiting class can be found below.
 

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IZZY ADEOTI
• Height: 5-10
• Weight: 185
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Hometown: Plano, Ill.
• High School: Plano
• Transfer From: University of North Dakota
 
QUICK BIO
- Played in 12 games during career at the University of North Dakota.
- Caught 21 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown in three seasons at North Dakota.
- Averaged 14.2 yards per reception.
- Was a three-time all-state selection in high school at Plano High School in Plano, Illinois.
 
Coach Lutz says: "Played with QB Noah Grover at North Dakota. He can be a difference maker at the receiver position. Can play the outside and beat people with game-changing speed. Has good hands. Brings experience and leadership to our receiving corps."

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HUNTER MERRITT
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 195
• Position: Defensive Back
• Hometown: Linesville, Pa.
• High School: Conneaut Area
• Transfer From: Mercyhurst University
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- Played in 25 games over the last three seasons at Mercyhurst.
- Produced 49 tackles and three interceptions at Mercyhurst.
- Led the Lakers in interceptions (3) and ranked sixth in tackles (37) in 2019.
- A two-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete.
 
Coach Lutz says: "Hunter played with our All-American receiver Henry Litwin in high school. Played QB in high school. Started at Mercyhurst in the secondary. Physical player. Very intelligent with a high football IQ. Gives us experience at the safety position or the outside linebacker (falcon) position. Gives us flexibility."

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D.J. ADEDIWURA
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 275
• Position: Defensive Lineman
• Hometown: Columbia, Maryland
• High School: Hammond
• Transfer From: Fairmont State University
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- Played 30 games over four seasons at Fairmont State.
- Recorded 117 total tackles, 35.5 TFL and 12.5 sacks at FSU.
- Earned second team All-MEC honors in 2017 and 2019. Was also a third team All-Region selection in 2019.
- Produced 14 tackles for loss in both 2017 and 2019. 
 
Coach Lutz says: "D.J. gives us versatility and proven performance on the defensive line and can compete for a starting job right away. Gives us a proven, successful player at the DII level. Could play inside as a tackle or on the edge. Great pass rusher."

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MEHKI TWILLIE
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 240
• Position: Defensive Line
• Hometown: Erie, Pa.
• High School: Cathedral Prep
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- Brother of former Slippery Rock defensive lineman Tony Twillie.- A First team All-Region performer as a senior.
- Finished senior season with 45 tackles, 12 TFL, 2.0 sacks, five pass break-ups and one blocked punt.
- Led Cathedral Prep to the PIAA 5A state championship game in 2020.
 
Coach Lutz says: "Brother of former Rock DL Tony Twillie. Led Cathedral Prep to the state championship game. A guy that is very physical and athletic. He could be a DE or an inside guy. Gives us depth on the DL."

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ZAK ARTLEY
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 175
• Position: Quarterback
• Hometown: Blairsville, Pa.
• High School: Blairsville
 
QUICK BIO
- Southern Allegheny Football Coaches Association Offensive MVP.
- Lettered all four years of prep career and was a two-year team captain. 
- Son of former Slippery Rock quarterback Rick Artley.
 
Coach Lutz says: "Zal has a 4.0 GPA and is a high academic guy. He is going into LECOM program and wants to study medicine. Son of former Rock QB Rick Artley. He is a smart, intelligent player."

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REIS WATKINS
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 220
• Position: Linebacker
• Hometown: New Castle, Pa.
• High School: Shenango
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- An All-Big 7 selection at both running back and linebacker during junior and senior seasons.
- Ran for 1,250 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior.
- Named the Big 7 Offensive Player of the Year in 2020.
 
Coach Lutz says: "Local kid. Two-sport athlete that also plays basketball. Played as a big running back in high school and also as a linebacker. We think he can transfer to the defensive side so we'll start him at linebacker. We've had success with these kind of players in the past. We think he could be a Chad Kuhn type guy that could transition to the DE and pass rusher spot."

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BASILIO JIMENEZ
• Height: 5-7
• Weight: 170
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Hometown: Columbia, Pa.
• High School: Hempfield
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- Racked up 2,100 career all-purpose yards.
- Earned first team All-Lancaster-Lebanon League honors as a returner and second team recognition at wide receiver throughout prep career.
- Hauled in 56 catches for 645 yards at Hempfield.
- Averaged 12.2 yards per reception.
 
Coach Lutz says: "Slot receiver that was also successful as a returner. Makes people miss in space. He is the type of slot receiver we really like in our system."

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NATHAN WALTMAN
• Height: 6-5
• Weight: 240
• Position: Tight End
• Hometown: Fenelton, Pa.
• High School: Karns City
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- A three-year starter at Karns City at tight end and linebacker.
- Earned All-State honors at both tight end and linebacker as a senior.
- Named the District 9 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.
- Received all-conference recognition at both tight end and linebacker as a junior and senior.
- Also named to the Butler County Sweet 16 All-Star Defense as a junior and senior.
- Totaled 81 tackles, 14 TFL, eight receptions, 134 yards and one touchdown in 2020.
- Recorded 244 tackles, 40 TFL, 4.0 sacks, six forced fumbles, 15 receptions and 209 yards receiving over final three high school seasons.
 
Coach Lutz says: "We're really excited about Nathan. Local guy. Big, physical specimen. 6-5, 240. Also has a 4.1 GPA at the top of his class. We beat a lot of schools on him. He's going to be a physical tight end for us."

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ELI PODGORSKI
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 280
• Position: Offensive Line
• Hometown: South Park, Pa.
• High School: South Park
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- Bill Fralic WPIAL Lineman of the Year award finalist.
- Brother of former Slippery Rock All-Region offensive lineman Ryan Podgorski.
- A first team All-State selection as a senior.
- Earned all-conference honors as an offensive lineman three times and as a defensive lineman once.
 
Coach Lutz says: "We didn't have any spots for an offensive lineman and then one spot opened up late. We loved Eli for a long time and he was our first call when we had a spot open up. His brother started here. He's a high academic kid that is real physical. We love brother combinations and to be able to continue the legacy."

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ALI ABDUL-HAKIM
• Height: 5-9
• Weight: 160
• Position: Defensive Back
• Hometown: Washington, D.C.
• High School: Friendship Collegiate Academy
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- Had three interceptions, three forced fumbles, four pass break-ups and 17 tackles in final season.
- Named Friendship Collegiate Academy's Defensive MVP.
 
Coach Lutz says: "Lockdown corner. Very athletic cover corner. Physical for his stature. Could make an immediate impact in our secondary. We're really thinking big things for him. He could also play in the return game."

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MICHAEL HENWOOD
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 175
• Position: Quarterback
• Hometown: Hermitage, Pa.
• High School: Hickory
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- A unanimous All-State selection as a senior.
- Also earned all-district and all-region accolades at both quarterback and defensive back.
- Named WKBN Big 22 PA Player of the Year.
- Led Hickory to regional and District 10 championships after throwing for 2,130 yards, running for 943 yards and compiling 34 total touchdowns in nine games in 2020.
- Produced 37 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and two interceptions on defense.
- Hickory's all-time leading passer and the first quarterback in Mercer County history with over 4,000 yards passing and 1,500 yards rushing. 
 
Coach Lutz says: "District 10 champ at QB as a starter at Hickory. Turned down D1 offers to come to play at SRU. Lots of athletic ability. Could also be an outside receiver with his versatility. He was the best athlete on his high school team. There is a lot of flexibility with him and we could end up using him all over the field on both sides of the ball."

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JEMEL CARTER
• Height: 5-8
• Weight: 180
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Hometown: Paterson, N.J.
• High School: Paramus Catholic
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- Totaled 1,184 Career all-purpose yards for what is typically one of the top high school football programs in the nation.
- Earned honorable mention all-league and all-county recognition.
- Also a gifted track athlete, winning five county championships, three league titles and earning All-State honors five times in sprinting events.
- Competed in the prestigious New Balance Nationals track and field meets (indoor and outdoor) in 2018 and 2019.
 
Coach Lutz says: "Jemel comes from one of the top schools in the country in Paramus Catholic. He's a standout in track and football and didn't even start playing football until 10th grade. He will play our slot position here. Extremely speedy. We think he could also stand out in the return game. He will make people miss in space and will tough to catch with his speed."

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XANDER McCLURE
• Height: 5-9
• Weight: 175
• Position: Running Back
• Hometown: New Market, Md.
• High School: Linganore
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- A first team All-State and first team all-country performer as a junior.
- Finished junior year ranked second in the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association with 2,350 rushing yards. 
- Also tied for seventh in the MPSSAA as a junior with 23 touchdowns.
 
Coach Lutz says: "We're fired up about this kid. He's one of the top skill guys we have signed in a long time, and that's saying a lot. We're going to start him at running back, but you could see him move to the slot receiver position and in the return game. He is a home-run type of playmaker that could take it to the house every time he touches the ball. He is a difference maker."

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JACKSON BOUSLOUGH
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 200
• Position: Quarterback
• Hometown: Hummelstown, Pa.
• High School: Hershey
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- Threw for 750 yards and 10 touchdowns in six games as a senior while rushing for 185 yards and another touchdown.
- Led Hershey to a 5-1 record and a Keystone Conference championship.
- Voted as one of the top Mid-Penn Performers of the Week four times and as Player of the Week once.
 
Coach Lutz says: "Had a great year at Hershey High School. He is the son of former Rock football player Craig Bouslough. He's a leader in the classroom. Has a live arm. Will add depth to the QB room."

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CONNOR CHRISMAN
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 165
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Hometown: Irwin, Pa.
• High School: Norwin
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
- Earned first team WPIAL All-6A honors.
- Recorded 18 receptions for 385 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games during senior year.
- Honor Roll student.
 
Coach Lutz says: "We had one spot open up at the outside receiver position late and we really liked Connor all along. He had a lot of offers. He has height and good size, runs well for a big guy and has really great ball skills. He was on top of our board."

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