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SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University Athletic Communication Office and The Rock football coaching staff will team up Wednesday, Feb. 7 to provide live updates from the 2024 National Signing Day.
 
National Letters of Intent (NLI) are expected to begin rolling in around 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. Once the letters are verified by the SRU compliance office, this page will be updated with information on each signee, including custom graphics and quotes from The Rock coaching staff for each respective player.
 
Live announcements will take place on the official Slippery Rock Athletics 'X' (formerly Twitter) account (@Rock_Athletics). Fans can follow the hashtag #RockNSD24 for updates throughout the day.
 
A full announcement of the signing class, including reaction from SRU head coach Shawn Lutz, will be posted to the homepage at www.RockAthletics.com Wednesday afternoon once all expected letters are returned.
 
Slippery Rock is expected to announce the addition of more than 20 total players Wednesday. In addition to current high school seniors that will be signing letters of intent, SRU will also announce 10 mid-year transfers that are already on campus and will suit up for spring practices. The transfer signings will be announced before the high school signees.
 
The Rock are looking to reload and continue a recent trend that has seen Slippery Rock become one of the most stable and successful programs in Division II. SRU will enter the 2024 season with the second longest active streak of NCAA Playoff appearances and the ninth longest active winning seasons streak among all Division II programs. The Rock are coming off a fifth straight PSAC West title and fifth straight national playoff appearance in 2023 and have averaged 11.0 wins per season over the last five seasons.
 

Updates will be posted below beginning Wednesday morning around 9 a.m. Refresh this page to make sure you get the latest list of signees. Signees will be listed in the order the National Letters of Intent are received by the football staff. Mid-year transfers will be announced first.
 
CLASS COMPLETE: Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 12:15 p.m.

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JEFF BONNETTE
• Height: 6-4
• Weight: 295
• Position: OL
• Hometown: Pittsburgh
• High School: Shaler
• Transfer From: California (Pa.)
• Eligibility Remaining: 1 Season
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• Appeared in 24 games over the last three years for the Vulcans.
• Started two of eight games played for California a season ago, helping the Vulcans to seven wins and blocking for an offense that ranked second in the PSAC in total offense, second in scoring, second in passing and seventh in rushing.
• Has collegiate experience at both guard and center.
• Graduated from Shaler High School after earning back-to-back all-conference honors and being selected to play in the 2019 PSFCA East-West All-Star Game.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "We graduated four of our starters on the OL and had an immediate need at that spot. Jeff has college playing experience and started games at Cal. He will likely play center here, but has played multiple positions along the line. He is durable, physical and has the experience we were looking for. We expect him to compete for a starting OL job."
 

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DAVION DANIELS
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 190
• Position: DB
• Hometown: Hubbard, Ohio
• High School: Hubbard
• Transfer From: Bowling Green
• Eligibility Remaining: 1 Season
 
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• Appeared in 42 games at Division I Bowling Green (2020-23).
• Missed just one game during time with BGSU.
• Totaled 41 tackles over career with the Falcons.
• Blocked a punt for a safety in the 2022 Quick Lane Bowl.
• An Academic All-MAC honoree a season ago.
• Ranked as a two-star prospect in the class of 2019 by 247Sports. Was the No. 135 overall prospect in Ohio and the No. 5 cornerback in the state.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Davion played mostly special teams at Bowling Green. He will compete for a starting job with the graduations of Jalen Dangerfield and Selvin Haynes. He is very athletic, instinctive and a smart player. Has good ball skills. Has a chance to make an immediate impact for us by joining our already experienced secondary."
 

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MARSHALL FUTRELL
• Height: 6-4
• Weight: 320
• Position: OL
• Hometown: Yonkers, N.Y.
• High School: Iona Prep
• Transfer From: Charlotte
• Eligibility Remaining: 2 Seasons
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• Began college career at Division I Charlotte.
• Named to the 2022 Conference-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll.
• Led Iona Prep to a 13-1 record over his final two high school seasons.
• Was an all-county athlete at Iona Prep.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Marshall is a big pickup from Division I Charlotte. He is a big body tackle. Big and physical. Has pretty good feet for a big guy. He has a chance to fill an immediate need and has a chance to compete for a starting spot along the offensive line."
 

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TODD HILL
• Height: 5-10
• Weight: 240
• Position: DL
• Hometown: Homestead, Pennsylvania
• High School: Steel Valley
• Transfer From: Pittsburgh
• Eligibility Remaining: 1 Season
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• Began collegiate career at Division I Duquesne where he played in 31 games and was a three-time All-NEC honoree.
• Recorded 144 tackles, 34 TFL, 15.5 sacks and two forced fumbles as a member of the Dukes prior to transferring to Pittsburgh for the 2023 season.
• During prep career at Steel Valley, Hill was a three-time all-state selection, a two-time Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 honoree, a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 25 pick and a four-time All-Allegheny Conference choice.
• Graduated from Steel Valley ranked as a two-star athlete and the No. 60 prospect in the state of Pennsylvania by 247Sports.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Todd could be the top portal addition in our class. He was a three-time all-conference player as a linebacker at Duquesne before he transferred up to Pitt. He is not the tallest guy, but he is put together well and is very physical. We expect to move him to the defensive end spot and he will compete for a starting job right away."
 

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ANTHONY JACKSON
• Height: 6-5
• Weight: 320
• Position: OL
• Hometown: Farrell, Pennsylvania
• High School: Farrell
• Transfer From: Gannon
• Eligibility Remaining: 4 Seasons
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• Originally a member of Gannon's 2023 recruiting class.
• Redshirted for the Golden Knights a season ago.
• Was a three-year starter at local powerhouse Farrell High School during prep career.
• Earned all-state, all-region and all-conference honors as a senior in 2022 while helping the Farrell to a 10-2 record and a District 10 Class 2A championship.
• High school teammate of current SRU wide receiver Kylon Wilson.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Anthony is coming in from Gannon with four years of eligibility left after redshirting last year. He has a lot of potential, especially with some development in the weight training program. He will immediately provide depth at the offensive tackle position."
 

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NASSIR JONES
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 230
• Position: TE
• Hometown: Williamsport, Pennsylvania
• High School: Williamsport
• Transfer From: Bloomsburg
• Eligibility Remaining: 1 Season
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• Appeared in 32 games over last three years at Bloomsburg.
• Comes to The Rock having already recorded 77 collegiate receptions for 915 yards and six touchdowns.
• Earned first team All-PSAC East honors a season ago after producing 33 catches, 409 yards and two touchdowns. Averaged 12.4 yards per reception.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Nassir was the first team All-PSAC tight end in the East Division last year. He gives us a great 1-2 punch with Kam Kruzelyak, which means we have both of the first team All-PSAC tight ends from last year. He is a very athletic tight end and is a guy we can split out and play in multiple places."
 

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JOSIAH "JAYJAY" JORDAN
• Height: 5-10
• Weight: 170
• Position: RB
• Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania
• High School: Berks Catholic
• Transfer From: Wilkes
• Eligibility Remaining: 3 Seasons
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• Began collegiate career at Wilkes University in 2023.
• Made an immediate impact for the Colonels on both offense and special teams on the way to being named the Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year and a first team all-conference kick returner.
• Ran for 549 yards and seven touchdowns on 61 carries over 11 games. Averaged 8.8 yards per rush. Also caught four passes for 54 yards and a touchdown.
• Racked up 748 kick return yards, averaging 20.8 yards per return.
• Ranked 54th in Division III in all-purpose yards.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "JayJay comes from Division III Wilkes – we wanted him out of high school and are happy to get him now. He was the starting running back at Wilkes and also a great kick returner. He is a guy that can take it to the house on every play. We really think he can fill the void left by Khalid Dorsey. He is a lot like Chris D'Or and maybe even a little faster, which gives us a very dynamic backfield."
 

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JULIAN SAMS
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 300
• Position: OL
• Hometown: Bealeton, Virginia
• High School: Liberty
• Transfer From: Kent State
• Eligibility Remaining: 2 Seasons
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• Played in 26 games over three years (2018-20) at Division I Kent State.
• Started 25 games for the Golden Flashes including 13 for the 2019 KSU team which went 7-6 and won the Frisco Bowl for the first bowl win in program history. 
• Named to Phil Steele's 2019 preseason All-MAC Second Team.
• Ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 41 athlete in the state of Virginia by 247Sports coming out of Liberty High School.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Julian has starting experience at the Division I level at Kent State. He took a couple years off from the game and did some MMA fighting. He is a big, physical and mean offensive guard. If he can shake the rust off from not playing a couple years, he has a chance to be one of the biggest additions in this year's class."
 

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MIKE SOLOMON
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 195
• Position: WR
• Hometown: Huntingtown, Md.
• High School: Huntingtown
• Transfer From: Notre Dame (Ohio)
• Eligibility Remaining: 2 Seasons
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• A member of Notre Dame's 2021 recruiting class. After a redshirt season, played in 21 games over last two years.
• Recorded 55 receptions for 724 yards and three touchdowns at NDC. Averaged 13.2 yards per catch. 
• Helped to lead Notre Dame to a 16-6 combined record in 2022 and 2023.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "We needed some experienced receivers with graduations from last year. Mike has good experience from Notre Dame. He is a natural receiver. Good ball skills. Very smooth. Good hands and good route running. Good speed. We like that he has played meaningful games at this level."
 

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LATRELL SUTTON
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 200
• Position: WR
• Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
• High School: Highland Springs
• Transfer From: Virginia Tech
• Eligibility Remaining: 4 Seasons
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• Elected to join the Virginia Tech football program as a preferred walk-on in 2022 over Division I scholarship offers from Old Dominion and Norfolk State.
• Made collegiate debut during 2022 season against Liberty. Did not appear in a game last year.
• Came to Virginia Tech after a stellar career at Highland Springs where he won a state championship as a standout two-way player.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Latrell is a long body guy that was productive in basketball and football. He walked on at Virginia Tech. Has the potential to be a big play guy in our offense. He is a little bit raw right now but has huge potential at the outside receiver position."
 

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GAVIN LUTZ
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 170
• Position: DB
• Hometown: Grove City, Pennsylvania
• High School: Grove City
• Highlight Video
 
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• A three-time all-state honoree, earning the honor twice as a defensive back and once at wide receiver.
• According to MaxPreps, collected nine interceptions at Grove City while making 142 total tackles.
• A four-time all-conference selection.
• Finished high school career with 2,340 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns and a school-record 202 receptions.
• Son of Rock head coach Shawn Lutz. Brother, Logan, was a tight end at Duquesne.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Gavin is a tremendous athlete that could play on either side of the ball. We like him on offense as well but we think he can move to the nickel position on defense. Good ball skills and a great athlete."
 

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LUKE CALDWELL
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 325
• Position: OL
• Hometown: Wilmington, N.C.
• High School: New Hanover
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• A two-time first team all-area and All-Mideastern Conference honoree.
• Named the New Hanover Lineman of the Year as a sophomore and senior.
• Was a three-sport athlete throughout prep career.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Luke is a big guy. He is a physical offensive lineman that moves well, especially for his size. He will likely play the tackle position here."


 

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DaONE OWENS
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 200
• Position: QB
• Hometown: Massillon, Ohio
• High School: Massillon Washington
• Highlight Video
 
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• Ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 122 prospect in the state of Ohio by 247Sports and as the No. 170 QB in the nation.
• Led Massillon to its first state title since 1980.
• Completed 105-of-182 passes for 1,566 yards and 18 touchdowns during senior season while throwing just three interceptions.
• Also rushed for 1,302 yards and 15 touchdowns. Averaged 9.3 yards per carry.
• Set Massillon records for rushing yards by a quarterback.
• Capped off senior year by earning first team all-state, all-district and all-conference honors while being named the Division 2 Player of the Year.
 
Coach Lutz Says: " DaOne was the starting QB on a state championship team for a really good Massillon program in Ohio. He is a true dual threat QB that can beat you with his legs and his arm. The kind of guy we haven't had since Nigel Barksdale. He can do it all. Has a chance to compete for the backup job right away as a true freshman. Will benefit from being in the QB room with a Harlon Hill finalist in Brayden Long."
 

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SINCERE SHANNON
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 250
• Position: DL
• Hometown: Pittsburgh
• High School: Westinghouse
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• Earned first team all-state honors at nose guard following senior season.
• A two-time all-conference choice.
• Recorded 11 sacks, 22 TFL, three forced fumbles and one interception as a senior.
• Anchored the defense on a Westinghouse team that went 13-1 on the way to a district title and a state runner-up finish.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Sincere is a very athletic defensive lineman. Excited to land him. He will likely play at the defensive tackle position where his athleticism could create some mismatches."

 

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JETT FRANZ
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 230
• Position: DL
• Hometown: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• High School: Central Dauphin
• Highlight Video
 
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• Earned second team Class 6A all-state honors as a senior.
• Also a first team all-conference selection.
• Held Division I offers from both Lehigh and Monmouth.
• Finished prep career with 213 career tackles, 36 TFL, 26 sacks and 25 QB hurries (MaxPreps).  
• Totaled 80 tackles, 16 TFL and 10 sacks over 11 games as a senior (MaxPreps). 
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Jett was one of our top defensive high school signees. Has a great body type and once he fills in with our weight program we think he is a guy that can make an impact as a pass rusher. Could compete for playing time as a true freshman in the fall."
 

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AMARE HARPER
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 260
• Position: DL
• Hometown: Pittsburgh
• High School: Sto-Rox
• Highlight Video
 
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• Named the 2023 WPIAL AA Century Conference Lineman of the Year.
• Received first team All-Century Conference honors as both a defensive lineman and offensive lineman.
• Earned Lineman of the Year honors twice and closed prep career as a four-time first team all-conference selection.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Amare is the prototypical big guy on the interior of the defensive line. A run stopper. Big and strong. Dominated his level of competition in high school. We expect him to help us in the run stopping game."


 

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KWALIL "SHEP" SHEPPERSON
• Height: 5-11
• Weight: 215
• Position: LB
• Hometown: Pleasantville, N.J.
• High School: Pleasantville
• Highlight Video
 
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• Earned first team all-conference honors at linebacker after producing 77 tackles, eight TFL, two sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior.
• Also accounted for 765 total yards and 10 touchdowns on offense in 2023.
• Led Pleasantville to back-to-back conference championships and an 8-2 record in 2023.
• A two-time all-state selection and three-year varsity captain.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "We think Shep is a real diamond in the rough kind of guy. Comes in as a linebacker but we could easily move him to safety. He could be a very physical, run stopping safety because of his ability to tackle.
 

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JULIUS VICARI
• Height: 5-11
• Weight: 175
• Position: WR
• Hometown: Boonton, N.J.
• High School: Seton Hall Prep
• Highlight Video
 
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• Caught 52 passes for 864 yards and five touchdowns during senior campaign.
• Averaged 16.6 yards per reception and 78.5 receiving yards per game.
• Compiled 89 receptions, 1,290 yards and nine touchdowns over final two years at Seton Hill Prep.
• Was a second team all-conference choice in addition to being named to the NJ.com All Non-Public Team.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Julius was one of the top offensive recruits for us this year. He is very fast and explosive. Comes from a good program in New Jersey. He could play inside or outside receiver here. He can really fly. Could play as a true freshman."

 

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CARMEN METCALFE
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 200
• Position: DB
• Hometown: Trafford, Pennsylvania
• High School: Penn-Trafford
• Highlight Video
 
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• A two-time All-Big East Conference selection as a defensive back.
• Recorded 49 tackles and one interception as a senior in addition to catching 47 passes for 574 yards and two touchdowns on offense (MaxPreps).
• Named to the Westmorland County All-Star Team.
• A senior captain.
• Picked off four passes during junior season. 
• Held a preferred walk-on offer from West Virginia.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Carmen is a guy that came to our camp. A three-sport athlete that plays basketball and baseball too. Typical safety. Good tackler that is good in coverage and good against the pass. Very versatile. We are excited about him."
 

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MIKE CRIST
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 300
• Position: OL
• Hometown: Munhall, Pennsylvania
• High School: Steel Valley
• Highlight Video
 
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• A premiere two-way lineman out of Steel Valley, earning all-conference honors as an offensive lineman three times and once on defense.
• One of the six 2023 Bill Fralic Memorial Award finalists, an award given annually to the WPIAL's best interior lineman.
• Earned all-state honors twice.
• Anchored the lines for a Steel Valley team that went 10-2 in 2023, winning the Allegheny Conference and earning WPIAL Class AA runner-up honors.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Similar kind of offensive lineman to Colton Rossi. A throwback offensive lineman. Could have played on either side of the ball. Athletic and physical offensive lineman. He has a lot of potential likely on the interior of the offensive line."
 

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SOREN STOLTZFUS
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 285
• Position: OL
• Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• High School: Conestoga Valley
• Highlight Video
 
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• Named both the Lineman of the Year and the Offensive Lineman of the Year for the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 following a standout senior season.
• A three-time first team all-section honoree on offense and a one-time choice on defense.
• Helped to lead Conestoga Valley to a 9-3 record in 2023.
• A two-time team captain.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Physical offensive lineman. A little undersized but gritty. Does some good things on film. Smart player with very good academics looking to major in engineering."
 

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LANDON CARBAUGH
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 320
• Position: OL
• Hometown: Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
• High School: Shippensburg
• Highlight Video
 
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• A two-time all-conference offensive lineman.
• Named to the Public Opinion 2023 All-Star Team.
• Also an accomplished pitcher on the Shippensburg baseball team.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Landon has been interested in SRU for a long time. He only played two years of high school football. Very raw. A lot of upside. Reminds us of Nick Stazer. Passionate guy. Can play anywhere across the line."



 

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MATT MUIR
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 270
• Position: OL
• Hometown: Avon, Ohio
• High School: Avon
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
• Closed high school career by earning All-Ohio, all-district and all-conference accolades as a senior.
• A two-time all-country honoree.
• Selected to play in the North-South Ohio All-Star Game.
• Was a two-year starter at Avon, which reached the Ohio Division II state semifinals in 2023. The Eagles went undefeated for 14 weeks and won the Southwestern Conference.
• Helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for Avon to rush for 2,969 yards.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Athletic offensive lineman. Spitting image to Yuriy Hryckowian coming out of high school. A little undersized for an offensive lineman, but has the tools to develop. Played at a really good high school. Very athletic and physical player. Has a lot of upside with some weight gain in our strength program."
 

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LOU SWARTZ
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 220
• Position: TE
• Hometown: Rural Valley, Pennsylvania
• High School: West Shamokin
• Highlight Video
 
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• A great all-around athlete who did it all at West Shamokin as a senior, running for 1,465 yards and 22 touchdowns, passing for 515 yards and collecting 13 TFL as well as one sack defensively.
• Hauled in 72 receptions for 1,101 yards and 16 touchdowns over high school career.
• A three-time all-conference honoree.
• Will graduate holding West Shamokin records for single-game rush yards (356), single-game rushing touchdowns (6), single-season rushing and single-season receptions.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Played QB in high school along with some other positions on both sides of the ball. We think he can be an athletic tight end. Coming off a knee injury so likely to redshirt his first year. He can do a lot of things in our offense."
 

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RYAN GIGAX
• Height: 6-4
• Weight: 215
• Position: DL
• Hometown: Dover, Ohio
• High School: Dover
• Highlight Video
 
QUICK BIO
• Played defensive line at Dover High School in Dover, Ohio.
 
Coach Lutz Says: "Eventually could be a very good edge rusher for us. Played linebacker in high school but has the frame that we can develop to play on the edge with some additional weight."










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