Southern Virginia University's football team has committed the
following players to join the Knights in 2009. The coaching staff
expects 10 additional committals to be added before the
commencement of fall camp on August 7th.
The signees hail from Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware,
Florida, Idaho, Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, New
Mexico, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Utah, Texas, Washington, and Virginia. Several of the
signees received all-conference, all-state, all-region, and
all-district honors.
"Our football program is very happy to have these 43 new players
added to our roster and six return missionaries joining our
football program," said Coach DeLane Fitzgerald. "This is a very
talented group of young men that will carry on the development of
the great Southern Virginia University tradition. It's hard for me
to hide my excitement for this group of players. We are going to be
very talented this fall, but as juniors and seniors, this group of
young men is going to take the SVU football program to another
level. "
Josh Barrett
6-2, QB
Anderson, Calif. / West Valley HS
Lettered three years at West Valley High School for Greg
Grandell... also lettered one year in Baseball... was a two time
offensive MVP... had the most career TD passes... was named All
Northern Athletic League (NAL)... has five siblings... parents are
Dennis and Elen Barrett.
Daniel Bokinsky
6-0, WR
Dagsboro, Del. / Indian River HS
Lettered three years at Idian River High School for Jimmy
Bunting...also lettered three years in Wrestling and 1 year in
Tennis... was three time Academic All-State for Wrestling... was
2008 Football Team Captain... was All-Time Pass Reception Leader
(1,216 yards)... 2008 Sussex Countian Player of the Week (31 yard
TD rec, 83 yd kickoff return TD)... 2007 DePreps Delaware Player of
the Week (5 receptions, 176 yards, 1 TD in 34-31 OT win over Cape
Henlope HS)... 2007 #2 Recievre in Delaware High Schools averaging
33.4 yards/ rec...a liberal arts major... has three siblings...
George Bokink, Great Uncle, was Quarterback for Duke's 1941 Rose
Bowl team... father Robert Bokinsky ran track at Montgomery College
(LJ, TJ, HJ)... mother Leah Bokinsky played volleyball at Salisbury
University.
Kyle Cottingham
6-0, DE
Mora, Minn. / Mora HS
Lettered two years at Mora High for Randy Qual.. also lettered one
year in Baseball and four years in weightlifting... recieved an
Academic Letter and was an Honor Roll student... Football Team
Captain... was Rum River All Conference... was All Conference for
Lifting... Uncles Jack and Tom Morris played Baseball at Brigham
Young University. They were later drafted and played for the Tigers
and Cubs respectivly... cousin Erik Morris played Baseball at
Michigan State.
Tyler Chavel
6-1, QB
St. Cloud, Mich. / Harmony HS
Started eight games as a junior... rushed for 115 yards, attempted
93 passes, completed 50 passes for 855 yards and six touchdowns...
rated the #4 passer in Central Florida... also played receiver in
four games... had six catches for 105 yards.
Lucas Herndon
6-0, DE
Mechanicsville, Va. / Hanover HS
Lettered three years at Hanover High School for Josh Just... also
lettered in Track... was 2nd Team All-District Center 12... helped
his team win VHSL Division 5 Central Region Championships in
2007... his team was Region runner-up in 2008... helped Hanover HS
to State Semi-Finals in 2007...a member of the National Honor
Society and BETA... was All Academic for football in 10, 11, 12
grades...a Business major... brother Jacob Herndon plays football
for SVU... relatives Bobby and Brian Jarvis participated in
ahletics at Shepherd University and Billy Jarvis competes for James
Madison University... parents are Terri a Donald Herndon.
Kyle Magnes
6-1, OL
Gulf Breeze, Fla. / Gulf Breeze HS
Lettered three years at Gulf Breeze High School for Chris
Nemith... also lettered two years in wrestling... a Business
major... has four siblings... parents are Scott and Cheryl
Magnes... Grandfather, Don Wirt played football for The University
of Florida in 1968-69.
Joshua McGee
5-11, DL/OL
Detroit, Mich. / Ecorse Community High School
Lettered two years at Ecorse Community High School for Kevin
Spicer... also lettered one year in track... received Mega Gold
Honorable Mention... mother is Jayne McGee.
Michael Moores
6-0, K/OL
Littleton, Colo. / Dakota Ridge HS
Lettered two years at Dakota Ridge High School for Ron
Woitalewicz... parents are Stan and Chris Mores... has four
siblings... an honor roll student.
Lee Nordyke
6-3, OL
Riverton HS
Lettered for three years at Riverton High School... "Lee is a big
offensive lineman that is explosive off of the ball. He will make
an immediate contribution to our football program." Coach DeLane
Fitzgerald.
Landon Steele
6-1, FB
Soda Springs, Idaho / Soda Springs HS
Lettered three years at Soda Springs High School for Rod
Worthington...received Lineman of the Year award in 2007 &
2008... was Southeast Idaho All Conference Lineman 2007 &
2008... parents are Justin and Shannon Steele... has three
siblings.
John Smith
6-0, G/DT
Pennsville, N.J. / Pennsville Memorial HS
Lettered four years at Pennsville Memorial High School for JB
Cooksey... received Golden Eagle award in ‘05, ‘06,
‘07... was Gatorade Payer of the Week '07, '08... received
Wood award ‘07, '08... was Salem County All Star team first
squad '08... was All- State '08... inducted to the Touchdown Club
of South Jersey in '08... helped lead Pennsville Memorial High
School to its first playoff season in six years... had 56 tackles,
three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two sacks and a
blocked PAT for the win in 2008... parents are Ed and Carol
Smith... has four siblings... is planning on serving a mission for
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints.
D.J. Taylor
5-10, WR
Buena Vista, Va. / Parry McCluer HS
Lettered three years at Parry McCluer High School for Rad
Patterson... also lettered three years in Baseball... was Football
team MVP in 2008... named All-Pioneer District 2007-2008... also
named All-Pioneer District 2007-2008 in baseball... named All-
Region in 2007... recieved All-State Honorable Mention in 2007... a
member of the National Honor Society...a Pre-Law major... has one
sibling... parents are Judy Wood and Dennis Taylor.
Ryan Champan
5-11, DB
Missouri
Served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints... played football for SVU in 2004 and 2005... was a starter
and key contributor on the 2005 football team. Ryan will be playing
alongside his brother Derek Chapman at SVU.
Ross Fisher
5-10, WR
New Castle, Va. / Virginia Western University
Lettered four years at Craig County High School for Rod Tenney...
also lettered four years in track... received All- District honors
in track for the 800m... received All- Region honors in track in
2005 for the 800m... received BETA Club academic honor from Craig
County High School... a History major... has two siblings...
parents are Jim Fisher and Marcy Cross.
Ryan McGinn
6-0, LB
Bedford, Texas / L.D. Bell HS
Lettered two years at L.D. Bell High School for Ross Dodson...
received Academic All- District honors... a History major... served
a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to
Chicago, Illinois 06-08... has two brothers... parents are Mike and
Judy McGuinn...brother Kyle McGuinn played baseball for Southern
Virginia University 05-07.
Brad Schultz
6-1, WR
Sandy, Utah / Hillcrest HS
Played football for Bruce Takeno at Hillcrest High School...
received First Team All- State honors in 2002... a Business
major...has eight siblings... has a one year old daughter,
Makayla... parents are Tom Schultz and Diana Rosser.
Bryon Tillery
5-10, LB/ OLB
Hampton, Va. / Kecouqhatan HS
Lettered four years at Kecouqhatan High School for Tommy Austen...
lettered two years in track... was Second Team All- Region as a
junior... was First Team All- Region as a senior... has one
sibling... mother is Barbara Tillery Mortor.
Jerrell Taylor
5-10 DB
Lynchburg, Va.
"A transfer from Liberty University, Jarrell will provide depth in
the defensive backfield" said Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Dakota Winsor
6-0 LB/RB
West Richland, Wash. / Hanford HS
A standout Linebacker and Running Back at Hanford HS. Cody rushed
for over 1,300yds in 2008. As a senior, Cody received All League,
All Area, and All State recognition. "Cody has the opportunity to
come into our program and make any immediate impact" Coach DeLane
Fitzgerald.
Joseph Brissette
5-10 RB
Pomona, Calif. / Valley Christian HS / Mesa CC
After a productive HS career at Valley Christian, rushing for over
1,000yds as a senior, and two productive years at Mesa CC, Joe will
bring his talents to the SVU football program this fall. "Joe is
just what we are looking for on offense, he is physical when
needed, but still has a bust of speed to get to the corner on
perimeter plays" Coach DeLane Fitzgerald
Trey Covey
6-3 WR
Federalsburg, Md. / Colonel Richardson
At Colonel Richardson, Trey excelled in football and track all
four years. "After watching film on Trey, our coaching staff is
convinced that Trey can play for us at Receiver and on special
teams" Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Nate Wilson
6-0 LB
Laguna Beach, Calif. / Laguna Beach HS
Track MVP in 2007-08 in the throwing events at Laguna Beach. 1st
Team All League and defensive MVP in 2008 for the Laguna Beach
football team. Named defensive player of the game four times.
Wil Clason
6-0 OL
Auberry, Calif. / Sierra HS
Participated in football for three years and wrestling and track
for two years at Sierra HS. All League Offensive Linemen in 2008.
Named Outstanding Linemen in 2007. Received the Coach's Award in
2008.
Blake Mecham
5-11 DE/OLB
Rangely, Colo. / Rangley HS
Particiapated in multiple sports at Rangely HS, including four
years of football, four years of basketball, three years of track,
and one year of baseball. Received Honorable Mention honors as a
defensive lineman in 2008.
J.D. Beck
6-0 RB
Orem, Utah / American Fork HS
Participated in Football and Track all four years at in HS. As a
senior, JD received All Region, All State, and was named American
Fork's Offesive MVP. JD's father Dave played football for Utah
University.
Cameron Mortensen
6-0 Kicker
Aztec, N.M. / Aztec HS
A standout in football and baseball for Aztec HS, Cameron was
named All District and All State for football in 2008. As a senior,
Cameron connected on 50 of 51 PAT's, 5 of 8 field goals, and
averaged over 40yds per punt. Cameron carries a 3.8GPA and will
graduate in the top 5% of his class.
Brandon Ostler
6-0 RB
Preston, Idaho / Preston HS
Standout in football and track at Preston HS. Averaged 8.3yds per
carry as a senior and scored 33 career touchdowns. As a senior, was
named to the All Valley Football Team. Grandfather Bill Ostler
played football and baseball at BYU.
Gage Heinrich
5-9 RB/OLB
Bend, Ore. / Bend Senior HS
Excelled in football and wrestling at Bend HS. "Our staff's
evaluation of Gage was very high; he is exactly what we are looking
for within the SVU football program, a great young man that loves
to play football. Gage will make a positive impact within our
football family before he leaves SVU" Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Gage's Grandfather played football and ran track at Pacific
University.
William Mallon
6-1 OL
Springfield, Va. / West Springfield HS
A standout Center for West Springfield HS. "Our staff loved
watching William on film. West Springfield runs the same offense as
us, and William excelled in that offense. He is going to fit in
well at SVU" Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Dillion Thrower
6-3 Punter
Lexington, N.C. / North Davidson HS
Dillon punted and played receiver at North Davidson. With hard
work, he has a chance to be a productive football player at SVU"
Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Derek Chapman
6-3 WR/DB
Willow Springs, Mo. / Willow Springs HS
A standout in football, basketball, and track at Willow Springs.
Derek will be playing at SVU alongside his brother Ryan
Chapman.
Taylor Burger
6-1 OL
North Logan, Utah / Sky View HS
An anchor on the offensive line for Sky View. "Taylor runs very
well for an offensive linemen, that coupled with how well he uses
his hands gives Taylor a chance to be a very successful linemen at
SVU" Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Austin Phillips
6-1 Receiver
Harrisburg, N.C. / Hickory Ridge HS
Austin participated in football and track at Hickory Ridge.
"Austin's route running and hands fit in well with our passing
attack" Coach DeLane Fitzgerald
Zach Garner
6-1 QB
Boise, Idaho / Centennial HS
A standout QB at Centennial, Zack led Centennial to a 7 & 4
record as a Junior and the Idaho state title as a Senior.
Branden Seeberger
5-9 DB
Forest, Va. / Jefferson Forest HS
A standout in football and wrestling at Jefferson Forest. Branden
received All District and All Region honors as a Senior. "We are
very excited about having Branden in our football program; he is
outstanding young man and good football player. His future football
development will be very enjoyable to watch" Coach DeLane
Fitzgerald.
Bryon Towler
5-9 OLB/DE
Victor, Idaho / Hillcrest HS
Bryon excelled as a football player at Hillcrest. "Bryon's work
ethic and motor stood out to our coaching staff as we watched his
video. If Bryon plays as hard for SVU as he did for Hillcrest, he
will do well in our program" Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Brett Kassell
6-0 DB
Madison, Miss. / St. Joseph Catholic
A member of the SVU football program in 2006. Brett returns to the
SVU fooball program after serving a two year church mission. "Brett
was a contributor to our program in 2006 and we are very happy to
have him returning. Brett will be a big part of our program for the
next three seasons" Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Aaron Hoover
6-1 QB
Corona, Calif. /
Started at QB for American Sports University last fall. Aaron
threw for 812yds and 11 touchdowns in 2008. "Our staff expects big
things from Aaron. He is an older and more mature young man that
will be expected to lead by example from day one" Coach DeLane
Fitzgerald
Trent Graff
6-0 OLB
Delta, Colo. / Delta HS
Excelled in football at Delta. "Our coaching staff likes Trent's
work ethic both on the field of play and in the weight room. We
look for Trent to develop into a very productive player at SVU"
Coach DeLane Fitzgerald
Trevor Miller
6-1 TE/DT
Centerville, Md. / Queen Anne's County HS
A standout Tight End and Defensive Tackle at Queen Anne's. "While
watching Trevor's film, our staff realized that Trevor is a very
good football player. He had the ability to takeover a high school
football game on either offense with his blocking ability or on
defense with his ability to get into the backfield on every play"
Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Clark Steele
6-1 LB
Lancaster, Calif. / Quartz Hill HS
A standout Linebacker at Quartz Hill. "Clark will make an
immediate impact on our football program. His athleticism and nose
for the football will make our Line backing core better" Coach
DeLane Fitzgerald.
Clint Kelly
6-2 OL/DL
Mesa, Ariz. / Mesa CC
"Our coaching staff is excited about Clint. With Clint's work
ethic and attitude, he could contribute to our football program
early" Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Kevin Shook
6-0 DL
Spotswood, N.J. / Spotswood HS
A standout football player and wrestler at Spotswood. "Kevin's
energy and enthusiasm will go a long way in making him successful
at SVU. I expect Kevin to have a very productive career" Coach
DeLane Fitzgerald