Colorado State University Athletics
Class of 2009
2/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 4, 2009
Complete Release in PDF Format 
Justin Becker
Offensive Line - 6-7 - 265
Highlands Ranch, Colo.;
ThunderRidge High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Enrolled for the spring 2009 semester and will begin practice this spring...A second-team all-Mountain Plains League defensive lineman as a senior...Played both defensive end and tackle for the Grizzlies, alongside fellow CSU signee Zach Tiedgen...Head coach was Joe Johnson...As a freshman, attended Bennett (Colo.) High School, on the plains east of Denver, then moved to Highlands Ranch and opted to concentrate on basketball; did not play football as a sophomore or junior...Lettered twice in football and four years in basketball...Was honorable mention all-conference in basketball as a junior...Served as a basketball captain for ThunderRidge...Was a three-time academic all-state selection...Also received interest from Idaho, UNLV and South Dakota.
PERSONAL: Given name Justin Becker...Born Aug. 2, 1989, in Denver...Parents are John and Nancy Becker, and Shelley Becker and Patrick Barrett...Has a younger sister, Aspen, and two younger brothers, Nate and Kaden...Dad, John, played football at Graceland...Interested in a business major at Colorado State...Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Jared Biard
Offensive Line - 6-7 - 290
League City, Texas;
Clear Creek High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Served as a team captain as a senior...The Wildcats were 4-6 during his senior year, advancing to the Texas 5A postseason for a fourth consecutive season, before losing to state runner-up Hightower in the first round... On the season, earned an 84 percent grade with 52 pancake blocks and 76 knockdown blocks, while not giving up a single sack...A first-team all-District 24-5A choice, also was a first-team all-Galveston County selection by the Galveston County Daily News...Won the 2008 Trench Award and Most Valuable Lineman for Clear Creek...As a junior, had 72 combined knockdown and pancake blocks and was named honorable-mention all-District 24-5A...Head coach was Darrell Warden...Has benched 335 pounds and squatted 500 pounds...Also received interest from UTEP, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Houston, Nebraska, Texas State and Arizona...Also a captain of his high school wrestling squad, helped the team to the 2008 District 24 championship...His basketball team won the 2004 TAAF regional tournament and finished third at the UIL Final Four High School Basketball Championship...Has a 3.6 GPA.
Personal: Given name Marshal Jared Biard...Last name is pronounced BEARD...Born June 8, 1991, in Mobile, Ala. ...Parents are Joe and Sue Biard...Has an older sister, Marial...Nickname is Bear...Father, Joe, played at Murray State Junior College in Tishomingo, Okla. ...Is a descendent of gold medalist and football pioneer Jim Thorpe...Plans to major in construction management or education...Involved with the youth ministry at Clear Creek Community Church...Gained recognition in the National Society of High School Scholars for two years...Also spent one year in the Clear Creek Symphonic Choir...Hometown: League City, Texas.
Joe Brown
Tight End - 6-3 - 220
Wichita, Kan.;
Bishop Carroll High School
HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior, made 78 catches for 1,004 yards...Also added 107 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns as the Golden Eagles finished 9-2, reaching the second round of the state playoffs...Named to the Kansas Football Coaches all-state team...Called by the Wichita Eagle one of the top 33 players in all of Kansas...Ranked by Rivals.com as the 12th-best senior prospect in Kansas...Caught nine passes for 131 yards in a 26-19 win over Salina Central in the first round of the playoffs...Head coach was Alan Shuckman...Selected to play in Kansas Shrine Bowl...As a junior, totaled 782 receiving yards and 269 yards rushing, helping the team to an 11-2 record and a state runner-up finish...Earned all-state honors as a junior...Was a first-team Greater Wichita all-city selection in both his junior and senior years, and honorable mention as a sophomore...Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds, squats 465 pounds and has a 35-inch vertical leap...A 2008-09 McDonald's Preseason All-American in basketball, led BCHS to the state finals as a junior, when he was a first-team all-state selection as a point guard...Also received interest from Missouri, Kansas State and Louisville.
Personal: Given name Joseph Scot Brown...Born July 3, 1990, in Wichita, Kan. ...Nicknamed The Judge, after the TV show Judge Joe Brown...Son of Scot and Linda Brown...Has two brothers, one older and one younger, and two sisters, one older, one younger...Dad, Scot, played baseball at Wichita State...His high school also produced CSU and NFL player Mark Bell and Mark's brother, CSU All-American Mike Bell, the second overall selection in the 1979 NFL Draft...Also played AAU basketball with four players expected to sign FBS Letters of Intent, including the nation's No. 1 overall prospect according to Rivals.com, RB Bryce Brown (no relation)...Interested in criminal justice as a major at CSU...Hometown: Wichita, Kan.
Te'Jay Brown
Defensive Tackle - 6-2 - 260
St. Petersburg, Fla.;
St. Petersburg High School
HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior at St. Petersburg (Fla.) High School, made 90 tackles and nine sacks to help lead the Green Devils to their first playoff win since 1984...A third-team 5A all-state selection as a senior, also was named defensive line MVP of the Pinellas County All-Star Game...A first-team all-Pinellas County Athletic Conference selection as a senior, was ranked as the seventh-best prospect in the Tampa Bay area and named to the all-Sun Coast team by the St. Petersburg Times...Rated by Rivals.com as the 75th-best defensive tackle in the nation...Clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.9 seconds, bench presses 350 pounds and squats 550 pounds...Has a 3.0 GPA...Also received offers from Louisville, Cincinnati, UAB, Connecticut and Grambling...Head coach was Joe Fabrizio.
Personal: Given name Te'Jay Brown...Born Jan. 30, 1990, in Tampa, Fla. ...Mother is Vetoza Danzey...Has a sister, Te'Keja...Interested in criminal justice as a major at CSU...Had not seen snow until his recruiting visit to Fort Collins...Hometown: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Jon Eastman
Quarterback - 6-2 - 210
Sandy, Utah;
Snow College
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Enrolled for spring 2009 semester at Colorado State and will compete immediately for the Rams' starting QB position in spring practice...A team captain in 2008 at Snow, missed the first nine games of the season due to a foot injury...Completed 60-of-89 passes (67 percent) for 804 yards and eight TDs, with only three INTs...Led the Badgers to the NJCAA national championship game, the Top of the Mountain Bowl, a 37-30 double-overtime loss to Butler Community College...In the game, completed 19-of-32 passes for 266 yards and two TDs yards...Snow ended the season ranked as the No. 2 JUCO team in the nation...In his first game back from the injury, completed 24 of 31 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns, without an interception...Has run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and owns a 495-pound squat...As a freshman, played in seven games, completing 98-of-167 passes for 1,647 yards, with 15 touchdowns and only eight interceptions...Head coach was Steve Coburn...Carried a 3.52 GPA and wants to major in accounting at Colorado State...Attended Weber State for a semester before leaving on a two-year LDS mission in Brazil...Also recruited by Utah State and Wyoming.
High School: Was team captain as a senior at Class 5A Hillcrest High School in Midvale, Utah...Was the Region 2 Offensive Player of the Year in 2003, when he also punted...As a junior, passed for 2,307 yards and 21 touchdownsTransferred to Hillcrest after his sophomore year, from Inglemoor High School in Bothell, Wash. ...Earned four varsity letters...Played basketball as a sophomore...Head coach at HHS was the late Bruce Takeno.
Personal: Given name Jonathan Grant Eastman...Born Feb. 4, 1986, in Ft. Morgan, Colo. ...Son of Stuart and Judith Eastman...Has 10 siblings, five older brothers, one younger brother, three older sisters and one younger sister...All of his brothers played quarterback in high school, and he is the fifth in the family to play quarterback in college...Brother Eric played at a junior college, Caleb at Idaho State, Seth at Air Force, and Adam is currently at Utah State...Plans to major in accounting...Hometown: Sandy, Utah.
Jordan Gragert
Offensive Line - 6-4 - 270
Libby High School;
Libby, Mont.
HIGH SCHOOL: Enrolled for the spring 2009 semester and will begin practice this spring...In 2007, earned first-team all-state honors as an offensive lineman...Also was voted his conference's defensive MVP...As a senior, was first-team all-conference on both sides of the ball, as an offensive and defensive tackle...Was an all-conference offensive lineman as a junior...Helped his team to three straight conference titles, and consecutive appearances in the state semifinals, in 2006 and 2007...The Loggers were 25-2 over his final two seasons...Served as team captain in 2007...Head coach was Neil Fuller...Also lettered in basketball and track.
PERSONAL: Given name Jordan Charles David Gragert...Last name is pronounced GRAY-gert...Born Nov. 20, 1989, in Libby, Mont. ...Parents are Tim and Cheri Gragert...Has an older brother, Hunter...Undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Libby, Mont.
Lou Greenwood
Athlete/Running Back - 6-0 - 175
Conroe Texas;
Conroe High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Rushed for 734 yards in seven games and scored 12 touchdowns on just 102 carries as a senior at Conroe (Texas) High School, helping the Tigers to a 6-4 record and a playoff berth... Named second-team District 14-5A and the 10th-best running back in Texas by Recruiting Insider...A team captain, in the first half alone against Westside, rushed for 158 yards and four touchdowns...Had 172 yards and a touchdown vs. Seven Lakes...Named second-team District 14-5A...Rivals.com ranked him as the 44th-best running back in the country and the No. 94 overall player in the state of Texas...As a junior, rushed for 812 yards and 13 touchdowns as Conroe made the playoffs for the first time since 1999...Earned first-team all-district honors as a junior in 2007, and was named the district's Newcomer of the Year in 2006...Head coach was Roger Holtkamp...As a sophomore, rushed for 627 yards and eight touchdowns...Chose Colorado State over offers from Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Houston, Iowa State, Ole Miss and Baylor, and drew interest from several other schools.
Personal: Given name Lorenzo Gene Greenwood...Born April 14, 1991, in Conroe, Texas...Parents are Lorenzo (Lou) Greenwood and the late Brenda Gillaspie...Has two older sisters, one younger sister and one younger brother...Undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Conroe, Texas.
Brandon Haynes
Offensive Line - 6-3 - 290
Cedar Hill, Texas;
Dallas Jesuit College Preparatory School
HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior at Dallas (Texas) Jesuit College Prep, was a second-team all-district 8-5A selection...As a captain, led the Rangers into battle in a very tough district that featured the 5A Division I state champion, Allen High School, and the Division II runner-up, Wylie...Played both guard and tackle on the offensive line...Selected as the team's co-offensive MVP...An all-District 7-5A first-team selection as a junior, was named outstanding lineman for Jesuit...To start off his senior season in track and field, set his school record in the shot put with a throw of 56 feet, 3 inches, at the Arkansas High School Indoor Invitational...Has a 29-inch vertical leap, a 5.1-second time in the 40-yard dash, and bench presses 300 pounds...Also holds the Jesuit school records for the dead lift (525 pounds), the power clean (275 pounds), and the squat (620 pounds)...Has a personal-best throw of 169 feet, 11.5 inches, in the discus, and is a two-time district champion in both the shot put and the discus...A two-time regional qualifier (2007, 2008) in track and field, also was a state qualifier in 2008...Head football coach was Bob Wunderlick...Chose Colorado State over interest from Kansas, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, Southern Miss, UNLV, Northwestern State and Duke.
Personal: Given name Brandon Matthew Haynes...Born Jan. 25, 1991, in Dallas, Texas...Son of Don and Anne Haynes...Has one older brother...Both parents are graduates of Grambling State...Hometown: Cedar Hill, Texas.
C.J. James
Defensive End - 6-3 - 238
Orlando, Fla.;
Colonial High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated early from high school and enrolled at Colorado State in time for the spring 2009 semester; will begin practice in the spring and compete for playing time at defensive end...As a senior at Colonial High School in Orlando, Fla., made 110 tackles (85 solo) and 10 sacks, picked off a pass and recovered three fumbles...His 110 tackles set a single-season school record, helping him earn all-state honorable mention...Played in the East-West Central Florida All-Star Game (two sacks, eight tackles) with fellow CSU signee Curtis Wilson...Had 15 tackles, two sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery in a 19-7 victory over Cypress Creek...Made 10 tackles and three sacks, and recovered a fumble in a CHS victory...Played defensive end and linebacker for the Grenadiers...Made 65 tackles and had three sacks as a junior...Was Orlando's top recruit at defensive end and also was recruited by Central Florida, South Florida, Iowa State and Michgan.
Personal: Given name Christian Jarrett James...Nicknamed C.J. ...Born Oct. 3, 1990, in Orlando, Fla. ...Parents are Daniel Jr. and Vanessa...Has an older sister and a younger brother...Father, Daniel, is a defensive ends coach at Division II St. Paul College (Lawrenceville, Va.)...Related to former Florida State All-American receiver Tamarick Vanover, who went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs...Interested in business at Colorado State...Hometown Orlando, Fla.
Pete Kontodiakos
Punter - 6-3 - 185
Tarpon Springs, Fla.;
Countryside High School
HIGH SCHOOL: The first-team punter on USA Today's All-America team, also received first-team All-America honors from EA Sports/ESPN.com and Maxpreps.com, and was honored as the best punter in the country by Ray Guy's prokicker.com after his senior season at Countryside High School in Clearwater, Fla. ...His punting ability helped the Cougars' defense hold their opponents to seven points or less on five occasions on the season...Helped Countryside to a 7-4 record and a 5A District 9 championship, before the Cougars lost in the first round of the state playoffs to Largo...Tied a school record with a 65-yard punt...On one 2008 punt, his 4.78-second hangtime was the best recorded in the state of Florida...Also played defensive back...Was named to the Pinellas all-star team, where he was matched against fellow CSU signee Te'Jay Brown...Had offers from Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Purdue and New Mexico...Head coach was John Davis.
Personal: Given name Pantelis John Kontodiakos...Nicknamed Pete...Born Feb. 3, 1991, in Clearwater, Fla. ...Parents are John and Argie Kontodiakos...Has two older brothers...Father, John, punted for Miami (Fla.) from 1979-82...Dove for and retrieved the holy cross at the annual Tarpon Springs Epiphany Celebration, Jan. 6, 2009, following in the footsteps of his father, who had achieved the prestigious honor 30 years before; became the fifth member of his family to retrieve the cross, at the nation's largest Ephiphany celebration...Also follows countryside alumni Harrison Beck (North Carolina State quarterback), Sarver Brown (South Carolina offensive lineman), Jon Peattie (Miami, Fla., kicker), and Jeff Mitchell, the starting center in Super Bowl XXXV for the Baltimore Ravens...Hometown: Tarpon Springs, Fla.
Leonard Mason
Running Back; 6-0, 215
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.;
College of the Desert
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Enrolled for the spring 2009 semester at Colorado State and will compete immediately for playing time in the offensive backfield during spring practice...Ranked by Rivals.com as the nation's third-best JC running back...A unanimous all-Southern California Football Conference selection, and all-California Region III...Rushed for a season-high 161 yards and four touchdowns vs. San Jacinto...Had a season-long rush of 64 yards and also caught a touchdown pass against Grossmont...Played his first season at Citrus College in Glendale, Calif., where he earned all-California Region III recognition after accumulating 1,273 yards and 11 touchdowns, as well as 249 receiving yards...Transferred to the College of the Desert prior to his sophomore year ...Also recruited by UCLA, Oregon State, Arizona State, Arizona and UTEP... Head coach was Dean Dowty.
HIGH SCHOOL: An all-CIF Southern Section choice as a senior at Alta Loma (Calif.) High School...Head coach was John Kusleika...Lettered three seasons for the Braves, earning team MVP honors as a senior.
PERSONAL: Given name Leonard J. Mason...Born July 7, 1987...Son of Mysiha Mason...Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Immanuel Mitchell
Cornerback - 5-11 - 170
Corona, Calif.;
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior at 3-year-old Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Corona, Calif., earned second-team all-conference...In 2008, made 65 tackles and a pair of INTs, and served as team captain on a squad that finished 6-5 in its first season in the Big VIII Conference, secruing a playoff berth...Made 11 tackles (eight solo) in a 21-13 win over Norco...Also received first-team academic all-conference recognition...On the strength of his team-leading 42 tackles and three interceptions as a junior, garnered 2008 preseason first-team all-CIF Inland Empire (CalHiSports.com)...Earned an invitation to the 2008 USC Nike Camp...Also received positive reviews at the Under Armor/Scout Los Angeles combine...Spent his freshman year at Corona Centennial...Also lettered in track...Ran a 4.10 shuttle and broad jumped 9 feet, 9 inches...Also recruited by Maryland, San Diego State, Fresno State and Texas...Became the first ERHS football athlete to receive a college scholarship...Head coach was Bill Stacy.
Personal: Given name Immanuel I. Mitchell...Born Dec. 12, 1991...Parents are Mario Mitchell and Gwenn Church...Dad, Mario, played at San Diego State...Mom graduated from USC...Interested in science as a major at CSU...Hometown: Corona, Calif.
Cameron Moss
Tight End - 6-5 - 236
El Cajon, Calif.;
Steele Canyon High School
HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior team captain at Steele Canyon High School in Spring Valley, Calif., was named second-team all-Grossmont South League at tight end and led the 7-6 Cougars to the semifinals of the CIF San Diego Section Division III playoffs...Made three catches for 26 yards and a touchdown in upset of No. 2-ranked Ramona in the second round of the playoffs...On a run-oriented team that often used him in a blocking role, made eight catches for 81 yards and three scores as a senior...Had a nose for the goal line, as he scored four touchdowns on just 11 receptions in his career...Named second-team all-East County by EastCountySports.com...Also plays basketball and averages better than 11.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game...Named East County Athlete of the Week (Jan. 12-17) after scoring 20 points and recording 14 rebounds in an upset of Helix...Also recruited by New Mexico, San Diego State, Stanford, UCLA, Cal-Poly, Villanova and Dartmouth...An honor roll student, has a 4.09 GPA...Head coach was Ron Boehmke.
Personal: Given name Martin Cameron Moss...Born Feb., 19, 1991, in San Diego, Calif. ...Son of Martin and Lianne Moss...Has a younger sister...Father, Martin, played football at UCLA, and in the NFL for the Detroit Lions...Uncle, Mike Williams, played at Northern Colorado...Hometown: El Cajon, Calif.
Chris Nwoke
Running Back - 6-0 - 208
Highlands Ranch, Colo.;
ThunderRidge High School
HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior at ThunderRidge High School, rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 34 touchdowns on only 199 carries, earning all-Colorado and first-team all-state accolades from the Denver Post...Powered the Grizzlies to a 10-0 regular-season record and a Southern Conference title...A first-team all-conference selection, helped the Grizzlies advance to the second round of the 5A playoffs in their first season since moving up from 4A...Rushed for 210 yards on 29 carries and added four second-half touchdowns to open the 2008 season in an overtime win over top-ranked Douglas County...Also scored four touchdowns and rushed for 143 yards against cross-town rival Highlands Ranch...As a junior, rushed for 934 yards and seven touchdowns and was named first-team all-Mountain Plains League, despite dealing with an ankle injury...As a sophomore, had 1,121 yards and 16 touchdowns to garner second-team all-conference honors...Finished his career with 3,758 rushing yards and 57 touchdowns...Has 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash...Chose CSU over offers from Wyoming and New Mexico and interest from San Diego State, Stanford, Texas A&M, Boise State and Utah State...Also competes in track and runs the 100-meter dash in 10.9 seconds...Head football coach was Joe Johnson.
Personal: Given name Christian Chukwunenyem Nwoke Jr. ...Last name is pronounced WOH-kay...Born Dec. 29, 1990, in Omaha, Neb. ...Son of Chris and Dorothy Nwoke...Has an older sister...Was a high school teammate of CSU redshirt freshman Zach Tiedgen, incoming grayshirt freshman Justin Becker and CSU defensive lineman James Morehead...Also follows in the ThunderRidge footsteps of former CSU standout Jesse Nading, currently with the Houston Texans...Plans to major in business administration, with an emphasis in finance and accounting...Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Mike Orakpo
Linebacker - 6-1 - 200
Sugar Land, Texas;
Westbury HIgh School
HIGH SCHOOL: A first-team all-District 21-4A selection as a safety at Westbury High School in Houston, led his team in tackles as both a senior and a junior...As a senior, made 88 tackles, three interceptions -- one of which he returned for a touchdown -- and two sacks, leading the Rebels to an 8-2 record and the second round of the 4A playoffs in Texas...Had a 24-yard run on a fake punt against Sharpstown...Named all-district as a junior at linebacker after registering 92 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions...Was listed by MaxPresps.com as one of the top 20 linebackers in Texas...A team captain as a senior...Head coach was Keeath Magee, who described him as a true leader on and off the field...Selected to participate in the National Down Under Bowl...Also recruited by Oklahoma State, Houston, Boise State, New Mexico, Central Arkansas and Prairie View.
Personal: Given name Michael Orakpo...Born Feb. 5, 1991, in Houston, Texas...Son of Aurthur and Gloria Orakpo...Has an older brother and an older sister...Older brother, Brian, was a first-team All-American at Texas in 2008, when he also won the Nagurski Trophy and Hendricks and Rotary Lombardi awards...Westbury alums include two Olympian hurdlers and four NFL players, including former New York Giants All-Pro Michael Strahan...Interested in business administration at Colorado State...Hometown: Sugar Land, Texas.
Nico Ranieri
Quarterback - 6-2 - 195
Orlando, Fla.;
Dr. Phillips High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Voted his team's offensive MVP in each of his final three prep seasons, and was his squad's captain as both a junior and senior...As a senior at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Fla., set almost every school single-game and single-season passing record, and neared many career records despite playing just one season for the team...Completed 173 passes on 280 attempts for 2,496 yards and 26 touchdowns with only seven interceptions, and added 160 yards rushing yards and two touchdowns...The Central Florida Player of the Year, was named first-team all-Central Florida while leading the Panthers to a 10-2 record and the second round of the 6A state playoffs...The 10 wins were tied for the most in a season for a Dr. Phillips team...Set school records for passing yards in a game three times during the season...Twice earned the Varsity Athlete of the Week award from the Orlando Sentinel, first after completing 20 passes for 377 yards and five touchdowns - all school records - in a 42-27 victory over the state's then-No. 1 team, Boone; reclaimed the honor after hitting 15-of-18 passes for 301 yards in a 34-22 victory over Sanford Seminole...Played in Florida all-star game and finished 4-for-4 for 137 yards and a touchdown...Finished third in voting for 6A Player of the Year and garnered second-team all-state honors...As a junior at Cypress Creek High School, completed 67-of-127 passes for 1,087 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for two scores, despite missing the last five games of the season with an injury...As a sophomore, threw for 1,069 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding seven rushing touchdowns to earn honorable-mention all-Orange County...Started every game during his freshman year and passed for 860 yards and eight touchdowns...Also played free safety...Had offers from Iowa State, Boston College, Central Florida, Syracuse and many others...Head coach at Dr. Phillips was Dale Salapa.
Personal: Given name Nicolas Anthony Ranieri...Nicknamed Nico...Born Oct. 7, 1990, in Valparaiso, Ind. ...Son of Bill and Sue Ranieri...Has one younger brother...Played against CSU cornerback Gerard Thomas in high school, but joined Thomas on a central Florida AAU basketball team...Has a 4.0 weighted GPA...Wants to major in business or finance...Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Weston Richburg
Offensive Line - 6-4 - 265
Amarillo, Texas;
Bushland High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Earned first-team all-district honors as a senior lineman...A team captain, helped the Falcons to a flawless 10-0 regular season and a district title...Recorded two sacks as a senior defensive lineman...BHS lost in the first round of the 2A Division I playoffs to eventual state champ Muleshoe...Played quarterback and linebacker as a freshman before growing out of the positions...Holds a school record in the shot put with a throw of 51 feet, 1 inch...Also was a hurdler on his track team earlier in high school...Also plays basketball...Head football coach was David Flowers...Chose CSU over an offer from TCU...Owns a 3.4 GPA.
Personal: Given name Weston Blaine Richburg...Born on July 9, 1991, in Louisville, Ky. ...Son of Danny and Ruth Richburg...Has a younger brother and a younger sister...Two relatives played football at Texas Tech, Nathan and Aubrey Richburg...A member of the National Honor Society...Wants to major in animal science...Hometown: Bushland, Texas.
Vernon Scott
Wide Receiver - 6-0 - 185
Muskogee, Okla.;
Muskogee High School
HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior at Muskogee (Okla.) High School, made 26 catches for 274 yards and two touchdowns, and added 668 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on just 120 carries...Also played cornerback, finishing with 60 tackles and seven pass breakups, helping the Roughers to a 7-4 record...Scored on touchdown runs of 80 and 43 yards, and caught an 80-yard touchdown, all in the second quarter of a 39-37 win over Page, finishing the contest with 243 yards from scrimmage...Gained 223 yards as a junior...As a sophomore, rushed 48 times for 223 yards and four touchdowns...Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds...Had an offer to run track at Oklahoma...Owns personal bests of 21.36 seconds in the 200 meters, and 49.2 seconds in the 400...Finished fifth in the 200 meters at the 2008 Class 6A Oklahoma state championships (22.03 seconds)...Head football coach was Matt Hennesy...Also recruited by Arkansas, Kansas State and Tulsa.
PERSONAL: Given name Vernon Scott...Born Dec. 17, 1990...Hometown: Muskogee, Okla.
Dru Taylor
Cornerback - 5-10 - 165
Oak Cliff, Texas;
Lincoln High School
HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior at Lincoln High School in Dallas, Texas, was a key starter on the state's No. 1 defense, which allowed just 13 points during the entire regular season...An all-District 12-4A performer for the Tigers, also garnered all-city and all-metro accolades...Recorded 29 tackles, two forced fumbles, 10 PBUs, and tied a school record with eight interceptions...Lettered three years in football, and four years in track at Lincoln...Competed in regional track meets as a sophomore and junior...Varsity track all four years...4x400 split is 48 seconds...Received interest from Baylor, Missouri and San Diego State...Has 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash and a personal best in the 400 meters of approximately 49 seconds...Attended Dallas Carter as a freshman.
Personal: Given name Andrew Marquis Taylor...Nicknamed Dru...Born June 10, 1991, in Garland, Texas...Mother is Shun Taylor...Has one younger brother...Uncle, KaRon Coleman, played for Stephen F. Austin and was a running back for the Denver Broncos...Attended the same high school that produced NBA all-star Chris Bosh and AFL legend Abner Haynes...Plans to major in criminology...Hometown: Oak Cliff, Texas.
Ezra Thompson
Safety - 6-2 - 205
Tinley Park, Ill.;
Lincoln-Way East High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Was an Illinois Coaches Association, Chicago Tribune, Champaign News-Gazette and Rivals.com first-team all-state selection as a senior at Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Ill. ...Also was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year in the Class 8A Southwest Suburban Blue League, in Illinois' largest classification...Additionally received all-area recognition from the Chicago-Sun Times, Southtown Star, and the Joliet Herald...Was all-conference as a junior and senior...As a senior, helped lead the Griffins to an 8-1 record and the second round of the Illinois playoffs before losing to Mount Carmel...In 2008, made 80 tackles, 16 pass breakups and two interceptions...Finished his career with 140 tackles, 30 passes broken up, four interceptions, six forced fumbles and one blocked field goal...Also contributed on special teams with 205 career yards in punt returns...Named to the honor roll three years...As a freshman, was a member of the school's 2005 state championship team...Also received offers from Ball State, Miami (Ohio), Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois State, Akron, Central Michigan and Western Michigan...Also lettered in basketball and track...Head coach was Rob Zvonar, who also was head coach at the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl...LWEHS saw six former players go to college bowls after the 2008 season...Says he credits his penchant for hitting opposing players to his hockey background...Owns a 3.0 GPA and scored a 26 on the ACT.
Personal: Given name Ezra James Thompson...Born Nov. 15, 1990, in Creve Coeur, Mo. ...Son of Ezra L. Thompson and Beverly L. Pleasant...Both parents participated in college sports; father, Ezra, played football at Truman State, and mother, Beverly, played basketball at Florissant Valley Community College...Interested in majoring in business at Colorado State...Hometown: Tinley Park, Ill.
Matt Weems
Defensive End - 6-4 - 227
Arapahoe High School;
Littleton, Colo.
HIGH SCHOOL: Enrolled for the spring 2009 semester and will begin practice this spring...An all-Colorado defensive lineman (Denver Post) and first-team all-state selection, also was a first-team all-Continental League choice...Voted his team's defensive MVP as a senior team captain...Honorable mention all-conference in 2006...Comes from same school that produced former Rams defensive end Tommie Hill and former kicker Jason Smith...Head coach was Mike Campbell...Lettered three years in football, and once in both lacrosse and track...Earned first-team academic all-state accolades in both 2006 and `07.
PERSONAL: Given name Matthew D. Weems...Born March 22, 1990, in Littleton, Colo. ...Parents are Dean and Janelle Weems...Has an older brother, Nathaniel, who plays baseball at Seward County Community College in Kansas...Father, Dean, played baseball at York College...Mother, Janelle, played vollebyall and basketball at York...Interested in a bio chemistry major at Colorado State...Hometown: Centennial, Colo.
Curtis Wilson
Defensive Line - 6-4 - 240
Orlando, Fla.;
Timber Creek High School
HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior, earned first-team all-Metro Conference, first-team all-Orange County (Orlando Sentinel), second-team all-Central Florida and third-team all-state in Class 6A, the state's largest division...Was chosen as Outstanding Defensive Lineman as a senior...Led the team in sacks each of his final three seasons...As a senior, totaled 104 tackles (92 solo), seven sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 20 hurries and two fumble recoveries, leading the Wolves to their first district title and a playoff berth...As a junior, had 67 tackles (45 solo), eight sacks, seven stops for loss, 13 hurries, one fumble recovery and two safeties...Played with fellow CSU signee C.J. James in the East-West Central Florida All-Star Game...Named MVP of that all-star game after recording 10 tackles, two fumble recoveries and a pair of tackles for loss...Against No. 1-ranked Boone in 2008, made 17 tackles and two sacks...Received offers from Air Force, Cincinnati, New Hampshire, The Citadel, Florida Atlantic and Charleston Southern...A weightlifter, placed fourth in the University of South Florida's Big Man Challenge, and was a finalist for the Florida Power Lifting Team (238-pound division)...Can bench press 365 pounds and power clean 340 pounds...Has a 3.8 GPA...Head coach was Jim Buckridge.
Personal: Given name Curtis Jeffery Wilson...Born Nov. 30, 1990, in Tuscon, Ariz. ...Son of Tom and Gina Wilson...Has one older brother, one younger brother, and one younger sister...With a father who is a pharmacist, has grown up having lived in six cities, Great Falls, Mont.; Tucson, Ariz.; Phoenix, Ariz.; El Paso, Texas; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Fla. ...Plans to major in marketing at Colorado State...Hometown: Orlando, Fla
