SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Black Hills State University football team added 32 student-athletes on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.
 
"We are looking forward to what this year's recruiting class brings to the table for BHSU football in the years to come," said head coach John Reiners. "We feel like their blend of athleticism on the field, and character and academics off the field, fit extremely well into the culture of our team."
 
With a total of 32 additions, the Black Hills State coaching staff reached into 10 states, including 18 commitments from the main recruitment areas of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. In all, Colorado leads all states with 11 commitments, while Wyoming has six. California and Arizona each have four, while Texas has two, and Washington, South Dakota, New York, Nebraska, and Florida each have one.
 
2019 Signees (Incoming Freshmen)
 
Tyreese Adler | 6-0 | 197 | WR | Fort Collins, Colo. | Rocky Mountain HS
Prep: Had the third most rushing yards in the conference…
Personal: Son of Tyreese… One sister, Tija… Plans to major in business…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like the people and the school."
Coach Eaton on Tyreese: "Tyreese is a physically gifted athlete who will be joining the wide receiver group here in the slot position although he played running back in high school. He has some great qualities that will translate positions – soft hands, great change of direction, and the ability to break tackles."
 
Brady Badwound | 6-0 | 190 | LB | Colorado Springs, Colo. | Air Academy HS
Prep: Leading tackler at Air Academy High School his senior year… Also had the most receiving yards on his team… Named All-Conference as both a middle linebacker and a tight end… Is currently ranked third in Colorado in his weight class for wrestling after taking fifth in the state tournament his junior year…
Personal: Son of Steph and Sean… One brother, Bailey, and one sister, Sydney… Plans to major in ecology or outdoor sciences…
Chose Black Hills State: "I love the location and surrounding area of BHSU."
Coach Kerr on Brady: "Brady is a versatile linebacker. He can play inside the box and move sideline to sideline. His father also played football at BHSU."
 
Ryder Blair | 6-1 | 205 | LB | Parker, Colo. | Ponderosa HS
Prep: Was captain at Ponderosa High School in his senior year… Selected to play on the 4A First Team All-State Team… Earned All-USA Colorado Second Team… Named First Team All-Metro League…
Personal: Son of Lisa and Patrick… Three brothers, Chase, Logan, and Hunter… Plans to major in communications…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like the location, the town, the football program, the people, and the college."
Coach Kerr on Ryder: "Ryder is a tremendous athlete that can play outside linebacker or safety. He fits our style of play – fast, physical, and alert."
 
Joshua Boles | 6-2 | 220 | DL | Loveland, Colo. | Mountain View HS
Prep: Earned All-Conference honors his junior and senior years… Named All-Area for both wrestling and football his junior and senior years…
Personal: Son of Mindy Valentine… Three siblings, Orlando, Carol-Ann, and Pennalopie…
Chose Black Hills State: "The location and atmosphere of the team is very inviting and exciting."
Coach Kerr on Joshua: "Joshua's length will be a problem for opposing offensive tackles. He brings a great skill set to our defensive end position."
 
Connor Boyd | 5-10 | 180 | WR | Gilbert, Ariz. | Perry HS
Prep: Acted as captain of both wrestling and football teams at Perry High School… Named Second Team All-Region… Was a two-time state qualifier for 6A wrestling…
Personal: Son of Connor… One sister, Danielle… Plans to major in business…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like the community, facilities, and home town feeling."
Coach Schnabel on Connor: "Connor joins us from a highly successful program in Arizona. He is a productive, sure-handed receiver who will be a great addition to the receiver group."
 
Dylon Case | 5-11 | 185 | RB | Douglas, Wyo. | Douglas HS
Prep: Named All-State following his senior season… Playing in the Shrine Bowl… Was a two-time District Champ at Douglas High School…
Personal: Son of Renee and Nathen… Two siblings, Koby and Trey… Plans to major in education…
Chose Black Hills State: "The town is awesome, and close to home."
Coach Smith on Dylon: "Dylon really showcased his skills to us when he was at our camp this summer. He's an explosive runner that can beat you with both speed and power."
 
Jason Chilcoate | 6-2 | 285 | DL | Adna, Wash. | Adna HS
Prep: Two-time First Team All-League… Two-Time First Team Lewis County… Two-time First Team All-State… Selected to East-West All Star game… Totaled 89 tackles his senior year, including 45 solo…
Personal: Son of Jennifer Hatfield and Brandon Chilcoate… One brother, Derek… Plans to major in psychology…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like the small town environment and the facilities."
Coach Smith on Jason: "What really stands out with Jason is his explosive trigger off the ball. With his size and quickness, he will be someone that is going to make a positive impact in the middle of our defense."
 
Nate Clay | 6-2 | 285 | OL | Trabuco Canyon, Calif. | Santa Margarita Catholic HS
Prep: Played at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in California…
Personal: Son of Trina and Roger… One brother, Forrest… Plans to major in history…
Chose Black Hills State: "I love the small town feel, the campus which is nice and easy to move around, and the overall weather."
Coach Eaton on Nate: "Nate is a physical, smart player who has played against some of the best competition in the country at the high school level. He's also a big-time wrestler at Santa Margarita who brings that same aggressiveness to the football field."
 
Carter Dewey | 6-2 | 220 | FB/TE | Monument, Colo. | Lewis Palmer HS
Prep: Served as team captain while also playing as a linebacker, full back, and defensive end… Academic All-State Honorable Mention…
Personal: Son of Susan and Dewey… One brother, Caden… Plans to major in sports media…
Chose Black Hills State: "The area feels almost identical to my hometown. Also BHSU has the degree I am interested in pursuing, and I am excited to get to play in the RMAC."
Coach Kerr on Carter: "Carter is an old school hard-nosed fullback who enjoys lead blocking as much as he enjoys carrying the ball. His athleticism will allow him the opportunity to play tight end as well."
 
Luis Dominguez | 6-0 | 170 | WR | Kremmling, Colo. | West Grand HS
Prep: Earned All-State First Team honors after his senior year and Honorable Mention in 2017… Three-time First Team All-Conference… Played on a West Grand team which was the state runner up… Played in the All-State Game…
Personal: Son of Shavanh and Luis… One sister, Divina, one brother, Jesus…
Chose Black Hills State: "I love the weight room and the team was welcoming. I also enjoy the city of Spearfish."
Coach Eaton on Luis: "Luis is an outstanding athlete who has played multiple positions throughout his high school career. He will be a great addition to the receiver room where his ability to come in and out of breaks will give him an advantage throughout his career."
 
Marcus Glick | 6-1 | 230 | DL | Gillette, Wyo. | Thunder Basin HS
Prep: Has earned All-State and All-Conference honors… Playing in the Shrine Bowl… Had 135 tackles at Thunder Basin High School and 15 sacks…
Personal: Son of April and Travis… Two brothers, Kason and Dillon… Plans to major in sports science…
Chose Black Hills State: "It's a beautiful campus and it has so many activities around it. The coaches are amazing and the future looks bright."
Coach Smith on Marcus: "We have seen Marcus for multiple years at our summer camps, and he has developed into an impact defensive lineman. He has the frame and work ethic to continue to develop and be a great addition to our defensive line."
 
Trevor Greenlee | 6-1 | 175 | DB | Aurora, Colo. | Grandview HS
Prep: Acted as captain his senior year… Member of Grandview High School team that was one of the final four teams at the state tournament his junior and senior years… Named First Team All-Conference…
Personal: Son of Cindy Isaacs and Norm Greenlee… One sister, Lauren, and three brothers, Jared, Tristan, and Garrett… Plans to major in entrepreneurship…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like the football program, how pretty the campus is, and how the players are super cool. The coaches are nice, and the education here is also great."
Coach Watkins on Trevor: "Trevor is a smart, physical player that brings a lot of versatility to our defense. He has great size and speed and his ability as a leader will help us on and off the field. He is well-rounded and will help continue to build our culture here at BHSU."
 
EJ Hamilton | 6-2 | 295 | DL | Surprise, Ariz. | Brophy College Preparatory
Prep: Named First Team All-Region… Recorded 35 tackles at Brophy College Prep…
Personal: Son of Kimberly Barnes and Eric Hamilton… Two sisters, Kiana and Nadia… Plans to major in business marketing…
Chose Black Hills State: "I love the education and the atmosphere around the school, as well as the football program and the ambition to improve and respond to past seasons."
Coach Watkins on EJ: "EJ has dominated many offensive lines in the state of Arizona. He has the potential to be a dominating nose guard in the RMAC. He is strong, physical, and has the ability to be a centerpiece of our defense for many years to come."
 
Michael Hybertson | 6-1 | 185 | WR | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Harrisburg HS
Prep: Played in two state championship games in 2016 and 2017… Also played baseball and basketball at Harrisburg High School…
Personal: Son of Karla and Thomas… Two sisters, Sydney and Kayleigh…
Chose Black Hills State: "BHSU has a nice campus and there is a lot to do in the area. The community is supportive of the football team and the team helps out and supports the community. The location is amazing as well."
Coach Schnabel on Michael: "Michael is a tough, reliable wide receiver who made big plays during his high school career. It is great to have him join our program from the eastern part of the state."
 
RJ Jones | 6-2 | 265 | OL | Phoenix, Ariz. | Desert Vista HS
Prep: Acted as team captain his senior year, leading Desert Vista High School to the quarterfinals of the 6A Arizona playoffs… Earned First Team All-Region, All-City, and All-State accolades…
Personal: Son of Maggie Diestler and Robert Jones… Plans to major in exercise science…
Chose Black Hills State: "I love the location it's in, I really like the campus and how everything is within walking distance. I like how my major is something BHSU has. I feel like this is a great place I can get a great education at, and a play where I can have fun playing football at."
Coach Schnabel on RJ: "RJ is a physical lineman who finishes blocks well. We are excited to add his consistent play and workmanlike attitude to the offensive line."
 
DJ Malott | 6-1 | 190 | DB | Elk Grove, Calif. | Capital Christian HS
Prep: Was a member of the Capital Christian Section Championship team in 2018 and the Elk Grove Section Runner Up in 2016… Named First Team All-CAL League… Was first in CAL League in interceptions…
Personal: Son of Danielle and Damion… Two brothers, Justin and Nyjer… Plans to major in sport management or computer science…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like how different it is from home, and it's a great environment and the people are awesome. The brotherhood at BHSU is different, they're very tight with each other, and always together. In my short visit, they made me feel like a part of the brotherhood. The coaches showed that they really cared about me, not just as a player but as a person. I see myself thriving in multiple ways at Black Hills State. It is the fit for me, and my new home."
Coach Eaton on DJ: "DJ will be a great addition for us here at BHSU. A Division I talent, DJ will join us from Capital Christian High School and add his ball-hawking abilities and high football IQ to our secondary. He will be very fun to watch through his career in the Green and Gold."
 
Shakeer McPherson | 5-10 | 165 | DB | Brooklyn, N.Y. | IMG Academy
Prep: Was part of the Suffolk County Champion and Long Island Runner Up team at North Babylon High School in 2017… Named All-Division in 2016 and 2017… Recorded 91 tackles over his prep career…
Personal: Son of Nafeesa Burney and Dunstan McPherson… Four siblings, Caleb Butler, Victoria Rose McPherson, Olivia McPherson, and Charlotte McPherson… Plans to major in business management…
Chose Black Hills State: "Everyone is so close on campus and make you feel at home."
Coach Watkins on Shakeer: "Shakeer comes to us from IMG Academy in Florida. He is a playmaker, and his attention to detail in the film room is second to none. He has a chance to come in right away and be a leader in our cornerback room."
 
Jake Medders | 6-3 | 220 | LB | Arcadia, Calif. | Arcadia HS
Prep: Named Pacific League Defensive Player of the Year… Named CIF Division 8 Defensive Player of the Year… Named All-Area Defensive Player of the Year… Was on So-Cal All-Varsity Defensive Team… Played in the CIF Division 8 Southern Section Championship game… Acted as team captain at Arcadia High School for three seasons…
Personal: Son of Alisa Medders and Kati Kadel and Dave Medders… Two siblings, Brooke and Alex… Plans to major in biology…
Chose Black Hills State: "When I arrived for the official visit, I could immediately tell that this was a family, and I already feel like I am part of that family even though I haven't joined the team yet. The team seems like a super talented team and I look forward to being able to contribute and be a part of such a good team. Along with that, the immediate and surrounding areas are full of things to do, so when I'm not playing football, there will still be something to do."
Coach Eaton on Jake: "Jake is a mentally and physically tough football player from Arcadia High School in southern California. He is a tackling machine and has amassed over 240 tackles in his career against some of the best teams in the state."
 
Jaxon Parker | 5-10 | 250 | OL | Big Horn, Wyo. | Big Horn HS
Prep: Named First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference in 2018… Member of Class 1A State Champion team in 2018 and Class 2A State Champion in 2016…
Personal: Son of Heidi and Shane… Two sisters, Morgan and Eastyn… Plans to major in special education…
Chose Black Hills State: "I love that it is close to my hometown. They have a great education and teaching school and I felt that the coaching staff really cares about helping get an education. I also love outdoor activities, which Spearfish offers an abundance of."
Coach Smith on Jaxon: "Jaxon comes from a program that knows how to win. His versatility, attitude, and work ethic will be a great addition to our program."
 
Dayton Porter | 6-2 | 180 | WR | Gillette, Wyo. | Thunder Basin HS
Prep: Named First Team All-Conference for kick and punt returning… Named Second Team All-State as a wide receiver…
Personal: Son of Afton and David… Five siblings, Makenna, Jackson, Alaysa, Cael, and Camrie… Plans to major in business…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like the opportunities BHSU provides."
Coach Smith on Dayton: "Dayton really came on during his senior year, and it was great to see the start of that at our camp this summer. He will bring good size, hands, and route running skills to our wide receiver group."
 
Trent Reed | 5-9 | 190 | RB | Hay Springs, Neb. | Hay Springs HS
Prep: Named All-Conference four times… Named All-District three times… named First Team All-State twice and Honorable Mention once… Member of a Hay Springs High School team which was the state runner up in 2018… Rushed for 6,821 yards in his prep career…
Personal: Son of Marilyn and Ron… One brother, Austin… Plans to major in business…
Chose Black Hills State: "It's a great campus with a great football atmosphere, and seems to be an all-around good college."
Coach Reiners on Trent: "Trent is coming off an outstanding, record setting career at Hay Springs High School in northwest Nebraska. We are excited to see the development of him as a running back here at BHSU and feel that he has many great attributes that will serve him well at this level."
 
Jaxon Samsel | 6-2 | 220 | LB | Greeley, Colo. | University HS
Prep: Named First Team All-Conference his junior and senior years… Played in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl… Totaled 222 tackles in three years at University High School…
Personal: Son of Michelle and Jason… Plans to major in business marketing…
Chose Black Hills State: "I love that the area has plenty to do and that there is great support from the community and a great campus over all."
Coach Kerr on Jaxon: "Jaxon has everything we look for in an inside linebacker – size, strength, and smarts. The ceiling is high for Jaxon."
 
Quincy Schoen | 6-1 | 155 | DB | Highlands Ranch, Colo. | Thunder Ridge HS
Prep: Named Second Team All-League… Acted as team captain his senior year… Totaled 109 total tackles, including 55 solo tackles at Thunder Ridge High School…
Personal: Son of Debbie and Gary… One brother, Daniel, and one sister, Samantha, who currently plays softball at BHSU… Plans to major in sociology…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like the size of the campus and surrounding locations. It also seems like a good supporting community."
Coach Kerr on Quincy: "Quincy is a ball hawk at the safety position. If he can't take the ball from a receiver, you can be sure that he will finish through the strike zone with physicality. His sister also plays on the BHSU softball team."
 
Lovenski Simon | 5-9 | 155 | DB | Nacogdoches, Texas | Nacogdoches HS
Prep: Named Second Team All-District at Nacogdoches High School…
Personal: Son of Nicky and Willie King… One sibling, JaRiyah… Plans to major in biology…
Chose Black Hills State: "It is such a friendly environment and the people make you feel at home."
Coach Watkins on Lovenski: "LV has great speed and is a complete ball hawk. His ability to play multiple coverages makes him a great addition to our defense. The one thing that stood out to us a staff is that he has a great trigger. He made countless big plays at Nacogdoches High School and will continue making plays for us here at BHSU."
 
Zak Starkey | 6-2 | 275 | OL/LS | Berthoud, Colo. | Berthoud HS
Prep: Member of Berthoud High School team that made it to the state playoffs twice… Acted as captain his senior year… Ranked the top longsnapper in Colorado by prokicker.com…
Personal: Son of Connie and Blane… Plans to major in education…
Chose Black Hills State: "BHSU just feels like home."
Coach Kerr on Zak: "Zak brings a couple of great talents to our program. He is an outstanding offensive line prospect and also a terrific long snapper."
 
Kade Stoner | 6-2 | 180 | DB | Casper, Wyo. | Natrona County HS
Prep: Named First Team All-State and All-Conference quarterback… Named Second Team All-Conference as a linebacker… Played on the 2018 Wyoming 4A state championship team…
Personal: Son of Kristin and Pat… One brother, Kobe… Plans to major in sports management…
Chose Black Hills State: "All the people at BHSU want you to succeed at everything you do."
Coach Reiners on Kade: "Kade is a tall, rangy player who is projected to fit in well at one of our safety positions. He was a leader on both sides of the ball as he helped lead Natrona County to a state championship last fall."
 
Hunter Sturgill | 5-11 | 150 | DB | Kingman, Ariz. | Lee Williams HS
Prep: Named All-City as a cornerback in 2018… Earned Honorable Mention All-Conference as a cornerback and wide receiver…
Personal: Son of Shelly and Justin… Two brothers, Justin Jr. and Gavin…
Chose Black Hills State: "What I like about BHSU is the beautiful black hills and all the support the university gets from the community, how kind and friendly the people are, and how helpful everyone on campus is."
Coach Watkins on Hunter: "Hunter is an al-around athlete that did a lot for his high school in Kingman, Arizona. He will bring speed and toughness to our secondary every single day. We look forward to him being able to focus his skills on the defensive back position and continue to develop on that side of the ball."
 
Aaron Thiele | 6-3 | 170 | LB | Buffalo, Wyo. | Buffalo HS
Prep: Was the 2A State Co-Defensive Player of the Year and USA Today selection… Earned All-Conference and All-State accolades twice… Captain of Buffalo High School of two years winning state in his senior year… Also earned All-State honors for basketball and was a member of the State Champion team his junior year… Was a member of National Honor Society and was on the honor roll…
Personal: Son of Kris and Dan… One sister, Nicole, and one brother, Seth… Plans to major in education…
Chose Black Hills State: "I really like the team and the coaching staff. The facilities are really nice and I like the campus and the town of Spearfish."
Coach Smith on Aaron: "A versatile defender, Aaron is a fast and physical player that has a knack for being around the ball. He will be a fun player to watch develop in our defense throughout his career."
 
Caleb Tiffin | 6-2 | 198 | DL | Huffman, Texas | Hargrave HS
Prep: Was a unanimous selection to the All-District First Team… Earned Second Team Academic All-State accolades… Acted as captain his senior year at Hargrave High School, recording 36 tackles for loss… Member of the National Honor Society…
Personal: Son of Karen and Joe… One sister, Hannah… Plans to major in psychology…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like how secluded and homey it feels. I grew up in a small town and want to stay in one for college as well."
Coach Watkins on Caleb: "Caleb is a defensive end that plays great with his hands and his speed. He is very long and can put a lot of pressure on opposing tackles. He is very tough and has a team-first mentality. Caleb will do anything to help his team win and will help continue to build our culture the second he steps on campus."
 
Trey Tremblay | 6-2 | 265 | OL | San Marcos, Calif. | San Marcos HS
Prep: Was named All-Conference his junior and senior seasons… Acted as captain his senior year… Was invited to four senior bowl games… Helped lead San Marcos High School to the semifinals of the Open Division Playoffs his senior year… Earned All-Academic honors…
Personal: Son of Mike… Two brothers, Shane and Jake…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like how secluded it is with all the nice people. It feels like a place where I can grind mentally and physically to build relationships with teammates. Black Hills State has the tools for me to earn a degree while playing the sport I love."
Coach Eaton on Trey: "Trey is a very smart player and versatile offensive lineman with multiple years of starting experience at San Marcos High School. He will be a great player to watch develop and contribute in the years to come."
 
Andrew Van Orden | 6-3 | 235 | DL | Fort Collins, Colo. | Fort Collins HS
Prep: Was named First Team All-Conference and All-State… Played in the Colorado All-State game… Totaled 64 tackles, including 28 for a loss at Fort Collins High School… Was a member of the National Honor Society…
Personal: Son of Jill and Alan… Two sisters, Emma and Amanda… Plans to major in biology…
Chose Black Hills State: "I like the environment and the outdoor activities available. I also like how the class sizes are small so I can get to know my professors."
Coach Kerr on Andrew: "Andrew adds great strength and size to our defensive front. He is a great student in the classroom and on the football field."
 
Victor Vega | 5-10 | 205 | LB | Orlando, Fla. | Lake Nona HS
Prep: Named Honorable Mention All-Metro East in 2018… Holds the career tackles record at Lake Nona High School with 284… Captain for two years… Member of the National Honor Society…
Personal: Son of Ann Paynter and Victor Vega… One sister, Nittany… Plans to major in mathematics…
Chose Black Hills State: "I love all of the people and the natural beauty of Spearfish."
Coach Kerr on Victor: "Vic is an all-around excellent linebacker. His skill set will make him a force in the run game, pass game, blitz game, and anything else we ask him to do. He is also an outstanding student in the classroom."