Cimpl inks largest ever Signing Day class for 2015

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University football coaches have been hitting the recruiting trail since the end of the 2014 season and the hard work has paid off with the largest class this early for fourth-year Head Coach Ross Cimpl.

The Tigers have inked 41 incoming players to National Letters of Intent for Signing Day 2015, it was announced Wednesday.

"I could not be more pleased and impressed with this recruiting class," Cimpl said. "Our coaches and current players have done a tremendous job of identifying the best local talent and displaying to them why Dakota Wesleyan University is the best place for them. This is our 4^th recruiting class, and this is probably the most talent that we have ever had. There are some extremely talented football players that will be great compliments to the group we already have. I cannot say enough about this group of kids and the impact they are going to make on the Tiger Football program."

DWU graduated just seven seniors from last year's team that went 7-4 overall, but those seven Tigers will be hard to replace. Cimpl will have to holes left by DWU's all-time leading rusher Francois Barnaud, three starters on the offensive line and two starting linebackers. The Tiger coaching staff is excited about the group they have brought in to fill these holes along with the players returning from last year's team.

"We did not graduate a great deal of seniors last year, but we really lost some tremendous football players that have been the backbone of our team for the last four years," Cimpl said. "When you graduate the best RB in school history, three offensive lineman that helped him accomplish those goals and two of the best linebackers in the conference we had some holes to fill. I am very pleased with the depth and talent we have added at the Running Back position. Each of these kids are going to get an opportunity to prove themselves as Tigers and they are a very talented bunch."

The group of 42 players includes 25 from South Dakota, 10 from Nebraska, three from Minnesota, two from Wyoming and one from New Mexico.

The following is a full list of players that have sent in a signed National Letter of Intent.

Derek Adams

QB, Freshman, 6-3, 200, Norfolk, Neb./Lutheran High Northeast

Will add depth for DWU at the quarterback positon … finished with 371 yards and three scores passing, while carrying the ball 99 times for 479 yards and six touchdowns … three-time Player of the Game awards … two offensive player of the week awards … named team captain in 2014 … member of the Eagle basketball and soccer teams … on the Honor Roll … son of Michael and Jamey Adams … plans to major in pre-med.

Payne Ahrens

TE, Freshman, 6-3, 220, Gretna, Neb./Gretna H.S.

Three-year member of the Gretna football team … in six games as a senior, caught 13 passes for 308 yards and four touchdowns … scored a touchdown on a punt return … added 21 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble on defense … named All-District Honorable Mention as a junior and senior … named All-Conference and to the ITG Team as a senior … son of Darin and Rhonda Ahrens … plans to major in business.

Rusten Anderson

WR, Freshman, 6-0, 185, Hurley, S.D./Viborg-Hurley H.S.

Will add depth for the Tigers at the wide receiver position for DWU … three-year letter winner and starter for the Cougars … named tem MVP and All-Conference in junior and senior year …member of the Cougar basketball and track and field teams … member of All-Conference team in basketball … son of Mark and Juna Sheppard … plans to major in sports management.

Cole Carter

DT, Freshman, 6-1, 300, Gregory, S.D./Gregory H.S.

Joins the DWU program on the heels of a state championship … member of the 2014 Class 9AA State Championship team … named Freshman MVP for the Gorillas … member of the Gregory wrestling team … on the Honor Roll in the classroom … son of Robert and Jan Carter … plans to major in athletic training.

Enrique Cajero

K/P, Freshman, 5-11, 195, Kimball, Neb./Kimball H.S.

Joins the DWU special teams as a kicker and punter to depth at the position … finished career as all-time leading scorer for kicking … made the longest field goal in Kimball history at 43 yards … two-time All-Conference and All-District … member of the Longhorn basketball and track and field teams … member of the Honor Roll … son of Magdaleno and Monica Cajero … plans to major in graphic design.

Matthew Collins

OL, Freshman, 6-0, 220, Redfield, S.D./Redfield H.S.

Joins the DWU offensive line corps after a strong career with Redfield … was named an All-State Honorable Mention for the Pheasants … member of the 2013 South Dakota Class 11B state quarterfinalist team … member of the Honor Roll at Redfield … son of Nova Collins … plans to major in accounting.

Cody Cook

OL, Freshman, 6-2, 265, Harrisburg, S.D./Harrisburg H.S.

Comes to DWU after a standout career at Harrisburg to add depth to the Tigers' offensive line corps … member of a Harrisburg team that went 5-5 each of the last two seasons, the first years for the school in South Dakota's ESD Conference … named to the All-Conference and All-State teams in 2014 … named an All-State Honorable Mention in 2013 … team captain for football in 2014 … member of the Harrisburg baseball and track and field teams … on the Honor Roll and Merit Roll … son of Michael and Michele Cook … plans to major in athletic training.

Trey DeCroock

S, Freshman, 6-1, 180, Sioux Falls, S.D./Washington H.S.

Comes to DWU to add depth to DWU defensive backfield … voted Washington's Most Valuable Defensive Back in 2014 … member of the Warrior track and field team … son of Darren DeCroock and Janel Bouwman … plans to major in education.

Tanner Dobrenz

LB, Freshman, 5-9, 186, Casper, Wyo./Kelly Walsh H.S.

Finished career at Kelly Walsh with a strong senior season … totaled 73 tackles, including 39 solo … added five tackles for loss, one interception and one fumble recovery … Earned Tom Staffelino and Beecher Strube awards at Kelly Walsh … named All-Conference offensive lineman … member of the National Honor Society and President's Honor Roll … member of the Trojan wrestling team … son of Donald and Heather Dobrenz … plans to major in pre-med and athletic training.

Alec Engler

DB, Freshman, 5-11, 170, Minneota, Minn./Minneota Public H.S.

Comes to DWU after a strong career at Minneota High School and will add depth the Tiger defensive backfield … member of the Minnesota Class 3A State Championship team that went 13-0 … named Little Sioux Conference Defensive Back of the Year … All-Conference selection in 2013 and 2014 … All-Area Team member in 2014 … named team captain for the Vikings as a junior and senior … member of the Minneota wrestling and baseball teams … son of Les and Barb Engler … plans to major in sports management with a minor in graphic design.

Ryan Fleischer

SS, Freshman, 6-0, 190, Springfield, Minn./Springfield Public H.S.

Comes to DWU after a successful two-way playing career at Springfield … finished with 153 total tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles on defense … added 31 catches for 470 yards and four touchdowns … named Springfield defensive MVP in 2013 and 2014 … All-Conference as a senior … named KNUJ Player of the Week … member of the Honor Roll … son of Jared Fleischer and Jason and Jean Peters … undecided on major.

Eathen Gaulke

RB, Freshman, 6-2, 200, Kimball, S.D./Kimball H.S.

Rushed for 1,783 yards as a senior for the WiLdKats, including 371 in a single game … added 80 tackles on defense for Kimball/White Lake … named an All-State long snapper … member of the K/WL basketball, track and field and golf teams … member of the Honor Roll and Effort Award winner … son of Chris and Darcie Gaulke … plans to major in entrepreneurial leadership.

Kaleb Haas

LB, Freshman, 5-11, 190, Howard, S.D./Howard H.S.

Member of the 2014 South Dakota Class 9A state championship football team at Howard … two-way starter for the two years for the Tigers … totaled more than 100 tackles last two years … named 2014 All-State linebacker … member of the Howard wrestling and track and field teams … three-time state qualifier for Howard wrestling and two-time placer … son of Jerry and Karla Haas … plans to major in athletic training.

Tyrel Haley

DB, Freshman, 5-10, 175, Colome, S.D./Winner H.S.

Member of the 2012 Winner state championship football team … finished senior year with 43 tackles and 600 rushing yards … named an All-State linebacker and to the Argus Leader Elite 45 Honorable Mention team … member of the Winner wrestling and track and field teams … two-time placer at the state meet for the Warrior wrestling team … four-year member of the Honor Roll … brother of DWU offensive lineman Taylor Haley … son of Jim and Tracie Haley … plans to major in biology and pre-med.

Brady Hicks

LB, Freshman, 5-7, 175, Martin, S.D./Bennett County H.S.

Was a four-year starter for the Warrior football team … finished with 99 tackles as a senior for Bennett County … named most improved player for football and wrestling … won the team defensive MVP and outstanding offensive lineman awards … All-Conference team for football as a junior and senior … named Student of the Year at Bennett County … six-year member of the Warrior wrestling team … son of Mike and Laura Hicks … plans to major in athletic training.

Gage Horacek

TE, Freshman, 6-4, 225, Fullerton, Neb./Fullerton H.S.

Comes in to give DWU a large target in the passing game from the tight end position … named All-State in football … member of the Warrior basketball and golf teams … All-State selection in basketball … Honor Roll Honorable Mention in the classroom … son of Jason and Shelli Horacek … plans to major in business.

Matthew Jensen

DB, Senior, 5-11, 170, Viborg, S.D./Morningside College

Comes to DWU with one year of eligibility remaining after transferring from Morningside College … finished high school career with 366 tackles and scored 51 touchdowns … named All-Conference four times and All-State twice … Elite High School honorable mention and Wendy's High School Heisman Runner-Up … Valedictorian and member of National Honor Society at Viborg … son of David and Deborah Jensen … business/finance major.

Mitch Johnson

RB, Freshman, 5-10, 190, Mitchell, S.D./Mitchell H.S.

Stays home to play for DWU after finishing career with Kernels … three-year starter for Mitchell football team … named to the All-State and All-ESD Conference football teams … also a member of the Kernel baseball and powerlifting teams … named Academic All-State and a member of the National Honor Society … son of Russ and Mary Johnson … plans to major in business administration.

Charles LaRoche

DB, Sophomore, 5-10, 190, Lower Brule, S.D./University of South Dakota

Transfers to DWU from the University of South Dakota with three years of eligibility remaining … lettered three times for the Lyman football team and started for three seasons … named an All-State Honorable Mention … son of Charles and Laura LaRoche … plans to major in elementary education.

Luke Loudenburg

RB, Freshman, 5-5, 145, Howard, S.D./Howard H.S.

Broke the 9-man rushing record in South Dakota as a senior at Howard … finished career with 668 carries for 6,806 yards and 108 touchdowns … totaled 8,668 all-purpose yards … added 155 tackles, five interceptions and six fumble recoveries on defense … named Howard Offensive MVP last three years and was a captain as a junior and senior … named Cornbelt Conference MVP in 2013 and 2014 … All-State fullback in 2013 and 2014 … Mitchell Daily Republic Football Player of the Year in 2014 … Argus Leader Elite 45 2013 and Elite 45 Captain in 2014 … Class 9A state championship MVP and outstanding back … South Dakota Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2014-15 … National High School Athletic Football All-American 2014 … member of the 12-0 Howard state championship team in 2014 … three-time state championship wrestler at three different weight classes … Mitchell Daily Republic Wrestler of the Year in 2013-14 … member of the National Honor Society and Academic All-State football team in 2014 … son of Troy and Deb Loudenburg … Father Troy played football at DWU and is in the school's Athletic Hall of Fame … plans to major in athletic training.

Trevor Mann

QB, Freshman, 6-1, 183, Brady, Neb./Brady Public School

Adds depth for DWU at the quarterback position … named All-District and All-Area Honorable Mention … All-State Honorable Mention for Class D2 … member of the Brady basketball and track and field teams … finished with a perfect attendance award and an Honor Roll student … son of Shad and Sam Mann … plans to major in wildlife management.

Gaige Marshall

RB, Freshman, 5-10, 180, North Platte, Neb./Hershey Public School

Joins DWU after a successful career in high school … had 16 consecutive 100-yard rushing games … finished with 473 carries for 3,614 yards and 30 touchdowns … added 27 receptions for 504 yards and four scores … second in school history for rushing yards and scoring … as a senior rushed for 1,395 yards on 166 carries and 16 scores … named a Nebraska All-State Honorable Mention in 2013 and 2014 … First Team All-District last three years … Top-10 Nebraska All-Class running back in 2013 and 2014 … member of the Honor Roll … son of Steve and Melanie Marshall … plans to major in nursing.

Austin Matthiesen

OLB, Freshman, 5-11, 195, Jasper, Minn./South Dakota State University

Transferred to DWU from South Dakota State University with four years of eligibility remaining …. earned four varsity letters and started two years for Garretson High School … finished senior year for the Blue Dragons with 117 carries for 983 yards on the ground and 21 receptions for 453 yards … added 53 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for a touchdown … named a defensive captain … member of the Garretson basketball and track and field teams … won Coach Award for basketball in senior year … son of Kevin and Shelly Matthiesen … majoring in business management.

Chase Murphy

PK, Freshman, 6-2, 180, Kearney, Neb./Kearney Catholic H.S.

Joins the DWU special teams unit as a placekicker … earned team special teams award three years in a row for the Stars … made 9-of-10 field goal and 24-of-32 PAT attempts … added 41 total tackles and one sack on defense … grabbed one interception and recovered a fumble … member of the Kearney Catholic track and field team … named to the All-District track team three years in a row … Honor Roll member … son of Kelly and Beth Murphy … plans to major in pre-med.

Samuel Naasz

LB, Freshman, 6-1, 195, Winner, S.D./Winner H.S.

Comes to DWU after a successful career with the Warriors … a member of the 2012 state championship Winner football team … named All-Conference in 2013 and 2014, All-State Special Teams in 2014 and Academic All-State in 2014 … finished career with 1,374 career rushing yards, 334, receiving yards and 18 touchdowns … a member of the Winner basketball and track and field teams … member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll … son of Brian and Sharon Naasz … plans to major in athletic training.

Jase Nelson

ATH, Freshman, 6-0, 160, Dell Rapid, S.D./Dell Rapids H.S.

Comes to DWU after being a part of three state championship teams at Dell Rapids … passed for 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Quarriers, who went 11-1 last season … named an All-State Honorable Mention and to the All-Conference team … son of Jeff and Carmen Nelson … undecided on major.

C.J. Newey

WR, 5-4, 130, Freshman, Los Lunas, N.M./Pima C.C.

Transfers to DWU after a successful high school career with the Eagles … was named All-Metro and All-District football teams … played four years and started three for Belen … was a member of the Belen baseball team and earned All-Metro, All-District and All-State honors … son of Chris and Patricia Newey … plans to major in Biology.

Luke Peterson

ATH, Freshman, 5-11, 185, Sioux Falls, S.D./Roosevelt H.S.

Member of the Roosevelt football team that reached the South Dakota Class 11AAA finals … member of the Roosevelt baseball team … son of Al and Barb Peterson … undecided on major.

Jace Pulse

WR, Freshman, 6-2, 180, Kimball, S.D./Kimball H.S.

Comes to DWU after two years as a starter for the WiLdKats … named an All-State Honorable Mention in 2014 … member of the K/WL wrestling, basketball and track and field teams … son of Lee and Nicole Pulse … undecided on major.

Dillon Rork

LB, Freshman, 6-2, 195, Grand Island, Neb./Grand Island Central Catholic H.S.

Adds depth the Tiger linebacker corps after a successful career at Grand Island Central Catholic H.S. … finished with 144 tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 11 sacks on defense … added 599 rushing and 147 receiving yards, to go along with eight touchdowns on offense … named Blue-Grey All-American, All-District and All-Heartland Honorable Mention … three-time defensive player of the game … member of the Crusader wrestling and track and field teams … son of Bill Rork and Michelle Stratman … plans to major in psychology.

Zachary Ryherd

OL, Freshman, 6-2, 270, Olivet, S.D./Menno H.S.

Finished his high school football career at Menno High School after moving from Chaska, Minn., … played three varsity seasons of football and two as a starter … finished with 42 tackles, 20 for a loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and five recovered fumbles … blocked one punt and scored a touchdown … named KSFY Player to Watch and Blue-Grey Regional and National prospect … earned Blue-Grey All-American honors … played one year of basketball and track and field … member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll … member of All-State Choir … son of Kevin Ryherd and Melissa Sayler … plans to major in mathematics education.

Ben Sauter

DL, Freshman, 6-2, 195, Kimball, Neb./Kimball H.S.

Joins the DWU defensive line and will add to the Tiger defensive end corps … named All-Conference and All-District in 2013 and 2014 … one of three new Tigers from Kimball, Neb., … member of the Kimball track and field team … Honor Roll member for four years … UNL Math Contest Contender … son of Lee and Cheryl Sauter … plans to major in secondary education and mathematics.

Bailey Schriever

CB, Freshman, 6-0, 150, Harrisburg, S.D./Harrisburg H.S.

Comes to DWU after two years as a starter for Harrisburg … finished with 78 total tackles in three years for the Tigers, while adding four interceptions … on offense, added 21 receptions for 295 yards and two touchdowns … named All-ESD Conference, All-State and Academic All-State in 2014 … was a team captain in 2014 for the football team at Harrisburg … member of the Tiger track and field team … Honor Roll member for four years … son of Todd and Cheryl Schriever.

Bryce Seeger

OL, Freshman, 6-3, 310, Redfield, S.D./Redfield H.S.

Joins brother Devin Seeger, a current redshirt freshman, on the DWU roster … recorded more than 30 pancakes throughout senior year … earned All-Conference Honorable Mention for the Pheasants … played four years for the Redfield football team, while lettering and starting for two years … son of Corey and Patricia Hieb … undecided on major.

Shaye Slaughter

QB, Freshman, 6-4, 200, Sioux Falls, S.D./Harrisburg H.S.

Started two seasons at quarterback for Harrisburg and was a varsity member for three seasons … completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns for the Tigers … was a member of the Tiger teams that reached the South Dakota Class AA semifinals each of the last two seasons … also a member of the Harrisburg basketball team … son of Shane and Diane Slaughter … plans to major in business management.

Jordan Unterbrunner

OL, Freshman, 6-3, 230, Madison, S.D./South Dakota State University

Comes to DWU with four years of eligibility remaining after transferring from South Dakota State University … started three years for Madison, earning two All-Conference Honors … named South Dakota All-State Unsung Hero three times … member of two state championship basketball teams in 2013 and 2014 … played four years of basketball and baseball at Madison … son of Scott and Maxine Unterbrunner … majoring in business management.

Tanner Van Winkle

WR, Freshman, 6-2, 190, Tyndall, S.D./Bon Homme H.S.

Joins DWU after strong playing career at Bon Homme High School … lettered and started two years for the Cavaliers … earned Mr. Intensity Award as a senior … named to the SESD All-Conference team … member of the Cavalier basketball and track and field teams … Academic Letter Winner and member of the Honor Roll … son of Justin and Lisa Van Winkle … undecided on major.

Antonio Vega

OL, Freshman, 6-0, 250, Worland, Wyo./Worland H.S.

Comes to DWU to add depth to the Tigers on the offensive line … member of a Worland team that went 3-6 in 2014 …son of Ramon Vega and Lenora Beltran … plans to major in exercise science.

Tyler Wagner

LB, Freshman, 5-11, 190, Webster, S.D./Webster Area H.S.

Joins the DWU linebacker corps and will add depth at the position for the Tigers … finished with 236 tackles, 3.5 sacks, four interceptions and three forced fumbles in career with Bearcats … named All-Conference, All-Area and All-State for football … award team Overall MVP and Defensive MVP … member of the Webster wrestling and track and field teams … three-time state placer in wrestling … Honor Roll and National Honor Society student … named Webster Student Council President … son of Greg and Kara Wagner … plans to major in athletic training and sports exercise and wellness with a minor in coaching.

Trevor Wietzema

OL, Freshman, 6-3, 270, Worthington, Minn./Worthington H.S.

Brings 6-foot-3, 270 pound frame to the DWU offensive line … named football team MVP at Worthington … team Offensive Lineman of the Year … named All-Conference for football … member of the Trojan wrestling and baseball teams … named All-Conference in wrestling and All-Conference Honorable Mention in baseball … son of Troy and Angela Wietzema … plans to major in physical therapy.

Jonathon Withrow

RB, Freshman, 5-9, 170, Kimball, Neb./Kimball Jr./Sr. H.S.

Joins DWU after four years as a starter for the Longhorns … recorded 3,130 career rushing yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry … also had 40 career touchdowns and 1,044 total return yards … on defense, he totaled 177 career tackles … named All-Conference, All-District and All-State Honorable Mention each of the last three seasons … member of the Kimball wrestling, basketball and track and field teams … member of the honor roll the last three years … son of John and Michelle Withrow … plans to major in special education.