Black Hills State University Football Signing Day Central
Spearfish, S.D. – Black Hills State University football head coach John Reiners has announced the signing of eight recruits to add to the 2012 Yellow Jacket roster bringing the total number of recruits added to this year's roster to 29.
"After playing our first season as a Transitional NCAA Division II Independent we felt that this year we had to target speed," said Head Coach Jay Long. "We brought in 16 skill players that will make our team faster. I am extremely proud of our coaches, with only graduating four senior the coaches did a tremendous job finding 18 replacements."
Click here for a full list of signees
Athletes to join in the fall
Name - Ht. - Wt. - Pos. - Exp. Hometown - Last School
Cody Cole - 6'0" - 260 -OL - HS - Oakdale, Calif. - Oakdale HS
Cody Cole is the brother of Shane Cole who played for the Yellow Jackets; Cody is the son of Scott and Julie Cole. Cole was a two sport athlete at Oakdale High School and earned varsity letters in football and baseball and was named to the All-Valley Oak League team as well as the All-Distric team.
"We loved Cody on film," said Head Coach John Reiners. "He has all of the qualities that we look for in an offensive lineman especially aggressiveness, tenacity. His brother Shane played at Black Hills and we are very excited to bring Cody on board as well."
Jay Darling - 6'5" - 190 - WR - HS- Spearfish - Spearfish HS
Spearfish standout wide receiver Jay Darling has announced that he will be joining the Yellow Jacket football family. Darling is a four sport athlete who competes in football, baseball, basketball and track. Darling earned Team Offensive MVP honors twice as well as Best of the West and All-State recognition as a tight end.
"After watching Jay on film I knew that he was a guy that we had to get," said Head Coach Jay Long. "He is a big, tall, athletic wide-receiver that can catch anything and he is going to be a great fit for our team."
Harrison Dollins - 5'6" -155 - RB - HS - Kirksville, MO. Kirksville HS
Harrison Dollins is the son of David and Karlene Dollins from Kirksville, MO. Dollins was a four sport athlete at Kirksville Senior High School earning varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. Dollins was named 1st team all-conference running back and 1st team all-district all purpose.
"Harrison is an athlete that reminds us a lot of Bryar DeSanti, he can run!" said Head Coach Jay Long.
Damon Goldhammer – 6'1" - 180 - DB - HS - Henderson, Nevada - Coronado HS
Damon Goldhammer is a senior at Coronado High School in Henderson, Nevada where he is a two sport athlete earning varsity letters in both football and lacrosse. Goldhammer was named to the 2nd team all-conference and was also named defensive MVP and was captian of his football team. Damon is the son of Patrick and Shawna Goldhammer.
"Damon is an all-conference defensive back from a 5A school in Nevada; his experiences there are going to prepare him to compete at the NCAA Division II level," said Head Coach Jay Long.
Travis Groves - 6'1" - 175 - DB - HS- Wiggins, Colo. Wiggins HS
Travis Groves is a defensive back from Wiggins, Colo. where he was named the Team Defensive MVP and competed for a State Championship this past fall. Groves is the son of Darrell and Joni Groves.
"Travis was a key component to helping Wiggins HS to a state runner-up finish on the gridiron this past season, said Long. "His athleticism is going to help him get on the field early.
Joe Jensen - 6'4" - 225 - DE - HS - Orem, Utah - Orem HS
Joe Jensen will join the Yellow Jackets for the 2012 campaign. Jensen will graduate from Orem High School in Orem, Utah where he earned varsity letters in both football and basketball. Jensen was named 1st team all-valley and was captian of both his football and basketball teams.
"Joe has a great frame to grow into," said Head Coach John Reiners. "His ability to run and make the play really excites us for what he can do in the future."
Matt Johnson - 6'3" - 220 - OL - HS- Fairmont, Minn. Fairmont HS
Matt Johnson will be joining the Yellow Jacket football roster next fall. Johnson comes to Black Hills State from Fairmont, Minn. where he was a team captain and earned All-Conference honors. Matt is the son of Brad and Cyndi Johnson.
"Matt comes from a great high school in Minnesota," said Head Coach Jay Long. "After a year in the weight room I expect him to provide depth to the offensive line."
Hayden Kessler - 5'8" - 175 - CB - TR - Buffalo, Wyo. Northern Arizona
Hayden Kessler is a transfer student from Northern Arizona, Kessler graduated from Buffalo High School in Buffalo Wyo. where he was a two sport athlete earning three varsity letters in both football and basketball. Kessler was named all-conference basketball and football for three years, in 2010 Kessler was named all-state.
"Kessler is a very athletic kid who we feel can give us some depth at the defensive back position. He initially attended Northern Arizona University, we are very pleased to have him transfering back to the area," said Head Coach John Reiners.
Tanner Klein – 6'3" – 200 - DE - HS – Laurel, Mont. – Laurel HS
Tanner Klein is set to join the Yellow Jackets from Laurel High School where he was an all-conference honorable mention in 2011. Klein was also named team co-captain and is part of National Honors Society. Klein is a three sport athlete who has earned academic all-state honors in each of the three sports in which he competes: football, basketball, and track.
"Tanner impressed us the most on film with his blocks that he made on special teams," stated Reiners. "He showed that he is a very athletic, physical player that will fit well in our system."
Jerome Krysl - 6'2" - 180 - WR- HS- Green River, Wyo. - Green River HS
Jerome Krysl will graduate from Green River High School in May of 2012 where he was a three sport athlete earning varsity letters in football, basketball and track and field. Krysl was named all-conference and all-state his senior year. Jerome is the son of Owen and Lezlie Krysl from Green River, Wyo.
"Jerome is an outstanding receiver and his athleticism is going to make our receiving core better," said Head Coach Jay Long.
Jalen Lamb - 6'3" - 245 - TE- HS - Onida, S.D. - Sully Buttes HS
Jalen Lamb is the son of Joey and Brenda Lamb from Onida, S.D. where he will graduate in 2012. Lamb was a four sport athlete for the Chargers earning varsity letters in football, basketball, track and golf. Lamb was named all-state for his efforts on the gridiron during the 2012 campaign.
"Jalen is a second generation Yellow Jacket," said Head Coach Jay Long. "His father played at BHSU in the early 80's. He was an all-state football player for Charger Nation and can't wait to prove himself on the field."
Josh Long - 6'2" 225 - DL - HS - Gillette, Wyo. – Campbell County HS
Josh Long is the son of Jim and Nancy Long from Gillette, Wyo. Long was a three sport athlete for the Camels and earned varsity letters in football (3), basketball (1), and track and field (1). Long is a member of the National Honor Society and currently boasts a GPA of 3.65.
"We have seen Josh at camp the last three years," "Which is why even though he blew his knee out in his first game of the year he was worth taking a look at, he also comes from a very successful program in Campbell County High School."
Dietric McConnell - 6'0" - 160 - WR - HS - Hill City, S.D. - Hill City HS
Dietric McConnell was a three sport athlete at Hill City High School earning varsity letters in basketball (3), football (3), and track and field (1). Dietric is the son of Dave and Amy McConnell. McConnel was named captain of his varsity football team.
"Dietric is a local kid from Hill City," said Head Coach John Reiners. "We have seen him in camp the last three years and we are excited about him becoming a memeber of the Yellow Jacket Football Family."
Christopher Mikal - 6'2" - 240 - OL - HS - Buffalo, Wyo. - Buffalo HS
Christopher Mikal was a two sport athlete at Buffalo High School where he earned varsity letter in both football and track and field. Mikal was named a captian of his varsity football team and in 2011 he recieved both All-Conference and All-State honors. Christopher is the son of Jude and Paula Mikal.
Alex Moore - 5'7" - 150l - WR- TR - Talcott, WV. - West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Alex Moore is the son of Rita Vigil from Talcott, W.V. Moore is transferring to Black Hills State from the West Virginia University Institute of Technology.
"Alex was a part of the WVIT football program, a NCAA Division II institution that just dropped football," said Head Coach Jay Long. "His cousin LaNaya Elliot played softball at BHSU and she put me in touch with Alex and his brother Craig. I look forward to seeing what he can do."
Craig Moore - 6'2" - 295 - OL - TR - Talcott, WV. - West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Craig Moore comes to Black Hills State by way of West Virginia University Institute of Technology, where he played football. Moore is the son of Rita Vigil from Talcott, W.V.
"Craig was a starter at a NCAA Division II institution that just dropped football," said Head Coach Jay Long. "His cousin LaNaya Elliot played softball at BHSU and she put me in touch with Craig and his brother Alex. He is a great addition to our offensive line."
Nathan Naasz - 6'3" - 210 - QB - HS -Winner, S.D. - Winner HS
Quarterback Nathan Naasz has officially announced his signing at Black Hills State University. Naasz brings both athletic and academic talent to the team. Naasz has earned Academic All-State honors and is a three-sport athlete with varsity letters in football, basketball and track. He will join the Yellow Jackets in the fall of 2012.
"Nathan comes from a football coaching family," said Head Coach Jay Long. "His grandpa and father are both legendary coaches in the state of South Dakota. Nathan's goal is to come to BHSU and become a teacher and a coach. I look forward to having him on our team."
John O'Neil - 6'0" – 180 - DE/LB - HS- Martin, S.D. - Bennett County HS
John O'Neill will join the Yellow Jacket football team from Bennett County High School. O'Neill is the third member of his family to join the family of Black Hills State athletes in recent years. O'Neill is the son of Dan and Vera O'Neill.
"John's last name is a popular one at BHSU with both of his sisters being Yellow Jacket Volleyball players," said Head Coach Jay Long. "John is athletic and has a tremendous upside. I can't wait to see what he looks like after a year of our weight room."
Troy Pinkerton – 6'0" - 200 - LB - HS – Glenrock, Wyo. - Glenrock HS
Troy Pinkerton is the son of Shannon and Troy Pinkerton. Troy is a two sport athlete at Glenrock High School competing in both football and wrestling. Troy earned all-state honors in football and wrestling in 2009, 2010, and in 2011. Pinkerton was also the team captain for both football and wrestling and was named the 2011 Offensive Player of the Year in football.
"Troy is a very physical kid who has great instincts at the linebacker position," said coach Reiners. "Coming from Glenrock we know he will possess the work ethic we are looking for to be a successful Yellow Jacket."
Dan Schmidt - 6'4"- 215 - WR - TR - Brookings, S.D. - South Dakota State University
Dan Schmidt will attend Black Hills State starting in the fall of 2012, Schmidt graduated from Bookings High School where he was a three sport athlete receiving varsity letters in basketball, track and field and football. Schmidt received two all-conference nominations for his efforts on the gridiron. Dan is the son of Lee and Pamela Schmidt from Brookings, S.D.
"I called the coaching staff at SDSU and received nothing but positive remarks in regards to Dan," said Head Coach Jay Long. "His father is a high school football coach at Brookings High School and he has grown up around football and I feel that he is going to contribute to our team immediately."
Daniel Thomas - 6'0" 255 - OL - HS - Alliance, Neb. - Alliance HS
Daniel Thomas was a two sport athlete at Alliance High School in Alliance Neb. where he earned three varsity letters in football and also competed in track and field. Thomas was named captain of his football team and received all-conference honorable mention honors. Daniel is the son of Lance and Jean Thomas.
"The thing that stood out about Dan when we recruited him was his coaches telling us about his work ethic," said Head Coach John Reiners. "Dan is a weight room guy who is going to come in, work hard and find a roll with the Yellow Jackets."
Tyler Van Antwerp - 6'3"- 200 - LB - HS - Glenrock, Wyo. - Glenrock HS
Tyler Van Antwerp was a two sport athlete at Glenrock High School where he earned varsity letters in both wrestling and football, Van Antwerp was selected to the all-conference team three years, as well as being named captain of his football team. Tyler is the son of Jeffery and Kaye Lynn Van Antwerp
"Tyler is the fifth Hearder to join our team in three years," said Head Coach Jay Long. "He has the size and the speed to be a prototypical linebacker."
Dillon Wademan - 6'2 - 180 - WR - HS - Gering, Neb. - Gering HS
Dillon Wademan was a threesportathlete at Gering High School in Gering, Neb. Wademan earned varsity letters in football (3), Basketball (3), and Track and Field (4). Wademan also earned 1st team all-conference honors and honorable mention all-state.
"Dillons brother Dalton is a starting tackle for us, which makes Dillon very familiar with our program," said Head Coach John Reiners. "Dillon has the abilitiy to develop into an outstand reciever for us in the coming years."
Kade Wasson - 6'2" - 180 - QB - HS - Gillette, Wyo. - Campbell County HS
"What we love most about Kade was his athletisim," said assistant coach John Reiners. "His leadership qualities as a quarterback are going to help him find his way on the field at Black Hills State University."
Kade Wasson played football at Campbell County HS where he was named first team all-conference and first team all-state, Wasson was also a member of the National Honor Society. Kade is the son of Mike and Angela Wasson from Gillette, Wyo.
Aaron Welch - 6'2" 220 - DL - HS - Hartford, S.D. - West Central HS
Aaron Welch was a three sport athlete at West Central High School and won varsity letters in football (4), wrestling (4), and track and field (1). Welch received all-conference and All-State honorable mention in 2010 and in 2011 he was named all-conference as well as All-State.
"Aaron comes from a very successful and winning program in West Central High School," Said Head Coach John Reiners. "He is a worker and brings in a winning mentality."
Semester Transfers
Robert Coslet - 5'11 - 290 - DL - TR - Marshall, Mo. - Missouri Valley College
Robert Coslet transferred to Black Hills State from Missouri Valley College. Coslet graduated from Marshall High School in Marshall, MO. Coslet is the son of Raymond and Tammy Coslet.
"Robert has done two tours in Iraq with the United States Army," said Head Coach Jay Long. "That proves to me that he is tough, Robert has great size and I'm excited to see what he can do at the nose tackle position."
Paul Foy - 5'10" – 193 - LB - TR - Glendo, Wyo. - Dickinson State
Paul Foy comes to Black Hills State after transferring from Dickinson State. Foy graduated from Douglas High School and is the son of Rocky and Nancy Foy from Glendo, Wyo.
"Paul comes from a great football program in Douglas High School and was a big part of his team's success on the field in high school," said Head Coach Jay Long. "After watching him the past couple of weeks his number one trait is that he is a worker."
Cole Hamlin - 6'3" - 200 - WR- TR - Highmore – Highmore Harrold HS
Cole Hamlin is the son of Mark and Tina Hamlin from Highmore, S.D. where he was a three sport athlete earning varsity letters in football, basketball and golf. Hamlin received all-conference honors both of the hardwood and the gridiron.
"Cole has been working hard in the weight room and is proving that he will help provide depth at our wide receiver position," said Head Coach Jay Long.
Justin Jensen - 6' - 205 - FB- TR - Belle Fourche - Presentation College
Justin Jensen transferred to Black Hills State from Presentation College where he played football. Jensen graduated from Belle Fourche High School where he earned varsity letters for his efforts in football and wrestling. Jensen was named all-conference. Justin Jensen is the son of Jerry and Elaine Jensen.
"Justin comes to us from Belle Fourche and he is looking for a chance to prove himself as a Yellow Jacket Football player," said Head Coach Jay Long.
Ryan McLaughlin - 5'11" - 190 - DB - TR - Sioux Falls, S.D. - Lincoln HS
Ryan McLaughlin is the son of Terri Lee, he graduated from Sioux Falls Lincoln High School where he earned a varsity letter for his efforts on the hardwood.
"Ryan asked me for a chance to play college football and I provided him with that opportunity," said Head Coach Jay Long. "It is now his job to take that opportunity and make the best of it."
