FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Feb. 7, 2018) – The Northern Arizona football program has finalized a 21-member recruiting class on National Signing Day, NAU head coach Jerome Souers announced on Tuesday.
The class features 13 offensive players and eight on the defensive side of the ball.
The position breakdown on the offensive side is six offensive linemen, two wide receivers, three tight ends, one quarterback and one running back.
Defensively, the Lumberjacks added four safeties, two defensive tackles and a pair of linebackers.
"The entire coaching staff is thrilled with the high quality student-athletes we have added to the program as part of this signing class," Souers said. "We signed a large group of offensive linemen which will help us continue to play solid in the trenches as well as provide depth at the position. We also added some talented skill players offensively in addition to balancing out the defense with a quality group of athletes that will help to continue the success on that side of the ball that we enjoyed last season."
Each of the players will join the NAU squad for summer camp, while offensive lineman JaSean Harrison will enroll early and participate in spring practice with the Lumberjacks, which kicks off on Sunday, March 25.
The Lumberjacks recruiting class hails from a total of five states with 11 players from Arizona, seven from California as well as one each from Florida, Utah and Alaska.
The 21-member class includes four players that signed during the December early signing period in Harrison (El Camino College/Torrance, Calif.), defensive tackle John Clark (Liberty H.S./Peoria, Ariz.) as well as a pair of tight ends in Bric Hudnutt (Paradise Valley H.S./Phoenix, Ariz.) and Jarek Schultz (Colony, H.S./Palmer, Alaska).
The Lumberjacks open the 2018 schedule on the road at FBS member UTEP at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, on Sept. 1. The 'Jacks will kick off the home portion of the regular-season schedule on Sept. 8 vs. Eastern Washington.
In addition, NAU fans can catch an early look at the Lumberjacks during the annual spring game on April 21 at 1 p.m. MST at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome.
2018 NAU FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS LIST/HIGHLIGHTS
| Heath Beemiller, S, 6-3, 195, Chandler, Ariz. (Ironwood Ridge) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Gino Campiotti, QB, 6-3, 195, Modesto, Calif. (Manteca) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Stacy Chukwumezie, WR, 6-2, 180, Downey, Calif. (Downey/Cerritos College) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| John Clark, DT, 6-3, 275, Peoria, Ariz. (Liberty) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Larry Davis III, LB, 6-0, 220, Phoenix, Ariz. (Desert Vista) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| JaSean Harrison, C/G, 6-1, 280, Torrance, Calif. (Rancho Verde/Santa Monica College/El Camino College) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Brogan Heath, C/G, 6-4, 275, Gilbert, Ariz. (Williams Field) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Deyton Jackson, WR, 6-0, 180, Surprise, Ariz. (Liberty/Mesa College) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Jamarri Jackson, S, 5-9, 170, Sacramento, Calif. (Christian Brothers/College of San Mateo) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Mitchell Kay, C/G, 6-4, 295, Long Beach, Calif. (Saint John Bosco/Long Beach City College) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Jayden Lee, C/G, 6-3, 310, San Tan Valley, Ariz. (Campo Verde) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Ricky Manning, S, 6-0, 175, Glendale, Ariz. (Notre Dame Prep) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Jacob Mpungi, RB, 6-0, 180, St. George, Utah (Pine View) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Keenan Norris, OT, 6-6, 305, Brentwood, Calif. (Liberty/Los Medanos College) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Sherrod Paige, S, 6-2, 195, Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Bay Tech/Mendocino College/Orange Coast College) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Bric Parmley, TE, 6-4, 225, Phoenix, Ariz. (Paradise Valley) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Jason Pisano, LB, 6-1, 220, Yuma, Ariz. (Yuma Catholic) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Trevor Reinwald, OL, 6-4, 255, Elk Grove, Calif. (Elk Grove/American River College) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Jarek Schultz, TE, 6-7, 230, Palmer, Alaska (Colony) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Tate Speaker, TE, 6-4, 220, Gilbert, Ariz. (Perry) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| Jackson Vaught, DT, 6-2, 260, Gilbert, Ariz. (Williams Field) |
HIGHLIGHTS |
2018 NAU FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS BIOS
Name: Heath Beemiller
Height/Weight: 6-3 - 195 lbs.
Position: Safety
Hometown: Chandler, Arizona
High School: Competed for three years at Ironwood Ridge High School under head coach Matt Johnson...Was a two-year starter and team captain during his senior season.
Personal: Born December 14...Son of Vince and Lisa...Has two older brothers, Holden and Harrison...His father played football for the program during the 1985-1989 seasons...Most memorable moment of career came when he got the chance to play with his brother in high school...Chose NAU for the opportunity to get a good education...Admires his father for being his role model….Both brothers play college football.
Name: Gino Campiotti
Height/Weight: 6-3 - 195 lbs.
Position: Quarterback
Hometown: Modesto, California
High School: Competed for three seasons at Manteca High School under head coach Eric Reis...Finished his senior year with 3,200 passing yards, 700 rushing yards and 52 total touchdowns (37 passing/15 rushing)...Holds every passing record at the program...Led his team to two section championships...Voted MVP twice and was a first team All-Section...Also played and started for two years on the school's basketball and baseball teams.
Personal: Born October 10...Son of Gino and Debbie...Has an older brother, Mike and two older sisters, Stephanie and Teena...Hobbies include hunting and snowboarding...Person he admires most in life in his mother.
Name: Stacy Chukwumezie
Height/Weight: 6-2 - 180 lbs.
Position: Wide Receiver
Hometown: Downey, California
Cerritos College: Played for two years with the Cerritos College Falcons...In 19 games he recorded 50 receptions for 899 yards and five touchdowns...Named second team All-Conference his second season with the team.
High School: Competed for four years at Downey High School under head coach Jack Williams...While on the football team, he was a 1st Team All-CIF selection and two-time 1st Team All-San Gabriel Valley League pick after posting 600 receiving yards and five touchdowns… Named his team's Most Valuable Player as a senior… Helped the team win the CIF Championship as a sophomore...Won the CIF Championship in the long jump (23' 8") and triple jump as a senior…The long jump mark bested a school record that was held at the time by Richard Sherman...Was the San Gabriel Valley League champion in the long jump two years in a row and the triple jump once.
Personal: Born December 2...Son of Cyril and Priscilla...Has an older brother, Quincy and an older sister, Nancy...Hobbies include working out, video games and track and field events...Chose NAU because of the great opportunities it would provide...Admires his mom the most because she always has his back no matter what.
Name: John Clark
Height/Weight: 6-3 - 275 lbs.
Position: Defensive Tackle
Hometown: Peoria, Arizona
High School: Competed for four seasons at Liberty High School under head coach Mark Smith...Was a two-year starter and was named team captain during his senior season...Was a two-time All-Region, All-District, Conference and All-State first team member...Helped his team to a Northwest Region Championships in 2017.
Personal: Born April 17...Son of Scott and Lynn...Has a younger brother, Joey and an older sister, Kameryn...Hobbies include fishing and hunting...Looks up to his mom the most because even those the kids all drive her crazy, she sticks around and remains supportive.
Name: Larry Davis III
Height/Weight: 6-0 - 220 lbs.
Position: Linebacker
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
High School: Competed for four years at Desert Vista High School under head coach Hinds...Was a three-year starter and captain during his senior season...Was named the team's linebacker of the year twice...Also played on the school's track and lacrosse teams.
Personal: Born October 19...Son of Larry and Paula...Has an older sister, Lexi...Hobbies include working out...Chose NAU because it felt like home...Admires his dad the most because he motivates him...Both his mom (soccer) and dad (football) played intercollegiate sports.
Name: JaSean Harrison
Height/Weight: 6-1 – 280
Position: Center/Guard
Hometown: Torrance, Calif.
El Camino College: Competed for one year at El Camino College under head coach Gifford Lindheim after redshirting during first season…Started all 11 games at center…Was named lineman of the year for El Camino…Helped lead team to a win in its first bowl game since 2011 with 28-21 win over Palomar College in Beach Bowl.
Santa Monica College: Redshirted for one season.
High School: Competed for four years at Rancho Verde High under head coach Pete Duffy…Was named All-Conference for two years…Helped lead team to three CIAF Championship Game appearances including a win during freshman season…Advanced to second round of CIAF Playoffs during senior season.
Personal: Born November 28…Son of Ercia Taylor and Coyal Harrsion…Has three brothers, Cody, Ty and Jaylon and three sisters, Kiaya, Amyiah and Kayla. Hobbies include photography and playing Madden Football…Chose NAU because of the atmosphere, football family and perfect fit for my goals for my football career.
Name: Brogan Heath
Height/Weight: 6-4 - 275 lbs.
Position: Center/Guard
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
# - Will join the team following a two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
High School: Competed for four years at Williams Field High School under head coach Steve Campbell...Was a two-year starter and team captain for his season season...Helped his team to an undefeated 5A State Championship season in 2016...Also played basketball and football during his time at the school.
Personal: Born July 13...Son of Brad and Janae...Has three brothers, Cash, Bronson and Brick and two sisters, Hayden and Marley...Hobbies include announcing sporting events...Chose NAU because of the unbelieve environment, it feeling like home and the coaching staff...Announced basketball games for his high school team.
Name: Deyton Jackson
Height/Weight: 6-0 - 180 lbs.
Position: Wide Receiver
Hometown: Surprise, Arizona
Mesa Community College: Recorded 45 receptions for 500 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2017-18 season with the program...Averaged 45.5 yards per game and 11.1 yards per reception with a long of 52 yards.
High School: Competed for two years at Liberty High School under head coach Mark Smith...Was a two-year starter and two-year team captain with the program...Also competed on the track and field teams at the school, setting the record for fastest 100m dash (10.9).
Personal: Born April 5...Son of Chris and Michelle...Has two brothers, Justus and Almani...Chose NAU because of the great staff, team and area...Hobbies include meditating.
Name: Jamarri Jackson
Height/Weight: 5-9 - 172 lbs.
Position: Safety
Hometown: Sacramento, California
College of San Mateo: Registered 44 tackles and six interceptions with one touchdown return in 12 games played in his only year with the program...Was named a first team All-American.
High School: Competed for Christian Brothers High School...Was named All-State first team during his sophomore season...Recorded over 4,800 all-purpose yards, 68 touchdowns and 16 interceptions during his three-year career...Also played on the school's basketball team.
Personal: Born February 13...Son of Searcy and Jasemine...Has one brother, Lamar and one sister, Amiya...Cousin
Elijah Orr played football at the program...Chose NAU because of the college town, the population of the school and the defensive back group unity...Hobbies include sneaker collecting and listening to Drake...Played for Team USA Football during his sophomore season of high school.
Name: Mitchell Kay
Height/Weight: 6-4 - 295 lbs.
Position: Center/Guard
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Long Beach City College: Played one season with the program...Served as a team captain.
High School: Competed for four years at Saint John Bosco High School under head coach Jason Negro...Three-time scholar athlete recipient...Also played on the school's baseball and wrestling teams.
Personal: Born January 31...Son of Kenneth and Evelya...Has one brother, Dolan and one sister, Eibalin...Hobbies include working on his truck and fishing.
Name: Jayden Lee
Height/Weight: 6-3 - 310 lbs.
Position: Center/Guard
Hometown: San Tan Valley, Arizona
High School: Competed for three years at Campo Verde High School under head coach Max Ragsdale...Was a three-year starter and team captain his senior year with the program...Named first team All-Region for his performance his season season...Also was an athlete on the school's track and field team for four years and had a personal best of 141 feet for the discus event.
Personal: Born July 21...Son of Greg...Chose NAU because it wasn't too far away from home so that he could still be close to his family.
Name: Ricky Manning
Height/Weight: 6-0 - 175 lbs.
Position: Safety
Hometown: Glendale, Arizona
High School: Competed for three years at Notre Dame Prep School under head coach Prelock...Was a two-year starter and two-year team captain with the program...Was named a 5A Region All-Conference selection to go with getting named his team's defensive player of the year in 2017 when the team went 13-1 overall.
Personal: Born October 28...Son of Rod and Kathyrn...Has a brother, Kylan and an older sister, Ciara...Hobbies include hunting...Chose NAU because of the academics, the great people and because of the strong football program...Admires his mother the most because she is an incredible person who is always looking to help others...Strongly admires the play of Tyrann Mathieu.
Name: Jacob Mpungi
Height/Weight: 6-0 - 180 lbs.
Position: Running Back
Hometown: St. George, Utah
High School: Competed for three years at Pine View High School under Ran Hosner...Named first team All-State in 2016 and 2017...Helped his team to a second-place finish in the state championship playoffs...Also was a member of the school's track team.
Personal: Born April 2...Son of Megan...Has one brother, D'Angelo and two sisters, Gabby and Kylie...Enjoys hanging out with friends...Admires his aunt the most because she is such a hard worker.
Name: Keenan Norris
Height/Weight: 6-6 - 305 lbs.
Position: Offensive Line
Hometown: Brentwood, California
Los Medanos Community College: Played for one season at Los Medanos Community College that included a 9-2 season that ended in a bowl game victory.
High School: Competed for two years at Liberty High School under head coach Jeff Walters...Was a one-year starter with the program...Also a member of the school's wrestling and basketball teams...Won a team wrestling championship during both his junior and senior years.
Personal: Born April 7...Son of Kyle and Michelle...Has an older sister, Jessica...Hobbies include drawing and fishing...Admires his father the most because he grew up in a bad neighborhood and turned everything around for his family.
Name: Sherrod Paige
Height/Weight: 6-2 - 195 lbs.
Position: Defensive Back
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Orange Coast College: Recorded 60 tackles and three interceptions in his one season of play with the program...Was a starter and team captain.
Mendocino College: Spent one year with the program.
High School: Competed for three years at Tampa Bay Tech under head coach Jayson Roberts...Was a three-year starter and named team captain for his season season...Finished his senior campaign with 60 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one touchdown.
Personal: Born February 19...Son of Gloria...Has one sister, Janaya...Chose NAU because he loved the community, the coaches and the environment and that it feels like home...Admires his grandmother the most because no matter how bad the circumstances, she will always find a way to make it happen...Coached a flag football team.
Name: Bric Parmley
Height/Weight: 6-4 - 225 lbs.
Position: Tight End
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
High School: Competed for four seasons at Paradise Valley High School under head coach Greg Davis...Was named first team All-District and All-Region at tight end his senior season...Helped his team to a state runner-up performance during his sophomore campaign...Also played on the school's baseball, basketball and track teams.
Personal: Born March 8...Son of Dawn...Has a younger brother, Nash and a younger sister, Emma...Enjoys spending time with family...Chose NAU because of the great coaches, atmosphere, school and football program...Admires his grandfather the most because he was always there for him...Also enjoys to play pickleball, bowling and beach volleyball.
Name: Jason Pisano
Height/Weight: 6-1 - 220 lbs.
Position: Linebacker
Hometown: Yuma, Arizona
High School: Competed for four years at Yuma Catholic High School under head coach Aaron Cheatwood...Was a three-year starter and two-year captain with the program...Was named 3A Defensive Player of the Year and also earned Region Defensive Player of the Year...Recorded 157 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble during his senior campaign...Also played for four years with the school's basketball team...Won a football state title his freshman and a basketball state title his sophomore years.
Personal: Born July 26...Son of Jason and Sasha...Has one younger sister, Briyanna...Hobbies include bowling, hooping and hanging out with friends...Chose NAU because he felt like part of the family here...Admires his mother the most because she has always given him everything he needs.
Name: Trevor Reinwald
Height/Weight: 6-4 - 255 lbs.
Position: Offensive Line
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
American River College (2016-18): Played for two seasons at American River College in Sacramento, California...Registered 100 career pancakes lived every lineman's dream by scoring a touchdown...Was named first team All-Conference his sophomore season...Was a two-year starter and one-year team captain with the program.
High School: Competed for four years at Elk Grove High School...Was a four-starter and two-year captain with the program...Named third team All-State following his senior season...Also competed for two years with the school's track and field program, earning All-Conference nods his junior and senior years.
Personal: Born March 10…Son of Olaf and Rachell...Has two younger brothers, Zach and Gavin...Chose NAU because of the comradery among the team, it fit well academically and is located in a great community...Admires his grandfather the most because of what he has done to get his family to where they are today.
Name: Jarek Schultz
Height/Weight: 6-7 - 230 lbs.
Position: Tight End
Hometown: Palmer, Alaska
High School: Competed at Colony High School for three seasons under head coach Rhett Magner...Was a three-year starter and an All-Conference honorable mention during his senior season...Also competed for three seasons on the school's track team, participating in the discus, shot put and hurdle events.
Personal: Born December 7...Son of JD and Julie...Has an older brother, Justin and two younger sisters, Jada and Jill...Hobbies include snowboarding and fishing...Chose NAU because it reminded him of home, the great coaching staff and the friendly people in Flagstaff...Just started playing football his sophomore year...Raw but very talented athlete.
Name: Tate Speaker
Height/Weight: 6-4 - 220 lbs.
Position: Tight End
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
# - Will join the team following a two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
High School: Competed for four seasons at Perry High School under head coach Preston Jones...Was a two-year starter with the program...Was named second team All-Region during his junior and senior seasons...Was also named to the All-District team both of those years as well...Helped his team to a state runner-up performance his senior season...Also played on the school's basketball and volleyball teams.
Personal: Born May 3...Son of Don and Michelle...Has two brothers, Grant and Bruce and one younger sister, Brooke...Hobbies include playing video games and hanging out with friends...Chose NAU because it was close to home and cooler weather...Admires his mother the most because she took care of the family while also working...Loves the occasional game of Spike Ball.
Name: Jackson Vaught
Height/Weight: 6-2 - 260
Position: Defensive Tackle
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
High School: Competed for four years at Williams Field High School under head coach Steve Campbell...Was a two-year starter and named team captain his senior season with the program...Helped the team to a 14-0 state championship season his junior year and back-to-back regional championships his junior and senior seasons...Named first team All-Region.
Personal: Born January 18...Has two brothers, Justin and Jason...Most memorable athletic moment came when he won a state title in football with his brother...Chose NAU because of the amazing culture and program...Admires his parents the most because they made him into the man he is today...Both brothers Justin and Jason compete in intercollegiate athletics.
