Feb. 1, 2006

Wayne State University head football coach Paul Winters has announced his recruiting class for 2006, consisting of 19 incoming freshmen and four transfer student-athletes.

Thoughts from Coach Winters: "I don't know how we could be happier with a group of incoming student-athletes. I believe this class represents what this program is attempting to bring to this university; 1) Quality young student-athletes and 2) Winners!

"We have raised the standards on the field and in the classroom. In the fall of 2005, we had 32 underclassmen with a 3.0 GPA or higher. We measured the content of each student-athlete's character, not just 40-yard dash times. We believe that you win with character and leadership. This group is filled with leaders and winners!

"I would like to publicly commend the effort that this football staff put forth to bring in such a fine group of young men. Recruiting coordinator Scott Kazmierski, Landon Fox, E.J. Henderson, Kurt Mattix, and Keith Uecker lead the effort and received important assistance from John O'Connor, James Adams, Jabruan Riley, and Greg Gundersen. Every one of the assistants works tirelessly to improve this football program. The parents continuously commented on the staff making the difference in their son's decision.

"I also want to give a special thanks to Maria Sepulvada, who coordinates our academic study table, for taking the time to meet with every recruit and explain what steps we are taking to ensure academic success for our student-athletes."

FRESHMEN
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown/High School
Terrill Akemon	S	6-0	181	Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow
Athan Anagonye	DE	6-2	230	Southfield, Mich./University of Detroit Jesuit
Carl Braggs	RB	5-10	195	Detroit, Mich./Renaissance
Travis Campbell	WR	6-1	175	Gahanna, Ohio/Westerville North
Adrian Dawkins	WR	5-9	165	Detroit, Mich./Renaissance
Dave Dunomes	OL	6-5	295	Benton Harbor, Mich./Benton Harbor
Matt Faulkner	LB	6-2	212	Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Lahser
Zack George	QB	6-2	198	Deshler, Ohio/Patrick Henry
Nick Grundy	DE	6-2	230	Dublin, Ohio/Scioto
Ryan Jonik	OL	6-3	275	Canton, Mich./Plymouth Canton
Trent Pohl	QB	6-4	205	Lansing, Mich./Grand Ledge
Shawn Redd	LB	5-11	218	Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow
Josh Rouhan	QB	6-4	208	Howard City, Mich./Tri-County
Ed Sanders	WR	6-0	170	Detroit, Mich/Renaissance
Jimmy Schoenle	LB	6-1	215	Milford, Mich./Milford
Wendell Thompson	S	6-0	180	Flint, Mich./Southwestern Academy
Stan Thornton	CB	5-10	170	Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow
D.J. Tracy	LB	6-2	220	Westland, Mich./Livonia Franklin
Kenny Watson	CB	5-11	175	Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne

TRANSFERS
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown/High School (Last College)
Chris Alsina	WR	6-3	180	Beaumont, Calif./Beaumont (Mt. San Jacinto J.C.)
Andrew Bates	DT	6-1	248	Howell, Mich./Howell (Grand Rapids C.C.)
Daryl Graham	RB	5-9	180	Detroit, Mich./St. Martin de Porres (Michigan Tech)
Terrence Merritt	DB	6-2	192	Detroit, Mich./Renaissance (Michigan Tech)

FRESHMEN

Terrill Akemon, S, 6-0, 181, Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow

Earned three letters in football for coach Doc Gamble and the Tigers ... rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns during the 2004 regular season on a squad that went undefeated (10-0) during the regular season ... had 149 receiving yards and a touchdowns as a junior ... rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on eight carries in the first playoff game in school history in 2004 ... totaled 39 tackles, 26 solo, as a free safety in 2005 ... had four interceptions in 2005, including a 62-yard return for a touchdown in a 42-0 victory on Oct. 6 versus Belmont ... also lettered in track ... placed ninth in the 200-meter dash (24.00) at the 2005 Southwest Ohio Public League Championships ... was a team captain for both football and track ... born June 23, 1988 ... plans to major in accounting ... son of La'Vell and Shirelle Akemon.

Coach Winters on Terrill Akemon: "Terrill is one of the most highly recruited student-athletes in this recruiting class. The reason is that he is a tremendous athlete. When you watch Terrill you are tempted to play him on offense. We will fight the urge and let him compete as a big-hitting safety with the ability to play man coverage."

Athan Anagonye, DE, 6-2, 230, Southfield, Mich./University of Detroit Jesuit

Was a two-year letterwinner for coach Scott Merchant ... No. 34 on the Detroit News Blue Chip List ... earned All-Catholic League honors in 2005 after making 35 tackles including five sacks for the Cubs ... selected to play on the East squad at the 2006 MHSFCA game ... also lettered in basketball as a power forward ... born July 3, 1988 ... plans to major in pharmacy ... son of Aloysius and Theresa Anagonye ... brother Aloysius Jr., played basketball at Michigan State (1999-2003) ... pronounced a-THAN an-uh-GONE-yea.

Coach Winters on Athan Anagonye: "Athan spent most of the recruiting process looking at Mid-American Conference schools, but after one look at the WSU School of Pharmacy, he was sold. Athan is a quality young man and a terrific football player. He will make a positive impact on our program."

Carl Braggs, RB, 5-10, 195, Detroit, Mich./Renaissance

2004 AP Class B Honorable Mention All-State selection for the Phoenix and the late William Hill ... rushed for 213 yards on 23 carries in 2004 vs. Detroit Osborn ... scored 118 points on 16 touchdown and 11 two-point conversions ... rushed for 1,337 yards on 180 carries as a junior leading the Phoenix to a 9-1 mark ... also had five kickoff returns for 131 yards in 2004 ... had 41 carries for 240 yards and two touchdowns at Ford Field as Renaissance claimed the inaugural PSL Division III-IV championship in 2004 ... had six 100-yard games, including a season-best 236 yards on 37 attempts against Detroit Southeastern ... rushed for 645 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior on 116 carries for coach Antonio Watts ... gained 196 yards on 25 attempts with two touchdowns vs. St. Clair Shores South Lake on Oct. 28, 2005 in Renaissance's first state-playoff win since 2000.

Coach Winters on Carl Braggs: "Carl suffered a high ankle sprain that ruined his senior season. His loss was our gain. We feel like Carl gives us a big, tough ball carrier. He has good feet and is a very hard worker. Carl joins a crowded backfield, but is sure to make is presence felt."

Travis Campbell, WR, 6-1, 175, Gahanna, Ohio/Westerville North

Participated in three sports - football, basketball and track ... played football for coach Chad Williams ... twice earned all-league and all-district honors ... posted 180 tackles and eight interceptions in three years on defense, and 44 receptions for 763 yards and seven touchdowns on offense ... is second on the school's career lists for both interceptions and touchdown catches ... won the Ohio Capital Conference 110m hurdles (15.2) and 300m Intermediate hurdles (41.2) in 2005 ... born June 13, 1988 ... son of Vinsetta Montgomery.

Coach Winters on Travis Campbell: "Travis brings explosive speed into our program. He also plays the game with passion, energy, and effort. Travis will improve our athleticism at the wide receiver position."

Adrian Dawkins, WR, 5-9, 165, Detroit, Mich./Renaissance

Three-year letterwinner in football for the Phoenix ... had eight receptions for 129 yards and three touchdowns in 2004, helping Renaissance to a 9-1 record and the city championship ... recorded 711 yards on 44 catches in 2005 with eight touchdowns ... had four interceptions as a cornerback, including two against Cooley ... had three touchdown receptions vs. Douglass on Sept. 1, 2005 ... made at least three receptions in nine of the 10 games in 2005 and had a TD catch in four straight contests for coach Antonio Watts ... team captain for football and track ... earned all-city honors in football, as well as all-city, all-regional, and all-state honors in track ... won a gold medal in the long jump ... born May 6, 1988 ... plans to major in physical therapy ... son of Lance Redd and Debra Ellis.

Coach Winters on Adrian Dawkins: "Adrian is a special player because he seems to be moving faster than everyone else on the field. We expect Adrian to make an impact with the ball in his hands. He has the ability to make you miss."

Dave Dunomes, OL, 6-5, 295, Benton Harbor, Mich./Benton Harbor

Played for coach Larry Featherstone.

Coach Winters on Dave Dunomes: "It's important when you can go back to a school two years in a row and recruit the best student-athlete on the team. Joique Bell helped us recruit his best high school offensive lineman. Dave has unlimited potential. He is an excellent athlete for his size and will develop into an outstanding player!"

Matt Faulkner, LB, 6-2, 212, Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Lahser

A two-time All-Oakland Activities Association selection ... named honorable mention all-county by the Eccentric in 2004 and second team in 2005 ... a Detroit News 2005 honorable mention All-North honoree ... named honorable mention all-county in 2005 by the Oakland Press ... team captain on the undefeated 2005 regular-season squad which won three straight playoff games ... helped Knights to a AP ranking of fourth in the final 2005 Division III poll ... helped BHLHS to two straight league titles ... son of Daniel and Sarah Faulkner ... also participates on the track team.

Coach Winters on Matt Faulkner: "Our coaches evaluated Matthew during the season and liked what they saw. Matt is a physically tough linebacker, who plays with good knee bend and square shoulders. It seems like Matt takes on every tackle in a good football position, which is a great quality for a linebacker. Matt is also an excellent student and a team leader!"

Zack George, QB, 6-2, 198, Deshler, Ohio/Patrick Henry

Three-year letterwinner at Patrick Henry for coach Bill Inselmann ... compiled a 28-1 record in two years as the starting quarterback earning first team all-state honors both years ... was honorable mention all-league in 2003 as a defensive back ... completed 60.8 percent (166-273) of his passes as a junior for 2,637 yards and 31 touchdowns ... passed for a school-record 3,303 yards as a senior with 39 touchdowns and only six interceptions to earn co-Division 5 Player of the Year ... completed 66.7 percent (180-270) in 2005 helping the Patriots to the Division 5 state championship ... tossed a school-record five touchdown passes versus Archbold ... his 72 career touchdown passes ranks ninth all-time in the state of Ohio ... also earned three letters in baseball and two in basketball ... born August 17, 1987, in Findlay, Ohio ... son of Bob and Marsha George.

Coach Winters on Zack George: "If you look up the word "winner" in the dictionary, you will find a picture of Zack George. He has a career record of 28-1 in his high school career as a starter. Zack is a complete player with a good arm, a quick release, and excellent mobility."

Nick Grundy, DE, 6-2, 230, Dublin, Ohio/Scioto

Named to the Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division Second Team for coach Karl Johnson ... was an All-Central District Honorable Mention selection for the Irish ... recorded 50 tackles including 17 solo in only nine games in 2005 ... forced a fumble and made three sacks as DSHS compiled a 7-2 mark in games he played ... had at least four tackles in every game played ... helped the Irish reach the Division II region 7 semifinals.

Coach Winters on Nick Grundy: "Nick plays the game at full speed. He is aggressive and tough, two attributes that we cherish. We expect Nick to compete early for a chance to replace Leo Wells and Michael Hall. Nick and his family fell in love with the Wayne State campus and this football program."

Ryan Jonik, OL, 6-3, 275, Canton, Mich./Plymouth Canton

Helped lead Plymouth Canton to an 11-2 record and the state finals last season ... key offensive lineman for the Chiefs rushing attack that averaged about 300 yards and more than 35 points each game ... also saw time as a defensive end for coach Tim Baechler ... selected to play on the East squad at the 2006 MHSFCA game ... named to the Ann Arbor News First Team Offense ... served as a team captain.

Coach Winters on Ryan Jonik: "When we watched Ryan play this season we were simply amazed. Ryan is one of the most dominant football players in the state. He is very aggressive and plays very hard. Ryan is an excellent student and is looking forward to a future in medicine."

Trent Pohl, QB, 6-4, 205, Lansing, Mich./Grand Ledge

Three-year letterwinner in football for coach Pat O'Keefe ... played quarterback and receiver his junior year for the Comets ... had 12 receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown, and also completed 10 passes on 27 attempts for 214 yards and two touchdowns ... 2005 Lansing State Journal Class A All-Area Team and team co-MVP ... passed for 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns with only four interceptions, helping the squad to a 9-3 record ... also lettered twice in baseball as a pitcher and first baseman ... earned three letters in basketball as a small forward and was named to the all-conference honorable mention team ... born November 19, 1987 ... son of Chuck Pohl and Conda Kitley.

Coach Winters on Trent Pohl: "Trent has tremendous ability but only limited experience playing the QB position. He has excellent size, a very strong arm, but most of all Trent is tough. We always talk about improving our toughness and Trent makes us tougher!"

Shawn Redd, LB, 5-11, 218, Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow

Four-year letterwinner for the Tigers ... played his last three seasons for coach Doc Gamble ... had back-to-back 100+ tackle seasons in 2003 and 2004 ... had 95 tackles and a sack his senior season ... two-time All-League First Team selection ... league defensive player of the year in 2004 as he helped WIHS to an undefeated regular season ... three-time team co-defensive MVP ... born April 15, 1987 ... plans to major in sports management ... son of Shawn Redd and Sharon Richard-Bell.

Coach Winters on Shawn Redd: "Shawn is your typical strong, tough, intense linebacker. He is blessed with good enough speed to make all the plays. He was the defensive MVP on the Withrow team that had four Division I recruits."

Josh Rouhan, QB, 6-4, 208, Howard City, Mich./Tri-County

Four-year letterwinner for Tri-County ... named to the Pioneer News All-Dream Team in 2003 and 2004 ... passed for 1,892 yards and 18 touchdowns in his first varsity season as a sophomore ... threw for 2,681 yards as a junior, the eighth-highest total in state history ... also had 28 touchdowns to only nine interceptions in 2004 ... named to the Class B All-State First Team as a junior ... had 721 passing yards and eight touchdowns in three games as a senior before suffering a season-ending injury ... had 14 career rushing touchdowns ... also lettered in basketball his first three years ... born April 27, 1988 ... son of Dan and Anne Rouhan ... pronounced ROW-han.

Coach Winters on Josh Rouhan: "Josh was one of the states top QB prospects before a serious knee injury ended his senior season and we were sure that he was a top Division I prospect. Josh evaluated us during the season and it was a perfect match. His biggest asset is a lightning release and a big arm. We will monitor his health closely and expect him to compete as soon as the doctors clear him."

Ed Sanders, WR, 6-0, 170, Detroit, Mich./Renaissance

Played one year of varsity football for coach Antonio Watts ... had 21 receptions for 450 yards and nine touchdowns for the Phoenix ... made three catches in a game five times ... had a 96-yard touchdown reception vs. Pershing on Oct. 14, 2005 ... had two TD catches in a game twice ... recorded an interception against St. Clair Shores South Lake ... earned all-city honors in football and track ... born March 17, 1988 ... plans to major in physical therapy ... son of Edward and Terralynn Sanders.

Coach Winters on Ed Sanders: "Ed is the sleeper of this recruiting class because he didn't play high school football until his senior season. He made an impact on the Renaissance football team by scoring nine touchdowns in the 2005 season. Ed has track speed and will improve with experience and time in the weight room."

Jimmy Schoenle, LB, 6-1, 215, Milford, Mich./Milford

Earned three letters in football and played both sides of the ball (tailback, fullback and linebacker)... rushed for 710 yards and made 94 tackles in 2003 ... posted 740 rushing yards and 91 tackles his junior season ... helped the team to a 9-3 record with 1,010 rushing yards and 95 tackles in 2005 ... earned all-conference honors each year ... earned four letters in track, as well as a letter in basketball his sophomore year ... born August 19, 1988 ... plans to major in pre-med ... son of Jim of Kathy Schoenle ... pronounced SHAN-lee.

Coach Winters on Jimmy Schoenle: "Jimmy is extremely fast. He consistently runs faster than most wide receivers and running backs in the league. He played safety and running back in his high school, but we are moving him to linebacker. Jimmy is an all-around top athlete."

Wendell Thompson, S, 6-0, 180, Flint, Mich./Southwestern Academy

Four-year letterwinner in football and track for the Knights ... primarily played running back and safety ... averaged nine yards per carry in 2005 ... earned all-city honors his junior and senior seasons for coach Gary Lee ... selected to the defensive second team his junior year, and the offensive second team his senior year ... had 89 tackles and four sacks in 2004, as well as a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown against Northern ... born November 22, 1988 ... plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Coach Winters on Wendell Thompson: "Wendell is a tough competitor and a quality student-athlete. He was the leader of a resurgent Southwestern Academy football team. He fits the mold of an excellent athlete that we are recruiting to improve this football program."

Stan Thornton, CB, 5-10, 170, Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow

Three-year football letterwinner ... had 15 receptions in 2004 as the Tigers went undefeated during the regular season ... caught 42 passes for 545 yards and four touchdowns his senior season for coach Doc Gamble ... also saw playing time as a defensive back and kickoff returner ... earned all-league and all-city honors ... earned three letters in baseball as a catcher and two in basketball as a point guard ... named first team all-conference in baseball ... was elected team captain for football and baseball ... born March 24, 1988 ... plans to major in either engineering or sports management ... son of Tanisha Truitt.

Coach Winters on Stan Thornton: "Stan is a great athlete and could play on either side of the ball. He is fast and has really good body control. We are always trying to improve our team athleticism and Stan certainly makes us better."

D.J. Tracy, LB, 6-2, 220, Westland, Mich./Livonia Franklin

2005 AP Class A All-State First Team linebacker ... also played fullback ... two-year starter for the Patriots ... had 95 tackles as a senior including a team-best eight sacks ... rushed for 1,160 yards and 15 touchdowns on 129 carries ... LFHS went 9-0 during the 2005 regular season and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1975 ... also lettered three years in baseball and hockey ... born May 7, 1988 ... son of Craig and Connie Tracy.

Coach Winters on D.J. Tracy: "D.J. led Franklin to the playoffs for the first time since 1975. He plays the game with intensity. He chases every play and wants to make every tackle. His hits on the ice hockey team are legendary!"

Kenny Watson, CB, 5-11, 175, Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne

Played defensive back and wide receiver for three seasons ... earned first team All-Greater Catholic League and Second Team All-Southwest Ohio region honors for coach Jim Place ... helped the Eagles to a 9-4 mark in 2004 and an eighth place ranking in the final AP state poll ... served as a team captain ... also earned All-GCL first team honors in track, running primarily the 4x4 relay ... born August 21, 1987 ... son of Kenneth Watson and Kendal Gideon.

Coach Winters on Kenny Watson: "Kenny is an outstanding combination of size and speed. He is exactly what you look for at the corner position. He is confident and not afraid of a challenge. What really strikes you about Kenny is that he has a great personality and you become drawn to him immediately. He will be a leader."

TRANSFERS

Chris Alsina, WR, 6-3, 180, Beaumont, Calif./Beaumont (Mt. San Jacinto J.C.)

Named to the 2003 All-CIF Division XI squad as a defensive back ... rushed for 397 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior for the Cougars ... two of his six receptions were for touchdowns ... recorded three interceptions including two against Twentynine Palms for coach Gary Harvey ... scored three touchdowns in a game twice (Sept. 12, 2003, vs. Desert Hot Springs, and Oct. 3, 2003, against San Jacinto) ... played the last two seasons for the Mt. San Jacinto Eagles and coach Ed Carberry ... made 23 receptions for 490 yards and four touchdowns last season ... led the team with an average of 21.3 yards per catch.

Coach Winters on Chris Alsina: "When you watch Chris play, you first notice that every movement is effortless. We expect Chris to give us a big-play threat opposite our all-conference receiver Nick Body. If you spend five minutes with Chris, you can't help but enjoy his sparkling personality."

Andrew Bates, DT, 6-1, 248, Howell, Mich./Howell (Grand Rapids C.C.)

Named to the NJCAA All-Conference All-Region First Team last season after earning honorable mention all-league honors as a freshman ... made 42 tackles, including 23 solo, in nine games in 2005 ... led the squad with 17.5 tackles for loss including 10 sacks ... in a 25-7 win over Joilet J.C. on Oct. 22, 2005, he had 10 tackles (9-1) including eight for loss and a safety to earn National Junior College Player of the Week accolades ... played all 10 games in 2004 and recorded 37 tackles (13-24) ... had 7.5 tackles for loss including three sacks ... blocked a kick each season ... born December 18, 1985 ... son of Jim and Sue Bates.

Coach Winters on Andrew Bates: "We have had great success with quality young men coming from Grand Rapids Community College and we believe that Andrew will continue that tradition. Andrew Bates is first and foremost a competitor who will battle the opponent for 60 minutes."

Daryl Graham, RB, 5-9, 180, Detroit, Mich./St. Martin de Porres (Michigan Tech)

2005: Played in eight of Michigan Tech's nine games ... named Second Team All-GLIAC after finishing third in the conference at 113.1 rushing yards per game ... had four 100-yard games including an MTU record 307 yards on 36 carries with four touchdowns against Gannon ... had three kickoff returns for 57 yards, including a long of 25.

2004: Played in all 11 games for MTU as a true freshman ... named to the All-GLIAC First Team ... selected as MTU's top freshman male student-athlete ... was fifth in the GLIAC in rushing yards per game (89.7) ... had six 100-yard rushing games ... rushed for a season-best 193 yards on Oct. 30 vs. Saginaw Valley ... recorded a season-high 27 carries against Mercyhurst ... made a season-best three receptions versus Grand Valley ... lone pass attempt was intercepted against GVSU ... had three kickoff returns for 32 yards with a long of 16.

High School: A 2004 graduate of St. Martin de Porres ... played four years for head coach Greg Carter (father of current WSU wide receiver Adam Carter) ... All-State Special Mention as a senior in 2003 after rushing for 1,500 yards and eight touchdowns ... named honorable mention all-state in both 2001 and 2002.

Personal: Full name--Daryl A. Graham ... born March 6, 1985, in Detroit ... son of Bobby Graham and Charlotte Stroud ... is a business major.

Coach Winters on Daryl Graham: "It's not often that an all-conference running back transfers to your institution. Daryl has the ability to score from anywhere on the field. He is an impact player. Daryl's greatest asset is that he is a leader and carries himself with class and confidence. He fits in well with the program that we are building."

Terrence Merritt, DB, 6-2, 192, Detroit, Mich./Renaissance (Michigan Tech)

2005: Attended Michigan Tech, but did not play in any games.

2004: Played in 10 games as a reserve defensive back and on special teams ... recorded 12 tackles (8-4) and blocked a punt against Grand Valley on Nov. 6 ... made a career-high five tackles versus Wayne State.

2003: Redshirted at Michigan Tech.

High School: A 2003 graduate of Renaissance ... recorded 41 tackles and had five interceptions as a senior cornerback for coach William Hill ... had 13 receptions for 301 yards and five touchdowns in 2002 ... served as a team captain both his junior and senior seasons ... also participated in track.

Personal: Full name--Terrence Merritt ... born March 3, 1985, in Detroit ... son of Kenneth and Glenda Merritt ... is an engineering major.

Coach Winters on Terrence Merritt: "Terrence is a local prospect from the Public School League. He has had success in this league as a part-time starter on a championship team. We expect Terrence to compete for playing time immediately in the defensive backfield."