Alex Austen - Aptos High School

 

Though most of our recruiting is done with early commits, we did add a few through Regular Decision that we're extremely excited about.  I'll be highlighting them in the coming days.

The first is Alex Austen, from Aptos High in northern California.  Alex played primarily as a left guard as a senior, but he did take snaps at right tackle as well.  Standing an impressive 6'05" and weighing in at 311 pounds, Alex brings much needed size to the interior of our offensive line.  A punishing run blocker, we're excited for the impact he'll have up front.  He also plans to throw for the track and field team in the spring.   He just recently broke 50 feet in the shot put, and has hovered around 140 feet all year in the disc.  Alex is a great get for us, and we can't wait to get him here in the Scarlet and Black! 

Alex Austen highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5445676/59a1ce99386e0e22081d7359

Connor Carson - Foundation Academy

Connor is a versatile offensive lineman from Foundation Academy in the Orlando, Florida-area.  As a senior he played primarily as a center, though he also played some right tackle and left tackle, and even some nose.  He'll be a nice addition anywhere along our offensive line!  Connor helped lead his team to 22 wins in three years and we're excited to add him to what is turning into a very good class of '22.  Can't wait to get you up here Connor!

Connor Carson Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/6254450/video

Daniel Carter - Marquette University High

Daniel Carter is a running back from Marquette University High in Wisconsin.  A very good all-purpose back, Daniel is equally adept running the ball or making catches out of the backfield.  He rushed for over 1000 yards on the season, including a school record 330 yards in a single game.  Whoa!  With the graduation of our own multi-purpose back, Carson Dunn, Carter is a great get for us.  Can't wait to see what he can do in the Scarlet and Black next fall!

http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/4618850/video

Matt Siff - Montgomery Blair High School

Matt is a quarterback from Montgomery Blair in Silver Spring, Maryland.  An all-county selection, Matt throws a very nice deep ball and is a master of play action.  He's a natural leader and a student of the game.  We're very excited to get him on campus and getting to work!

http://www.hudl.com/profile/5391284/Matt-Siff

Dustin Saia - Sioux City West

Dustin is a wide receiver and defensive back from Sioux City West.  We will likely use him primarily as an offensive player, but I love his versatility.  Dustin is a good route runner, is good with the ball in his hands, and is an effective blocker on the perimeter.  He'll be a great fit with what we do offensively, and I can't wait to get him on board! 
http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/6088317/video

Stephen Lemmon - St. Stephens Episcopal

Stephen is a versatile defensive player form St. Stephens Episcopal in Austin, TX.  He has played defensive end, outside linebacker, and even a little inside linebacker.  He's indicated that he prefers to play with his hand on the ground, and you gotta love that attitude!  Stephen has a great frame and a high motor, we're very excited to add another piece to our rapidly improving defense.  Can't wait to get you here, Stephen!

Will Borda - Tower Hill School

Will is a versatile offensive player that could line up as a wing, in the slot, or out wide.  He even played quite a bit of defensive end as a senior.  I love the versatility he brings, he should be a great addition to our offense, but I also love the character he'll bring to the team.  Recently he was recognized at the Delaware Interscholastic Football Coaches Association All-State Banquet, where he was presented with the DIFCA Sportsmanship Award.  Congratulations on your award Will, can't wait to get you here as part of the family!

https://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/4413080/video

Patrick Goldammer - Waterford Union High School

Patrick is our first two-sport commit of 2018.  He's an outstanding kicker, as well as a very good baseball player.  Patrick finished 45/46 on extra points and 5/5 on field goals as a senior, and was  named first-team all-conference, all-county, and all-area.  Patrick will provide a nice boost to our kicking game, we're very excited to add him to the Family. 

https://a.hudl.com/profile/5543708/Patrick-Goldammer

Prescott Miller - Hinsdale Central

Prescott Miller played on both the offensive and defensive lines at Hinsdale Central, and will most likely play on the offensive line for us.  Hinsdale won a combined 18 games in the past two years, and Prescott was a staple for them over that time.  He's got good feet and a nice frame, and I can't wait to get him playing up front for us!  Welcome to the Pioneer Family, Prescott!

Anthony Johnson - Davenport Central

Anthony Johnson is an outstanding defensive player from Davenport Central in Davenport, IA.  He's the younger brother of current Pioneer Rick Johnson, and comes to us with the versatility to play any number of positions on the defense.  Anthony has great length, is quick off the ball, diagnoses plays quickly, and is a good hitter.  It's been great to see Anthony grow from a solid player as a junior to a star for his team as a senior.  We will have the most veteran defense we've had in years, with every single starter returning, but Anthony will no doubt work his way into the rotation.  We're very excited about what he brings to the table!

http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/7745302/video

Recruiting Class of 2017: Elijah Griffin

Elijah is a defensive lineman from La Salle High School in the Los Angeles area.  We've been waiting for this one to come in for a while, Elijah is a very good player!  The strength of this recruiting class is the defensive front, and Elijah is a big part of it.  We've already noted the additions Alex Ross and Tom Henehan, both of whom we're very excited about, but adding a third big body, and especially someone of Elijah's talent, will make a huge difference on our defensive front.

Like several of our recruits this year, Elijah has played on both the offensive and defensive line.  He is a powerful run blocker and is quick on his feet in pass protection.  However, his greatest strength is as a defensive lineman.  He has the size to swallow up a double-team, the quickness to get penetration in the backfield, and he uses his hands effectively enough to get a very good pass rush.  We're excited about Elijah!!

Elijah's highlight: http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/4277463/video

Recruiting Class of 2017: Nat Jordan

Nat was a starter as both an offensive and defensive lineman for Cape Elizabeth High in Cape Elizabeth, ME.  As a senior, he helped lead his team to a 10-1 record and a birth in the regional final.  We're very excited about Nat's quickness off the ball on defense and his mobility as a guard.  He is an adept puller, and he'll fit well with many of our offensive schemes.  He's another valuable piece in what looks to be one of the most deep offensive line groups we've brought in, we're very excited to add him to The Drove!

Nat's Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4399810/5834dae25b3cda20a8954477

Recruiting Class of 2017: Tom Henehan

Tom is a defensive lineman from Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, IL.  Tom was a starter on a 5A state championship team as a junior, and a second round playoff team as a senior.  He's used to playing with, and against, some of the best in the state of Illinois, and he's ready to come in and compete immediately.  Tom's size, strength, and versatility in the defensive front make him a great addition to our defense.  The Black Swarm just got a lot better!!

Can't wait to get you aboard Tom!  #GCPride

Tom's Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/3003924/video

Recruiting Class of 2017: Packard Otto

Packard Otto is an offensive tackle from University High in Normal, IL.  He played on both the left and right side this year, and also has experience as a guard, so he's yet another versatile player that can fit in any number of ways.  He is also an accomplished wrestler.  Ranked in the top-5 in his weight class all year, Packard is looking to cap his high school career with a state championship.  Good luck Packard!

Highlights here.

Recruiting Class of 2017, Superbowl Edition: Marco Kamimura

Marco Kamimura highlights our Superbowl Edition of the Recruiting Class of 2017.  Marco is a cornerback from Detroit Central Catholic, one of the best teams in the state of Michigan.  Marco is a great cover corner, which everybody likes, and an avid fly fisher and fly tier, which his head coach definitely appreciates!  Can't wait to get you in Grinnell Marco!

Recruiting Class of 2017: Trent Mayfield

Trent Mayfield is the latest member of the Pioneers recruiting class of 2017.  He's yet another versatile athlete, playing both wide receiver and defensive end at Campbell Hall in California.  He helped lead his team to a 7-3 record by catching touchdowns and sacking opposing quarterbacks.  That's a rare combination of skills, and we're very excited to have him aboard.  Check him out in action here.

Welcome aboard Trent, can't wait to get started!

#GCPride

Recruiting Class of 2017: Dan Jaques

Dan Jaques is a versatile athlete that could play wide receiver or in the slot, and also long-snapped for his team.  Dan played for the Hopkins School in New Haven, CT where he helped lead his team to a 6-2 overall record.  Dan is yet another piece of the puzzle that we found on the east coast, and this is by far the most success we've had in that region.  We're excited about Dan and can't wait have him aboard.

Congratulations Dan!  #GCPride

Recruiting Class of 2017: Nick Pero

Nick Pero is an offensive lineman and long snapper from MaxPreps High School National Champion Bishop Gorman.  Nick has experience as a center (junior year) and as a guard (senior year).  He also brings another strong option at the long snapper position, and a team can never have enough of those!

I'm excited to have Nick joining us next fall.  Besides fighting for the long snapper position, Nick provides valuable depth on the offensive line, and will bring a wealth of winning experience.  I hope that becomes a common theme across the recruiting class of 2017, that we're bringing in guys that have been a part of a winning program or part of a program that made a dramatic turnaround.  I'm excited to keep adding to this recruiting class and to get the entire team working together in August!

Recruiting Class of 2017: Reed Winter

Reed is looking excited to sign on that line

Reed Winter is a defensive back and running back from Hanover High School in Hanover, NH.  Reed helped Hanover improve from a 2-win season last year to a 9-2 season and an appearance in the state semi-finals in 2016.  He was named first team all-state as a running back and was invited to play in both the New Hampshire All-State game and the New Hampshire vs Vermont All-Star game as a cornerback.

Heading for daylight

I love Reed's combination of speed and toughness, and I always like guys that are versatile players.  I also love that he helped his high school team make such a dramatic turnaround, and that he wants to be part of another turnaround here as a Pioneer.  Can't wait to get you on board Reed!  Highlights here: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6134558/57e86d17f61708a4e86b094c

Recruiting Class of 2017: Alex Ross

Alex looks good in his Mason Mustang gear, but we need to get that guy wearing an Honor G!

Besides highlighting our award winners from the 2016 season, I'll also be introducing you to our newest Pioneers, those members of our 2017 recruiting class that have already submitted their deposit and have committed to Grinnell.  Unlike Division 1, Division 3 doesn't have a signing day.  Each school does it slightly differently, but at Grinnell we have three rounds of applications (Early Decision 1, Early Decision 2, and Regular Decision), so we really have three separate signing days.  Following NCAA rules, we can announce a "commit" once they have submitted a deposit guaranteeing their spot at Grinnell.

Alex Ross (in the middle) #78

In that light, I'll kick off the class of 2017 with defensive lineman Alex Ross, from George Mason High in Falls Church, VA.  At 5'10" and 230 pounds, Alex played on both the offensive and defensive line for the Mustangs, but he'll likely line up on defense for the Pioneers next fall.  I saw Alex at two separate camps this summer and I'm very excited to add him to the team.  He's coachable, plays with desire, and is quick off the ball.   Can't wait to get him in the Scarlet and Black!  Check out his junior year highlight tape: http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/6379578/video