University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Panthers Add 29 Newcomers To 2016 Roster
2/3/2016 11:42:00 AM | Football
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa football program added 29 newcomers to the 2016 roster, it was announced today by head coach Mark Farley.
The Panthers will bring in the top-talent in the state and surrounding region. The newcomer class consists of 11 players from the state of Iowa and 18 student-athletes from Nebraska, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, New York, Wisconsin, Florida and Illinois.
OFFENSE
Spencer Brown, TE, 6-8, 235, Lenox, Iowa (Lenox HS)
Nick Ellis, OL, 6-5, 275, Parkersburg, Iowa (Aplington-Parkersburg HS)
Christian Ellsworth, QB, 6-4, 220, St. Libory, Neb. (Grand Island Northwest HS)
Nick Fossey, WR, 6-2, 180, Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North HS)
Christian Jegen, WR, 6-1, 195, Shawnee, Kan. (Mill Valley HS)
Jake Kestel, OL, 6-5, 290, Norwalk, Iowa (Norwalk HS)
Briley Moore, TE, 6-4, 200, Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs South HS)
Christian Perez, TE, 6-3, 245, Harlem, N.Y. (Monroe College/John F. Kennedy HS)
Davonius Reed, OL, 6-2, 285, Parkersburg, Iowa (Aplington-Parkersburg HS)
Jalen Rima, WR, 6-2, 180, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Prairie HS)
Korby Sander, DB, 6-1, 205, Belmond, Iowa (Belmond-Klemme HS)
Jamahl Scott, RB, 5-11, 170, St. Louis, Mo. (Kirkwood HS)
Isaiah Weston, WR, 6-4, 195, Albertville, Minn. (St. Michael-Albertville HS)
DEFENSE
Desmond Chapple, DL, 6-5, 235, Edwardsville, Ill. (Edwardsville HS)
Garrett Graf, LB, 6-0, 200, Verona, Wis. (Middleton HS)
Jake Hartford, DB, 6-3, 210, Circle Pines, Minn. (Centennial HS)
Nikholi Jaghai, DB, 5-10, 170, Miami Gardens, Fla. (Flanagan HS)
Alfonzo Lambert II, LB, 6-1, 200, Rockford, Ill. (Auburn HS)
Marcel Minniefield, DL, 6-2, 295, Lee's Summit, Mo. (Lee's Summit West HS)
Isaiah Nimmers, DB, 5-9, 176, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Washington HS)
Sonny Onken, DL, 6-4, 245, Norwalk, Iowa (Norwalk HS)
Trey Recknor, LB, 6-2, 227, Mt. Horeb, Wis. (Mt. Horeb HS)
Elerson Smith, DL, 6-7, 200, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minneapolis South HS)
Brawntae Wells, DL, 6-4, 258, Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS)
Brison White, DB, 5-10, 215, Woodbury, Minn. (East Ridge HS)
Markail Williams, LB, 6-4, 218, St. Louis, Mo. (Pattonville HS)
ATHLETE
Austin Evans, ATH, 6-2, 195, Kansas City, Mo. (Archbishop O'Hara HS)
Xavior Williams, ATH, 6-0, 175, Burlington, Iowa (Notre Dame HS)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Chris Dobernecker, LS, 6-2, 215, Nevada, Iowa (Nevada HS)
2016 Newcomer Bios
Spencer Brown, TE, 6-8, 235, Lenox, Iowa (Lenox HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Lenox High School for Allen Dukes … led his team to a district championship in 2015 … earned first-team all-state as a senior … is a two-time first-team all-district selection for defense, also earning first-team offense in 2015 … racked up 24 receptions for 388 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior, also recording 67 tackles, 17 sacks and four fumble recoveries … also lettered in basketball and baseball, earning first-team all-conference honors in both.
Personal: Son of Liz Jessen and Kurt Brown … has two siblings, Erica and Garrett … majoring in business.
Desmond Chapple, DL, 6-5, 235, Edwardsville, Ill. (Edwardsville HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Edwardsville High School … is a two-time all-conference selection … selected to the all-metro team … only lost four games in his high school career … is a three-year varsity letterwinner … also lettered in track and field, throwing the shot put.
Personal: Son of Samara Chapple and Derrick Williams.
Chris Dobernecker, LS, 6-2, 215, Nevada, Iowa (Nevada HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Nevada High School for Kody Asmus … helped his team to playoff berths in 2011 and 1012 … was named to the all-conference team in 2013 and 2015 … was a team captain and named Lineman of the Year in 2015 … also earned academic all-conference three consecutive seasons … was selected as the recipient of the Chuck Graham – High Standards of Dignity Award by his teammates as a senior … also lettered in baseball and basketball.
Personal: Son of Steve and Stacy … has one siblings, Harold … majoring in business administration … is a part of the National Honor Society and the Honor Roll.
Nick Ellis, OL, 6-5, 275, Parkesburg, Iowa (Aplington-Parkersburg HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Aplington-Parkersburg High School for Alex Pollock … is a two-time first-team all-district selection … earned second-team all-state in 2015 … invited to the Iowa Shrine Bowl … helped his team to playoff berths in 2014 and 2015 … also lettered in basketball, earning first-team all-conference.
Personal: Son of Lisa and D. Jay … has two siblings, Dylan and Jaycie … majoring in business … member of the National Honor Society … four-year Honor Roll selection.
Christian Ellsworth, QB, 6-4, 220, St. Libory, Neb. (Grand Island Northwest HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Grand Island Northwest High School for Kevin Stein … is a three-time all-conference, all-district and all-area selection … earned first-team all-state as a senior, second-team all-state in 2014 and all-state honorable mention as a sophomore … holds the Nebraska state record for career passing yards, career completions, careers touchdowns, single game completions, single game attempts and season completions … held a 68-percent completion percentage as a senior in 2015 … was named the Huskerland Super Squad captain … invited to the Shrine Bowl and the River Battle Bowl … also a four-time academic letter winner … is a Wendy's Heisman state finalist … also lettered in basketball and track and field.
Personal: Son of Jeff and Sherri Ellsworth … has three siblings, Preston, Jasmine and Ella … majoring in exercise science … member of the National Honor Society … is in the top 10-percent of his class.
Austin Evans, DB, 6-2, 195, Kansas City, Mo. (Archbishop O'Hara HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Archbishop O'Hara High School for Jim DeMarea … was a multi-position athlete in high school … earned first-team all-state as a wide receiver and a kick returner in 2015 … also was selected to the first-team all-district squad as a wide receiver, defensive back and kick returners as a senior … named first-team all-conference as a running back, defensive back and kick returner in 2015 … racked up 33 receptions for 644 yards and five touchdowns … ran back two kickoff returns and one interception for touchdowns as a senior … also had 112 rushes for 926 yards and 11 scores.
Personal: Son of James and Evonn Evans.
Nick Fossey, WR, 6-2, 180, Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Lakeville North High School … helped his team to the state quarterfinals as a senior and the semifinals in 2014 … earned all-state and Star Tribune second-team … selected to the all-metro and all-conference teams … also lettered in basketball and baseball.
Personal: Son of Rick and Emily Fossey … has two siblings, Spencer and Ashleigh.
Garrett Graf, LB, 6-0, 200, Verona, Wis. (Middleton HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Middleton High School for Tom Simon … helped his team to back-to-back Big Eight Conference championships … earned first-team all-conference honors as a senior … named to the ESPN all-area honorable mention team … was a semifinalist for the John Anderson Award, given to the top linebacker in the state of Wisconsin … voted a team captain while leading them in total tackles, solo tackles, assisted tackles and forced fumbles … also lettered in hockey, leading his team to two conference championships.
Personal: Son of Andrew and Beth Graf … has three siblings, Katelyn, Gabe and Drew … brother Drew, played football at Wisconsin-La Crosse … majoring in business.
Jake Hartford, DB, 6-3, 210, Circle Pines, Minn. (Centennial HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Centennial High School … named District Defensive Player of the Year … was also an academic all-state selection.
Personal: Son of Joy and David … has one sibling, Erin … majoring in business.
Nikholi Jaghai, DB, 5-10, 170, Miami Gardens, Fla. (Flanagan HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Flanagan High School … helped his team to the 8A state championship … was one of eight Division I signee's from the 2016 class from Flanagan High School … played both cornerback and nickel … also served as the leading punt returner, finishing with 425 yards and one return for a touchdown … was part of the Broward vs. Dade County All-Star game.
Christian Jegen, WR, 6-1, 195, Shawnee, Kan. (Mill Valley HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Mill Valley High School for Joel Applebee … was the 2015 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year … earned the Otis Taylor Award as a senior, given to the top wide receiver in the Kansas City metro … selected as the SHUKC Offensive Player of the Year in 2015 … also a finalist for the Simone Award, given to the top player in the Kansas City metro … named the Kansas 5A Offensive Player of the Year as a senior … was first-team all-state and all-conference in 2015, also earning first-team SHUKC for offense, defense and special teams … lettered in track and field, qualifying for the state meet in 2015.
Personal: Son of Sean and Kim Jegen … has two siblings, Kolten and Kye … majoring in business … selected to the honor roll all four years of high school.
Jake Kestel, OL, 6-5, 290, Norwalk, Iowa (Norwalk HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Norwalk High School for Paul Patterson ... was a three-year starter ... invited to play in the Shrine Bowl ... led his team to a runner-up finish in the state championship game in 2015.
Personal: Son of Kevin and Julie Kestel ... has two siblings, Devin and Mackenzie ... was on honor roll all four years.
Alfonzo Lambert II., LB, 6-1, 200, Rockford, Ill. (Auburn HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Auburn High School … was named to the all-conference first-team as a senior, earning conference Defensive MVP … was named the team Defensive MVP in 2014 … earned player of the week honors from WREX and the Chicago Bears … holds the school record in tackles … was named the No. 13 linebacker in the state of Illinois … also part of the National Core6 traveling 7-on-7 team in 2015 … named team captain … was a scholar-athlete for class 7A.
Personal: Son of Alfonzo and Amy Lambert … sister, Adeja, plays volleyball at the University of Michigan … was a member of the honor roll all four years.
Marcel Minniefield, DL, 6-2, 295, Lee's Summit, Mo. (Lee's Summit West HS)
High School: Started three years at Lee's Summit West High School for Royce Boehm … was named to the Class 6 Coaches all-state team along with Media all-state, all-district and all-conference in 2015 … was a Kansas City 41 Five-Star Athlete of the Week during his senior season … finished his second year with 88 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … lead his team to a Class 5 State Championship in 2013 as part of the Army National Guard Football Tour of Champions his sophomore season.
Personal: Son of Kline and Anabelle Minniefield … has four brothers, Kyle, Donell, Corbin and Hampton … majoring in history education and business management.
Briley Moore, TE, 6-4, 200, Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs South HS)
High School: Three-year starter at Blue Springs South High School for Greg Oder … helped his team to a state championship in 2015 … earned all-state, all-district and all-conference as a senior … was named a 2015 Otis Taylor Award nominee … had 37 receptions for 653 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior … also lettered in basketball, starting for three years and leading his team to a state championships in 2015.
Personal: Son of Katie Moore … has one sibling, Kyla … majoring in physical therapy.
Isaiah Nimmers, DB, 5-9, 176, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Washington HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Cedar Rapids Washington High School for Paul James … named a team captain … led his team to three district championships, one conference championship and a state runner-up finish in 2014 … earned second-team INA all-state as a senior … was first-team all-district as a wide receiver and named to the first-team all-area as a defensive back in 2015 … has 45 receptions as a senior, finishing with 870 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns along with three interceptions … selected to all-conference and all-metro second-team as a defensive back in 2013 … also named first-team all-district in 2013 … also lettered in track and field, earning a conference title in the 400 hurdles.
Personal: Son of Laurence and Eara Nimmers … has one sibling, Noah … majoring in exercise science.
Sonny Onken, DL, 6-4, 245, Norwalk, Iowa (Norwalk HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Norwalk High School for Paul Patterson … named the Cedar Rapids Gazette and Iowa Preps Defensive Player of the Year … earned Iowa Preps and Elite all-state honors … three-time all-district selection … earned Warren County Player of the Year … led his team to the state championship game in 2015 … helped his team to four consecutive seasons in the state playoffs … first freshman in Norwalk history to play and start for the varsity team in his first season … racked up 86 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and a touchdown as a senior … also lettered in basketball and track and field … is third all-time in school history in the discus.
Personal: Son of Dendra Lee and Patrick Onken … has two brothers and a sister … majoring in business … is a four-time academic all-district selection.
Christian Perez, TE, 6-3, 245, Harlem, N.Y. (Monroe College/John F. Kennedy HS)
Prior to UNI: Played football at Monroe College, earning all-conference as a sophomore.
High School: Lettered in football at John F. Kennedy High School for Andy Lanceberg … was named all-county, all-city and all-state as a senior … invited to the Senior All-Star game.
Trey Recknor, LB, 6-2, 227, Mt. Horeb, Wis. (Mt. Horeb HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Mt. Horeb High School for Travis Rohrer … was a unanimous first-team all-conference tight end as a junior … also earned second-team all-conference as a linebacker in 2015 … had 49 career receptions and eight career touchdowns … led his team to a conference championship as a sophomore … also helped his team to three consecutive trips to the Level 3 playoffs … lettered in basketball, earning honorable mention all-conference and helping his team to a state championship as a junior.
Personal: Son of Cory and Connie … has two siblings, Marissa and Tristan … majoring in pre-med.
Davonius Reed, OL, 6-2, 285, Parkersburg, Iowa (Aplington-Parkersburg HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Aplington-Parkersburg High School for Alex Pollock … named second-team all-state in 2015 and all-district as a junior … earned the Iron Man lifting award in 2014 and 2015 … helped his team to the state playoffs during his junior and senior seasons.
Personal: Son of Patricia Whitlatch … majoring in management.
Jalen Rima, WR, 6-2, 180, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Prairie HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Prairie High School for Mark Bliss … named first-team all-district and all-metro as a senior along with third-team all-state … was also all-district and all-metro as a junior … holds the school record for touchdowns in a season with 16 … named a team captain … has 22 receptions for 567 yards and 541 rushing yards for 16 touchdowns as a senior … averaged 19.4 yards per play in 2015 … also lettered in basketball, baseball and track and field … was the Conference Athlete of the Year in track as a junior, also earning all-metro, all-state and all-conference … was the 200 and 400 meter state champion … named all-conference and all-metro in basketball and baseball.
Personal: Son of Todd and Molly … has two siblings, Bailey and Payton.
Korby Sander, RB, 6-1, 205, Belmond, Iowa (Belmond-Klemme HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Belmond-Klemme High School … three-time first-team all-district … was named District Offensive MVP as a junior and a senior … also earned first-team all-state in 2015 … only played in six games a senior, still racking up 1,679 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns … rushed for 1,879 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior … was named second-team all-district as a freshman … also lettered in basketball, baseball and track and field … was two-time all-conference in baseball … holds the school record in the 200 meters in track and is a two-time conference champion in the 100 and 200 meters and a state champion in both events.
Personal: Son of Mike and Dawn Sander … has two siblings, Ryann and Tate … majoring in exercise science.
Jamahl Scott, RB, 5-11, 170, St. Louis, Mo. (Kirkwood HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Kirkwood High School … earned all-state, all-district, all-conference as a running back … was also an all-conference defensive back as a junior and senior … named a team captain his senior season … had 31 tackles, seven interceptions and four interception returns for touchdowns as a senior, along with 114 rushing attempts for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns … also lettered in track and field, earning the Alvin Miller Amazing Sprinter Award and team captain.
Personal: Son of Xan Scott.
Elerson Smith, DL, 6-7, 200, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minneapolis South HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Minneapolis South High School … was a first-team all-state selection by USA Today as a tight end … earned second-team all-state Northstar as a defensive end … named second-team all-metro Star Tribune … also lettered in track and field, wrestling and basketball.
Personal: Has two siblings, August and Brandon … majoring in psychology.
Brawntae Wells, DL, 6-4, 258, Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Dowling Catholic High School for Tom Wilson … helped his team to back-to-back state championships, including an undefeated season in 2015 … was named a team captain … earned all-state, all-district and elite all-state as a senior … racked up 22 solo tackles, 12 assisted, six tackles for loss and six sacks … also lettered in basketball.
Personal: Son of Tanya Wells and Kevin Dunigan … has two brothers … majoring in family services.
Isaiah Weston, WR, 6-4, 195, Albertville, Minn. (St. Michael-Albertville HS)
High School: Lettered in football at St. Michael-Albertville High School for Jared Essler … two-time all-conference selection … was named the Most Valuable Wide Receiver for the Blue Division … named District MVP … also selected to the all-state team as a receiver … named to the Vikings All-State team … led his team to a 12-1 season, winning the conference, section and state championships … also lettered in basketball and track.
Personal: Son of James and Naomi Weston … has two siblings, Olivia Sophia … majoring in psychology.
Brison White, DB, 5-10, 215, Woodbury, Minn. (East Ridge HS)
High School: Lettered in football at East Ridge High School for Dan Fritze … earned all-conference honorable mention … helped his team to a runner up finish at the state championship … played strong safety and outside linebacker at East Ridge.
Personal: Son of Rdella and Brian … has two siblings, Brian White, Jr. and Brinisha.
Xavior Williams, ATH, 6-0, 175, Burlington, Iowa (Notre Dame HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Notre Dame High School for Nick Breuer … earned first-team INA and Des Moines Register all-state as a senior … is a three-time first-team all-district selection and a two-time winner of District MVP as a wide receiver … also was selected to the INA and Des Moines Register all-state second-team in 2014 … holds the school record for career all-purpose yards, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns … had 1,847 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior, also adding 799 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground … also lettered in track and field, helping his team to a state championship in 2015 … was a state champion in the 4X100 meters, also finishing in second in the long jump and third in the high jump.
Personal: Son Aimee Hingst … has three siblings, Xander, Nadiya and Quinn … majoring in exercise science.
Markail Williams, LB, 6-4, 218, St. Louis, Mo. (Pattonville HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Pattonville ... named Co-Defensive Player of the Year ... earned first-team all-state, third-team all-metro ... also selected to the first-team all-conference team ... two-time all-district selection ... racked up eight interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, 130 tackles, four sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
The Panthers will bring in the top-talent in the state and surrounding region. The newcomer class consists of 11 players from the state of Iowa and 18 student-athletes from Nebraska, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, New York, Wisconsin, Florida and Illinois.
OFFENSE
Spencer Brown, TE, 6-8, 235, Lenox, Iowa (Lenox HS)
Nick Ellis, OL, 6-5, 275, Parkersburg, Iowa (Aplington-Parkersburg HS)
Christian Ellsworth, QB, 6-4, 220, St. Libory, Neb. (Grand Island Northwest HS)
Nick Fossey, WR, 6-2, 180, Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North HS)
Christian Jegen, WR, 6-1, 195, Shawnee, Kan. (Mill Valley HS)
Jake Kestel, OL, 6-5, 290, Norwalk, Iowa (Norwalk HS)
Briley Moore, TE, 6-4, 200, Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs South HS)
Christian Perez, TE, 6-3, 245, Harlem, N.Y. (Monroe College/John F. Kennedy HS)
Davonius Reed, OL, 6-2, 285, Parkersburg, Iowa (Aplington-Parkersburg HS)
Jalen Rima, WR, 6-2, 180, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Prairie HS)
Korby Sander, DB, 6-1, 205, Belmond, Iowa (Belmond-Klemme HS)
Jamahl Scott, RB, 5-11, 170, St. Louis, Mo. (Kirkwood HS)
Isaiah Weston, WR, 6-4, 195, Albertville, Minn. (St. Michael-Albertville HS)
DEFENSE
Desmond Chapple, DL, 6-5, 235, Edwardsville, Ill. (Edwardsville HS)
Garrett Graf, LB, 6-0, 200, Verona, Wis. (Middleton HS)
Jake Hartford, DB, 6-3, 210, Circle Pines, Minn. (Centennial HS)
Nikholi Jaghai, DB, 5-10, 170, Miami Gardens, Fla. (Flanagan HS)
Alfonzo Lambert II, LB, 6-1, 200, Rockford, Ill. (Auburn HS)
Marcel Minniefield, DL, 6-2, 295, Lee's Summit, Mo. (Lee's Summit West HS)
Isaiah Nimmers, DB, 5-9, 176, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Washington HS)
Sonny Onken, DL, 6-4, 245, Norwalk, Iowa (Norwalk HS)
Trey Recknor, LB, 6-2, 227, Mt. Horeb, Wis. (Mt. Horeb HS)
Elerson Smith, DL, 6-7, 200, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minneapolis South HS)
Brawntae Wells, DL, 6-4, 258, Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS)
Brison White, DB, 5-10, 215, Woodbury, Minn. (East Ridge HS)
Markail Williams, LB, 6-4, 218, St. Louis, Mo. (Pattonville HS)
ATHLETE
Austin Evans, ATH, 6-2, 195, Kansas City, Mo. (Archbishop O'Hara HS)
Xavior Williams, ATH, 6-0, 175, Burlington, Iowa (Notre Dame HS)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Chris Dobernecker, LS, 6-2, 215, Nevada, Iowa (Nevada HS)
2016 Newcomer Bios
Spencer Brown, TE, 6-8, 235, Lenox, Iowa (Lenox HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Lenox High School for Allen Dukes … led his team to a district championship in 2015 … earned first-team all-state as a senior … is a two-time first-team all-district selection for defense, also earning first-team offense in 2015 … racked up 24 receptions for 388 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior, also recording 67 tackles, 17 sacks and four fumble recoveries … also lettered in basketball and baseball, earning first-team all-conference honors in both.
Personal: Son of Liz Jessen and Kurt Brown … has two siblings, Erica and Garrett … majoring in business.
Desmond Chapple, DL, 6-5, 235, Edwardsville, Ill. (Edwardsville HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Edwardsville High School … is a two-time all-conference selection … selected to the all-metro team … only lost four games in his high school career … is a three-year varsity letterwinner … also lettered in track and field, throwing the shot put.
Personal: Son of Samara Chapple and Derrick Williams.
Chris Dobernecker, LS, 6-2, 215, Nevada, Iowa (Nevada HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Nevada High School for Kody Asmus … helped his team to playoff berths in 2011 and 1012 … was named to the all-conference team in 2013 and 2015 … was a team captain and named Lineman of the Year in 2015 … also earned academic all-conference three consecutive seasons … was selected as the recipient of the Chuck Graham – High Standards of Dignity Award by his teammates as a senior … also lettered in baseball and basketball.
Personal: Son of Steve and Stacy … has one siblings, Harold … majoring in business administration … is a part of the National Honor Society and the Honor Roll.
Nick Ellis, OL, 6-5, 275, Parkesburg, Iowa (Aplington-Parkersburg HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Aplington-Parkersburg High School for Alex Pollock … is a two-time first-team all-district selection … earned second-team all-state in 2015 … invited to the Iowa Shrine Bowl … helped his team to playoff berths in 2014 and 2015 … also lettered in basketball, earning first-team all-conference.
Personal: Son of Lisa and D. Jay … has two siblings, Dylan and Jaycie … majoring in business … member of the National Honor Society … four-year Honor Roll selection.
Christian Ellsworth, QB, 6-4, 220, St. Libory, Neb. (Grand Island Northwest HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Grand Island Northwest High School for Kevin Stein … is a three-time all-conference, all-district and all-area selection … earned first-team all-state as a senior, second-team all-state in 2014 and all-state honorable mention as a sophomore … holds the Nebraska state record for career passing yards, career completions, careers touchdowns, single game completions, single game attempts and season completions … held a 68-percent completion percentage as a senior in 2015 … was named the Huskerland Super Squad captain … invited to the Shrine Bowl and the River Battle Bowl … also a four-time academic letter winner … is a Wendy's Heisman state finalist … also lettered in basketball and track and field.
Personal: Son of Jeff and Sherri Ellsworth … has three siblings, Preston, Jasmine and Ella … majoring in exercise science … member of the National Honor Society … is in the top 10-percent of his class.
Austin Evans, DB, 6-2, 195, Kansas City, Mo. (Archbishop O'Hara HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Archbishop O'Hara High School for Jim DeMarea … was a multi-position athlete in high school … earned first-team all-state as a wide receiver and a kick returner in 2015 … also was selected to the first-team all-district squad as a wide receiver, defensive back and kick returners as a senior … named first-team all-conference as a running back, defensive back and kick returner in 2015 … racked up 33 receptions for 644 yards and five touchdowns … ran back two kickoff returns and one interception for touchdowns as a senior … also had 112 rushes for 926 yards and 11 scores.
Personal: Son of James and Evonn Evans.
Nick Fossey, WR, 6-2, 180, Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Lakeville North High School … helped his team to the state quarterfinals as a senior and the semifinals in 2014 … earned all-state and Star Tribune second-team … selected to the all-metro and all-conference teams … also lettered in basketball and baseball.
Personal: Son of Rick and Emily Fossey … has two siblings, Spencer and Ashleigh.
Garrett Graf, LB, 6-0, 200, Verona, Wis. (Middleton HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Middleton High School for Tom Simon … helped his team to back-to-back Big Eight Conference championships … earned first-team all-conference honors as a senior … named to the ESPN all-area honorable mention team … was a semifinalist for the John Anderson Award, given to the top linebacker in the state of Wisconsin … voted a team captain while leading them in total tackles, solo tackles, assisted tackles and forced fumbles … also lettered in hockey, leading his team to two conference championships.
Personal: Son of Andrew and Beth Graf … has three siblings, Katelyn, Gabe and Drew … brother Drew, played football at Wisconsin-La Crosse … majoring in business.
Jake Hartford, DB, 6-3, 210, Circle Pines, Minn. (Centennial HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Centennial High School … named District Defensive Player of the Year … was also an academic all-state selection.
Personal: Son of Joy and David … has one sibling, Erin … majoring in business.
Nikholi Jaghai, DB, 5-10, 170, Miami Gardens, Fla. (Flanagan HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Flanagan High School … helped his team to the 8A state championship … was one of eight Division I signee's from the 2016 class from Flanagan High School … played both cornerback and nickel … also served as the leading punt returner, finishing with 425 yards and one return for a touchdown … was part of the Broward vs. Dade County All-Star game.
Christian Jegen, WR, 6-1, 195, Shawnee, Kan. (Mill Valley HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Mill Valley High School for Joel Applebee … was the 2015 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year … earned the Otis Taylor Award as a senior, given to the top wide receiver in the Kansas City metro … selected as the SHUKC Offensive Player of the Year in 2015 … also a finalist for the Simone Award, given to the top player in the Kansas City metro … named the Kansas 5A Offensive Player of the Year as a senior … was first-team all-state and all-conference in 2015, also earning first-team SHUKC for offense, defense and special teams … lettered in track and field, qualifying for the state meet in 2015.
Personal: Son of Sean and Kim Jegen … has two siblings, Kolten and Kye … majoring in business … selected to the honor roll all four years of high school.
Jake Kestel, OL, 6-5, 290, Norwalk, Iowa (Norwalk HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Norwalk High School for Paul Patterson ... was a three-year starter ... invited to play in the Shrine Bowl ... led his team to a runner-up finish in the state championship game in 2015.
Personal: Son of Kevin and Julie Kestel ... has two siblings, Devin and Mackenzie ... was on honor roll all four years.
Alfonzo Lambert II., LB, 6-1, 200, Rockford, Ill. (Auburn HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Auburn High School … was named to the all-conference first-team as a senior, earning conference Defensive MVP … was named the team Defensive MVP in 2014 … earned player of the week honors from WREX and the Chicago Bears … holds the school record in tackles … was named the No. 13 linebacker in the state of Illinois … also part of the National Core6 traveling 7-on-7 team in 2015 … named team captain … was a scholar-athlete for class 7A.
Personal: Son of Alfonzo and Amy Lambert … sister, Adeja, plays volleyball at the University of Michigan … was a member of the honor roll all four years.
Marcel Minniefield, DL, 6-2, 295, Lee's Summit, Mo. (Lee's Summit West HS)
High School: Started three years at Lee's Summit West High School for Royce Boehm … was named to the Class 6 Coaches all-state team along with Media all-state, all-district and all-conference in 2015 … was a Kansas City 41 Five-Star Athlete of the Week during his senior season … finished his second year with 88 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … lead his team to a Class 5 State Championship in 2013 as part of the Army National Guard Football Tour of Champions his sophomore season.
Personal: Son of Kline and Anabelle Minniefield … has four brothers, Kyle, Donell, Corbin and Hampton … majoring in history education and business management.
Briley Moore, TE, 6-4, 200, Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs South HS)
High School: Three-year starter at Blue Springs South High School for Greg Oder … helped his team to a state championship in 2015 … earned all-state, all-district and all-conference as a senior … was named a 2015 Otis Taylor Award nominee … had 37 receptions for 653 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior … also lettered in basketball, starting for three years and leading his team to a state championships in 2015.
Personal: Son of Katie Moore … has one sibling, Kyla … majoring in physical therapy.
Isaiah Nimmers, DB, 5-9, 176, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Washington HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Cedar Rapids Washington High School for Paul James … named a team captain … led his team to three district championships, one conference championship and a state runner-up finish in 2014 … earned second-team INA all-state as a senior … was first-team all-district as a wide receiver and named to the first-team all-area as a defensive back in 2015 … has 45 receptions as a senior, finishing with 870 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns along with three interceptions … selected to all-conference and all-metro second-team as a defensive back in 2013 … also named first-team all-district in 2013 … also lettered in track and field, earning a conference title in the 400 hurdles.
Personal: Son of Laurence and Eara Nimmers … has one sibling, Noah … majoring in exercise science.
Sonny Onken, DL, 6-4, 245, Norwalk, Iowa (Norwalk HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Norwalk High School for Paul Patterson … named the Cedar Rapids Gazette and Iowa Preps Defensive Player of the Year … earned Iowa Preps and Elite all-state honors … three-time all-district selection … earned Warren County Player of the Year … led his team to the state championship game in 2015 … helped his team to four consecutive seasons in the state playoffs … first freshman in Norwalk history to play and start for the varsity team in his first season … racked up 86 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and a touchdown as a senior … also lettered in basketball and track and field … is third all-time in school history in the discus.
Personal: Son of Dendra Lee and Patrick Onken … has two brothers and a sister … majoring in business … is a four-time academic all-district selection.
Christian Perez, TE, 6-3, 245, Harlem, N.Y. (Monroe College/John F. Kennedy HS)
Prior to UNI: Played football at Monroe College, earning all-conference as a sophomore.
High School: Lettered in football at John F. Kennedy High School for Andy Lanceberg … was named all-county, all-city and all-state as a senior … invited to the Senior All-Star game.
Trey Recknor, LB, 6-2, 227, Mt. Horeb, Wis. (Mt. Horeb HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Mt. Horeb High School for Travis Rohrer … was a unanimous first-team all-conference tight end as a junior … also earned second-team all-conference as a linebacker in 2015 … had 49 career receptions and eight career touchdowns … led his team to a conference championship as a sophomore … also helped his team to three consecutive trips to the Level 3 playoffs … lettered in basketball, earning honorable mention all-conference and helping his team to a state championship as a junior.
Personal: Son of Cory and Connie … has two siblings, Marissa and Tristan … majoring in pre-med.
Davonius Reed, OL, 6-2, 285, Parkersburg, Iowa (Aplington-Parkersburg HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Aplington-Parkersburg High School for Alex Pollock … named second-team all-state in 2015 and all-district as a junior … earned the Iron Man lifting award in 2014 and 2015 … helped his team to the state playoffs during his junior and senior seasons.
Personal: Son of Patricia Whitlatch … majoring in management.
Jalen Rima, WR, 6-2, 180, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Prairie HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Prairie High School for Mark Bliss … named first-team all-district and all-metro as a senior along with third-team all-state … was also all-district and all-metro as a junior … holds the school record for touchdowns in a season with 16 … named a team captain … has 22 receptions for 567 yards and 541 rushing yards for 16 touchdowns as a senior … averaged 19.4 yards per play in 2015 … also lettered in basketball, baseball and track and field … was the Conference Athlete of the Year in track as a junior, also earning all-metro, all-state and all-conference … was the 200 and 400 meter state champion … named all-conference and all-metro in basketball and baseball.
Personal: Son of Todd and Molly … has two siblings, Bailey and Payton.
Korby Sander, RB, 6-1, 205, Belmond, Iowa (Belmond-Klemme HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Belmond-Klemme High School … three-time first-team all-district … was named District Offensive MVP as a junior and a senior … also earned first-team all-state in 2015 … only played in six games a senior, still racking up 1,679 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns … rushed for 1,879 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior … was named second-team all-district as a freshman … also lettered in basketball, baseball and track and field … was two-time all-conference in baseball … holds the school record in the 200 meters in track and is a two-time conference champion in the 100 and 200 meters and a state champion in both events.
Personal: Son of Mike and Dawn Sander … has two siblings, Ryann and Tate … majoring in exercise science.
Jamahl Scott, RB, 5-11, 170, St. Louis, Mo. (Kirkwood HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Kirkwood High School … earned all-state, all-district, all-conference as a running back … was also an all-conference defensive back as a junior and senior … named a team captain his senior season … had 31 tackles, seven interceptions and four interception returns for touchdowns as a senior, along with 114 rushing attempts for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns … also lettered in track and field, earning the Alvin Miller Amazing Sprinter Award and team captain.
Personal: Son of Xan Scott.
Elerson Smith, DL, 6-7, 200, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minneapolis South HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Minneapolis South High School … was a first-team all-state selection by USA Today as a tight end … earned second-team all-state Northstar as a defensive end … named second-team all-metro Star Tribune … also lettered in track and field, wrestling and basketball.
Personal: Has two siblings, August and Brandon … majoring in psychology.
Brawntae Wells, DL, 6-4, 258, Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Dowling Catholic High School for Tom Wilson … helped his team to back-to-back state championships, including an undefeated season in 2015 … was named a team captain … earned all-state, all-district and elite all-state as a senior … racked up 22 solo tackles, 12 assisted, six tackles for loss and six sacks … also lettered in basketball.
Personal: Son of Tanya Wells and Kevin Dunigan … has two brothers … majoring in family services.
Isaiah Weston, WR, 6-4, 195, Albertville, Minn. (St. Michael-Albertville HS)
High School: Lettered in football at St. Michael-Albertville High School for Jared Essler … two-time all-conference selection … was named the Most Valuable Wide Receiver for the Blue Division … named District MVP … also selected to the all-state team as a receiver … named to the Vikings All-State team … led his team to a 12-1 season, winning the conference, section and state championships … also lettered in basketball and track.
Personal: Son of James and Naomi Weston … has two siblings, Olivia Sophia … majoring in psychology.
Brison White, DB, 5-10, 215, Woodbury, Minn. (East Ridge HS)
High School: Lettered in football at East Ridge High School for Dan Fritze … earned all-conference honorable mention … helped his team to a runner up finish at the state championship … played strong safety and outside linebacker at East Ridge.
Personal: Son of Rdella and Brian … has two siblings, Brian White, Jr. and Brinisha.
Xavior Williams, ATH, 6-0, 175, Burlington, Iowa (Notre Dame HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Notre Dame High School for Nick Breuer … earned first-team INA and Des Moines Register all-state as a senior … is a three-time first-team all-district selection and a two-time winner of District MVP as a wide receiver … also was selected to the INA and Des Moines Register all-state second-team in 2014 … holds the school record for career all-purpose yards, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns … had 1,847 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior, also adding 799 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground … also lettered in track and field, helping his team to a state championship in 2015 … was a state champion in the 4X100 meters, also finishing in second in the long jump and third in the high jump.
Personal: Son Aimee Hingst … has three siblings, Xander, Nadiya and Quinn … majoring in exercise science.
Markail Williams, LB, 6-4, 218, St. Louis, Mo. (Pattonville HS)
High School: Lettered in football at Pattonville ... named Co-Defensive Player of the Year ... earned first-team all-state, third-team all-metro ... also selected to the first-team all-conference team ... two-time all-district selection ... racked up eight interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, 130 tackles, four sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
Players Mentioned
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/ FootballOL
/ FootballQB
/ FootballATH
/ FootballWR
/ FootballLB
/ FootballDB
/ FootballDB
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/ FootballOL
/ FootballLB
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/ FootballTE
/ FootballDB
/ FootballDL
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/ FootballOL
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/ FootballDL
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/ FootballUNI Panther Football: The Best Pod of your Day (Episode 13)
Wednesday, November 12
Todd Stepsis Press Conference - Nov. 10, 2025.
Tuesday, November 11
UNI Football Postgame Interview vs. Murray State - Nov. 8, 2025
Saturday, November 08
PST: Todd Stepsis - Nov. 7, 2025 (Part 1 of 3)
Friday, November 07