 | Jack Albrecht, OL, 6-5, 275, Fr., Rolling Meadows, Ill. (Fremd HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterman at tackle, center and tight end under coach Lou Sponsel...All-conference honoree...Three-time IHSA academic excellence award winner...Competed in track and field with bests of 49-8 in the shot put and 140-0 in the discus throw...Also active in the school journalism program as a cartoonist...Placed third in sectional and state competition in cartooning, and second in the section for advertising...PERSONAL: Born Oct. 27, 1996...Son of Robert and Corinne Albrecht of Rolling Meadows, Ill...Has a younger sister, Emma. |
 | Bruce Anderson, RB, 6-0, 195, Fr., Ruskin, Fla. (Newsome HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Played two seasons at River Valley High before transferring to Newsome...Totaled more than 2,000 yards with 16 touchdowns in two seasons at Newsome...Also had 175 tackles and four interceptions playing safety...2014 first team all-conference running back...2013 second team all-conference defensive back...Runs track in the 100 meters (:11.05) and 200 meters (:22.34)...Two-time district champion and three-time state qualifier...PERSONAL: Born June 20, 1997...Son of Norman and Lesley Anderson of Ruskin, Fla...Has a sister, Keshia. |
 | Matt Anderson, TE, 6-4, 240, Fr., Lakeland, Minn. (Stillwater HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter at Stillwater under coach Beau LaBore...Played tight end, defensive end and long snapper...Two-time all-conference...Top 10 in school history for receiving yards and second in receptions...His TD catch in 2013 vs. Cretin-Derham Hall was ESPN2's play of the game in a national telecast...Competed in a 7-on-7 national championship...Four-year starting forward in basketball...Averages 17 points and 9 rebounds...On target to break the school's all-time scoring and rebounding records...PERSONAL: Born June 4, 1997...Son of Larry and Susan Anderson of Lakeland, Minn...Has two brothers, Ben and Nathan, and a sister, Samantha. |
 | Marquise Bridges, WR, 6-0, 170, Fr., Brooklyn Park, Minn. (DeLaSalle HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year starter for DeLaSalle and coach Sean McMenomy...2014 AP all-state first team, Star Tribune all-metro first team and KARE 11 all-metro first team...Made 66 catches for 1,317 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Minnesota Class 4A state runner-up...The Islanders went 36-5 over his four years and reached the 2013 Class 4A state semifinals and 2012 quarterfinals...PERSONAL: Born Jan. 1, 1997...Son of Myron Bridges and Shalonda Jackson of Brooklyn Park, Minn...Has a younger brother, Isaiah. |
 | Jake Brinkman, LB, 6-0, 205, Fr., North Liberty, Iowa (Regina HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterman and three-year starter for a program that has won five straight Iowa Class 1A state titles...Regina went 55-1 during his career under coach Marv Cook...Two-time District Player of the Year and all-state first team linebacker in 2013 and 2014...Made 110 tackles over his final two seasons including 13 tackles for loss and 10 sacks...Also rushed for 1,789 yards and 31 while averaging more than eight yards per carry both seasons...Had a state-record 94-yard kickoff return touchdown in the Class 1A championship at the UNI-Dome...Two-time all-state first team baseball player who hit .421 as a sophomore and .455 as a junior with a combined 10 homers and 79 RBIs in two seasons...Competes in track and field as a sprinter and long jumper...Two-time Drake Relays qualifier...State qualifier in the 100 meters...PERSONAL: Born Oct. 1, 1996...Son of Mike and Carla Brinkman of North Liberty, Iowa...Has a younger brother, Jared...Turned down a college baseball scholarship offer to pursue football...Father played football at Northern Iowa and mother ran track at Truman State and Western Illinois...Has four uncles who played college football...Brett and Trevor Grimshaw played at Western Illinois, Pat Grimshaw at Truman State, and Matt Brinkman at Northern Iowa. |
 | Ty Brooks, DB, 5-9, 155, Fr., Fargo, N.D. (Fargo South HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter for Fargo South under coach Troy Mattern...Two-time Class 3A all-state first team cornerback...Rushed for 967 yards and 17 touchdowns, and had 499 receiving yards with five TDs his senior season...Finished second in Bruins history with 1,026 receiving yards and was fifth in school history with 2,352 combined rushing and receiving yards...Fourth in South history in career touchdowns (37) and points (222)...Had a 90-yard kickoff return and 90-yard interception return during his junior season...Totaled 89 tackles and 11 pass breakups on defense his final two years...Averaged 21.6 yards per kickoff return and 13.4 yards per punt return...Also competed in track and field...PERSONAL: Born April 14, 1997...Son of Sheryl Brooks of Fargo, N.D...Has an older brother, Ivan, and three older sisters, Tierah, Kandice and Tanisha. |
 | Jaxon Brown, DB, 6-2, 195, Fr., Eau Claire, Wis. (Regis HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter at Regis under coach Bryant Brenner...Part of three straight playoff teams, including a 13-1 state runner-up finish in 2012...Two-time all-city, all-conference and all-region pick...Selected to the Wisconsin all-star game...Rushed 84 times for 613 yards and 10 TDs last season...Also caught six passes for 99 yards and a TD...Made 13 tackles on defense...Averaged 18.8 yards on 12 kickoff returns and a team-best 15.5 yards on six punt returns...Invited to three national leadership conventions...Also starting center on the Regis hockey team and runs track in the 100 meters, 4x100 relay and 4x200 relay...PERSONAL: Born Aug. 20, 1996...Son of Guy and Jeanne Brown of Eau Claire, Wis...Has an older sister, Samantha...Father played college football at Minnesota and Oklahoma. |
 | Bryan Carlton, DT, 6-4, 250, Fr., Chanhassen, Minn. (Minnetonka HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Two-year starter for Minnetonka under coach Dave Nelson...Played defensive line and tight end...Team captain and MVP...All-conference...Star Tribune all-metro second team...Had 64 tackles his junior season...Set a school record for sacks in one game...Also lettered in track and field...PERSONAL: Born Sept. 11, 1996...Son of Mary Carlton of Chanhassen, Minn...Has a younger brother, Chris. |
 | Jack Darnell, DT, 6-3, 280, Fr., Champlin, Minn. (Champlin Park HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterman for Champlin Park and coach Mike Korton...Made 122 tackles his senior year including 21 tackles for loss and four sacks...Also deflected seven passes...Played linebacker, defensive line, offensive line, tight end and fullback during his career...Also lettered in basketball and competed in the discus throw and shot put for the track and field team...Made 'A' honor roll throughout high school...PERSONAL: Born Sept. 27, 1996...Son of Tim and Cindy Darnell of Champlin, Minn...Has an older sister, Kate. |
 | Dom Davis, DB, 6-0, 171, Fr., Belleville, Ill. (Belleville West HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterman for Belleville West under coach Cameron Pettus...All-conference and St. Louis Post-Dispatch all-metro first team...Had 52 tackles and two interceptions despite missing time his senior season...Three-time all-conference sprinter in track and field...PERSONAL: Born Sept. 30, 1995...Son of DeCarlo Lewis of Millstadt, Ill., and Dartisha Davis of Marietta, Ga...Has a sister, Tatyana, and two younger brothers, DeCarlo Jr. and DeCarlo III. |
 | Ben Ellefson, TE, 6-4, 226, Fr., Hawley, Minn. (Hawley HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterman and three-year starter helping the Hawley Nuggets to a 41-6 record and three state tournaments in four seasons under coach Peder Naatz...AP all-state first team...Minnesota Vikings all-state team...Academic all-state with a 3.948 GPA...Heart O' Lakes Conference Most Valuable Receiver his final three seasons...Three-time all-conference and all-section honoree... Made 100 catches for 1,872 yards and 28 touchdowns in his prep career...Also rushed 107 times for 884 yards and 17 TDs...Also named Hawley's Defensive MVP...Had 128 tackles his senior year including 13 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks...Four-year starter on the basketball court and Hawley's all-time scoring leader...Three-time conference leader in rebounding...PERSONAL: Born Sept. 1, 1996...Son of Randy and Kara Ellefson of Hawley, Minn...Has a younger sister, Mira. |
 | Tre Fort, DB, 5-9, 165, Fr., Moorhead, Minn. (Shanley HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Part of a Shanley program that has advanced to the North Dakota Class 2A state championship game five of the past six seasons including a title in 2012 under coach Rod Oksendahl...Named to the Class 2A all-state second team in 2013 and first team in 2014...Accounted for more than 2,500 yards of offense in three seasons...Rushed for 1,208 yards and 19 touchdowns...Had 1,357 receiving yards and 14 TDs...Averaged 8.0 yards per carry and 15.7 per reception...Made 78 tackles with six interceptions and four fumble recoveries on defense...Also lettered in basketball...PERSONAL: Born Jan. 11, 1997...Son of Nanette Fort of Moorhead, Minn...Grandfather Bill Sturdevant and family members Terry and Travis Sturdevant all played football at NDSU. |
 | Tyler Glass, FB, 6-0, 215, Fr., Lancaster, Wis. (Lancaster HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter for Lancaster under coach John Hoch...Two-time all-conference, all-region and all-area pick...2014 AP all-state first team...Part of teams that went 51-4 with three state runner-up finishes before winning the 2014 Division 5 state title...Ran for 169 yards on 21 carries with three rushing TDs and a 28-yard TD catch to earn Championship MVP honors...Set school records for rushing yards, touchdowns and points scored...Also a four-year letterman in track and field...Three-time sectional qualifier in the sprints...PERSONAL: Born Oct. 3, 1996...Son of Leah Myers of Lancaster, Wis., and Jered Glass of Lancaster, Wis...Has an older brother, Cody. |
 | Robbie Grimsley, DB, 6-1, 185, Fr., Hutchinson, Minn. (Hutchinson HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Minnesota's 2014 "Mr. Football" award winner under coach Andy Rostberg...Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year...KARE 11 all-metro and Minnesota Vikings all-state...Rushed 155 times for 1,668 yards and 31 touchdowns...Caught 11 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns...On defense, had four forced fumbles and five passes defended...The Tigers were ranked No. 1 in Class 4A all season before losing to DeLaSalle in the Class 4A semifinals...Set a Prep Bowl record with a 92-yard run from scrimmage...Tied a school record with six rushing TDs in a single game...Part of two state championships and three section title teams...Four-time conference champion and two-time all-conference pick...All-state twice in track and field and four-time all-conference performer running the 100 and 200 meters...PERSONAL: Born Jan. 12, 1997...Son of Robert and Jennifer Grimsley of Hutchinson, Minn...Has an older sister, Danielle...Plans to major in political science and minor in Spanish. |
 | James Hendricks, QB, 6-2, 185, Fr., Laporte, Minn. (Bemidji HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter and four-year letterman at Bemidji, where his father is the head football coach and activities director...Passed for 3,735 yards and 36 touchdowns while rushing for 2,273 yards and 25 TDs in his career...Two-time all-conference and three-time all-section performer...Minnesota Vikings all-state selection...Led the Lumberjacks to a pair of nine-win seasons and two section championships...Bemidji advanced to the 2012 Class 5A state semifinals and 2014 state quarterfinals...PERSONAL: Born March 14, 1997...Son of Troy and Suzann Hendricks of Laporte, Minn...Youngest of three children...Has a sister, Abby, and a brother, Mitch, who is the starting quarterback at Gustavus Adolphus College...Father was a national scoring and rushing champion, 1985 NSIC co-Offensive Player of the Year, and NAIA All-America running back for Minnesota State Moorhead. |
 | Connor Hubbs, DT, 6-2, 272, Fr., White Bear Lake, Minn. (White Bear Lake HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter for White Bear Lake and coach Ryan Bartlett...2014 all-state first team and consensus all-metro pick by Star Tribune, Pioneer Press and KARE 11...Suburban East Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year...Had 52 tackles including 16 solo stops, 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks...Also had two forced fumbles, two recoveries and a blocked kick...Tied school records for single season sacks (11) and tackles for loss (19)...Career record-holder for sacks (20) and tackles for loss (54)...Captain of the football and track teams...All-conference in the shot put...Personal bests of 51-8 in the shot put and 138-6 in the discus throw...PERSONAL: Born Feb. 27, 1997...Son of Richard and Kris Hubbs of White Bear Lake, Minn...One of five children...Has two brothers, Kyle and Eric, and two sisters, Kaitlyn and Courtney. |
 | Zack J. Johnson, OL, 6-6, 261, Fr., Blaine, Minn. (Spring Lake Park HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterman at Spring Lake Park for head coach Jeff Schlieff...Played offensive and defensive tackle, and kicker...The Panthers went 8-4 and advanced to the Class 5A state semifinals last season...Also part of a Class 4A state quarterfinalist team in 2011...2014 AP all-state third team...Star Tribune all-metro second team...Pioneer Press all-metro...Also competed in hockey...PERSONAL: Born Jan. 19, 1997...Son of Grant and Jacquelyn Johnson of Blaine, Minn...Has an older brother, Ben, who is an offensive lineman at Bemidji State. |
 | Cole Karcz, DE, 6-4, 225, Fr., Germantown, Wis. (Germantown HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter who played defensive end, outside linebacker, tight end and wide receiver for coach Jake Davis at Germantown High...Three-time all-conference...North Shore Conference Scholar-Athlete...Team won a conference championship and two regional championships...Also competed in basketball and track...Part of a 69-game winning streak and two state titles in basketball...Placed second in the conference track meet in the shot put and discus throw...PERSONAL: Born Aug. 24, 1997...Son of Chadd and Nikkie Karcz of Germantown, Wis...Has an older sister, Amber, and younger brother, Cade. |
 | Aaron Mercadel, LB, 6-0, 195, Fr., Oakland, Calif. (Saint Mary's College HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter for Saint Mary's under coach Keith Minor...Played linebacker and running back...First team all-conference on defense...Charted over 200 tackles and 10 sacks in his career...Team won the 2013 North Coast Section Division 4 championship and went 21-6 over his final two seasons...PERSONAL: Born April 17, 1997...Son of Aaron and Kandie Mercadel of Oakland, Calif...Oldest of three children...Has a brother, Kahari, and a sister, Kaia. |
 | Trent Mooney, OL, 6-5, 255, Fr., Lamar, Mo. (Lamar HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter who played defensive end, tight end and guard...Lamar went 55-5 and won four state championships from 2011-14 under coach Scott Bailey...2014 all-conference tight end and AP all-state defensive end...2013 AP all-state offensive line...2012 all-district tight end...Also competed in basketball as a center and baseball as a pitcher and third baseman...PERSONAL: Born July 12, 1996...Son of Tommy and Lizabeth Mooney of Lamar, Mo...Has a younger brother, Trey, and younger sister, Katelyn...Mother played volleyball at Central Missouri and was an All-America high jumper. |
 | Cam Pedersen, K, 6-1, 170, Fr., Eau Claire, Wis. (Regis HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterman for coach Bryant Brenner at Regis...Part of three straight playoff teams, including a 13-1 state runner-up finish in 2012...Three-time all-city and all-conference performer...Two-time all-region...All-state honorable mention as a junior...Played quarterback and safety in addition to his kicking duties...All-conference tennis player...Won a tennis section championship and qualified for state...PERSONAL: Born Jan. 24, 1997...Son of Paul and Julie Pedersen of Eau Claire, Wis...Has two older siblings, Jacob and Jenae. |
 | Demaris Purifoy, RB, 6-1, 185, Fr., Wauwatosa, Wis. (Wauwatosa West HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterman and two-year starter for coach Matt Good at Wauwatosa West...Rushed 184 times for 1,712 yards and 22 touchdowns his senior year averaging 9.3 yards per carry...Back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons...Rushed 114 times for 1,132 yards and 13 TDs as a junior...All-state first team...Two-time all-region...Two-time all-conference first team...Conference co-Offensive Player of the Year...Qualified for the state track meet in the 100 and 400 meters as a junior, and the 4x100 and 4x200 relays as a sophomore...PERSONAL: Born Jan. 7, 1997...Son of Danette Parr of Wauwatosa, Wis., and Dewayne Purifoy of Milwaukee...Has one sister, Ashlie. |
 | Brock Robbins, FB, 6-2, 215, Fr., Cavalier, N.D. (Cavalier HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year starter who played linebacker and running back...Cavalier teams went 44-3 in his career under coach Sandy Laxdal with 9-man state titles in 2013 and 2014...North Dakota 9-man senior Athlete of the Year...Two-time all-state first team offense...All-state second team defense as a sophomore...Rushed for 2,081 yards and 41 TDs his final season...Totaled 177 tackles including 114 solo stops, 26 tackles for loss and 13 sacks on defense...Averaged 8.8 yards per carry over his career with 453 carries for 4,016 yards, 72 touchdowns and 51 PATs...Set Cavalier career records for scoring (534), solo tackles (307) and tackles for loss (72) and season records for scoring (280), solo tackles (114) and assisted tackles (89)...Also an all-state basketball player with more than 1,500 career points...PERSONAL: Born July 15, 1996...Son of Charles and Lori Robbins of Cavalier, N.D...Lori was NDSU's first women's basketball All-American in 1982 and was inducted into the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997...Has two older brothers...Brady played basketball at Mayville State and Spencer played football at Minnesota State Moorhead. |
 | Braden Sikes, DB, 6-0, 188, Fr., Excelsior, Minn. (Minnetonka HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Two-year starter for the Skippers under head coach Dave Nelson...Played quarterback, wide receiver and strong safety during his career while also returning kicks and punts...Two-time all-conference...Set school records for punt return average, single-game total offense, and single-season total offense...Also competed in basketball and ran the 100 and 200 meters in track...PERSONAL: Born Jan. 3, 1997...Son of Brian and Dana Sikes of Excelsior, Minn...Has three sisters, Haley, Kalli and Sarah. |
 | Derrek Tuszka, DE, 6-5, 218, Fr., Warner, S.D. (Warner HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year starter who played linebacker, safety, running back, wide receiver, tight end, long snapper, punter and kicker during his career at Warner...Finished his career with 342 tackles, 45 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and six forced fumbles...Had 109 tackles his senior year including 15 tackles for loss, three sacks and three forced fumbles...Also rushed 138 times for 1,460 yards, caught 14 passes for 247 yards and scored 23 touchdowns...Two-time all-state linebacker and two-time all-area...Three-time all-conference and two-time conference defensive MVP...Argus Leader Elite 45...Selected to the South Dakota all-star game...Also a five-year starter in basketball and five-year state track and field qualifier competing in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x200 relay and shot put...PERSONAL: Born July 11, 1996...Son of Mark and Stacy Tuszka of Warner, S.D...Older brother, Jarrod, is a defensive end at NDSU. |
 | Michael Veldman, QB, 6-3, 190, Fr., Becker, Minn. (Becker HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year letterman and two-year starter for Becker under coach Dwight Lundeen...Passed for 3,406 yards and 47 touchdowns his final two seasons...Set a school-record with 34 TD passes as a senior...Becker won the 2014 Class 4A state championship with a 12-1 record...Granite Ridge Conference MVP...St. Cloud Times Area Player of the Year...Minnesota Vikings all-state...Minnesota "Mr. Football" finalist...Two-time all-conference basketball player and 1,000-point scorer...PERSONAL: Born June 19, 1996...Son of Gregg and Stacy Veldman of Becker, Minn...Has two older brothers, Matt and Ryan, and an older sister, Lauren...Stacy and Ryan graduated from NDSU and Lauren is enrolled...Matt was a tight end at NDSU on the 2008-11 teams and played in the NFL with the Detroit Lions...Has uncles who played football at Minnesota State Moorhead and North Dakota. |
 | Dimitri Williams, WR, 6-0, 185, Fr., Lakeville, Minn. (Rosemount HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter for Rosemount under coach Jeff Erdmann...Part of a 2012 Class 6A state semifinalist and the 2013 state runner-up team that went 11-2...Team won back-to-back conference and section championships in 2013 and 2014...2014 AP all-state first team all-purpose and KARE 11 all-metro first team...2013 all-state second team and all-metro first team...2013 South Suburban Conference co-Offensive Player of the Year...Saw time at running back, wide receiver, cornerback, kick returner and punt returner...Accounted for more than 3,900 rushing, receiving and return yards and 53 touchdowns in three seasons...State qualifier in track and field...Competed in the 100 meters, 200 meters and long jump...PERSONAL: Born July 18, 1997... Son of Andre Mitchell...Family includes six brothers and one sister. |
