2012 ASU Football Recruiting Guide by Angelo State University

It’s really kind of funny now when I look back on it, because at the time, I had no idea that those years as a Ram and a student at Angelo State would turn out to be the best years of my life.

Perhaps many things but more than anytyhing else, to me, being a Ram means teamwork ... not just a word, but the actions of all. Jim Hess

Former Ram Head Coach Coach of 1978 Championship Team

Rod Cason

Offensive Line, 1968-71 College Football Hall of Fame Member

Being a Ram means more than just representing yourself, it’s about representing family ... When you wear the blue and gold, you take pride in represneting more than just yourself becausr that s what being a Ram is about.

You will have the tradition of a national championship to uphold, and it is my desire that with Coach Wagner and the new staff, you will reach that pinnacle soon, not only for yourself but for all Rams past and present.

Josh Neiswander

Gary M. Griffin

Quarterback, 2005-2010

Linebacker, 1964–68

angelo state university ram football

What it means to be a Ram Most importantly I became a Ram. My teammates and I were taught the important things like responsibility, teamwork, dedication, and commitment.

I was given the opportunity to grow and develop under the leadership of great coaches who cared for me as an individual on and off the field.

Pierce Holt

Henry Jackson

Defensive Lineman 1984-87 College Football Hall of Fame ASU Ram Assistant Coach

Outside Linebacker 1981-1985

Wear the Blue and Gold with pride, dignity and honor. That means defending your school and colors at all cost. When you dawn ASU’s colors let all opponents know that they are in the fight of their life. Clayton Weishuhn Defensive Line 1978-1981

That emphasis on fundamentals while playing as a Ram has stayed with me all these years. I have used that emphasis on fundamentals in my personal, spiritual and business life. It is the ‘main thing’ I learned while playing at Angelo State. Boyd Gray

Member, 1978 Championship Team

MEET THE

COACHES

WILL WAGNER { head coach }

As a senior in high school, Wagner helped lead Odessa Permian to the 1991 Texas 5A Division II State Championship. Wagner and his wife, Andrea, have two sons, Brooks and Brayden.

angelo state university ram football

At Northwest Missouri, Wagner first served as a graduate assistant coach for two seasons before being hired full time as defensive backs coach, a job he held even after being named assistant head coach prior to the 2007 season. Under his tutelage, the Bearcats averaged nearly 18 interceptions per season from 2004–10. Twelve of his defensive backs combined to earn 18 All-MIAA honors, including Myles Burnsides, a two-time All-American who was named National Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. In 2009, 11 Bearcats picked off 25 passes, the second-highest total in the nation. In Wagner’s final season, Northwest Missouri finished 12-2 and advanced to the D-II national semifinals before losing to Minnesota Duluth, 17-13. As a player, Wagner was an AllAmerican defensive back at HardinSimmons University, where he played from 1992–95 and earned selection to the university’s 20th Anniversary Team. He started a record 47 games for the Cowboys, set school records for interceptions in a season (8) and set an American Southwest Conference record for career interceptions (23). He also coached as a graduate assistant at Hardin-Simmons from 1996–97.

West Texas native Will Wagner took over as Angelo State’s head football coach in 2011 after 11 seasons as an assistant coach at perennial NCAA Division II powerhouse Northwest Missouri State University. During his first two seasons as head coach, the Rams offense and defense improved by leaps and bounds. The 2012 Ram defense was No. 2 in the Lone Star Conference and No. 32 in NCAA Division II. The 337.4 yard per game the defense limited teams was the lowest total in 10 years. The offense gained 362.3 yards per game in 2012 which is the 13th most in ASU history. The 2012 season included a 28-23 win over rival No. 19 ACU for the first time since 2005. The team also stays involved in the public with the Rams Read program and helping the San Angelo community by volunteering to clean up and do handy work at houses around town. While at Northwest Missouri, Wagner helped lead the Bearcats to 10 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) championships, seven national championship games and three national titles. During his tenure, the Bearcats were 1088 (.931) in the 12-member MIAA.

MEET THE

COACHES THERON AYCH

{ assistant head coach/offensive coordinator }

angelo state university ram football

JAY EILERS { offensive line coach } Jay Eilers returns to the collegiate ranks after being named the offensive line coach for the Rams in 2012. Eilers has 13 years of coaching experience both collegiately and in high school. He was the offensive line coach at Missouri Western State from 2006-2009 before being named head coach at Marshall High School in Marshall, Mo. He has coached one All-American, Roger Allan, and has mentored 12 studentathletes to all-conference selections during his career. As a four-year letter winner at Northwest Missouri State, he helped pave the way to the 1998 NCAA Division II Championship with a 15-0 record. While at Northwest Missouri State, Eilers was named honorable mention All-American and second team all-conference. Jay is married to his wife Rebekah and has two sons Ethan and Evan.

Theron Aych has coached football across the country, across all levels and began his second stint in Texas when he joined the Angelo State staff in January 2011 as assistant head coach. He will now run the Rams potent attack as offensive coordinator. In his first year as offensive coordinator, the Rams gained 362.3 yards per game which is the 13th most in program history. The Rams offense had two of the programs most prolific receivers in C.J. Akins and Dakarai Pecikonis. Each had career highs for catches in a season and both eclipsed the 2,000 yardage mark for the career. It is only the fourth and fifth receivers in program history to hit the 2,000 yard mark. The Zachary, La., native coached at NCAA Division II Central Missouri for four years after previously serving as an assistant at the University of Washington and the University of Houston, NCAA Division I institutions. He’s also coached at the junior college level—Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College and Mesabi Range (Minn.) Community College—and at the high school level at Aberdeen (S.D.) Central. At Central Missouri as wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator, Aych mentored Delanie

Walker, a Harlon Hill Trophy candidate as one of the top NCAA Division II football players and eventual selection in the 2006 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Aych helped three players garner all-conference honors in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). Prior to coaching the Mules, Aych spent two seasons at Washington on the other side of the line of scrimmage, assisting with the outside linebackers and punters as a graduate assistant. Aych coached two Huskies—linebackers Marquis Cooper and Greg Carothers—who signed NFL contracts. Cooper was an All-Pac 10 selection in 2003 and a fourth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While at the University of Houston, Aych coached running Joffrey Reynolds. He was named the C-USA Offensive Player of the Year by Sporting News. Reynolds rushed for over 1,500 yards in 2002. Aych earned three letters as a wide receiver at Northern State University in Aberdeen and was an All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Honorable Mention selection. He earned a degree in sociology and criminal justice from NSU in 1996, and met his wife, Gwyn, in college. They have two children, Tommy and Katelyn.

MEET THE

COACHES Mike Walton has improved an ASU defense into one of the top defenses in the nation in only two years as defensive coordinator. During his first two seasons as defensive coordinator, the Rams defense improved by leaps and bounds. The 2012 Ram defense was No. 1 in the Lone Star Conference and No. 31 in NCAA Division II. The 337.4 yard per game the defense limited teams was the lowest total in 10 years. Walton’s other stops include the New Mexico Military Institute, Sam Houston State and Eastern New Mexico. His last season at the New Mexico Military Institute, he served as co-defensive coordinator where he developed game plans. The 2010 Broncos logged 17 sacks, 12 interceptions, blocked five kicks and registered three defensive touchdowns. In three seasons at Sam Houston State, Walton coached cornerbacks and was the special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator for the Bearkats. His special teams finished first overall in the Southland Conference in punt returns and net punting. Walton’s first defensive coordinator job came at Eastern New Mexico in 2006. He was previously the Greyhounds quarterbacks coach, special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator and outside linebackers coach.

His defense held opponents to 115 yards rushing and 222 yards passing. Eastern New Mexico was the LSC South Division Co-Champions in 2000 during Walton’s first year coaching. Walton compiled a long list of honors while playing for the Greyhounds and head coach Harold “Bud” Elliot. A four-year starter, he was a two-time Associated Press All-American and American Football Coaches Association All-American. He was also a three-time Lone Star Conference first-team selection. Walton holds the Eastern New Mexico single-season tackles record at 155 in 1997 and owns the school’s career tackle record with 515. He was named the Greatest Greyhound (an award honoring the school’s top athlete from all sports) three times while at Eastern New Mexico. The Lone Star Conference honored Walton as one of the top 75 football players and coaches during its 75th anniversary celebration in 2007. A Springlake-Earth High School graduate, Walton was a two-time all-district selection and earned the district’s Most Valuable Player honor in his senior season. Walton earned his bachelor’s degree in Special Education in 2000 and his master’s in Sports Administration in 2002. He and his wife, Alicia, have two daughters, Lucia and Grace Marie.

MIKE WALTON

{ defensive coordinator }

PIERCE HOLT { defensive line }

angelo state university ram football

selections while starring on the gridiron for Angelo State. His collegiate efforts helped him earn a place in the LSC Hall of Fame, NCAA Division II Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. After being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1988 NFL Draft, Holt was twice named the team’s defensive player of the year while helping Bill Walsh’s squad win two Super Bowls. Holt led the Atlanta Falcons in sacks in 1993 and earned his second NFL All-Pro Team selection. Holt and his wife, Deanna, live in the San Angelo area, and their daughter, Lauren, is a member of Angelo State’s women’s basketball team

Two-time NFL All-Pro selection, two-time AllAmerican and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Pierce Holt works with the defensive line for the Rams. Holt brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the football staff and the defensive line. He played for eight seasons in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons. Holt won two Super Bowl Championships with the San Francisco 49ers and was named twice to the All-Pro team during his career. Holt was twice named the Lone Star Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year and earned two First Team All-America

MEET THE

COACHES DREW DALLAS { wide receivers / recruiting coordinator}

Drew Dallas was named the recruiting coordinator and an assistant coach for the Ram wide receivers this fall after serving his first year as an Angelo State offensive graduate assistant coach. During his first season as receivers coach, Dallas was able to coach two of the more prolific receivers in C.J. Akins and Dakarai Pecikonis. Each had career highs for catches in a season and both eclipsed the 2,000 yardage mark for the career. It is only the fourth and fifth receivers in program history to hit the 2,000 yard mark. Dallas spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at Kansas Wesleyan University after graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education at the Salina, Kan. university.

angelo state university ram football

GARY SALGADO { defensive line coach / special teams coordinator} Angelo State head football coach Will Wagner named Gary Salgado defensive line coach and special team’s coordinator prior to the 2012 season. Salgado had spent the 2011 season as a graduate assistant for the Rams. He is no stranger to the Lone Star Conference as he served as linebackers coach at Eastern New Mexico during the 2010 season. Prior to coaching at Eastern New Mexico, Salgado spent two years as a graduate assistant at the University of Wyoming. He arrived at Wyoming from Fullerton Community College in Fullerton, Calif., where he served as a defensive assistant coach for four seasons, working with the defensive line and linebackers. His final season at Fullerton, he also coordinated the special teams. During his four years at Fullerton Community College from 2003-06, the Hornets captured a Mission Conference Championship in 2003, posting

a perfect 5-0 conference record and advancing to the finals of the Southern California Junior College playoffs. Salgado also helped coach the Hornets to the 2004 Golden Empire Bowl where they a Bakersfield College. Salgado began his college playing career at Fullerton College as a defensive end from 1999-2001. He then continued his college playing career at West Virginia Tech University, an NAIA member school in Montgomery, W.Va. Originally from Garden Grove, Calif., Salgado graduated from Los Alamitos High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Chapman University in Orange, Calif., in 2005, and then earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Eastern New Mexico University in 2011. Salgado married his wife Justine on July 11, 2008. He is the son of Blanca and Gilbert Salgado, and has one brother, Gilbert.

Dallas played quarterback for two seasons for Kansas Wesleyan after starting his collegiate career at Fort Hays State. He played and then coached under his father, Dave Dallas, who is entering his 14th season as the head coach at KWU after eight years at Ottawa University. Drew Dallas threw for 2,882 yards and 33 touchdowns at Kansas Wesleyan. He ranks second in career passing completions and third in passing yards on the Coyotes’ all-time list. He is a graduate of Salina Central High and was a sophomore and junior during the Mustangs backto-back state championship season in 2001 and 2002. Dallas is married to Heather Dallas. The couple has a daughter named Hayden and a son named Cooper. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Education.

MEET THE

RAMS

Offensive Line, 1978-1981

Ht 5-9 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-1 5-9 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-1 5-9 5-5 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-8 6-0 6-1 5-8 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-8 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-9 6-4 5-9 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-5 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-5 5-10 6-6 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-7 6-1 6-3 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-5 6-1 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-7 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-1

WT 160 180 200 170 180 185 240 190 190 200 215 190 185 165 175 200 180 190 150 190 210 170 170 195 180 250 188 220 200 180 180 175 175 180 210 200 180 175 195 170 195 150 185 215 210 220 195 175 225 185 160 210 180 200 225 215 215 230 215 225 235 215 195 230 290 263 235 260 268 290 223 200 220 195 285 305 210 305 260 299 270 289 295 315 295 250 310 320 260 175 170 180 225 195 170 195 250 210 225 302 225 220 190 315 245 230 245 320 210

YR So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. R-Fr. Sr. R-Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. R-Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. R-Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. R-Fr. So. So. R-Fr. So. Jr. R-Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. So. R-Fr. R-Fr. So. R-Fr. R-Fr. Sr. R-Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. R-Fr. Fr. So. R-Fr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. R-Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. R-Fr. So. So. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. R-Fr. Fr. Jr. R-Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr.

Hometown Wichita Falls, Texas Garland, Texas Mansfield, Texas Melissa, Texas Dallas, Texas Corinth, Texas Sacramento, Calif. Goldthwaite, Texas Allen, Texas Humble, Texas Santa Cruz, Calif. San Antonio, Texas Midland, Texas Converse, Texas Houston, Texas Rowlett, Texas Cedar Park, Texas Klein, Texas Odessa, Texas Harker Heights, Texas Austin, Texas Temple, Texas Austin, Texas Waco, Texas San Angelo, Texas Austin, Texas Odessa, Texas Burleson, Texas Austin, Texas Euless, Texas Converse, Texas Leander, Texas Mesquite, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Godley, Texas Wall, Texas Kileen, Texas Denton, Texas The Woodlands, Texas Spring, Texas Corinth, Texas San Angelo, Texas Weatherford, Texas Ben Wheeler, Texas Pflugerville, Texas Wimberly, Texas Victoria, Texas San Angelo, Texas Roswell, N.M. Dallas, Texas Houston, Texas Keller, Texas San Antonio, Texas Lampasas, Texas Killeen, Texas Weatherford, Texas Granger, Texas Marble Falls, Texas Victoria, Texas Crane, Texas Iraan, Texas Wall, Texas Dripping Springs, Texas San Antonio, Texas Mertzon, Texas Houston, Texas San Antonio, Texas Brenham, Texas Midland, Texas Katy, Texas San Angelo, Texas Boerne, Texas Austin, Texas Conroe, Texas Modesto, Calif. Euless, Texas The Colony, Texas Round Rock, Texas Euless, Texas Van Horn, Texas Austin, Texas Lone Star, Texas Houston, Texas Georgetown, Texas Seminole, Texas Katy, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Angelo, Texas Wall, Texas Glenn Heights, Texas Brady, Texas Hughson, California Boerne, Texas Salado, Texas Granbury, Texas Frisco, Texas Mertzon, Texas Gatesville, Texas Hemet, Calif. Murphy, Texas Austin, Texas Dallas, Texas Grand Prairie, Texas Leander, Texas Chicago, Illinois Crosby, Texas Houston, Texas Shallowater, Texas

angelo state university ram football

Brian Watson

Pos DB DB RB WR RB WR DE DB WR QB TE QB WR WR WR QB QB DB WR WR QB P/K DB QB DB TE K RB DB RB DB DB DB DB DB LB DB DB RB DB DB DB DB DB RB LB K/P DB LB K DB LB K RB LB DB TE FB LB TE FB TE TE TE OL DT DE OL DT OL LB LB DL LS OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DT OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR TE WR WR WR TE TE TE DL DE DE DT DT DE DE DL DT DE

The success of the program at any time is directly related to you. You get out of it what you put into it and once a team comes together that wants to be champions and willing to give all that they have for that one cause, stand back, because nothing can stop it from happening.

No Name 1 Paul Mason 2 London Dial 2 Donavan Roberts 3 Michael Ellis 3 Jeffrey Miller 4 Joey Knight 5 Austin Benson 5 Tyler Horton 6 Dakarai Pecikonis 7 Kyle Washington 8 Gino Delucchi 9 Warren Truesdale 10 Donavon Lee 10 Quinn Reels 11 Excelle Osborne 12 Blake Hamblin 13 Michael Cochran 13 Deion Hill 14 Talon Smith 15 C.J. Akins 15 Cameron Waites 16 Joseph Pickett 17 Anthony Brown 17 Blake Waggoner 18 Chase Martin 19 Antwon Williams 19 Joshua Willis 20 Blake Smith 21 Courtney Moore 22 Samir Baker 22 Devere Carrington 23 Nekechie Miller 24 Emanuel Harston, Jr. 24 Alvin Johnson 25 Dominique McCoy 26 Riley Davis 26 Landon Meek 27 Terrence Holland 28 Sebastian Williams 29 Ryan Clapsaddle 30 Jonathan Family 31 Jarred Ross 32 Matthew Hummingbird 33 Dakota Abernathy 34 Jermie Calhoun 35 TJ Jackson 36 Jared Kutz 36 Jamie Thomas 37 Willie Brown 37 Jarred Martin 38 Stetson Edwards 38 Dorian McNeil-Green 39 Greg Jaynes 39 Jarred Owens 40 Rush Seaver 41 Greg Jordan 42 Travis Williams 43 Heston Luerson 44 Austin Sparks 45 Zach Mueller 46 Avery Rigg 47 Zane Hernandez 48 Brandon Willman 49 Justin Jackson 50 Austin Landin 51 Richard Ciuba 52 Shiloh Hickman 53 Tyler Hamilton 54 Akujiuba Inyanma 55 Quade Huckaba 56 Chris DiClemente 57 Romario Napoles 58 Colt Drennan 59 Cody Clark 60 John Huskey 62 Rodney Smith 63 Watkin Cocker 64 Steven Jackson 66 Trent Davis 69 Isi Cocker 70 Jeremiah Turnbow 71 Dylan Utzman 72 Jesse Hanson IV 73 Anthony Landry 74 Jeremy Mertink 75 Rance Layton 76 Austin Sumrall 77 Anthony Lewis 79 Nolan Osmanski 80 Brett Rasberry 82 Xavier Traylor 83 Mackenzie Hirt 84 Alex Young 85 James Hurd 85 Joe Owens 86 Clayton Adams 87 Treâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Straw 88 Tyler Hastings 89 Garrett Johnson 90 Kyle Patterson 91 Brandon Lee 92 Matthew Gholston 93 Emmanuel Anderson 94 Joey Searcy II 96 Andy Gonzalez 97 Jeremy Johnson 98 Clayton Callicutt 99 Wayne Blackwell 99 John Striednig

Angelo State plays all of its home games at San Angelo Stadium. The facility seats 17,500 fans in a horseshoe configuration. Rams football fans are without a doubt some of the best in the nation. asu annually ranks among the top 20 in attendance, while several other asu athletic teams also rank high on national lists. asu recently ranked fourth in the nation in 2005, as the Rams rolled into the ncaa Division II playoffs. In 1978 and 1980, Angelo State led the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (naia ) in attendance, setting a school record with 12,391 fans per game during the 1978 naia National Championship season. The Rams have been ranked in the top 15 in ncaa D-II 13 times since 1980.

The top crowds at San Angelo Stadium: 16,500 vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville, 1978 (W, 21-19) 16,000 vs. Abilene Christian, 1982 (W, 24-14) 16,000 vs. Abilene Christian, 1978 (W, 33-8) 15,500 vs. East Central, 1987 (W, 31-24) 15,100 vs. Abilene Christian, 1989 (W, 50-14) 14,000 vs. Eastern New Mexico, 1990, (L, 15-14) 13,112 vs. Howard Payne, 1979 (W, 20-12) 13,000 vs. Sam Houston State, 1989 (W, 38-7) 13,000 vs. Texas State, 1981 (L, 31-7)

San Angelo Stadium

Recent Additions

angelo state university ram football

The stadium was renovated in 2003 with the addition of a top-of-the-line artificial turf surface and an expanded scoreboard, which features a large video board. In 2010, construction was completed on a new dressing room facility at the south end of the stadium.

aTHLETIC FACILITIES FOOTBALL LOCKER ROOM The Angelo State Rams reside in the Junell Center/Stephens Arena, one of the top athletic facilities in all of ncaa Division II.

angelo state university ram football

The entrance to the Rams locker room says it all: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rams Country.â&#x20AC;? The room features deluxe facilities with oak-trimmed lockers that include dressing lights, electrical outlets and a seating area for each player. Each Angelo State Ram has his own locker, complete with storage for personal items and an engraved blue and gold nameplate.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Angelo State studentathletes train in the more than 7,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Junell Center weight room, which is conveniently located next to the LeGrand Sports Complex.

ATHLETIC TRAINING At Angelo State, the athletic training staff focuses on helping studentathletes reach and maintain their best health, achieve conditioning goals, understand best practices to prevent serious injury and recover fully in a timely manner. Because of this, the university has developed excellent training and conditioning programs to help prevent injuries and ensure safe practice and competition habits. If injuries do occur, the department is equipped and prepared to implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

10 angelo state university ram football

LONE STAR FOOTBALL FESTIVAL { cowboys stadium } The 2012 Lone Star Football Festival presented by Firestone had 33,180 fans at the threeday, six-game event at Cowboys Stadium. The event wrapped up Saturday with a tripleheader of games attended by 19,134, which included Valdosta State and Angelo State, Abilene Christian edging Tarleton State and West Texas A&M defeating Texas A&M-Kingsville.

1978

NATIONAL

CHAMPIONS 1978 Quarterfinals Angelo State Oregon College San Angelo Stadium Dec. 2, 1978

32 0

Mark Embry scored two touchdowns; Alvin Garrett caught four passes for 109 yards and a score, and Wylie Turner returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown as the Rams dominated Oregon College in the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs. The Rams scored in every quarter while holding the Wolves to just 264 yards of total offense. Jerry Aldridge ran for 116 yards of the Rams’ 219 yards on the ground.

Being a Ram means pride in everything we do, from daily workouts, to team meetings and playing at the highest level possible. Jerry austin Running Back, 1969-72

ASU

Semifinals

Angelo State Western State San Angelo Stadium Dec. 9, 1978

35 3

Jerry Aldridge and Arthur Gutierrez each rushed for more than 100 yards; Alvin Garrett had three catches for 107 yards; Wylie Turner picked off three passes; and the Ram defense held Western Colorado to just 162 yards as the Rams advanced to the NAIA championship. Turner’s first interception set up a four-play, 18-yard drive that gave ASU a quick 7-0 first quarter lead. Mark Embry and Garrett hooked up on a 65-yard scoring pass just before the end of the first quarter, and the Rams never looked back. 1

WSU

ASU

NAIA National Championship

Ardmore Shrine Bowl

Below freezing temperatures were not to the liking of the Rams as ASU committed 10 turnovers in losing its first postseason game since becoming a four-year school. The Rams could muster just six first downs and only 138 yards of total offense, but cut the lead to 17-7 in the third quarter on a scoring pass from Gary Kirksey to Nathan Mathis. The Rams could get no closer as their final four possessions of the game resulted in turnovers.

ASU concluded an undefeated year by knocking off the Elon College Christians (N.C.) in the NAIA Championship game. It marked the ninth consecutive year that a Lone Star Conference team had won the title. Mark Embry was named the game’s offensive MVP, throwing for 197 yards and two scores. Alvin Garrett and Eldridge Beverly caught scoring passes, and Jerry Aldridge capped his brilliant career with 119 yards and two scores. It marked the 17th consecutive game that Aldridge had rushed for at least 100 yards.

Angelo State Wisconsin-River Falls San Angelo Stadium Dec. 1, 1979

31 7

PL AY O FFS

’79

The Ram passing offense came alive as ASU handed the Falcons a defeat in the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs. Doug Kuhlmann threw three touchdown passes to spark ASU to a 24-0 halftime lead. The Rams had not thrown a touchdown pass all season until this game. The Ram defense held River Falls to just 51 yards and one first down in the first half. Freshman tight end Brian McLaughlin caught two scoring passes of seven and 65 yards while Paul Miller hauled in a 55yard touchdown pass. 1

WRF

ASU

SEMIfinals Texas A&I (now A&M) 22 Angelo State 19 Javelina Stadium, Kingsville, Texas Dec. 8, 1979 The Javelinas scored on a 21-yard touchdown pass with just 1:23 left in the game to end ASU’s chance for back-toback national championships. Both teams scored a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter with ASU using the big play. Doug Kuhlmann threw a 58-yard scoring pass to Joey Sims on the game’s second play from scrimmage. After A&I tied the game at six, Sims set an NAIA playoff record by returning the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. After the Javelinas tied the score at 13, Kuhlmann was sacked in the end zone for a safety to give the Javs a 15-13 lead. The score stood until the fourth quarter when David Knowles recovered an A&I fumble at the Jav 28yard line with 8:31 left in the game. Seven plays later Anthony Johnson bulled over from three yards out to give the Rams a 19-15 lead.

1980 Quarterfinals

Northeastern State Angelo State Gable Field, Tahlequah, Okla. Dec. 8, 1980

10 3

The fourth-ranked Redmen beat the sixth-ranked Rams in the quarterfinal round of the NAIA playoffs. The ASU defense played brilliantly, surrendering only 183 yards in total offense, but the Ram offense could muster only a first quarter field goal by Mike Thomas. The Rams killed themselves with turnovers as Doug Kuhlmann threw a school record seven interceptions.

ELON

ASU

A&I

NEU

angelo state university ram football

Southwestern State (Okla.) 28 Angelo State 6 Walker Stadium, Ardmore, Okla. Dec. 3, 1972

34 14

Quarterfinals

1972

Angelo State Elon Bulldog Stadium, McAllen, Texas Dec. 16, 1978

1979

PLAYOFF APPEARANCES 1989 First Round

Angelo State UC Davis Toomey Field, Davis, Calif. Nov. 18, 1989

PL AY O FFS

28 23

1997 First Round

Angelo State Western State San Angelo Stadium Nov. 22, 1997

The Rams traveled to Davis, California, and beat the second-winningest NCAA Division II team in the 1980s, UC-Davis. Bouncing back from a brutal 42-3 beating at the hands of number one ranked Texas A&I in the regular season finale, the Rams never trailed. Robert Thornton rushed for 96 yards and a score while Mickey Russell ran for one score and threw for 147 yards. 1

ASU

UCD

PL AYOFFS ’89

angelo state university ram football

1987

24 21

Northern Michigan Angelo State San Angelo Stadium Nov. 28, 1987

23 (OT) 20

Tom Seeke’s 34-yard field goal in overtime handed the Rams a loss in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals. The Rams lost starting quarterback Mickey Russell on the third play of the game, but still led 20-13 heading into the fourth quarter. Northern Michigan had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Sam Williams blocked a 25-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds. The Rams turned the ball over six times, but the Wildcats had to use a 94-yard drive in the fourth quarter to tie the game.

WSU

ASU

Quarterfinals UC Davis Angelo State San Angelo Stadium Nov. 29, 1997

ASU took the early lead and never let go, ending Pittsburg State’s undefeated season. Both teams put up impressive offensive numbers as the two teams combined for nearly 950 yards. Mickey Russell was the star for the Rams as he threw for 298 yards and ran for two scores. Russell’s favorite target was Darron Johnson who caught eight passes for 143 yards. 1

ASU

PSU

Jacksonville State Angelo State Paul Snow Stadium, Jacksonville, Ala. Dec. 2, 1989

34 16

After the Rams rallied from a 9-0 first quarter deficit to grab a 10-9 halftime lead, the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State blasted the Rams with a 25-point third quarter to end the Rams’ dream of a national title. Down 9-0, the Rams rumbled 60 yards in nine plays, capped by a 24yard scoring pass from Mickey Russell to Myron Turner to give the Rams a 10-9 halftime lead. The third quarter was a nightmare as the Gamecocks returned one interception for a score and another interception set up another touchdown.

50 33

A 21-point third quarter by the Aggies spelled the end of the Angelo State run in the playoffs. The early contest remained close with the two teams knotted at 26 at the half, but an interception of Erik Hartman’s pass combined with a fumble by Hartman on the first two ASU drives of the second half was all Cal-Davis needed to take over the lead and pull out the victory on the Rams’ home turf.

KYLE FOX RB, 2005

1994

SEMIFINALS

First Round

46 12

The Ram fans cheered ASU on to a first round victory in the friendly confines of San Angelo Stadium. The duo of Erik Hartman and Chris Brazzell combined for two scores to knock Western out early in the ballgame. The Ram defense took care of the rest, allowing the Mountaineers just 167 yards of total offense.

Quarterfinals Angelo State Pittsburg State Carnie Smith Stadium, Pittsburg, Kan. Nov. 25, 1989

’97

FIRST ROUND

Portland State Angelo State Civic Stadium, Portland, Ore. Nov. 19, 1994

29 0

The brutal cold and rain of Portland took its toll on the Rams as the Vikings shut out ASU in the first round of the playoffs. The Ram defense played brilliantly during the game, holding PSU off for most of the first half, before a 33-yard touchdown reception by Antonio Chandler gave the Vikings the lead to stay. The damper was put on ASU’s hopes early in the third quarter, when Jason Ney picked off Mike Jinks’ pass for a 23-yard touchdown return. ASU was unable to mount its usual passing attack, gaining only 90 yards.

UCD

ASU

2005 First Round Northwest Missouri State Angelo State San Angelo Stadium

45 14

The Rams made their first postseason appearance in eight years as first-year head coach Dale Carr led ASU to a 9-2 regular season after three-consecutive losing campaigns. Perennial powerhouse Northwest Missouri State was too much as the Bearcats opened up the contest with 21 unanswered points. Freshman tailback Kyle Fox rushed for 174 yards on 21 carries in the loss.

ASU

NWMS

ASU

JSU

PSU

ASU

KEN KENNARD Houston Oilers

PIERCE HOLT San Francisco 49ers Atlanta Falcons

Jonathan Palafox Buffalo Bills Amsterdam Admirals

Josh nieswander Montreal Alouettes

CHARLIE WEST Minnesota Vikings

wylie turner Green Bay Packers

JERRY ALDRIDGE San Francisco 49ers

ALVIN garrett Washington Redskins

andre president New England Patriots Chicago Bears

shockmain davis New England Patriots Green Bay Packers

Chris Brazzell Dallas Cowboys

clayton WEISHUHN New England Patriots

IN THE

PROS

angelo state university ram football

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

DANE KRAGER Minnesota Vikings Seattle Sehawks Arizona Rattlers Austin Wranglers

ANGELO STATE ALL-AMERICANS AP Little All-Americans 1969 Rodney Cason 1970 Rodney Cason 1971 Jerry Austin 1971 Rodney Cason 1971 Thomas Williams 1978 Jerry Aldridge 1982 Michael Elarms 1983 Mike Thomas 1984 Keith Cox 1984 Steve Ford 1984 Glen Saterfield 1984 Tony Staten 1984 Kelvin Williams 1984 Ken Williams 1985 Ned Cox 1985 Pete Hibler 1985 Pierce Holt 1985 Henry Jackson 1985 Wesley Williams 1986 Pierce Holt 1987 Pierce Holt 1988 Henry Alsbrooks 1990 Kyle Freeman 1992 J.D. Garland 1992 Jimmy Morris 1993 Greg Collins 1993 Anthony Hopper 1993 Greg Stokes 1994 Greg Stokes 1995 Greg Stokes

OT OT RB OT LB RB WR K LB DT CB CB S OT QB P DT LB RB DT DT LB DE DT P DE CB LB LB LB

2nd 2nd HM 2nd HM 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 2nd 2nd HM HM HM HM HM 1st 1st HM 1st 1st 1st 2nd 2nd 1st 2nd 2nd 1st 1st 1st

1997 Ron Wagner 1999 Dominic Reyes 2009 Calvin Fance

OG LB DE

2nd 3rd 2nd

AFCA All-Americans 1993 Greg Stokes 1994 Greg Stokes 1995 Greg Stokes

LB LB LB

1st 1st 1st

D2Football.com All-Americans 2000 Curry Dawson DT 2001 Dane Krager DE 2005 Justin Carter TE 2005 Kyle Fox RB

2nd 1st 2nd HM

Daktronics/CoSida All-Americans 1993 Brian Johnson DT 3rd 1993 Greg Stokes LB 1st 1994 Greg Stokes LB 1st 1995 Greg Stokes LB 1st 1999 Dominic Reyes LB 2nd 2001 Dane Krager DE 1st 2010 George Shamblen P 1st 2010 Garrett Tidwell KR 1st Don Hansen All-Americans 2010 George Shamblen P 2010 Garrett Tidwell KR

3rd 1st

Dr. C.M. Frank All-Americans 1993 Greg Stokes LB 1994 Bill Belew OG 1994 Brett Elliott OT 1994 Doug George DE

1st 2nd HM HM

1994 1994 1994 1994 1995 1995 1995 1996 1996 1996

Valery Jackson Mike Jinks Greg Stokes Jason Tebeaux Bill Belew Valery Jackson Greg Stokes Valery Jackson Terry Marino Stanley Veasley

DB QB LB P OG DB LB DB DT WR

HM HM 1st HM 2nd HM 1st HM 3rd 2nd

Football Gazette All-Americans 1989 Mark Fogle DB 1993 Greg Stokes LB 1994 Valery Jackson DB 1994 Marcus Maple WR 1994 Andre President TE 1994 Greg Stokes LB 1995 Valery Jackson DB 1995 Greg Stokes LB 1996 Valery Jackson DB 1997 Chris Brazzell WR 1997 Erik Hartman QB 1999 Dominic Reyes LB 2000 Curry Dawson DT 2001 Dane Krager DE 2005 Justin Carter TE 2005 Kyle Fox RB

1st 1st 3rd 3rd 2nd 1st 3rd 1st 3rd 2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd 1st 3rd HM

Football News All-Americans 1985 Pete Hibler P 1985 Henry Jackson LB 1997 Tramain Jones DB

1st 1st 3rd

Kodak All-Americans 1975 James Cross 1978 Kelvin Smith 1980 Clayton Weishuhn 1981 Clayton Weishuhn 1982 Michael Elarms 1983 Mike Thomas 1985 Pierce Holt 1985 Henry Jackson 1986 Pierce Holt 1987 Pierce Holt 1992 Jimmy Morris

DB LB LB LB WR K DT LB DT DT P

1st 1st 1st 2nd 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st

NAIA All-Americans 1967 Don Burrell 1969 Rodney Cason 1969 Mark Maneval 1970 Rodney Cason 1971 Jerry Austin 1971 Rodney Cason 1974 Charlie Franklin 1976 Kenneth Kennard 1978 Jerry Aldridge 1978 Kelvin Smith 1980 Anthony Johnson 1980 David Knowles 1980 Clayton Weishuhn 1981 Clayton Weishuhn

WR OT C OT RB OT RB DT RB LB RB DB LB LB

HM 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 2nd 2nd 1st 1st

ANGELO STATE ALL LSC PICKS 2012 Joey Searcy, DT Blake Smith, FB Avery Rigg, DS Clayton Callicut, DE * 2011 Lawrence Rumph, DL 2010 George Shamblen, P Garrett Tidwell, KR/PR 2009 Dakari Peciknois, WR * 2008 Jason Watson, TE 2005 Justin Carter, TE Kyle Fox, RB *

angelo state university ram football

2004 James Williamson, LB ^ 2001 Ryan Rechichar, TE Dane Krager, DE Curry Dawson, DT Sam Davis, DB Jonathan Palafox, DB 2000 Ricky Boehle, WR Joe Gibson, TE Curry Dawson, DT & Jason Windfield, DB 1999 Shockmain Davis, WR Stacy Pierson, OT Andy Bandura, TE Dane Krager, DL Dominic Reyes, LB Marcus Hill, DB

1998 Shockmain Davis, WR Kyle Kirk, LB 1997 Chris Brazzell, WR Erik Hartman, QB # Ron Wagner, OG Brett Elliott, OT Tramain Jones, DB 1996 Stanley Veasley, WR Valery Jackson, DB 1995 Stanley Veasley, WR Kyle Johnson, TE Billy Belew, OG Terry Marino, DL Greg Stokes, LB & Valery Jackson, DB 1994 Billy Belew, OG Brett Elliott, OT Andre President, TE Mike Jinks, QB Marcus Maple, WR Jason Tebeaux, P Doug George, DL Greg Stokes, LB& Valery Jackson, CB 1993 Greg Collins, DE Anthony Hooper, DB Brian Johnson, OT Wayne Mathis, WR

1992 J.D. Garland, DT& Jimmy Morris, P Wilbur Odom, QB Kenneth Turner, LB Greg Stokes, DE *

1986 Pat Graves, OT Tyler Ware, OG Pierce Holt, DT &% Doyle Weishuhn, DT

1991 Frank Graves, OT Darron Johnson, WR Ken Washington, WR Antheny Pape, DT Terry Tilton, LB & Jimmy Morris, P

1985 Randal Gorton, OG Donald Johnson, OT Pat Graves, OT $ Ned Cox, QB ! Wesley Williams, RB Pete Hibler, P Pierce Holt, DT Henry Jackson, LB % Kelvin Williams, SS

1990 Frank Graves, OT Myron Turner, WR Derrick Franklin, DB 1989 Mickey Russell, QB Darren Johnson, WR Myron Turner, TE Pede Hunt, LB Mark Fogle, DB 1988 Mickey Russell, QB Kelvin Kelley, WR Scott Ledet, C Frank Habecker, OG Welman Bauer, DT Henry Alsbrooks, LB Pede Hunt, LB Chad Sthele, DB 1987 Tyler Ware, OT Pierce Holt, DT % Doyle Weishuhn, DT Wendell Byrd, DE

1984 Ken Williams, OG Ned Cox, QB Mike Northcutt, FL Steve Ford, DT % Karl Haney, DE Keith Cox, LB Glenn Saterfield, CB @ Kelvin Williams, SS Tony Staten, CB 1983 Mike Thomas, PK Leonard Anderson, DE Paul Pogue, LB Steve Ford, DT Glenn Saterfield, DB Mike Northcutt, FL

1982 Michael Elarms, WR Mike Thomas, PK

1977 Mike Millegan, DB Kelvin Smith, LB Wylie Turner, DB

1981 Kevin Steen, OG Clayton Weishuhn, LB % Doug Kuhlmann, QB

1976 Eddie Bates, P Ken Kennard, DT Mark Urquiaga, DE Keith Ligon, LB James Cross, DB Steve Wilson, WR

1980 Anthony Johnson, RB Paul Miller, WR Ben Barley, OT Kevin Steen, OG Clayton Weishuhn, LB % David Knowles, DB Darnell White, DB Joe Calderon, P 1979 Kevin Steen, OG Dwayne Overstreet, C Joe Calderon, P Clayton Weishuhn, LB David Knowles, DB 1978 Jerry Aldridge, RB ! Kent Crouch, OT Robert Nealy, OG Vance Jenkins, PK Marvin Williams, DE Kelvin Smith, LB Wylie Turner, DB David Knowles, DB John Nunley, DB

1975 Kenneth Kennard, DT Mark Urquiaga, DE Keith Ligon, LB James Cross, DB Steve Wilson, WR Dewayne Osborne, OG Jerry Aldridge, RB * 1974 Charlie Franklin, RB Steve Wilson, WR 1973 Thomas Williams, LB Larry Moore, DE 1972 Tommy Orsak, DT Thomas Williams, LB 1971 Jerry Austin, RB Bill DeMent, P Rodney Cason, OT Thomas Williams, LB Charlie Franklin, RB * 1970 Billy York, DB Jerry Austin, RB ! Rodney Cason, OT

! - Oustanding Back of the Year #, - Offensive Back of the Year, $ - Offensive Lineman of the Year, & - Defensive Lienman of the Year, ^- Linebacker of the Year, @ - Defensive Back of the Year, % - Outstanding Lineman of the Year,

GAME DAY Angelo State football game days are all about the fans and families who support the Rams.

Prior to every home kickoff, the asu Alumni Association hosts Ram Jam, complete with free food and live entertainment, at the LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center. Fans can grill up with other fans, and children can enjoy bounce houses and other games. The asu Ram Band, Angelettes and cheerleaders perform for the crowd and then lead a procession from the LeGrand Center to San Angelo Stadium for the game. During home games, fans enjoy the Fort Concho cannon shot after every Rams score, and count while the Angelo State rotc cadets do pushups. Fans of all ages take the field to form the spirit line that Rams players run through after halftime. They also celebrate each Rams victory with players and coaches on the field, where they can get autographs, take pictures and play on the turf.

Class of â&#x20AC;&#x2122;79 Head Football Coach, Brady High School

angelo state university ram football

GLENN JONES

As you put on that uniform each weekâ&#x20AC;Ś you are representing decades of a winning tradition that all of us want back.

You will find the reward of becoming a Ram is in the opportunity you will be given to excel on the field and in the classroom, and to enjoy tremendous support from a caring community. JERRY VANDERGRIFF Head Coach, 1982–2004

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Helping our student-athletes achieve academic success is essential for our program. In addition to having academic resources within the Athletics Department, our athletes also receive assistance from other programs available to all asu students. Athletic Study Center The goal of the Athletic Study Center is to act as the primary academic support contact for student-athletes. The center holds the office of the Athletic Academic Coordinator (acc) for easy visibility and reach. The center houses laptop computers, printers, and individual and collaborative work stations.

angelo state university ram football

Advising All academic advising is provided through the individual colleges and academic departments. Academic Progress During each semester, the acc surveys the professors of each student-athlete three times. In each grade check, professors are asked to provide academic progress information such as attendance, current grade, at-risk or not, and any additional comments. Mentorship The acc provides weekly sessions with mentors for student-athletes identified as “at-risk” based on acc and coach recommendations. During the sessions, grade updates and upcoming assignments are discussed. Assignments are reviewed and study plans are implemented if necessary. Tutoring Free tutoring is available for student-athletes in Angelo State University’s Tutor Center. In addition to having tutors available for nearly every general education class as well as many upper-level classes, specialized tutoring units include the Math lab, Writing Center, Modern Language tutoring, Accounting lab and Supplemental Instruction (si). The si program offers extracurricular peer tutoring groups for traditionally tough classes. Study sessions are led by students who have completed and earned high grades in the courses. si sessions are conducted multiple times throughout the week.

SCHOLARSHIPS Rambouillet Scholar Fund Endowment Program Angelo State University funds 78 percent of the scholarships allowed by ncaa regulations. The remaining 22 percent for each sport are funded through charitable giving from private supporters. The Rambouillet Scholar Fund Endowment Program has been established to provide educational and athletic opportunities that were not previously available to asu student-athletes.

Josh Hammerquist

Through the continued leadership of athletic director Sean Johnson, Angelo State Athletic Foundation board members, and especially through the continued generous support of donors, the athletic foundation has become one of the top annual funds in the ncaa Division II Lone Star Conference.

SCHOLAR-ATHLETE

AWARDS

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships Two Angelo State Rams have been honored with a ncaa Postgraduate Scholarship, one of the highest academic awards in collegiate football. The $5,000 award is for postgraduate study at the university or professional school of the winning athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice. Selection is competitive, with players nominated from ncaa institutions across the nation. asu linebacker Kyle Kirk was an at-large selection for a ncaa Postgraduate Scholarship in 1998. Defensive lineman Curry Dawson was awarded an ncaa scholarship in 2001. National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Defensive lineman Curry Dawson of Water Valley was selected in 2001 as a National College Scholar-Athlete by the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame. He was one of only 16 honorees for that season. The honorees were chosen from a pool of 172 candidates from all levels of college footballâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from ncaa Division I to the naia.

1983, Steve Schwartz dt 1994, Greg Stokes lb 1995, Greg Stokes lb 1998, Kyle Kirk lb 2000, John Burk ol 2007, Josh Hammerquist ol

1997, Erik Hartman qb 1998, Kyle Kirk lb 1999, Ricky Boehle wr 2000, Sam Davis cb 2001, Justin Carrigan db 2002, Jonathan Palafox db 2003, James Williamson lb 2004, Jason Brittain db 2005, Chris Hoppe ol 2006, Josh Hammerquist ol 2007, Daniel Thomas wr 2008, Edward Cantrell lb 2009, Cody Smith dl 2010, Josh Neiswander qb 2011, Alvin Johnson db 2012, Rush Seaver, LB

Josh NEISWANDER

angelo state university ram football

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS Angelo State is proud to have had five football student-athletes recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom as well as on the field.

The scholarship was established following the death of linebacker Greg Stokes in a one-car accident on Nov. 5, 1995. Stokes earned first team All-America honors from six different organizations in 1995 and was one of eight finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded annually to the top player in ncaa Division II football. Stokes was also an Academic AllAmerican, earning second team honors in both 1994 and 1995.

Dawson is one of only two ncaa Division II athletes to be so honored, and was the first asu Rams football player to win the award.

GREG STOKES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Greg Stokes Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to a Rams football player who has made a major contribution to the team, is an upperclassman with an excellent academic record, and is involved in the San Angelo community. Scholarship winners are selected by a committee.

angelo state university ram football

RAMS COMMUNITY SERVICE

Angelo State, San Angelo, Texas Eastern New Mexico, Portales, New Mexico Midwestern State, Wichita Falls, Texas Tarleton State, Stephenville, Texas Texas A&M-Commerce, Commerce, Texas Texas A&M-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas West Texas A&M, Canyon, Texas

N E W

M E X I C O

T E X A S

19 angelo state university ram football

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