2012 Football Recruiting Guide by Angelo State University

A NGELO STAT E U NI V ER SIT Y MEMBER, TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

We are really trying to build our program around the idea of not being afraid to take a chance. That’s something I learned while I was at Angelo State. We want a foundation of not being afraid to fail. We want our players to believe in themselves.

Mike Jinks

Quarterback, 1991–94 Head Coach at Steele High School

More than anything, it’s the pride you have in being a Ram. For me, that’s where I went and got my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree and played football for five years. I have a lot of great memories there. I made a commitment to Angelo State, and they made a commitment to me.

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.

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.

Gary M. Griffin Linebacker, 1964–68

Boyd Gray

Member, 1978 Championship Team

Josh Neiswander Quarterback, 2005–10

angelo state university ram football

What it means to be a Ram

MEET THE

COACHES

WILL WAGNER { head coach }

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 All-American defensive back at Hardin-Simmons 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 HardinSimmons from 1996–97. 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.

I have never seen anyone present a better plan than Coach Wagner for elevating the competitiveness of a football program, not just on the conference level, but also on the national level.

KATHLEEN BRASFIELD ASU Athletic Director

angelo state university ram football

“Coach Wagner knows the X’s and O’s,” Brasfield added, “but equally important, he understands how to manage scholarships effectively. In Division II, the challenge is managing scholarships. Learning how to maximize those dollars decides whether you are successful or not. You can know all the X’s and O’s in the world, but if you have not done an effective job with scholarships, you won’t be successful.” 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

est 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. 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 108-8 (.931) in the 12-member miaa. When she appointed Wagner head coach, asu Athletic Director Kathleen Brasfield said, “I have never seen anyone present a better plan than Coach Wagner for elevating the competitiveness of a football program, not just on the conference level, but also on the national level. He has learned well from Mel Tjeerdsma, who developed Northwest Missouri into a perennial Division II power.”

MEET THE

COACHES THERON AYCH

{ assistant head coach }

Recruiting Area

South Texas

heron Aych (pronounced like the letter “H”) 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 with additional duties of overseeing the development of Ram quarterbacks and wide receivers. The Zachary, La., native most recently 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

MICHAEL SLATER { defensive line coach }

angelo state university ram football

ichael Slater joined the asu coaching staff in 2011 as the Rams’ defensive line coach. Prior to his arrival at asu, Slater spent three years as a graduate assistant coach at Rice University, where he was the Owls’ assistant defensive line coach. He also had additional responsibilities for scouting reports and defensive film breakdowns. In Slater’s first season at Rice, the Owls won the Texas Bowl, 38-14, over Western Michigan. He also coached Conference usa second-team selection Scott Solomon and honorable mention selection Cheta Ozougwu. Before heading to the college ranks, Slater coached high school football for 12 years in the Houston area at Alief Taylor and Alief Hastings. At Taylor (2001–08), he was the special teams coordinator and coached the defensive line. He also coached soccer and the throwers on the track and field team for two seasons. At Hastings

(1996–2001), he coached defensive ends, taught special education and coached junior varsity basketball. During his high school career, Slater coached several players who went on to play college and/or pro football, including Ozougwu (Rice), Brian Walwyn (Holy Cross), Michael Bennett (Texas A&M, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M, Dallas Cowboys) and Shawn Woods (McMurry). A native of Dickinson, Slater was a two-time all-district performer for the Dickinson Gators. He then played college football at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State), and was a student assistant coach for the Bobcats in 1993. In 2010, Slater became the first graduate assistant coach at Rice to earn a master’s degree from the university when he earned a Master’s of Liberal Studies. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural/animal science from Southwest Texas State. Slater has a son, Kyle.

Recruiting Area

HOUSTON

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), one of the toughest Division II conferences in the country. 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. 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

n offensive lineman and blocker for a University of Texas Heisman Trophy winner, Russell Gaskamp joined the Angelo State staff as offensive line coach in 2009 and provided an immediate boost for the Rams on offense. In January, Gaskamp was tabbed as the Rams new offensive coordinator by first-year asu head coach Will Wagner. Gaskamp came to asu after three seasons as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (swosu). During his time with the Bulldogs, Gaskamp mentored All-lsc First Team selection and 2007 lsc Co-Lineman of the Year Austin Ellis. Gaskamp also helped quarterback Steve Day shred the swosu offensive record book, just as Angelo State quarterback Josh Neiswander did during his final two seasons at Angelo State before signing a professional contract with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League. Before heading to swosu, Gaskamp was the offensive line

COACHES coach at Texas A&M-Commerce. With the Lions, Gaskamp coached another lsc Offensive Lineman of the Year in Ryan Graves, who garnered the accolade in 2005. Gaskamp has also made coaching stops at Sam Houston State from 2003–05 as a graduate assistant where he coached two All-American tight ends, at Austin Johnston High School (2001–03) as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, and with the Austin Rattlers (2000–02) of the North American Football League. A native of Weatherford, Okla., Gaskamp is a 1999 graduate of the University of Texas, where he was a second team All-Big XII selection at center. He started all 13 games as a senior, blocking for Heisman Trophy winner and fifth-overall pick in the 1999 nfl Draft, Ricky Williams. Overall, he was part of three conference championship teams, played in the Sun, Sugar, Fiesta and Cotton Bowls and was voted to the Longhorns All-Decade Team. Gaskamp earned his master’s degree from Sam Houston State in 2005. He and his wife, Justine, reside in San Angelo.

RUSSELL GASKAMP

{ offensive coordinator }

Recruiting Area

METROPLEX

MICHAEL WALTON { defensive coordinator }

Recruiting Area

CENTRAL TEXAS

angelo state university ram football

Division Co-Champion. 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. 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.

ecognized as one of the top 75 players in Lone Star Conference history for his performance as linebacker while playing for Eastern New Mexico, Michael Walton is entering his 12th season coaching and his second at Angelo State. Walton was named the Rams defensive coordinator in January 2011 by second-year asu head coach Will Wagner. Walton serves as the linebackers position coach, where he stresses stopping the opponent’s running game and eliminating easy passes. The Rams moved to a 4-2-5 defense under Walton. Prior to his arrival at asu, Walton coached at the New Mexico Military Institute, Sam Houston State and Eastern New Mexico. In 2000, during Walton’s first year coaching, Eastern New Mexico was a Lone Star Conference South

angelo state university ram football

RAMS

Each and every time you buckle your chin strap, expect to win, to be a champion and to play like one!

Clayton Weishuhn Linebacker, 1978–81

TRUE FRESHMEN

MEET THE

No Name 1 Paul Mason 2 Jake Strickler 3 Terrance Preston 4 Joey Knight 5 Austin Benson 6 Dakarai Pecikonis 7 Tristan Carter 8 Gino Delucchi 9 Joseph Schumpert 10 Brandon Eubanks 11 Travis McCloud 12 Blake Hamblin 13 Michael Cochran 14 Jake Eannarelli 15 C.J. Akins 16 Samir Baker 17 Anthony Brown 18 Jeffrey Miller 19 Antwon Williams 20 Blake Smith 21 Courtney Moore 22 Nevin Gardiner 23 Nekechie Miller 24 Alvin Johnson 25 Dominique McCoy 26 Corey Schuler 27 B.J. Bradley 28 Alex James 29 Ryan Clapsaddle 30 Jonathan Family 31 Jared Ross 32 Dekkar Williams 33 Dakota Abernathy 34 Lawrence Syon 36 Quinn Reels 37 Jarred Martin 38 Stetson Edwards 39 George Shamblen 40 Rush Seaver 41 Lance Tissue 42 TerRe’ Camille 43 T.C. Hulett 44 Drew Allen 46 Avery Rigg 47 D.J. Clough 48 Brandon Willman 49 Jared Beebe 50 Khari Ferrell 51 Scott Ugochukwu 52 Shiloh Hickman 53 Josh Mullins 55 Austin Landin 56 Josh Wilson 57 Stuart Redding 58 Colt Drennan 60 John Huskey 61 Ryan Merryman 62 Rodney Smith 64 Steven Jackson 67 Keefer Preece 68 Andrew Krutsinger 69 Stephen Boyles 70 Jesse Collins 71 Jerrel Walters 72 Lawrence Rumph 73 Anthony Landry 76 Austin Sumrall 77 Greg Lewis 80 Donnell Harris 82 Xavier Traylor 83 Mackenzie Hirt 84 Ian Early 85 James Hurd 86 Excelle Osborne 87 Bradan Ritchey 88 Nate Bayless 89 Garrett Johnson 90 Kyle Patterson 91 Chris Patterson 92 Mike Mosley 94 Nick Alejandro 95 Godwin Ubah 96 Lance Williams 98 Orlando Humble 97 Greg Jaynes 99 Wayne Blackwell Cody Clark Chris DiClemente Matthew Gholston Andy Gonzalez Zane Hernandez Matt Hummingbird Brandon Jones Daymond Lewis Hamilton Luper Colton Lyon Chase Martin Jeremy Mertink Zach Mueller Keith Muldrew Brett Rasberry Talon Smith Austin Sparks Warren Truesdale Kyle Washington Jeffrey Williams Malcolm Wright Lucas Zoller

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

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

WT 160 205 180 185 240 190 205 215 190 205 175 200 180 200 190 180 170 180 250 220 200 190 175 180 210 210 265 195 170 195 150 175 215 165 165 185 160 205 225 190 205 195 220 235 215 195 240 260 210 235 250 290 280 210 220 285 255 305 305 300 275 310 300 295 250 315 310 280 195 170 180 235 195 175 245 240 225 302 210 245 265 300 290 220 180 320 225 223 220 230 215 185 215 170 200 220 180 295 225 175 170 150 215 190 185 235 225 290

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

Hometown Wichita Falls, Texas Middletown, Calif. Bryan, Texas Corinth, Texas Sacramento, Calif. Allen, Texas Tucker, Ga. Santa Cruz, Calif. Gilmer, Texas Morton, Texas Bryan, Texas Rowlett, Texas Cedar Park, Texas Klein, Texas Harker Heights, Texas Euless, Texas Austin, Texas Dallas, Texas Austin, Texas Burleson, Texas Pflugerville, Texas San Jose, Calif. Leander, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Leander, Texas New Orleans, La. Deer Park, Texas The Woodlands, Texas Spring, Texas Corinth, Texas Austin, Texas Weatherford, Texas Houston, Texas Converse, Texas Roswell, N.M. Dallas, Texas San Angelo, Texas Lampassas, Texas Big Spring, Texas Houston, Texas Overland Park, Kan. Iraan, Texas Crane, Texas San Angelo, Texas Wall, Texas Glendale, Ariz. Mansfield, Texas Irving, Texas Houston, Texas Austin, Texas San Antonio, Texas Hayward, Calif. Keller, Texas Boerne, Texas Conroe, Texas Marlin, Texas Modesto, Calif. The Colony, Texas Hamilton, Texas Houston, Texas Odessa, Texas Watsonville, Calif. Spring, Texas Keller, Texas Houston, Texas Katy, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Angelo, Texas Glenn Heights, Texas Brady, Texas Spring, Texas Boerne, Texas Houston, Texas Boyd, Texas Burkburrnett, Texas Gatesville, Texas Hemet, Calif. Harlingen, Texas Houston, Texas Fredericksburg, Texas Austin, Texas Houston, Texas White Oak, Texas Keller, Texas Houston, Texas Austin, Texas Katy, Texas Austin, Texas Cedar Park, Texas Iraan, Texas San Angelo, Texas Round Rock, Texas West Columbia, Texas Whiteright, Texas Boyd, Texas San Angelo, Georgetown, Texas Victoria, Texas Round Rock, Texas Wall, Texas Odessa, Texas Marble Falls, Texas San Antonio, Texas Humble, Texas Katy, Texas Dennison, Texas Austin, Texas

LONE STAR FOOTBALL FESTIVAL { cowboys stadium }

The Lone Star Football Festival has become one of the most highly anticipated events in ncaa Division II football. Played at Cowboys Stadium, arguably the greatest sports venue in the world, the festival provides Lone

exposure in North Texas. Last season, the inaugural festival set an lsc attendance record as 24,837 fans came out to the tripleheader of games.

angelo state university ram football

tremendous opportunities to gain

Star Conference football teams

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 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.

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 oaktrimmed 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.

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.

PLAYOFF

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. 1

ASU

Semifinals

Being a Ram means pride in everything we do, from daily workouts, to team meetings and playing at the highest level possible.

angelo state university ram football

Jerry austin Running Back, 1969-72

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

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 Angelo State 34 Elon 14 Bulldog Stadium, McAllen, Texas Dec. 16, 1978 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.

1979 PLAYOFFS

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

31 7

’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

APPEARANCES 1989 First Round

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

28 23

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

9 PLAYOFFS ’8

1987

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

23 (OT) 20

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

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

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 24-yard 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

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.

ASU

JSU

PSU

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. 1

NWMS

ASU

angelo state university ram football

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.

1 WSU

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

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.

24 21

SEMIFINALS

First Round

’97

First Round

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

PLAYOFFS

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

DANE KRAGER Minnesota Vikings Seattle Sehawks Arizona Rattlers Austin Wranglers

IN THE

angelo state university ram football

PROS

ANGELO STATE ALL-AMERICANS AP Little All-Americans 1969 Rodney Cason OT 1970 Rodney Cason OT 1971 Jerry Austin RB 1971 Rodney Cason OT 1971 Thomas Williams LB 1978 Jerry Aldridge RB 1982 Michael Elarms WR 1983 Mike Thomas K 1984 Keith Cox LB 1984 Steve Ford DT 1984 Glen Saterfield CB 1984 Tony Staten CB 1984 Kelvin Williams S 1984 Ken Williams OT 1985 Ned Cox QB 1985 Pete Hibler P 1985 Pierce Holt DT 1985 Henry Jackson LB 1985 Wesley Williams RB 1986 Pierce Holt DT 1987 Pierce Holt DT 1988 Henry Alsbrooks LB 1990 Kyle Freeman DE 1992 J.D. Garland DT 1992 Jimmy Morris P 1993 Greg Collins DE 1993 Anthony Hopper CB 1993 Greg Stokes LB 1994 Greg Stokes LB 1995 Greg Stokes 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 2nd 2001 Dane Krager DE 1st 2005 Justin Carter TE 2nd 2005 Kyle Fox RB 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

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Football Gazette All-Americans 1989 Mark Fogle DB 1st 1993 Greg Stokes LB 1st 1994 Valery Jackson DB 3rd 1994 Marcus Maple WR 3rd 1994 Andre President TE 2nd 1994 Greg Stokes LB 1st 1995 Valery Jackson DB 3rd 1995 Greg Stokes LB 1st 1996 Valery Jackson DB 3rd 1997 Chris Brazzell WR 2nd 1997 Erik Hartman QB 2nd 1999 Dominic Reyes LB 2nd 2000 Curry Dawson DT 2nd 2001 Dane Krager DE 1st 2005 Justin Carter TE 3rd 2005 Kyle Fox RB HM

Football News All-Americans 1985 Pete Hibler P 1st 1985 Henry Jackson LB 1st 1997 Tramain Jones DB 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

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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

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ANGELO STATE ALL LSC PICKS 2011 Lawrence Rumph, DL Nate Bayless, TE Paul Mason, RS Kyle Patterson, DT George Shamblen, P 2010 George Shamblen, P Garrett Tidwell, KR/PR 2008 Jason Watson, TE 2005 Justin Carter, TE Kyle Fox, RB 2004 James Williamson, LB

1999 Shockmain Davis, WR Stacy Pierson, OT Andy Bandura, TE Dane Krager, DL Dominic Reyes, LB Marcus Hill, 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

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

1986 Pat Graves, OT Tyler Ware, OG Pierce Holt, DT Doyle Weishuhn, DT 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 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 1981 Kevin Steen, OG Clayton Weishuhn, LB Doug Kuhlmann, QB 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

1977 Mike Millegan, DB Kelvin Smith, LB Wylie Turner, DB 1976 Eddie Bates, P Ken Kennard, DT Mark Urquiaga, DE Keith Ligon, LB James Cross, DB Steve Wilson, WR 1975 Kenneth Kennard, DT Mark Urquiaga, DE Keith Ligon, LB James Cross, DB Steve Wilson, WR Dewayne Osborne, OG 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 1970 Billy York, DB Jerry Austin, RB Rodney Cason, OT

angelo state university ram football

2000 Ricky Boehle, WR Joe Gibson, TE Curry Dawson, DT Jason Windfield, DB

1997 Chris Brazzell, WR Erik Hartman, QB Ron Wagner, OG Brett Elliott, OT Tramain Jones, DB

1992 J.D. Garland, DT Jimmy Morris, P Wilbur Odom, QB Kenneth Turner, LB

2001 Ryan Rechichar, TE Dane Krager, DE Curry Dawson, DT Sam Davis, DB Jonathan Palafox, DB

1998 Shockmain Davis, WR Kyle Kirk, LB

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.

angelo state university ram football

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.

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

GLENN JONES

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

Angelo State vs. Abilene Christian

Big Country/Concho Valley

Shootout Presented by State Farm

Another highly anticipated event for Angelo State football each season is the rivalry game between the Rams and Abilene Christian. Featuring one of the longestrunning rivalries in the Lone Star Conference, the game became even more significant when in 2010 it was dubbed the Big Valley Shootout Farm. The asu-acu series goes back 47 years with the Rams holding a 27-22-1 advantage over the Wildcats.

angelo state university ram football

Presented by State

Country/Concho

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 Kathleen Brasfield, 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

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.

RAMS COMMUNITY SERVICE

angelo state university ram football

Giving back to the San Angelo community is an integral part of the Angelo State football experience. Just as the community supports the Rams, the student-athletes return the favor. In the past year, the football team has performed more than 1,000 hours of community service in San Angelo. This summer, team members painted the houses of seven local families. They also visited local elementary schools for the Rams Read Program, which features asu student-athletes reading to kids and stressing the importance of staying in school. The Rams also participated in the asu Blood Drive, which contributed 93 pints of blood to United Blood Services, and volunteered for the Salvation Army.

Abilene Christian, Abilene, Texas Angelo State, San Angelo, Texas Eastern New Mexico, Portales, New Mexico University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas 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

Affordable for all. Better than you imagine. Closer than you think.

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PHOTO BY JIM BEAN