2010 BIG TEN CHAMPIONS • 2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS • 2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS MSUSPARTANS.COM • TWITTER: @MSU_FOOTBALL
2012 RECRUITING CLASS Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Hometown (High School)
Riley Bullough
LB
6-2
220
Traverse City, Mich. (St. Francis)
Aaron Burbridge
WR
6-1
190
Farmington Hills, Mich. (Harrison)
Demetrious Cox
DB
6-1
192
Jeannette, Pa. (Jeannette)
Jermaine Edmondson
DB
6-1
170
Canton, Ohio (McKinley Senior)
David Fennell
DT
6-3
274
Portland, Ore. (Sunset)
Zach Higgins
OL
6-5
305
Alliance, Ohio (Marlington)
Evan Jones
TE
6-6
240
West Lafayette, Ohio (Ridgewood)
Kyle Kerrick
WR
6-3
183
Coatesville, Pa. (Coatesville Area)
Kodi Kieler
OL
6-6
305
Rockwood, Mich. (Carlson)
Macgarrett Kings Jr.
WR
5-11
178
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (University School)
Jamal Lyles
LB
6-3
215
Southfield, Mich. (Southfield-Lathrup)
Monty Madaris
WR
6-2
190
Cincinnati, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller)
Benny McGowan
OL
6-4
290
Centerville, Ohio (Centerville)
Mark Meyers
DB
6-0
180
Toledo, Ohio (Whitmer)
Tyler O’Connor
QB
6-3
202
Lima, Ohio (Lima Central Catholic)
Josiah Price
TE
6-5
239
Greentown, Ind. (Eastern)
Ezra Robinson
DB
6-0
174
Sarasota, Fla. (Booker)
Nick Tompkins
RB
5-10
185
Snellville, Ga. (Brookwood)
Transfer
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Hometown (Previous School)
DeAnthony Arnett
WR
6-0
170
Saginaw, Mich. (University of Tennessee)
2 0 1 2
R E C R U I T I N G
C L A S S
RILEY BULLOUGH
LB • 6-2 • 220 • Traverse City, Mich. St. Francis High School • Coach Greg Vaughan Primary Recruiter: Mike Tressel HIGH SCHOOL AND PESONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top outside linebackers by Scout.com (No. 44) and Rivals.com (No. 52) . . . also listed among the country’s top safeties by ESPN.com (No. 37) . . . named to SuperPrep’s and PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . rated among the state’s top seniors by Lansing State Journal (No. 11), Rivals.com (No. 13), ESPN.com (No. 15), The Detroit News (No. 16) and Detroit Free Press (No. 22) . . . started 29 career games at quarterback for Coach Greg Vaughan at St. Francis High School in Traverse City, Mich. . . . also saw action at linebacker and safety during his prep career . . . suffered a broken collarbone in the fifth game of 2011 season . . . accounted for 619 total yards and 10 touchdowns in five games . . . completed 21-of-43 passes (.488) for 292 yards and four TDs as a senior . . . rushed 42 times for 327 yards (7.8 avg.) and six scores in 2011 . . . also credited with 31 tackles, including 2.5 for losses (15 yards), three pass break-ups and a forced fumble as a senior . . . produced 927 total yards and 16 TDs in 2010 . . . hit 38-of-86 throws (.442) for 654 yards, six TDs and four interceptions as a junior . . . added 273 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs in 2010 . . . recorded 67 tackles, including 1.5 for losses, three pass break-ups and an interception as a junior . . . posted a career-best 16 tackles vs. Grayling in 2010 . . . voted the team’s offensive MVP as a sophomore after leading the Gladiators to the state title . . . completed 36-of-62 (.581) for 598 yards, 12 TDs and five interceptions in 2009 . . . totaled 10 tackles and an interception as a sophomore . . . son of Shane and LeeAnn Bullough . . . born Nov. 23, 1993 . . . his brother Max is a junior linebacker on the Spartan roster . . . becomes a third-generation Spartan, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Hank (guard, 1952-54) and father Shane (linebacker, 1983-86) who played football at Michigan State . . . his grandfather Jim Morse (halfback, 1954-56) played for Coach Terry Brennan at Notre Dame . . . his uncles Chuck Bullough (Michigan State, linebacker, 1988-91), Bobby Morse (Michigan State, running back, 1983-86) and Jim Morse (Notre Dame, cornerback, 1976-77) played college football . . . plans to major in business.
Riley Bullough is ranked among the nation’s top outside linebackers by Scout.com (No. 44) and Rivals.com (No. 52). [Photo by Jan-Michael Stump, Traverse City Record-Eagle]
DANTONIO ON BULLOUGH: “Riley was our first committed player of this class. He went to our summer camp all five years that we’ve been here and we also saw him play in 2011. He’s an outstanding athlete with tremendous ball skills and change of direction, and has the ability to tackle in space. He played both safety and linebacker in high school, but will play linebacker at MSU. Riley will be an outstanding football player here.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
2 0 1 2
R E C R U I T I N G
C L A S S
AARON BURBRIDGE
WR • 6-1 • 190 • Farmington Hills, Mich. Harrison High School • Coach John Herrington Primary Recruiter: Brad Salem HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: SuperPrep and PrepStar All-American . . . ranked among the nation’s top players by Scout. com (No. 63), 247Sports.com (No. 85), Rivals.com (No. 103) and CollegeFootballNews.com (No. 119) . . . rated among the country’s top wide receivers by Scout.com (No. 9), 247Sports.com (No. 9), SuperPrep (No. 10), Rivals.com (No. 16), CollegeFootballNews.com (No. 19) and ESPN.com (No. 44) . . . ranked the state’s No. 1 senior by Rivals.com, 247Sports.com, Detroit Free Press and Lansing State Journal . . . listed among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 5) and ESPN.com (No. 32) . . . selected to play in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association 2012 East-West All-Star Game . . . two-year starter for Coach John Herrington at Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Mich. . . . two-time Detroit Free Press All-State Dream Team selection (2010, 2011) . . . named to the 2011 Associated Press and Detroit News Division 1-2 All-State Team . . . had 32 receptions for 753 yards (23.5 avg.) and six touchdowns as a senior . . . also returned an interception 99 yards for a TD and a kickoff 95 yards for a score in 2011 . . . caught four passes for 121 yards, including a 69-yard TD grab, in the 2011 playoff opener vs. Birmingham Seaholm . . . had 215 receiving yards and three TD receptions vs. Southfield-Lathrup as a senior . . . had 36 catches for 720 yards (20.0 avg.) and nine TDs as a junior while helping lead the Hawks to a perfect 14-0 record and the Division 2 state championship . . . accounted for 613 combined return yards in 2010 . . . recorded 24 tackles, 13 pass break-ups and five interceptions as a junior, returning two of those picks for TDs . . . had eight receptions for 123 yards and two scores (26 and 10 yards) vs. Lowell in 2010 state championship game . . . caught 46 passes for 752 yards (16.3 avg.) and eight TDs as a sophomore . . . son of Nora Clemons Florence . . . born Dec. 23, 1993 . . . undecided major. DANTONIO ON BURBRIDGE: “Aaron has big-play ability in every aspect of his game. He’s an extremely talented wide receiver, and has also played some tailback and cornerback; he could’ve been recruited in those positions as well. We will use him as a wide receiver. He’s a big-bodied wide receiver with outstanding speed that has great running after the catch ability. He comes from one of the top programs in the state of Michigan out of Harrison High School. We saw Aaron in play in 2011, and he’s expected to contribute immediately.”
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
Aaron Burbridge is the consensus top-ranked player in the state of Michigan. He caught 32 passes for 753 yards (23.5 avg.) and six touchdowns as a senior in 2011. [Photo by Detroit Free Press]
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
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R E C R U I T I N G
C L A S S
DEMETRIOUS COX
DB • 6-1 • 192 • Jeannette, Pa. Jeannette High School • Coach Roy Hall Primary Recruiter: Mark Staten HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: SuperPrep, MaxPreps and PrepStar All-American . . . ranked among the nation’s Top 100 prospects by Tom Lemming and Scout.com (No. 97) . . . rated among the country’s top safeties by Scout.com (No. 8), Rivals.com (No. 13), 247Sports.com (No. 18) and ESPN.com (No. 28) . . . listed among the nation’s top defensive backs by SuperPrep (No. 29) . . . ranked among Pennsylvania’s top seniors by SuperPrep (No. 8), Rivals.com (No. 10), ESPN.com (No. 11) and 247Sports.com (No. 11) . . . selected to play in the inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix, Ariz. . . . xxx-year starter for Roy Hall at Jeannette (Pa.) High School . . . Class AA first-team all-state selection by Pennsylvania Sports Writers in 2011 . . . headlined Post-Gazette’s East Xtra Fabulous 22 All-Stars . . . named Pittsburgh Post-Gazette WPIAL Class AA Player of the Year after leading the Jayhawks (12-1) advance to 2011 state championship game . . . earned All-PIAA honors after accounting for 2,173 total yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior . . . rushed for 1,263 yards and 22 TDs in 2011 . . . completed 62-of-106 throws (.585) for 910 yards and nine scores as a senior . . . recorded 63 tackles and three interceptions, returning one for a TD, in 2011 . . . scored 10 TDs during Jeannette’s playoff run . . . produced 1,319 total yards and 16 TDs as a junior . . . ran for 621 yards and 12 scores in 2010 . . . threw for 698 yards (55-of-88 passing) and four TDs as a junior . . . tallied 55 tackles and three interceptions in 2010, as the Jayhawks held 10 of their opponents to 13 points or less . . . surpassed the 1,000-point career milestone in basketball earlier this season . . . earned allconference honors as junior after averaging 18 points per game . . . son of Dorsey Cox and Rochelle Tillman . . . born April 20, 1994 . . . plans to major in business.
Demetrious Cox is ranked among the nation’s top safeties by Scout.com (No. 8), Rivals.com (No. 13), 247Sports.com (No. 18) and ESPN.com (No. 28) and is also ranked one of the top 100 players in the nation by Tom Lemming and Scout.com. [Photo by Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]
DANTONIO ON COX: “Demetrious is a versatile performer, has a big body, and is extremely explosive. We saw him play in 2011. He has outstanding change of direction and hitting ability, as well as deep ball judgment. He could play a multitude of positions and has ability to be a dual player, but he will come to Michigan State as a safety. He’s expected to be an immediate contributor. He’s an impact player not only on the field, but off the field as well. He displays great leadership ability.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
2 0 1 2
R E C R U I T I N G
C L A S S
JERMAINE EDMONDSON
DB • 6-1 • 170 • Canton, Ohio McKinley Senior High School • Coach Ron Johnson Primary Recruiter: Pat Narduzzi HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top cornerbacks by ESPN.com (No. 47) and Scouts.com (No. 48) . . . named to SuperPrep’s and PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . rated among the state’s top seniors by ESPN.com (No. 48) . . . named Defensive Back MVP at the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Arlington, Texas . . . selected to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game . . . two-year starter for Coach Ron Johnson at McKinley Senior High School in Canton, Ohio . . . first-team All-Ohio (Division I) selection by The Associated Press in 2011 . . . also earned AP Northeast All-District (first team), WHBC Radio All-Stark County and All-Federal League honors as a senior . . . recorded 41 tackles, with two for losses including a sack, and 12 pass break-ups in 2011 . . . led the Bulldogs with four interceptions as a senior, returning three of those picks for touchdowns . . . his top all-around performance in 2011 came vs. Perry, with four tackles and four passes defended, including two interceptions with one returned for a score . . . registered 42 tackles, nine pass break-ups and a school single-season record seven interceptions (tied former Ohio State All-American Mike Doss) as a junior . . . posted five tackles and four passes defended, including two interceptions with one returned for a TD vs. Massillon, in 2010 . . . his prep career totals include 83 tackles, 21 pass break-ups and 11 interceptions, with four returned for TDs . . . also lettered in track and field . . . participated in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 at the 2011 state track meet . . . son of Jermaine Edmondson Sr., and Louis and Selena Johnson . . . born July 10, 1994 . . . plans to major in kinesiology. DANTONIO ON EDMONDSON: “Jermaine is an outstanding player who excelled in one of the most competitive conferences in the country. He has big-play capability as a returner. He’s a true cover-corner who can run and accelerate. Every time he has the ball, it seems like there’s touchdowns involved. We saw him play in 2011 and he also attended our camp. He has the ability to tackle in space and has great ball skills. He also has outstanding running ability.”
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
Jermaine Edmondson, who was named the Defensive Back MVP at the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, was a first-team Division 1 All-Ohio selection by The Associated Press. [Photo by The Repository]
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
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R E C R U I T I N G
C L A S S
DAVID FENNELL
DT • 6-3 • 274 • Portland, Ore. Sunset High School • Coach Faustin Riley Primary Recruiter: Ted Gill HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top defensive tackles by 247Sports.com (No. 78) . . . rated among Oregon’s top seniors by ESPN.com (No. 6) and 247Sports. com (No. 6) . . . played his senior season for Coach Faustin Riley at Sunset High School in Portland, Ore. . . . 2011 Class 6A first-team all-state selection by The Oregonian . . . selected All-Metro League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior . . . recorded 82 tackles, with 10.5 resulting in losses including 5.5 sacks, in 2011 . . . led the Apollos in total tackles and sacks . . . played his first three seasons at Rundle College High School in Calgary, Alberta . . . named to the Calgary All-Stars in 2010 while helping the Cobras defeat Holy Rosary, 41-21, in the Alberta Bowl . . . participated in Team Alberta training camp for 2010 U18 Football Canada Cup . . . represented the South All-Stars in the 2009 Bantam Bowl . . . also participated in track and field . . . finished second in the shot put (11.11m) and seventh in the discus (23.52m) in the 2011 Calgary Independent Schools Athletic Association Championships . . . placed third in the shot put (10.2m) in the 2010 CISAA meet . . . son of David and Lynne Fennell . . . born Jan. 1, 1994 . . . his father David, nicknamed “Doctor Death,” spent 10 years and won six Grey Cups with Edmonton Eskimos (1974-83) . . . David was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1990 . . . plans to major in engineering. DANTONIO ON FENNELL: “David is a very unique story, coming to the United States from Canada in August of his senior year. He was a virtual unknown, and ended up becoming captain of his football team, first-team all-state, and conference player of the year. He’s plays extremely hard and is very strong and explosive. He’s very sudden at the defensive tackle position. He’s also an outstanding student. We’re very excited to have a player of his caliber. He’s a sleeper due to the fact that he moved into this country late in the recruiting process.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
David Fennell was selected as the All-Metro League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior after recording 82 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. [Photo by 247Sports.com]
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
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C L A S S
ZACH HIGGINS
OL • 6-5 • 305 • Alliance, Ohio Marlington High School • Coach Ed Miley Primary Recruiter: Pat Narduzzi HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top offensive tackles by 247Sports.com (No. 48), Rivals.com (No. 69) and ESPN.com (No. 78) . . . named to SuperPrep’s and PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . listed among the Midwest’s top prospects by ESPN.com (No. 75) and SuperPrep (No. 89) . . . rated among Ohio’s top seniors by 247Sports.com (No. 26), ESPN.com (No. 37) and Rivals.com (No. 45) . . . three-year starter for Coach Ed Miley at Marlington High School in Alliance, Ohio . . . two-time first-team All-Ohio (Division III) choice by The Associated Press . . . two-time AP Northeast Inland All-District (first team), WHBC Radio All-Stark County and All-Northeastern Buckeye Conference selection . . . graded out at 90 perfect for his blocking assignments and allowed no sacks as a senior . . . anchored an offensive line that helped the Lions rush for 3,078 yards and score 362 points in 2011 . . . also recorded 40 tackles, including a sack, as a senior . . . helped pave the way for a team that rushed for more than 4,000 yards in 2010 while advancing to the state semifinals . . . three-year letterman in wrestling . . . finished fifth in the 285-pound class in 2011 . . . son of Cecil and Kimberly Higgins . . . born Nov. 1, 1993 . . . plans to major in nursing. DANTONIO ON HIGGINS: “Zach is a tough-minded offensive lineman. He attended our camp and we saw him play in 2011. He’s very athletic and physical, showed balance and explosion, and has excellent feet. He’s also an outstanding wrestler. We have him projected as a guard.”
Zach Higgins, a three-year starter at Marlington High School, was a two-time first-team All-Ohio (Division 3) selection by The Associated Press. [Photo by The Repository]
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
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R E C R U I T I N G
C L A S S
EVAN JONES
TE • 6-6 • 240 • West Lafayette, Ohio Ridgewood High School • Coach John Slusser Primary Recruiter: Mike Tressel HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top tight ends by 247Sports.com (No. 19) and Scout.com (No. 31) . . . named to SuperPrep’s and PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . threeyear starter at tight end and defensive end for Coach John Slusser at Ridgewood High School in West Lafayette, Ohio . . . helped the Generals to a combined record of 31-4 over his last three seasons while averaging 259.0 rushing yards and 35.4 points per game . . . played every offensive snap at tight end over the last three years . . . three-time All-Inter Valley Conference selection (first team, 2010-11; second team, 2009) . . . first-team All-Ohio (Division V) choice by The Associated Press as a senior . . . had a career-best 16 receptions for 159 yards (9.1 avg.) and two touchdowns in 2011 . . . recorded 38 tackles as a senior, with 12 for losses including three sacks . . . posted seven tackles, including two sacks, vs. Lucasville Valley in the 2011 playoffs . . . named to AP Eastern All-District First Team as a defensive lineman as a junior . . . set career highs for tackles (59), tackles for loss (20) and sacks (6) in 2010 . . . also caught 10 passes for 93 yards (9.3 avg.) and two scores as a junior . . . earned AP Eastern All-District second-team honors as a defensive lineman in 2009 . . . made 47 stops as a sophomore, with 2.5 for losses including 1.5 sacks . . . had five catches for 75 yards (15.0 avg.) in 2009 . . . had 31 career receptions for 327 yards (10.2 avg.) and four TDs . . . his career totals also include 144 tackles, with 34.5 for losses including 10.5 sacks . . . son of Troy Jones; Amy and Dan McQuiston . . . born July 10, 1993 . . . undecided major.
Evan Jones had a career-best 16 receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns as a senior in 2011 while also recording 38 tackles, including 12 for losses. [Photo by Coshocton Tribune]
DANTONIO ON JONES: “Evan is a big-bodied tight end who was in our camp; we also saw him play in 2011. He has excellent ball skills, shows toughness, and has a tremendous upside. He fills a position of need, and has the potential to be an immediate contributor. He was an outstanding defensive player in high school as well.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
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C L A S S
KYLE KERRICK
WR • 6-3 • 195 • Coatesville, Pa. Coatesville Area High School • Coach Matt Ortega Primary Recruiter: Dave Warner Enrolled at Michigan State on Jan. 9, 2012, for the beginning of the spring semester . . . HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Named to SuperPrep’s All-Northeast and PrepStar’s All-East Teams . . . ranked among Pennsylvania’s top seniors by 247Sports.com (No. 20), Rivals.com (No. 26) and ESPN.com (No. 34) . . . two-year starter for Coach Matt Ortega at Coatesville (Pa.) Area High School . . . two-time first-team all-area selection . . . also earned first-team Ches-Mont League honors as both a junior and senior . . . had 43 receptions for 734 yards (17.1) avg. and 10 touchdowns as a senior . . . caught six passes for 140 yards, including a 42-yard TD grab, in the opening round of the 2011 playoffs vs. Spring-Ford . . . had 37 catches for 525 yards (14.2 avg.) and 14 TDs as a junior . . . also participated in track . . . son of Jennifer Kerrick and James Clark . . . born Jan. 23, 1994 . . . majoring in marketing. DANTONIO ON KERRICK: “Kyle is a big-bodied wide receiver who has the ability to break tackles. He played safety as well in high school, and is extremely tough and physical. We saw him play in 2011. He shows big-play ability and great acceleration. He will have an opportunity to contribute immediately this spring.”
Kyle Kerrick had 43 receptions for 734 yards (17.1 avg.) and 10 touchdowns as a senior. [Photo by Philadelphia Inquirer]
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
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C L A S S
KODI KIELER
OL • 6-6 • 305 • Rockwood, Mich. Carlson High School • Coach Kent Sikora Primary Recruiter: Dave Warner HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Named to SuperPrep’s and PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . rated among the state’s top seniors by 247Sports.com (No. 19), The Detroit News (No. 22), Lansing State Journal (No. 22), ESPN.com (No. 23), Detroit Free Press (No. 28) and Rivals.com (No. 28) . . . selected to play in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association 2012 East-West All-Star Game . . . three-year starter for Coach Kent Sikora at Carlson High School in Gibraltar, Mich. . . . Detroit Free Press Division 3 all-state selection . . . honorable mention all-state selection by The Associated Press and The Detroit News . . . named to Detroit News All-Metro West, All-Downriver Dream Team as well as Monroe Evening News All-Region Dream Team Offense . . . recorded 18 pancake blocks and did not allow a sack as a senior . . . credited with 53 tackles, including four sacks, 10 quarterback hurries and a pass break-up in 2011 . . . named to Detroit Free Press All-West Team, Monroe Evening News All-Region Dream Team and first-team All-Downriver as a junior . . . produced 49 tackles, including two sacks, in 2010 . . . contributed 36 tackles as a sophomore, with nine resulting in losses including two sacks . . . also participated in baseball, basketball and wrestling . . . son of Sean and Kimberly Baker . . . born Feb. 24, 1994 . . . plans to major in criminal justice.
Kodi Kieler, a three-year starter at Carlson High School, was a Detroit Free Press Division 3 all-state selection as a senior in 2011. [Photo by Larry Caruso, The News-Herald]
DANTONIO ON KIELER: “Kodi is a big athlete who excelled on both offense and defense. He has great running ability and change of direction. We saw him play in 2011. He shows toughness, explosiveness, and the ability to run and change direction.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
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MACGARRETT KINGS JR.
WR • 5-11 • 178 • Fort Lauderdale, Fla. University School • Coach Roger Harriott Primary Recruiter: Mark Staten HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Named to SuperPrep’s AllDixie Team . . . scored on a 21-yard touchdown grab in the Tournament of Champions Nike All-Star Game (South Florida vs. Miami-Dade) . . . two-year starter for Coach Roger Harriott at University School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. . . . Class 3A first-team all-state selection by The Associated Press . . . named Sun-Sentinel 2011 Player of the Year after accounting for 1,362 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns . . . earned first-team all-county honors from the Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald . . . also selected team MVP . . . had 58 receptions for 755 yards (13.0 avg.) and 10 TDs as a senior . . . rushed for 127 yards and nine scores in 2011 . . . returned eight kickoffs for 359 yards (44.9 avg.) and two TDs and six punts for 121 yards (20.2 avg.) and one TD as a senior . . . accounted for 367 combined yards (rushing, receiving, passing and return yards) and a school-record six TDs vs. Delaware’s Red Lion Academy (caught 13 passes for 144 yards and two TDs; rushed for 43 yards and three scores; returned a kickoff 98 yards for a TD; and went 2-for-2 passing for 82 yards) . . . named first-team all-county and the Suns’ Most Outstanding Offensive Player as a junior . . . secured a spot on the 2010 All-State Championship Tournament First Team after helping the Suns advance to the Class 2B Championship Game . . . accounted for 1,832 all-purpose yards and 21 TDs as a junior . . . had 55 catches for 735 yards (13.4 avg.) and seven TDs in 2010 . . . carried 108 times for 661 yards (6.1 avg.) and 14 TDs as a junior . . . returned 13 kickoffs for 281 yards (21.6 avg.) and 11 punts for 155 yards (14.1 avg.) in 2010 . . . set school career records for all-purpose yards (3,194) and TDs (43) . . . also participates in basketball and track and field . . . son of Macgarrett Kings Sr. and Sherrie Bates . . . born Sept. 27, 1993 . . . undecided major.
Macgarrett Kings Jr. was named the Sun-Sentinel Player of the Year after accounting for 1,362 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior in 2011. [Photo by 247Sports.com]
DANTONIO ON KINGS: “Macgarrett is an outstanding athlete in the mold of a Keshawn Martintype player. There’s a potential for him to contribute immediately. He shows great ball skills and change of direction. He’s a kick returner and a punt returner with breakaway speed and great acceleration. He’s also played tailback in the past, so he has running ability. He camped at MSU last spring and displayed great skill.”
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
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JAMAL LYLES
LB • 6-3 • 215 • Southfield, Mich. Southfield-Lathrup High School • Coach Stephon Thompson Primary Recruiter: Brad Salem HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top weakside defensive ends by Rivals.com (No. 18) . . . listed among the country’s top linebackers by Scout.com (No. 28 outside linebacker), CollegeFootballNews.com (No. 44) and 247Sports.com (No. 56 outside linebacker) . . . named to SuperPrep’s and PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . rated among the state’s top seniors by the Detroit Free Press (No. 5), Lansing State Journal (No. 7), Rivals. com (No. 7), The Detroit News (No. 12), 247Sports.com (No. 13) and ESPN.com (No. 22) . . . three-year starter for Coach Stephon Thompson at Southfield-Lathrup High School . . . honorable mention all-state selection by The Associated Press and The Detroit News . . . second-team All-North selection by the Detroit Free Press . . . two-time all-conference pick . . . recorded 135 tackles, including 19 for losses, and scored two defensive touchdowns as a senior . . . also forced four fumbles and recovered four fumbles in 2011 . . . saw action at five different positions (quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, running back and linebacker) vs. Farmington: threw a pass, caught a pass, scored two rushing TDs and returned a fumble 42 yards for a score . . .had 13 receptions for 350 yards (26.9 avg.) and two TDs as a junior . . . posted 90 tackles, including 11 for losses, and an interception in 2010 . . . also credit with four fumble recoveries as a junior . . . son of David Lyles and Cheree Wilson . . . born Dec. 9, 1993 . . . plans to major in nursing. DANTONIO ON LYLES: “Jamal played a variety of positions in high school – he played quarterback, wide out, tight end and linebacker – which shows you how athletic he is. We watched him in camp and also play in 2011. He will play linebacker here at Michigan State. He has great ability to run, he’s explosive, and has good ball skills. He’s also extremely tough.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
Jamal Lyles, who saw action at five different positions at Southfield Lathrup, will play linebacker for the Spartans after recording 135 tackles, including 19 for losses, as a senior in 2011. [Photo by Deb Jacques, C&G News]
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
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C L A S S
MONTY MADARIS
WR • 6-2 • 190 • Cincinnati, Ohio Archbishop Moeller High School • Coach John Rodenberg Primary Recruiter: Harlon Barnett HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated among the nation’s top players by Scout.com (No. 159) . . . ranked among the nation’s top wide receivers by Scout.com (No. 26), ESPN.com (No. 36), 247Sports.com (No. 47) and Rivals.com (No. 54) . . . listed among the Midwest’s top prospects by ESPN.com (No. 24) and SuperPrep (No. 48) . . . ranked among the state’s top seniors by ESPN.com (No. 13), 247Sports.com (No. 17) and Rivals.com (No. 21) . . . two-year starter for Coach John Rodenberg at Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio . . . first-team All-Ohio (Division 1) selection by The Associated Press in 2011 . . . named Cincinnati Enquirer Player of the Year and AP Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year as a senior . . . also selected Greater Catholic League South Division Offensive Player of the Year in 2011 . . . had 56 receptions for 1,137 yards (20.3 avg.) and 16 touchdowns as a senior while helping lead the Crusaders to the GLC South title . . . also rushed for 280 yards and two scores in 2011 . . . caught seven passes for 207 yards and three TDs vs. St. Xavier (Ky.) as a senior . . . had 50 catches for 719 yards (14.4 avg.) and seven scores in 2010 . . . also gained 269 yards and scored three rushing TDs as a junior . . . his 2010 top single-game performances: eight receptions vs. LaSalle, 136 receiving yards vs. Hamilton and two TD catches vs. Mooney . . . had 121 career receptions for 2,024 yards and 25 TDs . . . former high school teammate of current Spartan defensive end Marcus Rush . . . son of Montanez Madaris Sr. and Tylisha Moore . . . born Sept. 8, 1993 . . . plans to major in business. DANTONIO ON MADARIS: “Monty is an outstanding athlete who attended our camp twice. He’s a big-bodied wide receiver who reminds me of B.J. Cunningham. He possesses raw speed and is very instinctive. He’s also tough and an outstanding blocker. He was one of the top players in Cincinnati in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation. Monty is the third player that we’ve recruited from Moeller High School – the past two (Greg Jones, Marcus Rush) have been great ones.”
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
Monty Madaris was named the Cincinnati Enquirer Player of the Year after catching 56 passes for 1,137 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior at Moeller High School in 2011. [Photo by Cincinnati Enquirer]
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
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BENNY McGOWAN
OL • 6-4 • 290 • Centerville, Ohio Centerville High School • Coach Ron Ullery Primary Recruiter: Harlon Barnett HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top offensive guards by ESPN.com (No. 25), 247Sports.com (No. 27) and Rivals.com (No. 40) . . . named to SuperPrep’s and PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . rated among Ohio’s top seniors by ESPN.com (No. 14), 247Sports.com (No. 35) and Rivals.com (No. 50) . . . twoyear starter and two-time all-conference pick for Coach Ron Ullery at Centerville (Ohio) High School . . . second-team All-Ohio (Division I) selection by The Associated Press in 2011 . . . named to AP Southwest All-District Team . . . anchored an offensive line that helped the Elks average 332.0 rushing yards and 39.3 points per game in 2011 . . . recorded 65 knockdowns as a senior, including 16 domination blocks . . . Elks averaged 5.8 yards per carry as 90 percent of the team’s runs went behind him in 2011 . . . produced 38 knockdowns, including 10 domination blocks, as a junior while the Elks averaged 320 rushing yards per game and 5.6 yards per rush . . . four-year letterman in track and field . . . son of Michael and Tracy McGowan . . . born Dec. 12, 1993 . . . plans to major in criminal justice.
Benny McGowan, one of the top players in the state of Ohio, is ranked among the nation’s top offensive guards by ESPN.com (No. 25), 247Sports.com (No. 27) and Rivals.com (No. 40). [Photo by JJHuddle.com and ScoutingOhio.com]
DANTONIO ON McGOWAN: “Benny comes from an outstanding program in Centerville High School that is built on toughness and competes in one of the best conferences in America. We saw him play in 2011, and he’s very physical and explosive. He comes off the ball well and gets movement immediately. He is also an excellent shot putter and was a team MVP in 2011.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
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MARK MEYERS
DB • 6-0 • 180 • Toledo, Ohio Whitmer High School • Coach Joe Palka Primary Recruiter: Mike Tressel HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top safeties by ESPN.com (No. 27) . . . rated among Ohio’s top seniors by ESPN.com (No. 30) . . . three-year starter for Coach Joe Palka at Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio . . . first-team All-Ohio (Division I) selection by the Associated Press in 2011 . . . two-time first-team AP Northwest All-District selection . . . also earned All-Blade and allleague honors as a senior . . . recorded 97 tackles, including five for losses, and three interceptions in 2011 while helping the Panthers (13-1) advance to the state semifinals . . . returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown vs. Wadsworth in the regional final . . . AP second-team All-Ohio pick as a junior . . . son of Serena Johnson, and Mike and Sandy Stockdale . . . born Dec. 21, 1993 . . . plans to major in family studies. DANTONIO ON MEYERS: “Mark is another outstanding dual player who will play defensive back. Not only is he one of the top defensive backs in Ohio, he’s also a tremendous returner. Mark plays with great effort every snap and is an excellent tackler. We saw him play in 2011 and have him projected to play at safety. He camped at MSU this past year and showed excellent skills and versatility.”
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
Mark Meyers, a first-team All-Ohio (Division 1) selection by The Associated Press in 2011, recorded 97 tackles and three interceptions as a senior. [Photo by Andy Morrison, The Blade]
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
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TYLER O’CONNOR
QB • 6-3 • 202 • Lima, Ohio Lima Central Catholic High School • Coach Jerry Cooper Primary Recruiter: Mike Tressel HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: PrepStar All-American . . . ranked among the nation’s top pro-style quarterbacks by 247Sports. com (No. 13) and Rivals.com (No. 18) . . . rated among the country’s top quarterbacks by ESPN.com (No. 58) . . . named to SuperPrep’s AllMidwest Team . . . listed among Ohio’s top seniors by 247Sports.com (No. 18), Rivals.com (No. 30) and ESPN.com (No. 51) . . . participated in the 2011 Elite 11 Quarterback Camp in Malibu, Calif. . . . four-year starter for Coach Jerry Cooper at Lima (Ohio) Central Catholic High School . . . second-team All-Ohio (Division V) selection by The Associated Press in 2011 . . . named to AP Northwest All-District First Team as a senior . . . selected Northwest Conference Back of the Year for the second-straight season after throwing for 1,995 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2011 while leading the Thunderbirds to a 10-1 record and the No. 1 ranking in the final AP Division V Poll . . . connected on 18-of-32 passes for 333 yards, five TDs and four interceptions vs. Liberty-Benton in the 2011 state quarterfinals . . . also earned first-team all-conference honors as the kicking specialist as a senior, converting 26-fo-29 extra-point attempts and averaging 38 yards per punt . . . voted 2010 NWC Back of the Year after accounting for 2,986 total yards and 40 TDs . . . completed 141-of-231 throws (.610) for 2,516 yards, 27 TDs and six interceptions as a junior . . . rushed for 470 yards and 13 scores in 2010 . . . threw for 1,631 yards (100-of-173 passing) and 21 TDs as a sophomore . . . hit 104-of-222 passes for 1,634 yards and 11 scores as a freshman . . . four-year starter on the Thunderbirds’ basketball team . . . earned second-team AP All-Ohio (Division III) honors as a junior after averaging 12.8 points per game . . . son of Mike and Barb O’Connor . . . born March 4, 1994 . . . plans to major in business. DANTONIO ON O’CONNOR: “Tyler attended camp here at Michigan State and we also saw him play. He’s a big-bodied, elusive and athletic quarterback with an outstanding arm and great delivery. He has an outstanding throwing technique and body mechanics. He makes excellent decisions, has impressive pocket presence, and is extremely productive.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
Tyler O’Connor was a named a PrepStar All-American and participated in the 2011 Elite 11 Quarterback Camp. He threw for 1,995 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2011 while leading Lima Central Catholic to a 10-1 record. [Photo by The Lima News]
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
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JOSIAH PRICE
TE • 6-5 • 239 • Greentown, Ind. Eastern High School • Coach: Josh Edwards Primary Recruiter: Dave Warner HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top tight ends by 247Sports.com (No. 16) and Rivals.com (No. 19) . . . named to SuperPrep’s and PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . rated among Indiana’s top seniors by ESPN.com (No. 5), 247Sports.com (No. 7) and Rivals.com (No. 10) . . . four-year starter for Coach Josh Edwards at Eastern High School in Greentown, Ind. . . . two-time Top 50 All-State selection by the Indiana Football Coaches Association . . . also earned first-team all-state (Class 2A) honors from The Associated Press as a senior . . . two-time first-team all-area and all-conference pick . . . named the state’s top senior tight end by the IFCA as part of the Mr. Football program . . . had 39 receptions for 524 yards (13.4 avg.) and four touchdowns in 2011 . . . threw for 114 yards and rushed for 106 yards as a senior . . . recorded 59 tackles, with 19.5 resulting in losses including 13 sacks, in 2011 . . . forced five fumbles, blocked two punts and returned a punt for a TD as a senior . . . caught four passes for 123 yards and a score vs. Oak Hill . . . had a career-best 41 catches for 574 yards (14.0 avg.) and eight TDs in 2010 . . . registered 95 tackles, with 23 for losses including 10 sacks, as a junior . . . had a season-high nine receptions for 155 yards and a TD vs. Fort Wayne Bishop Luers in 2010 . . . his career receiving totals include 130 receptions for 1,920 yards (14.8 avg.) . . . accounted for 29 career TDs . . . produced 286 career tackles, with 65.5 for losses including a school-record 41.5 sacks . . . also participates in basketball and track and field . . . has already eclipsed the 1,000-point career milestone for the Comets’ basketball team . . . son of Tim and Mary Price . . . born July 19, 1993 . . . undecided major.
Ranked one of the top tight ends in the nation, four-year starter Josiah Price had 39 receptions for 524 yards and four touchdowns as a senior in 2011. [Photo by Tim Bath, Kokomo Tribune]
DANTONIO ON PRICE: “Josiah is a mismatch tight end who has the ability to catch the ball in traffic. We saw him in our camp over the summer, and he fills a position of need for our football team. He shows explosiveness, has great toughness on defense, and is very productive. He’s also an outstanding basketball player.”
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
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EZRA ROBINSON
DE • 6-0 • 174 • Sarasota, Fla. Booker High School • Coach Fred Gilmore Primary Recruiter: Harlon Barnett HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top cornerbacks by Rivals.com (No. 52) and ESPN.com (No. 72) . . . selected to play in the Police Athletic League Bowl . . . four-year starter for Coach Fred Gilmore at Booker High School in Sarasota, Fla. . . . 2011 Class 4A first-team all-state selection by The Associated Press and Sarasota Herald-Tribune . . . led the Tornadoes in passes defended (7) and interceptions (2) as a senior . . . recorded 90 tackles, including three sacks, in 2011 . . . accounted for more than 1,000 kickoff return yards and returned two for scores as a senior . . . returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown vs. Gateway Charter . . . participated in 2010 IMG Madden Football Academy . . . finished fourth in the 2011 Class 2A high jump with a personal-best leap of 6-6 . . . also set Sarasota County meet record in the triple jump (44-4) as a junior . . . son of Charles and Vanesa Robinson . . . born Feb. 19, 1994 . . . plans to major in business. DANTONIO ON ROBINSON: “Ezra is an outstanding athlete and a big-play guy who can be a kick returner or punt returner for us. We watched him play in 2011. He has great feet and good body mechanics, and has displayed excellent tackling ability. He will play cornerback at Michigan State. Ezra is also an outstanding track athlete who excels at high jump and also as a sprinter and triple jumper.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
Ezra Robinson, a four-year starter at Booker High School in Sarasota, Fla., recorded 90 tackles and also accounted for more than 1,000 kickoff return yards with two touchdowns as a senior in 2011. [Photo by 247Sports.com]
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NICK TOMPKINS
RB • 5-10 • 185 • Snellville, Ga. Brookwood High School • Coach Mark Crews Primary Recruiter: Dave Warner HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top all-purpose backs by Rivals.com (No. 11) . . . rated among the country’s top running backs by 247Sports.com (No. 54), Scout.com (No. 70) and ESPN.com (No. 73) . . . named to SuperPrep’s All-Dixie Team . . . listed among Georgia’s top seniors by Rivals.com (No. 43) and SuperPrep (No. 45) . . . carried seven times for 92 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown run, in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Football Classic . . . rushed 18 times for 81 yards, including a 13-yard TD run, in the Rivalries of Gwinnett All-Star Game . . . three-year starter for Coach Mark Crews at Brookwood High School in Snellville, Ga. . . . honorable mention all-state choice in 2011 by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Georgia Sports Writers Association . . . selected Gwinnett County Running Back of the Year after rushing for 1,225 yards (6.1 yards per carry) and 11 TDs as a senior . . . rushed five times for 133 yards and three scores vs. Berkmar . . . returned a kickoff 75 yards for the game-winning TD with 15 seconds left vs. Parkview . . . carried 18 times for a season-high 196 yards and two TDs vs. Shiloh . . . gained 192 yards on 19 attempts and scored twice vs. Central Gwinnett . . . named Snellville Patch Player of the Week after rushing 27 times for 118 yards vs. Collins Hill, including a 79-yard TD gallop . . . earned first-team all-state honors as a junior from GSWA and AJC . . . also named first-team all-county in 2010 . . . rushed 226 times for 1,845 yards (8.2 avg.) and 22 TDs as a junior while helping the 14-1 Broncos win the Class AAAAA state championship . . . former high school teammate of current Spartan wide receiver Andre Sims Jr. . . . son of Reggie and Keisha Tompkins . . . father Reggie played wide receiver at Wisconsin . . . born Dec. 19, 1993 . . . plans to major in business.
Nick Tompkins, rated the No. 11 all-purpose back in the nation by Rivals.com, rushed for 1,225 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior. [Photo by The Atlanta-Journal Constitution]
DANTONIO ON TOMPKINS: “Nick comes from an outstanding program that won the 2010 state championship. He’s extremely explosive and productive, and has great vision in the backfield. He has the ball skills and return skills, so he could play a multitude of positions. He will play tailback here at MSU.”
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
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DeANTHONY ARNETT WR • 6-0 • 170 • Saginaw, Mich. University of Tennessee
Enrolled at Michigan State on Jan. 9, 2012, for the beginning of the spring semester . . . 2011 SEASON (TENNESSEE): True freshmen played in all 12 games with one start . . . had 24 catches for 242 yards (10.1 average) and two TDs . . . was third on team in catches and fifth in receiving yards . . . his 24 catches tied for second-most by a true freshman in UT history with William Howard (1984), only behind Kelley Washington’s 64 in 2001 . . . his 242 yards are the sixth-most by a true freshman in UT history . . . had three or more catches in six different games . . . had three catches for 20 yards at Kentucky (11/26) . . . had an 8-yard catch at No. 8 Arkansas (11/12) in first-career start . . . grabbed three balls for 47 yards vs. Middle Tennessee State (11/5) . . . produced three catches for career-high tying 59 yards vs. No. 14 South Carolina (10/29) . . . had three receptions for 22 yards vs. Georgia (10/8) . . . scored first two TDs of career on 13 and 8-yard receptions vs. Buffalo (10/1); finished with three catches for 27 yards . . . had a break-out game with eight receptions for 59 yards for first career catches at No. 16 Florida (9/17); it marked the most catches by a UT freshman since Kelley Washington (11) vs. LSU in 2001 SEC Championship Game . . . was one of 12 true freshmen to make debut vs. Montana (9/3) . . . HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the top prospects in the nation by ESPN.com (No. 57) and Rivals.com (No. 84) . . . member of the ESPNU 150 Team and Rivals.com 100 Team . . . ranked among the top wide receivers in the nation by Scout.com (No. 8), ESPN.com (No. 9) and Rivals.com (No. 12) . . . named to the Class of 2011 Sporting News Top 100 (No. 24 overall/No. 2 wide receiver) . . . ranked among the top players in Michigan by Rivals.com (No. 2) . . . selected to U.S. Army All-America Bowl . . . earned Division 1-2 all-state honors as a senior and junior . . . as a senior, led the Saginaw Valley League with 42 receptions for 782 yards and eight touchdowns while adding six more TDs rushing and returning kicks; finished season with more than 1,200 all-purpose yards . . . in his junior season, registered 41 receptions for 876 yards and 10 TDs . . . overall in his high school career, racked up more than 1,100 all-purpose yards and 15 total TDs . . . defensively, collected 46 tackles, three interceptions and 26 pass breakups . . .was a threeyear starter for the Trojans under Coach Gary Lee . . . also lettered in basketball and track and field . . . son of William and Virginia Arnett . . . born June 27, 1992.
DeAnthony Arnett had 24 catches at Tennessee in 2011, the second most by a true freshman in UT history. [Photo by Tennessee Media Relations]
DANTONIO ON ARNETT: “DeAnthony was as big of a recruit as anyone last year. He has game experience in the Southeastern Conference and is a proven commodity at wide receiver. We’ve had him in camp various times. He’s a great player with both outstanding big-play and route-running ability. He should one of our gamebreakers for us. He came here from the University of Tennessee and transferred due to family issues. He’ll be with us in the spring as we await the NCAA’s decision on his hardship waiver for immediate eligibility to play in the 2012 season.”
2012 OUTBACK BOWL CHAMPIONS
2011 BIG TEN LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS