Hurricane Elite Fall 2015 by Austin Chadwick

HURRICANE ELITE

FALL 2015

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CADILLAC DEALERW E1234 US 55 L L- Q UAMAIN L I F I E D ST., L E S SANYTOWN, EES.

N o s ec u r i t y d ep o sit required. Tax, title, licen

based on national average vehicle selling price. Each dealer sets its own price. Your payments may vary. Payments are for a 2015 Cadillac ATS Sedan Collection an MSRPTEL: of $XX,XXX. XX monthly payments CpleDEALER TODAY. CADILLAC DEALER 1234 MAIN ST., Standard ANYTOWN, USwith 55555 (555) 555-5555 d eal er fees ex tra. Mileage ch arge $.XX/mile

c SRX Crossover Standard Collection with an MSRP of $XX,XXX. XX monthly payments total $XX,XXX. Option to purchase at lease end for an amount to be determined at lease signing. GM Financial must approve lease. Tak over XX, XXX mi l es . At participatin g dealers o Mile over 30,000 Lessee pays forits excess wearYour andpayments tear charges. Payments mayare befor higher in Cadillac some states. Not available somewith other ers. of Residency restrictions apply. ge vehicle selling miles. price. Each dealer sets own price. may vary. Payments a 2015 ATS Sedan Standard with Collection anoff MSRP $XX,XXX. XX monthly payments total $XX,XXX. Payments are for a 2015

3939 South Memoria Dr • Tulsa • 918.665.3420 • www.donthorntoncadillac.com

Collection with an MSRP of $XX,XXX. XX monthly payments total $XX,XXX. Option to purchase at lease end for an amount to be determined at lease signing. GM Financial must approve lease. Take delivery by 8/31/15. Mileage charge of e pays for excess wear and tear charges. Payments may be higher in some states. Not available with some other offers. Residency restrictions apply.

for all the sports you play, we’re on your team. at eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic center, we’ve been caring for athletes just like you for many years. that means, when you’re seen by one of our sports medicine specialists, you’re seeing the same doctors who care for the elite athletes of the University of tulsa, Oral roberts University, and many other college and high school teams. from physicals to physical therapy and beyond, our team is here to help you be the best athlete you can be. call the sports medicine experts at eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic center at (800) 283-3662 today.

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10 | Redemption The Tulsa football team is ready to make right after two seasons of subpar football. Head Coach Philip Montgomery has put a charge in the 2015 team.

20 | Meet the Coaches Philip Montgomery has hired his staff and now has the men he will go into battle with. Meet the coaches as we give you the bios of all the new leaders of the TU football program.

30 | Fall Sports

We look at the very best in Tulsa athletics with a break down of the fall sports of soccer, cross country and volleyball

Annual Subscription includes three publications: • ANNUAL FOOTBALL AND FALL SPORTS PREVIEW (AUGUST) • ANNUAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW (NOVEMBER) • ANNUAL RECRUITING ISSUE (FEBRUARY) For all the best in the highest quality publication covering The University of Tulsa Athletic Programs, get it all with Hurricane Elite. Go to HurricaneElite.com

38 | Recruiting News The summer brought about many Tulsa commitments and we break down all the football and basketball commitments of 2016 thus far. Trinity Media Group, LLC 12330 E. 60th St. Ste. A. • Tulsa, OK 74146 All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick Senior Writer/Recruiting Chris Harmon Contributing Writers Kyle Kendrick, Austin Chadwick Feature Photographer Brandy Moton, Brad Heath, Dave Crenshaw Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1771 • Fax: 918.495.1787 Hurricane Elite is published tri-annually by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. Hurricane Elite is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges.

The THEUniversity Universityof ofTulsa Tulsa

LEXUS GIVEAWAY Lexus NX to be Given Away at Tulsa Football Home Opener August 24.

A 2015 Lexus NX vehicle will be given away to a lucky fan during The University of Tulsa’s home opener against the FAU Owls on Saturday, September 5, at 2:30 p.m. Fans, at least 21-years-old, can register at the Tulsa-FAU game to win a 2015 Lexus NX. Eight fans will be selected to participate in an on-field contest, where those eight fans will receive a key and the lucky fan who’s key opens the vehicle will drive off in the Lexus. The Lexus NX Giveaway is presented by Lexus of Tulsa in cooperation with Tulsa’s Channel 8 and the Tulsa World.

To have an opportunity to win, fans must have a game ticket to the Tulsa-FAU contest and must be in attendance. Single-game tickets will go on sale Saturday, August 22 online at TulsaHurricane.com and in person at the TU Athletic Ticket Office or over the phone at 918.631.GoTU (4688) on Monday, 20

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The game is being promoted as a White-Out Game, where all Tulsa fans are asked to wear white in support of the Golden Hurricane. Official White-Out T-shirts are available at Midwest Sporting Goods locations in Tulsa, online at tulsafootball.itemorder.com and can be purchased at the stadium gates on game day. Cost for the T-shirt is $5.00. In addition, the first 5,000 fans will receive a Hurricane Flag to help support Tulsa’s Wave the Flag Tradition that began a year ago.

Season ticket packages are still available for the six-game home schedule priced at $78, $150, $210 and $270. The Mazzio’s Family Fun Zone Ticket Package provides the greatest value for a family, as a family of four (two adults and

two children age 12-and-under) can purchase a ticket package for just $195 for the entire six-game home slate. Tulsa fans can also purchase a 3-Game Pick ‘Em MiniPack Plan that allows fans the ability to select three games out of the six-game home schedule for $45, $90 and $120. For tickets, fans can call 918.631. GoTU (4688) or purchase tickets in person at the TU athletic ticket office between 8:30-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Season tickets can also be purchased online at TulsaHurricane.com.

HURRICANE ELITE

FALL 2015

YOUR UNIVERSITY OF TULSA GO

OLDEN HURRICANE 2015 TEAM HURRICANE ELITE

FALL 2014

THE University of Tulsa

IMAGES FROM CAMP Photos Provided by The University of Tulsa - TulsaHurricane.com

Jeremy Brady

Zack Langer & Dane Evans

Derrick Luetjen

HURRICANE ELITE

McKinnley Whitfield & Zik Asiegbu

FALL 2015

Matt Mattox & the O-Line

Ramadi Warren

Tavarreon Dickerson

Connor Floyd

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REDEM

AFTER TWO DISAPPOINTING SEASONS, THE GOL

MPTION

LDEN HURRICANE WILL BE BACK ON TRACK.

HURRICANE ELITE

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The University of Tulsa

Hurricane Will get back on track By Bruce Howard

During a ten-year span from 2003 to 2012 The University of Tulsa Football program saw a renaissance that rivaled any ten-year period in Golden Hurricane history. Entering that span, the Hurricane had gone through 12 straight losing seasons. Then TU won two C-USA Championships, five division titles and five bowl games, indeed signifying a remarkable resurgence. However, that turnaround is endangered by two straight losing campaigns, with an aggregate 5-19 record. Enter new head coach Philip Montgomery and an energetic staff that hit the ground running in December and hasn’t stopped since. A wave of optimism has the fan base excited, and the expectations run high as the Hurricane gets ready for their Sept. 5th opener at H. A. Chapman Stadium against Florida Atlantic. Those expectations are a result of the explosive, fast-paced offense Montgomery operated at Baylor, where the Bears led the nation in total offense the last two years, and in scoring last season.

Might this remind TU fans of the days in the Todd Graham era when the Hurricane led the nation in total offense two straight years? Perhaps, but this TU team will definitely have Montgomery’s own unique stamp and that has the Hurricane Nation anxious for “Fun, Fast and Physical Football” come September.

OFFENSE

At first blush, one might view the Art Briles and Philip Montgomery offense at Baylor to be a pass happy, wide open, sling it all over the field sort of attack. While there are many elements of stretching the field both vertically and horizontally, a closer look reveals that the 2014 Bears had 619 rushing attempts, and 519 passing attempts, an approximate 54/46 12

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run-pass ratio. What has TU fans excited is the startling pace at which this offense runs.

In 2014, Baylor averaged an astonishing 87.5 plays per game. With the opposition averaging 72.4 plays, that was a whopping 15 more plays per game for the Briles/Montgomery offense. Even in the hurry-up, no huddle Gus Malzahn days of 2007 & 2008, the Hurricane averaged 80.4 and 78.3 plays per game. It goes without saying that the quarterback in this offense plays an enormous role in both the passing and running game. Although not named as the starter, Junior Dane Evans took the majority of the reps in the spring, and grew as a quarterback. He has the experience of 17 starts in his pocket, and took well to the new offense in the spring.

Montgomery said, “he was more consistent, eliminated mistakes and is one of the best competitors on the team”. Evans threw for over 3,100 yards last year (accomplished by only four other TU QBs), and improved his completion percentage to over 55percet. Expect those numbers to improve further if he gets the nod. Senior Joseph Calcagni has attempted only 43 passes on the collegiate level, but showcased a consistent grasp of the offense in the spring and has had a good summer. Freshman recruit Chad President benefitted from early enrollment and his consistency in the spring under an offense very similar to his high school attack should make him ready to go in the fall.

With four receiver positions on the two-deep, it’s clear you have to have depth in that area, and there is no doubt one of the strengths in this offense should be in the receiving corps. It starts with inside receiver Keevan Lucas, a junior who caught 101 passes for 1,219 yards, and outside pass

catcher Keyarris Garrett, a 6-4, 221-pound senior who grabbed 47 for 698 yards in 2014.

Only two players BRUCE HOWARD (Howard -V O I C E O F T H E Twilley and GOLDEN HURRICANE Chris Penn) in TU’s rich pass receiving history have caught more passes in a season than Lucas did last year. His inside toughness and ability to get yardage after the catch and after contact will continue to give opposing defenses fits. Garrett has now fully recovered from a broken leg that knocked him out of 2013, and is likely to return to his 2012 form when he stretched defenses for 67 catches and 845 yards. Senior Connor Floyd and sophomore Bishop Louie man the other inside receiver position, with a combined 41 catches a year ago. Other outside receivers include junior Josh Atkinson (35/416), sophomore Nigel Carter and emerging redshirt freshman Justin Hobbs. This offense also gets the ball to the running backs and tight ends. Senior tight end Mandel Dixon Jr. may have only caught six passes last year, but showed his versatility as a slot and even as a running back with seven attempts. His toughness also helps in pass protection and run blocking in the new scheme.

Junior Tyler Wilson is more of a classic tight end, while youngsters Payton Prince and true freshman Chris Minter will push for playing time as well. The running back and utility back positions have some perfectly capable performers, led by senior Zack Langer, who led TU in rushing

UP CLOSE

Coach: Philip Montgomery 1st season, 0-0) Conference Championships: N/A Bowl Record: N/A

Keevan Lucas

Offensive Coordinators: Sterlin Gilbert, Matt Mattox

5Golden - Year Trend Hurricane Wins 10

Hawai’i Bowl Hawai’i 62-35 - W Armed Forces Bowl BYU 24-21 - l

Autozone Liberty Bowl Iowa State 31-17 - W

2013 2014

2015 SCHEDULE Sept. 5 - vs. Florida Atlantic Sept. 12 – at New Mexico Sept. 19 – at Oklahoma Oct. 3 – vs. Houston* Oct. 10 – vs. Louisiana Monroe Oct. 17 – at East Carolina* Oct. 23 – vs. Memphis* Oct. 31 – at SMU* Nov. 7 – vs. Central Florida* Nov. 14 – at Cincinnati* Nov. 21 – vs. Navy* Nov. 27 – at Tulane* *AAC Conference Opponents

Defensive Coordinators: Bill Young, Brian Norwood

VITAL STATISTICS FBS Rankings: Total Offense: 56th (412.5 ypg) Scoring Offense: 91st (24.7 ppg) Passing Offense: 36th (264.7 ypg) Rushing Offense: 87th (147.83 ypg) Total Defense: 114th (486.8 ypg) Scoring Defense: 119th (39.3 ppg) Passing Defense: 113th (272.1 ypg) Rushing Defense: 108th (214.67 ypg)

The University of Tulsa last year and ripped off a 64-yard TD in the spring game.

Sophomore D’Angelo Brewer had a terrific camp, not only running with purpose and speed, but improving his pass protecting and pass catching abilities. Redshirt freshman Ramadi Warren has also impressed at the running back spot while Junior James Flanders is solid. In addition,don’t be surprised if true freshman Javon Thomas has an impact with playing time. The youngster has emerged through camp as tough tackling player. Up front, the offensive line has experience and some youngsters pushing their way forward. Junior Dylan Foxworth and senior Garrett Stafford are the leaders. But Foxworth has been dealing with injuries and will relinquish the starting spot by redshirt freshman Chandler Miller, and Evan Plagg’s emergence at left tackle has allowed Stafford to move inside to guard. Chris Wallace and Blake Belcher are returning starters on the right side, and are pushed by youngsters Willie Wright, Tyler Bowling and JUCO transfer Alex Pagonis pushing for snaps.

Philip Montgomery

Defense

History was made in 2014 in all the wrong areas for the Golden Hurricane defense. The 471 points allowed was the most ever given up by a TU defense, and the defensive average of 39.2 was also the worst in program history. Head coachMontgomery and defensive coordinator Bill Young have their work cut out for them, but the latter is

not only returning to TU as an assistant, but has a history of resurrecting defenses.

The defensive line may be the strong point. Senior Derrick Alexander has emerged as a leader, and wants to build on his 7.5-sack performance from a year ago. Montgomery is looking for even more disruption from “DA” from his end position. With likely attention paid to Alexander, expect a breakout year from Jeremy Smith, a sophomore who showed explosive flashes as a freshman. Sophomores Frankie Davis and Kolton Shindelar (moving from TE) are looking to make an impact as well.

Inside, Derrick Luetjen is a leader and is looking for a big senior season, while Jerry Uwaezuoke has gotten stronger entering his junior campaign. Sophomore Jesse Brubaker, once a starter, but recovering from an eye injury, and junior Hayden Carman, provide depth. In addition, Baylor transfer Suleiman Masumbuko is immediately eligible and will be in the rotation as well. Inexperience and injuries decimated the linebacking corps in 2014, and coaches Montgomery and Young want more team speed at that position.

Dane Evans

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Moving junior Matt Linscott from safety helps on one side, while sophomore Craig Suits started all 12 games last year on the other side. Junior Shawn Norman and senior Zik Asiegbu also are battling for action. In the middle, junior Trent Martin has lost weight and looks in great shape as he looks to avoid injuries that have

27 ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT TH

LaFortune Park Golf Course â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 23, 2015 Presented by Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center WHERE:

Lafortune Park Golf Course (918-496-6200)

TEE-TIMES: 7:30 AM & 1:00 PM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Check in at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled tee-time. PRIZES: Awarded to First, Second, and Third place for both Morning and Afternoon tee-times. RAFFLE:

Many fabulous prizes will be raffled.

SILENT AUCTION: At the golf course during both flights. ENTRY FEES:

$100 per player; $400 per team of 4; Includes: Green Fee, practice balls, golf cart, food, beverages, and favors.

DEADLINE:

Friday, October 16, 2015. First 25 teams paid in full entries for either tee-time will be assured preference.

FORMAT:

Four-Man Best Ball Scramble

QUESTIONS: Contact Mark Wojciehowski, Chairman at (918-637-7115) mwojo@mcgrawok.com SPONSOR INFORMATION The tournament will have approximately 200 golfers comprised of alumni, former lettermen, business and civic leaders and friends of the University. Below is a list of the various levels of sponsorships. We hope you will participate in making this the most successful tournament yet. Eagle - $1,000 Company logo and/or names will be included on any materials or promotions associated with the event as entry forms, banners, signs, media contacts, etc. Logo will be the largest display of all levels. Also, your company will be allowed to have one team participate in the golf tournament.

Birdie - $500 Your company will be allowed to have one team participate in the golf tournament. The company name or your name will be displayed either on a teeing area or near a green. Hole Sponsor - $150 The company name or your name will be displayed either on a teeing area or near a green. Donor-in-kind We are seeking gifts for tournament prizes, raffle prizes, silent auction items, and items that we will share with all tournament players. For your contribution, your name will be recognized in the tournament package. HURRICANE ELITE

FALL 2015

Jaguar Tulsa

3905 S Memorial Dr Tulsa, OK 74145 9186654294 jaguartulsa.com

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THE University of Tulsa tinues to show playmaking abilities, and senior Darrell Williams seems fully healthy from his knee injury from two years ago. Sophomore Broderick Umblance (moved from WR) and veteran juniors Johnell Celistan and Will Barrow provide depth, and look for incoming freshmen Reginald Robinson and Keidrien Wadley to battle for playing time.

Special Teams

Jeremy Smith

sabotaged his time at TU. Talented sophomore Patera Wilson is slated in the middle, but will be moved around to take advantage of his speed, including putting his hand on the ground again at defensive end in pass rush situations.

Craig Suits

The secondary was expected to be a strength last year, but TU allowed 44 plays of 30 plus yards, accounting for an astounding 41percet of the opponents’ offense, and 19 touchdowns. Senior strong safety Michael Mudoh has led the Hurricane in tackles the last two years, but would certainly trade a few tackles for defensive stops and fewer plays. He has been pushed by one of the camp defensive surprises, junior Jeremy Brady, who got stronger and will definitely see the field. The length and cover skills of sophomore Jordan Mitchell fit perfectly into his position at free safety, while freshmen J.R. Reed and McKinley Whitfield will also see time at safety.

The punting duties are in the capable hands of junior Dalton Parks, who averaged 42 yards a boot a season ago. The battle is at place kicker, where sophomores Redford Jones and Preston Soper look to give TU the consistency the Hurricane enjoyed with Carl Salazar. Deep snapper Rey Higuera continues on his quest to go unnoticed (a good thing for a snapper) as he approaches his senior year. With exciting players such as Louie, Floyd and some emerging freshmen, expect the Hurricane return crew to make some game changing plays.

There are many unknowns as you approach a new season. That mystery deepens when you have a new coaching staff, but you can count on this season being anything but desultory. I’m sure Golden Hurricane fans are amongst those feeling what a good friend of mine used to say often-“I can’t wait for the next game!”

At corner, sophomore Kerwin Thomas had a great camp and con-

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THE University of Tulsa

2015 TEAM ROSTER

NO. PLAYER POS. HT. WT. CL/EXP HOMETOWN PREVIOUS SCHOOL 1 Keyarris Garrett 6-4 221 Wide Receiver Sr. Daingerfield, Texas / Daingerfield HS 1 Michael Mudoh 5-10 205 Safety Sr. Richmond, Texas / Bush HS 2 Keevan Lucas 5-10 198 Wide Receiver Jr. Abilene, Texas / Abilene 2 Kerwin Thomas 5-10 171 Cornerback So. Wagoner, Okla. / Wagoner 3 Mandel Dixon 6-2 240 Tight End Sr. Dallas, Texas 3 Khari Harding 6-2 220 Linebacker Jr. Edmond, Okla. / Auburn 4 Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo Brewer 5-9 185 Running Back So. Tulsa, Okla. / Central 4 Brodrick Umblance 6-1 184 Cornerback So. Arlington, Texas / The Oakridge School 5 Jabe Burgess 6-2 217 Quarterback Fr. Greenwood, Ark. / Greenwood 5 Tim Quickel 6-2 215 Linebacker Fr. Little Rock, Ark. / North Little Rock 6 Chris Showels 5-6 165 Wide Receiver Sr. Round Rock, Texas / Vista Ridge 6 Darrell Williams 5-10 197 Cornerback Sr. Houston, Texas / Westfield HS 7 Johnell Celistan 6-2 190 Cornerback Jr. Luling, La. / Hahnville 7 Bishop Louie 5-10 170 Wide Receiver So. Tulsa, Okla. / McLain 8 Jesse Brubaker 6-3 285 Defensive Tackle So. Wylie, Texas / Wylie East 8 Terrance Ivery 5-8 180 Wide Receiver Fr. Mansfield, Texas / Mansfield Legacy 9 Dane Evans 6-1 218 Quarterback Jr. Sanger, Texas / Sanger 9 Reginald Robinson II 6-1 185 Cornerback Fr. Cleburne, Texas / Cleburne 10 Shawn Norman 5-11 197 Linebacker Jr. Freeman, Mo. / Belton 10 Chad President 6-3 206 Quarterback Fr. Temple, Texas / Temple 11 Nigel Carter 6-3 205 Wide Receiver So. Tulsa, Okla. / McLain 11 David Richardson II 5-11 170 Cornerback Fr. Rockwall, Texas / Rockwall-Heath 12 Ryan Rubley 6-3 220 Quarterback So. Highlands Rach, Colo. / Mountain Vista 12 Micheal Thomas 6-0 232 Linebacker Jr. Lawton, Okla. / MacArthur 13 Jordan Mitchell 6-2 180 Safety So. Owasso, Okla. / Owasso 13 Brad Valentino 6-0 215 Quarterback Sr. Norman, Okla. 15 Samuel Gottsch 6-2 190 Safety Fr. Jenks, Okla. / Sapulpa 15 Will Hefley 6-5 205 Quarterback Fr. Little Rock, Ark. / Pulaski Academy 16 Jarion Anderson 5-9 167 Wide Receiver Fr. Texarkana, Texas / Texas 18 Joseph Calcagni 6-1 212 Quarterback Sr. Springdale, Ark. / Springdale HS 18 Reymundo Higuera 5-11 224 Deep Snapper Sr. Gilbert, Ariz. / Perry 19 Redford Jones 5-10 174 Place-kicker/Punter So. Norman, Okla. / Norman North 20 Zik Asiegbu 6-0 210 Linebacker Sr. Grand Prairie, Texas / James Bowie 20 James Flanders 5-10 203 Running Back Jr. Midwest City, Okla. / Midwest City 21 Rowdy Simon 5-8 201 Running Back So. Vian, Okla. / Vian 21 McKinley Whitfield 6-4 194 Safety Fr. Spiro, Okla. / Spiro 22 Jeremy Brady 5-10 197 Safety Jr. North Little Rock, Ark. / Pulaski Academy 22 Javon Thomas 6-2 210 Running Back Fr. Texarkana, Texas / Texas 23 Will Barrow 5-9 172 Cornerback Jr. Dallas, Texas / Skyline 24 Zack Langer 6-0 220 Running Back Sr. Jenks, Okla. / Jenks HS 24 J.R. Reed 6-1 185 Safety Fr. Frisco, Texas / Prestonwood Christian 25 Ramadi Warren 5-9 205 Running Back Fr. Memphis, Tenn. / Whitehaven 26 Diamon Cannon 6-2 210 Linebacker Fr. Killeen, Texas / Shoemaker 26 Dalton Parks 6-3 209 Punter Jr. Kansas City, Mo. / Staley HS 27 Keidrien Wadley 6-1 185 Cornerback Fr. Irving, Texas / Ranchview 28 Tavarreon Dickerson 5-9 185 Running Back Jr. Arlington, Texas / Arlington 28 Craig Suits 6-0 220 Linebacker So. Sunnyvale, Texas / Poteet 29 Justyn Bell 5-9 195 Cornerback So. Litte Elm, Texas / 29 Justin Hobbs 6-4 207 Wide Receiver Fr. Overland Park, Kan. / Shawnee Miss. West 30 Cristian Williams 6-0 170 Safety Fr. Dallas, Texas / Lincoln 32 Trevis Gipson 6-5 200 Defensive End Fr. Cedar Hill, Texas / Cedar Hill 33 Rob Riederer 6-0 225 Tight End So. Holton, Kan. / Holton 33 Ronan Rogers 6-3 219 Linebacker Jr. Tulsa, Okla. / Holland Hall 34 Chris Minter 6-3 230 Tight End Fr. Temple, Texas / Temple 35 Drew Klingenhagen 6-3 190 Place-kicker Fr. Tulsa, Okla. / Holland Hall

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THE University of Tulsa 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 42 43 44 46 46 47 48 49 51 52 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 63 65 66 67 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 80 82 84 85 86 87 88 89 89 90 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 98 99

James Caligone IV Matt Linscott Randall Smith Gage Murphy Preston Soper Trent Martin Brandon Stage Kyle McLaughlin Daelen McClendon Conner Sherwood Petera Wilson Forrest Harrell III Spencer Shores Blake Abbott Rylee Simon Tristan Lacey Blake Browning Billy Lafortune Thomas von Borstel Zac Uhles Derrick Alexander Matt Hickman Earl Rollins Dylan Foxworth Willie Wright C.J. Gooden Tyler Lott Josh Bencke Chris Wallace Christopher Ivy Evan Plagg Tristan Wyatt Jerry Uwaezuoke Mildren Montgomery Tyler Bowling Chandler Miller Alex Pagonis Garrett Stafford Isaac Johnson Blake Belcher Conner Floyd Tyler Wilson Avery Gragg Kolton Shindelar David Snelling Blake Kitrell Joshua Atkinson Payton Prince Thomas Shamet Frankie Davis Nathan Walker Jake Hanks Michael Anderson Suleiman Masumbuko Michael Rios Hayden Carman Myles Mouton Jeremy Smith Derrick Luetjen

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

187 220 208 195 205 230 197 185 229 232 225 220 165 227 220 162 290 283 200 273 284 227 275 285 291 227 220 293 305 295 279 290 295 275 324 293 320 300 283 300 210 240 200 254 182 200 208 252 267 240 165 240 235 295 299 275 245 250 291

Safety Fr. Linebacker Jr. Wide Receiver So. Safety So. Place-kicker So. Linebacker Jr. Place-Kicker Fr. Running Back Fr. Running Back So. Linebacker Jr. Linebacker So. Linebacker Fr. Deep Snapper Fr. Linebacker Sr. Linebacker Fr. Place-Kicker Fr. Offensive Center Fr. Offensive Center Sr. Linebacker Fr. Offensive Center So. Defensive End Sr. Linebacker Jr. Defensive Tackle So. Offensive Center Jr. Offensive Tackle Fr. Linebacker So. Deep Snapper So. Offensive Guard Jr. Offensive Guard Jr. Offensive Tackle Fr. Offensive Tackle So. Offensive Guard Fr. Defensive Tackle Jr. Offensive Tackle Fr. Offensive Guard Fr. Offensive Center Fr. Offensive Guard Jr. Offensive Guard Sr. Offensive Tackle Fr. Offensive Tackle Jr. Wide Receiver Sr. Tight End Jr. Wide Receiver Fr. Defensive End So. Wide Receiver Fr. Wide Receiver Jr. Wide Receiver Jr. Tight End Fr. Defensive Tackle Jr. Defensive End So. Place-Kicker Fr. Defensive End So. Defensive End Fr. Defensive Tackle Sr. Defensive Tackle Fr. Defensive Tackle Jr. Defensive End Fr. Defensive End So. Defensive Tackle Sr.

Tulsa, Okla. / BT Washington Tulsa, Okla. / Jenks Coweta, Okla. / Coweta May, Okla. / Laverne Muskogee, Okla. Jenks, Okla. / Jenks HS Brandon, Fla. / Riverview Skiatook, Okla. / Skiatook Prague, Okla. / Prague Tulsa, Okla. / Cascia Hall Memphis, Tenn. / White Station Houston, Texas / Christian Tulsa, Okla. / Union Liberal, Kan. / U. of Kansas Vian, Okla. / Vian Crescent, Okla. / Crescent Pflugerville, Texas / Hendrickson Tulsa, Okla. / Holland Hall Woodstock, Ga. / The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy Norman, Okla. / Norman Tulsa, Okla. / Booker T. Washington HS Edmond, Okla. / Memorial Irving, Texas / MacArthur Claremore, Okla. / Claremore Houston, Texas / Cypress Ridge Ashdown, Ark. / Ashdown Sand Springs, Okla. / Charles Page Rio Rancho, N.M. / Cleveland Sperry, Okla. / Sperry Wichita, Kan. / Wichita Heights Guthrie, Okla. / Guhrie Shawnee, Okla. / Shawnee Houston, Texas / Westbury Oklahoma City, Okla. / Douglass Yukon, Okla. / Yukon Bixby, Okla. / Bixby Gulf Breeze, Fla. Tulsa, Okla. / Memorial Springdale, Ark. / Har-ber Guthrie, Okla. / Guthrie Autin, Texas / Lake Travis Pnca City, Okla. / Ponca City Tulsa, Okla. / Holland Hall Liberty, Mo. / Liberty Boerne, Texas / Boerne Ashland, Neb. / Ashland-Greenwood Carrollton, Texas / The Oakridge School Norman, Okla. / Norman North Fairway, Kan. / Bishop Miege Broken Arrow, Okla. / Broken Arrow Kingwood, Texas / Kingwood Fort Collins, Colo. / Fort Collins HS Owasso, Okla. / Owasso Euless, Texas / Trinity Wichita, Kan. / West Little Rock, Ark. / Catholic Beaumont, Texas / Ozen Tulsa, Okla. / Berryhill Hennessey, Okla. / Hennessey HS HURRICANE ELITE

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THE University of Tulsa

SETTLING IN: MEETING THE TULSA FOOTBALL STAFF BILL YOUNG CO-DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, DEFENSIVE LINE COACH Bill Young is in his second stint as an assistant coach at The University of Tulsa. He was appointed co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach on January 8, 2014.

In his first stop at Tulsa, Young joined John Cooper’s coaching staff, where he coached from 1980-84, coaching the defensive line all five seasons and serving as defensive coordinator from 1983-84. He then made the move with Cooper to Arizona State.

Young’s career has spanned more than 45 years at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. He has served as the defensive coordinator at prominent college football programs like Ohio State (1988–1995), Oklahoma (1996–1997), USC (1998–2000), Miami (2008), and Oklahoma State (2009–2012). Young coached in 19 bowl games throughout his collegiate coaching career. In 2014, Young was the head football coach at Yukon High School after spending the 2013 season as the defensive quality control coordinator at Wyoming. Young, who graduated from Oklahoma State in 1968, returned to OSU as defensive coordinator in 2009 for four seasons (2009-12). The Cowboys compiled a 20-5 record in Big 12 play from 2009-12, the best of all Big 12 teams during that span. OSU won a share of the Big 12 South title in 2010 and won the Big 12 outright in 2011. The Cowboys appeared in - and won - their first-ever BCS bowl game in 2011 with a victory over Stanford in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

With Young coordinating, the Oklahoma State defense was the nation’s most opportunistic from 2010-11, as the Cowboys forced an NCAA-best 78 turnovers 20

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over those two seasons. OSU led the nation with 44 turnovers forced in 2011 and was fifth with 34 in 2010. Oklahoma State also led the nation in turnover margin and fumbles recovered and ranked second in the nation in passes intercepted in 2011. OSU led the Big 12 in scoring defense in conference games and was 12th nationally in red zone defense. Young served the 2008 season as defensive coordinator at Miami (Fla.). Prior to his year at Miami, Young was part of the major turnaround at Kansas, where he was the defensive coordinator from 2002 through 2007.

His 2007 Jayhawks finished the year No. 12 nationally in total defense and fourth in scoring defense as KU won the Orange Bowl. It was the highest national ranking for a KU defense in 39 years. His 2005 Kansas squad led the Big 12 in rushing defense. Young spent three years coaching the defensive line at Arizona State (198587) before three straight stints as a defensive coordinator - Ohio State (1988-95), Oklahoma (1996-97) and USC (1998-2000). While at USC, Young’s Trojan defenders led the Pac-10 in total defense and were second nationally in takeaways. Young also coached the defensive line for the Detroit Lions in 2001. He spent six years in the Oklahoma high school ranks at Carl Albert and Putnam City West before returning to OSU as a graduate assistant coach. Young’s collegiate coaching stops have included OSU, where he coached the offensive and defensive lines from 1976 through 1978. He also spent the 1979 season at Iowa State as defensive tackles coach

Bill Young

before moving to Tulsa.

As a player, Young was an outside linebacker and defensive end at Oklahoma State. He was a three-year starter and an academic All-Big Eight honoree. He received OSU’s outstanding football award in 1967, when he was also named honorable mention all-conference. Born in Hereford, Texas, Young attended Grant High School in Oklahoma City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Oklahoma State in 1968 and a master’s degree in education at Central Oklahoma in 1971. His wife, Lawana, is also a native Oklahoman and a graduate of Northeastern State in Tahlequah. BRIAN NORWOOD

CO-DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, SAFETIES COACH Brian Norwood was appointed co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at The University of Tulsa on January 11, 2015.

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Norwood has spent the previous seven seasons on the Baylor coaching staff, including the last four as Associate Head Coach and safeties coach. From 2008 to 2010, Norwood served as defensive coordinator, and oversaw a defense that totaled nine All-Big 12 honorees and two All-Americans. Norwood has been involved in 12 bowl games in his 25-year collegiate coaching career with coaching stops at Arizona, Richmond, Navy, Texas Tech, Penn State and Baylor.

During Baylor’s 2013 Big 12 championship season, Norwood coached first-team All-American and NFL draftee Ahmad Dixon. Both of Baylor’s 2011 starting safeties, Mike Hicks and Sam Holl, earned All-Big 12 honors that season. Holl finished second on the squad with 113 total tackles and Hicks was third with 105 – each had three interceptions. In 2010, Norwood coached first-team All-Big 12 honoree Byron Landor, who totaled 127 tackles. Prior to Baylor, Norwood spent seven seasons as safeties coach on College Football Hall of Fame head coach Joe Paterno’s Penn State staff.

Norwood began his career as a graduate assistant coach at Arizona (199091), before spending three seasons (1992-94) as outside linebackers coach at Richmond. He then spent five years at the U.S. Naval Academy (1995-99) as defensive backs coach and one season at Texas Tech (2000) as defensive backs coach before moving to Penn State in 2001. During Norwood’s seven seasons at Penn State, the Nittany Lions led the Big Ten in pass efficiency defense twice (2004 and 2005) and finished third on two occasions (2003 and 2006). Nationally, Penn State ranked among the nation’s top 25 in pass efficiency defense four times including a No. 4 ranking in 2004. At the end of the 2007 regular season, the Nittany Lions’ defense ranked sixth nationally against the run (87.92 ypg), eighth in scoring defense (17.58 ppg), ninth in total defense (306.58 ypg) and 44th in pass efficiency defense (119.14

rating).

Norwood coached 2006 Big Ten interceptions leader and first-team All-Big Ten safety Anthony Scirrotto, and developed All-Big Ten and NFL defensive backs Shawn Mayer (led conference with 144 tackles as a senior) and Calvin Lowry, now on the Tulsa coaching staff as receivers coach.

At Navy, Norwood tutored Sean Andrews, who earned second-team All-America honors in 1995, as well as Brian Norwood Robert Green, an All-Independents team selection. In Norwood’s second season in Annapolis, Navy fashioned receiver at Baylor in 2014. Brianna its best record since 1978 is completing her senior year on at 9-3 and registered a 42-38 victory the George Mason Masonette Dance over California in the 1996 Aloha Bowl. With Norwood on staff, the Mid- Team, while Zaccariah is a freshman shipmen posted back-to-back winning at George Washington University. seasons (1996 and 1997) for the first time since a five-year run of winning STERLIN GILBERT campaigns ended in 1982. CO-OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, In his lone season at Texas Tech, QUARTERBACKS AND RECEIVERS Norwood coached strong safety Kevin COACH Curtis, a first-team All-Big 12 honoree Sterlin Gilbert was named to The who shared the Red Raiders’ MVP University of Tulsa coaching staff honor. The Red Raiders played in the on December 22, 2014. He serves 2000 Galleryfurniture.com Bowl. as Tulsa’s co-offensive coordinator, Norwood, who calls Honolulu, Hawai’i while also coaching the receivers and and Glenarden, Md., home, graduated quarterbacks. from the University of Hawai’i in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in communi- Prior to his appointment at Tulsa, Gilbert was on Dino Babers’ staff at cation. He was a four-year letterman Bowling Green State University for as a cornerback/safety for the Rainone season, serving as co-offensive bows from 1983 through 1987 and coordinator and receivers coach. In received the team’s Most Improved his only year, the Falcons averaged Defensive Back award as a senior. 432.9 yards to rank 42nd nationally He and his wife Tiffiney have five chil- for total yards, averaging 173 yards on dren: Gabriel, Jordan, Levi, Brianna the ground and 259 yards passing. He and Zaccariah. helped coach BGSU to a victory over Gabriel was a member of George South Alabama in the 2014 Camellia Mason’s 2006 men’s basketball Final Bowl in Montgomery, AL. Four team and plays professionally Before his stint at Bowling Green, in the Philippines, where he has been Gilbert was the offensive coordinator a key member of the Philippines’ at Eastern Illinois for two seasons, national basketball team. Jordan has where he was named FootballScoop’s played wide receiver in the NFL since FCS Coordinator of the Year in 2013. 2009 and is currently with the DenThe Panthers led the nation in yards ver Broncos. Levi was a senior wide HURRICANE ELITE

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THE University of Tulsa first playoff win in 12 years. He was named the West Texas High School Coach of the Year in 2008.

Gilbert developed a name for himself as a prolific offensive coach at Cooper High School in Abilene during the 2006 and 2007 seasons when he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. His 2006 offense led 5A with 3,172 yards passing. In 2007 the team advanced to the Texas Class 3A playoffs.

Sterlin Gilbert

per game (589.5) and points per game (48.2) in 2013. In addition, EIU averaged 372.4 yards per game through the air and 217.1 yards on the ground.

Under the guidance of Gilbert, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was named the Walter Payton Award winner, the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, given to the nation’s best player. Garoppolo threw for 5,050 yards and 53 touchdowns in 2013. During his two seasons under Gilbert’s guidance, he threw for 8,873 yards and 84 scores. In Gilbert’s first season as the offensive coordinator he helped direct the Panthers’ up-tempo offense, which ranked sixth in the nation in passing offense, eighth in total offense and 12th in scoring offense. EIU averaged 470.9 yards per game, while scoring 36.5 points per contest. In 2012, Eastern Illinois’ offense set several school records including touchdown passes with 34. Gilbert came to EIU following a successful career as a prep coach in Texas. He served as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Temple High School where the team advanced to the Texas Class 5A playoffs.

Prior to joining the staff at Temple High School, Gilbert served as the head coach at San Angelo Lake View High School for three seasons (2008-10). Gilbert rebuilt a program that had won only three games in three years prior to his arrival to a team that won the 2008 BiDistrict Championship and the school’s 24

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Gilbert’s first collegiate coaching experience was as a graduate assistant at Houston in 2005 when the Cougars earned a trip to the Fort Worth Bowl. Gilbert assisted with coaching the quarterbacks and running backs. His first job was as the quarterbacks and running backs coach at Springtown High School from 200305. A Texas native, Gilbert was a two-time All-Lone Star Conference quarterback at Angelo State in 2000 and 2001, while serving as team captain both those seasons. Gilbert earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in History from Angelo State in 2002. MATT MATTOX

CO-OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, OFFENSIVE LINE COACH Matt Mattox was appointed to the position of co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at The University of Tulsa on December 22, 2014.

yards and more than 3,000 rushing yards.

Mattox spent six years as an offensive line/tight ends coach in the junior college ranks. He served as the offensive coordinator during the 2012 season at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. In his one season at CCC, Mattox coached five offensive players that earned all-conference honors. His offensive unit averaged 370 yards per game and 28.8 points per contest finishing the year at 6-4. Prior to his one season at Coffeyville, Mattox was the offensive line/tight ends coach at Butler County Community College in Kansas. During five seasons with the school he helped coach the program to four conference and NJCAA Region VI Championships. In 2007 and 2008 he was part of a staff that coached Butler to the NJCAA National Championship while losing in the NJCAA National Championship game in 2010. He coached 31 all-conference offensive linemen and six junior college All-Americans. Mattox began his coaching career at the University of Houston under Art Briles, first working with the football program as an assistant strength coach in 2005 and then as a graduate assistant, coaching offensive tackles in 2006. Houston posted a 10-4 record in 2006, winning the Conference USA Championship

Previously, Mattox spent one season on Dino Babers’ staff at Bowling Green State University as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. In that season, Mattox helped coach BGSU to a win in the 2014 Camellia Bowl over South Alabama. The Falcons averaged 432.9 yards to rank 42nd nationally for total yards in 2014, while averaging 173 yards on the ground and 259 yards passing.

Before his move to Bowling Green, Mattox coached the offensive line at Eastern Illinois University for one season, helping that offense amass over 8,000 yards in 2013, including 5,000-plus passing

Matt Mattox

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game to make an appearance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

A native of Holton, Kan., Mattox was a second-team junior college All-American playing tight end at Butler County Community College. He played his final two seasons at Houston for Art Briles, moving from tight end to offensive tackle prior to his senior season. As a senior, Mattox earned secondteam All-Conference USA honors at offensive tackle as the Cougars went 7-6 and played in the Hawai’i Bowl. Mattox earned his bachelor’s degree in sports administration with a minor in health from Houston in 2005. He and his wife, Stacey, have two children, Kirby and Macey. JERMIAL ASHLEY

DEFENSIVE LINE COACH Defensive line coach Jermial Ashley was named to the Golden Hurricane coaching staff on January 12, 2015.

Ashley spent the previous two seasons (2013-14) coaching the defensive line at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas. In his first season, the Cardinal defense led the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) for total defense, rushing defense, scoring defense and quarterback sacks. TVCC posted a

10-2 record in 2013, while winning the SWJCFC title, regional championship and the Heart of Texas Bowl crown with a 72-23 win over Mesa (Ariz.) CC. TVCC repeated as 2014 Conference, Regional and Heart of Texas Bowl Champions, while compiling an overall 12-0 record.

In 2013, Ashley coached the Conference Defensive Player of the Year and NJCAA first-team All-American Jhaustin Thomas. Thomas and fellow defensive lineman Duval Jackson finished fourth and sixth, respectively, in the nation for sacks. In 2014, two of his defensive linemen, Manasseh Miles and DeVonte’ Fields, were onetwo on the team for sacks and tackles for lost yardage.

Before his stint at TVCC, Ashley spent three seasons working with the defensive line at Oklahoma State University under the tutelage of current TU co-defensive coordinator Bill Young. During his time at OSU, Ashley helped coach three defensive linemen that earned All-Big 12 honors, including Ugo Chinasa, Jamie Blatnik and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Calvin Barnett. He coached in three bowl games with Oklahoma State-the 2010 Alamo Bowl, 2011 Fiesta Bowl and 2012 Heart of Texas Bowl.

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Ashley attended Keller Fossil Ridge High School, then attended Tyler Junior College where he was an NJCAA All-America defensive end. He went to the University of Kansas to continue his education and playing career. Ashley was a two-year starting defensive end for the Jayhawks, earning All-Big 12 honors both in 2004 and 2005.

Following his playing career, Ashley signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. He also spent a few years in private business before entering the coaching profession at Oklahoma State in 2010.

Jermial Ashley

Ashley earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Kansas in 2008. AARON FLETCHER

Aaron Fletcher CORNERBACKS COACH Aaron Fletcher joined The University of Tulsa football coaching staff on January 27, 2015, as the Golden Hurricane cornerbacks coach. Fletcher spent the 2014 season as an assistant coach at Houston Baptist University, where he coached the cornerbacks and nickel backs.

Previously, Fletcher served as an assistant coach at three Dallas-area high schools. He spent the 2013 season as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at David W. Carter High School after a stint at DeSoto High School as the school’s secondary coach. Fletcher was the secondary coach at Lancaster High School from 2006-11 and was also the assistant track and field coach from 2006-09. Fletcher began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Lyndon B. Johnson High School in Austin, Texas.

A native of Austin, Fletcher received his degree in Health Education from Texas A&M-Commerce in 2003 and played one season for the Lions in 1997. He played in the Arena Football League for the Laredo Law Football Club in 2004, the National Indoor Football League for the Austin Knights in 2001, the Minor Football League for the Austin Rattlers from 2000-01 and participated in an NFL Pre-Draft Camp. An active member of his community, Fletcher founded 3 and Out Productions, to enhance community and student relationships through sports camps and clinics in East Austin. He HURRICANE ELITE

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THE University of Tulsa has also been involved with Boys and Girls Club, worked several football camps, served as youth minister at Disciples of Faith in Commerce and was an active member of The Potter’s House in Dallas. Fletcher and his wife, Tanzania, have two daughters, Anaiya and Taylor, and one son, Aaron Jr. JOSEPH GILLESPIE

LINEBACKERS COACH Joseph Gillespie was named to The University of Tulsa football coaching staff on January 23, 2015. He coaches the Golden Hurricane linebackers.

Before coming to Tulsa, Gillespie spent seven years as the athletic director and head football coach at Stephenville (Texas) High School. His teams compiled a .758 winning percentage with an overall 72-23 record, while winning the district championship three times, sharing the district crown once, advancing to the state playoffs six times and winning one state championship. Gillespie led his 2012 team to a 13-1 overall record and the Class 3A state title, while a year later his team compiled a 12-2 record and advanced to the state Class 4A semifinals. Gillespie’s 2014 team finished the season with a 9-4 record and advanced to the state quarterfinals.

In his first season, Gillespie led Stephen-

ville to a 10-4 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the 2008 Class 4A state playoffs. His 2009 team recorded a 9-3 mark and was undefeated in the District 7-4A, while in 2010 posted an 8-6 record and advanced to the Class 4A state quarterfinals. The 2011 team registered an overall 11-3 mark and again advanced to the Class 4A state quarterfinals. Gillespie earned District Coach of the Year honors four times (2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013) and was the Big Country Coach of the Year for three seasons (2008, 2011 and 2012).

Before becoming the Stephenville head coach in February 2008, Gillespie served 14 years as an assistant coach at the Texas high school. He coached under Art Briles, now the head coach at Baylor University, for six years, Texas High School Hall of Honor inductee Mike Copeland for three seasons, and Chad Morris, recently named the head coach at SMU, for five years. As an assistant coach, Gillespie helped lead Stephenville to two additional state titles, coming in 1998 and 1999. Gillespie coached linebackers and safeties under Morris and was the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach before that under Copeland. A Stephenville native, Gillespie earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Angelo State University in 1994.

Gillespie and his wife, Jodi, have three children, including sons Josh and Jake and daughter Chelsea.

running back in 2007 and due to injuries at linebacker was asked to move to that position as a sophomore. As a running back, Hill started seven games and was Rice’s leading rusher with 321 yards and three TDs as a true freshman. In three seasons on defense, Hill collected 97 tackles, six pass break-ups and three forced fumbles. Hill was elected a Rice co-captain for his senior season (2010) and finished that season as the Jess Nealy Award winner, an honor given to the Owls’ top linebacker. Hill earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Rice in 2011. CALVIN LOWRY

RECEIVERS COACH Calvin Lowry, a four-year NFL veteran, joined The University of Tulsa football coaching staff on January 2, 2015. Lowry coaches the Golden Hurricane receivers and is also involved with coaching special teams. Before coming to Tulsa, Lowry spent three years at Baylor University, including two as an assistant director of operations and one as a graduate assistant coach, spending time working with Baylor’s offense and special teams. Previously, Lowry spent one season at St. Andrew’s Episcopal High School in Austin, Texas, where he coached wide receivers, secondary and special teams

JUSTIN HILL

RUNNING BACKS COACH Justin Hill joined The University of Tulsa football coaching staff on January 9, 2014 as running backs coach. Hill came to Tulsa from Baylor University, where he spent two seasons as the associate director of athletic performance for the football team.

Joseph Gillespie

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Before his stint at Baylor, Hill spent one season at Iowa State as a graduate assistant coach. A 2011 graduate of Rice University, Hill began his collegiate career as a

Justin Hill

Calvin Lowry

in 2011.

A former All-Big Ten safety, Lowry spent three full seasons in the NFL, where he played special teams and safety for the Tennessee Titans (2006 and 2007), Denver Broncos (2008) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2008), and also spent the 2009 training camp with the Detroit Lions. He was a fourth-round draft pick of the Titans in 2006. Lowry played in 43 games and totaled 86 tackles, 13 pass deflections and started 14 games in his NFL career. His best season statistically came in the 2007 campaign when he collected 57 tackles, including 42 solos, and had two interceptions for Tennessee.

A four-year letterman and starter at Penn State, Lowry was named a 2005 first-team All-Big Ten safety as a senior after making 79 tackles and four interceptions. He totaled nine career interceptions and was PSU’s leading punt returner for three seasons. Lowry became the first true freshman to start for legendary head coach Joe Paterno during the 2002 season. Lowry was a four-year standout at Douglas Byrd High School in Fayetteville, N.C., as a wide receiver and defensive back. A native of Fort Hood, Texas, Lowry called Fayetteville home from age 3 through college. Lowry received his bachelor’s degree in Crime, Law and Justice from Penn State University in 2007.

LUKE OLSON

MICHAEL BLOESCH

DEFENSIVE QUALITY CONTROL COACH

OFFENSIVE QUALITY CONTROL COACH

Luke Olson was named defensive quality control coach for the Golden Hurricane football program on February 27, 2015.

Michael Bloesch came to The University of Tulsa in January 2015 as the offensive quality control coach.

During his coaching tenure at Tulsa, Olson has been involved in every aspect of helping prepare the Tulsa defense, from directing the offensive scout team, film break down, defensive signal-calling, conducting position meetings for safeties when called upon and directing position drills, among other responsibilities.

Before that, Bloesch spent three seasons (2011-13) as the offensive coordinator at Temple (Texas) High School. In his three seasons with the Wildcats, Bloesch helped the program to a record of 19-13, capturing the District 8-5A championship in 2013, while averaging 44 points and 512 offensive yards per game. He also served as the school’s Powerlifting head coach, middle school coordinator and recruiting coordinator.

Before being named to his current position, Olson served as a Tulsa graduate assistant coach for two seasons (2013-14), helping with coaching the defensive backs. Before that, Olson was a volunteer quality control coach for the Hurricane in 2012, where he assisted with coaching the defensive line.

When Olson helped coach the Tulsa defensive line in 2012, the Hurricane defense ranked among the nation’s leaders for quarterback sacks, while defensive linemen totaled 32 of 53 team sacks for minus-205 yards. The Hurricane won the 2012 Conference USA Championship and AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Before coming to Tulsa, Olson was a four-year starter (2008-11) at Southern Nazarene University, where he played free safety and linebacker. Olson was an Academic All-Central States Football League (CSFL) selection each year, while earning all-conference accolades in 2009.

Olson earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Southern Nazarene in 2012, while receiving a master’s degree in May 2014 from The University of Tulsa in Methods in Educational Research. Olson played prep football at Tulsa’s Union High School.

Before coming to Tulsa, Bloesch spent the 2014 season as Football Analyst at his alma mater, the University of Houston. In his role, Bloesch was responsible for providing analytical support for the offensive coaching staff including video breakdown, self and opponent scouting, game day support and analysis of the football program.

Bloesch began his coaching career as the offensive line coach at Abilene (Texas) Cooper High School in 2009. In two years, Cooper captured the District 4-4A championship in 2009 and District 3-5A championship in 2010. Cooper had a combined record of 20-6 in Bloesch’s two seasons, while setting school records for most points in a season (528) and most offensive yards in a season (6,040) in 2010. At Houston, Bloesch started 37 consecutive games at offensive guard from 2006-08, while helping lead the Cougars to their first bowl victory in 28 years. He earned Conference USA honorable mention all-conference honors in 2007 and 2008.

Bloesch received his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology-Sports Administration from Houston and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Lamar University in 2013. He and his wife, Lexi, have one son, Beau. HURRICANE ELITE

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THE University of Tulsa

TU CROSS COUNTRY

As The University of Tulsa cross country teams hit the course for the 2015 season, they will do so as two of the top-ranked teams in their region, while looking to continue an unprecedented run of conference championships.

The Golden Hurricane men have won five straight conference championships, and the women have claimed back-toback titles. In 2014, the sport won the first two championship opportunities for TU as a member of the American Athletic Conference, when they dominated league championship races at Mohawk Park in Tulsa.

To begin 2015, the Tulsa men are ranked fourth in the Midwest Region, and the women fifth in the region by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. While the men’s side has carried the banner for the program in recent years, participating in four straight NCAA Championships, with more experienced teams, the experience labels appear 30

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to be flipped for this season. The men return just two scoring runners from 2014, but feature three sophomores, six redshirt freshmen and eight newcomers. The women’s squad, on the other hand, boasts five runners with at least two years of collegiate experience, including three scorers from a year ago.

“I think we have more experience on the women’s side, at conference and regional meets, than we do on the men’s side. That’s very unusual,” said Tulsa Head Coach Steve Gulley, who begins his 16th season at TU. “We just don’t have guys that have been around. The ladies want to win their third conference championship in a row, and it would be the sixth if the guys can do it. Those are big goals. They take it very seriously here.” All-American Marc Scott returns as the bell cow for the Golden Hurricane. The senior from Scotland placed 14th at the NCAA Championships in 2014, claimed second at the Midwest Regional Championship, and took home medalist honors at the American Conference

Championships. His top-15 finish helped the Hurricane place 25th at the national championships.

Sophomores Ben Preisner and Adam Roderique are TU’s only other returning runners who participated in the NCAA Championship a year ago. Preisner scored team points in each of the four meets in which he ran, finishing third for the Hurricane at the NCAA Championships. Junior Simon Greiner and sophomores Dallas Elmore, Elijah Silva and Kirk Smith also return for the Hurricane.

“Marc is great. There was a shot for him to be All-America in cross country, indoor and outdoor (last year), and he just missed the outdoor. He’s back – top20 in the nation, conference champion, second in the region. I think he has high goals,” Gulley said. “But we’re only as good as our depth this year. I think our fourth and fifth runner, which will come from a lot of new faces on the men’s side, will be key.”

The Hurricane features a host of redshirt

THE University of Tulsa freshman who will receive their first taste of collegiate competition this season – Ellis Coon, Austin Del Rosso, Isaac Dobos, John Esswein, Grey Howard and Mark Middleton. TU welcomed in eight newcomers, including junior Luke Traynor, a transfer from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. Freshmen include Robert Blankenship from Benton, Ky., August Bont from Webster Groves, Mo., Bryan Corbaz from Morges, Switzerland, Stuart McNutt from Overland Park, Kan., Jay Ort from Manitoba, Canada, Braydon Rennie from Mississauga, Canada, and Robert Tully from Dublin, Ireland. The Tulsa women’s team features a core of runners that have been with the program for two years, including six that competed in at least three meets a year ago. The 2014 Hurricane placed fourth at the NCAA Midwest Regional – the highest finish in program history, and TU will look to improve upon that standing this fall.

The Golden Hurricane will be led by juniors Clara Langley, Stacie Taylor and Olivia Lopez, and sophomore Nicole Lee – the top returning scorers from 2014. Langley was Tulsa’s top finisher at the Pre-Nationals meet, and is the top returning finisher from the American Athletic Championships and NCAA Midwest Regionals. Taylor trailed

closely behind as the third team scorer in each meet, while Lopez placed fifth among TU runners at the conference meet, and Lee was the fourth scorer at the regional championships. Senior Rachel Baptista is also back, after scoring points in four meets in 2013, and junior Olivia O’Hare and sophomore Danielle Medearis each ran in three meets in 2014. “On the women’s side, we lose Brandi Krieg, our top runner from last year, but I think we’re going to be OK. We ran our best meet last year at home in the conference championship, and that’s what you want,” Gulley said. “We’re bringing back a lot of those girls. We hope to be more consistent this year, and a little bit more ready at the earlier meets. We’re probably not as deep, but I think we have some talent.”

Sophomores Emma Galbraith and Alyssa Jones, and redshirt freshman Alyssa Bollinger return for their second seasons with the Hurricane. TU welcomed four freshmen in Avery Culpepper from Fort Worth, Texas, Aundrea Hamric from Henryetta, Okla., Amanda Heard from St. Louis, Mo., and Sabrina Monsees from Kansas City, Mo. The Golden Hurricane opened the season Sept. 1 at the Oklahoma State Duels in Stillwater, Okla. TU will then run

at the prestigious Chili Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Ark. on Oct. 3, and the Wisconsin Invitational on Oct. 16 in Madison, Wisc., in preparation for the American Conference Championships, regional championship and an aim at the national championship meet.

“We wanted to try something a little different,” Gulley said. “Our team is a little bit younger and needs to get some more training in. We just wanted to shake it up. Wisconsin is the biggest meet in the nation. Chili Pepper is a great meet. We used to go there years back, I think it’s something a lot easier, and we look forward to running over there. We wanted to see some different courses, and get prepared for something bigger down the road.”

Tulsa will head to Greenville, N.C., to defend its dual crowns at the American Athletic Conference Championships on Oct. 31. TU will then run at the NCAA Midwest Regional in Lawrence, Kan., on Nov. 13, as the Hurricane men will attempt to qualify for the NCAA Championships for the fifth straight year, while the women’s squad will look to improve upon its program-high fourth-place finish in last year’s regional championship. The NCAA Championships will be held Nov. 21 in Louisville, Ky.

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THE University of Tulsa

TU WOMEN’S SOCCER TULSA LOOKS TO EXPAND ON 2014 SUCCESS AS ALL 11 STARTERS RETURN The Tulsa women’s soccer team returns 25 letterwinners, including all 11 starters, and welcomes five newcomers for the 2015 campaign. The roster features nine seniors, eight juniors, eight sophomores and five freshmen. TU finished the 2014 season with an 11-8-2 overall record, including a 4-4-1 mark for a fifth-place finish in American Athletic Conference play, and tallied 30 goals and seven shutouts last season.

“It is a great group and the most we’ve ever carried on our roster,” Head Coach Kyle Cussen said. “The team is very enthusiastic and their work ethic is unbelievable. It is tough because you would think with so many returners you could start where you ended, but you really can’t. We have five new players to add to the mix and it is exciting to go in with a fresh start.”

“We have a lot of depth and are playing a lot of kids, so we could have a different starting lineup ever game and not miss a beat. It makes practices more competitive, but also more difficult to pick the starting 11. It is a good problem to have with so many quality players in our program.” Sophomore forward Christina Holmes tallied a team-leading nine goals, while starting in just five of 21 games last season. She ranked fifth in goals and eighth in points in the American Athletic Conference, and for her efforts was named to the league’s all-Rookie team.

“We are excited to have our leading scorer back,” Cussen said. “In the spring she runs track so she hasn’t played soccer since November. Getting her back into a soccer mind-set and getting her touches back is one of the most important things she had to do in the preseason.”

Rachel Thun is an attacking midfielder who was named to The American’s preseason women’s soccer team. She recorded eight goals and seven assists for a team-best 23 points in 2014. Thun picked up NSCAA All-Northeast Region second-team accolades, was tabbed to the Top Drawer Soccer Freshman Best XI second team, ranked No. 21 in the TDS Freshman Top-100, named The American Rookie of the Year, and earned allRookie team and all-conference team honors.

Rachel Thun

“Rachel has done a good job as an attacking center midfielder,” Cussen said. “With her accolades last year and already this season, teams will key in on her. We’ve moved her to a couple positions to get ready for when teams doubleteam her. She is smart and a very good player, so she will make our team better with her unselfishness. Rachel is one of the hardest working players every day, and when others see her hard work pay off it pushes the entire team to work even harder.” “Tana Dake is another solid center midfielder. She combines well with Rachel and together they are a lot to handle for teams. Tana is good on the ball, a good passer and teams can’t leave her open.”

A three-year starter on the back line, Roman Edwards has been instrumental in 28 shutouts in 64 games played, helping Tulsa record a clean sheet in 43-percent of her total contests. She has one goal and seven assists for nine points, and ranked 10th in The American in assists last season. “Roman is so steady in the back and one of our leaders on the team,” Cussen said. “She helped change our team for the better the last three years. She has played a lot of minutes and is another one that leads by example.”

Madison Smith

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In goal, sophomore Courtney McKeon started 17 games, logged 1,585:03 between the posts, picked up 63 saves and tallied four clean sheets as a true freshman last season. Also seeing playing time at goalkeeper last year was sophomore Rebecca Defer and junior Marleigh Essler. “Our goalkeeper position is like all of our other positions, we are three deep,” Cussen said. “Courtney got the majority of minutes last year. She has the experience and is very

consistent. Rebecca is a great athlete and someone who has a ton of potential, and Marleigh is a gamer and gives us an added year of experience. We have a lot of quality in our goalkeeper position.” Six NCAA tournament teams from the 2014 season highlight The University of Tulsa’s 2015 women’s soccer schedule, including Mercer, Oklahoma, SIUE, UCF, UConn and USF. The Golden Hurricane schedule also features nine teams that posted double-digit wins and one team that concluded the season ranked in the NSCAA top-25 poll a year ago.

“I think it is a really balanced schedule in terms of the non-conference and conference slate,” Cussen said. “It will help us with our RPI, which will in turn help boost our NCAA resume. It is a difficult schedule, but with only losing one senior, we have an experienced team that will be able to handle the strength of the schedule and will embrace the opportunity to prepare us for post-season competition.” Cussen is in his eighth year at the helm, and during his tenure the Golden Hurricane has steadily improved. TU has four-straight doubledigit winning seasons and have won 67 games under Cussen’s direction, making him the winningest women’s soccer head coach in school history. For all Tulsa women’s soccer news and information, visit TulsaHurricane.com. Follow the team on Twitter (@TulsaWSoccer), Facebook (/TulsaWSoccer), Instagram (/TulsaWSoccer) and SnapChat (TulsaWSoccer).

Tana Dake

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THE University of Tulsa

TU MEN’S SOCCER EXPECTATIONS STILL HIGH FOR YOUNG TULSA MEN’S SOCCER TEAM Underclassmen represent 80-percent of the 2015 Tulsa men’s soccer roster, as the Golden Hurricane has 15 freshmen and nine sophomores, and only four juniors and two seniors. Tulsa, however, has six returning starters from last year’s team that won the American Athletic Conference Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

Tulsa’s most experienced position is on defense, as senior and three-year starter Bradley Bourgeois leads the way. Bourgeois was The American’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, but as he’ll tell you what matters most is what he accomplishes on the field during this season. Bourgeois has tallied three goals and one assist, and has been a part of 22 shutouts in his career. He picked up all-conference and all-tournament team honors last season, was a Conference USA third-team selection and NSCAA All-Midwest Region third-team honoree as a sophomore. “Bradley needs to do what he’s done the last three years, which is be a consistent performer

for us in the back line,” McIntosh said. “He connects a majority of his passes, he has organized the defense, he is dominant in the air, and we need him just to continue to get better in those areas. We don’t need him to do anything more, he just has to continue to be a consistent player.”

Projected starters to join Bourgeois on the back line are junior Quinton Duncan, sophomore Jordan Speed and true freshman Cole Poppen. Duncan is a two-year letterwinner who has started in 29 of 39 games, while Speed played in three contests a year ago. Poppen comes out of the Shattuck St. Mary’s US Soccer Development Academy, and was ranked in the top150 by both Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News.

Two-year letterwinner and starter Jake McGuire looks to continue his duties this season in goal. He has started in 27 of 29 games, recorded 15 wins and has nine shutouts to his credit. McGuire was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player of The American Tournament and picked up all-tournament team honors last season.

The midfield is anchored by sophomore Geoffrey Dee, and although he is an underclassman he doesn’t lack experience. He spent the summer with the Timbers U-23s, an amateur team affiliated with the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. Dee started all 20 games as a true freshman, had one goal and one assist, and was selected to The American All-Rookie team. “Geoffrey is certainly one of the best passing defensive midfield players in the country,” McIntosh said. “The key for him is to recognize moments to pass it and be a better destroyer of the game. He has to be able to break the game up a little bit better, but his performance has been very consistent.”

Junior Cameron Drackett, sophomore Kay Duit and true freshman Lesley Nchangi are also projected starters in the midfield. Ray Saari, a junior who was slated to be a returning starter, has spent the preseason recovering from an injury and will battle back for a starting role. Saari has started in 21 of 34 games, has six goals and four assists for 16 points, and was a second-team all-conference performer last season. Drackett has started in 16 of 36 games, and has four goals and three assists for 11 points, while Duit started in four of 11 games last season, and scored one goal and had one assist for three points. Nchangi also played for Shattuck St. Mary’s U17 National Team.

Ray Saari

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The Hurricane’s youngest projected starting lineup is at the forward position, which includes sophomore Aymar Sigue and true FALL 2015

Geoffrey Dee

freshman Juan Sanchez. Sigue started in 14 of 19 games, had one goal and two assists for four points, and was tabbed to The American AllRookie team last season. Sanchez played for the New York Red Bulls Academy and was a member of the United States U18 National Pool. He spent time training with the New York Red Bulls first team and was the leading goal scorer for the first-place New York Red Bulls U18 Academy team, which was ranked among the top-three USSDA clubs.

“The forwards are young and all of them have come out of a different system,” McIntosh said. “We’re going to have to be patient as a coaching staff early this season. They will have to learn to play off one another, as well as play with another forward. A lot of them are not comfortable with playing with another forward because they have played in a single forward system. I also believe the ceiling with our forwards is higher than it was a year ago. We grinded out a lot of games last year. We weren’t a highscoring team, but this year we can be a very good attacking team, but it is going to take time because a lot of these guys are new.”

Tulsa may be incredibly young this season, but that won’t stop them from having high expectations of repeating as the American Athletic Conference Champions and advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years. For all Tulsa men’s soccer news and information, visit TulsaHurricane.com. Follow the team on Twitter (@TulsaMSoccer) and on Facebook (/TulsaMSoccer).

Bradley Bourgeois

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TU VOLLEYBALL performance has been very consistent.”

EXPECTATIONS STILL HIGH FOR YOUNG TULSA MEN’S SOCCER TEAM Underclassmen represent 80-percent of the 2015 Tulsa men’s soccer roster, as the Golden Hurricane has 15 freshmen and nine sophomores, and only four juniors and two seniors. Tulsa, however, has six returning starters from last year’s team that won the American Athletic Conference Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

“We do have a lot of young players, but we like the combination of our freshmen with the rest of the team,” Head Coach Tom McIntosh said. “We think a number of them have the ability to make an impact immediately in the college game. Although we have a lot of underclassmen, we have several sophomores that played a lot of minutes last year, as well as our junior class. There is no question we are a youthful team overall, but I don’t think our experience is that young. Our freshmen have all played at the highest level of youth soccer and I think they can all make the transition with a little bit of time. The challenge isn’t a question of whether or not they are ready to play, but how quickly can we blend the group together.” Tulsa’s most experienced position is on defense, as senior and three-year starter Bradley Bourgeois leads the way. Bourgeois was The American’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, but as he’ll tell you what matters most is what he accomplishes on the field during this season. Bourgeois has tallied three goals and one assist, and has been a part of 22 shutouts in his career. He picked up all-conference and all-tournament team honors last season, was a Conference USA third-team selection and NSCAA All-Midwest Region third-team honoree as a sophomore.

Saari has started in 21 of 34 games, has six goals and four assists for 16 points, and was a second-team all-conference performer last season. Drackett has started in 16 of 36 games, and has four goals and three assists for 11 points, while Duit started in four of 11 games last season, and scored one goal and had one assist for three points. Nchangi also played for Shattuck St. Mary’s U17 National Team.

“Bradley needs to do what he’s done the last three years, which is be a consistent performer for us in the back line,” McIntosh said. “He connects a majority of his passes, he has organized the defense, he is dominant in the air, and we need him just to continue to get better in those areas. We don’t need him to do anything more, he just has to continue to be a consistent player.”

The Hurricane’s youngest projected starting lineup is at the forward position, which includes sophomore Aymar Sigue and true freshman Juan Sanchez. Sigue started in 14 of 19 games, had one goal and two assists for four points, and was tabbed to The American All-Rookie team last season.

“The forwards are young and all of them have come out of a different system,” McIntosh said. “We’re going to have to be patient as a coaching staff early this season. They will have to learn to play off one another, as well as play with another forward. A lot of them are not comfortable with playing with another forward because they have played in a single forward system. I also believe the ceiling with our forwards is higher than it was a year ago. We grinded out a lot of games last year. We weren’t a high-scoring team, but this year we can be a very good attacking team, but it is going to take time because a lot of these guys are new.”

Projected starters to join Bourgeois on the back line are junior Quinton Duncan, sophomore Jordan Speed and true freshman Cole Poppen. Duncan is a two-year letterwinner who has started in 29 of 39 games, while Speed played in three contests a year ago. Poppen comes out of the Shattuck St. Mary’s US Soccer Development Academy, and was ranked in the top-150 by both Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News.

Sanchez played for the New York Red Bulls Academy and was a member of the United States U18 National Pool. He spent time training with the New York Red Bulls first team and was the leading goal scorer for the first-place New York Red Bulls U18 Academy team, which was ranked among the top-three USSDA clubs.

For all Tulsa men’s soccer news and information, visit TulsaHurricane.com. Follow the team on Twitter (@TulsaMSoccer) and on Facebook (/TulsaMSoccer).

WHERE TULSA FANS GO FOR DAILY COVERAGE OF GOLDEN HURRICANE FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL AND RECRUITING • Daily exclusive information on Tulsa athletics and recruits, including feature articles, team and player notes, recruiting updates and video you won’t find anywhere else. • Access to the most in-depth Tulsa recruiting coverage available for football and basketball. • Hurricane Alley access, where you’ll find breaking news, team and player notes, the latest recruiting tidbits and more. Plus, a Tulsa-fans-only spot to discuss hot topics.

DON’T MISS OUT! GET A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL! Use the promo code HURRICANE30 for a 30-day free trial of all the premium information. Just go to: InsideTulsaSports.com/subscribe.asp Code expires October 31, 2015. Part of

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Coach Montgomery and staff were busy this summer and the fruits of their labor showed with excellent commitments for the 2016 class from the state of Oklahoma By Chris Harmon

While the Tulsa coaching staff is using its numerous connections in the state of Texas to draw in talent, they haven’t forgotten about the Sooner State. TU currently has four commitments from Oklahoma in its 2016 recruiting class. The first in-state pledge came from talented Stillwater receiver Jordan Brown. The 6-foot-2, 198 pound speedster chose the Hurricane over offers from Texas Tech, Navy, Southern Miss, Wyoming, Arkansas State and others. Brown is currently rated as the No. 18 prospect in Oklahoma by Rivals.com in its Sooner State Rankings.

Brown caught 17 passes for 355 yards and four touchdowns as a junior. He also spent time in the backfield for the Pioneers, rushing for 279 yards and three scores. Earlier this year, he finished third in the Class 6A State 200-meter dash with a time of 22.22 seconds. Tulsa’s most recent commitment came from the No. 1 prospect in the state -- Broken Arrow offensive lineman Rowdy Frederick. The 6-foot-4, 330 pound three-star prospect chose TU over offers from Texas Tech, Houston, Hawaii, North Texas, Arkansas State and more.

“Physically, Rowdy will be ready to play immediately,” said former TU lineman and current Broken Arrow head coach David Alexander. “He’s big and strong, has a 380 pound 38

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Rowdy Frederick

bench, 320 power-clean, and a 600 squat. And he is a surprisingly good athlete. Vertical jump is amazing for a 330 pound 18 year old. “He’s a great kid, loves everything about football. Hanging around the locker room, he’s the last guy out of the building.”

The Hurricane’s other two local commitments came from Stroud of-

fensive lineman Tiller Bucktrot and Roland athlete Manny Bunch -- both giving a verbal to TU on July 23. Bucktrot is listed at No. 31 in the Sooner State Rankings, and Bunch sits at No. 36. The 6-foot-1 and 180 pound Bunch chose the Golden Hurricane over offers from Army and Air Force. He was offered by TU after attending a Tulsa prospect camp this summer

RECRUITING friends can come watch him play, is a plus for Bucktrot, but it wasn’t a determining factor in his decision. “No not really -- that’s just a bonus,” he explained.

Manny Bunch and then made an unofficial visit to campus.

“I had a great visit, loved the atmosphere and everything about the University,” he said. “I loved the opportunity that I can get an education second to none, and I can play in the highest division of college football.” Bunch plays quarterback and safety at Roland, but after working out at several positions during Tulsa’s camp, the Hurricane offered him as a defensive back.

“It was amazing,” he said of the TU camp. “I got a chance to move around positions and get a good feel for the coaching staff in the little time I had at each position. They really like me as a safety, but they think I can play several spots on defense.”

On the other side of the ball, the 6-foot-5 and 325 pound Bucktrot is a force on the offensive line. Tulsa was his only offer to date, but he was receiving serious interest from Oklahoma State, Missouri, Iowa State and others. “It just felt right you know,” Bucktrot said of his decision to pick TU. “The facility is awesome. It has a small town feel for a D-1 college. The coaches treat you like family and make me feel like I belong there.”

Jordan Brown

Bucktrot also plays basketball and is on the track team at Stroud. He won the shot put and discus events at the Class 2A state meet in May. “I’m quick for my size,” he said, adding that his knowledge of the game is one of his biggest strengths on the football field. Attending college close to home, where his family and

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LINEBACKER RECRUITS 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker Cooper Edmiston was flying under the radar before Hurricane coaches spotted him at a summer camp.

D.J. Allen By Chris Harmon It’s no surprise that the new Tulsa coaching staff is heavily recruiting the state of Texas, where many of the Hurricane coaches have roots, and it is paying off in a big way. Six of TU’s current ten commitments in the 2016 class are from the Lone Star State, including a trio of talented linebackers. D.J. Allen of San Antonio Brennan, Cooper Edmiston of Gatesville, and Robert Revels of Houston Reagan each gave a verbal pledge to Tulsa at the end of July. “The campus is amazing, and the people in and around the community are nice,” Allen said. “It seems like a good place where I could fit in.”

The 5-foot-10, 215 pound athlete popped on to the Golden Hurricane’s radar while working out at an Incarnate Word satellite camp in Texas during the summer. TU coaches were helping out with the camp and invited Allen to Tulsa’s July 17 prospect camp. Allen did enough on the Hurricane turf to earn a scholarship offer. “The camp was really outstanding,” he described. “I like all of the coaches.”

Allen picked the Hurricane over strong interest from UTSA. He is a three-year starter for the Brennan Bears, who have a 26-2 record over the past two years. As a junior, Allen racked up 113 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and four sacks. “One of my strengths is being able to make a play from sideline to sideline,” he explained. “I have good speed, and my coverage and catching skills are also strengths.” 40

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Edmiston also attended the satellite camp in Texas that was hosted by Incarnate Word in early June, where TU coaches were on hand to help out. Within a week of the camp, both schools had extended offers, and in the following month, a few other schools began showing interest. But on July 26, Edmiston decided to commit to TU. “I had another offer from Incarnate Word. Kansas State, New Mexico and New Mexico State were recruiting me as well,” said Edmiston. “The coaching staff at Tulsa really made me feel like family. Tulsa is a great school to get an amazing education. I liked the size of the campus and heard nothing but good things about the city of Tulsa.

“I thought the facilities were very nice, and they are building a brand new indoor field and weight room.”

Edmiston will be a senior for Gatesville (TX) High School this season. He is coming off of a stellar junior year in which he had 130 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries. He has played on both sides of the ball, but Tulsa recruited him as a middle linebacker. Edmiston listed his size and strength as his greatest attributes on the field and has firm goals for his senior year of high school football. “Team goals are to

win a district championship and ultimately a state championship,” he described. “Individually, I want to be the best leader I can be for the team.” 6-foot-3, 235 pound linebacker Robert Revels from Houston (TX) Reagan also committed to Tulsa on July 26.

“The coaches are great people and I’ll have an opportunity to play (early),” he said. “It’s like a similar situation going from middle school to high school, and I made the right choice then, and I feel like I am making the right choice now.”

His strong relationship with Golden Hurricane assistant coaches Aaron Fletcher and Joseph Gillespie helped in his decision to choose TU over offers from Texas Tech, Indiana, Colorado State, UTSA, Texas State, Stephen F. Austin and Prairie View. As a junior last season, Revels racked up 115 tackles, forced five fumbles and snagged three interceptions, taking two back for touchdowns.

“I make big plays when they are needed, and I just get to the ball,” he explained. With his college decision behind him, Revels will focus on his senior season.

“My goal is to do well every game and be a leader on my team and lead us to state,” he added

Cooper Edmiston

RECRUITING OVERVIEW Cooper Edmiston, Gatesville High School, Gatesville (TX) 6-3, 225 pounds Linebacker Committed on July 26, 2015 Why he chose Tulsa: “The coaching staff at Tulsa really made me feel like family. Tulsa is a great school to get an amazing education. I liked the size of the campus and heard nothing but good things about the city of Tulsa.” Rowdy Frederick, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow (OK) 6-4, 334 pounds Offensive Lineman Committed on August 6, 2015

Clay Greathouse, Rider High School, Wichita Falls (TX) 6-5, 290 pounds Offensive Lineman Committed on May 31, 2015 Why he chose Tulsa: “They offered me right after their summer camp. The campus, the staff, the city -- all of it was great.”

Tiller Bucktrot

Hurricane Elite gives TU fans a quick look at the current list of high school athletes who have given their verbal commitment to the Golden Hurricane.

D.J. Allen, Brennan High School, San Antonio (TX) 5-10, 215 pounds Linebacker Committed on July 20, 2015 Why he chose Tulsa: “The campus is amazing, and the people in and around the community are nice. It seems like a good place where I could fit in.”

Jordan Brown, Stillwater High School, Stillwater (OK) 6-2, 198 pounds Wide Receiver Committed on July 2, 2015 Why he chose Tulsa: “Tulsa provides me a great opportunity to play football. What sold me on Tulsa was the coaching staff -- particularly Coach (Philip) Montgomery and (Calvin) Lowry. They are really motivated to come in

and win.”

Tiller Bucktrot, Stroud High School, Stroud (OK) 6-5, 325 pounds Offensive Lineman Committed on July 23, 2015 Why he chose Tulsa: “It just felt right you know. The facility is awesome. It has a small town feel for a D-1 college. The coaches treat you like family and make me feel like I belong there.” Manuel Bunch, Roland High School, Roland (OK) 6-1, 181 pounds Athlete Committed on July 23, 2015 Why he chose Tulsa: “I had a great visit, loved the atmosphere and everything about the University. I loved the opportunity that I can get an education second to none, and I can play in the highest division of college football.”

Waahid Muhammad, La Vega High School, Waco (TX) 6-6, 285 pounds Offensive Lineman Committed on August 5, 2015 Why he chose Tulsa: “I love what the coaches have in mind with the program. If they did it at Baylor, they’ll do it at Tulsa, and I wanted to be a part of it.” Montray Norris, Davis High School, Houston (TX) 6-2, 155 pounds Defensive Back Committed on July 22, 2015

Robert Revels, Reagan High School, Houston (TX) 6-3, 234 pounds Linebacker Committed on July 26, 2015 Why he chose Tulsa: “The coaches are great people and I’ll have an opportunity to play (early). It’s like a similar situation going from middle school to high school, and I made the right choice then, and I feel like I am making the right choice now.” Verbal commitments are non-binding. High school football recruits may sign national letters of intent in February.

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BASKETBALL UPDATE quite that early, and if you let him catch it in rhythm, it is a pretty good bet (that he will make the shot).

“He sets his man up very well. He screens well, and I think that is a good key when you are a player like that. If you don’t move well without the ball, the people we play aren’t going to let you have it.”

Aside from Tulsa, Korita said he held scholarship offers from Arkansas, Wake Forest, Mississippi State, Wichita State, Creighton, Woffard, Lehigh, Drake, Central Arkansas and Arkansas-Little Rock. Korita plans to sign with Tulsa during the early signing period in November. • Corey Henderson, SG, Brenham (TX) Blinn Community College

By Chris Harmon Frank Haith and his Tulsa basketball staff have a big job ahead with the 2016 recruiting class. The Hurricane should have at least seven scholarships to fill and will likely fill a few of those with junior college prospects.

TU is off to a good start with three early commitments from guards. The following is a look at the Hurricane’s current 2016 basketball commitments. • Lawson Korita, SG, Little Rock (AR) Pulaski Academy

Lawson Korita is a rising three-star prospect that committed to Tulsa on July 1.

“I really like the (Tulsa) coaches and their style of play,” he said. “They have an NBA style of play, with pick-and-rolls and a motion type offense. And they see me as not just a shooter. They see me as an all-around player.” The 6-foot-4, 180 pound sharpshooter attended Tulsa’s Elite Camp in June and got a chance to see the campus and basketball facilities. “I loved it,” he described. “It was great! I got to be with all the players and coaches, and I got to play my game.”

Korita, who has buried 47-percent of his threepoint attempts in AAU play with the Arkansas Wings, lists his strengths on the court as shooting, passing and defense. His high school coach, Roger Franks, agrees with that assessment. “He has very good range and I think that is what surprises some people,” Franks told Rivals.com in December. “They aren’t in the habit of picking up 42

HURRICANE ELITE

FALL 2015

In late August, Tulsa picked up a commitment from Blinn CC guard Corey Henderson Jr. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound shooting guard signed with Wichita State as a 3-star prospect out of Dallas Episcopal High School in the 2014 class. He averaged 2 points per game in 6.8 minutes per contest as a freshman; however, after the season, he decided to transfer to Blinn in Brenham, Texas, and will play for the Bucs this year. “The thing that sold me on Tulsa was definitely the relationship that I built with the coaches,” Henderson explained. “That was key -- and the opportunity I would have coming in to play. “I didn’t realize how beautiful the campus was. The facilities were nice. I’m excited about the new locker room.”

Tulsa was quick to jump on board with Henderson soon after he transferred from Wichita State due to a connection from the past. Henderson’s father -Corey Henderson Sr. -- played at Texas A&M in the early 1990s while Tulsa head coach Frank Haith was an assistant coach for the Aggies. His uncle -- Charles Henderson -- also played under Haith at A&M. “Both my uncle and dad were instrumental in my decision,” added the younger Henderson.

In 2014 as a high school senior at Dallas Episcopal, he averaged 15 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. He was an All-Conference performer as a junior and senior, and he was TABC All-State as well. When Henderson joins Tulsa for the 2016-17 season, he will be a junior with two years of eligibility remaining. “I believe I will be able to bring experience and

leadership to the team next year and the ability to shoot, handle the ball and my play-making ability,” said Henderson. “Those are some of things I do well and can bring to the table next year.” Henderson can sign with Tulsa during the early basketball signing period in November. • Jabar Ray, SG, Garden City (KS) Community College

Jabar Ray, a former top prep player in Indiana, gave Tulsa coaches a verbal pledge in late July. “I have been talking to Coach (Frank) Haith and Coach (Michael) Schwartz a lot over the past few weeks, and we have built a great connection,” Ray explained. “The main thing was me being able to pursue my desired major at Tulsa, which is business, and I see a great opportunity to be a part of not only a Division-1 program, but to be a part of a brotherhood -- making myself a better person on the court as well as off of it.”

Ray hasn’t received much exposure after being a high school all-star in Indiana. Originally a 2013 prospect as a senior at New Haven High in Fort Wayne, the 6-foot-1 guard decided to attend a year of prep school in Oklahoma City.

From there, Ray enrolled at Denmark Tech in South Carolina, where he became an all-conference and all-region player as a freshman last season, averaging 16.7 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game. He shot 53-percent from the field, 45-percent from beyond the arc and 83-percent from the free-throw line.

Ray scored 20 or more points in 10 different games last season, including a 44 point performance in which he hit eight three-pointers. He also had 20 points and 9 rebounds against Spartanburg Methodist, 24 points versus Clinton, and 23 points against Brunswick CC. “I believe my strengths are knocking down the open shot, creating a shot for my teammates as well as myself, on-ball defense and decision making,” he described.

To gain more exposure, Ray decided in May to transfer to Garden City for his sophomore season. Garden City plays in the very competitive Jayhawk Conference -- one of the toughest juco leagues in the country. But it wouldn’t take much longer for him to finally get noticed.

On July 11th and 12th, Ray took part in the Juco Report Elite 150 showcase in Atlanta, Georgia, where Golden Hurricane coaches were in attendance. “I did really well,” he added.

Ray quickly picked up offers from Tulsa and Morehead State. The conversation with TU stayed constant until he decided to give a verbal pledge to Coach Haith. “It just kind of happened,” said Ray. “I have been in Tulsa a couple times while I was in prep school.”

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