WOU Loads Up

National Signing Day wasn't only for the big boys. Last Wednesday, Western Oregon also loaded up on recruits in the Class of 2008 by inking 26 players to national letters of intent, many of which came from within the state boundaries. From big names from the 6A level such as Alex Melson and Kyle Warner to sleeper types from Oregon's smaller schools, WOU head coach Arne Ferguson is excited about his newest group of Wolves.

"This is our best class in terms of size and speed," Ferguson said in a release. "Our focus this year was to get players that can contribute in one to two years. We feel like we got some kids that will be a great fit in this program, and we are lucky to have them."

There may be more signings on the way as Ferguson announced that as many as five or six more players could be inking within the next few weeks.

Ferguson, who is heading into his fourth season at WOU, has a career mark of 20-11. The Wolves tied a school record in 2007 for most wins in a season with nine and notched a victory in the Dixie Rotary Bowl. In 2008, WOU will play an 11-game schedule that begins on August 30 at Portland State.

WOU National Letter of Intent signees to date

Michael Akins, Thurston HS (Springfield), DB-WR, 6-4, 195. 2nd-team All-State (5A) DB, Midwestern League Defensive POY, 1st-team Midwestern League WR.

Demario Ballard, Thompson, Georgia/College of the Siskyous, WR, 6-7, 225.

Michael Bell, Oak Harbor HS (Wash.), WR, 6-5, 215. 2nd-team All-Wesco North League WR, Seattle Times "White Chip" recruit.

Pete Borowczak, Molalla HS, OL, 6-2, 310. 2nd-team All-State (4A) OL, 1st-team All-Capital Conference DL and C.

Mark Brooks, Klamath Union HS, WR-DB, 6-0, 175. 1st-team All-Southern Sky Conference WR and DB.

Gavin Drake, Central Catholic HS, DL-T, 6-2, 285. 2nd-team All-Mt. Hood Conference DL.

Justin Duchein, Cascade Christian HS, DL, 6-7, 220. 1st-team All-Sunset Six League DL, 2nd-team TE.

Scott Foss, West Albany HS, LB-TE, 6-3, 225. 1st-team All-State (5A) TE and LB, 1st-team All-Mid-Willamette Conference TE and LB.

Tarance Glynn, Molalla HS, WR, 6-5, 210. 2nd-team All-Capital Conference WR and DB.

Eric Hochhalter, West Salem HS, DL, 6-3, 285. HM All-State (6A) DL and OL (2006). 1st-team All-Central Valley Conference DL and OL.

Tyson Hoffman, Crater HS, OL, 6-4, 310. 2nd-team All-Southern Sky Conference OL.

Ben Hughes, Grants Pass HS, DL, 5-10, 240. 1st-team All-Southwest Conference DL.

Mitch Longwill, Gold Beach HS, OL, 6-4, 250. 1st-team All-State (3A) OL. 1st-team All-Sunset Six League OL.

Jameson Martin, Marist HS (Eugene), LB, 6-0, 200. 2nd-team All-State (4A) LB. 1st-team All-Sky-Em League LB.

Josh McFarland, Centralia HS (Wash.), WR-DB, 6-2, 170. 1st-team All-Evergreen Conference DB.

Alex Melson, Grant HS (Portland), LB, 6-0, 205. 2nd-team All-State (6A) LB. Portland Interscholastic League Defensive POY.

Will Murphy, West Albany, WR, 6-2, 180. 1st-team All-State (5A) WR and DB. 1st-team All-Mid-Willamette Conference WR and DB.

Dillon Neumann, North Marion HS, OL-DL, 6-4, 275. HM All-Capital Conference DL.

Travis Newman, Thurston HS (Springfield), LB-RB, 6-1, 210. 1st-team All-Midwestern League RB, 2nd-team LB.

Bryce Peila, Crater HS, WR-DB, 6-1, 185. Defensive POY in Southern Sky Conference. 1st-team All-Southern Sky Conference WR.

Dustin Risseeuw, Willamina HS, RB-LB, 6-2, 220. 1st-team All-State (3A) LB. 1st-team All-West Valley League RB and LB.

Adrian Rodriguez, Kennedy HS, RB-DB, 6-2, 180. 1st-team All-Tri-River Conference punter.

Blaise Smith, Lahainaluna HS (Hawaii), RB-WR, 5-11, 165. 1st-team All-State DB, 1st-team All-MIL DB, 2nd-team All-MIL WR.

Josh Thurston, West Linn HS, DB-C, 6-0, 160. 1st-team All-Three Rivers League DB.

Kyle Warner, Centennial HS (Gresham), QB, 6-4, 190. 1st-team All-Mt. Hood Conference QB and P.

Brett Weisbrodt, West Salem HS, DB-S, 6-2, 195. 2nd-team All-Central Valley Conference DB.