Official List
Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 6:34 pm
Transfers Already Enrolled
Name, Pos. Ht Wt Class Hometown High School JC/4-Year
Chris Kolone, DL (coe-loe-nay) 6-4 280 Fr San Diego, CA Rancho Bernardo Arizona
Jason Macciola, DL (muh-CHOE-luh) 6-3 240 Jr Fremont, CA Washington De Anza JC
Tramaine Murray, WR 5-10 178 Jr Oxnard, CA Oxnard Washington State
Zach Teisher, TE (rhymes with fisher) 6-3 235 Jr Chula Vista, CA Valhalla Southwestern
Transfers to Enroll Next Fall
Name, Pos. Ht Wt Class Hometown High School JC/4-Year
Chris Davis, CB 5-8 196 Jr Long Beach, CA Poly New Mexico State
David Siataga, DL (see-uh-TAW-guh) 5-11 290 Jr Sacramento, CA Valley Sacramento City
High School Signees
Neil Boyce, OL 6-3 275 Fr Tacoma, WA Tacoma Baptist
Arnold Briggs, CB 5-10 170 Fr San Diego, CA Mira Mesa
Ryan Cerise, DL (suh-REE-see) 6-3 232 Fr Colorado Springs, CO Cheyenne Mountain
Eric Fisher, PK 6-1 190 Fr Billings, MT West
Dane Fletcher, LB 6-1 192 Fr Bozeman, MT Bozeman
Chase Gazzerro, LB (guh-ZAY-ro) 5-10 182 Fr Great Falls, MT CM Russell
Derek Green II, WR 6-3 175 Fr Billings, MT Senior
Jeff Hansen, OL 6-3 254 Fr Great Falls, MT CM Russell
Brandon Hoffenbacker, DL 6-3 275 Fr Kalispell, MT Flathead
Kevin Retoriano, LB 5-9 196 Fr San Diego, CA Clairemont
Joe Schreibeis, DL (shry-bise) 6-3 215 Fr Billings, MT West
Dominic Sonsini, OL(sawn-see-nee) 6-2 264 Fr Los Angeles, CA St. Bonaventure
Denis Speights, LB (spates) 6-1 190 Fr Costa Mesa, CA Mission Viejo
Isaiah Taito, RB (tie-toe) 6-0 194 Fr Shelton, WA Shelton
Brian Walden, S 5-8 183 Fr Los Angeles, CA Taft
Michael Wright, CB 5-9 165 Fr Vista, CA Vista
-pick up bios-
TRANSFERS ENROLLED AT MSU
Chris Kolone, DL (6-4/280/Fr/San Diego, CA--Rancho Bernardo/Arizona)
Transfers from Arizona, where he redshirted last fall... was All-CIF, All-San Diego, and All-Palomar as a senior... his team was 9-2 that year... his family is originally from Hawai’i. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Chris joined our program after leaving Arizona. He is relatively new to the college game, but we think he will have a tremendous impact right away. Having Chris participate in spring drills will allow him to prepare for a great four years at MSU.”
Jason Macciola, DL (6-3/240/Jr/Fremont, CA--Washington/DeAnza JC)
Bolsters MSU’s defensive line... had 20 sacks at DeAnza as a sophomore... earned first team all-conference honors twice, getting 31 career sacks... was unanimous team MVP as a sophomore, and was voted team’s outstanding D-lineman... was All-Mission Valley and All-Bay Area nose guard as a high school senior, as well as Mission League MVP and team captain. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Jason joined us in January after a stellar junior college career. He is tall with long arms and, hopefully, will help us recapture our defensive heritage. He was a relentless junior college pass rusher, with the temperament to play right away. His presence in our winter conditioning program and spring practice will enhance his ability to contribute right away.”
Tramaine Murray, WR (5-10/178/Sr/Oxnard, CA--Oxnard/Washington State)
Transferred to MSU from Washington State at the semester... bolsters the receiving corps... redshirted at Washington State in 2003... didn’t record stats at WSU... was a two-year starter at Ventura JC, earning all-conference honors both years... caught 35 passes as a sophomore for 635 yards and 10 TDs... also ran track in high school and at JC... was a Ventura County All-Star in football and basketball. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “We really liked Tramaine coming out of junior college, and we have tracked his progress. He has good speed and size, and we expect him to contribute right away. His presence in spring drills is a key component to our offensive development. His maturity and academic performance make him an excellent addition to our receiver corps.”
Zach Teisher, TE (6-3/235/Jr/Chula Vista, CA--Southwestern College/Valhalla)
An experienced tight end who bolsters a youthful position... was an all-conference junior college receiver, catching 15 passes for 146 yards and three TDs as a sophomore... was all-league tight end and defensive end in high school, getting eight sacks and 41 tackles as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Zach is a very solid blocker who we hope will give us the ability to play with two tight ends on the field at the same time. This deficiency forced us to throw more than we wanted, which, while it led to some big numbers, hindered our play-calling flexibility. Zach is a third-year junior, so he brings maturity and experience to a young group of tight ends.”
TRANSFERS TO ENROLL AT MSU NEXT FALL
Chris Davis, CB (5-8/196/Jr/Long Beach, CA--Poly/New Mexico State)
Transfers to MSU from New Mexico State, where he started games in each of his first two seasons... played in nine games as a true freshman in 2002, registering five solo tackles... had 11 solos and five assists in his 11 games in 2003... spending the 2004-05 academic year at Harbor Junior College without participating in football... earned All-CIF and All-Moore League honors with 61 tackles, three interceptions (one for a TD) as a senior... led Poly to a 14-0 mark that year. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Chris is a rare find, an academically solid cornerback who was a part-time starter at a four-year college. He has started games against the best competition in college football, teams like Texas, South Carolina and Georgia. He is quick with good vertical ability and great toughness. His willingness to contribute is a great asset. He should be ready to have a tremendous impact on our program in August.”
David Siataga, DL (5-11/190/Jr/Sacramento, CA--Sacramento City/Valley)
A junior college Academic All-America who earned All-Bay Valley Conference first team honors at tackle... was his team’s lineman of the year last year... a two-year starter... starting linebacker with over 100 tackles at Valley High. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “David is a very tough and emotional player who plays snap-to-whistle every down. We need help in our interior defensive line, and we expect David to supply talent in that area. He is a very good student, and his energy and spirit are as valuable to us as any of his physical attributes.”
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
Neil Boyce, OL (6-3/275/Tacoma, WA--Baptist)
An all-state offensive and defensive lineman in Washington’s B-11 classification... earned all-Tacoma honors from the Tacoma News Tribune, and was Pacific League defensive player of the year... named to the East-West All-Star game. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Neil was an every-down player on a pretty solid football team. We’ve had great success from smaller school athletes from the state Washington and Neil shows the same kind dedication and love of the game. He was a very dominant player on both sides of the ball and will make our offensive line more athletic.”
Arnold Briggs, CB (5-10/170/San Diego, CA--Mira Mesa)
Named All-CIF and Eastern League receiver, and excelled as a return specialist, as well... caught 40 passes for 634 yards and five TDs... his team was 8-4 and advanced to CIF quarterfinals... had four TD returns... lettered in basketball, as well. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Arnold was an outstanding high school wide receiver who we will ask to transition to the secondary. He is an excellent basketball player with great lateral and vertical quickness. His athletic skills will come into play as we continue our legacy of outstanding cornerback play.”
Ryan Cerise, DL (6-3/232/Colorado Springs, CO--Cheyenne Mountain)
Earned All-State Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News honors as a senior defensive end... MVP Lineman at Cheyenne Mountain last fall... had 91 tackles, nine sacks as a senior... all-city and honorable mention all-state middle linebacker as a junior, getting 120 tackles and four sacks... his father played at Air Force. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Ryan comes to us by chance after a conversation I had with his coach. After visiting Ryan and his family in early January we felt he was a great fit for us, and he enjoyed his visit to Bozeman. Ryan is a very fast defensive lineman who we think will be a good ‘edge’ rusher. His dad was a linebacker at Air Force, so he knows how tough the transition to college can be.”
Eric Fisher, PK (6-1/190/Billings, MT--West)
A four-sport letterman at Billings West, where he earned all-state and All-Eastern AA honors as punter and kicker... averaged 40.9 yards a punt... was all-conference punter and kicker as a junior, also... registered 13 touchbacks as a senior... a starter on the basketball team, and runs the 400 in track... was an all-conference soccer player, and an honors student who has earned academic scholarships. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Eric is a true athlete, not just a soccer-kicker. He has shown the ability to convert his placements, and he kicks off deep. The transition from tee-kicking to kicking off the ground is usually adventuresome, but he actually began his football kicking career by kicking off the ground. Hopefully, he will help us solve our score-kicking woes, which contributed to our November decline.”
Dane Fletcher, LB (6-1/192/Bozeman, MT--Bozeman)
Named Bozeman’s Hawk of the Year... first team all-state linebacker and honorable mention tight end... earned Eastern AA all-conference kudos, and chosen for the Shrine and Mon-Dak all-star games... Great Falls Tribune Super State selection... outstanding hockey player who has played for the Bozeman Ice Dogs... an honors student and catcher for the American Legion Bucks. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Dane comes to us with a relatively new football resume. He really only started one year at Bozeman High, but had a great year as a senior. Former Bobcats Scott Turnquist and Brandon Vancleeve, who coached at the high school this year, could not stop raving about his development throughout the 2004 season. He has very good speed and ranginess, and we liken his ability to (current Bobcat linebacker) Nick Marudas because of his speed, intelligence and toughness.””
Chase Gazzerro, LB (5-10/182/Great Falls, MT--CM Russell)
Outstanding linebacker for state champion CM Russell who played the second half of the state championship game at tailback and linebacker... selected to the Shrine All-Star Game and Mon-Dak Game... was first team all-state linebacker and kick returner, and was CMR’s kick teams MVP... chosen for the Down Under Bowl... Great Falls Tribune Superstate choice who was honorable mention all-state as a junior... two-year starter, and two-time state power-lifting champion. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Chase is one of the fastest recruits in this class. His timed 40 of 4.4 in our summer camp last June piqued our interest and his play as a senior solidified our intent. He is a great hitter and a very smart player. Chase is quietly determined to be one of our best players and his weight-lifting accolades are an indication of his ability and willingness to work hard.”
Derek Green II, WR (6-3/175/Billings, MT--Senior)
All-State and all-conference choice, finishing third in the state with 61 catches for 909 yards and 11 TDs... outstanding hurdler, triple jumper, and high jumper... chosen for the Montana Shrine Game... All-Eastern AA in track as a sophomore and junior... honors student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “It is pretty rare that a Montana high school athlete has such great size in addition to speed at wide receiver. Having played in Billings Senior’s wide-open passing offense for three years, Derek brings a pass-game awareness to our program that sometimes takes years to learn.”
Jeff Hansen, OL (6-3/254/Great Falls, MT--CM Russell)
Two-year starter for Jack Johnson at CMR... helped lead the Rustlers to the state title this fall... earned Eastern AA and all-state honors... chosen for the East-West Shrine and Mon-Dak All-Star games... two-time academic all-state... a three-year track letterman. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Jeff is a young man with a great feel for the game and the offensive line. We like his long arms, foot-speed, balance, and toughness. He made an indelible mark last summer in our camp, where he put all of his skills on display. Coach Mac (Jason McEndoo) had a great time coaching him, and their relationship was instrumental in Jeff becoming a Bobcat. We really like the way he played through CMR’s championship run, especially in the championship game.””
Brandon Hoffenbacker, DL (6-3/275/Kalispell, MT--Flathead)
Four-year starter, four-year all-state choice, and three-time all-state choice on both sides of the ball... second team all-state as a freshman... named a PrepNation.com All-America... Montana prep defensive player of the year and Great Falls Tribune Superstate choice... chosen for Shrine and Mon-Dak games... was third in the state as a heavyweight wrestler as a junior... third in the state in the shot put as a junior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Brandon is one of the state’s all-time best football players. He has started as a freshman, and has always played with great toughness and desire. In time, we think he will become one of our finest defensive players.”
Kevin Retoriano, LB (5-9/176/San Diego, CA--Clairemont)
All-Harbor League running back last fall, earning offensive MVP and All-CIF second team honors... team captain... 124 carries for 1,716 yards and 18 TDs as a senior, with three catches for 150 yards, as a senior... gained 1,400 yards as a junior... helped lead Clairemont to CIF playoffs... basketball letterman and honors student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Kevin is an outstanding football player who could see action in a number of positions. His ability in the open field shows his speed, quickness, and toughness that makes him a great prospect at a variety of spots. He is a smart, tough kid with a tremendous upside.”
Joe Schreibeis, DL (6-3/215/Billings, MT--West)
Two-sport star, earning all-conference and all-state honors at defensive end and tight end... caught 17 passes for 214 yards and two TDs... named to the Shrine and Mon-Dak games... all-conference at TE and DE as a junior... honors student... outstanding student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Joe is a great athlete on both sides of the ball. We really like his frame, long arms, and overall ability. I really like his body, frame, and reach. He reminds us of a taller version of Jon Montoya, who joined us as a tight end and wound up as one of MSU’s best defensive ends ever.”
Dominic Sonsini, OL (6-2/264/Los Angeles, CA-St. Bonaventure)
Started 28 straight games at left guard on a team that was 13-1 and CIF champion last fall... All-Ventura County choice... named to LA Times Ventura-North Coast All-Star team... two-time First team All-Channel League choice and team captain... avid weightlifter with 1,565 total for three power lifting lifts... senior class president and honors student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Dominic was a great player in a great California high school program. He greatly contributed to his team’s two-year runn of success as both a great run-block and pass protector. His strength training work has paid great dividends and he joins an impressive offensive line situation under Coach Jason McEndoo. Dom is one of a growing group of ‘next generation’ players that makes our offensive line future very good.”
Denis Speights, LB (6-1/190/Costa Mesa, CA--Mission Viejo)
All-Orange County First Team, All-CIF Division II and All-South Coast League choice at linebacker... his team was ranked second in the nation in USA Today... had 95 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and three sacks as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Denis played on one of the nation’s best high school teams. MV beat teams loaded with Division I talent. He has great speed, agility, and toughness. He is very similar to Dan Ashley, one of our very talented freshmen who will have a chance to show his ability this spring. We think Denis will be outstanding in space as part of our man defensive scheme.”
Isaiah Taito, RB (6-0/194/Shelton, WA--Shelton)
All-Narrows League first team conference offensive MVP... All-Class AAA... rushed for 1,608 yards with 21 TDs, 321 yards receiving... had over 400 total yards vs. South Kitsap last fall... three-sport letterman. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Isaiah proved his mettle against South Kitsap, a traditional power and Roger Cooper’s alma mater, last fall. He gained over 400 yards in an impressive win. He has excellent vision, toughness, and a ‘burst’ of speed. We like his durability and athleticism.”
Brian Walden, S (5-8/183/Los Angeles, CA--Taft)
All-West Valley linebacker as a senior... 111 tackles, 50 solos, six sacks, two picks, three forced fumbles and four recovered... had 22 carries for 300 yards and three TDs as a part-time running back... 45-9 triple jumper. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Brian was recommended to us by former Nevada Head Coach Chris Tormey, now a Washington assistant. He showed tremendous toughness and tackling ability, along with good speed and quickness. He is an every-down hitter and finds the ball very well. I think he could play either corner or safety.”
Michael Wright, CB (5-9/165/Vista, CA--Vista)
An All-Avacado League choice at running back and defensive back... averaged 6.7 yards per carry, throwing for five TDs and threw for two more... had five interceptions and 30 tackles as a cornerback... helped lead team to Division I CIF title... three-year football and basketball letterman, averaging 17 poitns a game as a junior... older brother plays basketball at Creighton. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Michael is very smooth and athletic. He shows great balance and timing. We think he can be an excellent cover corner. Michael is an outstanding basketball player with very good hand-eye coordination. He is a classy, stylish kid.”
Name, Pos. Ht Wt Class Hometown High School JC/4-Year
Chris Kolone, DL (coe-loe-nay) 6-4 280 Fr San Diego, CA Rancho Bernardo Arizona
Jason Macciola, DL (muh-CHOE-luh) 6-3 240 Jr Fremont, CA Washington De Anza JC
Tramaine Murray, WR 5-10 178 Jr Oxnard, CA Oxnard Washington State
Zach Teisher, TE (rhymes with fisher) 6-3 235 Jr Chula Vista, CA Valhalla Southwestern
Transfers to Enroll Next Fall
Name, Pos. Ht Wt Class Hometown High School JC/4-Year
Chris Davis, CB 5-8 196 Jr Long Beach, CA Poly New Mexico State
David Siataga, DL (see-uh-TAW-guh) 5-11 290 Jr Sacramento, CA Valley Sacramento City
High School Signees
Neil Boyce, OL 6-3 275 Fr Tacoma, WA Tacoma Baptist
Arnold Briggs, CB 5-10 170 Fr San Diego, CA Mira Mesa
Ryan Cerise, DL (suh-REE-see) 6-3 232 Fr Colorado Springs, CO Cheyenne Mountain
Eric Fisher, PK 6-1 190 Fr Billings, MT West
Dane Fletcher, LB 6-1 192 Fr Bozeman, MT Bozeman
Chase Gazzerro, LB (guh-ZAY-ro) 5-10 182 Fr Great Falls, MT CM Russell
Derek Green II, WR 6-3 175 Fr Billings, MT Senior
Jeff Hansen, OL 6-3 254 Fr Great Falls, MT CM Russell
Brandon Hoffenbacker, DL 6-3 275 Fr Kalispell, MT Flathead
Kevin Retoriano, LB 5-9 196 Fr San Diego, CA Clairemont
Joe Schreibeis, DL (shry-bise) 6-3 215 Fr Billings, MT West
Dominic Sonsini, OL(sawn-see-nee) 6-2 264 Fr Los Angeles, CA St. Bonaventure
Denis Speights, LB (spates) 6-1 190 Fr Costa Mesa, CA Mission Viejo
Isaiah Taito, RB (tie-toe) 6-0 194 Fr Shelton, WA Shelton
Brian Walden, S 5-8 183 Fr Los Angeles, CA Taft
Michael Wright, CB 5-9 165 Fr Vista, CA Vista
-pick up bios-
TRANSFERS ENROLLED AT MSU
Chris Kolone, DL (6-4/280/Fr/San Diego, CA--Rancho Bernardo/Arizona)
Transfers from Arizona, where he redshirted last fall... was All-CIF, All-San Diego, and All-Palomar as a senior... his team was 9-2 that year... his family is originally from Hawai’i. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Chris joined our program after leaving Arizona. He is relatively new to the college game, but we think he will have a tremendous impact right away. Having Chris participate in spring drills will allow him to prepare for a great four years at MSU.”
Jason Macciola, DL (6-3/240/Jr/Fremont, CA--Washington/DeAnza JC)
Bolsters MSU’s defensive line... had 20 sacks at DeAnza as a sophomore... earned first team all-conference honors twice, getting 31 career sacks... was unanimous team MVP as a sophomore, and was voted team’s outstanding D-lineman... was All-Mission Valley and All-Bay Area nose guard as a high school senior, as well as Mission League MVP and team captain. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Jason joined us in January after a stellar junior college career. He is tall with long arms and, hopefully, will help us recapture our defensive heritage. He was a relentless junior college pass rusher, with the temperament to play right away. His presence in our winter conditioning program and spring practice will enhance his ability to contribute right away.”
Tramaine Murray, WR (5-10/178/Sr/Oxnard, CA--Oxnard/Washington State)
Transferred to MSU from Washington State at the semester... bolsters the receiving corps... redshirted at Washington State in 2003... didn’t record stats at WSU... was a two-year starter at Ventura JC, earning all-conference honors both years... caught 35 passes as a sophomore for 635 yards and 10 TDs... also ran track in high school and at JC... was a Ventura County All-Star in football and basketball. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “We really liked Tramaine coming out of junior college, and we have tracked his progress. He has good speed and size, and we expect him to contribute right away. His presence in spring drills is a key component to our offensive development. His maturity and academic performance make him an excellent addition to our receiver corps.”
Zach Teisher, TE (6-3/235/Jr/Chula Vista, CA--Southwestern College/Valhalla)
An experienced tight end who bolsters a youthful position... was an all-conference junior college receiver, catching 15 passes for 146 yards and three TDs as a sophomore... was all-league tight end and defensive end in high school, getting eight sacks and 41 tackles as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Zach is a very solid blocker who we hope will give us the ability to play with two tight ends on the field at the same time. This deficiency forced us to throw more than we wanted, which, while it led to some big numbers, hindered our play-calling flexibility. Zach is a third-year junior, so he brings maturity and experience to a young group of tight ends.”
TRANSFERS TO ENROLL AT MSU NEXT FALL
Chris Davis, CB (5-8/196/Jr/Long Beach, CA--Poly/New Mexico State)
Transfers to MSU from New Mexico State, where he started games in each of his first two seasons... played in nine games as a true freshman in 2002, registering five solo tackles... had 11 solos and five assists in his 11 games in 2003... spending the 2004-05 academic year at Harbor Junior College without participating in football... earned All-CIF and All-Moore League honors with 61 tackles, three interceptions (one for a TD) as a senior... led Poly to a 14-0 mark that year. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Chris is a rare find, an academically solid cornerback who was a part-time starter at a four-year college. He has started games against the best competition in college football, teams like Texas, South Carolina and Georgia. He is quick with good vertical ability and great toughness. His willingness to contribute is a great asset. He should be ready to have a tremendous impact on our program in August.”
David Siataga, DL (5-11/190/Jr/Sacramento, CA--Sacramento City/Valley)
A junior college Academic All-America who earned All-Bay Valley Conference first team honors at tackle... was his team’s lineman of the year last year... a two-year starter... starting linebacker with over 100 tackles at Valley High. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “David is a very tough and emotional player who plays snap-to-whistle every down. We need help in our interior defensive line, and we expect David to supply talent in that area. He is a very good student, and his energy and spirit are as valuable to us as any of his physical attributes.”
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
Neil Boyce, OL (6-3/275/Tacoma, WA--Baptist)
An all-state offensive and defensive lineman in Washington’s B-11 classification... earned all-Tacoma honors from the Tacoma News Tribune, and was Pacific League defensive player of the year... named to the East-West All-Star game. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Neil was an every-down player on a pretty solid football team. We’ve had great success from smaller school athletes from the state Washington and Neil shows the same kind dedication and love of the game. He was a very dominant player on both sides of the ball and will make our offensive line more athletic.”
Arnold Briggs, CB (5-10/170/San Diego, CA--Mira Mesa)
Named All-CIF and Eastern League receiver, and excelled as a return specialist, as well... caught 40 passes for 634 yards and five TDs... his team was 8-4 and advanced to CIF quarterfinals... had four TD returns... lettered in basketball, as well. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Arnold was an outstanding high school wide receiver who we will ask to transition to the secondary. He is an excellent basketball player with great lateral and vertical quickness. His athletic skills will come into play as we continue our legacy of outstanding cornerback play.”
Ryan Cerise, DL (6-3/232/Colorado Springs, CO--Cheyenne Mountain)
Earned All-State Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News honors as a senior defensive end... MVP Lineman at Cheyenne Mountain last fall... had 91 tackles, nine sacks as a senior... all-city and honorable mention all-state middle linebacker as a junior, getting 120 tackles and four sacks... his father played at Air Force. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Ryan comes to us by chance after a conversation I had with his coach. After visiting Ryan and his family in early January we felt he was a great fit for us, and he enjoyed his visit to Bozeman. Ryan is a very fast defensive lineman who we think will be a good ‘edge’ rusher. His dad was a linebacker at Air Force, so he knows how tough the transition to college can be.”
Eric Fisher, PK (6-1/190/Billings, MT--West)
A four-sport letterman at Billings West, where he earned all-state and All-Eastern AA honors as punter and kicker... averaged 40.9 yards a punt... was all-conference punter and kicker as a junior, also... registered 13 touchbacks as a senior... a starter on the basketball team, and runs the 400 in track... was an all-conference soccer player, and an honors student who has earned academic scholarships. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Eric is a true athlete, not just a soccer-kicker. He has shown the ability to convert his placements, and he kicks off deep. The transition from tee-kicking to kicking off the ground is usually adventuresome, but he actually began his football kicking career by kicking off the ground. Hopefully, he will help us solve our score-kicking woes, which contributed to our November decline.”
Dane Fletcher, LB (6-1/192/Bozeman, MT--Bozeman)
Named Bozeman’s Hawk of the Year... first team all-state linebacker and honorable mention tight end... earned Eastern AA all-conference kudos, and chosen for the Shrine and Mon-Dak all-star games... Great Falls Tribune Super State selection... outstanding hockey player who has played for the Bozeman Ice Dogs... an honors student and catcher for the American Legion Bucks. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Dane comes to us with a relatively new football resume. He really only started one year at Bozeman High, but had a great year as a senior. Former Bobcats Scott Turnquist and Brandon Vancleeve, who coached at the high school this year, could not stop raving about his development throughout the 2004 season. He has very good speed and ranginess, and we liken his ability to (current Bobcat linebacker) Nick Marudas because of his speed, intelligence and toughness.””
Chase Gazzerro, LB (5-10/182/Great Falls, MT--CM Russell)
Outstanding linebacker for state champion CM Russell who played the second half of the state championship game at tailback and linebacker... selected to the Shrine All-Star Game and Mon-Dak Game... was first team all-state linebacker and kick returner, and was CMR’s kick teams MVP... chosen for the Down Under Bowl... Great Falls Tribune Superstate choice who was honorable mention all-state as a junior... two-year starter, and two-time state power-lifting champion. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Chase is one of the fastest recruits in this class. His timed 40 of 4.4 in our summer camp last June piqued our interest and his play as a senior solidified our intent. He is a great hitter and a very smart player. Chase is quietly determined to be one of our best players and his weight-lifting accolades are an indication of his ability and willingness to work hard.”
Derek Green II, WR (6-3/175/Billings, MT--Senior)
All-State and all-conference choice, finishing third in the state with 61 catches for 909 yards and 11 TDs... outstanding hurdler, triple jumper, and high jumper... chosen for the Montana Shrine Game... All-Eastern AA in track as a sophomore and junior... honors student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “It is pretty rare that a Montana high school athlete has such great size in addition to speed at wide receiver. Having played in Billings Senior’s wide-open passing offense for three years, Derek brings a pass-game awareness to our program that sometimes takes years to learn.”
Jeff Hansen, OL (6-3/254/Great Falls, MT--CM Russell)
Two-year starter for Jack Johnson at CMR... helped lead the Rustlers to the state title this fall... earned Eastern AA and all-state honors... chosen for the East-West Shrine and Mon-Dak All-Star games... two-time academic all-state... a three-year track letterman. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Jeff is a young man with a great feel for the game and the offensive line. We like his long arms, foot-speed, balance, and toughness. He made an indelible mark last summer in our camp, where he put all of his skills on display. Coach Mac (Jason McEndoo) had a great time coaching him, and their relationship was instrumental in Jeff becoming a Bobcat. We really like the way he played through CMR’s championship run, especially in the championship game.””
Brandon Hoffenbacker, DL (6-3/275/Kalispell, MT--Flathead)
Four-year starter, four-year all-state choice, and three-time all-state choice on both sides of the ball... second team all-state as a freshman... named a PrepNation.com All-America... Montana prep defensive player of the year and Great Falls Tribune Superstate choice... chosen for Shrine and Mon-Dak games... was third in the state as a heavyweight wrestler as a junior... third in the state in the shot put as a junior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Brandon is one of the state’s all-time best football players. He has started as a freshman, and has always played with great toughness and desire. In time, we think he will become one of our finest defensive players.”
Kevin Retoriano, LB (5-9/176/San Diego, CA--Clairemont)
All-Harbor League running back last fall, earning offensive MVP and All-CIF second team honors... team captain... 124 carries for 1,716 yards and 18 TDs as a senior, with three catches for 150 yards, as a senior... gained 1,400 yards as a junior... helped lead Clairemont to CIF playoffs... basketball letterman and honors student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Kevin is an outstanding football player who could see action in a number of positions. His ability in the open field shows his speed, quickness, and toughness that makes him a great prospect at a variety of spots. He is a smart, tough kid with a tremendous upside.”
Joe Schreibeis, DL (6-3/215/Billings, MT--West)
Two-sport star, earning all-conference and all-state honors at defensive end and tight end... caught 17 passes for 214 yards and two TDs... named to the Shrine and Mon-Dak games... all-conference at TE and DE as a junior... honors student... outstanding student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Joe is a great athlete on both sides of the ball. We really like his frame, long arms, and overall ability. I really like his body, frame, and reach. He reminds us of a taller version of Jon Montoya, who joined us as a tight end and wound up as one of MSU’s best defensive ends ever.”
Dominic Sonsini, OL (6-2/264/Los Angeles, CA-St. Bonaventure)
Started 28 straight games at left guard on a team that was 13-1 and CIF champion last fall... All-Ventura County choice... named to LA Times Ventura-North Coast All-Star team... two-time First team All-Channel League choice and team captain... avid weightlifter with 1,565 total for three power lifting lifts... senior class president and honors student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Dominic was a great player in a great California high school program. He greatly contributed to his team’s two-year runn of success as both a great run-block and pass protector. His strength training work has paid great dividends and he joins an impressive offensive line situation under Coach Jason McEndoo. Dom is one of a growing group of ‘next generation’ players that makes our offensive line future very good.”
Denis Speights, LB (6-1/190/Costa Mesa, CA--Mission Viejo)
All-Orange County First Team, All-CIF Division II and All-South Coast League choice at linebacker... his team was ranked second in the nation in USA Today... had 95 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and three sacks as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Denis played on one of the nation’s best high school teams. MV beat teams loaded with Division I talent. He has great speed, agility, and toughness. He is very similar to Dan Ashley, one of our very talented freshmen who will have a chance to show his ability this spring. We think Denis will be outstanding in space as part of our man defensive scheme.”
Isaiah Taito, RB (6-0/194/Shelton, WA--Shelton)
All-Narrows League first team conference offensive MVP... All-Class AAA... rushed for 1,608 yards with 21 TDs, 321 yards receiving... had over 400 total yards vs. South Kitsap last fall... three-sport letterman. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Isaiah proved his mettle against South Kitsap, a traditional power and Roger Cooper’s alma mater, last fall. He gained over 400 yards in an impressive win. He has excellent vision, toughness, and a ‘burst’ of speed. We like his durability and athleticism.”
Brian Walden, S (5-8/183/Los Angeles, CA--Taft)
All-West Valley linebacker as a senior... 111 tackles, 50 solos, six sacks, two picks, three forced fumbles and four recovered... had 22 carries for 300 yards and three TDs as a part-time running back... 45-9 triple jumper. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Brian was recommended to us by former Nevada Head Coach Chris Tormey, now a Washington assistant. He showed tremendous toughness and tackling ability, along with good speed and quickness. He is an every-down hitter and finds the ball very well. I think he could play either corner or safety.”
Michael Wright, CB (5-9/165/Vista, CA--Vista)
An All-Avacado League choice at running back and defensive back... averaged 6.7 yards per carry, throwing for five TDs and threw for two more... had five interceptions and 30 tackles as a cornerback... helped lead team to Division I CIF title... three-year football and basketball letterman, averaging 17 poitns a game as a junior... older brother plays basketball at Creighton. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Michael is very smooth and athletic. He shows great balance and timing. We think he can be an excellent cover corner. Michael is an outstanding basketball player with very good hand-eye coordination. He is a classy, stylish kid.”
