BEMIDJI, Minn. – It was a huge recruiting day for the Bemidji State University Football team on National Signing Day. The Beavers brought in 28 players on the day, coupled with the three that signed during the early signing period, Bemidji State added 31 new student-athletes for the upcoming season. Nearly half (14) of this year's class came from Minnesota, with Wisconsin (7) and Iowa (5) also showing strong numbers. North Dakota and Illinois each had two players commit, while South Dakota added one.
Wide receiver was the top position with six recruits, while defensive back and linebacker each brought in five. In the trenches, offensive and defensive line added four players apiece, while a pair of running backs are set to join the program. Quarterback, kicker, long snapper all had one signee, while one recruit will join as an athlete.
Updated as of 8:45 p.m.
Total signings (31)
By Position:
WR (6), DB (5), LB (5), OL (4), DL (4), RB (2), QB (1), K (1), FB (1), ATH (1), LS (1)
By State:
Minnesota (14), Wisconsin (7), Iowa (5), North Dakota (2), Illinois (2), South Dakota (1)
Ridge Flatness, 6-0/185, LB, Blackduck (MN)
Flatness helped Blackduck win eight games for the most successful season in over two decades this past year. The team advanced to the section championship game for just the second time since 1998. During his senior season, Flatness tallied 105.5 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also averaged 14 yards per rush and seven yards per catch on his way to recording 10 total touchdowns.
Ridge Flatness highlight reel
Ethan Biehn, 5-10/170, WR, Bemidji (MN)
Biehn will stay home to compete for the Beavers after playing his prep career in Bemidji. He earned several accolades throughout his career including two-time All-District, Offensive MVP with 1,137 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns during his senior season. Academic All-State and was a captain. In addition to his football honors, Biehn also collected the Golden Cleat Award in baseball and was a captain for both the baseball and basketball teams. One of his best sports memories came playing under the Friday night lights in the section championship game. Biehn was strong in the classroom being named to the National Honor Society, Academic Pin Achiever and four-year academic letterwinner. His brother, Isaiah, currently competes for the BSU baseball program. His dad, Duane, transferred to BSU to play baseball.
Ethan Biehn highlight reel
Zavion McMurran, 6-0/210, LB, Estherville Lincoln Central (IA)
McMurran was part of back-to-back winning seasons during his time at Estherville Lincoln Central. During his junior season, McMurran helped the defense to a pair of strong starts to the year limiting the first two opponents to just seven points. The team added a late shutout win before advancing to the playoffs. In four games, Estherville Lincoln Central limited teams to a touchdown or less. This past year, McMurran helped the team to a shutout victory in the season opener and later won a tight one possession game midway through the season.
Zavion McMurran highlight reel
Connor Carver, 6-1/191, QB, Fort Dodge (IA)
Carver compiled multiple awards during his time running the show at Fort Dodge High School. The quarterback was named a two-time First Team All-District recipient and garnered Third Team All-State. In addition to his time on the gridiron, Carver competed in baseball and track. Carver finishes his prep career among the best in program history after throwing for 4,143 yards (third most) and added 42 touchdowns (second most). Carver showed his versatility on the ground as well, rushing for 575 yards, averaging six yards per carry. He also found the end zone six times rushing his senior season. This past year alone, he threw for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Connor Carver highlight reel
Levi Daniel, 6-2/200, LB, Iowa City Regina
Daniel was named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District, while holding a solid 3.80 GPA. Put together a big junior season rushing for over 1,000 yards and tallied 14 touchdowns in just eight games. He ranked fifth on the team with 29.5 tackles as a two-way starter in helping Iowa City Regina to a 9-1 season. Daniel was part of the 2020 team that went a perfect 13-0 on their way to winning the IAHSAA Class A state title. Started his career off winning eight games as a freshman and advancing to the third round of the playoffs.
Levi Daniel highlight reel
Lucas Meyer, 6-4/190, WR, Iowa City Liberty High School
Meyer, a wide receiver from Iowa City Liberty High School, brings a 6-foot-4 frame to the wide out position. Meyer earned multiple accolades including First Team All-District in football and was an all-around athlete earning First Team All-Conference accolades in track. One of his top moments from his high school career included the chance to play in front of a packed Kinnick Stadium. This past season, Meyer helped power his team to the Class 4A state quarterfinals following a nine-win season. He tallied 28 receptions for 462 yards and five touchdowns.
Lucas Meyer highlight reel
Deon Kelson, 6-3/295, OL, Apple Valley (MN)
Kelson helped anchor an offensive line that compiled nearly 200 points throughout his senior season, as the offensive production increased by over 100 points from the previous year. He helped lead Apple Valley on a three-game winning streak during the year, closing the run with a dominating 41-0 victory. Kelson and Apple Valley finished the regular season with a 35-32 victory before advancing to the playoffs. Kelson was a regular on the offensive line since his true freshman season, starting nearly every game his first year. Kelson was also strong in the classroom holding a nearly 3.80 GPA.
Deon Kelson highlight reel
Antonio Brown, 5-11/180, RB, Jacobs High School (IL)
Brown capped his career by breaking the school single season rushing record. This past season, in helping the team to a share of the conference title and eight victories, Brown carried the ball 169 times for 1,710 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging over a staggering 10 yards per carry. The share of the conference title was the first for Jacobs High School in nine years. Brown was named to the Northwest Herald All-Area Team.
Antonio Brown highlight reel
Jaxon Kellogg, 6-2/210, LB, Bismarck Legacy (ND)
Kellogg was named a Blue-Grey All-American, along with earning First Team All-State accolades. He also earned Prep Red Zone Dakota Region MVP from the showcase in early December. In addition to all the honors that he earned, Kellogg was all over the field in 2022. He posted school records in tackles with 102 and in tackles for loss with 10. Kellogg added 52 solo tackles, three sacks, 20 quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and both a forced fumble and recovery in nine games. He helped Legacy to a six-win campaign, which was also a new school record.
Jaxon Kellogg highlight reel
Landon Arends, 6-2/200, K/WR, Osage (IA)
Arends played both kicker and wide receiver throughout his prep career. He has a big leg continually making 45-yard-plus field goals. He was selected to play in the 2023 Iowa Shrine All-Star game that will take place this July at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls. As a receiver this past season, he caught 40 passes for 766 yards and 12 touchdowns, with a long TD reception of 80 yards. In 54 kickoffs, 29 went for touchbacks and on 34 punts, he averaged nearly 38 yards per attempt, with a long of 68. Arends was named First Team Class 2A District 3 this past season.
Landon Arends highlight reel
Brandon Fuller, 6-2/255, OL, Necedah High School (WI)
Fuller was named a First Team All-Conference selection along the offensive line. Helped the offense pile up 30 points in an early game in the season against Westfield Area and then down the stretch tally 22 points in a close contest at Brookwood. It was a strong junior season for Fuller and Necedah as they compiled six wins and accumulated 350 total points on offense. Opened the season scoring 142 points in three victories. Picked up four wins during the shortened 2020-21 season that included a four-game winning streak.
Brandon Fuller highlight reel
Dominic Jackson, 6-0/175, WR, Shakopee (MN)
Jackson helped Shakopee win the District Title and advance to the playoffs this past season compiling six victories. Following a five-win season as a freshman, Jackson and Shakopee took off winning six games during the shortened Covid season, winning the final six games of the season. Then during his junior season, added eight wins that included a five-game winning streak to start the year. Shakopee added a three-game winning streak down the stretch that sent them into the third round of the playoffs. Earned All-District accolades.
Dominic Jackson highlight reel
Eli Pfeiffer, 6-1/200, FB/LS, Walker (MN)
Pfeiffer earned a multitude of honors from his senior year including, Minnesota State High School League All-Section Player, Northwest All-District and earned an academic award for holding an over 3.5 GPA. Pfeiffer opened his prep career strong picking up seven wins and advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Walker won six-straight games at one point that season. Pfeiffer helped Walker close this past season strong with three wins over their final five games.
Eli Pfeiffer highlight reel
Tyrell Thomas, 5-9/175, DB, Park Center (MN)
Thomas helped lead Park Center to six wins this past season, that included a three-game winning streak towards the end of the year. Thomas was part of a defense that limited teams to a touchdown or less in two games. It was a big junior season for Thomas and Park Center as they collected eight wins that included a playoff victory. The team allowed just 152 points on defense, holding teams to under 10 points in six contests. It was a big turnaround for Park Center over the course of Thomas' career, as the team finished winning 14 games over his final two seasons, after no wins over his first two seasons.
Tyrell Thomas highlight reel
Eli Coenen, 6-6/220, DE, Baldwin-Woodville (WI)
Coenen was named an All-Conference player throughout his career, along with being an All-State Honorable Mention at defensive end. He also was named to the WFCA All-State selections and First Team All-Region. He was the highest nominated tight end and defensive end. Coenen was part of a Baldwin-Woodville team that won seven games this past season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. The defense allowed just 210 points on the season, limiting teams to a touchdown or less in three games. Began his prep career strong, as the true freshman was part of a program that won eight games and reached the second round of the playoffs. The defense allowed just 182 points all season, allowing a touchdown or less in four games. Coenen also competed in basketball throughout his career.
Eli Coenen highlight reel
Liam Cummins, 6-0/225, DE, Edina (MN)
Cummins was strong on defense, playing both line and linebacker during his career. He was named a two-time All-District player, team Defensive Player of the Year and was a senior captain. Cummins helped Edina advance to the second round of the playoffs this past season. The team fought back from a tough start to the season dropping their first four games and then went on to win four of their final six games. That was a big turnaround for Edina as the team won one game in 2021. Began his career winning five games as a true freshman. Cummins posted 70 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three sacks as a senior.
Liam Cummins highlight reel
Foster Mulvehill, 5-11/180, DB, Irondale (MN)
Mulvehill was named Defensive MVP, All-District and earned the Academic Excellence Award all this past season. Mulvehill held a 4.1 GPA throughout his prep career and was also a two-time captain. He started the season being tabbed to the Preseason All-State Team. Helped Irondale pick up six wins last year, including a four-game winning streak that advanced the team into the playoffs. Mulvehill was part of a team that steadily improved throughout his career. After winning three games as a freshman and two in the shortened Covid year, Irondale won four games his junior year before finishing with six this season. During his senior season, Mulvehill posted 61 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. One of his greatest sports thrills was during his senior football season as the team came back from down 14 with five minutes left versus Robbinsdale Copper to win in overtime.
Foster Mulvehill highlight reel
Dante Draghicchio, 6-3/297, OL, Bay Port (WI)
Draghicchio helped Bay Port advance to the final four of the state playoffs this past season, as the team won 12 straight games before falling in the final four. Draghicchio powered an offense that scored 477 points. Draghicchio helped Bay Port advance to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs his junior season as the team tallied 11 victories. Bay Port won six-straight down the stretch that included two playoff victories. Draghicchio helped power an offense that compiled 539 points, scoring at least 20 points in 11 games and went for a season-high 76 points in the second round of the playoffs. He began his career making it all the way to the state championship game as a freshman, as Bay Port won 16 games that year. The team piled up 823 points that season. Draghicchio was listed as a Player of the Year nominee entering this past season and was also listed as a Joe Thomas Award finalist for the top senior offensive lineman. Also earned All-Conference accolades. He was named to the First Team All-State and the FRCC Co-Lineman of the Year.
Dante Draghicchio highlight reel
Jadon Hellerud, 5-10/210, ATH, Shakopee (MN)
Hellerud helped Shakopee win the District Title and advance to the playoffs this past season compiling six victories. Following a five-win season as a freshman, Hellerud and Shakopee took off winning six games during the shortened Covid season, winning the final six games of the season. Then during his junior season, added eight wins that included a five-game winning streak to start the year. Shakopee added a three-game winning streak down the stretch that sent them into the third round of the playoffs. Hellerud was a three-sport athlete throughout his prep career, earning All-Metro honors as a running back and All-State as a wrestler. Capped his career being named the 2022 Minnesota All-Star Game MVP. During his senior season alone, Hellerud tallied 1,336 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 153 yards per game.
Jadon Hellerud highlight reel
Demarco Evans, 5-11/175, DB, Milwaukee Marshall (WI)
Evans was named a two-time Second Team All-Conference performer at both defensive back and wide receiver. One of his favorite memories was during his junior season when his team came back from down 19 at half to win 21-19. Evans helped Milwaukee Marshall tie for the top spot in league play going 6-1 this past season. That came after the team was right there his junior season finishing runner-up with five wins in league play.
Demarco Evans highlight reel
Tyler Sutherland, 6-2/180, WR, Beloit Turner (WI)
Sutherland broke several school records for a single game this past season. Against Lakeside Lutheran, he posted new program records for catches in a game (15), yards (255) and touchdowns (4). Of his records broken, the single game catching mark had stood since 1975. It was part of an all-star season for Sutherland as he was named All-Conference, All-Region and All-State following his impressive senior campaign. He helped move the program forward after Beloit Turner won just two combined games over his first two seasons, they finished winning eight combined over his final two years.
Tyler Sutherland highlight reel
Aundreus Griffin, 6-2/185, WR, Mesabi Range CTC (MN)
Griffin will transfer to Bemidji State after spending the past two seasons competing at Mesabi Range CTC, a Minnesota North College located in Virginia. This past season, Griffin played in seven games, catching 42 passes for 847 yards and nine touchdowns. He had a long reception of 88 yards. During his first season, Griffin caught 41 passes for 747 yards and six touchdowns. He had another big reception of 79 yards. Griffin was named to the MCAC Elite Team each of the past two seasons. He also earned NJCAA First Team All-American, All-Region and First Team All-Conference.
Aundreus Griffin highlight reel
L'Shawn Taylor, 5-10/165, DB, Martin Luther (WI)
Taylor was named an WFCA All-Region defensive back and First Team All-Conference (both offense and defense) following his senior season. He was part of a defense that allowed just 137 points this past season, that included six games allowing a touchdown or less and four shutout victories. After an opening season loss, Taylor and Martin Luther reeled off nine straight wins to reach the playoffs. That came on the heels of a seven-win junior season, where the defense allowed just 154 points. Martin Luther had four games allowing a touchdown or less and posted a shutout. Started his career off strong with eight wins, that included a playoff victory. He helped the team win a conference championship. Taylor was a multi-sport athlete, earning First Team All-Region and First Team All-Conference in wrestling. His greatest sports thrill was scoring all four touchdowns to win the conference championship. Taylor was also strong in the classroom, earning honor roll accolades all four years.
L'Shawn Taylor highlight reel
Ryan Damitio, 6-0/210, LS, Presentation College (SD)
Damitio will transfer to Bemidji State after spending the past season playing at Presentation College in nearby South Dakota. The long snapper helped the field goal unit connect on six attempts this past season. The Saints hit a long try of 45 yards and added 16 extra points. In the punting game, Presentation averaged 36.4 yards per punt, with a long of 71 yards and 15 landing inside the 20. Damitio spent two years as a long snapper in high school.
Ryan Damitio highlight reel
Henry Eaton, 6-3/300, OL, St. Louis Park (MN)
Eaton is a versatile offensive lineman playing almost every position along the line. Also spent time on the defensive line playing tackle and nose. He helped the offense pile up 156 total points this past season, a year after the team collected five wins and posted 217 points his junior season. Tallied four wins as a freshman, helping the team to 215 points in the process. Holds above a 3.5 GPA in the classroom.
Henry Eaton highlight reel
Nolan Olson, 6-2/250, DL, Sun Prairie (WI)
Olson was an honorable mention All-State defensive lineman, having been a regular contributor on the squad throughout his career. He helped Sun Prairie reach the WIAA Division I state finals as a junior and recently to Level 3 of the Division 2 state tournament as a senior. As a junior, he complied 61 total tackles, third most on the team, along with 12 tackles for loss, six sacks and an interception. As a senior, Olson added 52 total tackles, along with 15 tackles for loss and six sacks. In addition to his time along the defensive line, he also helped on the offensive line in several games when needed. Olson was also named First Team All-Conference in the Badger-Large, earning hm a spot on the Large-4 All-Region Team.
Nolan Olson highlight reel
Kaden Cook, 6-4/200, DE/LB, Park Center (MN)
Named to the All-Area Defensive Team this past season. Cook tallied 42 tackles, 21 solo, along with nine tackles for loss, eight sacks and a fumble recovery in eight games last year. Park Center reached the second round of the playoffs his junior season. Cook collected 28 tackles during a year in which the team reached the Section 6AAAAA championship game. It was their best season since 2015. Cook also plays a big role on the Park Center basketball team. Posted a solid 3.4 GPA this past season in the classroom.
Kaden Cook highlight reel
De'vonta' Roberts, 5-10/185, DB, Transfer/Rochester Community and Technical College
Roberts arrives at BSU after spending this past season at Rochester Community and Technical College. This past year, Roberts collected 60 tackles, 33 solo, along with eight interceptions and four sacks. He tallied at least five tackles in eight games, reaching a high of nine in the first two games of the year. Roberts picked up a pair of sacks against Minnesota North-Vermillion and in that same game came away with a trio of interceptions. Roberts also forced two fumbles and blocked a kick. Roberts' first season of collegiate football came at Vermillion CC. As a true freshman, he tallied 39 tackles, 24 solo, along with three interceptions, one returned for a score, a blocked kick and a forced fumble. Roberts played his prep football at Jefferson County High School in Florida.
De'Vonta' Roberts highlight reel
Jacob Drietz, 6-0/220, LB, Transfer/Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Drietz spent the 2022-23 season competing at Minnesota State Community and Technical College before transferring to BSU. The linebacker put together a big season this past year with 148 tackles, four fumble recoveries and a touchdown in 10 games. Drietz was named All-MCAC and was strong in the classroom with a 3.5 GPA. Before transferring to Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Drietz was at Northern State in the NSIC for two seasons. He was named to the NSIC All-Academic Team during the 2021 year. A local product from just down the road in Brainerd, Drietz was a two-year starter and team captain for the Warriors. He recorded 258 total tackles over his final two seasons, along with eight fumble recoveries. Drietz was named a two-time All-Conference, All-Area and All-State selection, along with earning the 2019 North Central Red District Defensive Player of the Year.
Jacob Drietz highlight reel
Ali Mohamed, 5-10/205, RB, Transfer/Minot State
Mohamed will stay in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference after playing at nearby Minot State. Mohamed spent his entire collegiate career at Minot State over the past three seasons where the running back accumulated 614 carries for 2,567 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also caught 36 passes for 434 yards and three scores. He scored at least five rushing touchdowns each season, with a high of nine his sophomore year. That same season he went for over 1,000 yards on the ground coming in at 1,159. This past season, Mohamed rushed 197 times for 591 yards and five scores. He also caught 18 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for over 70 yards in five games, going for a season-high 93 yards against MSU Moorhead. Mohamed was named the NSIC Newcomer of the year following his freshman season. Other honors include Don Hansen All-America Team, D2CCA All-Super Region 4, First Team All-NSIC and was a 2021 semifinalist for the Harlon Hill Award. Mohamed has also been strong in the classroom earning VPAA and Engagement Honor Roll each of the past two seasons. Originally from Glendale, Ariz., he competed at Apollo High School, coming away with 2,917 rushing yards on 452 carries and tallied 40 touchdowns during his prep career.
Ali Mohamed highlight reel
Kaleb Miller, 5-8/180, WR, Bolingbrook (IL)
Miller was a three-time All-Conference player throughout his career at Bolingbrook. The versatile athlete caught 41 passes for 700 yards, averaging 14.9 yards per reception. He hauled in 11 receiving touchdowns. In special teams, he returned nine kickoffs for 400 yards and rushed 16 times for 110 yards. Overall, he compiled 1,210 all-purpose yards. Miller helped Bolingbrook tally six wins and advance to the playoffs this past season. They won three of four down the stretch to close out the regular season. Miller was part of an offense that accumulated 382 points. It was a strong junior season as well with seven victories and again reached the playoffs. Bolingbrook piled up 308 total points. Miller began his career strong helping the team to eight victories and advanced to the third round of the playoffs. Miller was also strong in the classroom holding a 3.0 GPA.
Kaleb Miller highlight reel
