KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Western Michigan University football coach Tim Lester has announced the signing of 13 student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent to join his program.
“This is a different recruiting class than we’ve ever had,” said Lester. “We’ve known this was going to be a small class for a while for everybody because of the COVID year. But this is a great class in terms of team captains and all-state players and they have been fun to recruit. There’s a lot of speed, length, and everything you want to see in a signing class. It will be huge to get these guys in here and help us play.”
“It’s a small class but a phenomenal class. This group has been great and I’m excited to get them here this summer and get them on the field as soon as we can.”
Lester’s comments on the signees:
Nate Anderson – “He’s one of our first commits, an all-state guy from Indiana. Great ball skills, and has the ability to do a lot of different things, and we’re really excited about him.”
Tag Bonnema – “He’s long and athletic. We learned about him when we recruited his brother. We love that family and he was heavily recruited. He has a lot of flexibility in terms of where he can play. It will be fun to watch him grow.”
Saveon Brown – “He is a quarters, downhill safety. He was the best athlete on the team at Thornwood and was surrounded by tons of athletes. He’s a dynamic cornerback and has the body to potentially play right away. Just a great athlete on the field so I’m excited about him.”
Palmer Domschke – “The Naperville Sun Player of the Year. He played safety, running back and was an unbelievable kicker. He’s a great football player and happens to be able to kick the ball really well.”
Kenny Givens – “We recruited him hard in high school and have been close with him and his mom for a long time. He’s 295 pounds and athletic. He’s super explosive and twitchy off the ball. I’ve known him a long time so it’s fun to get him here and in the mix and ready to play.”
Jamal Hailey – “We clocked him at a 4.41 and had a 38′ vertical in camp this summer. He keeps getting bigger and stronger and we’re really excited about him.”
August Johanningsmeier – “A 6-3 running back and a bruiser. He could play a number of positions. Played defensive end and did a really good job there, and is just a big athlete, so we are excited to watch him grow.”
Jashawn Johnson – “Led Illinois in receiving. Can’t touch him in a phone booth type of guy. I think he’s a wide out right now, but could also play defensive back. He has the ability to play both. Most of the really good ones can do both.”
Dillon Moore – “Long, physical. He was a great receiver, safety and linebacker in high school. He can run and hit. He had an unbelievable senior year. He stood out during our summer camps and got us excited about his skills and flexibility.”
Owen Olsen – “He can run, catch, and is very physical. He is one of the top-50 JUCO players according to ESPN. He’s very versatile and will help us offensively with some of the things we like to do.”
Brandon Smith – “Unbelievably athletic we had him in camp twice and watched him run around. Looking at his 40 time and standing long jump and vertical, he is extremely explosive as an offensive lineman. Excited to see him come in and be part of our future offensive line.”
Isaiah Street – “Explosive defensive end. He’s an outstanding wrestler which gives him leverage capability and skills to rush the passer. Big, long, great family, and he has the twitch to allow him be a great pass rusher.”
