The Malone University football staff hit the recruiting trail hard in 2012 after experiencing new challenges presented during their first season of GLIAC competition last fall. The program is excited to announce 23 new additions for the 2013 season. The class is well balanced with 12 players on the offensive side of the ball and 11 players on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Eric Hehman and his hardworking staff showed an ability to recruit the best players in the state of Ohio while also branching out to states all over the country. Eleven of the 23 recruits were bred in Ohio's backyard but the class consists of players from nine different states.  The Pioneers focused their efforts on the offensive and defensive lines in an attempt to toughen up their interior on both sides of the ball. This new added toughness should serve them well in the physical GLIAC. Hehman was all smiles after wrapping up the hectic festivities of signing day.

“This is the best class that we have signed since our staff arrived a few years ago.” said Malone head coach Eric Hehman. “After experiencing the GLIAC in our first year, we recognized the areas we needed to grow to compete at the highest level. We spent a lot of time evaluating offensive and defensive lineman that fit our school and our system. The staff's hard work has paid off with this Class of 2013. We have met every positional need that we had assessed and are confident that the incoming players, along with our redshirts from last year, will allow us to compete at a high level in the GLIAC.”

“On offense, we focused on offensive line and quarterback and with the signing of Skip Garner, Chris Henke and the other commits, we were able to land the top guys on our recruiting board. Cameron Mammen is the type of total package that we look for in a QB. His commitment also allowed for us to get our number one high school prospect at a very important position. Brandyn Eckhart gives us an upperclassman that makes our team better.”

“On defense, we needed to increase our depth and talent on our defensive front. Our class did just that! Austin Cary and Colton Hale will lead the way with a group of talented interior and edge defensive linemen. Our coaches did an incredible job of finding, evaluating and recruiting this class. A majority of our guys came from Ohio with a few gems from out of state. Our needs were met with a bunch of guys that are looking forward to the opportunity to PIONEER new and exciting things in the near future. We are very excited about this group and how they will significantly contribute to our transition into Division II and the GLIAC.”

Video
Click here to watch head coach Eric Hehman, Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner, Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk and host Clint Scroggs talk about this year's recruiting class.
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Freshmen
Pos.	Name	Ht	Wt	Hometown	High School
QB	Cameron Mammen	6'0	185	Urbana, IL	Urbana
WR	Eian Elsass	6'1	170	Canton, OH	Jackson
TE	Aaron Eckhoff	6'3	215	Provo, UT	Timpview
TE	Hunter Grap	6'4	217	Chino, CA	Don Lugo
OL	Hayden Davis	6'1	270	Weatherford, TX	Weatherford
OL	Lucas Fussy	6'4	275	Cuthbertson, NC	Cuthbertson
OL	Skip Garner	6'3	300	Knoxville, TN	Webb
OL	Christopher Henke	6'2	272	Cincinnati, OH	Archbishop Moeller
OL	Coy Johns	6'3	255	Newcomerstown, OH	Newcomerstown
OL	Joe Turner	6'5	290	Cincinnati, OH	Anderson
ATH	Demetrius Hooks	5'9	155	Richmond Heights, OH	Richmond Heights
DL	Austin Cary	6'2	245	Loudonville, OH	Loudonville
DL	DeOntaye Cosby	6'0	250	Canal Winchester, OH	Canal Winchester
DL	Colton Hale	6'4	230	Centerville, OH	Centerville
DL	Terrance Reese Jr.	6'0	270	Flossmoor, IL	Homewood-Flossmoor
DL	Terry Williams	5'10	240	Canton, OH	Canton South
DL/LB	Andres Garcia	6'2	245	Miami, FL	Belen Jesuit Prep
DL/LB	Cristian Garcia	6'2	245	Miami, FL	Belen Jesuit Prep
LB	Jacob Jones	6'2	235	Newark, OH	Newark
DB	Devin Blakely	5'10	165	Troy, OH	Troy
DB	Jeff Spires	5'10	180	Urbana, IL	Urbana
Transfers
Pos.	Name	Ht	Wt	Hometown	Previous School
QB	Brandyn Eckhart	5'10	190	Mountlake Terrace, WA	Chabot College
LB	Thadon Haley	6'2	225	Concord, CA	Diablo Valley College

 
QB Brandyn Eckhart- 5'10 190 lbs. (Mountlake Terrace High School/Chabot College; Mountlake Terrace, Washington)…will transfer in after a stellar start to his collegiate career at Chabot College…was a unanimous 2011 First Team All-Conference decision…named 2011 Golden Gate Conference Offensive Player of the Year….Amassed 1,300 pass yards and 603 rushing yards for 19 totals TDs…2012 All-California First Team Offense Region II selection…All-GGC (Golden Gate Conference)…Totaled 2,157 passing yards and 544 rushing yards with 26 total TDs…lettered four years in football and three years in track and field at Mountlake Terrace High School…Set the school record for most rushing yards in a game by a quarterback as a junior (185)…WESCO 4A Honorable Mention selection as a junior…member of the WESCO 4A All-Conference Team as a senior and named MTHS Offensive Player of the Year…led his team to their first ever WESCO 4A State Playoffs appearance that same year…will pursue a major in Business Administration and a minor in Communications at Malone.

“Brandyn is a mid-year transfer from Chabot College.  He is a guy who showed up at Chabot, and after a red-shirt season, helped lead his team to consecutive conference championships for the first time since 1981.   He brings a strong desire and passion for the game to go along with his running and throwing abilities.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner

“He is an impressive leader who has demonstrated this while guiding his former school to 2 conference champions. He brings confidence and skill to our QB position.” Head Coach Eric Hehman


LB Thadon Haley- 6'2” 225 lbs. (Mount Diablo High School/Diablo Valley College; Concord, California)…three-year letter winner in football and two-year letter winner in baseball…First Team All-League in both football and baseball…tallied 151 total tackles as a senior…a Sacramento vs. East Bay All-Star Selection…will study community health at Malone.

“Thadon  is a physical linebacker that makes plays all over the field. He had a really good rush off the edge and gets great pressure as well.  His hard work and dedication will make him a perfect fit in our defense.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk


QB Cameron Mammen- 6'0” 185 lbs. (Urbana High School; Urbana, Illinois)…a three-year letter winner in football and four-year letter winner in wrestling…First-team All-State in 3 publications for football  in 2012…Three-time All-Big12 Conference selection in football; Winner of the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2012…Set both Urbana High School's and the twin city all-time career total offensive yardage and all-time career passing yardage records...ended H.S. football career with the 13th most career total yards of offense in Illinois High School Football (IHSA) history (6,667 yds.); three-time team MVP in football; three-time Big 12 Conference wrestling champion…three-time IHSA State Tournament Qualifier…All-State in wrestling as a junior… currently ranked #1 in state with a 24-0 record in wrestling…In 2012, led football team to the Big 12 Conference title, qualified for the State Playoffs & won the school's first-ever playoff game…seven-time Academic All Conference selection (3 times in football and 4 times in wrestling)…intends to study Education/Physical Education at Malone.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Cam to the recruiting class of 2013.  We expect Cam to play a key role in the development of the “Truck and Chuck” offense, our football team and our university.  His accomplishments on the field speak for themselves.  To have an undefeated, potential state champion wrestler playing QB, will set a tone for our entire team of toughness, hard work and determination.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner

“Cam set numerous records during his career at Urbana and also is the #1 rated wrestler in his weight in Illinois. What a combination. He is a true dual-threat QB with incredible character and toughness. We feel like our offense is suited for him and look forward to watching him compete.” Head Coach Eric Hehman


WR Eian Elsass- 6'1” 170 lbs. (Jackson High School; Canton, Ohio)…a two-year letter winner in football and three-year letter winner in track…named Repository Player of the Week…Second Team All-Federal League…Honorable Mention North East Inland District…WHBC Team MVP…set record for most receiving yards in a game and most receptions in a game with 12 receptions for 250 yards (recorded 3 receiving TDs and a rushing TD in the game as well)…finished his senior campaign with 785 total receiving yards, 6 receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown…named his high school's team captain.

“We are excited to add Eian to a talented group of wide receivers.  He was one of the top WR's in the Federal League in 2012, but we are convinced his best football is ahead of him. Watching Eian at summer camps and this fall on Friday nights, it became obvious to us that Eian will be a playmaker at the collegiate level.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner

“We are excited to have another Stark County football player. Eian has a knack for running routes and making difficult catches. He was a top receiver in the Federal League. We are confident in his abilities to compete in the GLIAC.” Head Coach Eric Hehman


DL Austin Cary- 6'2” 245 lbs. (Loudonville High Schoo; Loudonville, Ohio)…received letters in football, wrestling and track and field…Third Team All-Ohio…two-time First Team All-MBC (Mid-Buckeye Conference) selection…MBC Defensive Player of the Year…First Team Mansfield News Journal and First Team Daily Record…two-time All-Ashland Times Gazette Team…Ashland Times Gazette Defensive Player of the Year…First Team All-District…NCOCA (North Central Ohio Coaches Association) Offensive Lineman of the Year…straight “A” student in high school…Student Council and National Honors Society member…winner of the George Eastman Young Leaders Award.

“Austin is the kind of guy you can build a program around with his awesome grades and large frame. He is a great football player and will continue to get better.  He is a fantastic heavy weight wrestler and a great man of character.  This tough young man is a product of some good local coaches and we are excited about his commitment.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk

“We see Austin as prototypical Malone Football player. He is a great student, football player and young man of character as well as one of the top heavy weight wrestlers in the state of Ohio. He is a local guy who we see anchoring our defensive line for years to come. He has a bright future.” Head Coach Eric Hehman


OL/DL Skip Garner- 6'3” 300 lbs. (Webb School of Knoxville; Knoxville, Tennessee)…lettered in football, baseball and wrestling in high school…2011 and 2012 All-KIL (Knoxville Interscholastic League) First Team offense…2011 and 2012 All-Region and All-State selection…led Webb School of Knoxville to three State Championships in football in 2009, 2010 and 2012 and also won a state championship in baseball and wrestling…interested in studying Economics or Sports Management at Malone.

“We expect Skip to be a real anchor on our offensive line over the course of his career.  He has played interior OL, offensive tackle and defensive tackle.  He is used to championship level football and has a state championship ring in Tennessee to show for it.  Skip made a very strong impression on us as we watched his film and worked him out on campus.  At 6'4 and close to 300 lbs., he has a dominating presence about him.  We are also impressed with Skip from a character and leadership standpoint.”  Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner

“Skip will be a major contributor in our offense. He is such a great fit. He has great skill and size, tremendous character and the experience of helping his team to multiple state championships. He will compete at a high level in the GLIAC.” Head Coach Eric Hehman


TE Hunter Grap- 6'4” 217 lbs. (Don Lugo High School; Chino, California)…a two-year letter winner in football…First Team All-League selection…voted team MVP…plans on majoring in Business while working on a Chemistry minor while at Malone.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hunter in this great 2013 recruiting class.  He has all the abilities in a TE that we are looking for.  A passion to run block and the size, speed, and ability to be a threat in the passing game.  When he visited and worked out for us it was obvious that he was going to be a special player.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner


DE Colton Hale- 6'4” 230 lbs. (Centerville High School; Centerville, Ohio)…Hale is a two-year letter winner in football and track & field….named Second Team All-GWOC (Great Western Ohio Conference) in football…also a very accomplished thrower in track & field.

“Colton is the perfect size we are looking for in a freshman at 6'5 240, with lots of room to grow.  He is a tough kid from a tough program and he will be a great addition to our defensive line with his remarkable work ethic.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk


C Christopher Henke- 6'2” 272 lbs. (Archbishop Moeller High School; Cincinnati, Ohio)…four-year letterman in football…starting center on Moeller's 2012 Ohio State Championship football team…named First Team All-GCL South (Greater Catholic League) and  Cincinnati Enquirer All-Team…carries a 3.5 GPA and is an honor roll member.
 
“Chris comes to us from one of the nation's elite high school football programs, Cincinnati Moeller.  Chris was a part of a Division I state championship team in 2012 that overcame 3 regular season losses and ended up winning their title here at Fawcett Stadium. We are excited to have Chris here because he is a great young man and a very athletic center that will do a great job as an interior offensive lineman for us.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner


NG DeOntaye Cosby- 6'0” 250 lbs. (Canal Winchester High School; Canal Winchester, Ohio)…three-year letter winner in football at Canal Winchester…helped team capture the MSL (Mid-State League) title in 2010 and 2012…First Team All-MSL selection and MSL lineman of the year…First Team All-District and District Defensive Player of the Year…First Team All-Ohio…Second Team All-Metro…will pursue a degree in Sports Management at Malone.
 
“DeOntaye is a defensive lineman with a non-stop motor and a great desire to get to the football.  His best football is ahead of him and we are looking forward to him being here and competing in the fall.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk


OL/DL Coy Johns- 6'3” 255lbs. (Newcomerstown High School; Newcomerstown, Ohio)…won three letters in football and served as team captain…member of state semifinalist team and IVC (Inter-Valley Conference) Championship team in 2010…named First Team All-IVC and Second Team Eastern District…winner of the Ironman Award…two year academic
letter winner…January, 2013 Student of the Month…plans to study Intervention Education at Malone.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Coy into our football family.  He is a Northeast Ohio guy with a blue collar mentality.  It will be great to watch Coy develop; we see him as a great fit for the style of offense that is founded on physicality and athleticism.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner


OL Hayden Davis- 6'1” 270 lbs. (Weatherford High School; Weatherford, Texas)…three-year letter winner in football…also competed in power lifting and track & field…named Honorable Mention All-UIL (University Interscholastic League) and Second Team All-County as a junior…First Team All-UIL and First Team All-County as a senior…Three-time academic all-district member…Intends to study Marketing at Malone.
 
“Hayden was our first OL commit in this year's class.  He will bring a tough, battle ready mindset to the interior of our offensive line.  Hayden is not only a very talented football player but he is also a person of character.  He has a strong work ethic and it shows up in his weight lifting, performance on the field and in the classroom.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner


DB Jeff Spires- 5'10” 180 lbs. (Urbana High School; Urbana, Illinois)…recorded 45 tackles as a senior and was an All-Conference Mention and All-Area Special Mention selection...helped lead Urbana to Conference Championship and first playoff win in school history…intends to major in Kinesiology.

“Jeff helped lead his team to a record-setting season in which he was a key component. Coach Watson says his best football is still ahead of him and we agree. We are excited to see him flourish alongside Malone's talented secondary.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk


OL Joe Turner- 6'5” 290lbs. (Anderson High School; Cincinnati, Ohio)…two-year letter winner in football…FAVC (Fort Ancient Valley Conference) All-Academic team…Participated in U.S. Army All-American Football Combine in San Antonio, Texas…member of Anderson's Honor Roll.
 
“Joe Turner will be an outstanding addition to our strong OL class of 2013.  At 6'5 and 290 lbs., Turner moves incredibly well.  He comes from a strong Ohio conference in Cincinnati and has played against many players that have prepared him well for GLIAC competition. We see a ton of potential in Joe and have no doubt he will grow into an outstanding player.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner


ILB Jacob Jones- 6'2” 235 lbs. (Newark High School; Newark, Ohio)…received letters in football and wrestling…a two-year letter winner in football…selected First Team All-Region and Second Team All-OCC (Ohio Capital Conference)…recorded 170 tackles in two seasons.

“Jake is a big, physical linebacker with good technique.  He will be very good at securing the inside run and brings a physical mentality to the game.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk


DL/LB Cristian Garcia- 6'2” 245 lbs. (Belen Jesuit Prep; Miami, Florida)…two-time all-county selection…received an invite to play in the Private vs. Public All-Star game…helped lead his squad to the District Championship…will pursue a degree in Business at Malone.

“Christian is a fantastic football player from a great program.  He is expected to make an immediate impact on defense.  His discipline and work ethic fit in well with Malone.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk


DE/OLB Andres Garcia- 6'2” 245 lbs. (Belen Jesuit Prep; Miami, Florida)…part of team that won two district championships and a Florida State 3A runner-up…intends to study Business at Malone.

“Andres is a versatile player who plays defensive end and defensive tackle both well.  He is well coached and has a great desire to get to the football.  We are expecting great things from him at Malone.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk


TE Aaron Eckhoff- 6'3” 215 lbs. (Timpview High School; Provo, Utah)…lettered in football and basketball in high school…part of Timpview's 4A 2012 State Championship football team…will major in Physical Therapy at Malone.

“Aaron is a very athletic hybrid TE/WR type.  He has the ability to make big blocks and do some damage with the ball in his hands after the catch.  He is a great fit for Malone and will be a contributor on and off the field.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner


OL/DL Terrence Reese Jr.- 6'0” 270 lbs. (Homewood-Flossmoor High School; Flossmoor, Illinois)
“Terrence will play on the inside as a nose at Malone. He moves well for big guy and he uses his hands well.  We really like the physicality he brings to the field.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk


DB Devin Blakely- 5'10” 165 lbs. (Troy High School; Troy, Ohio)…won three letters in football and baseball and one letter in basketball at Troy High School…First Team All-GWOC (Greater Western Ohio Conference) North Selection in football…All-GWOC Honorable Mention in baseball…Intends to pursue a degree in nursing at Malone.

“Devin is a physical corner and a great fit on and off the field at Malone University.  He is an exciting player full of enthusiasm.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk


OL Lucas Fussy- 6'4” 275 lbs. (Cuthbertson High School; Cuthbertson, North Carolina)…lettered four years in football and three years in golf…served as Cuthbertson's football team's captain…Honorable Mention All-Conference selection in football…winner of the Cavalier Pride Award in golf…received an academic letter in high school…will study Business at Malone.

“Lucas is going to be a great addition to our offensive line.  Although he did great things as a guard in high school, we believe his best position will be at tackle in college.  His upside is his physicality, his ability to finish blocks, and his long reach.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner


ATH Demetrius Hooks- 5'9” 155 lbs. (Richmond Heights Secondary School; Richmond Heights, Ohio)…four-year letter winner in football and baseball…All-Ohio Honorable Mention… North East Lakes All-District…two-time Second Team All-Conference…two-time  Honorable Mention All-Conference…Old Spice Player of the Year…will pursue a degree in Psychology at Malone.

“We are very excited Demetrius will be a pioneer next year.  What impressed us most about Demetrius was his athletic ability; he can play on both sides of the ball.  During his recruiting visit it became apparent that he was going to be a great addition to our university and football program.” Offensive Coordinator Joel Penner


DL Terry Williams- 5'10” 240 lbs. (Canton South High School; Canton, Ohio)
“Terry helped lead Canton South to their best record in many years. He is a guy with a high motor and we are thrilled for him to join the Pioneer family.” Defensive Coordinator Kyle Schenk