University of St. Thomas Athletics
Football announces 29 signees from Class of 2023
12/21/2022 1:06:00 PM | Football
St. Paul, Minn. – St. Thomas Football announced its latest Division I signing class on Wednesday, with 29 players from the Class of 2023 making their formal commitment to the University and to Coach Glenn Caruso's program.
The 29-man class, representing 11 states, includes multiple Academic All-State and Academic All-Conference recipients. Their intended academic majors include Business, Engineering, Pre-Med/Health Science, Computer Science, Real Estate, and Education.
Today signees include 12 Minnesotans, most of which coming from metro-area high schools. Wisconsin (five), Illinois (three), Maryland (two), and Nebraska (two) are other states with multiple St. Thomas signees. The class also includes players from Georgia, Michigan, North Dakota, Washington, and Texas.
"Today's another big day for our Program and the University as we welcome 29 young men into our Family," Caruso explained. "Once again we have a signing class well represented with players from the great state of Minnesota topping the list. But what we have been able to realize is that the work of our players and coaches has positively and strongly resonated throughout the nation, as we have attracted players from 10 different states, stretching coast to coast and border to border much like our conference; and for that we are humbled and grateful.
"Although we will have to wait before seeing how the fruits of our labor perform on the field, the coaching staff worked tirelessly, starting a year ago, scouring not just our state and region, but our nation to compile a class of great players but more importantly, great young men, to represent the future of our culture, program and University."
The Tommies placed first out of 11 teams this fall in the Pioneer Football League in their second Division I season. Their 10-1 overall record included and 8-0 conference record. The Toms continued a streak in the Caruso era with seven or more victories in all 14 seasons. Caruso also received Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year honors, making this his 13th national or conference Coach of the Year honor.
The Toms finished the 2022 regular season at No. 19 in the AFCA Coaches Poll for FCS. Closing out the remarkable season, the Purple had two FCS All-America honorees (center Matt Weimann and DB Luke Glenna); 16 players recognized on the All-Pioneer honor teams; eight players on the Pioneer and District Academic honor teams; and some National Player of the Week and Pioneer Player of the Week honorees.
St. Thomas Football Signing Class of 2023
Dakota Egert
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka
High School Highlights: John Maddox O-Line award recipient… a three-year A and B honor roll member, also a member of German honor society
Family: Son of Kate and Chris… sister Delaney
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Grandfather, Vincent, played football at Huron College (SD); uncle, Barry, played basketball for the University of South Dakota and played professionally for the CBA for the Quad City Thunder and Omaha Racers; dad, Chris, played basketball at Huron University
Twitter: @egertdakota
Denzell Gibson
Position: RB
Hometown/HS: Bellwood, Ill./Immaculate Conception
High School Highlights: Set record for most touchdowns in a season… made school's academic honor roll
Family: Son of Nicole Robison… siblings Marino, Dadrianna
Twitter: @denzellgibson
Stefano Giovannelli
Position: WR
Hometown/HS: St. Louis Park, Minn./St. Louis Park
High School Highlights: A two-time all-district award recipient, was a Minnesota High School All-Star game selection; received team MVP honors in the 2022 season; received team offensive player of the year in the 2021 season; was a two-time academic all-conference award recipient and a member of the National Honor Society
Family: Son of Lynn and Gino… siblings Marco and Luca
Twitter: @Fanogiovannelli
Quinton Griffin
Position: DB
Hometown/HS: McDonough, Ga./Union Grove
High School Highlights: Voted onto second-team all-region team… member of the A/B honor roll and member of the National Honor Society
Family: Son of Stephinie and Terrance… brothers Jackson and Jalen
Twitter: @Quinton_G5
Daniel Harper
Position: RB
Hometown/HS: Baltimore, Md./Calvert Hall Prep
High School Highlights: A two-sport athlete at Calvert Hall…an all-conference track and field sprinter, a 2021 all-conference running back, and made school's academic honor list.
Family: Son of Whitney Bohanan and Daniel Harper, Sr… siblings, Daniene, Dominique, Jaxson, and Elijah
Twitter: @Harperjr_32
Peyton Himley
Position: DB
Hometown/HS: Edina, Minn./Edina
High School Highlights: Two-time all-district, one-time all-metro, led Minnesota Class 6A DBs in tackles… two-sport captain (football and basketball)
Family: Son of Ryan Himley and Laura Boero... siblings, Olivia and Luke
Twitter: @Himleypeyton
Elliot Huether
Position: K/P
Hometown/HS: Minnetonka, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret's
High School Highlights: First-team All-State punter, nationally ranked punter by Kohl's Professional Kicking Camps, will compete for placekicking, kickoff and punting duties… averaged 42.6 yards a punt and had 17 of his punts land inside the 20-yard line in 2022; also caught 25 passes for 536 yards and four touchdowns… high academic honors.
Twitter: @ElliotHuether
Marcus Johnson
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Minnetonka, Minn./Mayer Lutheran
High School Highlights: A two-time all-district award recipient, an all-metro award recipient, awarded district lineman MVP, and played on 2021 Minnesota 2A state football champion team… four-time academic all-district award recipient
Family: Son of Teresa and Kyle… brother Eli
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Dad, Kyle, played football at the University of Minnesota-Crookston
Twitter: @JohnsonMarcus79
Ryan (CJ) Johnson
Position: RB
Hometown/HS: /Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha South
High School Highlights: Two-time all-conference defensive lineman, all conference linebacker... three-time Scholar-Athlete recipient
Family: Son of Rashida Cottingham... siblings, Jada Cottingham, Fernando Johnson Jr, Paige Lee, Falontae Johnson
Twitter: @Thecjjohnson23
Jeffery Keller
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Bloomington, Minn./Kennedy
High School Highlights: District Offensive Lineman of the Year; two-time first-team all-district recipient and two-time team Lineman of the Year, and a member of his high school all-academic team
Family: Son of Rachel and Jeff…siblings Landon and Sophia
Twitter: @KellerJeffrey65
Jason Lindsay
Position: WR
Hometown/HS: Baltimore, Md./Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Family: Son of Ramon and Aisha... siblings, Ramon, Jade, Morgan, and Joseph
Twitter: @JasonSPLindsay2
Owen Lyons
Position: WR
Hometown/HS: Evergreen Park, Ill./Brother Rice
Expected Major: Undecided
High School Highlights: A CCL Blue all-conference award recipient, received team's Offensive MVP award and team captain honors… member of his school's academic honor roll
Family: Son of Katie and Tim… siblings Liam, Connor, Quinn, and Shane
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Dad, Tim, played football at Elmhurst University
Twitter: @owenlyons14
Gavin Nunnally
Position: CB
Hometown/HS: Omaha, Neb./Millard South
Expected Major: Undecided
High School Highlights: Member of school's high academic honor roll
Family: Son of Reagan D'Agata and Isac Nunnally… siblings Michael and Kaylee
Twitter: @NunnallyGavin
Blake Osbahr
Position: DL
Hometown/HS: De Pere, Wis./Notre Dame Academy
Expected Major: Business
High School Highlights: Fox River Classic Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year; voted team Defensive MVP; received Academic All-State honors… two-time first team all-conference honoree, all-region recipient… four-time academic high honor roll award recipient
Family: Son of Kristin and Jason… siblings Brynn and Brock
Twitter: @ lakeOsbahr2023
Elijah Paulson
Position: ATH
Hometown/HS: Ramsey, Minn./Anoka
High School Highlights: Two-sport athlete at Anoka; All-State, Academic All-State, and all-metro in football… tallied 1,225 receiving yards and 96 receptions in nine games this season with 10 touchdowns also received an academic all-state award in wrestling
Family: Son of Shelly and Brandon… sisters, Abby and Sydney
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Dad, Brandon, wrestled at the University of Minnesota and represented the U.S. at the 1996 Olympics as a silver medalist in Greco Roman; sister, Abby, is currently a gymnast at the University of Utah
Twitter: @EliPaulson1
Griffin Phillips
Position: DB
Hometown/HS: Macomb, Mich./De La Salle Collegiate
High School Highlights: Voted Metro Detroit Dream Team, played on back-to-back state champion teams; Academic All-State honoree… received all-region and all-league honors; tallied five interceptions
Family: Son of Erika… sibling Maksim
Twitter: @Griffinphilli
Brandt Pickrell
Position: TE
Hometown/HS: Omaha, Neb./Skutt Catholic
High School Highlights: First-team all-conference award and first-team academic all-conference… member of high school academic honor roll
Family: Son of Sarah and Brough
Twitter: @brandt_pickrell
Kaleb Rector
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Chaska, Minn./Chaska
High School Highlights: All-District and HM all-district, also received Academic All-Conference; was team's Lineman MVP honoree and a captain
Family: Son of Keila and Allen… siblings Kenzie and Kaiden
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Mom, Keila, played volleyball at Central Michigan University
Twitter: @Rector_kaleb
Michael Rostberg
Position: QB
Hometown/HS: West Fargo, N.D./Shanley
High School Highlights: MaxPreps State Player of The Year, Gatorade State Player of the Year finalist, two-time All-State honoree... MIDCO Sports Player of the Year... member 11AA state champion team... North Dakota prep state record holder for single season for passing yards, passing TDs, completion percentage, total yards; career leader in passing yards, completions, and passing touchdowns in 11A class… on career had 5,263 yards of total offense and 60 total touchdowns
Family: Son of Julie and Greg... sibling Brandon
Twitter: @MichaelRostberg
Max Rust
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Mukilteo, Wash./Kamiak
High School Highlights: All-conference in football and also playing basketball this winter… will play in January 2023 Cleats vs. Cancer All-Star Football Showcase game in Bothell, Wash…. 2-star ranking by 247Sports
Twitter: @MaxRust8
Caleb Sandstrom
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Andover, Minn./Elk River
High School Highlights: All-district, all-metro, all-section and all-conference award recipient; voted team's Defensive MVP… member of the A and B honor roll, and Spotlight on Scholarship award recipient
Family: Son of Timmi and Chad… sisters Ellie and Ava
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Sister currently on the Tommie track and field team
Twitter: @SandstromCaleb
Connor Schiessl
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Appleton, Wis./Kimberly
High School Highlights: Two-sport athlete at Kimberly High…two-time varsity football letter recipient, second-team all-conference outside linebacker…two-time varsity track and field letter recipient…a member of school's Academic honor roll
Family: Son of Kim Dotson and Pat Schiessl… siblings Jacob, Emily, and Dakota
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Cousin Andrew Schiessl played football at Minnesota-Duluth, 2014-18
Twitter: @CSchiessl
Luke Schuler
Position: TE
Hometown/HS: Kenosha, Wis./St. Joseph Catholic Academy
Expected Major: Sports Medicine
High School Highlights: Three-sport athlete and all-conference in each sport at St. Joseph Catholic… in football was two-time honorable mention All-State, two-time all-region, three-time all-conference and three-time all-county honoree… in baseball was two-time all-conference and an all-county honoree… member of school's Academic honor roll
Family: Son of Shelby and Steve… sister Tori
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Mom, Shelby, played basketball at Carthage College (1995-98); dad, Steve, played baseball at Carthage College (1996-99); sister, Tori, currently plays volleyball at Milliken University
Twitter: @lukeschuler5
Kole Sneed
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park & River Forest
High School Highlights: All-conference and Academic all-conference award recipient.
Family: Son of Kimberly and Kyle… sister Kyley
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Cousin, Pierre, played basketball at Ball State University; cousin, Dylan, played football at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Twitter: @Kole_so_fresh
Tak Tateoka
Position: QB
Hometown/HS: Waukesha, Wis./South
High School Highlights: Three sport athlete at Waukesha South, received Classic 8 All-Conference honorable mention… member of the high academic honor roll
Family: Son of Jami and Tom… siblings Grace and Mae
Twitter: @taktateoka
Nash Tichy
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Orono, Minn./Orono
High School Highlights: 2022 District Defensive MVP award recipient and all-district honoree, 2021 honorable mention All-District… also standout in baseball… awarded AP Scholar with Distinction academic honors
Family: Son of Mary and Paul… brothers Nolan and Blake
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Dad, Paul, played baseball at Northwestern University (1980-84); brother, Nolan, currently plays baseball at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Twitter: @nashtichy
Daniel Tschida
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Maplewood, Minn./Roseville
Expected Major: Undecided
High School Highlights: Three-sport athlete and captain at Roseville High, five-time varsity captain… All-State, Academic All-State and first-team all-metro; District Co-Defensive MVP and team's Defensive MVP… three-year academic letter recipient, member of school's A-honor roll
Family: Son of Beth and Jim… brothers John and Michael
Twitter: @tschida_daniel
Chase Ullom
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata
High School Highlights: Two-sport athlete… in football was named to Minnesota Vikings All-State team, played in Minnesota High School All-Star Game; was honorable mention all-district and first-team all-district in last two seasons; captain and CCX all-state defense… two-time all-district honorable mention award recipient for wrestling
Family: Son of Lori and Todd… two siblings Shelby and Royce
Twitter: @ChaseUllom13
Elijah Windham
Position: DB
Hometown/HS: Midland, Tex./Midland Christian
Expected Major: Business
High School Highlights: First-team all-district honoree
Family: Son of Julie and Patrick… siblings Andi, Austin, and Madi
Twitter: @Elijah40W
The 29-man class, representing 11 states, includes multiple Academic All-State and Academic All-Conference recipients. Their intended academic majors include Business, Engineering, Pre-Med/Health Science, Computer Science, Real Estate, and Education.
Today signees include 12 Minnesotans, most of which coming from metro-area high schools. Wisconsin (five), Illinois (three), Maryland (two), and Nebraska (two) are other states with multiple St. Thomas signees. The class also includes players from Georgia, Michigan, North Dakota, Washington, and Texas.
"Today's another big day for our Program and the University as we welcome 29 young men into our Family," Caruso explained. "Once again we have a signing class well represented with players from the great state of Minnesota topping the list. But what we have been able to realize is that the work of our players and coaches has positively and strongly resonated throughout the nation, as we have attracted players from 10 different states, stretching coast to coast and border to border much like our conference; and for that we are humbled and grateful.
"Although we will have to wait before seeing how the fruits of our labor perform on the field, the coaching staff worked tirelessly, starting a year ago, scouring not just our state and region, but our nation to compile a class of great players but more importantly, great young men, to represent the future of our culture, program and University."
The Tommies placed first out of 11 teams this fall in the Pioneer Football League in their second Division I season. Their 10-1 overall record included and 8-0 conference record. The Toms continued a streak in the Caruso era with seven or more victories in all 14 seasons. Caruso also received Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year honors, making this his 13th national or conference Coach of the Year honor.
The Toms finished the 2022 regular season at No. 19 in the AFCA Coaches Poll for FCS. Closing out the remarkable season, the Purple had two FCS All-America honorees (center Matt Weimann and DB Luke Glenna); 16 players recognized on the All-Pioneer honor teams; eight players on the Pioneer and District Academic honor teams; and some National Player of the Week and Pioneer Player of the Week honorees.
St. Thomas Football Signing Class of 2023
- Dakota Egert, OL, 6-5, 260, Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka HS
- Denzell Gibson, RB, 5-10 190, Bellwood, Ill./Immaculate Conception HS
- Stefano Giovannelli, WR, 6-2, 175, St. Louis Park, Minn./ St. Louis Park HS
- Quinton Griffin, DB, 5-8, 165, McDonough, Ga./Union Grove HS
- Daniel Harper, RB, 5-8, 195, Baltimore, Md./Calvert Hall College HS
- Peyton Himley, DB, 6-2, 190, Edina, Minn./Edina HS
- Elliot Huether, K/P, 6-3, 175, Minnetonka, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret's HS
- Marcus Johnson, OL, 6-5, 305, Minnetonka, Minn./Mayer Lutheran HS
- CJ Johnson, RB, 6-2, 240, Waukesha, Wis./South HS
- Jeffery Keller, OL, 6-5, 280, Bloomington, Minn./Kennedy HS
- Jason Lindsay, WR, 5-9, 175, Baltimore, Md./Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
- Owen Lyons, WR, 6-2, 190, Evergreen Park, Ill./Brother Rice HS
- Gavin Nunnally, CB, 6-1, 180, Omaha, Neb./Millard South HS
- Blake Osbahr, DL, 6-4, 245, De Pere, Wis./Notre Dame Academy
- Elijah Paulson, ATH, 5-9, 150, Ramsey, Minn./Anoka HS
- Griffin Phillips, DB, 5-10, 180, Macomb, Mich./De La Salle Collegiate HS
- Brandt Pickrell, TE, 6-3, 215, Omaha, Neb./Skutt Catholic HS
- Kaleb Rector, OL, 6-3, 282, Chaska, Minn./Chaska HS
- Michael Rostberg, QB, 6-4, 210, West Fargo, N.D./Shanley HS
- Max Rust, OL, 6-3, 298, Mukilteo, Wash./Kamiak HS
- Caleb Sandstrom, LB, 6-3, 230, Andover, Minn./Elk River HS
- Connor Schiessl, LB, 6-2, 200, Appleton, Wis./Kimberly HS
- Luke Schuler, TE, 6-3, 215, Kenosha, Wis./Saint Joseph Catholic Academy
- Kole Sneed, LB, 6-3, 215, Oak Park, Ill./ Oak Park & River Forest HS
- Tak Tateoka, QB, 6-3, 195, Waukesha, Wis./South Waukesha HS
- Nash Tichy, LB, 6-0, 205, Orono, Minn./Orono HS
- Daniel Tschida, LB, 6-1, 225, Maplewood, Minn./Roseville HS
- Chase Ullom, LB, 6-1, 210, Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata HS
- Elijah Windham, DB, 6-2, 190, Midland, Tex./Midland Christian HS
Dakota Egert
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka
High School Highlights: John Maddox O-Line award recipient… a three-year A and B honor roll member, also a member of German honor society
Family: Son of Kate and Chris… sister Delaney
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Grandfather, Vincent, played football at Huron College (SD); uncle, Barry, played basketball for the University of South Dakota and played professionally for the CBA for the Quad City Thunder and Omaha Racers; dad, Chris, played basketball at Huron University
Twitter: @egertdakota
Denzell Gibson
Position: RB
Hometown/HS: Bellwood, Ill./Immaculate Conception
High School Highlights: Set record for most touchdowns in a season… made school's academic honor roll
Family: Son of Nicole Robison… siblings Marino, Dadrianna
Twitter: @denzellgibson
Position: WR
Hometown/HS: St. Louis Park, Minn./St. Louis Park
High School Highlights: A two-time all-district award recipient, was a Minnesota High School All-Star game selection; received team MVP honors in the 2022 season; received team offensive player of the year in the 2021 season; was a two-time academic all-conference award recipient and a member of the National Honor Society
Family: Son of Lynn and Gino… siblings Marco and Luca
Twitter: @Fanogiovannelli
Quinton Griffin
Position: DB
Hometown/HS: McDonough, Ga./Union Grove
High School Highlights: Voted onto second-team all-region team… member of the A/B honor roll and member of the National Honor Society
Family: Son of Stephinie and Terrance… brothers Jackson and Jalen
Twitter: @Quinton_G5
Daniel Harper
Position: RB
Hometown/HS: Baltimore, Md./Calvert Hall Prep
High School Highlights: A two-sport athlete at Calvert Hall…an all-conference track and field sprinter, a 2021 all-conference running back, and made school's academic honor list.
Family: Son of Whitney Bohanan and Daniel Harper, Sr… siblings, Daniene, Dominique, Jaxson, and Elijah
Twitter: @Harperjr_32
Peyton Himley
Position: DB
Hometown/HS: Edina, Minn./Edina
High School Highlights: Two-time all-district, one-time all-metro, led Minnesota Class 6A DBs in tackles… two-sport captain (football and basketball)
Family: Son of Ryan Himley and Laura Boero... siblings, Olivia and Luke
Twitter: @Himleypeyton
Elliot Huether
Position: K/P
Hometown/HS: Minnetonka, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret's
High School Highlights: First-team All-State punter, nationally ranked punter by Kohl's Professional Kicking Camps, will compete for placekicking, kickoff and punting duties… averaged 42.6 yards a punt and had 17 of his punts land inside the 20-yard line in 2022; also caught 25 passes for 536 yards and four touchdowns… high academic honors.
Twitter: @ElliotHuether
Marcus Johnson
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Minnetonka, Minn./Mayer Lutheran
High School Highlights: A two-time all-district award recipient, an all-metro award recipient, awarded district lineman MVP, and played on 2021 Minnesota 2A state football champion team… four-time academic all-district award recipient
Family: Son of Teresa and Kyle… brother Eli
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Dad, Kyle, played football at the University of Minnesota-Crookston
Twitter: @JohnsonMarcus79
Ryan (CJ) Johnson
Position: RB
Hometown/HS: /Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha South
High School Highlights: Two-time all-conference defensive lineman, all conference linebacker... three-time Scholar-Athlete recipient
Family: Son of Rashida Cottingham... siblings, Jada Cottingham, Fernando Johnson Jr, Paige Lee, Falontae Johnson
Twitter: @Thecjjohnson23
Jeffery Keller
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Bloomington, Minn./Kennedy
High School Highlights: District Offensive Lineman of the Year; two-time first-team all-district recipient and two-time team Lineman of the Year, and a member of his high school all-academic team
Family: Son of Rachel and Jeff…siblings Landon and Sophia
Twitter: @KellerJeffrey65
Jason Lindsay
Position: WR
Hometown/HS: Baltimore, Md./Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Family: Son of Ramon and Aisha... siblings, Ramon, Jade, Morgan, and Joseph
Twitter: @JasonSPLindsay2
Owen Lyons
Position: WR
Hometown/HS: Evergreen Park, Ill./Brother Rice
Expected Major: Undecided
High School Highlights: A CCL Blue all-conference award recipient, received team's Offensive MVP award and team captain honors… member of his school's academic honor roll
Family: Son of Katie and Tim… siblings Liam, Connor, Quinn, and Shane
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Dad, Tim, played football at Elmhurst University
Twitter: @owenlyons14
Gavin Nunnally
Position: CB
Hometown/HS: Omaha, Neb./Millard South
Expected Major: Undecided
High School Highlights: Member of school's high academic honor roll
Family: Son of Reagan D'Agata and Isac Nunnally… siblings Michael and Kaylee
Twitter: @NunnallyGavin
Blake Osbahr
Position: DL
Hometown/HS: De Pere, Wis./Notre Dame Academy
Expected Major: Business
High School Highlights: Fox River Classic Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year; voted team Defensive MVP; received Academic All-State honors… two-time first team all-conference honoree, all-region recipient… four-time academic high honor roll award recipient
Family: Son of Kristin and Jason… siblings Brynn and Brock
Twitter: @ lakeOsbahr2023
Elijah Paulson
Position: ATH
Hometown/HS: Ramsey, Minn./Anoka
High School Highlights: Two-sport athlete at Anoka; All-State, Academic All-State, and all-metro in football… tallied 1,225 receiving yards and 96 receptions in nine games this season with 10 touchdowns also received an academic all-state award in wrestling
Family: Son of Shelly and Brandon… sisters, Abby and Sydney
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Dad, Brandon, wrestled at the University of Minnesota and represented the U.S. at the 1996 Olympics as a silver medalist in Greco Roman; sister, Abby, is currently a gymnast at the University of Utah
Twitter: @EliPaulson1
Griffin Phillips
Position: DB
Hometown/HS: Macomb, Mich./De La Salle Collegiate
High School Highlights: Voted Metro Detroit Dream Team, played on back-to-back state champion teams; Academic All-State honoree… received all-region and all-league honors; tallied five interceptions
Family: Son of Erika… sibling Maksim
Twitter: @Griffinphilli
Brandt Pickrell
Position: TE
Hometown/HS: Omaha, Neb./Skutt Catholic
High School Highlights: First-team all-conference award and first-team academic all-conference… member of high school academic honor roll
Family: Son of Sarah and Brough
Twitter: @brandt_pickrell
Kaleb Rector
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Chaska, Minn./Chaska
High School Highlights: All-District and HM all-district, also received Academic All-Conference; was team's Lineman MVP honoree and a captain
Family: Son of Keila and Allen… siblings Kenzie and Kaiden
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Mom, Keila, played volleyball at Central Michigan University
Twitter: @Rector_kaleb
Michael Rostberg
Position: QB
Hometown/HS: West Fargo, N.D./Shanley
High School Highlights: MaxPreps State Player of The Year, Gatorade State Player of the Year finalist, two-time All-State honoree... MIDCO Sports Player of the Year... member 11AA state champion team... North Dakota prep state record holder for single season for passing yards, passing TDs, completion percentage, total yards; career leader in passing yards, completions, and passing touchdowns in 11A class… on career had 5,263 yards of total offense and 60 total touchdowns
Family: Son of Julie and Greg... sibling Brandon
Twitter: @MichaelRostberg
Max Rust
Position: OL
Hometown/HS: Mukilteo, Wash./Kamiak
High School Highlights: All-conference in football and also playing basketball this winter… will play in January 2023 Cleats vs. Cancer All-Star Football Showcase game in Bothell, Wash…. 2-star ranking by 247Sports
Twitter: @MaxRust8
Caleb Sandstrom
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Andover, Minn./Elk River
High School Highlights: All-district, all-metro, all-section and all-conference award recipient; voted team's Defensive MVP… member of the A and B honor roll, and Spotlight on Scholarship award recipient
Family: Son of Timmi and Chad… sisters Ellie and Ava
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Sister currently on the Tommie track and field team
Twitter: @SandstromCaleb
Connor Schiessl
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Appleton, Wis./Kimberly
High School Highlights: Two-sport athlete at Kimberly High…two-time varsity football letter recipient, second-team all-conference outside linebacker…two-time varsity track and field letter recipient…a member of school's Academic honor roll
Family: Son of Kim Dotson and Pat Schiessl… siblings Jacob, Emily, and Dakota
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Cousin Andrew Schiessl played football at Minnesota-Duluth, 2014-18
Twitter: @CSchiessl
Luke Schuler
Position: TE
Hometown/HS: Kenosha, Wis./St. Joseph Catholic Academy
Expected Major: Sports Medicine
High School Highlights: Three-sport athlete and all-conference in each sport at St. Joseph Catholic… in football was two-time honorable mention All-State, two-time all-region, three-time all-conference and three-time all-county honoree… in baseball was two-time all-conference and an all-county honoree… member of school's Academic honor roll
Family: Son of Shelby and Steve… sister Tori
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Mom, Shelby, played basketball at Carthage College (1995-98); dad, Steve, played baseball at Carthage College (1996-99); sister, Tori, currently plays volleyball at Milliken University
Twitter: @lukeschuler5
Kole Sneed
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park & River Forest
High School Highlights: All-conference and Academic all-conference award recipient.
Family: Son of Kimberly and Kyle… sister Kyley
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Cousin, Pierre, played basketball at Ball State University; cousin, Dylan, played football at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Twitter: @Kole_so_fresh
Tak Tateoka
Position: QB
Hometown/HS: Waukesha, Wis./South
High School Highlights: Three sport athlete at Waukesha South, received Classic 8 All-Conference honorable mention… member of the high academic honor roll
Family: Son of Jami and Tom… siblings Grace and Mae
Twitter: @taktateoka
Nash Tichy
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Orono, Minn./Orono
High School Highlights: 2022 District Defensive MVP award recipient and all-district honoree, 2021 honorable mention All-District… also standout in baseball… awarded AP Scholar with Distinction academic honors
Family: Son of Mary and Paul… brothers Nolan and Blake
Family Members Compete in College Sports: Dad, Paul, played baseball at Northwestern University (1980-84); brother, Nolan, currently plays baseball at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Twitter: @nashtichy
Daniel Tschida
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Maplewood, Minn./Roseville
Expected Major: Undecided
High School Highlights: Three-sport athlete and captain at Roseville High, five-time varsity captain… All-State, Academic All-State and first-team all-metro; District Co-Defensive MVP and team's Defensive MVP… three-year academic letter recipient, member of school's A-honor roll
Family: Son of Beth and Jim… brothers John and Michael
Twitter: @tschida_daniel
Chase Ullom
Position: LB
Hometown/HS: Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata
High School Highlights: Two-sport athlete… in football was named to Minnesota Vikings All-State team, played in Minnesota High School All-Star Game; was honorable mention all-district and first-team all-district in last two seasons; captain and CCX all-state defense… two-time all-district honorable mention award recipient for wrestling
Family: Son of Lori and Todd… two siblings Shelby and Royce
Twitter: @ChaseUllom13
Elijah Windham
Position: DB
Hometown/HS: Midland, Tex./Midland Christian
Expected Major: Business
High School Highlights: First-team all-district honoree
Family: Son of Julie and Patrick… siblings Andi, Austin, and Madi
Twitter: @Elijah40W
Players Mentioned
DB
/ Football
OL
/ FootballPress Conference: Tommie Football Postgame v Lindenwood 08/28/25
Friday, August 29
Tommie Football Intro Video 2025
Thursday, August 28
Press Conference: Tommie Football Postgame vs Dayton
Saturday, November 23
Press Conference: Tommie Football Postgame vs Drake 11.09.24
Tuesday, November 12
