University of St. Thomas Athletics
Tommie football solidifies recruit class on National Signing Day
2/5/2025 1:04:00 PM | Football
ST. PAUL, MINN. – It's been a busy off season for the University of St. Thomas football team. After another successful season of Division I play, the Tommies finalized their 2025 recruit class, announcing the full class of signees Wednesday morning.
"St. Thomas football is proud and excited to see the next generation of Tommies join our family," commented Caruso. "Our coaching staff went above and beyond, scoring the region to find the right student-athletes as we continue to develop and move our program forwards into the fifth year of Division I competition."
The 2025 St. Thomas football recruit class includes 12 defensive and 19 offensive players and three special teams player as the Tommies look to add depth at several positions following the 2024 season. It additionally showcases some of the top talent from the Midwest region, including highly touted recruits from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. The recruit class also includes players from Missouri and Arizona, extending beyond the borders of the Midwest region.
Meet the St. Thomas Football Signing Class of 2025:
Aidan Adamski (Defensive Line; 6'3; 240; Duluth, Minn. / Hermantown)
One of the top players in Minnesota, Adamski joins the St. Thomas roster after a storied prep career at Hermantown. A. multi-time award winner, Adamski is a two-time All-District Honorable Mention honoree and was voted his conference's Lineman of the Year following his senior season in 2024. Additionally, Adamski earned All-State honors during his prep career for his play at defensive line and was also a fullback and long snapper while playing for Two Harbors and Duluth Marshall. Off the field, Adamski is a three-time honor roll student and enjoys Legos.
Owen Barkley (Fullback; 5'9; 170; Long Lake, Minn. / Orono)
A current freshman at St. Thomas, Barkley will join the Tommies for the 2024 spring season. A two-way player for Orono's football team, Barkley excelled on the offensive and defensive side of the ball and played a multitude of positions, including running back, tight end, corner back and free safety. Barkley was also a member of the Orono High School track and field team and intends to major in entrepreneurship at St. Thomas.
Jack Bauer (Offensive Line; 6'4; 280; Eagan, Minn. / Eastview)
Another highly touted recruit, Bauer will strength the Tommies depth at offensive line in 2024. The son of a college wrestler, Bauer was a three-year letter winner in football and earned First Team All-District and Second Team All-State honors during his prep career. He was also voted the Eastfield Lightning Award winner and earned a slew of accolades for his careers in wrestling and track and field. On the matt, Bauer was a two-time national qualifier for freestyle wrestling and a one-time qualifier in Greco wrestling. He was additionally the 2024 Minnesota State Champion in freestyle wrestling. Off the field, Bauer owns a GPA of 3.7 and enjoys cooking and baking.
Malachi Boadi (Linebacker; 6'1; 205; Mound, Minn. / Minnetonka)
A standout linebacker from Mound, Minnesota, Boadi travels to St. Thomas after an outstanding prep career at Minnetonka. In 2024, Boadi led the Skippers to the 2024 Minnesota AAAAAA State Championship game and closed the season with 77 tackles, five interceptions, three sacks and six tackles for loss. He was voted the team's Defensive MVP and recorded a pick-six in the Section Championship game in early November. Boadi intends to major in business administration with an emphasis in finance.
AJ Boarman (Tight End; 6'4; 205; Minneapolis, Minn. / Academy of Holy Angels / Minnesota-Duluth)
A quarterback from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Boarman joins the Tommies after two seasons playing for Minnesota-Duluth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). A redshirt freshman, Boarman signed with the Bulldogs after an outstanding prep career at Holy Angels, in which he guarded the Stars to the MSHSL State Tournament in 2022. As a senior, he led the team in both passing and rushing yards and was voted the conference and Team MVP. In addition to playing football, Boarman was an All-Conference basketball player and was a member of the Stars track and field and golf teams.
Ben Buie (Offensive Line; 6'6; 285; Sun Prairie, Wis. / Sun Prairie West)
Buie signed with the Tommies earlier this signing period, committing after a strong prep career with Sun Prairie football. A three-year varsity player, Buie was actively involved in team activities and participated in community service projects through his church. He plans to become a nurse, like his mom, and intends to major in nursing at St. Thomas.
Ben Byszewski (Defensive Back; 5'11; 175; Irvine, Calif. / Crean Lutheran)
Byszewski travels to Minnesota from California after an outstanding prep career at Crean Lutheran. A two-way player, Byszewski earned accolades for his play as a safety and wide receiver. He was a two-time First Team All-Conference honoree and was voted All-CIF at safety as a senior in 2024. He was additionally named the conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. Byszewski closed his career as Crean Lutheran's program record holder in career interceptions (20), single-season interceptions (8), single-game interceptions (2) and single-season pick sixes (3).
Will Carlson (Defensive Back; 6'0; 280; Glenview, Ill. / Loyola Academy)
Carlson signed with the Tommies on February 5, adding depth to the team's defensive back core. As a corner back with Loyola Academy, Carlson earned All-Conference Honorable Mention accolades while playing in the Chicago Catholic League. He lists singing as his secret talent and intends to major in business at St. Thomas.
Carter Carstens (Linebacker; 6'3; 210; Victoria, Minn. / Chanhassen)
A linebacker from Victoria, Minnesota, Carstens joins a strong Tommie defense after playing both linebacker and tight end at Chanhassen High School. A two-year starter for the Storm, Carstens earned All-District honors in 2024 and was voted the Team MVP following the season after recording 205 tackles, six sacks, 27 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception and seven pass breakups. He was also a key contributor and starter on Chanhassen's 2023 AAAAAA State Championship team. Off the field, Carstens plays guitar and is a multi-year member of the Dean's List. He intends to major in business administration with an emphasis in entrepreneurship.
Charlie Cayley (Offensive Line; 6'6; 280; Wausau, Wis. / Wausau East)
A multi-sport athlete from Wisconsin, Cayley will bring depth to St. Thomas' offensive line, playing both tackle and defensive tackle in high school. As a senior, Cayley earned First Team All-Conference honors as an offensive lineman and helped Wausau East earn the #4 seed in the D3 postseason tournament. He also received All-Conference honors as a junior in 2023. Off the court, Cayley is a member of NHS and an honor roll student. He intends to major in exercise science.
Dawson Dorward (Wide Receiver; 6'2; 180; Scottsdale, Ariz. / Notre Dame Prep)
Dorward joins St. Thomas from Arizona to represent the Purple after wearing the same color at Notre Dame Prep. A 6'1 wide receiver, Dorward led his team to a third place finish at the Arizona State Championships as a junior in 2023 and was a varsity starter each of the last two seasons. Dorward was also a member of the Notre Dame Prep track and field team during his high school career.
Braylon Edwards (Offensive Line; 6'3; 295; Cedar Rapids, Iowa / Kennedy)
Edwards travels from Iowa to Minnesota to join the St. Thomas football team in 2024. A. multi-year award winner and senior captain, Edwards was a two-time All-State recipient and earned All-Distract and All-Conference honors multiple times throughout his prep career. He was voted the team's Lineman of the Year following the 2024 season and was a four-time honor roll student and five-time Science Award recipient. Off the field, Edwards enjoys golfing and intends to major in exercise science.
Nathan Faber (Offensive Line; 6'5; 270; Des Moines, Iowa / Des Moines Christian)
Like Edwards, Faber travels from Iowa to Minnesota to join St. Thomas in 2025. Faber played several sports at Des Moines Christian, participating in baseball, track and field and basketball in addition to football during his prep career. He was a First Team All-District offensive lineman and additionally earned Second Team All-District honors for his play on the defensive line. He was a member of NHS and enjoys playing golf. Faber intends to major in data analytics at St. Thomas.
Preston Franklin (Defensive Back; 5'11; 170; Kansas City, Mo. / Liberty)
Franklin also travels to Minnesota from afar, joining the Tommies after earning multiple awards at Liberty High School in Kansas City, Missouri. As a defensive back, Franklin earned Second Team All-Conference and Academic All-State honors during his career with Liberty and owns a GPA of 3.7. Franklin lists his favorite NFL team as the Seattle Seahawks and he intends to major in mechanical engineering.
Maverick Inman (Wide Receiver; 6'1; 170; Waukee, Iowa / Waukee)
A multisport athlete from Waukee, Iowa, Inman will be flying high as a member of the St. Thomas wide receiver core in 2024. In his final high school season, Inman played in 10 games for Waukee and tallied 747 receiving yards on 51 receptions with eight receiving touchdowns in the process. He averaged 14.6 yards per game and earned Academic All-State honors for his performance on and off the field of competition. Inman also received First Team All-District honors at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Elijah Johnson (Running Back; 5'9; 194; Fairmont, Minnesota / Fairmont)
Johnson joins the Tommies after a strong prep career at Fairmont, where he won multiple awards on and off the gridiron. A multi-year player, Johnson earned All-State honors as a running back and was a two-time All-District player during his prep career. Additionally, Johnson was voted both the Team MVP and All-Area Player of the Year twice and participated in the Minnesota All-Star Game in 2024. Off the field, Johnson was voted Homecoming King and was a member of the high honor roll and national honor society. He intends to major in business administration with an emphasis in finance.
Davyne Jones (Defensive Back; 5'11; 170; Kansas City, Mo. / Lincoln College Prep)
A three-star rated athlete by 247Sports, Jones was a highly touted recruit out of Missouri, choosing St. Thomas over a handful of other DI offers, including Northern Iowa. As a junior, he earned Third Team All-State honors after recording 39 tackles with three interceptions and one forced fumble. As a wide receiver, Jones closed his junior season with 890 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns, including two kickoff returns.
Brayden Kim (Athlete; 6'0; 185; Anaheim, Calif. / Servite)
Kim will join the Tommies in 2025, traveling to Minnesota from California. As a senior, Kim was invited to participate in the Makasi Bowl, which is an annual football game featuring the top players in the San Diego and Los Angeles area. As a senior, he led Servite to a third place finish in the conference and a deep playoff run. He additionally was a member of his high school baseball team.
Ben Lemirand (Wide Receiver; 6'0; 175; De Pere, Wis. / West De Pere)
A wide receiver from neighboring Wisconsin, Lemirand joins the Tommies after an outstanding career with West De Pere High School. A First Team All-Conference honoree, Lemirand was a multi-sport athlete at West De Pere, participating in both football and track and field. He qualified for the 2024 State Track and Field Championships as a sprinter and member of multiple West De Pere relay teams. Off the field, he enjoys building Legos and intends to major in exercise science.
Pierce McCrary (Wide Receiver; 6'2; 185; Cedar Rapids, Iowa / Kennedy)
McCrary brings depth to St. Thomas at wide receiver after earning multiple honor at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As a junior in 2023, McCrary earned Second Team All-Metro and All-Conference distinction and was voted First Team All-District. He was even better as a senior in 2024, earning First team All-Conference, First Team All-District and All-Metro Honorable Mention distinction at the conclusion of the season. Off the field, McCrary is an honor roll student and enjoys thrifting and fishing.
Max Mogelson (Defensive Line; 6'2; 290; Mendota Heights, Minn. / Two Rivers / UNLV)
One of the top rated 2024 recruits in the state of Minnesota, Mogelson joins St. Thomas after a season at UNLV, where he redshirted to preserve a season of eligibility. An aggressive defensive tackle, Mogelson was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals, On3 and ESPN prior to his senior season. He was also rated the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 6 prospect in the state of Minnesota and the No. 67 defensive tackle in the country by ESPN. He earned this recognition after an outstanding prep career at Two Rivers, where he played both defensive line and tight end. As a senior, Mogelson was named Second Team All-State and led the Warriors to an 8-2 record, including a 5-1 mark in conference play. Mogelson was also a member of Two Rivers basketball and baseball teams.
Michael Naber (Linebacker; 6'0; 205; Shakopee, Minn. / Shakopee)
Naber committed to join the Tommies' roster Wednesday morning after concluding his prep career at Shakopee earlier this month. A three-year varsity starter, Naber earned All-District honors in 2024 after leading AAAAAA with 126 tackles, including 17 for loss. As a senior, Naber was selected to participate in the Minnesota State All-Star game and led Shakopee to an 11-2 overall record. Shakopee won the 2024 AAAAAA Section Champion and advanced to the semifinal of the State Championship in November.
Mitchell Nigro (Linebacker; 6'2; 225; Richfield, Wis. / Marquette)
The brother of former Tommie Vincent Nigro, Mitchell follows in his brother's footsteps and will join the St. Thomas roster in 2024. A 6'2 outside linebacker, Nigro was a two-time All-State honoree at Marquette and a three-time All-Conference recipient during his prep career. He led Marquette to the DI State Championship in 2023 and additionally earned Academic All-State honors three times during his career. Off the field, Nigro enjoys playing card games, hunting, fishing and snowboarding. He intends to major in business.
Nick Peipert (Quarterback; 6'2; 196; Barrington, Ill. / Barrington)
A quarterback from Barrington, Illinois, Peipert adds depth to the Tommies depth chart at the position. As a senior, Peipert was named a team captain and set the program record for single-season passing yards and touchdowns in 2024. He additionally earned All-State Honorable Mention recognition for his play on the field. Off the field, Peipert is a three-time Academic All-State selection and intends to major in business.
Lucas Peters (Athlete; 5'10; 205; Rice Lake, Wis. / Rice Lake)
A dual way player from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Peters earned several honors during his prep career. He earned All-Conference honors as a sophomore, junior and senior as a running back and earned the same honor as a linebacker his junior and senior year. He additionally earned All-Region and All-State honors as a senior and closed his prep football career with over 3000 yards rushing and 300 tackles. As a multi-sport athlete, Peters was voted captain of both the football and hockey teams and received the Matt Armstrong Character Award for his play on the ice. He intends to major in biology.
Nathan Rathkamp (Offensive Line; 6'4; 285; Kimberly, Wis. / Kimberly)
Rathkamp joins St. Thomas after four years playing offensive line at Kimberly High School. A two-year starter, Rathkamp was voted a team captain during his prep career and was a member of the conference championship team in 2021. Off the field, Rathkamp was an Academic All-State honoree and claims he can do the splits. He intends to major in business while playing for the Tommies.
David Regnier (Offensive Line; 6'4; 280; Prescott, Wis. / Prescott)
One of several Wisconsinites to cross the state line Regnier joins St. Thomas after earning several honors at Prescott High School. He earned All-State honors for his play as an offensive and defensive lineman and was named the Middle-Border Conference Defensive Player of the Year in early November. Off the field, Regnier admits to being terrible at golf, but loving it anyway. He intends to major in business administration with an emphasis in management.
Zander Rockow (Linebacker; 6'1; 230; Eau Claire, Wis. / Regis / Minnesota)
A freshman linebacker from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Rockow crosses the river, joining the Tommies after two seasons with the Minnesota Gophers. While Rockow did not see game action in his two years with Minnesota, he did redshirt, entering the 2024 season with four years of eligibility. As a high school athlete at Regis, Rockow earned a slew of accolade and recognition, rushing for nearly 4000 yards and recording over 100 tackles as a two-way player. During his high school career, Rockow rushed for 3831 yards and 56 touchdowns on 441 carries, caught 38 passes for 710 yards and made 105 tackles with 8.0 sacks and two interceptions. As a senior, he returned from injury to lead Regis to a state title, rushing for 251 and three touchdowns in the championship game, and earned All-State and All-Conference honors.
Will Seymour (Linebacker; 6'2; 219; St. Louis Park, Minn. / Benilde-St. Maragaret)
Seymour comes to St. Thomas after a strong prep career with Benilde-St. Margaret. As a senior, Seymour was named to the CCZ Sports All-Area Football Defensive team after missing time due to an ACL injury as a junior. Seymour closed his senior campaign with 95 tackles, including six tackles for loss, one sack and one safety. His 95 tackles led both his team and the district, and Seymour earned a slew of honors for his play, including All-District Linebacker MVP and All-District honors. He was an MSHSL Spotlight on Scholarship athlete and was a coach nominated team captain in 2024.
Michael Strong (Running Back; 6'0; 200; Shoreview, Minn. / Totino-Grace)
A running back and linebacker, Strong joins the Tommies after leading Totino-Grace to the AAAA Minnesota State Championship this past season. As a middle linebacker, Strong recorded 63 solo tackles as a senior in 2024 and closed the season with 7.0 sacks and one interception. He played in all 13 games and scored eight touchdowns as the team running back, helping Totino-Grace finish as the state runner up in its class. Off the field, Strong was a Academic All-State honoree and A honor roll student. He intends to major in business.
Beau Thielen (Long Snapper; 6'4; 225; Eagan, Minn. / Eagan)
A long snapper from Eagan, Minnesota, Thielen is one of the highest ranked recruits St. Thomas' DI era. A 4.5 star long snapper recruit, Thielen earned Preseason First Team All-State honors and received camp invites from Iowa, Minnesota, TCU and South Dakota State, among other top programs in both the FBS and FCS. He was also invited to the Rubio Long Snapping TOP 12 Camp, hosted in Idaho this past summer.
Jack Wallace (Quarterback; 6'3; 218; Iowa City, Iowa / Iowa City West)
Wallace will compete for the Tommies starting quarterback role after putting together an impressive career at Iowa City West. A four year starter and three year captain, Wallace earned both First Team All-State and District Player of the Year honors following his senior campaign. He was also named Mr. Iowa Football after throwing 33 touchdown passes with just four interceptions and accumulating nearly 2800 passing yards. As a senior, Wallace rushed for an additional 428 yards and scored eight touchdowns with his legs and was named to the Des Moines Register's All-Iowa high school football team at the conclusion of the season. For his career, Wallace threw for 7830 total yards and 84 touchdowns and closed his career ranked #17 in all-time passing yards in the state of Iowa.
Declan Walsh (Defensive Line; 6'3; 240; Downers Grove, Ill. / Benet Academy)
Walsh travels to Minnesota from Illinois to add depth to St. Thomas' defensive line. An All-Conference honoree, Walsh's father played college football at Eastern Illinois, and his brother, Pierce, currently plays at the University of Minnesota. In addition to playing football, Walsh started his career as a golfer before turning to the gridiron. He is currently undecided regarding his major.
Kaden Willerford (Wide Receiver; 5'11; 175; Riverside, Calif. / Aquinas / Riverside City College)
A multi-facetted wide receiver from California, Willerford joins the Tommies after spending the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Riverside City College in Riverside, California. In 2024, Willerford caught 55 receptions for 630 yards, including 199 in conference play. He averaged 52.5 yards per game and scored two touchdowns, making him one of the Tigers top receivers. In a loss to #8 Golden West, Willerford tallied 121 receiving yards on 11 catches, season highs in both categories, and recorded 105 yards in a loss to #1 Mt. San Antonio in early December.
