Nick Hill unveils 2023 Signing Day class
12/21/2022 | 11:38:00 | Football
The class breakdown includes seven wide receivers, four offensive linemen, four defensive linemen, two linebackers, two running backs, two defensive backs and one tight end.
"I want to thank the student-athletes who are signing with us, and their parents trusting us and finding a home here," Hill said. "The word 'family' gets thrown around a lot, but I think they'll quickly know they picked the right spot and they'll be part of a family atmosphere."
Three of the transfers were All-Conference players at their former FCS school — linebacker Colin Bohanek (Eastern Illinois), wide receiver Vinson Davis III (Charleston Southern) and defensive end Tim Varga (Eastern Illinois). Many of the players in the class have been committed since the summer, and others, such as Colorado transfer Noah Fenske and Eastern Michigan transfer Zach Westmoreland, have been on SIU's radar for several years.
"These are names that Saluki fans are going to know for a long time," Hill said. "They're expected to come in here and make a huge impact on our program. For a coach, it's kind of like Christmas, you finally get to talk about these guys. Some of these guys have been committed since June or July, but you're not publicly allowed to talk about them."
Hill said he expects to add more signees in the coming weeks and also during the February signing period.
Jaelin Benefield
Running Back, 5-10, 170, Junior
Pearland, Texas | Pearland HS
Transfer: Eastern Illinois
In four seasons at Eastern Illinois (2019-22), played in 31 games and rushed for 1,198 yards ... Caught 69 passes in his career and totaled 11 rushing and receiving TDs … Named Academic All-District in 2022 and was named to the All-OVC Newcomer team in 2019 when he started 10 games and led the team in rushing yards (402) and touchdowns (7) … At Pearland HS, helped lead his team to a 10-1 record in 2018, including Texas Class 6A Region III District 23 championship… Rushed for 1,210 yards and 16 touchdowns in nine games his senior year … Named the 23-6A Most Valuable Player of the Year … A three-time first team All-District selection
Coach Hill on Benefield: "We're fired up to put him in our offense. When you watch his film, he's an explosive kid. He just fits into everything we do, as far as throwing him the football and bringing some explosiveness to our team."
Colin Bohanek
Linebacker, 6-0, 225, Junior
Chicago, Ill. | Marist HS
Transfer: Eastern Illinois
Named 2nd-Team All-OVC in 2022 after finishing with 73 tackles, 7.0 TFL and 2 interceptions … Started 22-straight games for the Panthers in 2021 and 2022 … Career totals at EIU: 28 games, 200 tackles, 19.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks, 3 INT, 5 FF, 8 PBU … Named to the OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll … As a high school senior, was named first-team All-Area and CCL/ESCC Blue Division Player of the Year, after posting 116 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 16.0 TFL … Team advanced to the IHSA Class 8A state semifinals … Son of Chris and Kim Bohanek and has two older siblings … His brother, Cody Bohanek, played five seasons (2017-22) in Minor League Baseball, rising as high as AAA … Born Jan. 8, 2002 in Oak Lawn, Ill.
Hill on Bohanek: "In the transfer world, we were really setting out to get a certain type of person to add to the program. Colin meets all those things. He's tough, he's reliable, he's played a ton of football. He's going to be a big addition for us."
Jamir Conn
Cornerback, 5-10, 165, Freshman
Kansas City, Mo. | Lee's Summit North HS
Helped lead his team to the 2022 6A state championship game … Named All-State, All- Conference and All-District … Allowed just one touchdown catch in his final two seasons … Lived in Maryland during his freshman and sophomore years … Son of Corneal Conn and Nafeesa Fajri and has three siblings … Born on May 11, 2005 in Kansas City.
Hill on Conn: "He'll actually early enroll, be here in the spring and get to go through spring ball and winter workouts. He's everything you can be in a corner and we're excited to get him in here early."
Vinson Davis III
Wide Receiver, 5-7, 165, Sophomore
Miramar, Fla. | American Heritage Plantation HS
Transfer: Charleston Southern
After redshirting in 2021, played in 8 games for Charleston Southern in 2022 and led the team with 56 catches for 425 yards and 4 TDs … Named 2nd-Team all-Big South Conference … Had a 97-yard touchdown catch versus Furman, the longest receiving TD in Big South history … Had a season-high 13 catches at Kennesaw State … Also returned 6 punts on the season … In high school, was named 5A All-State, All-Broward Country and three-time All-Conference … A multi-positional threat, who played wide receiver, quarterback and running back … Helped lead his team to the 2020 state championship … Also ran track and placed in the top 5 in the 4x100 at the state meet … Son of Vinson and Yolanda Davis, and has four older siblings … Born May 19, 2003 in Miami.
Hill on Davis III: "He's short but he's super-dynamic. He reminds me a lot of DJ Davis. DJ actually coached him last year. Outstanding kid, super-competitive, has that will to win. He'll bring explosiveness to the offense and return game."
Daelin DeGraffenreid
Wide Receiver, 6-2, 195, Sophomore
Bakersfield, Calif. | Ridgeview HS
Transfer: City College of San Francisco
In two seasons at CCSF, played in 8 games, including 7 games in 2022, with 22 catches for 300 yards and 3 TDs … Named First-Team All-Area and All-Conference his senior year at Ridgeview HS … Recorded 63 catches for 1,171 yards and 13 TDs his junior and senior seasons ... Selected to play in the state's U.S. Army All-Star Bowl in 2019 and the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in 2018 … Son of Daniel DeGraffenreid and Lichicka Williams, and has three siblings … Born Feb. 7, 2001 win Bakersfield, Calif.
Hill on DeGraffenreid: "He's a guy we've been recruiting all fall. He's a guy we marked early-on that we wanted to get. He came out here for a visit, it was a great fit, and he'll come in here and compete at a high level."
Aidan Duerig
Offensive Tackle, 6-6, 315, Freshman
Lowell, Ind. | Crown Point Indiana HS
As a senior, was named All-State and all-Duneland Athletic Conference … Team finished 10-1 and the offense scored the most points in school history … Also participated threw the shot-put in track & field … From the same school as Ohio State wrestler Jesse Mendez … Son of Michael and Tricia Duerig … Has four siblings … Born July 12, 2004 in Crown Point, Ind.
Hill on Duerig: "Just a big, young offensive tackle we've been recruiting since the summer. He came to games this fall. Coach (Dan) Clark has done a great job recruiting this offensive line class, formed a relationship with him — a guy we wanted since camp."
Amir Dwight
Defensive Line, 6-1, 262, Freshman
Cordele, Ga. | Crisp County HS
Recorded 131 tackles and 10.0 sacks in his career … Injured his knee in 2022 … In 2021, was named Georgia Coaches Association All-State, First Team All-Region and Crisp County Defensive Linemen of the Year … Also played basketball and baseball … Son of Teddy and Novella Dwight and has three siblings … Born July 13, 2005 in Tifton, Ga.
Hill on Dwight: "We have great relationships in Georgia. Amir had an outstanding senior year, was able to get down to see him and his coach a couple weeks ago. Amir will be a great kid to put in our defensive line room and develop."
Noah Fenske
Offensive Line, 6-4, 295, Junior
New Hampton, Iowa | New Hampton HS
Transfer: Colorado
Played in 7 games for the Buffaloes in 2022 and appeared in 109 snaps … Played in 2 games in 2021, including a start at center against Minnesota … Spent his first two hears in college at Iowa, where he redshirted in 2019 and played in one game against Minnesota in 2020 … Coming out of high school, was a three-star prospect and the No. 9 prospect out of Iowa for the 2019 recruiting class … Ranked the No. 6 offensive guard by 247Sports … District's offensive line MVP as a senior at New Hampton HS and earned All-State honors from the Iowa Newspaper Association and the Des Moines Register … Played both offensive and defensive line and helped New Hampton reach the state playoffs three straight seasons, including a run to the championship game as a junior … Had 108 tackles with 37 tackles for loss, including 15 sacks in his career … Also lettered in wrestling, basketball and track & field, where he placed third in the state championships in the shot put as a junior and seventh in discus, where he also holds the school record with a throw of 184-4 … Born May 5, 2000 in Mankato, Minn., but grew up in New Hampton … His parents are Robin Harnack and Bob Fenske.
Hill on Fenske: "Just fired up to have him. I have family who are from New Hampton. We recruited his younger brother out of high school and have known the family for a long time. He's a kid we tried to get, you never know how things are going to work out, he's here and we're fired up to get him."
Elijah Gunn
Defensive Tackle, 6-2, 284, Freshman
LaGrange, Ga. | Callaway HS
A two-time All-State honorable mention pick and two time All-Region selection … Helped lead his team to a 43-10 record during his four-year career, including a AA state championship in 2020 and two semifinals appearances … Also participated in basketball and track … Son of Reginald Nelson and Cierra Gunn … Has two younger siblings … Born February 26, 2005.
Hill on Gunn: "Big kid, great smile, great personality, great high school football program he's coming from. Another big defensive lineman we know we have to have and develop to get where we need to go."
Blaine Halley
Offensive Line, 6-6, 290, Freshman
Atlanta, Ill. | Olympia HS
Three-year varsity starter, who helped lead the team to the IHSA 3A quarterfinals for the first time in 37 years … In 2022, was named IHSFCA 3A First-Team All-State, All-State Academic Team, Pantagraph All-Area and all-Sangamo Conference … Winner of his Olympia High School's John Westerman Award for Football Impact Player of the Year … Invited to play in the 2023 Illinois Shrine Game … Additional honors and memberships — National Honor Society, Honor Roll, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and Future Farmers of America … Also participated in basketball and swimming at OHS, and was a member of Bass Fishing team that won sectionals … Son of Shawn and Andrea Halley and has one sibling … Family has raised show dogs … Born Nov. 12, 2004 in Newburgh, Ind.
Hill on Halley: "Actually played his playoff game at Benton in the first round. Another kid we've known for a long time. His family's been down here multiple times. Central Illinois kid who we're fired up to have."
Brodan Lewis
Wide Receiver, 5-11, 180, Freshman
Highland, Ill, | Highland HS
Preferred walk-on at SIU … A two-time Second-Team All-Conference selection … Recorded 73 career catches, including 10 TDs … Helped lead his team to a 9-2 record his senior year … Also participated in wrestling and track & field … A four-year FCA leader … Son of Matthew and Brooke Lewis, and has two siblings … Born June 19, 2005 in Maryville, Ill.
Hill on Lewis: "He'll be here in the spring. Local kid who's been here for camp, was at our 7-on-7. He's from an outstanding program that's really well-coached."
Aiden Logan
Offensive Line, 6-6, 325, Junior
Carthage, Mo. | Carthage High
Transfer: Butler Community College
After redshirting at Butler CC in 2021, earned a starting job at right guard in 2022 and was named All-Conference honorable mention … Team finished 8-4, tied, won and beat No. 7-ranked Kilgore CC in the Heart of Texas Bowl to finish ranked No. 12 in the nation … Dean's Honor recipient at BCC … At Carthage HS, was a two-time First-Team All-State, All-Region, All-District and All-Conference honoree … Team went 21-3 during his junior and senior season and won Class 5 state title in 2019, the first state championship in school history … Played both left and right tackle, depending on the play … Invited to the Gridiron Classic all-star game … Son of Mark and Michelle Logan, and has a younger brother … Born July 10, 2003 in Joplin, Mo.
Hill on Logan: "We had to really compete to get this kid. He and his mom and little brother were here and I think he could feel how much he was wanted. Big body, has played, experienced. We recruited him out of high school, so we've known him for a while now."
Jamond Mathis
Defensive End, 6-3, 235, Freshman
Saint Charles, Mo. | Duchesne, HS
Set the Duchesne school record for career sacks with 23.0 … A three-time First-Team All-Conference selection and was named All-State at linebacker as a senior in 2022 … The No. 18 prospect on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Super 30 countdown … Recorded 55 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 9.0 TFL and 4 fumble recoveries in 2021 … Rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 18 touchdowns as a running back his junior and senior seasons … Also threw discus for the track & field team … Raised by his uncle, Keith Hightower, and aunt, Anitra Mathis … Born June 30, 2004 in St. Louis.
Hill on Mathis: "We've been recruiting him a really long time and got his commitment earlier this month. Coach (Dalmin) Gibson and our defensive guys — Coach (Mark) Watson — formed a relationship and was able to out-recruit a couple programs. He has an opportunity to be special on the edge."
Allen Middleton
Wide Receiver, 5-11, 180, Freshman
Mascoutah, Ill. | Mascoutah HS
Named All-State in 2022 as a multi-threat WR/DB/KR … A two-time, unanimous First-Team All- Conference selection … In 23 varsity games, recorded 108 receptions, 1,916 receiving yards, 3,405 all-purpose Yards, 35 touchdowns and 126 tackles … Had eight, 100-yard receiving games … Helped his team to three playoff appearances, advancing to the semifinals, quarterfinals and one Sweet 16 appearance … A National Honor Society member, a two-time Academic All-State selection and a WSIU Top Teen … The Student Council class president, and member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and First Priority … Also participated in basketball and track & Field, and was an All-Conference long jumper and State Qualifier in the 4x100 ... From the same high school as Saluki Hall of Fame and Olympic high jumper Darrin Plab … Son of Timothy and Comica Middleton, and has an older brother … A military child who was born in Okinawa, Japan on Oct. 7, 2004.
Hill on Middleton: "Another St. Louis-area kid. Another kid we've been on for a while, since he was a junior in high school. Just a really decorated high school player who did a lot of things in his high school career."
Logan Minton
Tight End, 6-7, 215, Freshman
Wildwood, Mo. | Lafayette HS
In 2022, named All-State, All-District and All-Conference … Caught 36 passes for 552 yards and 7 TDs his senior year, while adding 24 tackles, 7 TFL and 4 sacks … Team finished 7-4 and advanced to district semifinals, where he had 8 catches for 152 yards 2 TDs … Also participated in lacrosse and was All-Conference in basketball as a junior … Son of Jason and Joanne Minton and has a younger sister … Born in Naperville, Ill. on Nov. 14, 2004 and lived in four states growing up.
Hill on Minton: "He's a big, tall tight end who will have to put on some weight. Good basketball player who will get here and develop. Another kid who's been committed here for a while and can develop into a tight end we can use a lot in this offense."
Carmelo Smith
Defensive Line, 6-2, 285, Freshman
Selma, Ala. | Prattville HS
In his junior and senior seasons combined, recorded 92 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks … Played in Alabama's North-South All-Star game in 2022 … Son of Joe Smith and Tracy Gunn … Has two younger siblings … Born June 14, 2004 in Selma, Ala.
Hill on Smith: "Comes from a great program and has been committed to us since the summer. Excited to add another young, defensive lineman who can develop here and be good Salukis for 4-5 years."
Ubayd Steed
Safety, 5-11, 180, Junior
Philadelphia, Pa. | Neumann-Goretti HS
Transfer: Towson State
Had a breakout sophomore season in 2022 at Towson with 61 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 4 pass breakups … Both INTs came in the season-finale versus Hampton … Was the team's top freshman tackler in 2021 with 28 stops … A three-star recruit by 247Sports out of Neumann-Goretti HS … A 2019 All-Catholic League First Team honoree as a defensive back ... Led the Saints to 11 wins and a spot in the District 1/12 Class 3A state title game... Nominee for 2019 Small School Class 1A-3A Mr. Pa. Football ... Prior to Neumann-Goretti, helped Northeast High win three Public League 6A titles.
Hill on Steed: "He was here the last weekend of official visits. He's a safety with two years left to play, grad transfer who can give us great experience, can play and make an impact on this team this season. He'll be here this spring to develop and learn the system."
Tim Varga
Defensive End, 6-3, 250, Senior
Newton, N.C. | Elk Grove Village HS (IL)
Transfer: Eastern Illinois
In four seasons at Eastern Illinois, totaled 106 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4 PBUs and 1 forced fumble … Named 2nd-Team All-OVC in 2021 after a breakout season with 46 tackles and 4.0 sacks … Played in 7 games in 2022 before a season-ending injury and had 29 tackles, 1.0 sack and 4.5 TFL … CoSIDA Academic All-District in 2021 and OVC Academic Medal of Honor in 2020 … At Elk Grove Village HS, earned All-Area honors from the Daily Herald, playing defensive line and offensive line. Finished his senior season with 13 tackles for loss and five pass break-ups … Born March 29, 2001 in Hickory N.C.
Hill on Varga: "He's all about business. Fabulous young man — focused, smart, tough — all the things we're looking for. He's a kid with a ton of experience and played at a high level."
Kayleb Wagner
Running Back, 6-1, 215, Freshman
Baker, Fla. | Baker HS
A three-year All-State and All-Conference performer who is his school's all time rushing leader with 5,842 rushing yards … Rushed for 67 career touchdowns and averaged 9.9 yards per carry … On Sept. 17, 2021, playing against South Walton High School, set the state of Florida record with 535 rushing yards on 25 carries, breaking Derrick Henry's record … Henry invited him to watch a Tennessee Titans game from the sidelines … Led his team to a 41-9 career record and was MVP of the 2020 1A state championship game … Also participated in baseball, basketball (led team in scoring as a sophomore) and track & field (2022 district champion in the shot put and 100m and 200m) … From the same high school as Olympic sprinter Houston McTear … Son of Travis Parker and Samantha Huertas … Has five siblings …. Born Sept. 25, 2003 in Pensacola, Fla. … Born without a left forearm and hand.
Hill on Wagner: "He has a unique story, got some national attention with breaking rushing records that he did in Florida. We were able to get him up here to campus with our connections with Nub-ability Athletics in Du Quoin, where he was a camp counselor, and he was able to come down on an unofficial visit and see us. We got to know him so well. Outstanding kid — I don't know if there's a better one out there. The things he's overcome, the adversity he's had and just his attitude. The film speaks for itself."
Miles Wash
Linebacker, 5-10, 217, Freshman
Wichita, Kan. | Derby High School
Two-time Class 6A All-State and All-Conference … The 2022 Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Defensive Player of the Year … As a two-year starter, totaled 288 tackles, 20.0 TFL, 7.0 sacks and 3 interceptions … Led Class 6A in tackles as a senior in 2022 … Helped team to a two-year 20-4 record and state runner-up finish in 2021 … Named to the Sports In Kansas Top 100 seniors … First-Team All-Academic and honor roll … Also wrestled and was Second-Team All AVCTL … Son of Marcel and Shay Wash, and has four older siblings … Born Jan. 8, 2005 in Wichita, Kan.
Hill on Wash: "When I watched him this summer, he reminds me a ton of Bryson Strong, who was just the heart and soul of our team for a couple years. Miles has that same type of personality and way he plays the game. He's everything you want in a linebacker."
Cal Weidemann
Wide Receiver, 6-1, 195, Junior
Omaha, Neb. | Westside HS
Transfer: Iowa Central Community College
In three seasons at Iowa Central CC, played in 29 games, caught 91 passes for 1,063 yards and 15 touchdowns … Had his best season in 2022, with 42 catches for 520 yards and 10 TDs … Named First-Team All-Region and All-Conference … Helped lead his team to a pair of Graphic Edge Bowl championships … During the fourth game of his junior season, suffered a season-ending knee injury … Selected to play in the Nebraska Shrine Game … Also played basketball and baseball in high school … Son of Todd and Christine Weidemann and has one sibling … Last name pronounced "wide-uh-min" … Born July 9, 2001 in Omaha, Neb.
Hill on Weidemann: "He's just everything you want said about a recruit, that's Cal. He's tough, he's dependable, reliable, great teammate and a really good player. He'll be here in the spring as well."
Zach Westmoreland
Athlete, 6-2, 205, Sophomore
Joplin, Mo. | Joplin HS
Transfer: Eastern Michigan
In two seasons at Eastern Michigan (2021-22), played in 16 games and made 3 starts, and caught 19 passes for 320 yards and 1 TD … Had a career-best 97 yards receiving at UMass … At Joplin High School, played in 41 career games with 254 catches for 3,539 yards and 41 touchdowns … Scored 74 total touchdowns receiving/rushing … Holds the school-record for most receiving yards and most receptions, along with the long jump and javelin records in track … As a senior, grabbed 105 balls for 1,655 yards and 21 scores … Was a three-time First-Team All-State player at wide receiver and kick returner … Led Joplin to a 13-1, state runner-up finish … Also a member of the school's baseball, track, and basketball teams … Son of Tejuan Lockett and Christie Forest … Has five brothers and four sisters … Born Nov. 29, 2001 in Miami, Okla.
Hill on Westmoreland: "He's a kid I'm fired up to get. He committed to us out of high school originally, ended up at Eastern Michigan. Zach's a special athlete, a special player, had an outstanding high school career. Athletically, he's as good as we've had here, has the length, speed and athletic ability."
Kam White
Wide Receiver, 6-0, 180, Freshman
Huntsville, Ala. | Huntsville HS
Caught 85 passes for 1,161 yards in his career, with 11 TDs … In 2021, was named First-Team All-Huntsville Region and 7A All-State honorable mention by the Alabama Sports Writers Association … Son of Kip Hodge and Latasha White, and has two siblings … Born Nov. 19, 2004 in Huntsville, Ala.
"Just a super kid. His smile is infectious. He has tons of upside and his best football is long ahead of him. He can come here and be as good as he wants to be."
