Football | 2/1/2017 7:27:00 AM

ELLENSBURG, Wash.- Central Washington University head football coach Ian Shoemaker is pleased to announce the signing of the 2017 recruiting class today.
 
A total of 11 of the recruits were named to the Seattle Times annual Chips List that reveals the top 100 high school football prospects in the State of Washington (Members of the Chips List will be marked with *).
 
The Wildcats also secured Jason Rucker out of Beaverton, Ore. who was named to the Oregonian's top 30 prospects out of the State of Oregon.
 
In addition to the high school signings, CWU also landed five transfers that include two quarterbacks with NCAA Division I experience in Reilly Hennessey (Eastern Washington), and Tommy Hays (Austin Peay).
 
"This is an exciting class, and I can't wait to get us all together and play some football.  These is a lot of elite talent in this group." CWU Head Coach Ian Shoemaker said.  "I want to say thank you to all the coaches on our staff for their hard work, and helping us strengthen our football program with a solid 2017 class."
 
The following is a complete list of the signing class in alphabetical order (With more expected to be added soon).  Click the players name to watch their highlights.


BLAKE CANTU – 6'1" 195lbs Linebacker (Peninsula HS)
 
As a senior at Peninsula High School, Cantu excelled on both sides of the ball. On defense, Blake tallied 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions. Offensively, he recorded 964 all-purpose yards, 6.8 rush yards per carry and 13 touchdowns.  His performance on the gridiron earned him All-Area First Team recognition and was named the South Sound Conference All-League Defensive MVP. He was also named the KIRO 7 Jack in the Box High School Football Player of the Week.
 
*ISAIAH CARBAJAL – 6'3" 250lbs Defensive End (Mountain View HS)
 
As a senior, Carbajal played in 11 games and recorded 14 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. His performance over the 2016 season earned him All-State, First Team All-League and First Team All-Region recognition as an offensive and defensive lineman. Carbajal also earned All-League honors as a junior. Highly regarded by his teammates, Isaiah earned several team awards including: Team Captain, 2014 Most Improved and the 2013 Heart of the Team Award. He received the Offensive and Defensive Lineman Linfield All-Camp Award in 2015 and 2016.
 
Away from the gridiron, Isaiah was an NFF Scholar Athlete and the Senior Class Council Vice President.
                                         
*JAMON CHAMBERS – 5'8 ½" 182lbs Running Back (Stadium HS)
 
Set four school records at Stadium:
 

• Most career touchdowns
• Most touchdowns in a single game (5)
• Most career rushing yards
• Most career total yards

 
Chambers was a two-time Offensive Player of the Year for the Tigers, as well as a two-time First Team All-City and All-League running back. He was also selected to participate in the 20016-17 East vs. West All-Star game. 
 
NOAH CHRISTY - 6'7" 230lbs Defensive End (West Anchorage HS)

CHASE DEMOOR – 6'5" 260lbs Defensive Lineman (Eatonville HS/College of the Siskiyous)
 
Demoor will join the Wildcat football team following two years at the College of Siskiyous.
 
*ALEX DIEGEL – 6'2" 210lbs Linebacker (Skyline High School)
 
USA Today Second Team All-State, Seattle Times All-Area and King County 4A First Team recipient, Diegel is a highly touted recruit from Sammamish, Wash.
 
Away from the football field, Alex was a Scholar Athlete (GPA above 3.5) and has a current GPA of 3.48.
 
*HUNTER ECKSTROM – 6'0" 185lbs Defensive Back (Lake Stevens HS)
 
A 2016 All-State and 3x All-League Wide Receiver, Eckstrom caught 159 passes for 2,402 yards and 36 touchdowns in his time at Lake Stevens High School.
 
SONNY FUAVAI – 6'3" 225lbs Linebacker (Thomas Jefferson HS)
 
Fuavai garnered SPSL All-League recognition as a defensive and tight end over the 2016-17 season. Fuavai also excelled in the classroom, earning a 3.7 GPA.  
 
KAI GAMBLE – 6'3" 216lbs Linebacker (Union HS)
 
A Kamas, Wash. native, Gamble received All-Conference recognition while playing for the Titans.
 
SEAN GORDON – 6'3" 210lbs Defensive End (Lake Washington HS)
 
A two-year starter for the Lake Washington Kangaroos, Gordon recorded 55 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one blocked kick and two pass breakups as a senior. Sean saw similar success as a junior, tallying 50 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two passes breakups. Gordon's success on the field earned him Honorable Mention in 2016 and Second Team recognition in 2015. He also earned First Team honors as a tight end his sophomore year.
 
Academically, Gordon was a 2017 National Scholar Athlete Nominee and was the December Student of the Month for Lake Washington.


TOMMY HAYS – 6'4" 200lbs Quarterback (Paradise HS/Butte College/Austin Peay)
 
Tommy Hays transferred to CWU from Division I Austin Peay where he saw action in six games throwing for 412 yards and three scores.  The 6 foot 4 quarterback also ran for 143 yards and four touchdowns.
 
Before Austin Peay, Hays saw the field in one season at Butte College, throwing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns.
 
*REILLY HENNESSEY – 6'3" 215lbs Quarterback (Camas HS/Eastern Washington)
 
At Eastern Washington University: Named to the Big Sky Conference 2015-16 All-Academic team. He finished his debut season with a 144.1 efficiency rating, with two starts in five games played. He completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 773 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. Hennessey made his collegiate debut versus Oregon (9/5/15) after starter Jordan West left the game in the third quarter with a leg cramp. Hennessey completed 14-of-21 for 145 yards and a pair of scores, helping EWU finish with 438 yards of passing offense and 549 total. 
 
At Camas High School: A two-year starter, Hennessey completed 364 of 585 passes for 6,188 yards and 64 touchdowns. As a senior, Reilly completed 177 of 281 passes (63 percent) for 3,387 yards and 38 touchdowns with just four interceptions. A dual-threat quarterback, he also rushed 69 times for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
 
The 2014 Washington Gatorade Player of the Year and Associated Press 4A Player of the Year, Hennessey also earned first-team All-State honors. The team captain of the Papermakers, Reilly was named the Vancouver Columbian All-Region Player of the Year and was the 4A Greater St. Helens League Offensive Player of the Year. Named by the Seattle Times as a "White Chip" selection as one of the top 100 prospects in the state of Washington. Hennessey was rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com coming out of high school.  
 
*DAEON HUDSON – 5'11" 190lbs Defensive Back (Lakes HS)
 
Ranked in the top-25 in the state of Ohio in total tackles (110+) for the 2016 season. Recorded four sacks for -11 yards and caused one fumble in his senior campaign. Named Player of the Game following his performance in the first round of the Ohio state playoffs (23 tackles, one sack and a touchdown). Also named the Specials Teams Player of the Year in 2016.
 
Academically, Hudson earned honor roll recognition every year in high school.
 
*WINDY "Bubba" ISAIA – 6'1" 285lbs Defensive Lineman (Mariner HS)
 
Isaia is a First Team All-Wesco and All-Area defensive lineman from Everett, Wash.
 
*COLTON JOHNSON – 6'3" 250lbs Defensive Lineman (Kelso HS)
 
A three-year varsity starter at Kelso High School, Johnson recorded 64 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. A 3x All-League recipient, Colton was also named the GSHL Defensive Most Valuable Player as a senior.
 
Academically, Johnson was a four-year Scholar Athlete.
 
LANDON JONES – 6'0" 178lbs Wide Receiver (La Mirada HS)
 
A 4x All-Conference recipient, Jones was named the Receiver of the Year three times.
 
Academically, Landon received academic honors for having a 3.5 GPA.
 
*WINTERHAWK LEIGHTON – 6'3" 270lbs Offensive Lineman (Ferndale HS)
 
A captain for the Ferndale High School Golden Eagles, Leighton was selected to the 2016 First Team All-WESCO Conference team. He also earned All-County recognition in 2016.
 
QUINTON LEWIS – 6'0" 175lbs Wide Receiver (O'Dea HS)
 
A 2x All-Metro League wide receiver, Lewis also earned the Super Sophomore award at O'Dea High School. Academically, Quinton was a 4x Honor Roll recipient.
 
*LINCOLN LIULAMA-MITCHELL – 6'3" 210lbs Defensive End (Todd Beamer HS)
 
Liulama-Mitchell was a First Team All-Area defensive lineman for Todd Beamer High School.
 
JAKE MEISEN – 6'0" 180lbs Wide Receiver (West Linn HS)
 
A First Team All-State and All-League recipient, Meisen hauled in 62 catches for 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns in his time at West Linn High School.
 
MELVIN MILLER – 5'9" 163lbs Running Back (Lakes HS)
 
Miller was selected the Offensive Lakes Football Player of the Year following his senior campaign. Melvin was all named to the 3A Pierce County All-League First Team and All-Area Second Team as a running back.
 
*CHRISTIAN MOORE – 6'5" 215lbs Quarterback (Bellarmine Prep)
 
Moore threw for 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns as the starting quarterback at Bellarmine Prep. As a senior, Moore was named one of the captains and earned All-League and All-City recognition his junior and senior seasons. He was also named the team MVP and was invited to play in the East-West All Star game.
 
A two-sport athlete, Moore holds the single season rebounding record at Bellarmine and shot 70-percent from the field. As a junior, Christian was named Mr. Rebounder after recording 232 rebounds in 25 games. He also received All-League and All-City recognition and was the league rebounding leader.
 
Academically, Moore was a National Scholar with +3.5 GPA.
 
CODY O'CONNELL – 6'0" 185lbs Safety (Emerald HS)
 
 As a senior at Emerald High School, O'Connell recorded 86 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and four touchdowns. His performance on the field earned him Second Team All-League recognition. A three-year letter award recipient, Cody was named the Varsity Defensive Player of the Year and Varsity Most Inspirational Player for Emerald. Academically, he was a 3x Outstanding Scholastic Award winner (3.5 GPA or higher).
 
TYSON RAINWATER – 6'2" 180lbs Wide Receiver (Sumner HS)
 
As a senior at Sumner High School, Rainwater averaged 18 yards per catch after hauling in 44 catches for 807 yards and eight touchdowns. Defensively, Tyson tallied six interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. His performance on the field earned him Second Team All-Area recognition and was also voted Most Inspirational by his teammates.
 
Academically, Rainwater is an Honor Roll student with a 3.5 GPA.
 
MAX RANDLE – 6'1" 215lbs Defensive Back (Battle Ground HS)
 
Randle holds two school records at Battle Ground High School including most touchdown receptions in a season (13) and most career touchdown receptions (25). An All-Region wide receiver, Randle was the top target for one of the top offenses in the state. Randle finished his time playing at Battle Ground with a total of 115 catches for 2026 yards and 25 touchdowns. Max was a 2x First Team All-League receiver and defensive back and was named the Co-Defensive MVP his junior year.

Academically, Randle is an Honor roll student with a 3.5 GPA. 
 
PATRICK ROGERS – 5'10" 170lbs Defensive Back (Lincoln HS)
 
As a senior at Lincoln High School, Rogers recorded 72 tackles (36 solo), four interceptions, 10 pass deflections and averaged 4.2 tackles per game. On offense, Rogers caught three passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns. His performance on the field earned Rogers a First Team All-League Defense nomination. As a freshman, Rogers was named the student athlete of the year for Lincoln High School.

Academically, Rogers is an Honor Roll student with a 3.4 cumulative GPA.
 
JASON RUCKER – 6'1 ½" 188lbs Defensive Back (Westview HS)
 
Rucker tallied 1,539 all-purpose yards, 11 offensive touchdowns on 116 carries and an average yards per carry of 7.22. Defensively, Rucker picked off opposing quarterbacks four times and totaled 66 tackles. In addition, Jason had 11 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two touchdowns. His performance on the football field garnered recognition from around the state. He earned Second Team All-State, First Team All-Metro Defensive Back and Second Team All-Metro Running Back recognition. He was also named the Defensive Player of the Year and Most Inspirational on his team.
 
SAMUEL SANCHEZ – 6'4" 210lbs Tight End (O'Dea HS)
 
In his time at O'Dea High School, Sanchez recorded 37 receptions for 545 yards and nine touchdowns. As a senior, he caught 18 passes for 252 yards and five touchdowns. His success on the gridiron resulted in him being a 2x First Team All-Metro recipient.
 
CHASE SKUZA – 6'6" 305lbs Offensive Lineman (Sumner HS)
 
Skuza was a First Team All-League offensive lineman and also earned Second Team All-Area recognition.

Academically, Chase earned Sumner High School's Distinguished Athlete Award.
 
JOSHUA SMITH – 6'1" 190lbs Defensive Back (Tahoma Senior HS)
 
Smith totaled 101 tackles, nine turnovers and six sacks as a defensive back and caught 67 passes, for 888 yards and eight touchdowns as a receiver in his time at Tahoma Senior High School. He also received multiple athletic awards including: The Coaches Award, Offensive MVP, ACE Award, Most Inspirational Award and the Most Improved Award.
 
Academically, Smith was a 2x recipient of the Distinguished Scholastic Award.
 
TRISTAN SMITH – 6'2" 275lbs Offensive Lineman (Franklin Pierce HS)
 
Smith was an All-League Offensive lineman and received Franklin Pierce High School's Lineman of the Year award.
 
GAVIN TODD – 6'2" 200lbs Kicker (Simi Valley HS)
 
Todd did not play high school football, but was voted the soccer team captain by his teammates. A First Team All-Conference defender, Todd was named the MVP of his soccer team for the 2012-13 season.
 
SCOTTLAND VISE – 6'2" 290 Offensive Lineman (Franklin Pierce HS)
 
Vise led all Franklin Pierce defensive lineman in tackles as a senior. He was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year and earned First Team All-League recognition as a defensive lineman and was First Team All-Area as an offensive lineman. As a junior, Scottland earned First Team All-League honors for his performance on both sides of the ball.
 
Academically, Vise was named an ASL Academic All-Star and was the Global Challenges Student of the Month.
 
JACK WEIDENBACH – 5'11" 205lbs Linebacker (Mount Si HS)
 
Weidenbach holds the Mount Si school record for most tackles in a season after recording 154 tackles his senior season. As a junior, Jack recorded 135 tackles and had 101 tackles as a sophomore. He garnered attention from around the state, including be named to the USA Today All State All America Team as a linebacker. He also earned First Team All-King County recognition as a linebacker and was a Second Team as an athlete. A National Football Foundation Scholarship Nominee, Weidenbach was invited to play in the Washington All State Game. His hard work and tenacity on the gridiron earned him several team awards including:
 

• Most Valuable Player (2016)
• Defensive Player of the Year (2015 & 2016)
• Team's Most Inspirational Player (2016)
• Team Captain

 
In the classroom, Jack was a member of the National Honors Society and the 80 Hours of Community Service Club. He was also part of the 3.5 GPA Club (3 years straight) and the ASB Head Chair of Campus Improvement Committee.
 
CHANDLER WOOLLEY – 6'3" 180lbs Kicker (Henry M. Jackson HS)
 
A First Team All-WESCO Kicker, Woolley was successful on 84 of 92 point after attempts and 6 of 9 field goals to tally 102 career points. He also recorded 16 touchbacks and was a 3x Varsity Football Letter Award recipient.
 
Academically, Woolley was a member of Principles Honor Roll and earned the Tenacious T-Wolf Award.
 
SAMUEL ZOOK – 6'6" 260lbs Offensive/Defensive Lineman (Oak Harbor HS)
 
Zook tallied 54 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles during his senior campaign. In addition, Samuel is a 2x Wesco 3A North First Team selection (2015 & 2016). He also received the Oak Harbor Team Captain Award, Oak Harbor Lineman of the Year Award and was a Everett Herald All-Area Second Team defensive lineman in 2016.
 
The gridiron was not the only place Zook terrorized opponents. On the wrestling mat, Samuel held a record of 38-1 as a junior, with his only loss coming in the state tournament. He earned Outstanding Wrestler recognition at the Edmonds-Woodway, Graham Morin Memorial and Hurricane Harris Tournaments. He also was a 2x recipient of the Cor Aut Mors Award and Oak Harbor High School Coaches award, as well as being named captain in 2015-16.
 
Academically, he was named the Career and Technical Student of the Semester for his achievement in Metal Fabrication