Tulsa Football Signing Day Central

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2016 Tulsa Football Signees
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TULSA FOOTBALL SIGNS 20 TO NATIONAL LETTERS-OF-INTENT
University of Tulsa Head Football Coach Philip Montgomery announced today a signing class of 20 players who will join the Golden Hurricane football team in 2016. The class includes 18 high school seniors and two junior college transfers, while the group is split evenly with 10 offensive players and 10 defensive players.

"I'm excited about this class. We were able to sign a lot of tremendous kids. I feel that our class overall will be one of the best that we've had here in some time. We've added speed and athleticism across the board," said Montgomery.

Unlike last year when the newly appointed head coach and his assembled coaching staff had only 10 days on the road to recruit, Montgomery and his staff had the full year to recruit and sign his second class of newcomers.

Tulsa's 2016 class totals five players from Oklahoma, 11 players from Texas, two from Louisiana and one each from Pennsylvania and California. The players from Pennsylvania and California are Tulsa two junior college transfers. Pennsylvania signee, Deya Mhiesen (Day-ah Mah-high-sen), played at Arizona Western College, while Keanu (Key-ah-new) Hill, a California native, played at Long Beach City College.

Two of Tulsa's newcomers – Manny Bunch and Clay Greathouse – have already enrolled in classes and will participate in spring drills.

Montgomery emphasized that adding to the trenches on both sides of the ball was a priority with the 2016 class.

"As we looked at it, we really had to start up-front on both sides of the ball with this recruiting class," said Montgomery. "As we went through the season, it was pretty apparent that upfront was an area where we needed to get bigger and more athletic."

The Hurricane added five offensive linemen and four players on the defensive front.

Tulsa stayed in Oklahoma for two of the five offensive lineman with Broken Arrow High School standout Rowdy Frederick and Tiller Bucktrot from Stroud Oklahoma, both tipping the scales over 330 pounds. Clay Greathouse (6'5", 290), who enrolled at Tulsa for the spring semester, and Waahid Muhammad (6'7", 295) played their prep football in Texas. The fifth player up front for the Hurricane offense is 6'7", 305-pound junior college transfer Deya Mhiesen, who played last season at Arizona Western College.

"The emphasis up front was about size. We have some guys that can move people. They're long, can bend really well, have good feet, but have some girth to them. They're guys that can maintain a single block, are strong and athletic, but have great size and that's what we were looking for on the offensive line," said Montgomery.

Size was added to the defensive line as well for the Hurricane. "When you lose guys like Derrick Alexander and Derrick Luetjen, we knew we had some big shoes to fill and had to address those needs," added Montgomery

Tulsa addressed those needs with tackles Tyarise Stevenson (6'4", 320), from Louisiana, and Tulsa Central's Shemarr Robinson (6'4", 280), and two ends from the state of Texas – Jimmy Nelson (6'3", 248), from Arlington Martin High School, and Johnnie Williams (6'5", 275), from Austin's LBJ High School.

"We feel like we have an outstanding class in the trenches both on offense and defense. We were able to add some big guys – players that can move and can make plays in certain situations, especially when you need them," said Montgomery.

Tulsa added three defensive backs and three linebackers, all with good size, to compliment the incoming class of linemen on the defensive front.

"We addressed some things in the back-end of the defense by adding a junior college corner to add a little experience and a high school corner and safety," said Montgomery.

Keanu Hill, the 6'2" cornerback from Long Beach City College, totaled 40 tackles and 10 pass-break-ups a year ago. Montray Norris is also a 6'2" cornerback coming from the high school ranks in Houston, Texas. The safety, 6'2" Manny Bunch, is already attending classes after an all-state season at Roland (Okla.) High School.

"We brought in three linebackers because that's an area in a year from now that will be hit hard from a scholarship standpoint. We felt that we had to take three linebackers and those we have – Robert Revels III, DJ (Allen) and Cooper (Edmiston) – are outstanding football players who will bring a lot to our team," added Montgomery.

All three Tulsa linebackers in this class are from the state of Texas. Allen (5'11", 225) was a four-year starter at San Antonio's Brennan High School, Edmiston (6'3", 245) started three years at Gatesville High School and Robert Revels III (6'3", 234) also started three seasons at Houston's John H. Reagan High School. Revels III and Edmiston were named Defensive MVPs of their respective districts as seniors.

The Hurricane added one tight end in Louisiana's 6'4", 230-pound David Fitzwater as well as three skilled athletes to the outside receiving corps. Fitzwater spent two seasons playing left tackle at Shreveport's Calvary Baptist Academy before moving to tight end for his senior season.

"We added some length and speed at the receiver position and really believe that we have some outstanding candidates there," said Montgomery. "I'm excited what they bring to the table and their talent will allow us to keep doing the things we like to do offensively, and that's pushing the ball down the field, being versatile and allowing them to get one-on-one matchups."

Tulsa's signees at the wide receiver position include one from Oklahoma – 6'2" Jordan Brown from Stillwater High School – and two from Texas, one from East Texas – 6'1" Keenen Johnson from Alto High School, who is listed as an athlete, but expected to play receiver, and one from the Metroplex – 6'4" Josh Stewart from Cedar Hill High School.

Tulsa also brought in one quarterback in the 2016 class.

"We don't have to take a quarterback every year. I like to have at the most 3-4 quarterbacks in the meeting room, and then use those scholarships in other areas to help our football team. Hopefully, there's only going to be one of those guys throughout the year that will be getting a whole lot of reps.

Luke Skipper, at 6'3", played his prep football at Forney High School in Texas, where he threw for 2,706 yards and 33 touchdowns and ran for another 1,188 yards and 17 TDs his senior season.

"Luke is athletic, tall, has great range, a great arm and is very accurate. He can do the intangible things you want, but can also create on his own and extend plays. I'm excited to see his growth as a quarterback," said Montgomery.

2016 Tulsa Football Signees

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.-Exp.	Hometown	Previous School	Video Link
Manny Bunch	SAF	6-2	185	Fr.-HS	Roland, Okla.	Roland HS	Watch Here
Clay Greathouse	OL	6-5	290	Fr.-HS	Wichita Falls, Texas	Rider HS	Watch Here
Luke Skipper	QB	6-3	200	Fr.-HS	Forney, Texas	Forney HS	Watch Here
David Fitzwater	TE	6-4	230	Fr.-HS	Shreveport, La.	Calvary Academy	Watch Here
DJ Allen	LB	5-11	225	Fr.-HS	San Antonio, Texas	Brennan HS	Watch Here
Josh Stewart	WR	6-4	201	Fr.-HS	Cedar Hill, Texas	Cedar Hill HS	Watch Here
Robert Revels III	LB	6-3	234	Fr.-HS	Houston, Texas	John H. Reagan HS	Watch Here
Cooper Edmiston	LB	6-3	245	Fr.-HS	Gatesville, Texas	Gatesville HS	Watch Here
Tyarise Stevenson	DT	6-4	320	Fr.-HS	Donaldsonville, La.	Donaldsonville HS	Watch Here
Rowdy Frederick	OL	6-4	330	Fr.-HS	Broken Arrow, Okla.	Broken Arrow HS	Watch Here
Tiller Bucktrot	OL	6-5	350	Fr.-HS	Stroud, Okla.	Stroud HS	Watch Here
Montray Norris	CB	6-2	165	Fr.-HS	Houston, Texas	Davis HS	Watch Here
Jordan Brown	WR	6-2	198	Fr.-HS	Stillwater, Okla.	Stillwater HS	Watch Here
Keanu Hill	CB	6-2	185	Jr.-JC	Carson, Calif.	Long Beach CC	Watch Here
Waahid Muhammad	OL	6-7	295	Fr.-HS	Waco, Texas	La Vega HS	Watch Here
Johnnie Williams	DE	6-5	275	Fr.-HS	Austin, Texas	Lyndon B. Johnson HS	Watch Here
Jimmy Nelson	DE	6-3	248	Fr.-HS	Arlington, Texas	Martin HS	Watch Here
Keenen Johnson	ATH	6-1	190	Fr.-HS	Alto, Texas	Alto HS	Watch Here
Deya Mhiesen	OL	6-7	305	Jr.-JC	Philadelphia, Pa.	Arizona Western College	Watch Here
Shemarr Robinson	DT	6-4	280	Fr.-HS	Tulsa, Okla.	Central HS	Watch Here

2016 FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY BLOG
6:50 AM
Well, we're back again. It seems like only yesterday that we were here announcing the first recruiting class for Head Coach Philip Montgomery.

But it's been a full year, and in that time Tulsa football returned to the postseason with an appearance at the 2015 Camping World Independence Bowl. There are more bowl games on the horizon for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, and a day like today helps a team reach that goal.

Today began for me with a 5:15 am wake-up call, and I'm sure for most of our coaches it began even earlier. Here's guessing that there was probably a little tossing and turning during what amounted to little sleep last night for the coaching staff – hoping that those young men who have already committed follow-thru and put their name on the dotted line for the Golden Hurricane.

It is National Football Signing Day.

Beginning at 7 am, high school seniors and junior college players will sign national letters-of-intent to play football and continue their education at the college of their choosing. Once those letters are signed they will either be faxed or emailed to us.

We're expected to have a fun-filled couple of hours here in the football office work room. We're positioned right next to the fax machine and not too far from Russell Fisher from our Compliance Office. He's here to make sure all the national letters-of-intent are correctly signed and dated before the signing can officially be announced.

Once Russell confirms, you all will be the first to know (obviously after the coaches and me) who became a new member of the Golden Hurricane football family.

Okay, now that the official business of the day has been explained, let's get down to the real reason we're here… GOOD FOOD – normally donuts, sausage rolls, cinnamon rolls, bacon, sausage and biscuits, cinnamon rolls… did I say cinnamon rolls. OKAY, I'm only kidding about the real reason we're here, but the food is pretty good.

I even heard a rumor that former TU football player, Harvey "Capp" Crowder, owner of Capp's BBQ, just down 11^th street from campus, is bringing his best BBQ to serve the media before Coach Montgomery's 12 noon press conference.

Let's hope that rumor is true.

But one thing is for certain, Tally's is in the house. Breakfast with eggs, breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy.

Well, a few minutes and counting until the clock strikes 7 AM, and then all the fun begins.

Oh, forgot to say, Ravi Savitala was the first to arrive at 5:45 am. He made sure everything was ready to go.

Time fort Tally's great breakfast. I'll be back in a few to bring you the first of what is expected to be 18 signings today. Two high school seniors – safety Manny Bunch from Roland (Okla.) High School and offensive lineman Clay Greathouse from Wichita Falls (Texas) Rider High School – have already signed and are on campus attending classes.

See you in a few.

7:10 AM
Still waiting on the first commit to send in their form. The coaches have gathered around the fax. The fax has rung. Who will be the first one? Coach Monty just walked out, hearing him say "I need another Dr. Pepper".

Coach Monty gets back in the FAX room fast. He's clapping. He's anxious. He's cheering. He's waiting.

The first sheet is here, but is it valid. That's where Russell comes in. Still waiting on the full NLI agreement.

I'll let you know on our next update.

7:34 AM
Four signees are in the house. The first one was QB Luke Skipper with a 7:01 time stamp. David Fistwater from Shreveport was No. 2, DJ Allen and Josh Stewart followed quickly.

The fax just rang again. Can I get a sausge roll in between? Coach Fletcher and Coach Gillespie are celbrating on this next one coming in. Who is it?

Coach Monty makes his way back to the fax machine.

Robert Revels III is in the house. Okay, maybe I can get up and get that sausage roll.

I'll be back in a few.

7:55 AM
Boy, that was good food. Thanks Tally.

Coach Monty just was told it looks like the papers from Big Cat is coming.

Well it must be a done deal. Coach Monty just exclaimed, and loudly… "BIG CAT's in the HOUSE"

Oh, you want to know who Big Cat is... 6'4", 320 Defensive Tackle Tyarise Stevenson from Louisiana.

8:10 AM
The next big boy NLI looks like it is coming in. UhUh. It's in, but compliance (Russell) indicated that AM is not marked, making the NLI invalid. So a call is quickly being made to get that corrected.

Ok. He's been called. He signed at 7:47, so now all he has to do is circle AM.

Okay, the fax just rang again. Is it the new NLI with AM circled. No, it's another big boy. Let's see – oh, we just got half of the forms needed. So still waiting.

But in the meantime, AM is now circled and it's 6'5", 330-pound Rowdy Frederick, the stud from Broken Arrow High School is in the house.

Coach Bloesch and Coach Montgomery are talking with Rowdy now. Telling him "it's been a long ride, but a great ride, I'm proud of you. Hopefully, you got the mullet looking good today for pictures. Big Dog we're happy."

Oh. By the way, all three linebackers – Allen, Edmiston and Revels from Texas – forms are in the house. Coach Monty called them "devastating hitters, explosive and athletic."

8:20 AM
"The Beef is about to land," said coach Monty.

So, it looks like the big boys are starting to come in… first 6'4", 320 DT Tyarise Stevenson, then 6'5", 330 OL Rowdy Frederick.

Okay, looks like more beef has landed.

Now it's Stroud O-Lineman Tiller Bucktrot, coming in at 6'5", 350 pounds.

The last 3 signed linemen total 1,000 pounds.

8:35 AM
It's gotten a little slow here in the FAX room. The fax machine has been quiet for the last 10 minutes.

Oh boy, it just rang. Let's see who it is?

Boy, that bacon is good. Bad for me that there's plenty left.

Ok who is it? DB Montray Norris from Houston's Davis High School.

12 signees are signed, sealed and delivered. (that number include the two already in school – Bunch and Greathouse).

9:20 AM
31 minutes have passed since the last signee came in . . . Stillwater receiver Jordan Brown. That makes 13 in the house.

Just been informed by compliance that three more have been sent in, but have yet to be validated because there were some minor issues with their completed NLI.

Office has quieted down some.

Don't forget that at 12 noon today you can watch Coach Montgomery's Press Conference LIVE right here on TulsaHurricane.com.

We'll be back soon.

9:40 AM
Got Keanu Hill's papers at 9:30 am, but 7:30 AM California time. Coach Montgomery talked to him right after the papers arrived. "Locking down the no-fly zone," is what Coach Monty said when talking with Keanu on the phone.

Coaches are planning on six more signees today.

Still waiting on three NLIs to be corrected and resent.

10:06 AM
Only a few NLIs that we're still waiting on . . . what a morning it's been!

Boy, Coach Monty been pumped about this class. He has been getting on the phone with each signee and some of the conversations have been so fun to listen too. What a great rapport he has with these young men!

Again, don't forget to watch LIVE Coach Montgomery's Press Conference at 12 noon.

Also, if you want to see video highlights of each signee and comments from their position coach click on the Video Link on the Signee Roster.

We'll be back in a few to keep you updated. 4 more remain.

10:50 AM
As WR coach Calvin Lowry called Keenen Johnson to congratulate the 6'1" receiver on signing with Tulsa, some of the offensive staff along with coach Monty donned T-shirts that read Straight Outta ALTO (Alto, Texas).

That was a big hit with Keenen's mom and grandmother (AKA Granny).

Waiting on two more signees.

11:35 AM
And that's a wrap. Final two signees have come across the fax.

6'7", 305 offensive lineman Deya Mhiesen from Arizona Western College and Tulsa Central's defensive lineman Shemarr Robinson (6'4", 280).

Thanks for following along with us today. Hope we've been able to give you a little bit of the behind the scenes look at Football Signing Day at The University of Tulsa.

Don't forget to click on the Press Conference WATCH HERE link at 12 noon (CT) to listen to Coach Montgomery talking about his second signing class.

Tulsa Football Signing Day Central

Players Mentioned

Derrick Alexander

DJ Allen

Jordan Brown

Tiller Bucktrot

Manny Bunch

Cooper Edmiston

David Fitzwater

Rowdy Frederick

Clay Greathouse

Keanu Hill

Keenen Johnson

Derrick Luetjen

Deya Mhiesen

Waahid Muhammad

Jimmy Nelson

Montray Norris

Robert Revels III

Shemarr Robinson

Luke Skipper

Tyarise Stevenson

Josh Stewart

Johnnie Williams

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