Recruiting intensifies for Concordia football on National Signing Day

List of 2014 Concordia football recruits

SEWARD, Neb. – While the Concordia University football coaching staff has not completed recruiting for 2014, the class set to join the program this fall continues to take shape. As of National Signing Day on Wednesday, head coach Vance Winter and his staff have secured 24 recruits for the class of 2014.

The bulk of the group hails from the state of Nebraska as 13 of 24 call The Cornhusker State home. The remaining 11 come from six additional states, including five from Texas, two via Iowa and one apiece from Arizona, California, Colorado and Minnesota.

Here’s the breakdown by position:

• Defensive line: 5
• Running back: 5
• Linebacker: 3
• Wide receiver: 3
• Defensive back: 2
• Offensive line: 2
• Quarterback: 2
• Athlete: 1
• Tight End: 1

According to Winter, the initial group provides just what the Bulldogs need to continue the upward momentum of the program.

“I think we filled a lot of needs. We’re going to add a few more as we go but this is a great group,” Winter said. “We’re bringing in a lot of high character guys and ones who will fit into our program and our school. I really think this is a class that is going to continue to build on the successes we have had recently. We’re excited to work with them the next four years.”

Coming off a 7-4 breakthrough season in 2013, Winter and his staff, including recruiting coordinator/defensive coordinator Patrick Daberkow, have focused on again taking their recruiting to another level. This offseason has continued the trend as Winter and company look to bring in standout prep prospects who can make an immediate impact.

“Everybody knows we’re moving in the right direction as a program,” Winter said. “That adds some legitimacy to what we’re doing. I feel like everyone can see the excitement and energy level involved with our guys.

“The big thing is we have to get everybody to buy into the right work ethic, have attention to detail and attack at things every day the way our group has this offseason. I feel like this is a group of guys that is going to fit in really well and really contribute to Bulldog football the next four years.”

Bulldog football signees are encouraged to tweet @cunebulldogs and use the hashtag #CUNEfootball when announcing Concordia as their college choice.

2014 Concordia football recruiting class

-Wendell Adams, TE, 6-4, 240, Houston, Texas (Cy Ridge)

-Jacob Bierbaum, DL, 6-0, 215, Seward, Neb. (Seward)

-Jared Garcia, WR, 6-2, 190, Humble, Texas (Stephen F. Austin)

-Grady Gardner, DL, 6-0, 235, Grand Island, Neb. (Grand Island)

-Chase Gonzalez, QB, 6-6, 230, Turlock, Calif. (University of Idaho)

-Zach Jackson, LB, 6-0, 220, Lincoln, Neb. (North Star)

-Grady Koch, OL, 6-4, 220, Doniphan, Neb. (Doniphan Trumbull)

-Ryan Maser, LB, 5-10, 200, St. Paul, Minn. (Concordia Academy)

-Adian McKee, RB, 5-11, 165, Underwood, Iowa (Underwood)

-Sam Noonan, RB, 6-2, 230, Waverly, Neb. (Waverly)

-Chris Osborn, ATH, 5-10, 175, Hamburg, Iowa (Sidney)

-JR Rascon, DL, 6-1, 270, Tucson, Ariz. (Mountain View)

-Austin Reese, OL, 6-1, 275, Melissa, Texas (Melissa)

-Mark Reynolds, RB, 6-0, 210, Omaha, Neb. (Concordia Omaha)

-Louvell Rogers II, DL, 6-2, 230, Lincoln, Neb. (Parkview Christian)

-Wade Scripter, WR, 6-2, 185, Malcolm, Neb. (Malcolm)

-Justin Snow, LB, 6-2, 215, Houston, Texas (Cy Ranch)

-Patrick Spicer, WR, 5-9, 170, Lexington, Neb. (Lexington)

-Kolton Stone, RB, 5-10, 210, McCook, Neb. (McCook)

-Austen Thielen, DL, 6-1, 240, Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic)

-Kyle Thomas, RB, 5-7, 170, Central City, Neb. (Central City)

-Mario Thomas, CB, 6-0, 180, Pearland, Texas (Pearland Dawson)

-Justus Thompson, DB, 5-10, 175, Parker, Colo. (Legend)

-Riley Wiltfong, QB, 5-10, 180, Donihan, Neb. (Doniphan Trumbull)