Football Release CONTACT: Paul Helgren (419) 530-4918 Feb. 5, 2014 For more information, please go to www.utrockets.com Toledo Signs 21 Future Rockets in Highly Regarded 2015 Recruiting Class Rockets also add transfers from Florida State and UAB who will have athletic eligibility this Fall, plus 11 preferred walk-ons TOLEDO – University of Toledo Head Coach Matt Campbell announced his 2015 recruiting class on Wednesday, as well as a pair of transfers from Division I programs that will bolster the UT football program both now and in the years to come. The Rockets signed 21 players to national letters intent, including three signees—Sami Kassem, Chris Green and Jordan Fair—who are already enrolled at UT this semester. Transfers Rolan Milligan (safety from UAB) and Ruben Carter (offensive lineman from Florida State), both of whom will be eligible as seniors next fall, have also committed to UT. In addition, the Rockets added 11 preferred walk-ons to the recruiting class. “We’ve had some excellent recruiting classes since I’ve been here but I think you can certainly make a strong case that this is the best we’ve ever had,” said Campbell, who came to Toledo as an assistant coach in 2009 before taking over as head coach at the end of the 2011 season. “We approached it with the goal of building the best possible roster for our football program, whether it was signing a high school prospect, a junior college transfer or a transfer from another Division I program. We were in a position where we were able to address specific needs that will help make our team stronger as we compete for the MAC Championship in 2015 and beyond.” Campbell, who has a 26-13 record in three seasons as UT’s head coach, said factors that influence recruits in Toledo’s favor include tradition, facilities and a perennially strong team that is expected to contend for a MAC Championship next season. The Rockets were 9-4 in 2014 and defeated Arkansas State in the GoDaddy Bowl, 63-44. “We had a lot of momentum this past year, from the renovation of the Larimer Athletic Complex to the way we finished the season. All of that helps recruiting,” said Campbell. Scout.com ranks Toledo’s 2015 recruiting class as No. 2 in the Mid-American Conference on total points, though its rating of 2.85 points per signee ranks first in the league. 24/7Sports.com and Rivals.com rank Toledo No. 3 and No. 4 in the MAC, respectively. Since 2010, Toledo’s recruiting classes have consistently ranked first or second in the MAC. Toledo’s total 2015 class includes 20 players from the state of Ohio (13 signees and seven walk-ons), as well as players from Florida (3), Michigan (3), Pennsylvania (3), and one each from North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Maryland and Georgia. “Our recruiting efforts will always emphasize the state of Ohio and a four-hour radius of Toledo, but we’re in a situation now where we can go out and bring in players into our program from areas that have great football traditions and coaching,” said Campbell. “Our success and exposure on national TV have truly made Toledo a national brand.” 2015 Toledo Recruiting Class Cameron Bell Offensive Line, Freshman, 6-8, 360, Sagamore Hills, OH – Nordonia High School Coach: Jeff Fox Anticipated Major: History Cameron Bell is ranked as a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 24/7Sports.com. He was named All-Ohio, all-district and all-league in his senior season. Bell was an honorable mention all-state, second-team all-district and second-team all-league honoree as a junior. As a sophomore, he was named first-team all- district, as well as an honorable mention all-state and all-conference. Coach Campbell: “Cameron is the biggest player I have ever signed at 6-8, 360 pounds. For his size, Cameron has the ability to bend and move better than anyone I’ve seen, pound for pound. He plays tough each and every down, and with his size he could to make an impact as soon as he arrives on campus this summer.” Nate Childress Defensive Line, Freshman, 6-3, 275, Rossford, OH – Rossford High School Coach: Todd Drusback Anticipated Major: Business Nathan Childress was a three-time letterwinner in football, earning second-team all-league as a junior. He was a regional champion in the shot put and earned all-league honors in the discus. He also plays on the basketball team. Coach Campbell: “Another great prospect from our own backyard, Nate is the kind of athlete that plays more like a skill player than a lineman. Playing both tight end and defensive end at Rossford, Nate showed great burst and speed when coming off the edge. Although he was hampered by a foot injury his senior season, he has healed 100 percent and is now one of the top players on Rossford’s basketball team. We can’t wait to get him back on the football field.” Chad Coeling Defensive Line, Freshman, 6-2, 275, Centerville, OH – Centerville High School Coach: Rodney Roberts Anticipated Major: Education Chad Coeling tallied 76 tackles, seven sacks and three forced fumbles as a senior. He earned first-team all- conference, first-team all-division and second-team all-district honors. He was named his team’s defensive MVP and was selected to play in the North/South All-Star Game. As a junior he was selected to play in the Michigan vs. Ohio All-Star Game. He also received his team’s Strongest Man award. Coach Campbell: “Chad may be one of the strongest players we have ever signed, as Coach Roberts has done an unbelievable job with Chad and his team at Centerville High School. Chad uses his strength each and every down, and is impossible to block with just one offensive lineman. Chad’s work ethic and toughness will give him a chance to be a great player here at Toledo.” Chandler Cotterman Offensive Line, Freshman, 6-4, 285, Anna, OH – Anna High School Coach: Bryan Rioch Anticipated Major: Athletic Training / Exercise Science Chandler Cotterman is a three-star prospect, according to ESPN.com and 24/7Sports.com. He was named first- team all-conference, southwest district and All-Ohio in his senior season. As a junior, he earned second-team all-conference honors on both offense and defense, and second-team southwest district accolades. He was also named second-team all-conference on defense as a sophomore. Coach Campbell: “Chandler is one of the strongest players we will sign in this class. He truly transformed himself over his last two years at Anna High School into one of the most athletic lineman I have ever signed. Chandler was bench pressing 300 pounds as a true freshman in high school, and I can’t wait to see how he will develop once he gets into our weight room. Yet another lineman signed from Ohio, we look for Chandler to lead this group to places we haven’t been before.” Aaron Covington Cornerback, Freshman, 5-9, 175, Tampa, FL – Armwood High School Coach: Sean Callahan Anticipated Major: Computer Engineering Aaron Covington was named a three-star prospect by 24/7Sports, ESPN.com and Rivals.com. He recorded 31 tackles and six interceptions in his senior season. He was named first-team all-county and first team all-state in both his senior and junior seasons. He was also named first-team all-county and second-team all-state as a junior. Covington is the brother of current UT starting defensive end Allen Covington Coach Campbell: “Aaron is one of the most athletic corners we have ever signed here at Toledo. His style of play is as physical as anyone I have signed. A leader on the defense of the state runner-up Armwood High School, Aaron has the ability to make an impact as a returner and corner from the time he starts workouts here this summer.” LaMarr Davis Jr. Defensive Tackle, Freshman, 6-1, 305, Garfield Heights, OH – Benedictine High School Coach: Joe Schaefer Anticipated Major: Undecided LaMarr Davis was named first-team all-conference and second-team All-Northeast Ohio as a senior. He was also the recipient of the Team Captain Award his senior season. He was named first-team all-conference as a junior. Coach Campbell: “Another state champion in this class, LaMarr showed us each and every week at Benedictine why he is going to be such a special player at the collegiate level. For his size, LaMarr is as quick as any defensive lineman I’ve seen, and his ‘get-off’ gives him the ability to be a force in the backfield each and every play. LaMarr will play a pivotal role in the future of our defensive front seven, and looks to be another great player out of the Cleveland area for us.” Jordan Fair Offensive Line, Freshman, 6-5, 281, Mason, OH – William Mason High School Coach: Brian Castner Anticipated Major: Undecided Jordan Fair is a three-star prospect according to Scout.com. He was a first-team all-conference player as a senior. He is the former teammate of current Rocket offensive lineman Elijah Nkansah. Fair graduated from high school last semester and is already enrolled at UT. Coach Campbell: “Jordan is yet another great offensive lineman from Mason High School, joining his former teammate and current Rocket, Elijah Nkansah, here at Toledo. With Jordan coming in midyear, he will have the ability to develop and learn our system, providing immediate depth on our offensive line.