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2-8-2013 UA12/2/1 Topper Extra - Signing Day 2013 WKU Student Affairs

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Recommended Citation WKU Student Affairs, "UA12/2/1 Topper Extra - Signing Day 2013" (2013). WKU Archives Records. Paper 6565. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/dlsc_ua_records/6565

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TOPS 2013 SIGNING DAY extTOPPERra DO NEXT? Your source for WKU sports • FEBRUARY 8, 2013 PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 8, 2013 • TOPPER EXTRA • WKUHERALD.COM new kids in town WKU unveils expansive 2013 signing class

LUCAS AULBACH wide receiver, one of he most important [email protected] parts of Petrino’s past offenses. Petrino said receiver was one skill po- The WKU football coaching staff under- sition on offense he felt he needed to hit went a total overhaul in December and hard. January which ended with an entirely “It was important that we did a great job new group of coaches at the helm of the at receiver, mainly because of the transi- program. tions, the different offensive styles, the On Feb. 6, they introduced their fi rst number of quality running backs that signing class, the end result of a late, high- were already on scholarships and the speed scramble for recruits in the wake of number of quality tight ends that were al- the coaching changes. ready on scholarships,” he said. For all of the confusion that surround- WKU fi lled up the 2013 class with six ed the program for the past couple of defensive backs, four linebackers, a tight months, coach said at end, a kicker and a . Wednesday’s National Signing Day press The additions on the lines might be conference that the day was almost com- most critical for WKU, which will lose 11 pletely stress-free. offensive and defensive linemen from last “It was kind of uneventful,” the new season. coach said. “Sometimes on Signing Day The pickup of eight offensive linemen you are wheeling and dealing, faxing is a big step for the Toppers, but offensive scholarships and losing guys, but basi- line coach Mike Summers said it may be a cally today was a bit uneventful, though while before any of the new recruits make yesterday there were a few things that an impact in a game. transpired that were fun.” “They’re going to be playing against The class is big in numbers and in sig- 22-year-old grown men, so they need nifi cance for the program. WKU signed 33 some weight room work and develop- WKU Football Head Coach Bobby Petrino speaks at a press conference in the media room of Diddle players Wednesday — 20 more than the ment,” Summers said. “But all of them are Arena on Wednesday. SETH FISCHER/HERALD 13 that made up former coach Willie Tag- guys that show great potential, good pros- gart’s fi nal class in 2012. pects and guys I’m excited about working Holt said could help shore up a line that cruits — a total of two defensive linemen, The coaching staff hit three position with.” needs experience. three offensive linemen, a line back, a groups hard on the recruiting trail — of- The turnover on the defensive line also wide receiver and a defensive back — that fensive line, defensive line and wide re- required WKU to spend some time re- “I think it’s really good that we got two ceiver. cruiting the position. mid-year defensive linemen so they can enrolled early and have already joined the WKU signed eight offensive linemen, The Toppers picked up four d-line re- practice with us now this spring, and team in practice. the most of any position group. cruits to counter losing seven defensive they can lift weights and be around our Those eight players had the pleasure of The Toppers picked up six defensive linemen from last season. strength coaches, so they’ll really im- joining Petrino and the Toppers for work- linemen, a position which WKU will re- Two of those recruits are junior college prove,” Holt said. “I think they’ll both help outs and drills in Smith Stadium at 5:50 turn no starters from last season. transfers who have already joined the us play this year.” a.m. Wednesday. The fi rst spring practice The school also brought in six recruits at team, which defensive coordinator Nick Those two linemen join six other re- of 2013 will take place in March. FEBRUARY 8, 2013 • TOPPER EXTRA • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 3 PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 8, 2013 • TOPPER EXTRA • WKUHERALD.COM

UPON FURTHER REVIEW Brohm, Petrino give WKU Louisville foothold

BRAD STEPHENS er, Aaron Jackson of Frankfort HS, signed Brohm’s ties to Louisville run so deep cruit the Louisville area, and it’s important [email protected] from right down the road. that he has a younger brother, Brian, that a place like WKU have some built-in ad-

It was also reported Tuesday night that also played quarterback at Trinity and at vantages to use there. When it comes to recruiting the state three players from Class 6A state cham- U of L. The Brohm family has connections Like this year and the several before that,

of Kentucky, the city of Louisville matters pion Trinity HS would walk on at WKU. all over the city, especially at powerhouse more than the rest. most of the Toppers’ future signees will Topper fans can expect their team to Trinity. come from the South As one would expect, the state’s biggest land prospects from Louisville as long as Enthusiasm for I know a ton of people“ — specifi cally . city produces more good high school Petrino is their coach and Offensive Co- Petrino added to in the louisville But having several teams and more Division I foot- ordinator is on their Brohm’s history in the area that are excited ball players than anywhere else coaching staff. area make a Louisville to watch Western in-state guys in a sign- in the state. In fact, there may not be many a feeding ground for Kentucky football and ing class is important In last year’s signing class, for- coaches in America better con- the Toppers. Coach Petrino for fostering some lo- mer coach began “ cal pride amongst a making an impact in the city, nected to the city than Petrino, a Those are two big former U of L assistant and head feathers in WKU’s cap — Jeff Brohm new group of players. recruiting highly-rated running WKU back prospect Ace Wales of Cen- coach, and Brohm, a former in their fi ght against “(In-state) guys put a tral High School and talented Trinity quarterback and U of L two other up-and- lot of effort into doing defensive tackle Tyrone Pearson quarterback and assistant. coming, in-state programs for recruits. the very best they can and to represent the of Seneca HS. Petrino hasn’t coached in the U of L, after winning a BCS bowl and state,” Brohm said. “Obviously, you build Hiring Bobby Petrino to re- BRAD STEPHENS city since taking the Cardinals to signing coach to an exten- a team with other guys around that, but to the Orange Bowl after the 2007 sion, isn’t going away anytime soon. place Taggart ensured those in- Columnist have a nucleus of guys that are from Lou- season, but his name still carries Neither is Kentucky, which just signed roads to the 502 area code would isville, from the state of Kentucky… I think plenty of weight there, Brohm one of its best classes in program history continue. is huge. Petrino’s fi rst signing class had said. under new coach Mark Stoops. One of the a strong Louisville fl avor. Wide receivers “They’re glad he’s back in the area,” top players in that class is Trinity defen- “We defi nitely want to get as many of Cam Lewis (Ballard HS) and Taywan Tay- Brohm said of Petrino. “I know a ton of sive end Jason Hatcher, another Louisville those guys as we can on board.” lor (Pleasure Ridge Park HS) and defensive people in the Louisville area that are ex- native. The longer Petrino and Brohm stay at back Juwan Gardner (DuPont Manual HS) cited to watch Western Kentucky football Throw in some Midwestern schools like WKU, the more local kids will come on hail from Louisville. Another wide receiv- and Coach Petrino.” Purdue, Ohio State and Cincinnati that re- board. THE RECRUITS OFFENSIVE DEFENSIVE LB - Derrell Young - 6-1 - 205 QB - Todd Porter - 6-3 - 195 OL - Joe Fennell - 6-5 - 320 DL - Demarcus Glover - 6-4 - 240 LB - Devante Duclos - 6-0 - 216 WR - Aaron Jackson - 6-3 - 185 OL - Justin Martinez - 6-3 - 275 DL - D'Von Isaac - 6-4 - 275 DB - Juwan Gardner - 6-1 - 200 WR - Cam Lewis - 6-3 - 205 OL - Brandon Ray - 6-3 - 285 DL - Tanner Reeves - 6-4 - 230 DB - Rashad Greene - 6-1 - 175 WR - Nicholas Norris - 5-10 - 170 OL - Donald Rocker - 6-4 - 296 DL - Kalvin Robinson - 6-5 - 225 DB - Leverick Johnson - 6-1 - 190 WR - Taywan Taylor - 6-1 - 185 OL - Jimmie Simms - 6-5 - 285 DL - Maurice Bennett - 6-3 - 300 DB - De'Andre Simmons - 5-11 - 180 WR - Kylen Towner- 5-9 - 165 OL - Johnny Delaney - 6-6 - 310 DL - Raphael Cox - 6-3 - 270 DB - Marcus Ward - 6-3 - 204 WR - Lonnie Turner - 5-10 - 180 OL - Kyle Jones - 6-4 - 300 LB - Drew Davis - 6-1 - 215 DB - Dalton Patterson - 6-3 - 195 TE - Shaquille Johnson - 6-4 - 215 OL - Connor Popeck - 6-4 - 285 LB - Isaac Tanner - 6-0 - 223 K - Joe Occhipinti - 6-3 - 190 FEBRUARY 8, 2013 • TOPPER EXTRA • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 5 Recruits by state

K Y. TN. TX. 2 IL. MS. 2 GA.

LA. FL.

GRAPHIC BY AARON DREXLER PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 8, 2012 • TOPPER EXTRA • WKUHERALD.COM

Petrino’s system the right fi t for Jackson

BRAD STEPHENS a system that uses wide receivers much they didn’t need any more receivers be- championships in 1989 and 1991. He was [email protected] more than that of Petrino’s predecessor, cause of the offense they had,” Jackson later featured in ESPN’s 30 for 30 docu-

Willie Taggart — was a major draw for said. “If it wasn’t for Petrino, I probably mentary, “The U.” If it hadn’t been for Bobby Petrino, Aar- Jackson, FHS coach Craig Foley said. wouldn’t have ended up at Western. It was “When I watched (Jackson), I thought of on Jackson would’ve never found his way “Before the coaching change, I don’t a good spot.” myself a lot,” Thomas said. “I played on a to WKU. know that Western was (a good fi t),” Fol- During their talks, Petrino compared It’s ironic because Petrino thought he team with a lot of fast guys, but I was the ey said. “Now with the coaching change, Jackson to former Louisville wide receiver one that caught a lot of passes and that’s was lost when he was fi nding his way to who wouldn’t want to play in that type of and current Atlanta Falcon Harry Doug- what it all boils down to. go meet Jackson. offense? It’s exciting.” las. Playing under Petrino, Douglas was a “ “You’re looking for the most consistent Soon after taking over in December as Jackson had an impressive prep career at fi rst team All-Big East receiver in 2006 and WKU’s coach, Petrino set out to recruit FHS, capped off by a 48-catch, 1,251-yard, 2007 and a second team AP All-American guy, the guy that makes plays… That’s Jackson, a 6-foot-3-inch, 190-pound wide 15-touch- in 2007. what I see in Aaron.” receiver from Frankfort High School. down season if it wasn t for Like Jack- Petrino promised Jackson he’d have a FHS is a small high school that competes ' in 2012. He son, Doug- chance to play his freshman year rather on the Class 1A level of KHSAA football — also played petrino, i probably las made a than redshirt, Jackson said. the level reserved for the state’s smallest defense, That means he’ll have a chance to take schools. name for tallying 79 wouldn t have ended When Petrino pulled into town, the Top- ' himself as the fi eld against an old friend and rival in tackles, pers’ fi rst-year coach thought he’d taken a a big, sure- his fi rst collegiate game. three inter- up at western. wrong turn. handed tar- Wide receiver Ryan Timmons of Frank- ceptions and “I was lost because when I drove up to get at wide- lin County High School, FHS’ crosstown four fumble the high school there was just one brick out. rival, signed his letter of intent with Ken- recoveries building,” Petrino said. “I called the coach — Aaron Jackson “(Petrino) tucky Wednesday. Jackson and Timmons, for the 11-2 and said ‘I was supposed to be here and was just a Rivals.com four-star prospect, played the GPS said I was here, but I don’t see Panthers. Football recruit comparing Several “ youth league, middle school and high me to him anything but one building.’” school football against each other. schools, and said if I want to get to the next level af- “He said, ‘Oh yeah that’s it, come on in.’” On Aug. 31, Jackson’s Toppers will face Soon enough Petrino made his way in including Navy, Air Force and Bowl- ter college, I should commit to Western,” Timmons’ Wildcats at LP Field in Nash- and met Jackson. By January, the receiver ing Green offered Jackson a scholarship. Jackson said. had committed to play football at WKU. Some of those schools wanted him to play Jackson also reminds wide receivers ville for each player’s collegiate debut. Jackson signed his letter of intent in college as a defensive back. Petrino’s of- coach Lamar Thomas of another prolifi c “I told (Timmons) we won’t need any Wednesday, joining fi ve other wide re- fense was the deciding factor in signing college wideout — himself. trick plays this year, we’re just going to ceivers to become part of the Toppers’ 33- with the Toppers, he said. Thomas tallied more than 1,500 receiv- beat you all,” a smiling Jackson said. “I man 2013 signing class. “I had talked to Western a little bit, but ing yards during a three-year career at Mi- said I’ll see you the 31st, and he said al- Petrino’s wide-open, spread offense — as far as their offense before Petrino came, ami, helping the Hurricanes to national right.” FOLLOW @WKUHERALDSPORTS FOR LIVE TWEETING AND COMMENTARY FEBRUARY 8, 2013 • TOPPER EXTRA • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 7 Toppers recruit another QB to compete for starting job

LUCAS AULBACH Porter, who threw for 3,009 yards and 22 the starting quarterback at O’Fallon over a lot of time evaluating potential quarter- [email protected] last year, was praised for his the past three years.“ backs before extending the offer to Porter. athleticism by O’Fallon coach Brandon “When you start as a sophomore in high “We think we found our guy,” Brohm Through thick and thin, Kawaun Jakes Joggerst. school and play with said. “He’s very relaxed and poised in the served as starting quarterback for the past “He’s got a very older guys it gets you pocket, he’s a natural thrower, he’s got big three seasons and was a big part of WKU’s athletic arm and He defi nitely has used to the competi- hands, he’s got athleticism. He can do a run to its fi rst FBS this season. is very mobile,” the ability to make tion and the pres- lot of things — he’s a very good student, With Jakes, a senior who has played his Joggerst said. “He sure,” Petrino said. he loves the game of football, and he puts last game for WKU, out of the mix, there is all the throws. throws very good off “We really felt like in the time.” currently a gaping hole at quarterback in the run and is cer- that was a big deal Smart money might say the starting job the Topper depth chart. tainly a dual-threat in the decision we — Brandon Joggerst for the 2013-14 campaign will go to a re- WKU had three on its ros- kid. He defi nitely O'Fallon football coach made to take him. I ter who were expected to compete for the has the ability to think he is going to turning player, but Joggerst said Topper “ fans shouldn’t count out the new kid just starting job — freshmen James Mauro make all the throws.” be a great player for and DaMarcus Smith and sophomore Porter’s strong high school numbers im- us.” yet. . pressed WKU coach Bobby Petrino, who Offensive coordinator Jeff Brohm was “He’s got a very high football IQ, and I Topper fans can add a fourth name said Porter was his No. 1 choice when also pleased with the pickup. think that’s his thought process going in to that list. The only quarterback WKU the coaching staff was looking at quarter- Brohm, a former quarterback at Louis- there, to get in there and compete and go signed Wednesday was Todd Porter backs to recruit. ville and in the NFL, said the WKU coach- in with the thought process that the job is of O’Fallon Township High School in Petrino said the most impressive thing ing staff knew they were only going to of- up for grabs,” he said. “I defi nitely think O’Fallon, Ill. about Porter was his experience — he was fer a scholarship to one passer and spent he can go in there and validate himself.”

POSITION QB RB FB WR TE OL DL LB DB K/P

OUTGOING SENIORS 100618 6 4 6 1

INCOMING RECRUITS 1 0 0 1 2 4 7 2 3 0 PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 8, 2013 • TOPPER EXTRA • WKUHERALD.COM WKU coaching staff took advantage of Louisville roots in 2013 recruitment

LAURA BERANEK Franklin High School in Franklin. said Brohm, who played quar- The 2013 signing group fea- Petrino said.

[email protected] Petrino has signifi cantly strong terback at Louisville from 1989- tures signifi cant key additions on He said it’s important for the ties to the Louisville area. 1993 and was an assistant coach the offensive and defensive lines team to have “some great com- In previous seasons under He fi rst moved there in 1998 as at the school from 2004-2009. to fi ll the hole left by a lineman- petition” not only during prac- coach Willie Taggart and crew, an offensive coordinator under “Obviously, I know a lot of guys “ heavy senior class — WKU grad- tices but potentially in the regu- WKU football was largely rep- coach John L. Smith. uated two starting offensive lar season. resented by Florida natives and In his one season with the we’re going to linemen and all four starters “Taywan Taylor is a guy that products of a recruiting trail in Cardinals, Louisville had the on the defensive line. coach Brohm identifi ed as a the Deep South. top-ranked offense in Divi- take advantage of The addition of Lewis and real playmaker,” Petrino said at Wednesday, 33 new members sion I-A in scoring and total that relationship Taylor at the receiver posi- Wednesday’s press conference. were added to the Hilltopper ros- offense and posted the big- tions was another area that “He’s the style of a receiver that ter from seven different states. gest turnaround among I-A we have. was a priority on the recruit- can not only run great routes While 17 of them came from Ala- football teams. ing agenda. and get down fi eld, but he’s also bama and Florida, the Toppers Petrino returned to Louis- — Jeff Brohm “When you look at the very diffi cult to tackle after he also picked up four players from ville as coach from 2003-2006 “ overall class, it was impor- has the ball in his hands… I re- Kentucky. — the Cardinals went 41-9 Offensive Coordinator tant that we did a great job ally feel like he’s a guy that has a Louisville is home to three of during that period. in Louisville and they’re aware at receiver — mainly because chance to come in and compete the new WKU players — defen- New Offensive Coordinator Jeff of me. Not only do I know about of the transitions, the different for playing time right away.” sive back Juwan Gardner, wide Brohm also relied on strong Lou- all of the schools, my family offensive styles, the number of With a coaching staff full of receiver Cam Lewis and wide re- isville networking to secure com- and friends know about all the quality running backs that were Louisville connections, it’s un- ceiver Taywan Taylor. The fourth mitments from WKU recruits. schools, so they’re going to relay already on scholarships and the likely WKU will slow down re- Kentucky-native commit, wide “We’re going to take advantage information to me even when I number of quality tight ends that cruiting in the big city any time receiver Aaron Jackson, is from of that relationship we have,” don’t ask.” were already on scholarships,” soon.

Coaching ties to Louisville

Coach Bobby Off ensive Defensive Off ensive Line Secondary Coach Defensive Running Backs Petrino - Coordinator Coordinator Nick Coach Mike Mike Cassity - Tackles Coach Coach Kolby Former Louisville Jeff Brohm - Holt - Summers - Former Louisville L.D. Scott - Smith - off ensive Former Louisville Former Louisville Former Louisville defensive Former defensive Former running coordinator quarterback defensive line off ensive line coordinator lineman at back at Louisville (1998) and coach (1989-93) and coach (1998- coach (2003-06) (2004-07) Louisville (2006- (2003-06) (2003-06) assistant coach 2000) 09) (2004-09)