Emporia State Football Announces Largest Signing Class of Coach Higgins Career

32 High School and 16 Transfers make up the 2025 recruiting class

Football | 2/5/2025 11:00:00 AM

February 5, 2025 -With the end of the COVID era that saw student-athletes receive an extra year of eligibility, Emporia State football coach Garin Higgins has announced the largest signing class of his Emporia State career. A total of 32 high school players and 16 transfers have agreed to attend Emporia State and play football for the Hornets.

The list includes 11 Kansas natives, 15 from Oklahoma, 12 from Texas, six from Missouri and one each from California, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as the Hornets took advantage of the Lower 48 Tuition rate that allows on-campus undergraduate students in the continental U.S. to pay the affordable in-state tuition. Emporia State picked up ten receivers, nine linebackers, eight defensive backs, seven offensive linemen, four running backs, four defensive linemen, three quarterbacks, two Stinger backs, and a long snapper

The Emporia State coaching staff will host the 2025 Signing Day Bash on Thursday, February 6 at Champions Landing. Coach Higgins and his staff will go over the 2025 signing class in depth. Each assistant coach will announce the newest Hornets at their position and will show a brief highlight clip of each recruit and then be available to answer questions.

The Bash, is open to the public and begins at 6:00 p.m. with a social while the review of recruits will begin at around 6:45 p.m.

The Hornets are 25-10 over the last three years and are one of just two MIAA teams to win at least seven games in each of the last three seasons.

Emporia State will open the 2025 season on Thursday, August 28 against Minot State in Welch Stadium. Season ticket information will be available in March along with selected game day promotions.

High School
Quarterbacks
	Josh Burdick \| 6'0 \| 185 Hometown: Cheney Kansas High School: Cheney HS Burdick is coming to Emporia State from Cheney HS. His senior season he threw for 1,943 Yards, 23 Touchdowns and completed 66% of his passes while adding 718 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. In his career Burdick threw for 6,821 yards, 83 touchdowns and rushed for 1,084 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was named 3A Offensive Player of the Year by the Wichita Eagle and was named First-Team All-State by Sports in Kansas, KFBCA, KSHSAA, and Vype Magazine his senior year, along with being named the CPL offensive MVP. His junior season he was the Sports in Kansas Small Class Non-Senior Offensive Player of the Year and was a First-Team All-State Performer. He helped lead the Cardinals to an undefeated State Championship his junior season and to the third round of the state playoffs as a senior. He is also a member of the Cardinals Basketball team. Burdick has been selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. He plans on majoring in
	Jamison (Jamo) Sarver \| 6'2 \| 198 Hometown: Olathe Kansas High School: Olathe North HS Sarver is coming to Emporia State from Olathe North HS. He was a two-year starter for the Eagles. He was named Honorable Mention Class 6A All-State by the Wichita Eagle and Honorable Mention Sunflower League at Quarterback and was also named Third-Team All-Sunflower League at punter. As a senior he completed 67% of his passes throwing for 1,481 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding four touchdowns and 554 yards on the ground. In his junior season he completed 66% of his passes for 1,680 yards and 16 touchdowns along with two rushing touchdowns and 360 rushing yards. He is also a member of the Olathe North Baseball team.
Running Backs
	Hudson Howard \| 5'6 \| 173 Hometown: Washington, Oklahoma High School: Washington HS Howard is coming to Emporia State from Washington HS In Oklahoma. In his career Hudson had 3,511 rushing yards, 187 receiving yards and 58 total touchdowns. As a senior he rushed for 1,247 yards and 23 Touchdowns. He was named the Class 2A-2 Offensive MVP, Oklahoman All-City Linebacker, Oklahoma Coaches Associations 2A All-Star Team, and Performance Course Star of the Year. In the 2023 season Hudson was named the Oklahoman All-City Running Back. Along with his individual success Hudson has led his team to four State Championship game appearances, winning the state title his sophomore through senior years. He will be joining his teammate Kash Guthmueller with the Hornets. Howard is also a member of Washington's Track and Field Team.
	Felix Teal \| 5'9 \| 180 Hometown: Laverne, Oklahoma High School: Laverne HS Teal is coming to Emporia State from Laverne HS in Oklahoma. He rushed for 5,840 yards and 132 Touchdowns in his high school career. He has been named an All-State Running back by the Oklahoma Coaches Association and will be playing in the OCA 8-Man All-Star Game. Teal was named Class B1 Offensive Player of the Year, and Class B1 Division 1 MVP. Along with the individual success on the field Teal led his team to three State Championship games, winning two and being state runner up his senior year. Teal is a two-time Oklahoma State Champion in the 100m, along with being a State Powerlifting Champion. He is a member of Lavernes Baseball and Basketball teams. He plans on majoring in business.
Stinger Back
	Seneca Steele \| 6'2.5 \| 200 Hometown: Kansas, Oklahoma High School: Kansas HS Steele comes to Emporia State from Kansas HS in Oklahoma and will be transitioning from Quarterback to Stinger Back for the Hornets. In his career Steele amassed 7,424 yards and 81 total touchdowns - 60 passing and 21 rushing. He was also named First team All-District Quarterback as a senior. He was named to the KURM Radio Dream Team in 2022 and 2023. He was named PrepRedzone All-State Honorable Mention as a sophomore and junior. Steel is a member of the Kansas HS Basketball and Baseball teams. He plans on majoring in technology/physics.
Offensive Line
	Garren Campbell \| 6'4 \| 285 Hometown: Cheney, Kansas High School: Cheney HS Campbell is coming to Emporia State from Cheney HS. He was named a Second-Team All-CPL offensive lineman and Honorable Mention All-State by the KSHSAA in Class 3A. Campbell helped lead the Cardinals to a 3A State title in his Junior season and the 3A State Quarterfinals his senior year before losing to the eventual State Champions. Campbell is also a member of Cheney's Bowling team, with a career high score of 290. He plans on majoring in Health and Human Performance
	Caden Estrada \| 6'2 \| 285 Hometown: Topeka, Kansas High School: Washburn Rural HS Estrada is coming to Emporia State from Washburn Rural HS. He was named First Team All-State in both his Junior and Senior seasons after being named Honorable Mention All-State his sophomore season. He was a three-time First-Team All-Centennial League performer. Estrada has been selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. He plans on majoring in kinesiology
	Jaden Garcia \| 6'1 \| 280 Hometown: Fort Scott, Kansas High School: Fort Scott HS Garcia is coming to Emporia State from Fort Scott HS. He was named First-Team All-SEK offensive line and All-State Class 4A Honorable mention. He helped lead his team to a 6-4 record and second round appearance in the Kansas Class 4A Playoffs. He placed fourth in the Class 4A State Wrestling Tournament as a junior. He plans on majoring in health and human performance.
	Keyapha Harris \| 6'3 \| 290 Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas High School: Crowley HS Harris comes to Emporia State from Crowley HS in Texas. He was a two-year starter for the Eagles. As a senior he was named a Second-Team All-District at Offensive Tackle while accounting for over 50 knockdowns. Harris helped lead the Eagles to an 8-5 record and the Texas Class 6A Division 2 regional finals. He plans on majoring in business.
	Beau Redwood \| 6'2 \| 270 Hometown: Sapulpa, Oklahoma High School: Sapulpa HS Redwood is coming to Emporia State from Sapulpa HS in Oklahoma where he will be joining former Sapulpa teammates Colton Howard and Kylen Edwards. Redwood was named First-Team All-State, All-State All-Star and Sapulpa's Offensive Impact Player of the year. He plans on majoring in law enforcement.
	Tommie Shanklin \| 6'4 \| 330 Hometown: Denton, Texas High School: Denton Braswell HS Shanklin is coming to Emporia State from Denton Braswell HS in Texas. He was a two-year starter for the Bengals. Shanklin did not allow a quarterback sack or pressure in his career. He was a two time Second-Team All-District Center. He plans on majoring in business.
Wide Receiver
	Ondraye Beasley \| 5'9 \| 180 Hometown: Muskogee, Oklahoma High School: Muskogee HS Beasley is coming to Emporia State from Muskogee HS out of Oklahoma. In his Senior year he accounted for 755 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, and averaged 19.4 yards a catch. Along with his receiving ability he also had 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns accounting for 9.1 yards per carry. As a senior he was named First-Team All-State for Class 6A by the Oklahoma Coaches Association. He had 111 receptions, over 3,079 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns in his career. Beasley helped lead the Roughers to two State Title appearances winning a state championship his Junior year and being State Runner-up his Senior year. He plans on majoring in business.
	Brayson Carter \| 5'9 \| 170 Hometown: Blanchard, Oklahoma High School: Blanchard HS Carter is coming to Emporia State from Blanchard HS out of Oklahoma where he was a standout two way player for the Lions. In his Junior season Carter helped lead Blanchard to their third State Title in school history, while recording 1,208 receiving yards, and ten touchdowns on the offensive side and 60 tackles, five interceptions, and three forced fumbles on defense. In his Senior season Carter recorded 43 receptions for 803 yards and 11 touchdowns and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Defensively he recorded 92 tackles, six interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He is a Two-time All-State selection, and was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Little All-City Teams in Oklahoma City. Brayson is also a member of Blanchards Baseball team. He plans on majoring in health science.
	Joseph Degraffenreid \| 6'1 \| 190 Hometown: Webb City, Missouri High School: Webb City HS Degraffenreid is coming to Emporia State from Webb City HS in Missouri. He had 14 receptions for 288 yards and three touchdowns as a senior, averaging 20.6 yards a reception. In his Junior season he had 22 receptions for 358 yards and four touchdowns. Degraffenreid was named Second-Team All-District and First-Team Class 5 All-Area as a senior after earning All-District honors as a Junior. He helped lead the Cardinals to a spot in the Quarterfinals of the Missouri HS Playoffs. He plans on majoring in business.
	Landen Gatto \| 6'4 \| 195 Hometown: Wichita Kansas High School: Maize South HS Gatto is coming to Emporia State from Maize South HS. He was named First-Team All-State Class 5A by KSHSAA, Sports in Kansas and the Wichita Eagle, as well as First-Team All Wichita Large School Receiver, and First-Team All Greater Wichita City League. Gatto ended his Senior year with 98 catches for 1,332 yards and 16 Touchdowns. He tied Maize South's single season receiving touchdown record, broke the single season catch record and broke the single game receiving touchdown record with four. As a junior he had 53 receptions, 753 yards and 12 touchdowns. He plans on majoring in business.
	Trenton Harris \| 5'11 \| 165 Hometown Rowlett, Texas High School: Lakeview Centennial HS Harris is coming to Emporia State From Lakeview Centennial HS out of Texas. He was named All-District at Wide Receiver his Senior year. As a junior Harris had 46 receptions for 830 yards and 11 touchdowns. He plans on majoring in business.
	Lucas Jones \| 6'1 \| 180 Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma High School: Yukon HS Jones is coming to Emporia State University from Yukon HS in Oklahoma. In his Junior year he had 82 receptions for 1,107 yards and nine touchdowns averaging 110.7 yards per game. He was named Honorable Mention All Big-City Receiver by the Daily Oklahoman. Although he missed his senior year due to injury, Jones was still named a Team Captain for the 2024 season. Jones is also a member of Yukon's Baseball team. He will be joining high school teammate Kenison Rogers at Emporia State. He plans on majoring in sports medicine.
	Kenison Rogers \| 5'10 \| 175 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma High School: Yukon HS Rogers comes to Emporia State from Yukon HS in Oklahoma. As a senior he had 65 receptions and 887 receiving yards to go with five Touchdowns. He was named First-Team All-Conference Receiver and a First-Team All-District Receiver his senior year as well. In his Junior season he had 81 receptions for 958 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 95.8 yards receiving a game. He plans on majoring in business/accounting.
	Ethan Rucker \| 6'1 \| 180 Hometown: Celina, Texas High School: Celina HS Rucker is coming to Emporia State from Celina HS out of Texas. As a senior he was named First-Team All-State First-Team All-District. He had 74 receptions for 1,465 yards averaging 19.8 yards per catch and 18 touchdowns along with an interception on defense. He helped lead Celina to an undefeated State Title his Senior season going 16-0 after going 11-2 and to the third round of the Texas State Playoffs as a Junior.
Defensive Line
	Osabouhein (Sabi) Ediea \| 6'0 \| 280 Hometown: Rowlett, Texas High School: North Garland HS Ediea is coming to Emporia State From North Garland HS out of Texas. In his Junior Season he recorded 25 Tackles, four sacks, four tackles for loss and 22 QB pressures. In his Senior season he was named All-District Defensive Tackle. He recorded 60 Tackles, 18 Tackles for Loss, two sacks and eight QB Pressures. Ediea is also a member of North Garlands Powerlifting and Track and Field Teams. He plans on majoring in business.
	Koby Le \| 5'10 \| 250 Hometown: Emporia, Kansas High School: Emporia HS Le is staying in Emporia after playing at Emporia HS. In his Senior year he was named a Second-Team All-Centennial League performer as a Senior. He was a three-time Honorable Mention Sports in Kansas performer and was a Sports in Kansas Top 100 Senior selection. In his Senior season he had 41 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Koby is also a member of the Emporia Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in health and human performance.
	Dru McCarley \| 6'1 \| 240 Hometown: Blue Ridge, Texas High School: Blue Ridge HS McCarley is coming to Emporia State from Blue Ridge HS out of Texas. He is a two-time First-Team All-District Defensive Linemen. In his Senior season he recorded 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks. He also had six receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown on the season. McCarley helped lead Blue Ridge to the second round of the State playoffs his Senior season. He is also a member of the Blue Ridge Basketball and Track and Field Teams. He plans on majoring in business.
	Holden Ziegler \| 6'2 \| 275 Hometown: Council Grove Kansas High School: Council Grove HS Ziegler is coming to Emporia State from Council Grove HS. He was named a First-Team All-State at defensive line and the Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year three times. In his Senior season Ziegler recorded 58 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, four sacks, and ten QB hurries. As an offensive lineman he also recorded 26 pancake blocks. As a Senior he helped lead Council Grove to the State Quarterfinals for the first time in school history. He is also a member of the Council Grove Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in education.
Linebackers
	Christian Gleason \| 6'1 \| 215 Hometown Benbrook, Texas High School: Benbrook HS Gleason is coming to Emporia State from Benbrook HS out of Texas. In his Senior season Christian recorded 56 total tackles, 15 Tackles for loss, 12 Sacks and six blocked field goals. He was named First team All-District Defensive End in both his Junior and Senior Years and was Honorable mention his Sophomore season. He was also named First-Team All-Area for the DFW Super Team. He helped lead his team to an 11-2 record and the third round of the State Playoffs. Gleason was named a Blue Grey All American and played in the Blue Grey All American game in Dallas. Christian is a member of Benbrook's Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in psychology.
	Kash Guthmueller \| 5'11 \| 205 Hometown: Purcell, Oklahoma High School: Washington HS Guthmueller is coming to Emporia State from Washington HS in Oklahoma. He had 403 tackles, 11 interceptions, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in his career. He was named Little All-City Honorable Mention and Defensive Player of the Year. Guthmueller helped lead Washington to a State Title in his Senior year. He is a member of the Washington Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in accounting.
	Trey Hardin \| 6'1 \| 220 Hometown Neosho, Missouri High School: Neosho HS Hardin is coming to Emporia State from Neosho HS in Missouri. In his career he totaled 319 Tackles and 15 Tackles for loss. In his Senior season alone he had 102 Tackles, and five tackles for loss. He was named a Two time All-Conference Linebacker, Two Time All District Linebacker and First team All-Area. Hardin was also named a Blue Grey All-American and played in the Blue Grey All-American game in Dallas Texas. He helped lead Neosho to a 6-5 record and a spot in the second round of the State Playoffs. He plans on majoring in health and human performance.
	Anthony Thompson \| 5'11 \| 220 Hometown: Buckner, Missouri High School: Fort Osage HS Thompson is coming to Emporia State from Fort Osage HS in Missouri. His Senior year he was named to the All-Simone Team, First-Team All-Conference, Conference Defensive Player of the year, First-Team All-State Linebacker and Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year. He was named First-Team All-State and First-Team All-Conference his Sophomore and Junior seasons. Thompson was a Buck Buchannan Finalist in Senior year. In his career he had 420 total tackles, eight forced fumbles, three pass breaks-ups and two interceptions. He is also a member of the Fort Osage Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in business.
Defensive Backs
	Landon Blair \| 5'10 \| 165 Hometown Arlington, Texas High School: Mansfield Timberview HS Blair will be coming to Emporia State from Mansfield Timberview HS in Texas. In his Senior season he had 34 tackles, six pass breakups and a forced fumble. Blair helped lead Timberview to the first round of the Texas Playoffs. He plans on majoring in sports medicine.
	Jackson Chapman \| 6'1.5 \| 185 Hometown: Wylie, Texas High School: Sachse HS Chapman is coming to Emporia State from Sachse HS in Texas. He helped lead the Mustangs to a 9-2 record and a spot in the second round of the Texas state playoffs. In his Senior season Chapman had 20 tackles, a tackle for loss and three pass breakups. He is also a member of Sachse Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in accounting.
	Blayd Harris \| 6'0 \| 195 Hometown: Marlow, Oklahoma High School: Marlow HS Harris is coming to Emporia State from Marlow HS in Oklahoma. He was a Class 2A All-Star and was named All-District First-Team defensive back and All-District Quarterback. As a senior he accounted for 1,155 passing yards and 13 Touchdowns to go with 523 Rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. He had 131 tackles and 11 interceptions from his defensive back position. He helped lead Marlow to the third round of the State Playoffs his Senior year. Wilkerson is averaging over 15 points a game in basketball and won a state championship as a utility player on the baseball team.
	Raijon Sims \| 5'11 \| 165 Hometown: Marshall, Texas High School: Marshall HS Sims comes to Emporia State from Marshall HS out of Texas. He was a standout two-way player for Marshall. In his Senior year he had 33 receptions for 695 yards and eight touchdowns along with two carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. He was named First-Team All-District receiver both his Senior and Junior seasons. Raijon helped lead the Mavericks to a 10-3 record and a spot in the third round of the Texas Playoffs. He is a member of Marshall's Basketball and Track and Field teams. He plans on majoring in business.
	Alex Wilkerson \| 5'10 \| 190 Hometown: Lamar, Missouri High School: Lamar HS Wilkerson is coming to Emporia State from Lamar HS in Missouri. He was a two-time All-Conference and two-time All-District safety along with being named First-Team All-State his Senior year. He was also named Second-Team All-District at punter. Wilkerson was named All-Area at both Quarterback and Safety his Senior year. He helped lead his team to four State Championship Game appearances including winning back to back state titles his Junior and Senior year. Wilkerson is also a member of Lamar's Baseball and Basketball teams. He plans on majoring in business.
Transfers
Quarterback
	Ben Harris \| 6'0 \| 200 Hometown: Midwest City, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: Carl Albert HS/Oklahoma/North Alabama Harris came to Emporia State at the semester after spending the last three seasons at the University of North Alabama. In 16 games with the Lions he threw for 298 yards and a touchdown while gaining 133 yards on 28 carries with a touchdown on the ground. He played at Carl Albert HS where he led the Titans to a 52-2 record and four Class 5A State Championships in his time in the program. His 52 wins as a starter are more than any other player in the history of football in the state of Oklahoma. He is also the only starting quarterback in Oklahoma HS history to lead his team to four consecutive state championships. Harris earned OCA All-State honors and was District 5A-2 Most Valuable Player. He completed 613 of 961 career passes for 9,443 yards and 93 touchdowns with only 20 interceptions. He also lettered in baseball and basketball at Carl Albert.
Running Backs
	Erik McCarty \| 5'11 \| 192 Hometown: McAlester, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: McAlester HS/Oklahoma McCarty came to Emporia State by way of Oklahoma University. In his two years at Oklahoma he appeared in one game at safety against Temple but will move to running back with the Hornets. He was a consensus three-star recruit out of McAlester HS. He was a three-phase player touted as the No. 9 all-purpose back by Rivals, No. 47 athlete by ESPN, No. 64 athlete by 247 and No. 116 safety by On3. He was also ranked as the No. 7 prospect in Oklahoma by Rivals, No. 8 by ESPN, No. 9 by 247 and No. 18 by On3. He totaled over 5,800 all-purpose yards and 101 touchdowns over his high school career. He scored touchdowns as a rusher, passer and receiver. McCarty helped McAlester to the Oklahoma 5A state title game his junior and senior seasons.
	D'Marco Singleton \| 6'1 \| 230 Hometown: Marysville, Michigan High School/Previous School: Marysville HS/Wayne State (MI) Singleton came to Emporia State from Wayne State University in Michigan where he appeared in 29 games while making six starts. During his time at Wayne State he recorded 787 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns. Last season Singleton averaged 4.61 yards per carry and 8.47 yards per reception. D'marco was an All-State honorable mention and first team All-League performer in football as a senior. He totaled 1,100 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior. He was a three sport athlete at Marysville HS competing in football, basketball and track. He was an All-State basketball selection in 2021 while also being named as league MVP. He set the school record with 43 points in a game. Singleton placed seventh at the 2021 MHSAA State Meet in the discus with a throw of 145-10.
Stinger Back
	Robert Harding \| 6'3 \| 240 Hometown: Killeen, Texas High School/Previous School: Ellison HS/Tyler Junior College Harding came to Emporia State from Tyler Junior College. He red-shirted his Freshman year at Tyler and appeared in six Games his Red-shirt Freshman season. Harding was a two sport athlete while at Ellison HS. He had three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown his Senior year and was a member of the Eagle Track and Field team.
Wide Receivers
	Cutter Greene \| 6'0 \| 185 Hometown: Perkins, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: Perkins Tryon HS/Oklahoma State Cutter comes to the Hornets after spending the last semester at Oklahoma State where he redshirted. He helped Perkins-Tryon HS to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the state semifinals as a senior. He recorded 41 catches for 486 yards and eight touchdowns on offense as a senior. He was also an All-Conference selection in basketball his senior year.
	Shannon Henry ll \| 6'2 \| 190 Hometown: Eureka, California High School/Previous School: Life Christian Academy/Campbell University Henry comes to Emporia State from Campbell University in North Carolina. Shannon spent the last two and a half years with the Camels where he appeared in six games recording three catches for 36 yards. His senior year at Life Christian Academy he recorded 13 catches for 297 yards and two touchdowns. He was also a four year letter winner in basketball in high school while racking up first team all-region honors as a junior.
Offensive Line
	Chaden Sullivan \| 6'3 \| 285 Hometown: Chandler, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: Chandler HS/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Sullivan joined the Hornets after spending his true freshman season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. He started five games and earned All-Conference honors for the Golden Norsemen. He helped lead Chandler HS to an 8-3 record and a playoff appearance. Sullivan was named a Tri-County First-Team member his senior year.
Defensive Backs
	Kaliel Boyd \| 5'10 \| 175 Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri High School/Previous School: St. Mary's HS/Southwest Baptist Boyd transferred to Emporia State from Southwest Baptist where he appeared in nine games as a freshman. He recorded 37 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions a 45 yard pick six. He was selected as the Class 4 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior at St. Mary's HS in St Louis. As a senior he recorded 101 tackles and ten interceptions while leading the Dragons to back to back state championships.
	Nehemiah Figueroa \| 5'11 \| 185 Hometown: Pottstown, Pennsylvania High School/Previous School: Pottstown HS/McPherson College Figueroa came to Emporia State after twice earning All-American honors at McPherson College. He was a first team AFCA NAIA All-American last season after earning Second-Team honors and was recognized twice as the NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week. He had 12 Interceptions, eight pass breakups, 113 total tackles, a forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interception returns for touchdowns. He was named to the Pennsylvania Football Writers All-State team at Pottstown HS. He recorded 88.5 tackles, eight interceptions, three pass break ups and a forced fumble for the Trojans.
	Carson Sippel \| 6'1 \| 190 Hometown: Sherwood, Wisconsin High School/Previous School: Kaukauna HS/Winona State Sippel transferred to Emporia State from Winona State. He was a starter as a sophomore for the Warriors and played in seven games as a freshman. In his career at Winona State he recorded one interception, eight pass breakups and 27 tackles. Sippel was a standout on offense and special teams for Kaukauna HS earning All-Conference honors at wide receiver and kick returner. He was also a state runner up in the 200m as a senior.
Linebackers
	Gabe Booker \| 6'1 \| 220 Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri High School/Previous School: St. Mary's HS/Southwest Baptist Booker transferred to Emporia State from Southwest Baptist. He appeared in 20 career games with 64 tackles, three tackles for loss, half a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Booker was a two-time First-Team All-State performer and was named First-Team All-Metro his senior year.
	Landon Boss \| 6'1 \| 245 Hometown: Osage City, Kansas High School/Previous School: Osage City HS/Butler CC Boss transferred to Emporia State from Butler CC where he earned honorable mention All-American honors. He led the Jayhawk Conference and was tenth in NJCAA Division I in tackles and was named First-Team All-Conference. He recorded 90 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions as a sophomore. Boss was a three-time All-State performer for Osage City HS and was named the Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.
	Jaxon Bowls \| 6'2 \| 235 Hometown: Manhattan, Kansas High School/Previous School: Manhattan HS/Butler CC Bowls came to Emporia State by way of Butler CC. He appeared in 13 games for the Grizzlies while recording 13 total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. He earned All-State honors as a tight end and a defensive end for Manhattan HS. His senior year he recorded 36 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
	Devon Owen \| 6'0 \| 206 Hometown: Argyle, Texas High School/Previous School: Argyle HS/Oklahoma Owen came to Emporia State from Oklahoma where he red-shirted last season. He recorded 174 total career tackles, three interceptions and five sacks while helping Argyle HS reach the regional semi-finals his senior year.
	Gabe Roland \| 6'1 \| 235 Hometown: Newkirk, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: Ponca City HS/Kansas State Roland joins the Hornets after spending the first two years of his career at Kansas State. He appeared in one game for the Wildcats, recording a pair of tackles against UT-Martin. He led Ponca City HS in tackles his junior and senior year. He also played soccer and wrestled for the Wildcats, leading the team in goals for three seasons while placing second and third in the state wrestling meet.
Long Snapper
	Tristan Randles \| 5' 11 \| 180 Hometown: Abilene, Kansas High School/Previous School: Abilene HS/Highland CC Randles came to Emporia State after spending the last two years at Highlands CC. During his time at Highland CC he recorded eight total tackles and recovered two muffed punts. He was a multi-sport athlete at Abilene HS competing on both the football and wrestling teams.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Kylen Edwards: WR; 6' 2"; Freshman

Colton Howard: QB; 6' 0"; Freshman

Ben Harris: QB; 6' 0"; Senior

D'Marco Singleton: RB; 6' 1"; Senior

Erik McCarty: RB; 5' 11"; Sophomore

Robert Harding: SB; 6' 3"; Sophomore

Cutter Greene: WR; 6' 0"; Redshirt Freshman

Chaden Sullivan: OL; 6' 3"; Sophomore

Carson Sippel: DB; 6' 1"; Junior

Nehemiah Figueroa: DB; 5' 11"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Kylen Edwards
: 6' 2"; Freshman
: WR

Colton Howard
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: QB

Ben Harris
: 6' 0"; Senior
: QB

D'Marco Singleton
: 6' 1"; Senior
: RB

Erik McCarty
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: RB

Robert Harding
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: SB

Cutter Greene
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Freshman
: WR

Chaden Sullivan
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: OL

Carson Sippel
: 6' 1"; Junior
: DB

Nehemiah Figueroa
: 5' 11"; Senior
: DB

High School
Quarterbacks
	Josh Burdick \| 6'0 \| 185 Hometown: Cheney Kansas High School: Cheney HS Burdick is coming to Emporia State from Cheney HS. His senior season he threw for 1,943 Yards, 23 Touchdowns and completed 66% of his passes while adding 718 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. In his career Burdick threw for 6,821 yards, 83 touchdowns and rushed for 1,084 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was named 3A Offensive Player of the Year by the Wichita Eagle and was named First-Team All-State by Sports in Kansas, KFBCA, KSHSAA, and Vype Magazine his senior year, along with being named the CPL offensive MVP. His junior season he was the Sports in Kansas Small Class Non-Senior Offensive Player of the Year and was a First-Team All-State Performer. He helped lead the Cardinals to an undefeated State Championship his junior season and to the third round of the state playoffs as a senior. He is also a member of the Cardinals Basketball team. Burdick has been selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. He plans on majoring in
	Jamison (Jamo) Sarver \| 6'2 \| 198 Hometown: Olathe Kansas High School: Olathe North HS Sarver is coming to Emporia State from Olathe North HS. He was a two-year starter for the Eagles. He was named Honorable Mention Class 6A All-State by the Wichita Eagle and Honorable Mention Sunflower League at Quarterback and was also named Third-Team All-Sunflower League at punter. As a senior he completed 67% of his passes throwing for 1,481 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding four touchdowns and 554 yards on the ground. In his junior season he completed 66% of his passes for 1,680 yards and 16 touchdowns along with two rushing touchdowns and 360 rushing yards. He is also a member of the Olathe North Baseball team.
Running Backs
	Hudson Howard \| 5'6 \| 173 Hometown: Washington, Oklahoma High School: Washington HS Howard is coming to Emporia State from Washington HS In Oklahoma. In his career Hudson had 3,511 rushing yards, 187 receiving yards and 58 total touchdowns. As a senior he rushed for 1,247 yards and 23 Touchdowns. He was named the Class 2A-2 Offensive MVP, Oklahoman All-City Linebacker, Oklahoma Coaches Associations 2A All-Star Team, and Performance Course Star of the Year. In the 2023 season Hudson was named the Oklahoman All-City Running Back. Along with his individual success Hudson has led his team to four State Championship game appearances, winning the state title his sophomore through senior years. He will be joining his teammate Kash Guthmueller with the Hornets. Howard is also a member of Washington's Track and Field Team.
	Felix Teal \| 5'9 \| 180 Hometown: Laverne, Oklahoma High School: Laverne HS Teal is coming to Emporia State from Laverne HS in Oklahoma. He rushed for 5,840 yards and 132 Touchdowns in his high school career. He has been named an All-State Running back by the Oklahoma Coaches Association and will be playing in the OCA 8-Man All-Star Game. Teal was named Class B1 Offensive Player of the Year, and Class B1 Division 1 MVP. Along with the individual success on the field Teal led his team to three State Championship games, winning two and being state runner up his senior year. Teal is a two-time Oklahoma State Champion in the 100m, along with being a State Powerlifting Champion. He is a member of Lavernes Baseball and Basketball teams. He plans on majoring in business.
Stinger Back
	Seneca Steele \| 6'2.5 \| 200 Hometown: Kansas, Oklahoma High School: Kansas HS Steele comes to Emporia State from Kansas HS in Oklahoma and will be transitioning from Quarterback to Stinger Back for the Hornets. In his career Steele amassed 7,424 yards and 81 total touchdowns - 60 passing and 21 rushing. He was also named First team All-District Quarterback as a senior. He was named to the KURM Radio Dream Team in 2022 and 2023. He was named PrepRedzone All-State Honorable Mention as a sophomore and junior. Steel is a member of the Kansas HS Basketball and Baseball teams. He plans on majoring in technology/physics.
Offensive Line
	Garren Campbell \| 6'4 \| 285 Hometown: Cheney, Kansas High School: Cheney HS Campbell is coming to Emporia State from Cheney HS. He was named a Second-Team All-CPL offensive lineman and Honorable Mention All-State by the KSHSAA in Class 3A. Campbell helped lead the Cardinals to a 3A State title in his Junior season and the 3A State Quarterfinals his senior year before losing to the eventual State Champions. Campbell is also a member of Cheney's Bowling team, with a career high score of 290. He plans on majoring in Health and Human Performance
	Caden Estrada \| 6'2 \| 285 Hometown: Topeka, Kansas High School: Washburn Rural HS Estrada is coming to Emporia State from Washburn Rural HS. He was named First Team All-State in both his Junior and Senior seasons after being named Honorable Mention All-State his sophomore season. He was a three-time First-Team All-Centennial League performer. Estrada has been selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. He plans on majoring in kinesiology
	Jaden Garcia \| 6'1 \| 280 Hometown: Fort Scott, Kansas High School: Fort Scott HS Garcia is coming to Emporia State from Fort Scott HS. He was named First-Team All-SEK offensive line and All-State Class 4A Honorable mention. He helped lead his team to a 6-4 record and second round appearance in the Kansas Class 4A Playoffs. He placed fourth in the Class 4A State Wrestling Tournament as a junior. He plans on majoring in health and human performance.
	Keyapha Harris \| 6'3 \| 290 Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas High School: Crowley HS Harris comes to Emporia State from Crowley HS in Texas. He was a two-year starter for the Eagles. As a senior he was named a Second-Team All-District at Offensive Tackle while accounting for over 50 knockdowns. Harris helped lead the Eagles to an 8-5 record and the Texas Class 6A Division 2 regional finals. He plans on majoring in business.
	Beau Redwood \| 6'2 \| 270 Hometown: Sapulpa, Oklahoma High School: Sapulpa HS Redwood is coming to Emporia State from Sapulpa HS in Oklahoma where he will be joining former Sapulpa teammates Colton Howard and Kylen Edwards. Redwood was named First-Team All-State, All-State All-Star and Sapulpa's Offensive Impact Player of the year. He plans on majoring in law enforcement.
	Tommie Shanklin \| 6'4 \| 330 Hometown: Denton, Texas High School: Denton Braswell HS Shanklin is coming to Emporia State from Denton Braswell HS in Texas. He was a two-year starter for the Bengals. Shanklin did not allow a quarterback sack or pressure in his career. He was a two time Second-Team All-District Center. He plans on majoring in business.
Wide Receiver
	Ondraye Beasley \| 5'9 \| 180 Hometown: Muskogee, Oklahoma High School: Muskogee HS Beasley is coming to Emporia State from Muskogee HS out of Oklahoma. In his Senior year he accounted for 755 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, and averaged 19.4 yards a catch. Along with his receiving ability he also had 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns accounting for 9.1 yards per carry. As a senior he was named First-Team All-State for Class 6A by the Oklahoma Coaches Association. He had 111 receptions, over 3,079 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns in his career. Beasley helped lead the Roughers to two State Title appearances winning a state championship his Junior year and being State Runner-up his Senior year. He plans on majoring in business.
	Brayson Carter \| 5'9 \| 170 Hometown: Blanchard, Oklahoma High School: Blanchard HS Carter is coming to Emporia State from Blanchard HS out of Oklahoma where he was a standout two way player for the Lions. In his Junior season Carter helped lead Blanchard to their third State Title in school history, while recording 1,208 receiving yards, and ten touchdowns on the offensive side and 60 tackles, five interceptions, and three forced fumbles on defense. In his Senior season Carter recorded 43 receptions for 803 yards and 11 touchdowns and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Defensively he recorded 92 tackles, six interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He is a Two-time All-State selection, and was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Little All-City Teams in Oklahoma City. Brayson is also a member of Blanchards Baseball team. He plans on majoring in health science.
	Joseph Degraffenreid \| 6'1 \| 190 Hometown: Webb City, Missouri High School: Webb City HS Degraffenreid is coming to Emporia State from Webb City HS in Missouri. He had 14 receptions for 288 yards and three touchdowns as a senior, averaging 20.6 yards a reception. In his Junior season he had 22 receptions for 358 yards and four touchdowns. Degraffenreid was named Second-Team All-District and First-Team Class 5 All-Area as a senior after earning All-District honors as a Junior. He helped lead the Cardinals to a spot in the Quarterfinals of the Missouri HS Playoffs. He plans on majoring in business.
	Landen Gatto \| 6'4 \| 195 Hometown: Wichita Kansas High School: Maize South HS Gatto is coming to Emporia State from Maize South HS. He was named First-Team All-State Class 5A by KSHSAA, Sports in Kansas and the Wichita Eagle, as well as First-Team All Wichita Large School Receiver, and First-Team All Greater Wichita City League. Gatto ended his Senior year with 98 catches for 1,332 yards and 16 Touchdowns. He tied Maize South's single season receiving touchdown record, broke the single season catch record and broke the single game receiving touchdown record with four. As a junior he had 53 receptions, 753 yards and 12 touchdowns. He plans on majoring in business.
	Trenton Harris \| 5'11 \| 165 Hometown Rowlett, Texas High School: Lakeview Centennial HS Harris is coming to Emporia State From Lakeview Centennial HS out of Texas. He was named All-District at Wide Receiver his Senior year. As a junior Harris had 46 receptions for 830 yards and 11 touchdowns. He plans on majoring in business.
	Lucas Jones \| 6'1 \| 180 Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma High School: Yukon HS Jones is coming to Emporia State University from Yukon HS in Oklahoma. In his Junior year he had 82 receptions for 1,107 yards and nine touchdowns averaging 110.7 yards per game. He was named Honorable Mention All Big-City Receiver by the Daily Oklahoman. Although he missed his senior year due to injury, Jones was still named a Team Captain for the 2024 season. Jones is also a member of Yukon's Baseball team. He will be joining high school teammate Kenison Rogers at Emporia State. He plans on majoring in sports medicine.
	Kenison Rogers \| 5'10 \| 175 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma High School: Yukon HS Rogers comes to Emporia State from Yukon HS in Oklahoma. As a senior he had 65 receptions and 887 receiving yards to go with five Touchdowns. He was named First-Team All-Conference Receiver and a First-Team All-District Receiver his senior year as well. In his Junior season he had 81 receptions for 958 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 95.8 yards receiving a game. He plans on majoring in business/accounting.
	Ethan Rucker \| 6'1 \| 180 Hometown: Celina, Texas High School: Celina HS Rucker is coming to Emporia State from Celina HS out of Texas. As a senior he was named First-Team All-State First-Team All-District. He had 74 receptions for 1,465 yards averaging 19.8 yards per catch and 18 touchdowns along with an interception on defense. He helped lead Celina to an undefeated State Title his Senior season going 16-0 after going 11-2 and to the third round of the Texas State Playoffs as a Junior.
Defensive Line
	Osabouhein (Sabi) Ediea \| 6'0 \| 280 Hometown: Rowlett, Texas High School: North Garland HS Ediea is coming to Emporia State From North Garland HS out of Texas. In his Junior Season he recorded 25 Tackles, four sacks, four tackles for loss and 22 QB pressures. In his Senior season he was named All-District Defensive Tackle. He recorded 60 Tackles, 18 Tackles for Loss, two sacks and eight QB Pressures. Ediea is also a member of North Garlands Powerlifting and Track and Field Teams. He plans on majoring in business.
	Koby Le \| 5'10 \| 250 Hometown: Emporia, Kansas High School: Emporia HS Le is staying in Emporia after playing at Emporia HS. In his Senior year he was named a Second-Team All-Centennial League performer as a Senior. He was a three-time Honorable Mention Sports in Kansas performer and was a Sports in Kansas Top 100 Senior selection. In his Senior season he had 41 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Koby is also a member of the Emporia Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in health and human performance.
	Dru McCarley \| 6'1 \| 240 Hometown: Blue Ridge, Texas High School: Blue Ridge HS McCarley is coming to Emporia State from Blue Ridge HS out of Texas. He is a two-time First-Team All-District Defensive Linemen. In his Senior season he recorded 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks. He also had six receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown on the season. McCarley helped lead Blue Ridge to the second round of the State playoffs his Senior season. He is also a member of the Blue Ridge Basketball and Track and Field Teams. He plans on majoring in business.
	Holden Ziegler \| 6'2 \| 275 Hometown: Council Grove Kansas High School: Council Grove HS Ziegler is coming to Emporia State from Council Grove HS. He was named a First-Team All-State at defensive line and the Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year three times. In his Senior season Ziegler recorded 58 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, four sacks, and ten QB hurries. As an offensive lineman he also recorded 26 pancake blocks. As a Senior he helped lead Council Grove to the State Quarterfinals for the first time in school history. He is also a member of the Council Grove Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in education.
Linebackers
	Christian Gleason \| 6'1 \| 215 Hometown Benbrook, Texas High School: Benbrook HS Gleason is coming to Emporia State from Benbrook HS out of Texas. In his Senior season Christian recorded 56 total tackles, 15 Tackles for loss, 12 Sacks and six blocked field goals. He was named First team All-District Defensive End in both his Junior and Senior Years and was Honorable mention his Sophomore season. He was also named First-Team All-Area for the DFW Super Team. He helped lead his team to an 11-2 record and the third round of the State Playoffs. Gleason was named a Blue Grey All American and played in the Blue Grey All American game in Dallas. Christian is a member of Benbrook's Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in psychology.
	Kash Guthmueller \| 5'11 \| 205 Hometown: Purcell, Oklahoma High School: Washington HS Guthmueller is coming to Emporia State from Washington HS in Oklahoma. He had 403 tackles, 11 interceptions, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in his career. He was named Little All-City Honorable Mention and Defensive Player of the Year. Guthmueller helped lead Washington to a State Title in his Senior year. He is a member of the Washington Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in accounting.
	Trey Hardin \| 6'1 \| 220 Hometown Neosho, Missouri High School: Neosho HS Hardin is coming to Emporia State from Neosho HS in Missouri. In his career he totaled 319 Tackles and 15 Tackles for loss. In his Senior season alone he had 102 Tackles, and five tackles for loss. He was named a Two time All-Conference Linebacker, Two Time All District Linebacker and First team All-Area. Hardin was also named a Blue Grey All-American and played in the Blue Grey All-American game in Dallas Texas. He helped lead Neosho to a 6-5 record and a spot in the second round of the State Playoffs. He plans on majoring in health and human performance.
	Anthony Thompson \| 5'11 \| 220 Hometown: Buckner, Missouri High School: Fort Osage HS Thompson is coming to Emporia State from Fort Osage HS in Missouri. His Senior year he was named to the All-Simone Team, First-Team All-Conference, Conference Defensive Player of the year, First-Team All-State Linebacker and Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year. He was named First-Team All-State and First-Team All-Conference his Sophomore and Junior seasons. Thompson was a Buck Buchannan Finalist in Senior year. In his career he had 420 total tackles, eight forced fumbles, three pass breaks-ups and two interceptions. He is also a member of the Fort Osage Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in business.
Defensive Backs
	Landon Blair \| 5'10 \| 165 Hometown Arlington, Texas High School: Mansfield Timberview HS Blair will be coming to Emporia State from Mansfield Timberview HS in Texas. In his Senior season he had 34 tackles, six pass breakups and a forced fumble. Blair helped lead Timberview to the first round of the Texas Playoffs. He plans on majoring in sports medicine.
	Jackson Chapman \| 6'1.5 \| 185 Hometown: Wylie, Texas High School: Sachse HS Chapman is coming to Emporia State from Sachse HS in Texas. He helped lead the Mustangs to a 9-2 record and a spot in the second round of the Texas state playoffs. In his Senior season Chapman had 20 tackles, a tackle for loss and three pass breakups. He is also a member of Sachse Track and Field team. He plans on majoring in accounting.
	Blayd Harris \| 6'0 \| 195 Hometown: Marlow, Oklahoma High School: Marlow HS Harris is coming to Emporia State from Marlow HS in Oklahoma. He was a Class 2A All-Star and was named All-District First-Team defensive back and All-District Quarterback. As a senior he accounted for 1,155 passing yards and 13 Touchdowns to go with 523 Rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. He had 131 tackles and 11 interceptions from his defensive back position. He helped lead Marlow to the third round of the State Playoffs his Senior year. Wilkerson is averaging over 15 points a game in basketball and won a state championship as a utility player on the baseball team.
	Raijon Sims \| 5'11 \| 165 Hometown: Marshall, Texas High School: Marshall HS Sims comes to Emporia State from Marshall HS out of Texas. He was a standout two-way player for Marshall. In his Senior year he had 33 receptions for 695 yards and eight touchdowns along with two carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. He was named First-Team All-District receiver both his Senior and Junior seasons. Raijon helped lead the Mavericks to a 10-3 record and a spot in the third round of the Texas Playoffs. He is a member of Marshall's Basketball and Track and Field teams. He plans on majoring in business.
	Alex Wilkerson \| 5'10 \| 190 Hometown: Lamar, Missouri High School: Lamar HS Wilkerson is coming to Emporia State from Lamar HS in Missouri. He was a two-time All-Conference and two-time All-District safety along with being named First-Team All-State his Senior year. He was also named Second-Team All-District at punter. Wilkerson was named All-Area at both Quarterback and Safety his Senior year. He helped lead his team to four State Championship Game appearances including winning back to back state titles his Junior and Senior year. Wilkerson is also a member of Lamar's Baseball and Basketball teams. He plans on majoring in business.
Transfers
Quarterback
	Ben Harris \| 6'0 \| 200 Hometown: Midwest City, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: Carl Albert HS/Oklahoma/North Alabama Harris came to Emporia State at the semester after spending the last three seasons at the University of North Alabama. In 16 games with the Lions he threw for 298 yards and a touchdown while gaining 133 yards on 28 carries with a touchdown on the ground. He played at Carl Albert HS where he led the Titans to a 52-2 record and four Class 5A State Championships in his time in the program. His 52 wins as a starter are more than any other player in the history of football in the state of Oklahoma. He is also the only starting quarterback in Oklahoma HS history to lead his team to four consecutive state championships. Harris earned OCA All-State honors and was District 5A-2 Most Valuable Player. He completed 613 of 961 career passes for 9,443 yards and 93 touchdowns with only 20 interceptions. He also lettered in baseball and basketball at Carl Albert.
Running Backs
	Erik McCarty \| 5'11 \| 192 Hometown: McAlester, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: McAlester HS/Oklahoma McCarty came to Emporia State by way of Oklahoma University. In his two years at Oklahoma he appeared in one game at safety against Temple but will move to running back with the Hornets. He was a consensus three-star recruit out of McAlester HS. He was a three-phase player touted as the No. 9 all-purpose back by Rivals, No. 47 athlete by ESPN, No. 64 athlete by 247 and No. 116 safety by On3. He was also ranked as the No. 7 prospect in Oklahoma by Rivals, No. 8 by ESPN, No. 9 by 247 and No. 18 by On3. He totaled over 5,800 all-purpose yards and 101 touchdowns over his high school career. He scored touchdowns as a rusher, passer and receiver. McCarty helped McAlester to the Oklahoma 5A state title game his junior and senior seasons.
	D'Marco Singleton \| 6'1 \| 230 Hometown: Marysville, Michigan High School/Previous School: Marysville HS/Wayne State (MI) Singleton came to Emporia State from Wayne State University in Michigan where he appeared in 29 games while making six starts. During his time at Wayne State he recorded 787 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns. Last season Singleton averaged 4.61 yards per carry and 8.47 yards per reception. D'marco was an All-State honorable mention and first team All-League performer in football as a senior. He totaled 1,100 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior. He was a three sport athlete at Marysville HS competing in football, basketball and track. He was an All-State basketball selection in 2021 while also being named as league MVP. He set the school record with 43 points in a game. Singleton placed seventh at the 2021 MHSAA State Meet in the discus with a throw of 145-10.
Stinger Back
	Robert Harding \| 6'3 \| 240 Hometown: Killeen, Texas High School/Previous School: Ellison HS/Tyler Junior College Harding came to Emporia State from Tyler Junior College. He red-shirted his Freshman year at Tyler and appeared in six Games his Red-shirt Freshman season. Harding was a two sport athlete while at Ellison HS. He had three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown his Senior year and was a member of the Eagle Track and Field team.
Wide Receivers
	Cutter Greene \| 6'0 \| 185 Hometown: Perkins, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: Perkins Tryon HS/Oklahoma State Cutter comes to the Hornets after spending the last semester at Oklahoma State where he redshirted. He helped Perkins-Tryon HS to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the state semifinals as a senior. He recorded 41 catches for 486 yards and eight touchdowns on offense as a senior. He was also an All-Conference selection in basketball his senior year.
	Shannon Henry ll \| 6'2 \| 190 Hometown: Eureka, California High School/Previous School: Life Christian Academy/Campbell University Henry comes to Emporia State from Campbell University in North Carolina. Shannon spent the last two and a half years with the Camels where he appeared in six games recording three catches for 36 yards. His senior year at Life Christian Academy he recorded 13 catches for 297 yards and two touchdowns. He was also a four year letter winner in basketball in high school while racking up first team all-region honors as a junior.
Offensive Line
	Chaden Sullivan \| 6'3 \| 285 Hometown: Chandler, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: Chandler HS/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Sullivan joined the Hornets after spending his true freshman season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. He started five games and earned All-Conference honors for the Golden Norsemen. He helped lead Chandler HS to an 8-3 record and a playoff appearance. Sullivan was named a Tri-County First-Team member his senior year.
Defensive Backs
	Kaliel Boyd \| 5'10 \| 175 Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri High School/Previous School: St. Mary's HS/Southwest Baptist Boyd transferred to Emporia State from Southwest Baptist where he appeared in nine games as a freshman. He recorded 37 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions a 45 yard pick six. He was selected as the Class 4 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior at St. Mary's HS in St Louis. As a senior he recorded 101 tackles and ten interceptions while leading the Dragons to back to back state championships.
	Nehemiah Figueroa \| 5'11 \| 185 Hometown: Pottstown, Pennsylvania High School/Previous School: Pottstown HS/McPherson College Figueroa came to Emporia State after twice earning All-American honors at McPherson College. He was a first team AFCA NAIA All-American last season after earning Second-Team honors and was recognized twice as the NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week. He had 12 Interceptions, eight pass breakups, 113 total tackles, a forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interception returns for touchdowns. He was named to the Pennsylvania Football Writers All-State team at Pottstown HS. He recorded 88.5 tackles, eight interceptions, three pass break ups and a forced fumble for the Trojans.
	Carson Sippel \| 6'1 \| 190 Hometown: Sherwood, Wisconsin High School/Previous School: Kaukauna HS/Winona State Sippel transferred to Emporia State from Winona State. He was a starter as a sophomore for the Warriors and played in seven games as a freshman. In his career at Winona State he recorded one interception, eight pass breakups and 27 tackles. Sippel was a standout on offense and special teams for Kaukauna HS earning All-Conference honors at wide receiver and kick returner. He was also a state runner up in the 200m as a senior.
Linebackers
	Gabe Booker \| 6'1 \| 220 Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri High School/Previous School: St. Mary's HS/Southwest Baptist Booker transferred to Emporia State from Southwest Baptist. He appeared in 20 career games with 64 tackles, three tackles for loss, half a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Booker was a two-time First-Team All-State performer and was named First-Team All-Metro his senior year.
	Landon Boss \| 6'1 \| 245 Hometown: Osage City, Kansas High School/Previous School: Osage City HS/Butler CC Boss transferred to Emporia State from Butler CC where he earned honorable mention All-American honors. He led the Jayhawk Conference and was tenth in NJCAA Division I in tackles and was named First-Team All-Conference. He recorded 90 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions as a sophomore. Boss was a three-time All-State performer for Osage City HS and was named the Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.
	Jaxon Bowls \| 6'2 \| 235 Hometown: Manhattan, Kansas High School/Previous School: Manhattan HS/Butler CC Bowls came to Emporia State by way of Butler CC. He appeared in 13 games for the Grizzlies while recording 13 total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. He earned All-State honors as a tight end and a defensive end for Manhattan HS. His senior year he recorded 36 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
	Devon Owen \| 6'0 \| 206 Hometown: Argyle, Texas High School/Previous School: Argyle HS/Oklahoma Owen came to Emporia State from Oklahoma where he red-shirted last season. He recorded 174 total career tackles, three interceptions and five sacks while helping Argyle HS reach the regional semi-finals his senior year.
	Gabe Roland \| 6'1 \| 235 Hometown: Newkirk, Oklahoma High School/Previous School: Ponca City HS/Kansas State Roland joins the Hornets after spending the first two years of his career at Kansas State. He appeared in one game for the Wildcats, recording a pair of tackles against UT-Martin. He led Ponca City HS in tackles his junior and senior year. He also played soccer and wrestled for the Wildcats, leading the team in goals for three seasons while placing second and third in the state wrestling meet.
Long Snapper
	Tristan Randles \| 5' 11 \| 180 Hometown: Abilene, Kansas High School/Previous School: Abilene HS/Highland CC Randles came to Emporia State after spending the last two years at Highlands CC. During his time at Highland CC he recorded eight total tackles and recovered two muffed punts. He was a multi-sport athlete at Abilene HS competing on both the football and wrestling teams.