Mankato, Minn. ---  Minnesota State head football coach Todd Hoffner has announced that 35 student-athletes have committed to play football for Minnesota State.

All signings to attend Minnesota State are contingent upon admission to Minnesota State and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.  
 
"I am so proud of my coaching staff and their efforts to acquire an outstanding recruitment class," said Hoffner. "The 2010 class is filled with quality people, accomplished academic records and decorated football players."

"This year we are proud to announce the commitment of the following young men. These student-athletes will help shape and mold the future of Maverick Football," added Hoffner. 

All 35 student-athletes enter the program as true freshman.  This year's incoming class features a Mankato West senior Colby Straka and Mankato East senior Kenthen King.

Sixteen offensive players make up the squad, along with 15 defensive players.  Additionally, there are three players who can play both side of the ball.

Minnesota State finished the 2009 season with a 10-2 record and hosted the first NCAA playoff game in school history.

Bio's on all 34 student-athletes are listed below.

To view the complete release, click HERE

Barry Ballinger
Defensive Line
6-1 • 260 • Fr.
Wauwatosa, Wis. • Wauwatosa West
High School Coach: Matt Good

Carried the ball 30 times for 89 yards and three touchdowns...Also caught five passes for 64 yards...On defense finished with 81 tackles...Was named First Team All-Woodland Conference as a Linebacker...Was the team's defensive MVP...As a junior was a second-team all-conference pick and finished with 86 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and four sacks.
Hoffner on Ballinger: Barry is a big, fast and tough player.  With his size and playmaking ability we are sure he’ll be a major contributor to our defense for many years.

Jeff Burns
H-Back
6-3 • 220 • Fr.
Circle Pines. • Centennial
High School Coach: Mike Watson

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner...Helped guide the Cougars to a 10-2 record, including a 7-1, first-place finish in the Northwest Suburban Conference...Started 12 games as senior...Rushed for 875 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry...Was an all-conference honorable mention pick.
Hoffner on Burns: At Centennial Jeff Burns was a two sport athlete (Football and Basketball), all conference 2 years in a row and a team captain. Burns was an outstanding running back and also averaged over 20 yards. per catch. Burns is a hard-nosed player with a great frame, which will allow him to add a few pounds and play multiple positions at the college level.


Zach Burrington
Safety
6-1 • 170 • Fr.
Maple Grove, Minn. • Maple Groove
High School Coach: Craig Hanson

Started and lettered as a junior and senior for the Crimson...Caught 31 passes for 512 yards and two touchdowns and led the team with three interceptions nand had 54 tackles as a defensive back...Was an all-conference pick as a wide receiver and a defensive back...Was nominated to the State All-Star game...
Hoffner on Burrington: Zach was a two way starter for Maple Grove High School, along with starting both ways he was also the kick returner and punt returner. Zach has great ball skills and displays a level of toughness that you do not usually see in a high school player.

Darius Clare
Tight End
6-3 • 220 • Fr.
Delano, Minn. • Delano
High School Coach: Merrill Pavlovich

Helped guide Delano to a 7-3 record as a senior, including a 5-2 league record, which was good for second-place...Caught 19 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns as a senior...Averaged 20.6 yard per catch...Was an All-Conference selection...Also participated in basketball and track.
Hoffner on Clare: At Delano high school Darius was a two-sport standout with good size. You usually do not find a guy with the size that Darius has with the great hand eye coordination and ball skills that he displays.

Trent Cummings
Quarterback
6-1 • 205. • Senior
Waunakee, Wis. •Waunakee
High School Coach: Pat Rice

Was a two-year starter and three-year letterwinner for the Warriors...Was a member of four conference championship teams...Over his four-year high school career Waunakee finished 44-3, including a 23-1 Badger North Conference record...Helped guide the Warriors to a Wisconsin D2 state championship...Completed 79-of-131 (60 percent) of his passes for 1,737 yards (22.3 yards per completion) and 18 touchdowns as a senior... Was named all-conference and all-area...Helped lead Waunakee to its first national ranking in school history...His high school is currently in the midst of a 71-game home winning streak.
Hoffner on Cummings: Trent is a dynamic quarterback who has shown that he is a perfect fit in our system.  He has shown the ability to make all the college throws, drop back situations or on the run.  He has also showed exceptional leadership qualities by leading his team to division 2 state championship in Wisconsin this past season.

Samuel Cunningham
Offensive Line
6-4 • 310 • Freshman
Hudson, Wis. • Hudson
High School Coach: Adam Kowles

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner for Hudson where he helped lead the Raiders to a  9-2 record, including a 6-1 record in the Big Rivers Conference, good for first-place in the league...The league championship marked the school's first since the 1982 season...Was a member of the Wisconsin Football Coaches First-Team All-State...Was an All-Area and All-North West Eau Claire  Leader Telegram selection...Was also a First-Team All-Big Rivers pick.
Hoffner on Cunningham: Sam is a big-time prospect with huge potential.  He has an enormous frame and is very physical.  He has the ability to dominate at the Line of Scrimmage and has a very bright future.

Logan Figueroa
Nose Guard
6-3 • 260 • Freshman
Reedsville, Wis. • Valders
High School Coach: Wade Rickmeier

Was a three-year letterwinner in football and a four-year letterwinner in wrestling at Valders High School...Was a first-team all-conference choice...As of Feb. 1, was 31-0 this season as a wrestler...His dad was a member of the 1992 Puerto Rican Olympic wrestling team.
Hoffner on Figueroa: Logan is a state champion caliber wrestler that has tremendous body control and bend.  Toughness runs in his family as his father wrestled in the 1992 Olympics.  His power is great at the line of scrimmage and he moves great laterally from sideline to sideline. 

Kristopher Fleigle
Linebacker
6-2 • 188 • Freshman
Maplewood, Minn. • Mounds View
High School Coach: Jim Galvin

Helped guide the Mustangs to a 10-3 record, including a 6-2 third-place finish in the Suburban East Conference as a senior...Was a two-year letter winner and starter...Played and started in 13 games as a senior...Recorded 128 tackles, forced three fumbles and broke up three passes...Was a 2009 team captain...Named all-conference and was the team's defensive MVP...Helped Mounds View to a section championship and was a member of the first team in school history to advance to the state semifinals.
Hoffner on Fleigle: Kris fits our prototype of an outside linebacker; he is very athletic and physical. He played inside linebacker for Mounds View, so he understands what it means to be physical.

Scott Forchette
Wide Receiver
6-1 • 175 • Freshman
Kenosha, Wis. • Tremper
High School Coach: Frank Matrise

Was a two-year starter and letterwinner for Tremper...Caught 29 passes for 502 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games as a senior.
Hoffner on Forechette: Things that you’ll notice right away about Scott is his toughness, he is one of the best blocking receivers we have seen.  Couple that with his speed and he is a dangerous weapon in both the running and passing games. 

Ryan Gorrell
Linebacker
6-2 • 210 • Freshman
Westchester, Ill. • Montini Catholic
High School Coach: Chris Andriano

Helped Montini to a 10-4 record as a senior and was a member of the Illinois Class 5A State Championship squad last season...Rushed 150 times for 1,195 yards and nine touchdowns...Also caught 11 passes for 113 yards...On the defensive side of the ball he totalled 113 tackles (68 solo), 11 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks and two interceptions...Also had three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and two blocked kicks...Was a first-team all-conference, all-area and all-state selection as a senior.
Hoffner on Gorrell: Ryan is great athlete that started both ways for a state championship team.  He brings smarts, athleticism, and toughness to our linebacker corps.

Gary Haitt
Offensive Guard
6-3 • 280 • Freshman
Omaha, Neb. • Millard South
High School Coach: Andy Means

Played on the offensive and defensive line for the Patriots...Helped guide Millard South to a 13-0 record last season and a Class A State championship...Started for three years for the Patriots...Also a participated in track and basketball...Placed sixth in the Class A shot put competition last spring...Was named All-Nebraska Superstate, First-Team All-Metro, All-District, Class A All-State and the Metro Conference Lineman of the Year as a senior...Teammate of incoming freshman Max Hofmeister.
Hoffner on Haitt: Gary is a very athletic lineman who can play multiple positions.  Is a very physical blocker with quick feet.

Max Hofmeister
Offensive Tackle
6-5 • 280 • Freshman
Omaha, Neb. • Millard South
High School Coach: Andy Means

Was a two-year starter and letterwinner for the Patriots...Helped guide Millard South to a 13-0 record last season and a Class A State Championship....Played and started all 13 games....Named all-district and all-division and was an honorable mention all-state pick...Teammate of incoming freshman Gary Haitt.
Hoffner on Hofmeister: Max is big, strong, and athletic offensive lineman.  Has tons of potential and is a very physical blocker who finishes to the whistle on every play.

Adam Kaalberg
Cornerback
6-0 • 165 • Freshman
DeForest, Wis. • DeForest Area
High School Coach: Mike Minick

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner...Helped guide the Norskies to an 8-3 record, including a 6-1 first-place finish in the Badger North Conference as a senior...Finished with 67 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass break-ups...Also returned a kick and a punt for a touchdown...Was a unanimous  first-team all-conference pick...Was honorable mention all-state and named All-Region by the Wisconsin Coaches Association.
Hoffner on Kaalberg: Adam is a dynamic football player.  He is a weapon in return game and a ball hawk in the secondary.  We are very excited about Adam’s speed and overall athleticism.

Bryan Keys
Defensive Tackle
6-1• 275 • Freshman
Germantown, Wis. • Germantown
High School Coach: Phil Datka

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner...Helped the Warhawks to a 5-4 record as a senior...Was a first-team all-conference pick as a junior and a senior...Had 24 solo tackles and 44 assisted...Also tallied nine tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery...Also participated in track and field and basketball.
Hoffner on Keys: Bryan may be one of the best overall athletes at his size we have seen in a long time.  His speed, agility and never quit attitude are exactly what we are looking for on our defensive line.

Kenthen King
Running Back
6-0 • 190 • Freshman
Mankato, Minn. • East
High School Coach: Dave Frissell

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner for the Cougars...As a sophomore he was coached  by Minnesota State running back coach Eric Davis...Averaged 150 yards per game and had 1200 yards as a senior...Did not fumble once last year...Led East in scoring with 11 touchdowns...Was a two-time all-city, all-conference and honorable mention all-state selection.
Hoffner on King: Kenthen has been a physical downhill runner at Mankato East High School.  His vision and running style are well-suited to the Maverick run game.

Levi Kraft
Wide Receiver
6-3 • 210 • Freshman
Menomonie, Wis. • Menomonie
High School Coach: Joe LaBuda

Was a three-year and letterwinner at Menomonie...Helped lead the Indians to an 8-3 record as a senior...Was a second-team all-conference pick as a receiver...Had 400 yards of receiving and 150 yards of rushing...Also scored five touchdowns.
Hoffner on Kraft: Levi is a really big framed kid with great body control.  He comes from a great program and has a huge upside.  He plays very physically and is an extremely tough competitor.

 Joshua Kremer
Running Back/Linebacker
6-0 • 190 • Freshman
Sartell, Minn. • Sartell
High School Coach: John Ross

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner for Sartell...Helped guide the Sabres to a 13-1 record last season including a 6-0 Central Lakes Conference mark...Also participates in track and field...Rushed 279 times for 1,412 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior...Had 15 carries for 123 yards and three touchdowns against Bemidji and 32 carries for 154 yards and four scores against Willmar...Was an all-conference, all-section and all-area athlete...Also a Central Lakes Conference All-Conference pick.
Hoffner on Kremer: Josh comes to us from an excellent high school program.  Josh’s size, power, and speed make him a dynamic player in the future of our football program.

Coby Makela
Defensive End
6-1 • 220 • Freshman
Plainview, Minn. • PEM
High School Coach: Bill Ihrke

Was a two-year starter and three-year letterwinner at PEM high school...Helped the Bulldogs to back-to-back Three Rivers Conference championships...In his junior and senior seasons, PEM went 18-3, with an 8-0 league mark.
Hoffner on Makela: Coby is an athletic defensive end with the potential to be an outstanding pass rusher at the college level.  He was a dominant three-sport athlete at Plainview-Elgin-Millville.

Brandon Marquardt
Tailback
5-10 • 200 • Freshman
Champlin, Minn. • Champlin Park
High School Coach: Mike Korton

Was a two-year starter and letterwinner for the Rebels where he helped guide the squad to a 6-4 record, including a 5-3 third-place finish in the Northwest Suburban League...Was the Northwest Suburban Conference Offensive Player of the Year...Rushed 240 times for 1,513 carries, including 21 touchdowns and 6.3 yards per carry...Caught 22 passes for 398 yards and six touchdowns....Was a Mr. Football Minnesota Finalist...Named to a handful of all-metro squads.
Hoffner on Marquardt: Brandon is well-rounded running back – not only did he lead the team in rushing, but was also second on his team in receiving yards. He is a very patient running back that is not afraid to put his head down and get the tough yards or step up in pass protection.

Joshua Meeker
Offensive Center
6-1 • 275 • Freshman
Omaha, Neb. • Millard West
High School Coach: Kirk Peterson

Was a two-year starter and three-year letterwinner for the Wildcats and helped them to a  10-3 record as a senior...Was named a team captain and selected as an all-district, all-metro, all-state and all-superstate preformer...Finished as a state runner-up as a senior, state champion as a junior and went to the state semifinals as a sophomore.
Hoffner on Meeker: Josh is a true center who plays with great leverage.  Josh is very athletic and will finish off opponents and is an excellent zone run game blocker.

Trenton Moorehead
Linebacker
6-3 • 220 • Freshman
Bettendorf, Iowa • Bettendorf
High School Coach: Aaron Wiley

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner for Bulldogs where he helped guide Bettendorf to an 8-2 record last season, including an 8-1 mark in the Mississippi Athletic Conference....As a junior he helped Bettendorf reach the Iowa Class 4A quarterfinals...As a senior he finished with 67 tackles, two interceptions, six tackles for a loss a forced fumble and a blocked PAT...Was a first-team all-conference and All-Quad City pick,
Hoffner on Moorehead: Trent comes from an excellent high school football program, rich in tradition.  He brings great size and athleticism to our linebacker corps.

Drew Ostendorf
Linebacker
6-1 • 185 • Freshman
Lakeville, Minn. • South
High School Coach: Larry Thompson

Was a two-year starter and three-year letterwinner for the Cougars...Lakeville South went 7-3 record last year, including a 6-2 third-place finish in the Lakes Conference...Was named all-state honorable mention and was an all-conference pick.
Hoffner on Ostendorf: Drew displayed a combination of speed, intelligence, and football savvy, has a great nose for the ball and plays with a lot of passion. He has displayed great leadership while at Lakeville South High School, and we look for him to continue to grow as a leader.

Marvin Paine
Wide Receiver
6-1 • 166 • Freshman
Milwaukee, Wis. • Marquette Univ. HS
High School Coach: Dick Basham

Helped guide Marquette to a 14-0 record lasts eason, including a 7-0 mark in the Greater Metro Conference....Was a first-team all-conference selection...Caught 38 passes for 598 yards and a touchdown....Helped lead Marquette University High School to a state championship and set the record for most wins in school history.
Hoffner on Paine: Marvin’s body control and hands are second to none.  He can run any route and with his size and speed he always seems to come down with the ball no matter where it is thrown. 

Jacob Poehls
Defensive Back
5-9 • 163 • Freshman
Heartland, Wis. • Arrowhead
High School Coach: Tom Taraska

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner for the Warhawks...Helped guide Arrowhead to an 11-2 record as a senior, including a 6-1 record in the Classic 8 Conference...Was an honorable mention all-conference pick...Arrowhead finished 38-3 with him starting...As a junior lead the team with seven interceptions...Also participated in track and wrestling.
Hoffner on Poehls: Jake plays the game the way it is supposed to be played.  He is a player that is always active in the secondary and he has tremendous upside.

Jake Powell
Defensive Back
5-10 • 170 • Freshman
Cottage Grove, Minn. •  Park
High School Coach: Doug Ekmark

Was a two-year starter and letterwinner for the Wolfpack....Defensively last year he finished with three interceptions and totalled 31 tackles...Offensively caught 17 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns...Also returned punts and kicks...Was an all-conference pick.
Hoffner on Powell: Jake was a two-way starter for the Wolfpack at wide receiver and safety.  He was also the starting long snapper. Competing at this level at all these different positions makes Jake a special athlete, and this has our coaching staff fired up about Jake joining our football program.

Christopher Reed
Offensive/Defensive Tackle
6-4 • 310 • Freshman
Omaha, Neb. •  Central
High School Coach: Jay Ball

Reed was a three-year starter and letterwinner for Omaha Central...Was named honorable mention all-state...Also a stand-out athlete in track and field...Was named the Nebraska Field Athlete of the year in 2009.
Hoffner on Reed: Chris is very athletic offensive and defensive lineman.  He can play multiple positions on the football field.  Very explosive with a 59-foot shot put.

Evan Rosa
Offensive Guard
6-3 • 280 • Freshman
West Allis, Wis. •  Nathan Hale
High School Coach: Scott Otto

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner for Nathan Hale High School...Totaled 38 pancake blocks...Was a first-team all-conference and first-team all-suburban choice...Will play in the Wisconsin All-Star game this summer.
Hoffner on Rosa: Evan is a dominating blocker in both the run and the pass.  We are really impressed with his feet and ability to finish off all of his blocks.

Keyvan Rudd
Wide Receiver
6-3 • 187 • Freshman
Davenport, Iowa •  Central

High School Coach: Mark Roering
Was a three-year starter and letterwinner for Davenport Central...Helped guide the Blue Devils to a 5-5 record as a senior, including a 5-4, third-place finish in he Mississippi Athletic Conference...Caught 39 catches as a senior for 817 yards and nine touchdowns...Was named Second-Team All-State by Iowapreps.com.
Hoffner on Rudd: Keyvan will bring a big play element to our offense.  He has good speed and is a tremendous leaper who can go up and get the football in traffic.

Erik Ruhland
Quarterback
6-4 • 195 • Freshman
Plymouth, Minn. • Armstrong
High School Coach: Ryan Bartlett

Was a two-year starter and letterwinner for the Falcons...Also played baseball and basketball for Armstrong...As a senior he threw for 2,009 yards, completing 58 percent of his passes (169-for-189) and set the school record for most passing attempts...Finished with eight passing touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns.
Hoffner on Ruhland: Erik Ruhland has a very live arm and gets rid of the ball very quickly, which made him a no brainer for us to recruit. Erik is not your traditional spread offense quarterback; with all of his other intangibles that will allow him to flourish in any offensive system.

Kelend Smith
Cornerback
6-0 • 165 • Freshman
University City, Mo. • University City
High School Coach: Duane Hawthorne

The Lions had a 6-6 record last year where he was a three-year starter and letterwinner...Recorded 22 tackles and had two interceptions...Also caught 10 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns...Sealed University City's victory over Normandy with an interception in overtime, giving the Lions their second district title in as many years...Also a stand-out track athlete.
Hoffner on Smith: Kelend has all the tools you look for in a cornerback.  He has excellent closing speed and great ball skills.

Colby Straka
Offensive Center
6-1 • 290 • Freshman
Mankato, Minn. • West
High School Coach: Mark Esch

Helped guide Mankato West to a 12-1 record as a senior and the Minnesota Class AAAA semi-finals...As a junior, the Scarlets went  13-1, including a state championship...Was named to the All-City Team and was an All-Big Nine and an all-state honorable mention pick...Named the team's lineman of the year.
Hoffner on Straka: Colby brings size and championship experience to the Mavericks.  He was a versatile performer on both sides of the line of scrimmage at Mankato West High School.

Samuel Thompson
Safety
6-1 • 180 • Senior
Clive, Iowa • Waukee
High School Coach: Scott Carlson

Was a two-year letter winner at Waukee where he helped the Warriors play to a 7-4 record as a senior...Played several positions as a senior, including wideout, linebacker and defensive back...Started as a linebacker and wideout last season...Recorded 72 tackles and averaged 1.3 tackles for a loss per game...Also had an interception, fumble recovery and a forced fumble...Hauled in 20 passes for 453 yards and eight touchdowns...Was unanimous All-CIML pick as a linebacker...Also returned kicks, averaging 25.3 yards per return.   
Hoffner on Thompson: Sam has been on our radar for quite some time, after a great performance at our camp this summer.  He is a playmaker with excellent size for his position.

Taylor Waldorf
Defensive Line
6-2 • 255 • Freshman
Winona, Minn. • Cotter
High School Coach: Pat Bowlin

Was a four-year starter and letterwinner for the Ramblers...Also a member of the school's strength and track teams...Finished his senior year with 64 tackles (38 solo, 14 for a loss), six sacks and two forced fumbles...Was a team captain...Named all-conference and all-area...Was invited to the EJ  Henderson Elite Showcase.
Hoffner on Waldorf: Taylor brings an explosive athletic presence to the Maverick defensive line.  He played multiple defensive line positions as well as linebacker for Winona Cotter.

Jake Yanak
Tight End/Defensive End
6-5 • 220 • Freshman
Green Bay, Wis. • Ashwaubenon
High School Coach: Mark Jonas

Was a two-year starters and letterwinners for the Jaguars...Helped guide Ashwaubenon to a 6-4 record as a senior, including a third-place finish in the Fox River Classic Conference...Played all 10 games as a starter...Was an all-conference and all-area selection. 
Hoffner on Yanak: Jake is very explosive and has an unbelievable frame.  He can run and yet plays with great hands and is able to control the line of scrimmage.  He is going to become a force as his frame fills out.

Jonathan Wolf
Quarterback/Athlete
6-4 • 195 • Freshman
Oak Forest, Ill. • Oak Forest
High School Coach: Brian McDonough

Was a three-year starter and letterwinner for the Bengals...Helped Oak Forest to an 8-2 record, including an 8-1 South Suburban Blue Conference tally last season, which was good for first-place.  Completed 63-of-96 passes for 1,046 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior...Also rushed 123 times for 1,101 yards and nine touchdowns...Caught five passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns...Defensively had three interceptions and nine tackles...Was the conference player of the year....Also named to Chicago Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention and was First-Team All-State 6A. 
Hoffner on Wolf: Jon is a long and lean athlete that can play a multitude of positions, including quarterback, wide out and defensive back.  His over all speed and athleticism and playmaking ability is tremendous for his height.