Aztecs San Diego State Announces 2004 Recruiting Class

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1 Aztecs San Diego State Announces 2004 Recruiting Class SDSU -- Your Local Team San Diego State has put the wraps on one of its most successful seasons in regards to landing local prep stars. Nine players are from local high schools, including two community college signees who attended North County high schools as well as Palomar College. Four new players call Oceanside home and two played at Vista High School. First Time Ever For the first time, San Diego State has signed the San Diego County offensive and defensive players of the year. The offensive player is running back Patrick Gates of Marian Catholic High School. The defensive player of the year is linebacker Russell Allen of Vista. Breaking Down The Class The 2004 class of 23 includes five defensive linemen and four offensive linemen, two receivers, three defensive backs, three linebackers, two tight ends, two quarterbacks, a running back and a deep snapper San Diego State Football Signees Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown (Previous School) Russell Allen LB Fr. Oceanside, CA (Vista) Kevin Craft QB Fr. Valley Center, CA (Valley Center) Siaosi Fifita DL Fr. Van Nuys, CA (Birmingham) Patrick Gates RB Fr. San Diego, CA (Marian Catholic) Stephen Houston LB Fr. San Diego, CA (Mission Bay) Keenan Jones DB Fr. Harbor City, CA (Narbonne) Keioshe Jones DT Fr. Venice, CA (Venice) Lance Louis TE/DE Fr. New Orleans, LA (Landry) Martin Miller DL Jr. Salem, OR (Moorpark CC) Thomas McKay DB Fr. Palmdale, CA (Palmdale) Eric Miclot TE Fr. Oceanside, CA (Vista) Terry Mixon DB Fr. Compton, CA (Dominguez) Marcus Montgomery WR Fr. Oceanside, CA (Oceanside) Darren Mougey QB Fr. Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral) Robert Nelson OL Jr. Gilbert, AZ (Scottsdale CC) Christopher Pino OL Jr. Oceanside, CA (Palomar College) Eric Rouser OL Fr. Camarillo, CA (St. Bonaventure) DeMarco Sampson WR Fr. Chula Vista, CA (Castle Park) Andrew Schantz LB Fr. Santa Clarita, CA (Canyon) Taylor Schmidt OL Jr. San Marcos, CA (Palomar College) Tyler Schmitt DS/DE Fr. Peoria, AZ (Cactus) Jonathan Tu ua DL Fr. Long Beach, CA (Poly) Brian Wilson DL Fr. Palmdale, CA (Paraclete) Big Man On Campus Offensive tackle Robert Nelson will become the biggest player in San Diego State history when he arrives in the fall. He is 6-11, 350 pounds. Immediate Help Which of the 2004 recruits will make the quickest impact? Probably two of the oldest. San Diego State signed two of the most heavily recruited junior-college offensivelinemen in the country in Chris Pino and Taylor Schmidt. Also look for deep snapper Tyler Schmitt to make a quick impact in New Orleans Loves SDSU San Diego State continues to have success in Louisiana. A fourth Louisianan was added to the roster when one of America s top tight end prospects, Lance Louis of Landry High School in New Orleans, inked with San Diego State. Louis elected to become an Aztec after narrowing his choice to SDSU and Miami (Fla.). Two In A Row All indications are that San Diego State has inked the best recruiting class among all non-bcs schools for the second straight year. Last year s class was No. 38 by SuperPrep magazine. SDSU also appears to be signing the top class in the Mountain West Conference (including TCU) for the second consecutive year. Welcome Back Also counted among the newcomers in 2004 is running back Reggie Ross. He was a 2003 signee who enrolled at SDSU in January and is attending classes at SDSU this semester Late Additions The two latest additions to the recruiting class were defensive lineman Martin Miller and linebacker/deep snapper Tyler Schmitt. Both had previously committed to other universities.

2 Russell Allen Linebacker, 6-3, 195, Oceanside, CA (Vista) Was voted as the San Diego County defensive player of the year by the San Diego Union-Tribune, the North County Times as well as the CIF Led Vista to consecutive Division I championship-game appearances Led the Panthers with 118 tackles as a senior Was also credited with four sacks, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles Returned an interception for a touchdown A second-team all-state selection by CalHi-Sports.com Rivals lists him as the No. 33 outside linebacker prospect in the country An all-far West selection by SuperPrep One of two Vista High School players inking with San Diego State in 2004 (Eric Miclot). Personal: Born May 5, 1986, in Upland Son of Jennifer and Dave Allen Would like to coach football at the collegiate level when his playing days are over. Recruitment: Took a visit to Colorado State with Oregon and Arizona also showing interest. Kevin Craft Quarterback, 6-4, 185, Valley Center, CA (V. Center) Developed into San Diego County's top quarterback as a senior San Diego Union-Tribune and North County Times first-team selection as well as all-cif Passed for over 2,400 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2003 to lead the county Valley League offensive player of the year Teddy Lawrence Award winner as San Diego County's top quarterback Also a strong student who was named to the Union-Tribune all-academic team as well as a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete A standout in track and basketball at Valley Center. Personal: Born Oct. 15, 1985, in Escondido Son of Tom and Kathy Craft Father is SDSU's head football Has a sister, Lacey, who plays on the Aztec softball team Both parents are SDSU graduates Undecided on a major. Recruitment: Chose SDSU after considering UNLV, Boise State, Hawai'i and UCLA. Siaosi Fifita Defensive Lineman, 6-4, 235, Van Nuys, CA (Birmingham) A young player with a big upside Will not celebrate his 18th birthday until December Will likely play in the interior of the Aztec defense in the future Played at the same high school that produced Aztec sophomore receiver Ramal Porter A first-team all-league selection as a senior and second-team all-san Fernando Valley Coaches compare him to former Aztec Ryan Iata at the same age... National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete... Two-year starter. Personal: Born Dec. 2, 1986, in Los Angeles Undecided on a major Son of Annie and Siaosi Fifita Full name is Siaosi Halaholo Fifita. Recruitment: Considered Oregon and Oregon State but committed to San Diego State on his first official visit of the recruiting season. Patrick Gates Running Back, 5-9, 180, San Diego CA (Marian Catholic) A first-team all-state selection by CalHi-Sports.com San Diego Union-Tribune offensive player of the year and one of the most productive running backs in San Diego County history Led Marian Catholic to consecutive undefeated seasons and CIF titles Also a standout defensive back Lost just one high school game His 5,039 rushing yards represent the third best total in San Diego County history and broke Reggie Bush's record with a yards per rush average in 2003 Ran for 1,938 yards in 13 games as a senior, including 21 touchdowns SuperPrep all-region selection and was listed as the No. 17 all-purpose back in America by Rivals.com That site listed him as the No. 58 player in California. Personal: Born April 13, 1986, in San Diego... Son of Benita and Jeffrey Gates... Undecided on a major. Recruitment: Chose the Aztecs over Oregon State and had an interest in Arizona, Arizona State, Weber State and Colorado, among others. Stephen Houston Linebacker, 6-1, 205, San Diego, CA (Mission Bay) Made the San Diego Union-Tribune all-san Diego section first team and was a first-team all-cif selection as well as an all-western League pick Had 95 tackles to lead the Buccaneers Was also a member of the Union-Tribune all-academic team. Personal: Born Aug. 19, 1986, in San Diego Son of Linda Devlin and Robert Mitchell Is considering a career in architecture. Recruitment: Committed to Oregon State early in the process before changing his pledge Also received recruiting attention from Oregon and San Jose State November commitment to San Diego State took him off many potential recruiting lists. Keenan Jones Defensive Back, 5-11, 190, Harbor City, CA (Narbonne) A decorated, speedy prepster who attended the same high school as Aztec redshirt freshmen Marc Hull and Antwan Applewhite Was all over the field as a senior, playing on offense, defense and special teams Projected to be a defensive back at State Caught 27 passes for 728 yards with eight touchdowns Had 76 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries on defense Also had a 41-yard field goal and was perfect on extra points as a kicker and served as a punter Listed with a 4.4 time in the 40-yard dash Rivals.com considered him among the top 100 players in California SuperPrep recognized him as the 69th best prospect in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington Also a track athlete. Personal: Born Feb. 9, 1986, in Inglewood Son of Keith Jones and Perry Ferrel Would like to pursue a degree in pre-med or sports medicine A cousin of former USC Trojan and current Denver Nugget Jeff Trepagnier. Recruitment: Also considered Oregon, Arizona State, San Jose State and UNLV with the Ducks the runner-up to San Diego State. Keioshe Jones Defensive Tackle, 6-1, 285, Venice, CA (Venice) Recorded 10 quarterback sacks and more than 70 tackles as a senior for the Gondos Also caught two touchdown passes as a tight end A first-team all-western League selection as a defensive tackle Prep squad played in the Los Angeles city championship game. Personal: Born Aug. 7, 1986, in Santa Monica Son of Shalrese Johnson and William Jones Would like to be a sports agent. Recruitment: Rivals.com lists scholarship offers from San Jose State, Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii. Lance Louis TE/DE, 6-3, 250, New Orleans, LA (Landry) One of the biggest pickups for the Aztecs in the 2004 class Considered one of the top 10 tight end prospects in the country by Rivals.com Is very athletic for his frame Was an all-southwest region honoree by SuperPrep as one of the top 40 (No. 32) players in talent-rich Louisiana Caught 27 passes for more than 500 yards and seven touchdowns and was credited with 63 tackles, including nine quarterback sacks, on the defensive side A basketball standout who was named all-metro last season after helping his team to the state semifinals Will become the fourth player from Louisiana on the Aztec roster, joining Michael Franklin, Hubert Caliste and Kwan Howard. Personal: Born April 24, 1985, in New Orleans... Son of Janice Louis.

3 Recruitment: The Aztecs had to fight off USC, Miami, Indiana and Clemson among others for his signature Committed to San Diego State one week after returning from visiting the Hurricanes. Thomas McKay Defensive Back, 6-1, 190, Palmdale, CA (Palmdale) A solid player who earned all-league and all-cif honors at Palmdale High School Had 60 tackles, four interceptions and five quarterback sacks as a senior An honor student who also earned a varsity letter in basketball A three-year starter in the Falcons' secondary Reached the CIF finals this season after being eliminated in the semifinals during his junior and senior season. Personal: Born Dec. 26, 1985, in Inglewood Son of James and Lisa McKay Goes by "T.J." Undecided on a major Considering a teaching career. Recruitment: Was involved with Oregon, Washington State and Northern Arizona. Eric Miclot Tight End, 6-5, 225, Oceanside, CA (Vista) Made the San Diego Union-Tribune and the North County Times all- San Diego section first team Joins the Aztec program along with prep teammate Russell Allen Could see action as a tight end or at defensive end at San Diego State An all-league choice on both offense and defense A two-time member of the all-academic team Could play on either side of the ball at San Diego State. Personal: Born Nov. 18, 1985, in Orange Son of Jon and Stephanie Miclot Plans to major in history. Recruitment: Cancelled planned visits to UNLV and Wyoming and committed to San Diego State after his official visit early in the process. Martin Miller DL, 6-3, 275, Salem, OR (Moorpark CC) Big commitment for the Aztecs... A standout at Moorpark who was among the last to join the Aztec class... Played on a 10-1 team as a sophomore... A first-team all-western States selection. High School: An all-league, all-region and all-state selection at McNary High School in Keizer, OR... Played on a state championship team. Personal: Born Jan. 3, 1984, in Phoenix... Son of Annette Sells... Plans to major in history. Recruitment: Had offers from Kansas, Colorado State and Fresno State... Committed to Kansas at one point in the process. Terry Mixon Defensive Back, 6-0, 190, Compton, CA (Dominguez) Versatile athlete Was a first-year starter at quarterback as a senior and rushed for nearly 800 yards and 12 touchdowns Also tossed 12 touchdown passes for the Dominguez Dons A SuperPrep all-far West selection (No. 70) as a defensive back Will be in the secondary at San Diego State Defensive stats included more than 100 tackles, five interceptions, four fumbles caused and three recovered fumbles. Personal: Born Dec. 20, 1985, in San Diego Son of Betty Randall and Timothy Mixon Undecided on a major Lists Michael Vick as his favorite athlete. Recruitment: Visited San Jose State Utah and Oregon were also involved, as was Oregon State and Washington State. Marcus Montgomery WR, 6-2, 200, Oceanside, CA (Oceanside) One of the top receivers in San Diego County A physical player who will make for a large target in the passing game Made the San Diego Union-Tribune all-san Diego section first team Caught 51 passes for 986 yards as a senior His 11 touchdown receptions were second best in San Diego section Averaged 19.3 yards per reception A third-team all-state selection by CalHi-Sports.com A SuperPrep all-far West selection and was listed as the No. 92 prospect in the six western states by the magazine Team MVP All-North County Times team. Personal: Born Jan. 13, 1986, in Oceanside Son of Maverick and Jaclyn Montgomery. Recruitment: Also got attention from Arizona, Oregon State, USC, UCLA and San Jose State. Darren Mougey Quarterback, 6-5, 220, Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral) A SuperPrep All-America quarterback Considered the No. 25 quarterback in the country by the publication as well as the No. 3 in-state prospect An athletic, mobile signal caller Rivals.com lists him as the No. 19 dual-threat quarterback in the country and among the top 10 players in Arizona Excels in the classroom Led Chaparral High School to the state semifinals last year and a state title as a junior Passed for 2,200 yards and 32 touchdowns with just three interceptions as a senior and ran for 290 yards An all-state selection by Arizona's prep coaches as well as the Arizona Republic East Valley Tribune offensive player of the year An all-state, all-divisions co-first team quarterback Strong student. Personal: Born April 7, 1985, in Scottsdale Son of Linda Mougey and the late Doug Mougey Named pronounced MOO-gee Considering a career in sports broadcasting. Recruitment: Had scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Duke, Northwestern and Vanderbilt. Robert Nelson Offensive Line, 6-11, 350, Gilbert, AZ (Scottsdale CC) Is the sleeper of the class if anyone 6-foot-11 and 350 pounds can be a sleeper When he hits the field in the fall, he will become the largest player in San Diego State history and could be the largest in America next season A relatively inexperienced player without a lot of football under his belt Very agile An excellent athlete who turned down volleyball offers out of high school Also a martial arts expert Has three years to play two seasons. Personal: Born Nov. 20, 1983, in Germany Son of Charles and Young Nelson Plans to major in computer science Lists drawing as a hobby Has had a summer job as a bouncer. Recruitment: Had interest from Arizona, Wyoming and Brigham Young among others, but was quickly an Aztec commitment. Christopher Pino Offensive Line, 6-5, 330, Oceanside, CA (Palomar CC) One of the top junior college offensive line prospects in the country and a candidate to be in the starting lineup this fall SuperPrep rates him as the No. 20 community college player in the country and the fifthbest offensive line prospect in the junior college ranks A teammate of Aztec signee Taylor Schmidt at Palomar Rivals.com lists him as the No. 37 two-year player in the country Began his career on the defensive side Runs a sub-five-second 40 An all-conference and all-state selection at Palomar JC Gridwire All-America selection. High School: Attended El Camino High School in Oceanside Was an all-county and all-conference selection Led his team with eight quarterback sacks as a defensive end Also lettered in volleyball Was a teammate of Aztec second-team all-league lineman Mike Kracalik and defensive backs Reggie Grigsby and Carl McCullough. Personal: Originally signed with Fresno State out of high school Is a second cousin of Junior Seau Born Aug. 18, 1982, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Son of Fatu and Fua Pino Plans to major in sociology.

4 Recruitment: Had offers from Tennessee, Ohio State and Washington out of Palomar College and was considered a national recruit. Eric Rouser Offensive Lineman, 6-7, 240, Camarillo, CA (St. Bonaventure) A decorated prep player who figures to have a bright future in the offensive line An athletic offensive-line prospect in the Redwood mold of recent Aztec linemen Channel League and Venture County offensive lineman of the year An all-far West (top 100 prospect in six-state area) selection by SuperPrep Considered a top 100 player (No. 79) by Rivals.com Listed by ESPN as one of southern California's top 120 players An all-cif selection Comes from a strong prep program at St. Bonaventure, the same school that produced Aztec receiver Adam Gray-Hayward, as well as Florida State running back Lorenzo Booker Seraphs have gone 40-2 over the past three seasons. Personal: Born March 26, 1986, in Fremont Parents are Bruce and Natalie Rouser Plans to become a fireman. Recruitment: Received a lot of attention despite a pre-holiday commitment to the Aztecs Also considered Washington, Oregon State, Wyoming, Arizona, Idaho and San Jose State with the Huskies and Beavers the finalists. DeMarco Sampson WR, 6-2, 185, Chula Vista, CA (Castle Park) An electrifying high school player at Castle Park Made the San Diego Union-Tribune first team Was one of the county's leading scorers as a senior with 110 points A third-team all-state selection by CalHi-Sports.com One of the top 100 prospects (No. 97) in the Far West region according to SuperPrep as well as a top 100 prospect in California by Rivals.com A standout on both sides of the ball as well as special teams but is expected to join the Aztec receiver corps. Personal: Born Dec. 19, 1985, in Oakland Son of Karen and DeMarco Sampson Undecided on a major Mom's cousin is former NFL running back Icky Woods. Recruitment: Also had interest from Wyoming, Oregon State, San Jose State and Southern California. Andrew Schantz Linebacker, 6-0, 210, Santa Clarita, CA (Canyon) A speedy defender who could fit in well with The Dark Side A SuperPrep all-far West selection as one of the top 120 players in a sixstate area that includes California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Nevada and Arizona Listed by Rivals.com as the nation's No. 21 prospect at inside linebacker as well as the No. 52 prospect in the state of California An all-league, all-cif and all-santa Clarita Valley selection Had 115 tackles his senior season. Personal: Born Aug. 23, 1986, in Burbank Mom's name is Ramona Brian Urlacher is his favorite athlete. Recruitment: Was one of the first players in the 2004 recruiting class to commit to the Aztecs Took a look at Oregon and Oregon State, Colorado and Cal. A three-year wrestling letterman at EHS North County Times male athlete of the year as a senior. Personal: Born Oct. 12, 1981, in Escondido Son of Steve and Nancy Schmidt Likes to help coach wrestling in his spare time Lists former Aztec Kyle Turley as his favorite athlete. Recruitment: Sought by many schools, including scholarship offers from Arizona State, Cal, Kentucky, UCLA and Washington UCLA and SDSU were the finalists. Tyler Schmitt Defensive End/Deep Snapper, 6-3, 215, Peoria, AZ (Cactus) A late commitment who may be the first newcomer to see the field... An all-state defensive end in Arizona who led the state with 20 quarterback sacks as a senior and had 31 in his career... May be the nation s best deep snapper... Ranked second in the west in that category by Metropolitan Sports Review... A strong student. Personal: Born March 25, 1986, in Phoenix... Son of Lisa and Kevin Schmitt. Recruitment: Was an Duke commitment before joining the Aztec program... Also considered Ohio, UNLV and Oregon State. Jonathan Tu'ua Defensive Lineman, 6-3, 250, Long Beach, CA (Poly) A late pickup for SDSU that has the Aztec staff excited Could project as an athletic defensive end at State A three-year starter on defense Credited with 52 tackles and two fumble recoveries as a senior Played at the ultra-successful prep program at Poly that produced a CIF champion and runner-up during his three years Also a wrestler for the Jackrabbits Was on a lot of recruiting lists early. Personal: Born Dec. 12, 1985, in Westminster Son of Iulai and Vai Tu'ua Undecided on a major. Recruitment: Aztecs locked him up early after he had achieved academic success. Brian Wilson Defensive Lineman, 6-2, 280, Palmdale, CA (Paraclete) A SuperPrep all-far West selection as one of the top 120 players in a six-state area that includes California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Nevada and Arizona A first-team all-cif and all-olympic League selection Team captain Attended the same high school as Aztec linebacker Joe Martin Credited with 10 quarterback sacks and 60 tackles as a senior Also ran track for the Spirits. Personal: Born June 30, 1986, in Pasadena Son of Ken and Lupe Wilson Plans to major in education and would like to become a coach Considers Muhammad Ali his favorite athlete. Recruitment: Committed to San Diego State early in the process and also considered Fresno State, Boise State and Baylor, among others Took an official visit to Nebraska and considered the Huskers and Fresno State his finalists. Taylor Schmidt Offensive Line, 6-5, 325, San Marcos, CA (Palomar CC) One of the headline recruits in the 2004 class Listed by SuperPrep as the No. 14 junior-college prospect in the country and the fourth-best JUCO offensive-line prospect in America Teamed at Palomar with fellow Aztec signee Chris Pino Rivals.com lists him among the top 50 community college recruits in the country A former prep wrestling standout at Escondido High School Began his career on the mats at Cal State Bakersfield before heading to the grid iron and Palomar College A second-team all-cif selection out of high school

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