UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University head football coach Ryan Brady announced the 2023 signees for college football's National Signing Day this afternoon in a special broadcast alongside JJ Boehm. The Cardinals welcomed 35 student-athletes to the football program during the broadcast.
2023 SVSU Football Recruiting Class: CLICK HERE FOR FULL ROSTER
New Cardinal Bios
Isaiah Ploucha – DL – 6'3 275
Dearborn Divine Child HS (Detroit Catholic League)…led by HC Chris Laney…3x Varsity Starter…team captain…led team to first playoff appearance & Regional Final in 5 years…1x All-Conference…1x All-Catholic…1x All-Region…1x All-Detroit Metro West…1x All-State…tallied 77 Tot Tkls, 20 TFL's, 3 Sacks, and 3 PBU's in senior season…4x varsity starter in wrestling…CHSL Runner-Up Wrestler in 215lb weight class as a freshman…CHSL Champion Wrestler in 285lb weight class as a junior…District Runner-Up Wrestler in 285lb weight class as a junior…2x Varsity Starter in Track & Field…1x All-Catholic, 1x All-Region, 1x State Qualifier in Track & Field for Shot & Discus…4 Sport Athlete (Football, T&F, Wrestling, Baseball)…5 Year Volunteer for the Miracle League of Michigan (Baseball for Persons with Disabilities).
"Unbelievable young man! Great family! Great person, player, and teammate. He loves SVSU! He is explosive, powerful, tough, athletic, and confident! I expect big things from Isaiah early in his collegiate career. Has the ability to be dominant!"
Sean Hodges – CB – 5'10'' 185
Detroit Cass Tech HS (PSL)…led by HC Marvin Rushing…3 Year Varsity Starter…2x Team Captain…3x City Champs…3x District Champs…2x Regional Champs…2x – 1st Team All Conference…1st Team All-State…Dream Team Selection…30 Career TD's & 1000 Yards in Playoff Run…Top 100 MHSAA Mr. Football Finalist…300 Yds Rushing in against West Bloomfield in the Playoffs…One of the top recruits in the state of Michigan…Dual Sport Athlete – Basketball and football.
"Elite competitor, leader, and athlete. Smart, tough, and selfless teammate. Sean has the ability to be a very special player. Passionate, determined, driven, and a relentless worker. Has all the intangible qualities you look for in a great player. Dominate Mentality at the defensive back position that can lockdown anyone across from him."
Jamari Thomas – WR – 6'2' 205
Ann Arbor Huron HS…led by HC Antawn Mack…247 3 Star Recruit…10 D1 Offers…2 Year Captain…#3 WR in the State of Michigan…3 Year Starter…2-Time All-conference…2-Time All-State…Detroit Free press & MLive Dream Team Selection.
"The total package! Jamari is as versatile as they come. He can do it all! Playmaker! Ball Hawk. Big time threat with the ball in his hands. He will be fun to watch over the next 5 years at SVSU. Great character, drive, and work ethic. He loves SVSU."
Jamil Thomas – S/OLB – 6'2'' 205
Ann Arbor Huron HS…led by HC Antwan Mack…247 3 Star Recruit…10 D1 Offers…#27 Overall Player in the State of Michigan…4 Year Varsity Starter…3x All Conference 1st Team…3x 1st Team All State…Detroit Free Press and MLive Dream Team Selection…Team Captain.
"Special Talent! Can play Defensive back or Linebacker. Has a great skillset and toolbox. Does everything well. The total package. Can cover, tackle, and make plays! Explosive athlete and is also a Great leader and teammate. Looking forward to spending 5 years with him and his brother."
Cordell Mabins Jr – RB – 6'0 210
Livonia Franklin HS (KLAA League)…led by Chris Kelbert…3x Playoff Appearances…2x District Champ…1x Regional Champ…State Semi Appearance…Metro Detroit Player of the Year…2x All-Conference, 2x All-Region, 2x All-West…1x All-State…holds School Records for Career Rush Yds (3,616) and Career TD (54)…holds School Records for Season Rush Yds (1,818) and Season Rush TD (28)…2x 1,000 Rush Seasons…Top 100 Player in MI (247 Sports).
"Cordell is the complete package! Great versatility from the backfield. Has great size. Runs with speed, power, and great vision. Has good ball skills and catches the ball out of the backfield very well. He loves to train and loves SVSU!"
Zarek Zelinski – WR – 6'3 205
Waterford Kettering HS (Lake Valley Conference)…led by HC Bob Chiesa…3x Varsity Starter (O and D)…1x Playoff Appearance…2x All-Conference…2x All-Region…1x All-State…3 Sport Athlete (Football, Baseball, Track)…Captain in all sports…Career Stats: Over 1,000 Rec Yds, over 200 Tackles, 10+ TDs…his Grandpa is Legendary Coach John Herrington from Farmington Hills Harrison.
"Zarek is Different! Dynamic Personality. He is a winner! Special Player! Has elite speed. 4.46 40yd dash at our camp. Has D1 Size, Speed, excellent movement skills, and natural ability. He does everything well."
James McDonald – LB – 6'1 210
De La Salle Collegiate (Detroit Catholic League)…led by the great Dan Rohn…2x Varsity Starter…2x State Champ…1x State Runner-Up…Undefeated Season as a Junior…1x All-Catholic, All-League, All-Region…First Team All-State…1x First Team All-Metro Detroit Dream Team…1x First Team MHSAA Dream Team…119 Tkls, 18.5 TFL, 6.5 Sacks.
"Tough, Smart, and Fast inside linebacker. James can really run and make plays. He's a great leader, teammate, and he is a winner! He is the total package. Loves to train, loves the game, and loves SVSU!"
Ken'ron Davis – DE – 6'4 240
Detroit Denby HS (Detroit PSL)…led by HC Zach Carr…2x Varsity Starter…11 Sacks, 41 Tkls as a JR…7 Sacks, 75 Tkls as a senior With 40 catches for 700 Yds…Voted Team Defensive MVP in 2021…Voted Team Iron Man Award in 2022…2x All-Conference…1x All-City…Detroit News Top 50 Player in Michigan…four-sport Athlete (Football, Basketball, Track, and Baseball)…2x Dean's List…Chose SVSU over a number of big-time D2 Schools.
"Great Personality and a fun young man to be around. He is Outstanding and lights up the room. Has unbelievable upside and potential. Gifted, Talented, and Athletic. Has a huge frame and plays with confidence and swagger. He is beloved at his school by his peers, coaches, and teachers. The sky is the limit for Ken'Ron!"
Camden Weaver – DL – 6'4 280
Belleville HS (Kensington Lakes East League)…led by HC Jermaine Crowell/Dejuan Rodgers…4x Playoff Appearances…4x District/Regional Champ…2x State Champ (1st in school history)…Undefeated senior year…53-3 Record…2x All-Conference.
"Athletic, explosive, and powerful interior Defensive Lineman. Has the ability to create havoc in the backfield and rush the passer. Very difficult to block one on one."
Owen Colpaert – TE – 6'3 220
Macomb Dakota HS (MAC RED)…led by HC Greg Baur…2x Varsity Starter…2x MAC RED Champs…2x District Champs…1x Regional Champ…Undefeated senior regular season…1x All-Conference & All-Region…1st Team All-State…1st Team All-East Team…1st Team All-Dream Team…Dakota HS Records: 3rd All-Time in Career Receptions, 6th All-Time in Receiving Yards…Multi-Sport athlete - 3x Varsity Starter in Basketball.
"Dynamic, Athletic, and Explosive TE. A true vertical threat from the TE Position. Big Time playmaker and weapon. He can go get the football! A Match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. Unique skillset to play attached, off the ball, or on the perimeter."
Charlie (Chuck) Davidek – OL – 6'3 265
Livonia Stevenson (KLAA)…led by HC Randy Micallif…3x Varsity Starter…1x Playoff Win…3x All-Conference…1x Detroit Free Press All-State…Dual Sport Athlete – Basketball.
"Tough, Physical, and Finishes Blocks at a High Level. Plays with a relentless motor. Athletic Big Man with great upside and potential. Very excited about Charlie and he loves SVSU!"
Joshua Buettner – DL – 6'2 275
New Boston Huron HS (Huron League)…led by HC Chad Smith…4x Varsity Player…3x All-League…1x All-News Herald…1x All-Region…1x Team MVP…Team Captain…1st Team All-Academic…5 Sport Athlete (Football, 3x Var. Track, 2x Var. Basketball, 1x Var. Golf and Wrestling).
"Powerful defensive tackle that is extremely disruptive and productive. Plays with great quickness and plays hard with a relentless mindset and energy. Can pressure the quarterback from the interior and has good size and athleticism."
Jacob Burke – TE – 6'4 215
Lutheran North (Detroit Catholic League)…led by HC Garret Wenzelburger…First Year playing Football…Outstanding Basketball Player…1x All-League…1x All-County…1x Academic All-State…23 Catches for 500+ Receiving Yds, 6 TD, 24 Yd/Rec…18 Pts/Gm, 14 Reb/Gm senior year.
"Jacob has great length, athleticism, and ball skills. Jacob can go up and get the ball. Has a great frame, great competitor, and comes from a great family. Excited about what he will be able to do at SVSU."
Calvin Watson – LB – 6'2 215
Dakota HS (MAC Red)…led by HC Greg Baur…3x Varsity Starter…2x MAC RED Champs…2x District Champs…Undefeated senior regular season…1st Team All-East…2x All-County…Holds School Record for Blocked Kicks (8)…3x Varsity Player in Basketball…Multi-Sport Athlete.
"Long, Athletic, and Versatile on Defense. Great in coverage and in space. Plays with great awareness and feel. Smart football player with a nose for the football. Playmaker and great tackler."
Damani Robinson – OL – 6'3 270
Livonia Churchill HS (KLAA)…led by HC Allen Feigel…2x Varsity Starter…1x All-Conference…Never let up a sack in a playoff game…zero tackles given up in Rivalry Games senior year…34 Pancakes senior season (6 games)…Beat #1 team in the state JR YR (Belleville)…Elected for 4frenzy 2022 Fall Fan Choice Awards.
"Powerful Big Man with a relentless motor. Physical at the point of attack. Possesses good athleticism and bends well. Great size and frame will allow for huge upside and potential. Great fit at SVSU as he loves to train!"
Alan OuYang – RB – 5'11 208
Lanse Creuse HS (Macomb Area Conference) White Division…led HC Orande Roy Sr…2 Year Starter…3 Playoff Appearances…All Region, All County…All MAC Academic Team – 3.7 GPA…1300 All-purpose yards – 11 TDs…1st District Championship in School History…1st Time Regional Appearance in School History…leading Rusher in School History…Held Multiple D2 Offers…Best offensive team in School History.
"Alan does everything well. He is fast, elusive, powerful, and is a finisher. Highly motivated individual to be the very best he is capable of being. A unique combination of Size, Speed, and Athleticism. Runs with power, vision, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Finishes runs with physicality and toughness."
Corey Baker – DL – 6'1 300
Dexter High School (South Eastern Conference RED)…led by HC Phil Jacobs…3 Year Starter…1x Conference Champ, the first time since 1963…won Districts and Regionals, and Semi-Final Appearance (First time in school history)…1x Conference Honorable Mention (dressed only half of the season)…1st Team All-State…Placed top 5 at States in Powerlifting…set School Record with a 620 lb Deadlift.
"Corey is a big, athletic, and powerful interior defensive lineman. He is beloved on his team and in his community. He is very committed to becoming the best he can be!"
Cayden Dykema – LB – 6'5 215
Grand Rapids South Christian (OK Gold)…led by HC Danny Brown…2x Varsity Starter…1x Conference Champ…3x District Champ…1x Regional Champ…1x State Champ…1x All-Conference…Undefeated senior season (14-0)…Team Captain…112 Tackles in 11 Games.
"Long, Athletic, and Violent on the Football Field. Plays extremely hard and is very difficult to block. His length and athleticism will cause problems for his opponents. Cayden is a great athlete, student, and he is a winner and champion."
Mason McKenzie – QB – 6'1 180
Caledonia HS (OK Red)…led by HC Derek Pennington…3x Varsity Starter…3x Playoff Appearances…2x District Champ…1x Regional Champ…1x State Finalist…2x All-Conference…1x All-State, All Conference, All Region…Player of the Year in OK Red…Grand Rapids Offensive Player of the Year…Legacy Football Player of the Year…Mr. Football Finalist…Accounted for over 3,100 Yards and 39 TD's SR YR…1,453 Pass Yds, 20 TD, 7 INT…1,683 Rush Yds 19 TD, 9.5 YPC.
"Mason is the complete package. One of the best quarterbacks in the state. A true Dual-Threat Quarterback. Has elite arm talent, great accuracy, and throws with great timing and anticipation. Explosive runner with the ball in his hands. His best qualities are his leadership, character, and competitiveness! He is dynamic as a person, player, and leader."
Kaiden Bell – OL – 6'3 285
Fruitport HS (OK Blue Conference)…led by HC Nate Smith…1x Conference Champ…3 Playoff Appearances…1x All-Conference…1x Detroit Free Press All State…1x Muskegon Dream Team…Multisport athlete – Wrestler & Football.
"Athletic Big Man that plays with toughness, power, and finishes extremely well. Kaiden has untapped potential and upside. He has the ability to be one of the greats to ever play the position at SVSU. We cannot wait to get to work with Kaiden."
Curtis Andrews – OLB – 6'0 205
Forest Hills Northern (OK-White Conference)…led by HC Eddie Ostipow…3x Varsity Starter…2x All-Conference…1x All-State Academic…1x Dream Team HM…Team MVP…Member of National Honors Society…President of FHN Black Student Union…3 Sport Athlete (Football, Basketball, Track).
"Multi-Dimensional Athlete. Has the ability to play all three of our linebacker positions. Has great versatility, athletic ability, and is a very physical player. High Academic guy that loves the weight room and trains with a passion. Comes from a football family and truly loves the game of football. Very excited Curt is a Cardinal!"
Max Taylor – K/P – 5'11 170
St. Joseph HS (Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference)…led by HC Andrew Pratley…3x Varsity Starter…3x Playoff Appearances…1x District Champ…1x Regional Champ…1x State-Semifinal Appearance…2x All-Conference…2x Special Teams Player of the Year…1x Academic All-State…set School Records for Punt Avg, PAT / Szn, PAT / Career, 108 Career Pts…National Honor Society Member…3x Sport Athlete (Football, Soccer, Baseball)…4.34 GPA.
"Max is Elite as a person, player, and as a student. An exceptional young man with a huge leg. Excited about what he can add to the specialist's room at SVSU."
Drew Kaeckmeister – LB/TE – 6'2 220
Swan Valley (Tri-Valley Conference)…led by HC Kevin Gavenda…3 Year Starter…4x Varsity Player…4x Playoff Appearances, 1x District Champ, 1x Regional Champ…3x All-Conference, 2x All-Region, 1x All-State…2x Saginaw Dream Team…1x Team MVP…8 Rec TD senior season…Played 8 different positions (LB, FS, TE, WR, SL, HB, P, K)…Dual sport athlete – Football & Basketball…One of the Great Lakes Bay Regions Top Players…Legacy Athlete at SVSU.
"Long, Strong, and Athletic. Very physical and versatile athlete. Can play on either side of the ball as a TE or LB. Possesses great ball skills."
Luke Braun – OL – 6'3 290
Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port (GTWC)…led by HC David LeVasseur (SVSU Alum)…3x Varsity Starter…2x Conference Champ…4x Playoff Appearance…2x District Champ…3x All-Conference…2x All-Region…2x MLive Dream Team…2x 1st Team - All-State (AP, Detroit News).
"Big Country! Luke is a workout warrior. Physically dominant in the weight room and on the football field. Long, Athletic, Tough, and Smart! High Academic Guy! Very committed to his craft and physically will be ready to compete early in his career at SVSU."
Carrington Pryor – LB/DB – 6'1.5 196
Saginaw Heritage (Saginaw Valley League)…led by HC Justin Thelen…3 Year Starter…2x Playoff Appearances…2x All-Conference & All-Region…Gave up 1 TD all high school…led Heritage to their first playoff appearance in 20+ years…Broke School Records in most points in a game and most points in a season…three Sport Athlete: Basketball, Track, Football… Legacy Athlete – Mom and Dad are both SVSU Graduates and are servant leaders in the community of Saginaw.
"Outstanding versatility as a player and person. Long, athletic, and can play multiple positions. Possesses great leadership and character as well as competitive greatness."
Grayson Orr – DL – 6'3 255
New Lothrop HS (Mid-Michigan Activities Conference)…led by HC Clint Galvas…3x Varsity Starter…2x Team Captain…Voted Team MVP by Teammates senior year…2x Conference Champ…2x District Champ…2x Regional Champ…1x State Champ…3x All-Conference, 3x All-District, 2x All-Region…1x All-State HM junior year…1x 1st Team All-State senior year…voted 2022 Flint-Area Dream Team…1st Team All-State Wrestler…Voted Argus Press Athlete of the Week…Voted MLIVE Athlete of the Week…Multi-Sport Athlete - #2 Ranked Wrestler in the State in Division 4 Heavyweight Division…State Runner-Up in Wrestling Jr Year in Division 4 215 LB weight Class.
"Long, Strong, Tough, Fast, and Athletic Big Man from an Elite HS Program in NL. Grayson can run and attack on the football field. Plays with a relentless motor and is a very physical human being. Loves the weight room and trains 5-6 days a week."
Braden Hill – SL – 5'11 190
Charlotte HS (CAAC White Conference)…led by HC Mike Sparks…4x Varsity Starter…undefeated in Rivalry Games…3x Playoff Appearances…4x All-Conference, 3x All-Region…2x All-State…Voted LSJ Dream Team…Voted Top 10 Player in Lansing Area…MHSAA Record for KOR TD / Game (3)…School Record for All-Purpose Yds/ Szn (2,045)…2x 2000+ All-Purpose Yds/season…3x Sport Athlete (Football, Basketball, Track)…Averaging 20+ Pts/Game in Basketball.
Broden Schafer – OL – 6'7 310
DeWitt HS (CAAC Blue Conference)…led by HC Rob Zimmerman…3x Regional Champ…2x State Championship Appearances…1x State Champ…2x All-Conference.
"Great Size, Good Athleticism, and huge upside. Broden is a giant! Hard worker and passionate about the game. Committed to training and has developed himself through his hard work and passion for the game. We are excited by the growth we have seen from his junior year to his senior year."
Scooter Polk – DB – 6'0'' 180
Mt. Pleasant HS…led by HC Jason McIntyre…3 Year Starter…2x Conference Champions…3 Playoff Appearances…2x – 1st Team All-Conference…1x – 1st Team All State…MVP of the SVL League…60 receptions – 882 yards 10 TDs…22 Carries – 208 yards 5 TDs…1424 Total Yds in 3 Year Career.
"Exciting Playmaker that has the ability to play on either side of the football at SVSU. Has good size, length, and speed to play at a very high level. Possesses great ball skills and can take it the distance on any given play. A bright young man with a very bright future!"
Omarion Lewis – WR – 6'2 185
Kenwood Academy (Chicago, IL) (Chicago Public Red South Conference)…led by HC Sinque Turner…3x Year Starter…1x Conference Champs…1x Semi-Final Appearance… 1st-year swimmer – Multiple FBS offers for Swimming – Yet to lose a race – Freestyle, Back Stroke, and Breaststroke…Undefeated (8-0) Career as a Bowler (freshman and sophomore years).
"Dynamic, Explosive, and a Big-Time Playmaker at the Wide Receiver position. Very talented and gifted athlete. Has the ability to separate. Very fluid, quick, and elusive. Great personality and character! High energy guy. Loves to compete and work! One of the Top WR at the Best of the Midwest Mega Camp."
Nick Patterson – QB – 6'2 218
Mooresville HS (IN) (Mid-State Conference)…led by HC Mike Gillin…3x Varsity Starter…3x Playoff Appearances…2x Conference Champ, 2x Sectional Champ, 1x Regional Champ & Semi Final Appearance…3x All-Conference…2x Conference Offensive Player of the Year…Top 50 All-State…Top 10 Hometown Heros…IndianaPreps Top 22…Mr. Football Finalist…Set every Passing Record at Mooresville HS…Led all of IN in Regular Season Passing TD and Yards Back-to-Back Seasons…Career 28-6 Record…Career 7,329 Passing YD for 85 TD/ 20 INT on 67% Completion…Career 2,369 Rushing YD for 44 TD on 375 Carries (6.3 YPC)…Career 9,968 Total Yardage and 129 TD in 34 Games (3.8 TD/ Game for Career)… Dual Sport Athlete – Basketball & Football…wears #9 for Steve McNair "because it's the infinite number which means I am not afraid of change if you know you know."
"Nick is a dynamic player. Dual-threat quarterback. A downhill runner that finishes with power. Smooth passer and fluid operator. Great leader and competitor. The Mayor of Mooresville!"
Tony Kennedy – WR – 6'2 185
Avon HS (IN) (Hoosier Crossroads Conference)…led by HC Mark Bless…3x Varsity Starter…3x Playoff Appearances…4x Playoff Wins…837 yds receiving and 6 TDs…led Conference in Receiving Yards…3rd in the State in Receiving Yards.
"Big Time Playmaker and Wide Receiver. Has a great frame and is a vertical, deep ball threat. Has the ability to make plays after the catch. Great Redzone Weapon and can go up and attack the football."
Olan Neligh – OL – 6'1 270
Warren Central HS (Metropolitan Conference)…led by HC Mike Kirschner…compete in the toughest conference in Indiana…made it to the Quarterfinals 2 of the last 3 years…beat Detroit King Week 2 this season (MI D3 State Champs, undefeated vs MI teams).
"An absolute warrior on the field. Plays with great toughness, and effort, and is a stone-cold finisher. Has that mentality that he is going to dominate the guy across from him. Plays with great fundamentals and leverage. High motor guy who loves to WIN! He will add greatly to our culture here at SVSU."
Allon Hill – DL – 6'3 245
Roger Bacon HS (OH)…led by HC Mike Blaut…2x Varsity Starter…4x League Champ…1x Regional Champ…1x All-Conference…1x All-District…1x All-Tri-State…4x Honor Roll Student…61 Tkl, 15 FLS, 5 Sacks…2 Sport Athlete (Football, Basketball).
"Long, Athletic Defensive End that plays with great leverage. Uses his hands very well. Very disruptive and can pressure the quarterback. Has a chip on his shoulder and loves SVSU!"
David Collins – CB – 6'3 175
Maple Heights HS (OH) (Lake Erie Conference)…led by HC Shaq Washington…2x Varsity Starter…1x All-Conference…1x All-District…1x All-State…also participates in Drama Club, Leadership Programs, and assists at the Special Ed Olympics…held 14 Offers from various Colleges…Multi-Sport Athlete – Basketball and Football.
"Long, Athletic, and Highly Competitive athlete. Dynamic personality. One of the top DBs in the State of Ohio. He is the total package! Tackles extremely well and plays with energy, toughness, and intensity. He is fearless! Great in press man-to-man situations. He is always up for the challenge. He loves SVSU."
2023 Class Information
Total Recruits: 35
State Champs: 7 Titles – 5 Players
All-Conference: 35
All-State: 26
Team Captains: 12
Offensive Recruits: 18
Defensive Recruits: 16
Specialists: 1
Offensive Breakdown: 2 RB, 2 QB, 5 WR, 3 TE, 6 OL
Defensive Breakdown: 7 DL, 5 LB, 4 DB
ST Breakdown: 1 K/P
Regional Breakdown:
East MI - 17
West MI - 7
Great Lakes Bay Region - 5
Northern MI
IL - 1
OH - 2
IN - 3
In-State: 29
Out-of-State: 6