Tiffin University has announced its 2022 National Signing Day commits.
Head Coach Cris Reisert and the TU football program will welcome the 42 new players, who bring a wealth of talent to the team. These additions look to continue the strong success both on and off the field. Below are details of the 2022 signing class.
2022 National Signing Day interview with Coach Reisert (VIDEO HERE)
Bryce Keller (VIDEO)
Whitmer High School
Toledo, Ohio
6-5, 295
Offensive line
Parents: Justin Keller, Elyse Keller
Honors: Archie Griffin Award, 2-time 1st Team All Conference, 1st Team All District, 2nd Team All State
Why he chose TU: All the coaches. Great people WANT me there.
Reisert's notebook: Bryce brings extensive experience as a LT at Whitmer. His football IQ, athleticism and demeanor make him an instant impact recruit for us. He brings a mauler mentality on the edge that is rare.
Cameron Murphy (VIDEO)
Urbana High School
Urbana, Ohio
6-2, 215
Linebacker
Parents: Jaime Blosser
Siblings: Colin Blosser
Other sports: Track and Field
Honors: All-CBC Special Mention, Team Captain, Team Defensive Lineman of the Year
Why he chose TU: I loved the feeling of home that the town gives me and I wanted to be a part of a great football team with strong values of culture.
Reisert's notebook: Cameron plays with a relentless motor off the edge and has been really disruptive over his high school career. That'll continue at TU.
Carson Gresock (VIDEO)
Upper Arlington High School
Upper Arlington, Ohio
5-10, 215
Running back
Parents: Steve Gresock
Siblings: Chase
Other sports: Hockey
Honors: Mr.Football finalist (3rd in voting), Metro OPOY, Regional champs and Maxpreps All Great Lakes Third Team.
Why he chose TU: Felt like home
Reisert's notebook: Carson was arguably the most productive RB in the state of Ohio. He dominated one of the state's top conferences, the OCC, led his team on a deep playoff run and finished 3rd in Mr. Football Ohio Voting. His mentality, physicality and explosion make him a special RB.
Chris Pepper (VIDEO)
New Albany High School
New Albany, Ohio
6-4, 210
Tight end
Parents: Beth Pepper, Keith Pepper
Why he chose TU: The culture, the coaching staff, the facilities, and the people.
Reisert's notebook: Chris brings length and physicality to our TE position. His athleticism makes him a great target to stretch the middle of the field to put stress on a defense.
Clarence Dawson (VIDEO)
Green High School
Green, Ohio
6-3, 305
Offensive line
Parents: Damerta Dawson, Clarence Dawson
Honors: 2nd Team All Fed, 2nd Team All-District, 2nd Team All Ohio
Why he chose TU: It's the real deal. Good education program, good football team, and a good family there. It's like my second home. When I went for my official visit I didn't want to leave!
Reisert's notebook: CJ brings positional versatility and projects as a high end player at both guard and tackle. His power in the run game and athleticism in the pass game allow him to be a key piece of our class.
Colin Bailey (VIDEO)
Jefferson High School
Delphos, Ohio
6-1, 185
Quarterback
Parents: Melissa Hosking and Jeff Bailey
Honors: NWC Offensive Player of the Year, NWC HM Specialist, NWC 1st Team QB, Top Performer of the game 4 times, Christie Award
Why he chose TU: I chose TU because of the close mobility to home, and everyone at TU seems very close, and I want that feeling of playing at the Division II level.
Reisert's notebook: Colin has been productive at running and throwing the football which made him his conference POY. We're excited to see him use his arm and legs to win us games.
Collier Brown (VIDEO)
Washington Court House High School
Washington Court House, Ohio
6-2, 230
Linebacker
Parents: Blanton Brown, Christy Brown
Siblings: Brother - Cody Brown
Other sports:: Wrestling
Honors: All-Ohio, All District First Team, All FAC First Team, Fayette County Class of 2020 Most Outstanding Male Athlete
Why he chose TU: TU has a great coaching staff, great culture, and is a place I felt I could further myself both athletically and academically.
Reisert's notebook: Collier comes from U Akron. He was a dynamic all-state performer at Washington CH where he excelled at their Mike LB. He'll be a sideline to sideline player that will compete instantly at TU.
Connor Awad (VIDEO)
Midview High School
North Ridgeville, Ohio
6-3, 195
Wide receiver
Parents: Pam Awad (mom), Antonio Awad (dad)
Honors: 1st Team All County, Wide receiver of the year in the county, 1st Team All Conference, 1st Team All District, 2nd Team All State
Why he chose TU: The environment & the people!! Love the coaches & the program they are building.
Reisert's notebook: Connor's size and athleticism make him a hard cover for most DB's in the country. He projects as an outside WR for us that can make a huge impact.
Daegan Bush (VIDEO)
Woodford County High School
Versailles, Kentucky
6-3, 305
Offensive line
Parents: Mother : Corinna Stumbo
Grandmother: Jackie Stumbo
Other sports: Basketball
Honors: Started and played in every game of HS career, 44 consecutive starts, 3x 1st Team-All District, 2x All-Region, 2x Offensive Lineman of the Year, 103 career knockdown blocks
Why he chose TU: For the family atmosphere of the team, staff, and school, and to be a part of a prestigious program.
Reisert's notebook: Daegan brings size, physicality and a nasty streak to our interior OL. His skill set also gives him potential to bump out and play OT. He's hit the ground running in the first couple weeks at TU.
DeAmonte King (VIDEO)
St Vincent St Mary High School
Akron, Ohio
5-11, 190
Wide receiver
Parents: Eric King and Jeannette King
Why he chose TU: Great opportunity
Reisert's notebook: De'Amonte comes to us after playing at U Toledo for 5 years. He played extensively on their special teams units and also as a WR. His speed and instinct separate him and make him a great addition.
DeAngelo Borders (VIDEO)
Berea-Midpark High School
Berea, Ohio
5-10, 180
Wide receiver
Parents: Dwayne Borders, Carmin Morales-Borders
Honors: Second Team All-State, First Team All-District, First Team All-Conference, 2x Second Team All-Conference, 2x HM All-District
Why he chose TU: I chose TU because of how much love the coaches showed when I first got there. They showed that they really wanted me to be part of the team. I loved how the coaches ran things and how they were laid back and not uptight about everything. Another reason I chose TU is because I want to be part of the program and team that's being built there.
Reisert's notebook: DeAngelo is an electric offensive player. He can play a multitude of positions and can score from anywhere. His versatility will be put to good use at Tiffin!
Devin Carter (VIDEO)
LaBrae High School
Windham, Ohio
5-8, 190
Running back
Parents: Paul Carter, Karen Stier
Siblings: 2 older sisters
Other sports: Basketball, Track
Honors: 3x All League, County, District, 2x All State, All time leading rusher and rushing touchdowns, all time leader in career touchdowns
Why he chose TU: I loved the campus and I felt at home when I was there. The staff was amazing and made me feel like I was actually wanted not just for football but as a person.
Reisert's notebook: Devin's a versatile RB that brings value as a ball catcher. He's a threat in space as he has the ability to make the 1st guy miss consistently. He finished as a top 10 rusher in the state of OH as a SR.
Eddie Starks (VIDEO)
Valley Forge High School
Cleveland, Ohio
5-11, 180
Running back
Parents: Charles Starks, Carlene Starks
Honors: 4 time All Conference, 3 time offensive MVP , 4 time All District Honorable Mention, captain all 4 years, performer of the month, scholar student athlete 4 times, 4,000 career yards, 47 touchdowns, featured on Cleveland.com "news".
Why he chose TU: I chose TU because of the great environment and the people who are at the university. It reminds me of the crowd I was around as a kid. Where I am from everyone is constantly hungry for success coming from nothing and that's exactly how I felt about the group of students at TU. Also the coaching staff of the football team is amazing and have made me feel like they want nothing but the best for me and that feeling is very rare these days.
Reisert's notebook: Eddie's a downhill, homerun threat type RB. Once he sees a seam, he's able to stick his foot in the ground and get max yardage.
Hayden Gerhart (VIDEO)
Elyria Catholic High School
Elyria, Ohio
6-3, 270
Defensive line
Parents: Eric Gerhart, Jennifer Gerhart
Siblings: 1 sister
Honors: 2nd Team All Ohio DL, 1st Team All Ohio OL, Lombardi award winner, 1st Team conference and 1st Team All County twice
Why he chose TU: It felt like home and I really like the vibe and coaches there. Also met some of the players. They seem very chill and are very dedicated.
Reisert's notebook: Hayden is a dynamic player from the 3 technique position in our defense. He can rush the passer and stuff the run. We're thrilled to add him.
Isaiah Funches-Foster (VIDEO)
Lima Senior High School
Lima, Ohio
6-1, 185
Defensive back
Parents: Jodi Lee Foster, Shawn Jermaine Foster
Siblings: Six
Other sports: Baseball
Honors: 4 year varsity, 2 time varsity captain, 1st Team All TRAC, 2nd Team All NW Ohio, 2 time Honorable Mention
Why he chose TU: It's a place I can call home.
Reisert's notebook: Isaiah is a lockdown corner with the physicality, instincts and tackling ability to play safety and influence the run game. He's a great fit for the back end on our D.
Javier Wills (VIDEO)
Westerville South High School
Westerville, Ohio
6-0, 180
Wide receiver
Parents: Londa Jennings
Honors: First Team All OCC, Special Mention All District
Why he chose TU: Since day one Tiffin University has treated me as family. I also feel like Coach Holzer and Coach Reisert see a lot of potential in me as well. I also love the environment along with the people. TU is just the place to be.
Reisert's notebook: Javier is a special player on both sides of the ball but we plan to play him as a WR. His route running, ball skills and mentality give him a chance to be an impact player.
Jett Engle (VIDEO)
Eastbrook High School
Marion, Indiana
5-11, 195
Quarterback
Parents: Alix Engle (Father), Kelley Engle (Mother)
Honors: 2 time All Conference QB
Why he chose TU: I chose TU because it was a fantastic opportunity for me to grow as a football player and as a man.
Reisert's notebook: Jett comes from a football family and can run and throw it. He's a true dual threat QB and we're excited to get him in our system.
Jokell Brown (VIDEO)
Springfield High school
Springfield, Ohio
6-0, 300
Defensive line
Parents: Ralland Brown and Esdona Howard
Honors: 2nd Team All Ohio, 2 time 1st Team All District, 4 time First Team All GWOC
Why he chose TU: I chose Tiffin University because of the coaches and there will to make me better as a man not just in football but outside of football. I love the environment up there and how I was easily brought into Tiffin as if I was already a part of the Dragon family. The coaches and players have the attitude and hunger to WIN and I love to win.
Reisert's notebook: Jokell brings explosion and pass rush ability in addition to being a big time player against the run. He'll compete immediately within our system.
Joshua Lewis (VIDEO)
La Vergne High School
La Vergne, Tennessee
6-2, 185
Wide receiver
Parents: Chivonne Poston
Siblings: Amber Jones
Honors: All Region offensive MVP, team captain
Why he chose TU: New beginning and better coaching.
Reisert's notebook: Josh comes to us as an NAIA All-American. He's caught over 100 balls for over 2,000 yards and 28 TD's in his time at Lindsey Wilson. We're excited to add his playmaking skills to the group.
Josiah Raber (VIDEO)
Waynedale High School
Kidron, Ohio
5-11, 185
Wide receiver
Parents: Ada Raber
Siblings: 5
Other sports: Basketball
Honors: All-Ohio, All-District First Team, All League twice
Why he chose TU: Great culture and winning football team. I like the town of Tiffin and the school has the major I want with smaller class sizes.
Reisert's notebook: Josiah joins his older brother James, a SO offensive linemen, at Tiffin. Josiah is an All-Ohio WR that just flat out knows how to get open.
Justin Wimpye (VIDEO)
Princeton High School
Cincinnati, Ohio
5-10, 170
Defensive back
Parents: Renee Wimpye, Jermaine Wimpye
Honors: 2 time 2nd Team GMC
Why he chose TU: I love the school and the atmosphere and the people.
Reisert's notebook: Justin brings instincts and ball skills to our back end. He's got the ability to run and hit but can also be a pure cover corner. He joins his brother Jermaine, a junior DB at TU.
Lucas Tindall (VIDEO)
Big Walnut High School
Sunbury, Ohio
6-0, 205
Linebacker
Parents: Tracie McCleave, Matt Tindall
Siblings: Brady Tindall
Honors: 2nd Team All OCC, All Central District Honorable Mention
Why he chose TU: Affordable, great program, great academics, awesome coaches.
Reisert's notebook: Lucas plays a physical brand of football but is athletic enough to play outside the box and be a versatile player on D. We plan to use that versatility to the fullest extent.
Mark Woods (VIDEO)
Frederick Douglass High School
Upper Marlboro, Ohio
6-3, 240
Defensive line
Parents: Mark & Tonya
Siblings: Michael, Malachi, Matthew
Other sports: Basketball
Honors: All County TE, Best Defensive Lineman Award
Why he chose TU: A winning atmosphere.
Reisert's notebook: Mark brings a wealth of D2 experience playing at Fairmont State U. He will play our boundary DE spot and brings strength against the run and pass rush ability.
Marque Cummings (VIDEO)
St. Xavier High School
Cincinnati, Ohio
6-0, 230
Defensive line
Parents: John Wilkins, Diane Wilkins
Honors: 2020 State champion, 2020 GCL champion, 2021 GCL champion, GCL Second Team
Why he chose TU: It felt like home, I love the coaches and the atmosphere was great. Plus the brotherhood is a great bond!
Reisert's notebook: Marque led the GCL, one of the top conferences in the state, in sacks at 9.5. He brings motor, toughness and mentality that'll separate him from the pack.
Nehemiah Bing (VIDEO)
Paulding County High School/Shorter University
Dallas, Georgia
6-3, 285
Offensive line
Parents: John & Rose Bing
Siblings: Crystal Bing
Honors: Started 37 college career games at center, Dean's list for every semester, All GSC Academic Honor Roll, Phi Gamma Mu (Honor Society for psychology) & Tri Beta Beta (Honor society for Biology) Why he chose TU: When I entered the transfer portal, for my final year of college football I wanted somewhere that was already established. Had a winning culture and a place where I could come fit in, work hard & also lead. God knew all of this and led me to Tiffin University where I will be playing my final season of collegiate football, winning games, leading & hopefully most importantly winning a conference championship & making my first collegiate playoff debut. The glory forever belongs to God. Dragon Nation, I am ready!!!
Reisert's notebook: Nehemiah has started 40 games in one of the toughest D2 conferences in the country. His experience, size and athleticism will bolster our offensive line and give him a chance to make an immediate impact.
Riley Keller (VIDEO)
Whitmer High School
Toledo, Ohio
6-1, 215
Quarterback
Parents: Elyse Keller, Justin Keller
Siblings: Bryce Keller
Other sports: Basketball / Track & Field
Honors: 1st Team All State, 1st Team All TRAC, OPY 2018
Why he chose TU: I chose TU because it felt like home and the energy around campus is always positive.
Reisert's notebook: Riley comes from BGSU and had a highly decorated high school career as a 4 year starter at powerhouse, Toledo Whitmer. His football savvy, athleticism and accuracy make him a special FB player.
Ryan Razzano (VIDEO)
Holy Trinity High School
Manorville, New York
5-10, 195
Running back
Parents: John Razzano and Kathleen Molloy
Siblings: Will, Jonathan or (JJ) and Josh Razzano
Other sports: Track and Baseball
Honors: All-League, All County, Team offensive MVP
Why he chose TU: Gave me an opportunity to play football at a high level. Along with a great coaching staff and facilities.
Reisert's notebook: Ryan brings the right mentality every day. His effort has been off the charts. He'll be a leader in our RB room and beyond. His production in HS speaks for itself.
Souleymane Sall (VIDEO)
Reynoldsburg High School
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
6-0, 255
Offensive line
Parents: Cire Sall, Marieme Sy
Siblings: Awa Sall, Aiti Sall, Aziz Sall
Honors: OCC Special Mention, District Special Mention
Why he chose TU: I chose TU because of the program and the culture. Also I can see Tiffin as a place for me to grow as a man and football player.
Reisert's notebook: We've been following Souleymane since his FR year and he continues to get better and thrives as a technician up front. He projects as a center for us at TU.
Toby Smith (VIDEO)
Canfield High School
Youngstown, Ohio
5-11, 220
Linebacker
Parents: Tim Smith & Julie Smith
Other sports: Baseball, Basketball, Track
Honors: Senior Year: All-Ohio, All-Northeast Ohio, All-County, All-AAC, AAC Player of The Year, team captain, regional semi-finalist. Junior Year: All-Ohio, All-Northeast Ohio, All-County, All-AAC, regional finalist.
Why he chose TU: The culture throughout the program, the personable & passionate staff & the opportunity to compete for a national championship.
Reisert's notebook: Toby plays the game with passion and instinct. He's been dominant at the MLB spot for Canfield and will bring the energy and passion to TU.
Tyler DeBerry (VIDEO)
Page High School
Greensboro, North Carolina
6-1, 230
Linebacker
Parents: Simona DeBerry, Frank DeBerry
Honors: High school (DPOY Guilford County 2017, DPOY Metro 4AA 2017); Randolph Macon spring 2021 (State Defensive Lineman of the Year by Touchdown Club of Richmond, All-State First Team by VaSID, All-ODAC First Team, ODAC All-Academic Team), Fall 2021 ( All Region 2nd Team, All-ODAC First Team)
Why he chose TU: I knew when I first met the coaching staff and toured around campus there was something special about Tiffin. The culture is one of a kind, with great facilities.
Reisert's notebook: Tyler has had a really productive career at Randolph Macon and he'll bring energy and effort to our DE position. He is a high-level pass rusher.
Tywan January (VIDEO)
Springfield High School
Springfield, Ohio
5-11, 295
Defensive line
Parents: Tylin January, Michael Anderson
Honors: 1st Team All Conference, 1st Team All District, 1st Team All State, conference defensive Player of the Year, Division 1 state runner-up
Why he chose TU: I love the coaches and the relationship I have with them and the players and it's a beautiful place!
Reisert's notebook: Tywan was 1st team all state and SW Ohio D Player of the Year. His power, strength and balance make him an elite DT at our level. He'll fight to make an immediate impact.
Zion Farmer (VIDEO)
University of Arkansas PB
Winchester
5-11, 270
Defensive line
Parents: Vermar King
Siblings: 2 sisters
Honors: 8-4, 1st Team All Conference (11th-12th)
Why he chose TU: Felt like family.
Reisert's notebook: Zion has started over 25 games at defensive tackle in the FCS. He brings power, explosion and a lightning quick first step that will put constant stress on the opposing OL.
Cassius Hulbert (VIDEO)
Edon High School
Edon, Ohio
6-3, 305
Offensive lineman
Parents: Shannan and Warren Hulbert
Siblings: Cohen Hulbert
Other sports: Basketball and Track
Honors: All Ohio, 1st Team D7, 3 time team captain
Why he chose TU: Coaching staff.
Reisert's notebook: Cassius is a mauler with great footwork and will be a huge addition to the interior of our OL. His love for the game shines through every chance you get to communicate with him.
Malachi Bowling (VIDEO)
Kettering Fairmont High School
Kettering, Ohio
5-11, 225
Linebacker
Parents: Kristy Bowling, Jerry Thomas
Siblings: Isaac Thomas
Other sports: Wrestling
Honors: 1st Team All Conference, 2nd Team All SouthWest District, Team MVP, Honorable Mention Tristate DPOY, Team Captain, team leading tackler
Why he chose TU: I chose TU because when I came to the campus and toured with my Mom, not only did it feel like home to me but it felt like home to her. She loved the feeling she got seeing me go to this particular University. I also love how Tiffin University provides opportunities for the highest level of football! My last reasons were the family aspect of the place gave me the best vibes and the hospitality and kindness Coach Johns showed to me!
Reisert's notebook: Malachi has been a tackling machine throughout his time at Fairmont. He brings physicality and an edge to our defense at Tiffin.
Jaylen Razor (VIDEO)
Belmont High School
Dayton, Ohio
5-11, 180
Defensive back
Parents: Tralena Razor and Clarence Razor
Siblings: Clarence Razor II (19), Jayden Razor (17), London Razor(9), Tylen Razor(5)
Other sports: Basketball
Honors: 2x Honorable Mention, 2x #1 defense in the conference
Why he chose TU: I love everything about the school and the football program. From the core values to the relationships with students and players. It felt like home.
Reisert's notebook: Jaylen plays the ball in the air very well. He also covers a lot of ground with his instinct and burst. We're excited to add him to our defensive backfield.
Jaylin Josey (VIDEO)
Antioch High School
Oakland, California
6-0, 206
Defensive back
Parents: Andrew Josey, Cassandra Patterson
Siblings: Darren, Alex, August, Camryn, Madison
Honors: All league LB
Why he chose TU: Coaching staff made me feel very comfortable and trustworthy. I don't feel like I would be wasting my time coming to TU.
Reisert's notebook: Jaylin possesses a great combination of instincts and playmaking ability. He'll compete at our Will LB spot where he's a perfect fit.
Aidan Meek (VIDEO)
Fort Wayne High School
Fort Wayne, Indiana
5-11, 200
Quarterback
Parents: Jennifer Meek and Rick Meek
Other sports: Baseball
Honors: All Conference at QB and DB
Why he chose TU: Felt like home, coaching staff.
Reisert's notebook: Aidan's a really natural athlete with good throwing mechanics. He brings an instinct and IQ for the game that will serve him well in battling for the QB position.
Lincoln Claus (VIDEO)
Bellevue High School
Bellevue, Ohio
6-2, 265
Offensive line
Parents: Dave Claus, Shelley Claus
Siblings: Zayne Claus, Reid Claus
Other sports: Baseball
Honors: 2 time All Conference center and 2 time 2nd Team All District
Why he chose TU: The team and atmosphere felt like home the second I walked in.
Reisert's notebook: Lincoln brings high football IQ, effort and athleticism to the Dragons. His experience at center will allow him to be an immediate asset in the middle of the OL.
Radical Rothermel (VIDEO)
Edgewood High School
Trenton, Ohio
6-2, 275
Defensive line
Parents: Chad Rothermel
Siblings: Sister-25, Brother-13
Other sports: Wrestling, Track and field, and baseball
Honors: 2 time First Team All League and Defensive Player of the Year, 2nd Team All State, 1st Team All District
Why he chose TU: I really liked the campus and the faculty. I also like the competition level that Tiffin plays at. I feel like all the coaches there are all reaching for the same goal to be conference champions and make a run for the national championship.
Reisert's notebook: Radical is a natural football player at multiple spots. His physicality, toughness and athleticism separate him from the pack. He's a great addition to TU.
Jayden Gibson (VIDEO)
Whitmer High School
Toledo, Ohio
6-2, 220
Linebacker
Parents: Dawn Mandell
Honors: 1st Team All State, District DPOTY, 2 time 1st Team All District, TRAC DPOTY, 2 time 1st Team All TRAC
Why he chose TU: Felt like home.
Reisert's notebook: Jayden is a sideline to sideline Will LB. He was first team all-Ohio and the TRAC D Player of the Year. He's disruptive in every aspect of the game and will add value to our D right away.
Ty'Rek Spikes (VIDEO)
Winton Woods High School
Cincinnati, Ohio
5-7, 170
Running back
Parents: Toshia Spikes
Siblings: Takilha, T'Ashya
Other sports: Baseball
Honors: 2021 state champion, team captain, Offensive POY, First Team All Conference, 2 time First Team All City, Division 2 Southwest District 2nd Team offense, First Team fall all star
Why he chose TU: I feel Tiffin is a great place for me. I can come in, get a good education and be able to compete and have fun. It's not too far from home so my family will be able to come and see me play or just visit. Overall I feel Tiffin is a great place and holds great opportunities for me.
Reisert's notebook: Tyrek's a proven RB and is a TD threat every time he touches the ball. He led his team to a D2 Ohio State Title averaging 200 rushing ypg throughout the playoffs. His production speaks for itself.
Muhammad Cook (VIDEO)
Shaker Heights High School
Shaker Heights, Ohio
6-2, 225
Defensive line
Parents: Ayana Fakhir
Siblings: Zahrah Washington, sister
Other sports: Rugby
Honors: 2 time varsity DPOY, JV DPOY, captain selection
Why he chose TU: Everyone who has talked to me about Tiffin brings up the family and the bond of the team before anything, even before the record and that shows that there is a real brotherhood and that is what I am looking for most in a team.
Reisert's notebook: Muhammad brings high level pass rush instincts and also an inate physicality at the point of attack in the run. His effort allows all those things to impact the game.