2013 Signing Class: A Deeper Look Into the Defense
DEFIANCE, Ohio - The 2013 Defiance Yellow Jackets football signing class features 73 newcomers. Of that group, 33 of the newest Yellow Jackets will be lining up on the defensive side of the ball and three will line up on special teams plays.
DEFIANCE, Ohio - The 2013 Defiance Yellow Jackets football signing class features 73 newcomers. Of that group, 33 of the newest Yellow Jackets will be lining up on the defensive side of the ball and three will line up on special teams plays.
The defense had bright spots in 2012 under Brian Sheehan's first season as the head coach. Defiance finished second in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference in total defense despite starting five freshmen. The Yellow Jacket defense led the league in first downs allowed, finished second in rushing defense, second in pass defense and third in third-down conversions.
Defensive end Andrew Leverenz led the HCAC in sacks and tackles for loss as a junior. Leverenz was one of seven defensive players named to the first or second team All-HCAC teams last fall.
Despite the success, Sheehan and the coaching staff had several needs heading into the first full recruiting season. The defensive front was vital to the program's immediate and long term success.
"Stopping the run will always be a priority with our defense and we place great value on linemen who can help us do that," Sheehan said. "However, we put a premium on guys who can also stay on the field in passing situations and get after the quarterback."
"I believe we have a number of those elite players in this year's class."
In all the Yellow Jackets added 33 new defensive players to the roster.
Here is a deeper look into the 2013 defensive class.
Cody Brown |
Brown was a do-it-all standout at New Miami High School. Brown was a four-year starter, starting games at running back, linebacker and defensive end. Brown was named a captain during a senior campaign that saw him earn 1st Team All-Miami Valley Conference honors, Second Team All-Butler County honors and Third Team All-Ohio Division 6 honors as a running back. After his junior season Brown was named to the All-Miami Valley Conference First Team as a linebacker. Brown was a standout in the classroom as well, landing on the Honor Roll during each of his four years of high school. He is the son of Jimmy and Melissa Brown. He plans to major in Criminal Justice at Defiance. |
Braheem Crews |
Crews was a two-year starter at Port Huron High School. As a senior he finished with 26 tackles and a sack, helping the Big Reds to a 7-3 record. The Big Reds finished 10-2 during his junior season. Crews garnered Honorable Mention All-Blue Water Area honors after his senior season. He also finished fifth in the state of Michigan as a wrestler and threw the Shot Put in track. Crews was named to the All-MAC Academic First Team, showing his strong ability in the classroom. He is the son of Broderick Crews and Nada and Donnie Younger. He plans to major in Business and Marketing at Defiance. |
Josh Dennard |
Dennard was a two-year starter for Plymouth High School. He was a part of a strong Wildcat football team that finished 19-4 over the last two seasons, advancing to the Michigan state playoffs both seasons. Dennard also ran varsity track at Plymouth. He is the son of Monte and Bernie Dennard. He plans to major in Criminal Justice at Defiance. |
Matt DeVore |
DeVore is one of the most accomplished recruits in the Class of 2013. The Van Buren standout was a three-year starter at linebacker and he started his junior season at fullback. Injuries to Van Buren's primary ball carrier forced DeVore into a ball-carrying role as a senior. He finished with 785 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns to earn Second Team All-Blanchard Valley honors as a running back. But it was on the defensive side where DeVore made his biggest mark. After racking up 90 tackles during his senior campaign, DeVore was named a First-Team All-BVC linebacker. He also earned All-Northwest Ohio District V honorable mention honors. The Van Buren standout was also chosen to play in the East-West Coaches All-Star Game. DeVore was a starter on the Van Buren basketball team and also competed in track. He is the son of Chris and Brenda DeVore. He plans to major in Business Management or Corporate Fitness at Defiance. |
Blake Evans |
Evans was a three-year starter and a two-year captain at Connersville High School. Evans was also a key factor in Connersville making a three-game improvement in the win column during his senior season. The talented athlete rushed for 1430 yards (7.3 per rush) and 12 touchdowns as a senior. He also hauled in 24 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns. His strong senior campaign earned him a trip to the Indiana North/South All-Star Game. Evans rushed for 875 yards (5.0 per rush) and eight touchdowns as a junior while also hauling in 28 passes for 376 yards and two more scores. Evans is the son of Kenny and Cheryl Evans. |
Alex Frick |
Frick was a two-year starter at East Noble. He finished his senior season with 55 tackles and two defensive touchdowns. Frick was a founding member of the Athletic Leadership Council at East Noble. Frick also played varsity baseball for the Knights. He is the son of Scott and Cindy Frick. He plans to major in education at Defiance. |
Keandre Gilmer |
Gilmer was a three-year starter for Rogers High School. Gilmer was chosen as a captain for the Rams as both a junior and senior. During an injury plagued senior season Gilmer racked up 71 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and intercepted two passes. He was named a First Team All-City League and Honorable Mention All-Northwest District linebacker as a junior after registering 82 tackles. Gilmer also played on the Rams basketball team that advanced to the Division I state-championship game. He is the son of Laquesha Gilmer. He plans to major in Criminal Justice and minor in Social Work at Defiance. |
Michael Girona |
Girona was a three-year starter at Otsego. He was selected as a team captain for his senior season. Girona earned First Team All-Northern Buckeye League honors after racking up 76 tackles and 10 sacks as a senior. His strong season also earned him Second Team All-Northwest Ohio District IV honors. Girona was a strong two-way player in high school and was also named Second Team All-NBL as an offensive lineman. The Otsego standout was also a four-year letter winner in Track and Field. He was the state runner-up in the 225-pound weight class in powerlifting as a senior. Girona is the son of Rick and Paula Girona. He plans to major in Sports Management at Defiance. |
Dallas Hale |
Hale was a two-year starter at Dowagiac Union, earning captain status as a senior. Hale knows what it takes to win, having been a part of a Chieftain program that racked up a 21-3 record during his two years as a starter. The standout defensive tackle racked up 51.5 tackles and eight sacks during his senior season, earning First Team All-Wolverine League honors. Hale also competed in track and field. He is the son of Ron and Jacqueline Hale. |
Jerald Helm |
Helm was a three-year starter at Providence High School in Jacksonville. He was named a team captain for his senior season. Helm led the Stallions to the state playoffs as a senior. Helm also played varsity basketball, lacrosse and track and field. Helm is the son of Jerald and Tamaria Helm. He plans to major in Sports Management at Defiance. |
Kenny Jones |
Jones was a two-year starter and senior captain at Bowsher High School. Jones was dominant on both sides of the ball over the past two seasons. As a senior he was named to the First Team All-City League team as both a defensive back and a wide receiver. Jones was also named to the All-Northwest Ohio District I Second Team after a strong senior campaign. As a junior he was named to the All-City League Second Team and was named an Honorable Mention All-Northwest Ohio District I defensive back. Jones is the son of Lavonya Jones. |
Kevin Keefe |
Keefe was a two-year starter and a three-year letter winner at Arcadia. He was named a captain for the Redskins as a senior. Keefe also played basketball in high school for Arcadia where he led the team in rebounds. He is the son of Kevin and Angela Keefe. He plans to major in Athletic Training at Defiance. |
Tyler Lassitter |
Lassitter was a two-year starter at Howell. As a senior he racked up 31 tackles and an interception. Lassitter also played varsity basketball and ran track at Howell. He also thrived in the classroom where he made honor for three years. Lassitter is the son of Terry and Lorene Lassitter. He plans on majoring in Business and Marketing at Defiance. |
Donovan Martin |
Martin started at cornerback during his senior year. He finished the 2012 season with 34 tackles. He is the son of Darrell and Lonia Martin. Martin plans to major in Sports Management at Defiance. |
Reggie Moore |
Moore was a two-year starter for an outstanding Largo High School team. The Packers went 7-4 in 2011 and 10-1 in 2012, advancing to the Florida state playoffs both seasons. Moore racked up 33 tackles, six passes defensed and an interception as a senior. Moore also scored three special teams touchdowns as a senior. Moore started on the Largo basketball team. He is the son of Karene Stewart. Moore plans to major in Physical Education at Defiance. |
Duronte Nowling |
Nowling started at cornerback during the 2012 season and earned three letters during his career at Shaw. Nowling finished his senior season with 30 tackles. He also earned four letters in track while at Shaw. He is the son of Gary and Adrienne Nowling. |
Daryl Oliver-Windham |
Oliver-Windham was a two-year starter at Chippewa Valley. Playing defensive end for the Big Reds, Oliver-Windham racked up 78 tackles, five tackles for loss and four sacks. His strong play earned him a spot on the Macomb County All-Conference team. He is the son of Sharon Windham and Daryl Oliver. He plans to major in Criminal Justice or Sports Management at Defiance. |
Tanner Penwell |
Penwell was a three-year starter Ben Logan and was named a team captain as a senior. Penwell dominated inside for the Raiders. As a junior, Penwell totaled 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks. That earned him First Team All-Central Buckeye Mad River honors. Opposing teams focusing on him week after week did not slow Penwell down, as he finished with 54 tackles and a sack as a senior. He once again earned First Team All-CBC Mad River honors. Penwell also earned Honorable Mention All-Southwest District III honors as both a senior and a junior. His strong senior season resulted in him being invited to play in the Miami Valley Football Coaches Association All-Star game. He is the son of Davina Copeland. Penwell plans to major in Corporate Fitness at Defiance. |
Walter Pippin |
Pippin was yet another two way standout for Liberty Center head coach Rex Lingruen. Pippin was a three-year starter at Liberty Center, earning the honor of being named a captain as a senior. The Tigers went 19-4 during Pippin's final two seasons. Pippin finished his senior season with 55 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks and four forced fumbles. He was named to the First Team All-Northwest Ohio Athletic League as an offensive lineman and to the Second Team as a defensive lineman. Pippin also earned Honorable Mention All-Northwest Ohio District V honors. The Liberty Center standout was also chosen to play in the Northwest Ohio All-Star Game as a defensive end. During his high school tenure Pippin also competed as a wrestler and started on the Liberty Center baseball team. He was a four-year Scholar Athlete and was on the honor roll three times. He is the son of Walter and Angie Pippin. He plans to major in Business at Defiance. |
Galen Powers |
Powers was a two-year starter for the powerhouse Patrick Henry program. Playing for coach Bill Inselmann, Powers and the rest of the Patriots finished with a 21-4 record over the last two seasons. The standout defensive back was named a captain as a senior. Powers finished with 59 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions as a senior. He also scored an impressive three defensive touchdowns. His strong play earned him Second Team All-Northwest District V honors. The Patrick Henry standout was chosen to play in the Northwest Ohio All-Star Game after his senior season. Powers was also a two-year captain for the Patrick Henry wrestling team. He is the son of Lee Powers and Angela Sworden. |
Devon Rabhine |
Rahbine was a two-year starter and three-year letter winner at Anchor Bay. Rabhine was also named a captain as a senior for the Tars. He led Anchor Bay in tackles and tackles for loss this past fall. He is the son of Bill Rahbine and Becky Thomas. Rabhine plans to major in Psychology at Defiance. |
Michael Riley |
Riley was a two-year starter at East Bay High School. He was named a team captain as a senior. During the 2012 campaign he racked up an impressive 102 tackles and two interceptions. His outstanding season earned him First Team All-7A District 8 and Second Team All-Western Conference honors. He also earned Honorable Mention All-Hillsborough County honors. Riley is the son of Valerie Boston. He plans to major in Nursing at Defiance. |
Marvin Simmons |
Simmons was a three-year starter at Shaw High School. He was also named a captain for the Cardinals during both his junior and senior seasons. Simmons dominated on both sides of the football for Shaw, earning First Team All-Lake Erie Conference, First Team All-District Division II and Third Team All-Ohio Division II honors. Simmons was chosen to play in the 41st Annual High School All-Star Scholarship Game. The Shaw standout also played varsity basketball and competed in track. He is the son of Latanisha Walker. Simmons plans to major in Sports Management at Defiance. |
Gage Smith |
Smith was a two-year starter at University High School in Orlando, Florida. He was chosen as a defensive captain during his senior season. Smith finished his senior season with nine tackles for loss and five sacks. Smith also competed in weightlifting and lacrosse in high school. He was an honor roll student at University as well as his strong play on the football field. He is the son of David and Kelli Smith. He plans to major in Exercise Science at Defiance. |
Matt Suppelsa |
Suppelsa was a two-year starter at Canton High School. During his senior season, Suppelsa made 79 tackles and registered two sacks. He racked up 56 tackles as a junior. Suppelsa was also named a Scholar-Athlete as a junior. Suppelsa also lettered as a wrestler as a junior. He is the son of Kevin and Dianne Suppelsa. He plans to major in Criminal Justice at Defiance. |
Devin Thomas |
Thomas was a two-year starter for one of the premier programs in all of Ohio. Whitmer Head Coach Jerry Bell led the Panthers to back-to-back state championship games. Thomas was one of Whitmer's best players during that stretch. As a senior, the standout linebacker finished with 146 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and an interception. He racked up another 107 tackles and 14 tackles for loss as a junior. During his two years as a starter Thomas made an outstanding 253 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and six sacks. Whitmer went 28-2 during that stretch. His 19 tackles in the state championship game set a Whitmer school record. Thomas's strong senior season resulted in him earning Honorable Mention All-Three Rivers Athletic Conference honors as well as being named Honorable Mention All-Northwest Ohio Division I. He was chosen to play in the Northwest Ohio All-Star Game. Thomas also started on the Whitmer varsity baseball team. He is the son of Don and Renee Thomas. |
Tito Velazquez |
Velazquez was a one-year starter at Anchor Bay, but that did not keep him from being named a team captain. Velazquez finished his senior season with 78 tackles and eight pass breakups. He earned Honorable Mention All-Metro East Detroit and All-Macomb County honors as a defensive back. He is the son of Randal and Melissa Stubbs. He plans to major in Wellness and Corporate Fitness at Defiance. |
Macaully Vessels |
Vessels was a two-year starter for Connersville and was named a captain as a senior. During his career Vessels started at safety, tight end and defensive end. As a senior Vessels racked up eight sacks. He is the son of Chase and Anna Hightower. He plans to major in Athletic Training at Defiance. |
Chuck Voorhees |
Voorhees was a three year-starter at Warren Woods Tower High School. He was elected as a team captain for both his junior and senior seasons. Voorhees finished his senior season with 84 tackles and nine tackles for loss. That followed a junior campaign that saw the talented linebacker rack up 104 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Voorhees strong play earned him First Team All-Macomb Area Conference honors as both a senior and a junior. Voorhees was also named a First Team All-County team and he received Honorable Mention honors on the Detroit Free Press All-Eastside Team. Voorhees also excelled in track, lettering for three years while qualifying for state as a junior and senior in the 1600 meter relay. Voorhees was an all-conference and all-county pick for two years in track and field as well. Voorhees is the son of Alicia Voorhees. He plans to major in Sports Management at Defiance. |
Delano Wellington |
Wellington was a two-year starter and standout at Start High school. As a senior the athletic defensive end finished the season with 38 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. That level of dominance earned him First Team All-City League honors. He also earned a spot on the All-Northwest Ohio District II Second Team. Wellington was chosen to play in the Northwest Ohio All-Star Game. He is the son of Havilland Johnson. Wellington plans to major in Criminal Justice at Defiance. |
Bennett Westfall |
Westfall started just one season for Perrysburg Head Coach Mark Kregel, but when his time came he made the most of it. Westfall dominated inside during his senior season, finishing with 50 tackles and five sacks. His strong senior campaign resulted in him being named a First Team All-Northern Lakes Conference and First Team All-Wood County defensive lineman. Westfall was also chosen to play in the Northwest Ohio All-Star Game. Westfall was also a standout on the Perrysburg baseball team, finishing his senior season with a 3.07 earned run average. He is the son of Jeff and Lynn Westfall. Westfall's father, Jeff, is a Defiance alum. The younger Westfall plans to major in Criminal Justice at Defiance. |
Cody Wiggins |
Wiggins was a two-year starter and a senior captain at Howell High School. Howell was a Second Team All-Livingston County member as a senior. Wiggins was also a standout on the baseball diamond, where he earned All-Livingston County honors. Wiggins plans to play baseball at Defiance in the spring. He was also named a Kensington Lakes Scholar Athlete as a senior. The Howell standout graduated Summa cum Laude. He is the son of Marty and Shonda Wiggins. He plans to major in Criminal Justice at Defiance. |
Luke Wilson |
Wilson was a two-year starter and three-year letter winner at Southview High School. As a junior, Wilson was a key part in Southview's 9-2 season and trip to the Ohio state playoffs. He was chosen as a Third Team All-Northern Lakes League lineman after his senior season. Wilson was also chosen to play in the Northwest Ohio All-Star Game. He competed in varsity wrestling and baseball at Southview. He is the son of Mark and Kelly Wilson. He plans to major in Education and Integrated Social Studies at Defiance. |
With just one returning kicker the Yellow Jackets also needed to improve their talent and depth on special teams. Defiance added three kickers to the roster with this recruiting class.
Here is a deeper look into the 2013 special teams class:
Seth Bauer |
Bauer was a two-year starter at Arcadia as a kicker, defensive back and a wide receiver. He was elected as a team captain during his senior year. As a senior he caught 40 passes for 550 yards and eight touchdowns. He also made 17 of 21 on extra points. On the defensive side of the ball, Bauer made 42 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions. His strong senior season earned him Second Team All-Blanchard Valley Conference honors. Bauer also earned Honorable Mention All-Northwest Ohio District VI honors. The Arcadia senior was chosen to play in the East-West Coaches All-Star Football Game. He played varsity basketball and baseball at Arcadia. He is the son of Scott and Dawn Zimak and Scott Bauer. He plans to major in Wellness and Corporate Fitness at Defiance. |
Justin Homerick |
Homerick was a three-year starter and three-year letter winner at Clear Fork. He finished five of seven on field goals during his career with a long of 42 yards. He also finished 44 of 49 on extra point attempts over the past two seasons. Homerick earned Second Team All-North Central Ohio Coaches Association and Second Team All-Mansfield News Journal honors this past fall. He was also a four-year letter winner and First Team All-Ohio Cardinal Conference honoree in soccer. He is the son of Jason and Lorri Homerick. He plans to major in Business at Defiance. |
Tory Savage |
Savage was a part of Bryan's outstanding 2012 football team that finished 11-1, winning the Northwest Ohio Conference title. Savage kicked 54 extra points for the high-powered Bear offense. After his senior season he was named to the Honorable Mention All-Northwest Ohio Athletic League team. Savage was also a three-year letter winner in tennis, winning the Bryan MVP award as a senior. He plans to also play tennis at Defiance. He is the son of Chad and Diana Savage. He plans to major in Forensic Science at Defiance. |