WARRENSBURG, Mo. (Feb. 8, 2018) -- The University of Central Missouri Mules football team and Head Coach Jim Svoboda have announced their 2018 recruiting class. The class includes 33 players who will be joining the program.

Speaking about this year's class, Svoboda said, "This is a great signing class. I thought our coaches were very thorough in bringing a deep group of quality prospects to the table and we were fortunate to land a high percentage of them. The class is anchored by the best offensive line and defensive back classes we've signed in my time but it also features perhaps the fastest kid in Nebraska as well as the 5A player of the year in Missouri."

Svoboda continued, "The fact that we received most of our commitments after the first two visits illustrates how good people feel once they get on campus and get the full experience. The overwhelmingly positive feedback is the result of many factors including our fabulous campus and big-time facilities but, more importantly, all the individuals that really make UCM special. These folks make a huge difference in our recruiting effort and I would like to personally thank them including the numerous faculty members that took time out of their weekends, Ken Schueller Career Counselor, Ethan Biesner Football Opps, Pat Swoboda Equipment Manager, Tim Pinkston with promotions, our Student Ambassador guides, Kathy Anderson Sr Associate AD, Joe Hoffmann, Media Relations Manager, Shonda Thomason, Academic Coordinator and the good people at Sodexo Dining Service."   

The Mules are coming off a 9-3 season in 2017 that saw them finish in third place in the MIAA standings and earn a victory in the Mineral Water Bowl. It was the 11th straight winning season in program and the 19th in the last 20 years.

Student-athletes who have committed to Central Missouri are as follows:

Dashawn Bates
6-1 * 190 * RB
Boys Town, Neb./Boys Town HS
Bates was a two-time Class-C All-State selection under head coach Christopher Nizzi at Boys Town High School … was a two-year team captain and an All-Conference selection… selected to play in 2017 Shrine Bowl… also competed and lettered multiple times in basketball and track… plans to major in sports management… son of Dashawn and Melanie Bates.
Highlights

Ethan Berry
6-3 * 250 * ATH
Imperial, Mo./Windsor HS
A two-year captain a Windsor High School in Imperial, Mo., Berry has played three years for Coach Keith Woodland … a gifted athlete, Berry was also a member of the Windsor HS baseball and basketball teams … son of Brian and Erin Deranja.
Highlights

Azaiah Bello
6-2 * 205 * DB
Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs HS
Bello was a two-year letterwinner under head coach Kelly Donohoe at Blue Springs High School… as a senior he was named Co-Captain, Mr. Blackshirt, and earned The Crone Family Mr. Football Award… garnered Second Team All-State honors after earning First Team All-District, All-Area, and All-Conference accolades… was named the KC Preps / Papa John's Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 22, 2017… also named October Athlete of the Month at Blue Springs High School… was named team's Defensive Player of the Year after posting 71 tackles, two forced fumbles, seven interceptions, one touchdown, and seven pass breakups… in 2016 he earned second team All-Area and Honorable Mention All-Conference honors… helped his team win back-to-back district and conference championships in 2016 and 2017, as well as 6A Missouri State Runner-Up finishes both years… undecided on a major… son of Albert Bello and Caroline Schurle.
Highlights

Henry Carranza
6-4 * 300 * OL
Olathe, Kan./Olathe East HS
Carranza competed under head coach Jesse Owen at Olathe East High School… he earned First Team All-Conference and All-League honors at offensive line in 2017… he was also named First Team All-State and All-Class 6A at offensive line in 2017… plans to major in construction management.. son of Celso Carranza and Kara Newbanks.
Highlights

Gabe Clark
6-5 * 265 * OL
Lawrence, Kan./Free State HS
Clark was an All-State offensive lineman under head coach Bob Lisher after garnering First Team All-Conference honors… helped his team win three straight conference championships from 2015-2017 and finish the 2017 regular season undefeated… Appeared in three 6A State semifinal appearances…  Also lettered in track three times and played basketball one season… plans to major in marketing… son of Gary and Beth Clark
Highlights

Chris Diddle
6-1 * 200 * K
Overland Park, Kan./MidAmerica Nazarene
Played last season for MidAmerica Nazarene and in 2016 for Butler County Community College … kicked three field goals as a freshman for Butler with a long of 39 and was 10-for-11 on PAT attempts … two-time All-State kicker in high school and three-time All-League … named a top-100 Kansas Senior prior to senior season and top-100 Kansas non-seniors prior to junior year … plans to major in Construction Management … son of Jerry and Candice Diddle.
Highlights

Benjamin Ellis
6-4 * 200 * TE
Rock Island, Ill./Rock Island HS
Ellis helped Rock Island High School and coach Ben Hammer to a conference championship as a junior … played two years and earned All-Conference recognition both years … finished 2017 with 33 catches for 394 yards and selected All-Conference and All-Metro First Team … selected All-Conference Second Team after junior year … participated in the Illinois Shriners All Star game as a senior … in the classroom, was named to the All State Academic Team, and carried a 3.0 GPA or higher throughout high school … plans to major in business or education … son of Corey and Robin Ellis.
Highlights

Antonio Espinoza
6-3 * 220 * LB
Wichita, Kan./Maize HS
Espinoza was three-year varsity starter under coaches JJ Milanovich and Gary Guzman… he earned Second Team AVCTL Division 1 honors at defensive end as a sophomore and junior… garnered 5A All-State Honorable Mention honors at the defensive end and linebacker as a junior and senior… as a senior he also first team AVCTL Division 1 honors at linebacker… was a team captain as junior and senior… helped his team win a regional championship in 2016 and 2017… also competed in baseball for two years… plans to major in criminal justice… son of James and Heather Espinoza.
Highlights

Ryan Flournoy
6-2 * 170 * WR
Hazel Crest, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor HS
Flournoy competed at Homewood-Floosmoor High School under head coach Craig Buzzea… Earned All-Conference honors one season… plans to major in business… son of Terrill and Angela Flournoy.
Highlights

Jackson Flowers
6-6 * 215 * LB
Gardner, Kan./Gardner Edgerton HS
Flowers competed at Gardner Edgerton High School… was named Second Team All-State in his senior campaign as a defensive end… also competed in wrestling and in his junior season he placed fourth at the state tournament… has been named to the honor roll each year in high school… plans to major in criminal justice… son of Terrance and Adrinne Flowers.
Highlights

Gavin Helmig
6-2 * 235 * DL
Springfield, Mo./Glendale HS
Helmig played two years for Glendale High School and Coach Mike Mauk … As a junior, won a district and Ozark Conference Championship … made 50 tackles as a senior … Comes to Warrensburg with plenty of UCM connections, his Great-Great Uncle Charlie Bliss played on one of the first football team's in UCM history in 1902 … plans to major in Business …son of Shane and Cynthia Helmig.
Highlights

Keshawn Howell
5-11 * 180 * DB
Park City, Kan./Wichita Heights HS
Howell was a two year varsity letterwinner under head coach Terry Harrison at Wichita Heights High School… was 5A All-State Honorable Mention selection in 2017… named a CatchItKansas Top 11 defensive back in 2017 as well along with Second Team All-City honors… helped his team win the 2016 City League and Regional championships… also competed in basketball for three years and track and field for four years… plans to major in accounting… son of Aaron and Lakesha Howell.
Highlights

Zach Jones
6-1 * 220 * LB
Clinton, Mo./Clinton HS
Earned four varsity letters for Clinton High School while playing for Coach Bill Lowe … twice led the conference in tackles, making 247 combined in 2016 and 2017 … made Third-Team All-State at middle linebacker as a senior … three-time First Team All-Conference selection at linebacker and earned First Team Recognition as a fullback in 2017 as well … won a district championship with Clinton in 2015 and finished as a runner-up in 2016 … also competed in the javelin with the Clinton track team and took home First Team All-Conference honors … cousin of current Mule offensive lineman Colton Ordal … plans to major in Athletic Training … son of Chester and Pam Jones.
Highlights

Javon Kirk
6-0 * 240 * LB
St. Louis, Mo./Hazelwood Central HS
Kirk was a three-time All-Conference linebacker under head coach Brent Chojnaki… he also earned All-Metro honors in one season… was named Newcomer of the Year in his first season and received the Biggest Hitter Award by his team three times… helped his team win four straight conference titles… undecided on a major… son of Larry and Carlotta Kirk.
Highlights

Samuel Knowlton
5-11 * 190 * K
Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs HS
Knowlton was a three-year varsity letterwinner under head coach Kelly Donohoe at Blue Springs High School… As a senior he earned All-Conference, All-District, and All-Area honors as a kicker… Totaled 76 touchbacks, was 42-46 on PAT's, and 8-10 on field goals in his senior campaign… Nailed season-long 37-yard field goal in his senior season as well… Helped his team to two state runner-up finishes Also competed and lettered in basketball, track and field, cheerleading and was a member of the marching band his freshman year… Was also a member of a state track and field championship team… was a member of National Honor Society and plans to major in construction management… son of Scott and Lori Knowlton.
Highlights

Darius Lark
6-0 * 220 * LB
Wylie, Texas/Wylie East HS
Played at Wylie East High School for Coach Joe Lepsis … won a district and area championship with the Raiders … named to the All-District 5A Team as an Honorable Mention … Earned Defensive Player of the Week award four times … plans to major in technology and science and was a championship Robotics winner … son of Gene and Milia Lark.
Highlights

Josef Marschuetz
6-2 * 215 * TE
Hillsboro, Mo./Hillsboro HS
Marschuetz was a First Team All-Conference and All-Region pick at defensive line and tight end at Hillsboro High School… he also garnered First Team All-District honors defensive line… was named the defensive most valuable player and lineman of the year in 2017… totaled 55 tackles, six sacks, and 15 tackles for loss on defense, while racking up 128 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2017… helped his team win four conference championships and one district championship… was a three-varsity letterwinner in football… also lettered in track all four years and was an all-district and all-conference selection… plans to major in nursing… son of Ken and Chris Marschuetz.
Highlights

Jake McCannon
6-3 * 290 * OL
Warrensburg, Mo./Crest Ridge HS
McCannon was four-year varsity letterwinner under head coach Corey Creason at Crest Ridge High School… was named a team captain in 2016 and 2017… in 2015 he was named First Team All-Conference at defensive line and Second Team All-District at defensive line… earned first team all-conference honors at both offensive and defensive line in 2017… was also an all-district first team pick on defense… was selected Third Team All-State at defensive line, and a was an All-Johnson County first and second team pick on offense and defense, respectively… named a winner of the Wendy's Heisman Award as a senior… helped his team win a conference championship in 2017… selected to play at the Blue/Grey All-American Bowl and the Lions Club All-Star game… also letter in once in basketball, and three times in track and field… was a member of National Honor Society, selected to the principal's honor roll, and was an academic letterwinner… plans to major in physical education… son of David and Nicole McCannon.
Highlights

Zion Perry
5-8 * 165 * WR
Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln HS
Perry was a two-time All-City receiver under coaches Mark Macke and Chad Case at Lincoln High School… also an All-Conference, All-State, Super State, and All-Nebraska selection… led Class A in touchdowns, yards and receptions… competed in track three years and entering fourth season… a three-time state qualifier and two-time state medalist… selected to play in Nebraska Shrine Bowl…named to the honor roll twice… plans to major in physical education and exercise science… son Floyd Coleman and Champagne Perry.
Highlights

Kameron Prentiss-Brown
5-11 * 185 * WR
Moorpark, Cali./Moorpark College
Played two years at Moorpark College in Moorpark, Cali for Coach Mike Stuart … in 2017, played in six games making 12 catches for 252 yards with two touchdowns … averaged 21 yards per catch which was second for the Raiders … helped Moorpark earn a trip to the Beach Bowl in 2016 … played for Junipero Serra/El Camino High School and in 2015 had 15 receptions for 500 yards and three touchdowns … older brother Chris Grant played at the University of Hawaii from 2010-13 … plans to major in Sports Management … son of Charles Grant and Rachel Prentiss.
Highlights

Jordan Pringle
5-10 * 165 * DB
Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook HS
Pringle was a standout for Bolingbrook High School in Bolingbrook, Ill ... was a three year starter, during which Bolingbrook made the playoffs all three years ... named as a First Team All-Conference performer. 
Highlights

Dominick Puni
6-4 * 280 * OL
St. Charles, Mo./Francis Howell Central HS
Puni was a two-year starter under head coach McDevitt at Francis Howell Central High School… moved to offensive line in his junior season and never let up a sack in his time on offense… also competed in track and field in his senior year, and played volleyball for three years… plans to major in criminal justice… son of Etuini and Jessica Puni and the younger brother of Derrick and Devin Puni who both are member of the Mules Football team.
Highlights

Dominic Raybourn
6-1 * 205 * LB
Kansas City, Mo./Staley HS
Raybourn competed at Staley High School opposite of his brother John at defensive back under coach Phil Lite… garnered All-Conference and All-District honors as defensive back two years in a row in 2016 and 2017… was also named All-Simone at the same position… totaled 137 tackles, two interceptions, and 19 passes deflected in his senior campaign… helped his team win conference district championships in 2016 and 2017… also made state playoffs in both years including an undefeated season and a Class 5 state championship in 2017… named Academic All-State in 2017 and was four year selection to the honor roll… undecided on a major… son of Donnie and Savina Raybourn, and the brother of John Raybourn who also committed to Mules Football.
Highlights

John Raybourn
6-1 * 195 * QB
Kansas City, Mo./Staley HS
Raybourn was four-year letterwinner under coaches Phil Lite and Dave Wilson at Staley High School… was named a First Team All-State quarterback, the Missouri Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year, the 810 Offensive Player of the Year, and Simone Award Finalist all in 2017… named All-Conference and All-District in 2016 and 2017… Finished his high school career with 78 touchdowns, with just eight interceptions for 6,303 yards and 128.5 QBR rating… Helped lead his team to conference and district championships in 2016 and 2017, and state championship in 2017… Also competed in baseball garnering First All-State honors as in infielder in 2017, along with all-district and all-conference honors… Was a three-year letterwinner while helping his team win two conference championships (2016, 2017) and a district championship (2016)… Also lettered in wrestling twice as a freshman and sophomore…. Plans to major in education… son of Donnie and Savina Robinson and the brother of Dominic Raybourn who also committed to Mules Football.
Highlights

Kobe Reed-Pope
6-2 * 170 * DB
Florissant, Mo./Lutheran North HS
Reed-Pope competed at Lutheran North HS under head coach Carl Reed… In his senior season in the district championship game against Trinity he had two interceptions and a pick-six… Also competed in track and field all four years of high school… holds the high jump record with a height of 6-4… Helped his team win district titles in 2015 and 2017, while making the state semifinals in 2017… plans to major in digital media productions… son of Rayshon and Kenya Griffin.
Highlights

Ty Reynolds
6-4 * 260 * OL
Bellevue, Neb./Bellevue West HS
Reynolds was a three-year letterwinner under head coach Michael Huffman at Bellevue High School… earned All-State and All-Metro honors in 2017 after being named a team captain, and had the most pancakes that season with 50… was a starter at left tackle since his sophomore year and helped his team with three district championships and a state championship in 2016… also lettered in wrestling three years and a was two-time state medalist while garnering All-Metro honors twice… competed in lacrosse and was a team captain and all-star selection… earned academic All-Metro honors and was a member of National Honor Society… plans to major in aviation… son of Sean and Tegan Reynolds.
Highlights

Nikolas Ricks
6-2 * 225 * LB
Akron, Ohio/Ellsworth Community College
Played for two years at Ellsworth Community College and appeared in 21 games making 85 tackles and 5.5 sacks … also forced three fumbles and recorded an interception with the Panthers … was chosen as a team captain and was named First Team All-Conference … earned four varsity letters at Canton-McKinley High School and was a two-year captain … selected as the MVP of the McKinley-Massillon High School game, one of the biggest high school rivalries in the country … also ran on the track team and was chosen as the MVP of the team … plans to major in Criminal Justice … son of Nathan and Elizabeth Ricks
Highlights

Arkell Smith
6-1 * 170 * WR
Carthage, Mo./Carthage HS
Smith played at Carthage High School and for Coach Guidie … two time All-State selection, earning Second Team honors as a senior … twice named to the First Team All-Conference and All-District teams and was First Team All-Area as a senior … helped Carthage to back-to-back district championships and a conference championship in 2016 … a multi-sport athlete, also earned varsity letters in basketball and track and field … named the Joplin Globe's Male Track Athlete of the Year after earning All-State honors in the triple jump, 4x400m and 4x200m relays … was an All-District selection in basketball as a junior … son of David and Anna Pillar.
Highlights

Jarrett Stiles
6-3 * 205 * ATH
Rogersville, Mo./Logan-Rogersville HS
Earned three varsity letters from Logan-Rogersville High School and Coach Doug Smith … two-time All-Conference selection and also made the All-Region and All-District teams as a senior … was a participant in the 2018 Grid Iron Classic … played three years of basketball and two years of baseball for Logan-Rogersville … in the classroom, was named Academic All-State and plans to major in Pre-Med … son of Steve and Jennifer Stiles.
Highlights

Tyler Stringfellow
6-2 * 175 * WR
Albia, Iowa/Albia Community HS
Stringfellow was a three-year letterwinner under coaches Justin Huber and Scott Farrington… he garnered All-District honors twice at receiver and All-Conference honors once… was named a team captain and totaled 500 receiving yards in 2017… was named a MVP at receiver twice at the Offense-Defense Camp in 2016… also played in the Offense-Defense bowl game in 2016 and 2017… Also lettered two years in basketball and four year in track and field… in track he was a 4x200 district and state champion in 2017, a shuttle hurdle conference champion (2015-2017) and district champions (2015-2016), and a 110 high hurdles champion in 2017… also finished second in conference in high jump in 2017… plans to major in marine biology… son of Chad and Chrissy Stringfellow.
Highlights

Dan Sunderman
6-4 * 275 * OL
Omaha, Neb./Millard South HS
Sunderman played under head coach Andy Means at Millard South High School… earned All-State and All-Metro honors during his prep career… selected to play in the Shrine Bowl… also competed in track and field… named to the honor roll from 2016-2018… undecided on a major… son of Kurt Sunderman.
Highlights

Dirone "Taco" Taylor
6-0 * 160 * DB
St. Louis, Mo./Desmet Jesuit HS
Taylor competed at Desmet Jesuit High School under head coach Robert Steeples… in his sophomore season he was named Second Team All-Conference at cornerback, while leading his team in tackles and interceptions… In his senior season, he was a second team all-conference pick at safety and earned hammer award by his team… also compete din track and field for three years as a jumper… qualified for state in his sophomore year… earned first honors academically every semester since freshman year of high school… plans to major in business management or psychology… son of Dirone Taylor and Yovanda Franklin.
Highlights

Landon Wilson
6-3 * 245 * DL
Arnold, Mo./Fox HS
Played at Fox High School in Arnold, Mo. for Coach Brent Tinker … named the lineman of the year and was also chosen First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District … named to the J-98 Dream Team … also competed on basketball and track … planning on majoring in Business Finance … son of Larry and Debbie Wilson.
Highlights