(LEBANON, Ill., Feb. 6)—McKendree University football coach Mike Babcock and his staff have announced the addition of 31 student-athletes who have signed to play football for the Bearcats in 2014.
 
This is the second recruiting class at McKendree for Babcock, who was hired as the Bearcats' head coach in December 2012. Babcock is excited about the depth of talent and versatility of the 2014 recruiting class.
 
"Top to bottom we are very pleased with our recruiting class," said Babcock. "We believe that this year's class complements the 2013 class and what we are trying to build here at McKendree. We have been able to sign a lot of top players at their positions. We're excited about what the future holds for Bearcat football."

Listed below are the newest Bearcats, shown in alphabetical order:

Jacob Addison (Arlington, TX/Mansfield Timberview)
	Linebacker  |  5-11  |  205
	Arlington, TX  |  Mansfield Timberview HS
	Career Highlights: Starred at linebacker for Mansfield Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas…earned first-team All-District honors as a senior for the Wolves.
	Coach Babcock on Addison: "Jacob is the definition of a student-athlete. He flys around the football and is even more competitive in the classroom. This is a great commitment for us." YouTube Highlights of Jacob Addison (Arlington, TX/Mansfield Timberview)

Austin Bell
	Tight End  |  6-1  |  205
	Chatham, IL  |  Glenwood HS
	Career Highlights: Earned two varsity letters at tight end and defensive end at Chatham Glenwood High School…was an All-Conference selection as a senior for the Titans…collected honorable mention All-Conference accolades as a junior…helped Chatham Glenwood to the third round of the state players as a junior.
	Coach Babcock on Bell: "Austin is a great athlete who came move around. He can be a great blocker and catcher as a tight end."

Stephen Bennett (Allen, TX/Lovejoy)
	Defensive Back  |  5-10  |  170
	Allen, TX  |  Lovejoy HS
	Career Highlights: Lettered in both football and track Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas…registered 85 tackles with five forced fumbles and three interceptions as a senior for the Leopards…was a first-team All-District honoree.
	Coach Babcock on Bennett: "Stephen is a player that loves to hit. He has a fast twitch and reacts to the ball well." YouTube Highlights of Stephen Bennett (Allen, TX/Lovejoy)

Joe Boenzi
	Linebacker  |  6-0  |  210
	Geneva, IL  |  Geneva HS
	Career Highlights: Played as a linebacker and fullback at Geneva High School…collected 79 tackles with one interception during his senior season with the Vikings…served as team captain and was named Most Valuable Defensive Back…picked up All-Conference honors as a senior…helped lead Geneva to seven wins as a senior, which included a six-game win streak.
	Coach Babcock on Boenzi: "Joe is no stranger to college football. He comes from a great football family. We are very glad that Joe is part of our program." YouTube Highlights of Joe Boenzi

Jeffrey Brown (Fairview Heights, IL/Belleville East)
	Offensive Line/Defensive Line  |  6-1  |  285
	Fairview Heights, IL  |  Belleville East HS
	Career Highlights: Played for former McKendree assistant coach Tim Funk at Belleville East High School…notched 89 tackles with three quarterback sacks as a senior for the Lancers…nabbed first-team All-Conference and All-City honors as a senior…was part of Belleville East's state semifinal team as a freshman…earned All-State Academic Team recognition.
	Coach Babcock on Brown: "Jeffrey is a big guy from just down the road. He has been extremely successful at playing on the line and working in the classroom." YouTube Highlights for Jeffrey Brown (Fairview Heights, IL/Belleville East)

C.J. Clark
	Linebacker  |  5-10  |  215
	Bolingbrook, IL  |  Bolingbrook HS
	Career Highlights: Earned three letters in football at Bolingbrook High School… collected 70 tackles as a senior for the Raiders.
	Coach Babcock on Clark: "C.J. was one of the first players that committed in this recruiting period. He is a great athlete who loves to fly to the ball." YouTube Highlights for C.J. Clark

Korben Clark (Auburn, IL/Auburn)
	Quarterback  |  6-1  |  170
	Auburn, IL  |  Auburn HS
	Career Highlights: Threw for 3,400 yards with 38 touchdowns as a senior at Auburn High School…nabbed first-team All-State honors as a senior for the Trojans…collected second-team All-Conference and All-Area accolades…helped Auburn to 10 victories and a berth in the semifinals of the Illinois state playoffs.
	Coach Babcock on Clark: "Korben is a great passer. He is also a great student and a great person." YouTube Highlights for Korben Clark (Auburn, IL/Auburn)

Raseem Cornley (Jacksonville, FL/Edward H. White)
	Defensive End  |  6-3  |  225
	Jacksonville, FL  |  Edward White HS
	Career Highlights: Was a two-sport standout at White High School in Jacksonville, Fla….excelled at defensive end in leading the Commanders to a post-season berth as a senior…has also lettered in wrestling, where he finished third in districts.
	Coach Babcock on Cornley: "Raseem is a big man who can help us secure the  line of scrimmage." YouTube Highlights for Raseem Cornley (Jacksonville, FL/Edward H. White)

Darius Crochrell (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville)
	Wide Receiver  |  6-1  |  185
	Edwardsville, IL  |  Edwardsville HS
	Career Highlights: Starred at wide receiver at Edwardsville High School… posted 66 catches for 921 yards with 15 touchdowns as a senior for the Tigers…earned first-team All-Metro honors as a senior…collected first-team All-Conference accolades as a senior and second-team mention as a junior… was a first-team All-Area honoree as a senior…helped Edwardsville to an Illinois Class 7A state semifinal berth in 2013 and a quarterfinal appearance in 2012…had 43 receptions for 662 yards with three TDs as a junior at Edwardsville.
	Coach Babcock on Crochrell: "Darius is an unbelievable athlete. He is a great local talent who helped take Edwardsville deep into the state playoffs. Darius is a player who does great things with the ball in his hands." YouTube Highlights of Darius Crochrell (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville)

Tanner Dallas (St. Louis, MO/Vianney)
	Defensive Back  |  5-10  |  190
	St. Louis, MO  |  St. John Vianney HS
	Career Highlights: Starred as a defensive back at St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis…registered 75 tackles with four quarterback sacks and three fumble recoveries as a senior for the Griffins.
	Coach Babcock on Dallas: "Tanner is one of those players that goes hard to the whistle on every play." YouTube Highlights of Tanner Dallas (St. Louis, MO/Vianney)

Cole Foster (Columbia, IL/Columbia)
	Offensive Line  |  6-5  |  280
	Columbia, IL  |  Columbia HS
	Career Highlights: Played on both sides of the line at Columbia High School… helped the Eagles to an undefeated regular-season record as a senior at 9-0… collected first-team All-Conference honors as an offensive tackle and defensive end.
	Coach Babcock on Foster: "Cole is a great, big athlete who comes from a local program. He is a tall, big-body player that can come in and compete at tackle for us." YouTube Highlights for Cole Foster (Columbia, IL/Columbia)

Marcel Harrell (Chicago, IL/Morgan Park)
	Offensive Line  |  6-3  |  290
	Chicago, IL  |  Morgan Park HS
	Career Highlights: Was a three-year starter at Morgan Park High School… helped the Mustangs to three consecutive conference championships.
	Coach Babcock on Harrell: "Marcel is a fantastic lineman from Morgan Park.  He plays well on his feet and likes to hit people. We love the way he plays the game." YouTube Highlights of Marcel Harrell (Chicago, IL/Morgan Park)

Xavier Hernandez (Lockport, IL/Joliet Catholic)
	Defensive Line  |  6-2  |  245
	Lockport, IL  |  Joliet Catholic HS
	Career Highlights: Served as a team co-captain as a senior at Joliet Catholic High School…recorded 75 tackles with 10 quarterback sacks and an interception as a senior for the Hilltoppers…earned honorable mention All-Conference honors…helped Joliet Catholic to the quarterfinal round or later in each of his final three seasons, which included a state championship as a sophomore in 2011.
	Coach Babcock on Hernandez: "Xavier is a huge force on the line of scrimmage who helped propel his team into the quarterfinals of the state playoffs." YouTube Highlights of Xavier Hernandez (Lockport, IL/Joliet Catholic)

Chris Jones (Chicago, IL/Simeon)
	Linebacker  |  6-0  |  225
	Chicago, IL  |  Simeon HS
	Career Highlights: Was the leading tackler as a senior at Simeon High School… named as the Best Linebacker in the conference…helped the Wolverines to three straight city championships along with the program's first-ever Prep Bowl title.
	Coach Babcock on Jones: "He likes to hit running backs. Chris flies to the football and lays a pounding. He is a great addition for our program." YouTube Highlights for Chris Jones (Chicago, IL/Simeon)

Ozzie Kent
	Tight End  |  6-4  |  230
	Sherman, IL  |  Williamsville HS
	Career Highlights: Earned four varsity letters at Williamsville High School… posted 96 total tackles at linebacker as a senior for the Bullets…finished career second in school history with 340 tackles…was a two-time first-team All-Conference selection at Williamsville…earned the team's Iron Man Award… helped the Bullets to a 43-5 record during his four seasons.
	Coach Babcock on Kent: "Ozzie is a player with great size. He can move around well and has a knack of getting around the football. We are excited that Ozzie is joining the Bearcat program." YouTube Highlights of Ozzie Kent

Jacob King (Rochester, IL/Rochester)
	Offensive Line  |  6-3  |  275
	Rochester, IL  |  Rochester HS
	Career Highlights: Helped anchor the offensive line at Rochester High School… earned three varsity letters for the Rockets…was a second-team All-Conference honoree as a senior…was part of four consecutive IHSA Class 4A state championship teams with Rochester.
	Coach Babcock on King: "Jacob is a big reason why Rochester won a state title this year. We lost count of his pancake blocks on his highlight film. We are very excited to have Jacob in our program." YouTube Highlights of Jacob King (Rochester, IL/Rochester)

Chase Lazenby (Pinckneyville, IL/Pinckneyville)
	Punter  |  6-1  |  195
	Pinckneyville, IL  |  Pinckneyville HS
	Career Highlights: Served as a running back and punter at Pinckneyville High School…rushed for 648 yards with four touchdowns as a senior for the Panthers… averaged 36.3 yards per punt during senior season…collected first-team All-Conference honors as a punter and second-team All-Conference accolades as a senior…served as team captain as a senior…also named to the All-South team as a senior.
	Coach Babcock on Lazenby: "Chase has a chance to come in and compete right away as a punter. We are excited to get a little depth at that position." YouTube Highlights of Chase Lazenby (Pinckneyville, IL/Pinckneyville)

Randell Newton (Markham, IL/Tinley Park)
	Defensive Back  |  5-8  |  155
	Markham, IL  |  Tinley Park HS
	Career Highlights: Was a four-year letterman at Tinley Park High School…had more than 500 receiving yards and 400 return yards as a senior for the Titans…scored four total touchdowns in 2013…named Special Teams Player of the Year and was an All-Conference honoree as a senior…helped Tinley Park to three consecutive playoff appearances.
	Coach Babcock on Newton: "Randell is a fast defensive back that can cover a lot of ground." YouTube Highlights of Randell Newton (Markham, IL/Tinley Park)

Jordan Osborne (Quincy, IL/Quincy)
	Defensive Back  |  6-0  |  180
	Quincy, IL  |  Quincy Senior HS
	Career Highlights: Played as a running back and defensive back at Quincy Senior High School…rushed for more than 950 yards with 12 total touchdowns as a senior for the Blue Devils…collected second-team All-Area and honorable mention All-Conference honors as a senior…helped Quincy to its first-ever playoff victory.
	Coach Babcock on Osborne: "Jordan is a good player who can come in and compete. We are excited to see what he can do." YouTube Highlights of Jordan Osborne (Quincy, IL/Quincy)

Nicolas Parks
	Athlete  |  6-3  |  200
	Chicago, IL  |  Urban Prep Bronzeville
	Career Highlights: Played at Urban Prep in Chicago…was a three-time All-Conference and All-City honoree for the Lions…collected honorable mention All-State accolades as a junior…helped Urban Prep to eight victories as a senior.
	Coach Babcock on Parks: "Nic is a superb athlete. He can play multiple positions." YouTube Highlights of Nicolas Parks

Ralph Paul (Pompano, FL/Coral Springs Charter)
	DE  |  6-1  |  240
	Pompano Beach, FL  |  Coral Springs Charter HS
	Career Highlights: Starred at defensive end at Coral Springs Charter High School in Florida…garnered All-Conference honors as a senior for the Panthers… helped lead team to a district championship and the best record in school history as a senior.
	Coach Babcock on Paul: "Ralph is a quick-twitch defensive end from Florida. He can get to the quarterback in a hurry." YouTube Highlights for Ralph Paul (Pompano, FL/Coral Springs Charter)

Skylar Paulson (Lanark, IL/Eastland)
	Wide Receiver  |  6-3  |  210
	Lanark, IL  |  Eastland HS
	Career Highlights: Was a four-year letterman at Eastland High School…was named Conference Most Valuable Player as a senior for the Cougars… grabbed first-team All-Conference honors as both a tight end and defensive | end as a senior…was a three-time All-Area honoree…helped Eastland to a pair of undefeated conference championships.
	Coach Babcock on Paulson: "Skylar is a great athlete. He played multiple positions in high school and evened kicked field goals. We really see Skylar helping our offense in a variety of ways." YouTube Highlights of Skylar Paulson (Lanark, IL/Eastland)

Eli Phillips (Mt. Vernon, IL/Mt. Vernon)
	Offensive Line  |  6-4  |  315
	Mt. Vernon, IL  |  Mt. Vernon HS
	Career Highlights: Started along the offensive line at Mt. Vernon High School…earned first-team All-Conference honors as a senior for the Rams… was a key blocker along a line that produced a 1,000-yard rusher for Mt. Vernon…earned All-South accolades as a junior…was a two-time All-Conference honoree.
	Coach Babcock on Phillips: "Eli is a big lineman. We loved to see him get after people on his highlight film." YouTube Highlights of Eli Phillips (Mt. Vernon, IL/Mt. Vernon)

Nate Powell (Chicago, IL/King College Prep)
	Athlete  |  6-2  |  180
	Chicago, IL  |  King College Prep
	Career Highlights: Played as a wide receiver and cornerback at King College Prep in Chicago…was a three-time All-Conference honoree for the Jaguars… named to the All-City team as a senior…helped lead King College Prep to a conference championship as a senior.
	Coach Babcock on Powell: "Nate is a great addition for us. He can play multiple positions and is an all-around great athlete. We are very excited to see what he can do when he gets here." YouTube Highlights of Nate Powell (Chicago, IL/King College Prep)

Ryan Rasnic
	Defensive Line  |  6-1  |  270
	St. Louis, MO  |  St. John Vianney HS
	Career Highlights: Played on both sides of the line at St. John Vianney High School…registered 13 total tackles as a senior for the Griffins with five tackles for loss including three quarterback sacks…earned second-team All-Conference honors as a senior.
	Coach Babcock on Rasnic: "We are excited about getting Ryan in our program. We think he can help us up front."

Damian Reed (Anna, IL/Anna-Jonesboro)
	Running Back  |  6-2  |  195
	Anna, IL  |  Anna-Jonesboro HS
	Career Highlights: Earned three varsity letters at Anna-Jonesboro High School… rushed for 1,478 yards on 174 carries at running back as a senior for the Wildcats… also collected 105 tackles with five forced fumbles and an interception return for a score at linebacker…posted 576 return yards as a senior…was a first-team All-State selection as a senior…grabbed All-Conference honors three times and was twice named to the All-South team…was a two-time team Most Valuable Player…led Anna-Jonesboro to a state semifinal berth in each of his last two seasons.
	Coach Babcock on Reed: "Damian is a very fast running back. He has a knack for finding the end zone." YouTube Highlights of Damian Reed (Anna, IL/Anna-Jonesboro)

Justus Smith (Chicago, IL/Curie)
	Offensive Line  |  6-3  |  280
	Chicago, IL  |  Curie HS
	Career Highlights: Played at Curie High School in Chicago…served as team captain as a senior for the Condors…was named as an All-Conference selection as a senior.
	Coach Babcock on Smith: "We were able to pick up Justin late in the recruiting process. We loved his attitude. He's the type of player that only wants to get better every time he steps onto the field." YouTube Highlights of Justus Smith (Chicago, IL/Curie)

Preston Thompson (Markham, IL/Tinley Park)
	Fullback  |  5-8  |  210
	Markham, IL  |  Tinley Park HS
	Career Highlights: Starred at running back at Tinley Park High School…rushed for 1,500 yards with 20 touchdowns as a senior for the Titans…nabbed honorable mention All-State honors as a senior...was a two-time All-Conference selection…broke program records for rushing and all-purpose yards.
	Coach Babcock on Thompson: "Preston is a hard-nosed player who likes to hit people." YouTube Highlights of Preston Thompson (Markham, IL/Tinley Park)

Austin Weltha (Bloomington, IL/Bloomington)
	Linebacker  |  5-10  |  200
	Bloomington, IL  |  Bloomington HS
	Career Highlights: Recorded 119 tackles, including 53 solos, as a senior at Bloomington High School…earned All-Conference honors as a linebacker and punter for the Purple Raiders…was named as the conference Defensive Most Valuable Player…collected All-area mention…was an IHSA Academic Scholar-Athlete.
	Coach Babcock on Weltha: "Austin loves to fly around the ball and hit people. He is a very physical player that is great at getting off blocks and making plays." YouTube Highlights for Austin Weltha (Bloomington, IL/Bloomington)

Austin Wenskunas (Decatur, IL/Argenta-Oreana)
	Athlete  |  6-0  |  175
	Decatur, IL  |  Argenta-Oreana HS
	Career Highlights: Excelled at multiple positions at Argenta-Oreana High School…collected All-County and All-Conference honors as a senior for the Bombers…helped team to eight victories and the second round of the IHSA playoffs as a senior.
	Coach Babcock on Wenskunas: "Austin is a big player that can play multiple  positions. He is a great athlete and great competitor." YouTube Highlights of Austin Wenskunas (Decatur, IL/Argenta-Oreana)

Jakob Wittlich (Fairview Heights, IL/Belleville East)
	Offensive Line  |  6-3  |  260
	Fairview Heights, IL  |  Belleville East HS
	Career Highlights: Earned two varsity letters at Belleville East High School…played for former McKendree assistant coach Tim Funk with the Lancers…did not have any fumbled snaps or off-the-mark snaps as a senior.
	Coach Babcock on Wittlich: "Jakob is a very big lineman from the same high school as some of our current players. He is a great student-athlete. We are very excited to have Jakob on our squad." YouTube Highlights for Jakob Wittlich (Fairview Heights, IL/Belleville East)