OBU Adds 31 Players On National Signing Day

Oklahoma Baptist added 31 football players, including 11 offensive linemen, during National Signing Day.

“We're really excited about this class overall and really pleased with the quality of the guys coming in,” said OBU Head Coach Chris Jensen. “I challenged (Offensive Line) Coach (Greg) Gothard when he got here to address our need and he took it to heart. Coach (Jason) Melot did a really good job coordinating our visits and handling all the paperwork involved.”

OBU signed 19 players on offense and 13 on defense with six of the defensive players being backs.

“We also addressed the need in our secondary,” Jensen said. “We signed two outside linebackers and six defensive backs. We feel like we've got pretty good depth now.”

The offensive linemen average out at 6-2, 275 pounds and include John Calhoun from McKinney, Texas, Brian Cornell from Allen, Texas, Marwin Dickerson from Ada, Rhett Hall from Westmoore, Lane Paul from Ardmore, TomyJo Reider from Tulsa Booker T. Washington, Alec Rudolf from Durant, Bennett Stone from Edmond Memorial, Jared Storey from Newcastle, Ashton Vickers from Vian and Creede Wright from Velma-Alma.

OBU added tight ends Reece Gilbert from Southmoore and Seth Glasscock from Nowata.

New Bison wide receivers are Emmanuel Adesokan from Victory Christian, Jacques Anderson from Lawton MacArthur, Travis Hytche from Tulsa Will Rogers and Cagney Roberson from Coweta.

In the backfield, OBU has added quarterback Brandon Pollard from Anadarko and running back Isaiah Mallory from Aledo (Texas).

On the defensive line, OBU picked up Duke Hollingsworth from Northeast Academy and Quinton Thorp from Cashion High.

The linebackers signed are Blake Haley from Arkansas City (Kansas), Jason Lee from Plano (Texas), Trevor Magee from Norman North and Joshua Redmond from Victory Christian.

The defensive backs are Derek Davis from Hutto (Texas), Bryson Lee from Westmoore, Jordan Rickets from Plainview, Lane Taylor from First Baptist Academy (Texas), Matthew Tigert from Holliday (Texas) and Devontrae Young from Lawton MacArthur.

Emmanuel Adesokan

Emmanuel Adesokan is a 6-3, 200-pound wide receiver from Victory Christian School in Tulsa. He earned All-District honors under Coach Brent Marley.

Adesokan is the son of Ola and Pastor Amos Adesokan. He was recruited by Drake, Southwest Baptist, Southern Nazarene and Emporia State.

“God led me to OBU,” Adesokan said.

John Calhoun

John Calhoun is a 6-0, 260-pound offensive lineman from McKinney High School in McKinney, Texas. He was a 10-5A All-District selection his senior season for Coach Jeff Smith. Calhoun also was a two-year team captain and Academic All-District, earning the Lion Heart Award as a senior.

Recruited by Benedictine, Dordt, Stephen F. Austin, Kansas Wesleyan, Whittier, East Texas Baptist, Sterling and Austin College, Calhoun is the son of Ann and Kent Calhoun.

Brian Cornell

Brian Cornell is a 6-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Allen High School in Allen, Texas. He was First-Team All-District his junior and senior seasons, helping Coach Tom Westerberg's squad to three state championships. He was named Allen Lineman of the Year as a senior.

The son of Frank and Melissa Cornell, Brian picked OBU because “I like the atmosphere of the school and the direction the football program is going. It feels like the right place for me to continue with football and academics.”

Derek Davis

Derek Davis is a 6-0, 170-pound defensive back from Hutto High School in Hutto, Texas. He is the son of Doris Ward.

Davis, coached by Steven Van Meter, was All-District both on offense and defense and was elected a team captain.

Davis was recruited by Tarleton State and Truman State.

“The team felt more like a family, and the atmosphere was calm and suitable for learning,” Davis said. “The campus chose me!”

Marwin Dickerson

Marwin Dickerson is a 6-4, 285-pound offensive lineman from Ada High School, coached by Matt Weber.

He is the son of Angela Woodell and Eric Woodell.

Dickerson selected OBU because “it felt like home. The atmosphere was welcoming and I could see myself growing in my walk with Jesus Christ.”

Reece Gilbert

Reece Gilbert is a 6-0, 210-pound tight end from Southmoore High School. The son of Bryan and Luann Gilbert, Reece joins his siblings at OBU. Kimes is an All-American defensive lineman for the Bison football team and Kyra is a member of the Lady Bison basketball and lacrosse teams.

Reece earned the Great American Rivalry Student Athlete award, Moore Monthly Student Athlete of the Week, All-City, The Daily Oklahoman's Big All-City Honorable Mention, All-Conference, All-District and was a team captain.

Gilbert was recruited by Northeastern State, East Central, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Ouachita Baptist, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Tabor. He said of selecting OBU, “A Boise State player's dad told him when he was getting recruited ‘Go where you're wanted not where you want to go.' While on my visit at OBU I felt very wanted and loved everything about OBU, also it was a very comfortable environment and loved all the coaches and getting to see the fun and loose side to them. What a blessing to get to go where I'm wanted and where I want to go.”

Seth Glasscock

Seth Glasscock is a 5-11, 210-pound tight end from Nowata High School, where he played linebacker and fullback for Coach Matt Hagebush. Glasscock earned OCA All-State as a senior linebacker, as well as 2A-8 Defensive Player of the Year and 2A All-Star. As a junior, he earned 2A-7 Linebacker of the Year.

Additionally, Glasscock was a three-time State Qualifier and 2014 region champion in tennis.

The son of Terry Glasscock and Stacy Dobson, Glasscock was recruited by Southern Nazarene, Central Oklahoma, Southwestern (Kan.) and Ottawa.

Blake Haley

Blake Haley is a 6-0, 220-pound linebacker from Arkansas City High School in Arkansas City, Kansas. He led all classes in Kansas with 167 tackles, to go along with three sacks, three tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, three recoveries, two interceptions and three deflections for Coach Braden Smith.

Haley earned Wichita Eagle All-State and was AVCTL II Defensive Player of the Year, earning a spot in the Sports in Kansas Top 100. He was a three-time All-League Linebacker.

The son of Jon and Joy Haley, Blake was recruited by Southern Nazarene, Southwest Baptist, Southwestern (Kan.), Tabor, Friends, Benedictine, Coffeyville, Independence and Highland.

“I believe this is the place that God wanted me to continue my education and to prepare for ministry,” said Haley. “I like the coaching staff and felt that they would coach me in all aspects of my life.”

Rhett Hall

Rhett Hall is a 6-4, 295-pound offensive lineman from Westmoore High School, where he was coached by Adam Gaylor.

Hall was a two-time All-Conference selection and a two-year starter. He also was a member of Student Council. Hall is the son of Stephanie Hall and Victor Hall.

Tulsa, Arizona State, Henderson State, Central Oklahoma, Northwestern Oklahoma State, Sterling, Illinois College, Missouri Valley, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Hastings, Belhaven, Southwest Baptist, Southwestern Oklahoma State, Southern Arkansas and Briar Cliff recruited Hall.

“I wanted to get a great education and further my faith and relationship with God,” Hall said.

Jacques Henderson

Jacques Henderson is a 5-11, 175-pound wide receiver from Lawton MacArthur High School, where he was 5A-1 Wide Receiver of the Year for the State Championship team under Coach Brett Manning. Henderson also won state and set a school record as part of the 4x200 relay team.

He is the son of Charles and Patricia Henderson and was recruited by East Central, Northeastern State and Emporia State.

“I came to OBU because of the great coaches and the atmosphere was perfect. I felt my calling from God was to come here to pursue my academic and athletic career and to get a stronger relationship with God,” said Henderson.

Jervaris Hollingsworth

Jervaris Hollingsworth is a 6-3, 298-pound defensive lineman from Northeast Academy, where he was coached by Carlos Williams and was captain of the football and basketball teams.

The son of Niah and Marcus Spriggs, Hollingsworth was recruited by East Central and Southwestern Oklahoma State.

The reasons why I decided to come to OBU is because of the welcoming people, great coaches, and the Pre-Med program. The students were very welcoming, and they look like they love being students at Oklahoma Baptist. There is never a dull moment with coaches. They are always making me laugh and they make me feel welcome. When the recruiter stated that they had a 90% first choice approval rate for Pre-Med students, this solidified my desire to attend OBU. I knew that I could not attend another college than OBU.

Travis Hytche

Travis Hytche is a 5-11, 180-pound wide out from Tulsa Will Rogers and was All-District Receiver of the Year and All-State Honorable Mention under Coach James Burkhalter. He also earned Mr. Football Will Rogers and Will Rogers Offensive Player of the Year. He had 45 catches for 840 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Hytche was recruited by Tulsa, Central Missouri, Lindenwood-Belleville, Central Arkansas, Langston and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. He selected OBU because “the welcoming atmosphere was consistent and made me feel like an athlete already. Great program, fell in love with the university and coaching staff. Not Only did they stress the importance of athletics, they were also very knowledgeable of the academic requirements and were able to give me a clear description of my future in physical education.

He is the son of Travis and Alisea Hytche.

Bryson Lee

Bryson Lee is a 6-0, 200-pound defensive back from Westmoore High School. He played quarterback his senior season and threw for 2108 yards and ran for 858, scoring 22 touchdowns passing and another 11 running. He was a four-year starter – the first two seasons as a defensive back when he collected three interceptions as a freshman and sophomore.

Lee was 2013 Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference Back of the Year and in his senior season earned Daily Oklahoman Honorable Mention All-State, All-District and Moore Monthly All-City.

Jason Lee

Jason Lee is a 6-1, 200-pound linebacker from Plano Senior High School in Plano, Texas, where he was coached by Jaydon McCullough.

The son of Dexter Lee and Kim Jackson, Jason was recruited by Dordt and Mary Hardin Baylor. He said he chose OBU because he “loved the atmosphere and the people. I also love how the school revolves around GOD.”

Trevor Magee

Trevor Magee is a 5-10, 215-pound linebacker from Norman North High School. He was a team captain and National Honor Society student who earned All-Conference and All-District honors under Coach Wade Standley.

Magee was recruited by Southeastern Oklahoma State and Northeastern State but selected Oklahoma Baptist “to further my walk as a Christian, to be surrounded by a godly coaching staff and to get an education of high quality that will prepare me for my future.”

Trevor is the son of Shawn and Paige Magee.

Isaiah Mallory

Isaiah Mallory is a 5-8, 170-pound running back from Aledo High School in Aledo, Texas, where he played for Coach Steve Wood. He was a team captain and a member of the National Honor Society.

He rushed for 1,246 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Mallory is the son of Kurt and Tracy Mallory. He said he selected OBU “to get a great education and to play ball.”

Brandon Pollard

Brandon Pollard is a 5-10, 170-pound quarterback from Anadarko High School, where he played on two State Championship teams and one runner-up squad under Coach Kent Jackson. Pollard was an OCA All-State selection and was an Oklahoma 4A All-Star by class. The All-Vype Top 100 member also was 35-2 as a starting quarterback.

The son of Rob and Lisa Pollard, Brandon was recruited by Southwestern Assemblies of God, Southwestern (Kan.) and Baker. He said he selected OBU “to play for these coaches and to build a tradition of winning and to grow academically as well as spiritually for a great University.”

Josh Redmond

Josh Redmond is a 6-1, 210-pound linebacker from Victory Christian School where he played for Coach Brent Marley.

Redmond finished his career with over 550 tackles, including a dominant senior season in which he led the state and was seventh nationally, according to Max Preps, with 216 takedowns. He is an All-State selection was was All-Vype First-Team, Tulsa World All-World Player and 3A-6 Defensive Player of the Year.

The son of Tim and Sandy Redmond, Josh is a member of the National Honor Society.

He was ecruited by Drake, Emporia State, Abilene Christian, Northeastern State, Central Oklahoma, William Jewell, Southern Nazarene and Hendrix.

“I had a number of offers, but there were several key factors that influenced my decision to come to OBU,” Redmond said. “First of all the coaching staff was key. I liked the experience they had, as well as their Christian faith. I knew I would receive a good education at OBU. I was impressed with the upgrades done the past couple of years, especially in the cafeteria and dorms. The program really seemed like it was up and coming. I am excited to become a Bison!”

TomyJo Reider

TomyJo Reider is a 6-3, 295-pound offensive lineman from Tulsa's Booker T. Washington High School. Reider was First-Team All-Vype and All-District Offensive Lineman of the Year under Coach Marvin Dantzler. Reider led his team in pancake blocks.

The son of Chrisitina Reider, TomyJo said he picked OBU because “I believe OBU will help me to continue to grow in my faith and help me become a better man not only for myself, but my family as well. OBU just felt right.”

Jordan Rickets

Jordan Rickets is a 5-11, 175-pound defensive back from Plainview High School in Ardmore, where he played for Coach Chris Berus and earned All-District Defensive Player of the Year and Spirit of the Indian Award.

Rickets was on the state semifinalist football team in 2013 and the state runner-up baseball team in 2013. He is the son of Drew and Carol Rickets.

“I am coming to OBU for the great education they provide and the opportunity to play the great game of football,” Rickets said.

Cagney Roberson

Cagney Roberson is a 6-3, 190-pound wide receiver from Coweta High School, where he lettered for Coach Jay Wilkinson. Roberson also earned three varsity letters in basketball.

Recruited by Emporia State, Northeastern State, Central Oklahoma, Lindenwood, Northern Iowa and New Mexico, Roberson is the son of Gidget and Alonzo Roberson.

“I decided to come to OBU because it is all-around the perfect fit for me,” said Roberson. “At OBU I'm not only given a chance to excel in my studies but also in my spiritual life.”

Alec Rudolf

Alec Rudolf is a 6-3, 285-pound offensive lineman from Durant High School, where he was coached by James Pratt.

Rudolf, who was a Future Farmers of America Green-hand degree recipient, was the three-year varsity starter in both football and wrestling.

He is the son of Dustin and Tammy Rudolf.

Bennett Stone

Bennett Stone is a 6-2, 270-pound offensive lineman from Edmond Memorial High School, where he was coached by Justin Meredith.

The son of Chris and Audra Stone, Bennett selected OBU because “It gives a person many ways to grow spiritually and grow as an adult, while also achieving a excellent education, and getting to carry on in the game I love.”

Jared Storey

Jared Storey is a 6-3, 275-pound offensive lineman from Newcastle High School.

Coached by Keith Bolles, Storey was an All-District selection and was Offensive Player of the Week in a game against Elk City.

The son of James and Ellen Storey, Jared was recruited by Southern Nazarene and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. He said he selected OBU because of “the Christ centered approach to everything and the high caliber of not only athletics but academics as well.”

Lane Taylor

Lane Taylor is a 6-0, 180-pound defensive back from First Baptist Academy in Heath, Texas. He was a First-Team All-State and All-District defensive back, as well as a Second-Team All-District wide receiver for Coach Jason Lovvorn.

The son of Kris Taylor and Lorie Fenoglio, Taylor was recruited by William Jewell, Midwestern State and Fort Lewis.

“I chose OBU due to the outstanding academics they offer and the atmosphere that the coaches create for the players,” Taylor said.

Quinton Thorp

Quinton Thorp is a 6-3, 240-pound defensive lineman from Cashion High School, where he was on three football teams that reached at least the quarterfinal round in State, including a runner-up finish his senior season under Coach Lynn Shackelford.

Thorp was District A-5 D-Line Player of the Year as a senior and also was Senior Class Vice President. He is the son of Shelly Zimmerman and Larry Thorp.

Recruited by Northwestern Oklahoma State, Central Oklahoma, Arkansas Tech and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Thorp said he picked OBU because “I loved the football being played at OBU along side with the location and core Christian values. “

Matthew Tigert

Matthew Tigert is a 6-1, 180-pound defensive back from Holliday High School in Holliday, Texas. He played under coach Frank Johnson and earned First-Team All-State honors and led Class 3A in interceptions.

A multi-sport standout, Tigert earned All-District Baseball honors as an outfielder and was a regional qualifier in the 1600 relay.

Tigert is the son of Brady and Susan Tigert.

“I decided to come to OBU to start a tradition for football, get a great education, and help better my relationship with Christ,” Tigert said.

Ashton Vickers

Ashton Vickers is a 6-3, 235-pound offensive lineman from Vian High School, coached by Brandon Tyler.

Vickers, the son of Larry and Jodi Vickers, was an All-District offensive lineman and 2A-6 Defensive Lineman of the Year. He also made the All-Vype First-Team Defensive Line.

He was recruited by Arkansas Tech and Southern Missouri.

“I wanted to come to a place that would provide a good education and further my walk with Christ, most importantly,” Vickers said. “OBU has also given me an opportunity to play the game I love for four more years. OBU just feels like the place to be.”

Creede Wright

Creede Wright is a 6-2, 285-pound offensive lineman from Velma-Alma High School, where he earned All-Star, All-Area and All-District honors under Coach Colt Allison.

He is the son of Richie and Debbie Wright of Ratliff City and was recruited by Northeastern State, Southern Nazarene and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

“I like the opportunity to not only be pushed on the football field, but in my spiritual life also,” Wright said. “The coaches, campus, and students are just a plus.”

Devontrae Young

Devontrae Young is a 5-11, 180-pound defensive back from Lawton MacArthur High School, where he was a 5A-1 First-Team All-District selection, coached by Brett Manning. Young also was a member of the State Champion and school-record holding 4x200 relay team.

He is the son of Kevin Young and Stephanie Oliver. He was recruited by Southwestern Oklahoma State.

“I chose OBU because of the great education they provide and the opportunity to grow in my spiritual walk with God,” Young said.