Arkansas State inks 27 in Malzahn’s first class

The Associated Press
February 1, 2012

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JONESBORO — Arkansas State has announced the signings of 27 high school and junior college players.

The class is the first for the Red Wolves under coach Gus Malzahn. Arkansas State went 10-3 and won the Sun Belt Conference last season.

Malzahn, an Arkansas native, relied heavily on his roots, particularly with a pair of transfers — running back Michael Dyer and offensive lineman Travis Bodenstein. Dyer transferred from Auburn, where Malzahn was the offensive coordinator, while Bodenstein left Kansas for the Red Wolves.

Both Dyer and Bodenstein are originally from Arkansas.

The bulk of the class is made up of high school players (22), while five others come from the junior-college ranks. Five players were offensive linemen.

Arkansas State reached the Godaddy.com Bowl last season, losing to Northern Illinois.

Dexter Blackmon, dl, 6-4, 283, Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College

Travis Bodenstein, ol, 6-5, 310, Kansas, Shiloh Christian HS, Springdale, Ark.

Tevin Bryson, dl, 6-4, 285, Humbolt (Tenn.) HS

Lawrence Cayou, de, 6-4, 260, Highland (Kan.) Community College

Jemar Clark, ol, 6-6, 305, McCrory (Ark.) HS

Kendrick Daniels, rb, 5-7, 155, Sulphur Springs (Texas) HS

Michael Dyer, rb, 5-9, 210, Auburn, Little Rock, Ark.

Michael Flint, ol, 6-3, 297, Oxford (Ala.) HS

John Gandy, de, 6-0, 245, Blinn (Texas) College

Bryce Giddens, ol, 6-0, 265, Colquitt County HS, Moultrie, Ga.

Michael Gordon, rb, 5-9, 190, Velma Jackson HS, Camden, Miss.

Ishmail Hayes, de, 6-6, 245, Blinn (Texas) College

Rocky Hayes, db, 5-11, 177, Cleburne County HS, Heflin, Ala.

Quanterio Heath, lb, 6-2, 200, Rison (Ark.) HS

Tres Houston, db, 6-2, 183, Northeast Mississippi Community College

Chris Humes, db, 5-11, 190, Spain Park HS, Hoover, Ala.

Colton Jackson, ol, 6-5, 240, Ozark (Ark.) HS

Derek Keaton, ath, 5-11, 170, Camden Fairview HS, Camden, Ark.

Fredi Knighten, qb, 5-10, 160, Pulaski Academy HS, Little Rock, Ark.

Warren Leapheart, wr, 6-4, 205, Morrilton (Ark.) HS

Todd Mays, ath, 5-11, 200, Olive Branch (Miss.) HS

Devin Mondie, ol, 6-6, 300, Olive Branch (Miss.) HS

Austin Moreton, ath, 6-3, 295, Southside HS, Fort Smith, Ark.

Eddie Porter, lb, 6-3, 235, Blinn (Texas) College

Braelon Roberts, wr, 6-5, 170, Bishop Dunne HS, Dallas, Texas

Darrius Rosser, dl, 6-4, 260, Marion (Ark.) HS

Dezmond Stegall, qb, 6-1, 208, Searcy (Ark.) HS

Quintaz Struble, dl, 6-2, 235, Heritage Hall HS, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Marquis Walker, db, 5-11, 172, Rison (Ark.) HS

DeKeathan Williams, ath, 6-1, 200, Central HS, West Helena, Ark.