CHENEY, Wash. — Eastern Washington University Football welcomed 23 future student-athletes to the program on Wednesday as the NCAA National Letter of Intent (NLI) Early Signing Period opened, as announced by head coach Aaron Best.

Included in the 2024 class are 15 players on offense and eight on defense. Ten of the 23 recruits came from the state of California, eight from Washington, two from Idaho and one each from Arizona, British Columbia and Nevada.

The early signing period opened at 7 a.m. on Dec. 20 and will run through 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 22. Outside of transfers, recruiting will then go quiet until Feb. 7, when the regular period opens until the beginning of April. Last year, the Eagles signed 19 players in December before adding nine more in February.
2024 EWU NLI Early Signing Day Class Summary (23)

• OL Nick Brown (Lake Forest, Calif.)
• OL David Shinn (Murrieta, Calif.)
• WR Jaylen Garrison (Henderson, Nev.)
• DE John Stremler (Everson, Wash.)
• S Tyce Donovan (Buckley, Wash.)
• OL Ethan Lowell (Modesto, Calif.)
• WR Ayden Gutierrez (Eastvale, Calif.)
• TE Gavin Allen (Kennewick, Wash.)
• LB Shea Robertson (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)
• OL Ahmad Robinson (Oakland, Calif.)
• CB Ambrose Marsh (Renton, Wash.)
• S Josiah Goode (Federal Way, Wash.)
• OL Mark Johnson (Vernon, B.C., Canada)
• LB Conner Walcker (Ferndale, Wash.)
• TE Asher Bowie (Rathdrum, Idaho)
• TE Kayden Stuit (Lynden, Wash.)
• RB Kevin Allen III (San Diego, Calif.)
• DE Clayton McCarrell (Las Vegas, Nev.)
• WR Noah Cronquist (Moorpark, Calif.)
• QB Jake Schakel (Puyallup, Wash.)
• TE Landon Cooper (Sutter, Calif.)
• WR Jaxon Branch (Chandler, Ariz.)
• S McKel Broussard (Los Angeles, Calif.)

By Position:

• Cornerback — 1
• Defensive End — 2
• Linebacker — 2
• Offensive Line — 5
• Quarterback — 1
• Running Back — 1
• Safety — 3
• Tight End — 4
• Wide Receiver — 4

By Home State / Province:

• Arizona — 1
• British Columbia — 1
• California — 10
• Idaho — 2
• Nevada — 1
• Washington — 8

High School vs. Transfer:

• High School — 18
• Transfer — 5

 

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Recruit Profiles


Nick Brown
Offensive Line
6'5", 265 lbs
Lake Forest, Calif.
El Toro HS

At a glance: Standing 6-foot-5, Brown possesses the type of body frame and strength you just can't teach, posting a squat of over 550 pounds and power clean of 255 while maintaining an excellent 3.9 GPA in the classroom. He cut weight over his high school career, shedding from over 330 pounds down to around 265. Brown chose the Eagles over reported interest from Weber State and Cal Poly.

Coaches' report: "Nick is a very smart kid who has completely transformed his body since his junior year. We love the way he plays the game: fast and violent. He's a guy we believe can play multiple positions for us up front. He has a great family back home who is super supportive of him and can't wait to join the Eags."
 
David Shinn
Offensive Line
6'4", 270
Murrieta, Calif.
Transfer from Mt. San Jacinto College

At a glance: Shinn arrives in Cheney after stops at Mt. San Jacinto College and Utah Tech. At San Jacinto, he earned Southern California Football Association First Team All-Conference honors on the offensive line. A 2020 high school graduate, he spent three seasons from 2021 (COVID-19 Spring season) to 2022 at Utah Tech, appearing in 12 games and starting three. He chose Eastern over offers from Robert Morris and Idaho State.

Coaches' report: "Shinn has valuable position versatility; he has played multiple positions up front. He's an athletic, powerful, and tough young man that we're excited to add to the room."

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Jaylen Garrison
Wide Receiver
5'11", 175
Henderson, Nev.
Transfer from Fresno City College

At a glance: A true track star with 10.7 100-meter speed, Garrison earned California Community College Athletic Association Valley Conference First Team honors as a sophomore after recording 42 receptions for 585 yards and 5 TDs in 11 GP. He exploded for 176 yards and 3 TDs against Sierra College, then finished his season with 16 catches over 3 games.

Coaches' report: "Jaylen is a tremendous athlete who will bring energy and juice into our receiver room. He is super dynamic, having not only played football at Fresno City College, but also ran for the track team there as well. His upside is through the roof. He is someone who will be able to come in and help us stretch the field vertically and also someone we can get the ball to quickly and let him do his thing in space."
 
John Stremler
Defensive End
6'2", 255 lbs
Everson, Wash.
Nooksack Valley HS

At a glance: Stremler was a standout at 1A Nooksack Valley, who finished 9-3 in 2023. He earned Northwest Conference First Team All-League honors as both an offensive lineman and linebacker, and projects to the defensive line at the next level. In three years as a varsity player, he averaged 74 tackles, 10 TFL and 6 sacks, reaching the state semifinals twice. He will be a first-generation college student.

Coaches' report: "A team captain on a semifinal team, John played OL and LB in high school because that's where his team needed him. Showed multiple years at our team camp that he has all the tools to be a successful DT in the Big Sky."
Tyce Donovan
Safety
6'3", 185 lbs
Buckley, Wash.
White River HS

At a glance: Donovan is a speedster on the back end, competing in football, basketball and track at White River High School, posting 113 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 15 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions (1 for a TD) and 6 forced fumbles as a senior on his way to First Team All-SPSL honors. Rated a 2-star, 78-grade prospect by 247sports.

Coaches' report: "Tyce is as good a football player as we have in this class. He has a nose for the ball no matter what position he plays. He had 27 tackles in a game and well over 100 tackles in his last season. He is also a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball and track where he will likely break 11 seconds in the 100 meters this year after running 11.1 last year."
  Ethan Lowell
Offensive Line
6'4", 265 lbs
Modesto, Calif.
Joseph Gregori HS

At a glance: A First Team All-League performer out of Modesto, Calif., Lowell earned the Central California Athletic League's offensive lineman of the year award after posting 23 pancake blocks as starting center for Joseph Gregori High School. He was listed as a Top Performer at the March 2023 NorCal The Arrival Camp founded by NFL offensive linemen Leo Koloamatangi and Meffy Koloamatangi.

Coaches' report: "We saw Ethan at a couple of camps, then he came to our big man camp this summer and stood out. He is a long, athletic, tough, smart player who was the OL MVP in his conference. He projects as an interior player for us, and has a great family back home that we're excited to have join the Eagle family."
 
Ayden Gutierrez
Wide Receiver
5'11", 180 lbs
Eastvale, Calif.
Damien HS

At a glance: Rated a three-star, 85-grade pass catcher out of California's Inland Empire, Gutierrez chose the Eags over reported offers from Morgan State, Nevada and UNLV. He recorded 53 receptions for 1,036 yards and 10 TDs as a senior, including a long of 77. He also averaged over 35 yards as a kick returner, taking three to the house. He showed versatility throughout his prep career, rushing 54 times including 46 as a junior.

Coaches' report: "Ayden is a dynamic athlete who can go the distance no matter how he touches the ball and from anywhere on the field. He will bring a bolt of energy in the room and play with a chip on his shoulder. His playmaking ability continued to get better and better throughout high school."
 
Gavin Allen
Tight End
6'6", 220 lbs
Kennewick, Wash.
Southridge HS

At a glance: A 6-foot-6 tight end out of Kennewick, Allen piled up 471 yards receiving and 1 touchdown on 23 catches with the Southridge Suns in 2023, earning Mid-Columbia Conference Honorable Mention honors. He earned a two-star, 78-overall rating by 247sports.com.

Coaches' report: "Gavin earned his opportunity at our individual padded camps this summer. He is a multiple sport athlete who has an extremely high ceiling with his athleticism at 6-foot-6. He played for former EWU safety Matt Johnson at Southridge, so he is very familiar with our program. Gavin has the length to play the Y in our offense, and we're very excited about his future here."
Shea Robertson
Linebacker
6'1", 210 lbs
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Coeur d'Alene HS

At a glance: Robertson is a 3-star, 81.5 composite grade linebacker out of nearby Coeur d'Alene who committed to EWU over a reported offer from Nevada. As sure a tackler as you'll see, he posted 358 total stops over three years at CDA High School, including 173 (110 solo) in 12 games as a senior, adding 26 TFL (46 career). Earned several awards, including First Team All-State and Idaho Defensive Player of the Year. He recorded 10+ tackles in all but one game in 2023, with five at 18+ including the 5A state final, when he posted 18 tackles (16 solo) and 3 TFL as CDA finished runner-up. He is the 10th-ranked overall player out of Idaho by 247sports.com.

Coaches' report: "Shea paved his own path by coming to camp. You will hear him hitting people from the stands. A linebacker's linebacker."
Ambrose Marsh
Cornerback
6'1", 175 lbs
Renton, Wash.
Eastside Catholic HS

At a glance: Rated by 247sports as a 3-star, 85-grade cornerback and the 23rd prospect out of Washington, Marsh was a First Team All-League performer as an anchor to Eastside Catholic's secondary, picking up 37 tackles, 2 TFL and 5 INT during his senior year, including three picks in ECHS's quarterfinal playoff win over Kennewick. Ambrose's older brother Armani was a two-time Pac-12 Honorable Mention defensive back at Washington State before spending part of the 2023 season on the practice squad for the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

Coaches' report: "Ambrose is an exceptional player. He has versatility in his game where he can play 2-3 different positions. He will be a great asset to our team."
 
Josiah Goode
Safety
6'2", 170 lbs
Federal Way, Wash.
Puyallup HS

At a glance: Goode recorded 33 tackles (24 solo) in 10 games as a senior at Puyallup High, securing one interception. Rated as a 2-star, 78-grade by 247sports.

Coaches' report: "Josiah is a camp product who played his high school ball in the toughest league in the state. He can play all 5 DB positions and is a multi-sport athlete. He finished 5th at state in the 110 hurdles last year and has an opportunity to get the top spot this year."
Mark Johnson
Offensive Line
6'5", 260 lbs
Vernon, B.C., Canada
Vernon Secondary

At a glance: Coached as a prep by former CFL All-Star Angus Reid, who played 13 seasons and won two Grey Cups. Reid said he has never seen a high school offensive lineman "with a higher potential upside," than Johnson. He joins an Eagle squad with some ties to B.C. in fellow Canadians WR Nolan Ulm (Kelowna) and OL Matthew Hewa Baddege (Port Coquitlam). Vernon Secondary won the 2023 B.C. Provincial Championship and Johnson earned championship MVP honors. During the season, he lined up all over the place, taking snaps at right tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end, middle linebacker and long snapper, earning Provincial MVP. He was also an all-conference basketball player. Johnson chose Eastern over offers from several schools including Bryant University.

Coaches' report: "Mark was brought to our attention by Eagle legend Greg Peach and CFL legend Angus Reid, who coached him at Vernon. He is a long, athletic, powerful player with a high football IQ and an elite work ethic. He was British Columbia's provincial MVP and his team won the provincial championship. He projects as a tackle for us and has an awesome, highly competitive family back home."
 
Conner Walcker
Linebacker
6'3", 215 lbs
Ferndale, Wash.
Ferndale HS

At a glance: A 3-star, 81-grade recruit out of Ferndale, Walcker is ranked by 247sports as the 36th overall prospect from the state of Washington. He earned 3A Wesco North First Team honors as both a running back and defensive back, and earned First Team as a junior DB as well. 

Coaches' report: "Conner is an exciting athlete coming here to play linebacker. Terrific length and athleticism. Has played WR, RB and everywhere on defense. They can run but he'll chase them down."
 
Asher Bowie
Tight End
6'5", 210 lbs
Rathdrum, Idaho
Post Falls HS

At a glance: Bowie is a big-framed tight end out of nearby Post Falls High School, just across the state border. Rated 247sports as a 2-star, 78-grade TE, he hauled in 453 yards on 36 catches as a senior. He also plays basketball for the Trojans. Rated as the 16th-best overall recruit out of Idaho.

Coaches' report: "Asher is a multiple sport athlete that was on our short list since the beginning of the recruiting process. He excelled at our team camp as an individual, during the camp circuit and throughout his senior season. He is a great athlete at 6-foot-5 and has the length to play the Y in our offense. Asher is an excellent student in the classroom and has an extremely high ceiling on the field."
 
Kayden Stuit
Tight End
6'3", 230 lbs
Lynden, Wash.
Lynden Christian HS

At a glance: A model student-athlete with reported offers from Linfield College and Columbia University, Stuit was a standout on the gridiron at Lynden Christian, earning 1A Northwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior. He also picked up first-team accolades as a tight end, which is where he projects at Eastern. 

Coaches' report: "Kayden is a multiple sport athlete who impressed us at our Team Camp. He plays with great violence, is ultra-competitive, excels at making contested catches and breaking tackles. He possesses the length and athleticism to play the Y and the F for us in our offense. He is an excellent student, the definition of a true football player and has a very high ceiling."
Kevin Allen III
Running Back
5'11", 180 lbs
San Diego, Calif.
Helix HS

At a glance: A three-star, 82-grade recruit by 247sports.com, Allen ran for 1,295 yards and 22 TDs on 182 carries as a senior at Helix High School in California, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. He also ran for nearly 1,000 yards as a junior.

Coaches' report: "Kevin possesses game-changing explosiveness paired with a hard-nosed running style. The tenacity he attacks the game with makes him a threat running, receiving and in the return game. His ability gives him a chance to become a household name for Eastern fans very early on in his career."
 
Jaxon Branch
Wide Receiver
6'3", 185 lbs
Chandler, Ariz.
Chandler HS

At a glance: A three-star, 84.5 composite rating wideout out of Chandler, Ariz., Branch piled up 550 yards and 9 TDs receiving on just 30 receptions (18.3 yards per catch) for nationally-ranked Chandler High. He chose Eastern over reported offers from WSU, Arizona and Arizona State. Branch will be a first-generation college student. Rated by 247sports.com as the 38th-best overall recruit out of Arizona.

Coaches' report: "Jaxon is someone who possesses a unique size and speed skillset. He is a tall and long receiver who makes contested catches, but is also a problem with the ball in his hands. He has a winning pedigree, coming from Chandler High School; a yearly powerhouse that also produced current Eagle safety Kentrell Williams Jr."
 
McKel Broussard
Safety
6'0", 195 lbs
Los Angeles, Calif.
Transfer from UTEP

At a glance: A 2019 high school graduate, Broussard spent five years at UTEP where he was a four-time Academic Honor Roll student and set career highs in 2023 with 27 tackles (18 solo). He was the 87th-ranked athlete position in his national class out of high school, according to the 247sports composite rankings. His father is an assistant basketball coach at TCU.

Coaches' report: "Mckel is a veteran ball player who has an opportunity to make an immediate impact for our football team. He brings FBS playing experience and is a student of the game. He found himself playing both offense and defense throughout his career but found a home at DB when he got to college. He will bring veteran presence not only to the DB room but also to our entire team."

 

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ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.

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