CHENEY, Wash. — The new group of Eagles will arrive in Cheney in 2025 for Eastern Washington football. Head coach
Aaron Best announced the signing of 23 players for the early signing period.
Best talked about the focus the staff put on this class, "Our goal every year is to find EKG's. We want players that overachieve on and off the field and guys that are going to create competition as soon as they step on campus. We believe we did just that with this year's early signings. We put a big emphasis on finding the best football players and I think that shows up on these kid's tapes. You are going to see a bunch of guys that play on both sides of the ball and do it at a high level."
The Eagles' early signing class includes 5 offensive lineman, 3 tight ends, 3 safeties, 2 linebackers, 2 wide receivers, 2 defensive tackle, 1 defensive end, 1 cornerback, 1 running back and 1 quarterback.
"We think the 22 guys we signed are going to have an opportunity to do some special things for our program and, in some cases, make an immediate impact for our team," Best added on. "There were some clear positions that needed to be filled with the departure of so many seniors. We believe this is a well-rounded, well put together class and we aren't quite done yet. You will see more names come through over the next few weeks and into the second signing day in February."
Eastern's staff kept the focus on the in-state talent with 12 signees from Washington. The group also includes 7 signees from California, 1 from Arizona, 1 from Idaho and 1 from Utah.
"This is a testament to the staff and all the time and effort that goes into building relationships," Best explained. "Most of these kids have been committed to us and stayed committed throughout the process. That can be tough to achieve sometimes when you have so much movement in college football. All of these guys have stayed on with us and that speaks to the character of the kids we are bringing in. We couldn't be more excited to welcome this next group of Eags to our family."
|
Name
|
Pos.
|
Ht.
|
Wt.
|
Last School
|
Hometown
|
|
Anthony Quinones
|
QB
|
6-0
|
205
|
Liberty HS
|
Murrieta, CA
|
|
David Cabrera
|
WR
|
5-9
|
170
|
Desert Edge HS
|
Goodyear, AZ
|
|
Rylin Lang
|
WR
|
6-0
|
185
|
Anacortes HS
|
Anacortes, WA
|
|
Isaiah Oudman
|
TE
|
6-3
|
220
|
Lynden HS
|
Lynden, WA
|
|
Zander Turner
|
TE
|
6-4
|
230
|
O'Dea HS
|
Seattle, WA
|
|
Nick Savage
|
OL
|
6-3
|
260
|
Issaquah HS
|
Issaquah, WA
|
|
Andrew Langer
|
OL
|
6-3
|
260
|
Carlsbad HS
|
Carlsbad, WA
|
|
Brady Ackerman
|
OL
|
6-4
|
265
|
Nooksack Valley HS
|
Everson, WA
|
|
Michael Gradle
|
OL
|
6-5
|
270
|
Moorpark HS
|
Moorpark, CA
|
|
Dylan Scott
|
OL
|
6-4
|
265
|
Arlington HS
|
Arlington, WA
|
|
Wilson Medina
|
RB
|
6-0
|
200
|
Sherwood HS
|
Burnt Ranch, CA
|
|
Landen Kahai
|
CB
|
6-0
|
175
|
Kennedy Catholic HS
|
Tacoma, WA
|
|
Marcus Nixon
|
S
|
6-1
|
190
|
Squalicum HS
|
Bellingham, WA
|
|
Messiah Washington
|
S
|
6-0
|
180
|
Cathedral HS
|
Los Angeles, CA
|
|
Bjorn Birmingham
|
S
|
6-2
|
180
|
Cajon HS
|
San Bernardino, CA
|
|
Gage Brumfield
|
LB
|
6-2
|
210
|
W.F. West HS
|
Chehalis, WA
|
|
Cooper MacPherson
|
LB
|
6-2
|
210
|
Chiawana HS
|
Pasco, WA
|
|
Lijah Petelo
|
DT
|
6-5
|
240
|
Auburn HS
|
Auburn, WA
|
|
Gauge Larsen
|
DE
|
6-3
|
230
|
Rigby HS
|
Rigby, Idaho
|
|
Ryan Johnson
|
TE
|
6-4
|
240
|
Moorpark College
|
Camarillo, CA
|
|
Jaice Tupea
|
DT
|
6-2
|
245
|
Bingham HS
|
South Jordan, Utah
|
All Signees as of 8 p.m. Pacific Time on Dec. 6, 2024
Anthony Quinones | QB | 6-0 | 205 | Liberty HS | Murrieta, Calif.
Anthony commanded the offense well at Liberty, passing for 1114 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 18.9 yards per completion on 59 completions. Anthony has a 86.6 career quarterback rating. This past season, Anthony passed for 676 yards and three touchdowns in seven games played.
Anthony is a two-star prospect by 247Sports.com.
David Cabrera | WR| 5-9 | 170 | Desert Edge HS | Goodyear, Ariz.
David has been productive at the wide receiver spot while at Desert Edge. He has 72 catches for 1091 yards and nine touchdowns. He averages 46.4 yards per game. David also has one rushing touchdown in his career with 100 rushing yards total. In the 2024 season, David had 624 yards on 39 catches and five scores.
Along with football, David was a star on the track, winning the state championship in the 100m.
Rylin Lang | WR | 6-0 | 185 | Anacortes HS | Anacortes, Wash.
During his career at Anacortes, Rylin has displayed his dynamic playmaking ability. He has 1665 career receiving yards with 23 touchdown catches. Rylin has 98 receptions and averages 49.0 yards per game in 34 career appearances. This past season, Rylin finished with career-highs in yards (658) and receptions (40), while matching his season-best with nine touchdowns. He earned All-Northwest Conference first team wide receiver for 2024. Rylin looks to help Anacortes repeat as 2A state champion later this month as they won the title in 2023. Rylin also has 184 career rushing yards on 29 carries with one touchdown. He has thrown for a touchdown as well, with nine career passing attempts and 110 yards.
Along with being a star on the field, Rylin is a star on the mat, winning a state championship in wrestling this past year. Rylin won the 165 lbs title at the 2A state tournament. He placed seventh in 2022 at 152 lbs and third in 2023 at 160 lbs.
On 247Sports.com, Rylin is listed as a three-star prospect.
Isaiah Oudman | TE | 6-3 | 220 | Lynden HS | Lynden, Wash.
Isaiah contributed as a two-way player for Lynden in his high school career, lining up at tight end and linebacker. Isaiah had 13 catches for 242 yards and four touchdowns in his junior season, while catching one touchdown in his sophomore season. In his senior season, Isaiah amassed 1001 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 61 receptions. He had 35.5 tackles - eight for loss - three sacks and three pass breakups. As a junior, Isaiah had 32.5 tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception. Isaiah had 25.5 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception his sophomore year. He earned All-Northwest Conference 2A second team defense honors this past season.
Isaiah is a three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com. Along with football, Isaiah also played basketball and baseball at Lynden.
Zander Turner | TE | 6-4 | 230 | O'Dea HS | Seattle Wash.
Zander was a key contributor for O'Dea these past four years. In his final season, Zander was named to the first team All-Metro League.
Zander is a two-star prospect by 247Sports.com. Adding to his athletic profile, Zander plays basketball for O'Dea
Nick Savage | OL | 6-3 | 260 | Issaquah HS | Issaquah, Wash.
Nick was a steady presence on the offensive line at tackle the past four years. In 2024, Nick helped Issaquah to 4-2 record in conference to place third. Nick was named 3A/4A Kingco-Crest conference lineman of the year this past season.
Nick is listed as a two-star prospect by 247Sports.com.
Andrew Langer | OL | 6-3 | 260 | Carlsbad HS | Carlsbad, Calif.
On the line, Andrew helped keep the Carlsbad quarterbacks safe during his high school career. Andrew helped Carlsbad to 8-4 overall record this season and 3-2 in the Avocado League. In the 2023 season, Carlsbad was 10-1 and won the league with a perfect 5-0 record. Andrew was also a two-way player for Carlsbad, splitting time on the defensive line for the Lancers.
Brady Ackerman | OL | 6-4 | 265 | Nooksack Valley HS | Everson, Wash.
Brady was a key player on Nooksack Valley's offensive line As a tackle, Brady helped Nooksack Valley win the 1A Northwest league this season, going 4-0 - 9-3 overall - and an offense that scored 137 points. Nooksack placed second in their league in 2023 with a 3-1 record, 9-3 overall.
On 247Sports.com, Brady is a three-star prospect. Brady was two-sport athlete, playing power forward and center for the Nooksack Valley basketball team.
Michael "Mick" Gradle | OL | 6-5 | 270 | Moorpark HS | Moorpark, Wash.
Michael leaves Moorpark High School with a decorated career for the Musketeers. For the 2023 season, Michael earned first team All-County and first team All-Canyon League. In the 2022 season, Michael was named defensive lineman of the year. Michael helped Moorpark to second-place finish in the Canyon League, earning a 5-1 league record and 9-2 overall. While performing at a high level on the field, Michael also was top performer in the classroom, earning Student Scholar Athlete award in the '22 and '23.
Gradle is listed on 247Sports.com as a three-star prospect.
Dylan Scott | OL | 6-4 | 265 | Arlington HS | Arlington, Wash.
The offensive line was a strength for Arlington High School with Dylan playing a major role in its success. Dylan helped Arlington to back-to-back 10-plus win seasons, going 10-2 in 2024 and 11-1 in 2023. Arlington won the 4A Wesco District title both seasons, with a 5-1 and 6-0 league records respectively. In his sophomore season, Dylan and Arlington went 4-1 in Wesco to finish fourth and 7-2 overall for the season. Dylan also contributed on the defensive line at tackle, recording 20 total tackles this past season. He had 14 solo tackles with two sacks and six total tackles for loss.
Dylan was also a member of the Arlington wrestling team, last competing for them in the 2022 season.
Wilson Medina | RB | 6-0 | 200 | Sherwood HS | Burnt Ranch, Calif.
Wilson was a prolific runner for Sherwood High School, amassing 3205 career yards, averaging 8.8 per carry. He scored 46 rushing touchdowns in his three seasons, with 48 total in his career. In his senior season, Wilson had 2095 yards on 170 carries - 12.3 per attempt - and an eye-popping 33 touchdowns. Out of the backfield, Wilson had 11 career catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 204.9 all-purpose yards per game in the 2024 season. Wilson earned All-Conference first team honors in '24 and '23. He was All-County in the '23 season as well. Sherwood won back-to-back 6A Pacific League titles with Wilson's carrying the rock, going 4-0 in league in 2024 and 5-0 in 2023 this past season and previous year.
247Sports.com lists Wilson as a three-star prospect. Wilson also played baseball and basketball at Sherwood.
Landen Kahai | CB | 6-0 | 175 | Kennedy Catholic HS | Tacoma, Wash.
Landen arrives at Eastern after being a ball-hawk in secondary while playing for Kennedy Catholic High School. Landen has seven interceptions the past two seasons, while recovering three fumbles. From the cornerback spot, Landen had 44 total tackles, making 26 solo. Landen had five interceptions in the 2023 season and added two more in the 2024 season. He had 27 tackles in '23 and 17 in '24. Landen's contributions were not limited to defense as he scored five touchdowns on offense as well. He had 214 career rushing yards and 51 receiving yards, scoring four rushing touchdowns in the '23 season.
Landen is a three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com.
Marcus Nixon | S | 6-1 | 190 | Squalicum HS | Bellingham, Wash.
Marcus was a star for Squalicum High School in his career, excelling on both sides of the ball. Marcus earned All-Northwest Conference first team honors at running back for the 2024 season, adding a second team All-Northwest conference honor at linebacker. This past season, Squalicum went 4-4 in the 2A Northwest District, placing fifth and was 5-4 overall. In the 2023 season, Nixon lined up at quarterback, along with cornerback, recording 1761 yards from scrimmage and 22 total touchdowns. He had 34.4 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.
Marcus is a three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com
Messiah Washington | S | 6-0 | 180 | Cathedral HS | Los Angeles, Calif.
Messiah made his presence felt on the field during his time at Cathedral. At safety, Messiah recorded 89 tackles between his junior and sophomore seasons, making 54 solo. He totaled 2.0 tackles for loss. During the 2022 season, Messiah grabbed five interceptions and had 12 pass breakups. He had two pass breakups and one fumble recovered during the 2023 season. Cathedral went 4-1 in the Angelus League, finishing fourth in the standings.
Messiah is listed as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com.
Bjorn Birmingham | S | 6-2 | 180 | Cajon HS | San Bernardino, Calif.
Bjorn gives Eastern another athletic, two-way player after lining up at wide receiver and safety at Cajon High School. In his career, Bjorn has 180 total tackles, with 83 solo and making 13.0 for a loss. He has eight career sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and four pass breakups. Bjorn tallied 100 tackles - 51 solo - this past season. At receiver, Bjorn caught 70 passes for 1005 yards, with 15 touchdowns. He caught eight touchdown passes in 2024 for a career-best, while recording 570 yards in 2023 for his career-best. Bjorn also played basketball at Cajon.
Gage Brumfield | LB | 6-2 | 210 | W.F. West HS | Chehalis, Wash.
Gage made an impact for W.F. West High School on the offensive side of the ball before he shifts to the defensive side at EWU. Gage played both quarterback and wide receiver, earning 2A Evergreen Offensive MVP in 2024, accounting for over 30 touchdowns. He also earned Evergreen offensive MVP in 2023. W.F. West earned an 11-2 overall record in 2024, going 3-1 in league.
Gage is a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com.
Cooper MacPherson | LB | 6-2 | 210 | Chiawana HS | Pasco, Wash.
Cooper helped solidify the defense for Chiawana High School during his career. From the linebacker spot, Cooper recorded two sacks with four total tackles for loss, and nine total tackles. In his senior session, Cooper contributed on offense, scoring three rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. He had 172 all-purpose yards during the season. On top of football, Cooper competed for the wrestling, basketball and track teams at Chiawana.
Cooper garnered a three-star rating by 247Sports.com
Gauge Larsen | DE | 6-3 | 230 | Rigby HS | Rigby, Idaho
Gauge provided a solid part of the defensive line for Rigby High School. In his senior season, Gauge earned 6A All-High Country first team honors, on the way to helping Rigby to a state championship. Rigby was a runner up in High Country in 2023, going 2-1 in league and 6-5 overall.
Lijah Petelo | DT | 6-5 | 240 | Auburn HS | Auburn, Wash.
At Auburn High School, Lijah provided a strong presence on the defensive and offensive line. Lijah had 18 tackles during his junior season, making eight solo. He had one sack and five total tackles for loss. Lijah earned first team All-League honors at defensive tackle and second team honors at tackle for the 2024 season. In 2023, Lijah was named to the second team All-League at defensive line. Auburn went 5-1 in the North Puget Sound League during the '23 season, earning runner up status. The team finished 7-3 overall. Auburn went 4-3 in league in 2024 and 5-5 overall.
On 247Sports.com, Lijah is listed as a two-star prospect.
Ryan Johnson | TE | 6-4 | 240 | Moorpark College | Camarillo, Calif.
Ryan appeared in eight games for Moorpark College in the 2024 season, providing production out of the tight end position and on defense. Ryan caught 23 passes for 191 yards and had two touchdowns. He averaged 23.9 yards per game with an 8.3 yards per catch average. Against Allan Hancock, Ryan had his best game with 7 catches, 68 yards and one touchdown, also scoring on a two-point conversion. Ryan also had five total tackles, with one sack and two total for a loss.
Jaice Tupea | DT | 6-2 | 245 | Bingham HS | South Jordan, Utah
Jaice racked up the stats at Bingham High School on the defensive line. Jaice racked up 157 career tackles, with 19.0 for a loss. He had 69 solo tackles in 35 games played. In total, Jaice notched 7.5 sacks and one interception at Bingham. In his senior season, Jaice had a career-best 68 tackles with 2.5 sacks, earning All-State second team honors. He had four sacks and one pass defended in his 2022 season. Jaice was key to Bingham winning the 6A Region 3 title in the '22 season, going 5-0 in league play and 10-3 overall. Bingham earned runner-up status in '23 and '24, going 4-1 in Region 3 both seasons.
Jaice is listed as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com.
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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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