HAVRE — Montana State University-Northern football coach Andrew Rolin released the initial list of 2019 recruits Sunday, with 19 athletes committed to joining the Lights in the fall.
The Lights, in their second year under Rolin, will look to add even more names to this growing list before spring drills begin in March and the season begins this fall.
Among the signees are six Montanans, including three from Kalispell (Jonathan Baker, Pat Hammond and Gunnar Landrum). All-State defensive lineman Mavrick McKinlay from Geraldine-Highwood, Daunte Janikula from Great Falls High and Minot State transfer Cal Holgate from Manhattan are the other Treasure State natives that will join the Lights in 2019.
Below is the initial Lights’ 2019 signing class in alphabetical order, including thoughts from coach Rolin on each recruit:
Drew Andrews, DB, 5-11, 175 lbs, Elk Grove, CA (Iowa Weslyan University)
Coach Rolin comment: “Versatile defensive back who has already competed at the collegiate level. Excited about his experience and the leadership that he has already displayed since his arrival.”
Jonathan Baker, RB, 5-10, 200 lbs, Kalispell, MT (Flathead HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “Elusive, tough running back that also catches the ball well out of the backfield. Had great success at Flathead High School. Sat out Fall 2018 and transferred into Northern for the Spring Semester.”
Denman Brinkman, OL, 6-3, 270 lbs, Fair Oaks, CA (Del Campo HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “Long and mobile player who plays with physicality needed at the offensive line position.”
Pat Hammond, DL, 6-3, 220 lbs, Kalispell, MT (Flathead HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “Long, physical defensive end that has the ability to rush the passer. Also, a part of the State Championship runner-up Flathead Braves.”
Cal Holgate, WR, 5-9, 170 lbs, Manhattan, MT (Minot State)
Coach Rolin comment: “Do-it-all player with good quickness, speed, and vision. Montana kid that is excited to come back home and compete in the Frontier Conference.”
Daunte Janikula, OL, 6-6, 240 lbs, Great Falls, MT (Great Falls HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “Big presence, long and athletic with a high ceiling. Will be a great player for the years to come.”
Gunnar Landrum, SAM, 5-11, 185 lbs, Kalispell, MT (Flathead HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “Leader of a Flathead defense that competed in the Montana AA State Championship Game. Extremely fast and plays with great instincts.”
Hunter Lane, WR, 6-2, 190 lbs, Payson, AZ (Ottawa University-AZ)
Coach Rolin comment: “Physical wide receiver with good athleticism and ball skills. Will be a reliable target right away.”
Mavrick McKinlay, DL, 6-2, 265 lbs, Geraldine, MT (Geraldine HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “All-State Class C defensive lineman. Great size and athleticism.”
Marcus Perez, OL, 6-3, 270 lbs, Sacramento, CA (Sacramento City College)
Coach Rolin comment: “Veteran offensive linemen who brings good athleticism to the group, along with a dominant style of play. He is very versatile and will make an immediate impact. Will compete this Spring as a mid-year transfer.”
Titus Pulliam, LS, 6-4, 205 lbs, Mesa, AZ (Red Mountain HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “Very talented long snapper who has the capability and athleticism to make plays on the punt team.”
Joey Quitugua II, DE, 6-0, 225 lbs, Boise, ID (Capital HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “5A Idaho Defensive Player of the Year and All Idaho First Team defensive end. Very talented pass rusher from a successful program in Boise.”
Hunter Riley, SAF, 5-10, 195 lbs, Bakserfield, CA (Liberty HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “All-League performer with great coverage skills and physicality. Will look to compete for playing time immediately.”
Tim Robinson, WR, 6-3, 190 lbs, Jacksonville, FL (Ottawa University-AZ)
Coach Rolin comment: “Big, explosive downfield threat as a go-to wide reciever. Will have an immediate impact for the program.”
Sam Sanders, LB, 6-0, 215 lbs, El Dorado Hills, CA (Oak Ridge HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “Comes from one of the most successful programs in Northern California. Very physical and athletic. Has a great knack for the football and understanding of the game.”
Noah Thompson, WR, 6-0, 180 lbs, Las Vegas, NV (Mojave HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “Explosive talent that will compete at the wide receiver position. Has big play ability with the ball in his hands.”
Posiulai Tupolo, OL, 6-1, 260 lbs, Belfair, WA (North Mason HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “Very athletic and explosive player who will look to sure up the interior of the offensive line. Played both nose tackle and running back in high school.”
Steele Ware, QB, 5-10, 170 lbs, Rainier, WA (Dakota College at Bottineau)
Coach Rolin comment: “Very productive quarterback from Oregon, who had a very successful high school career. Can also make plays with his feet.”
Clayton Watterson, LB, 5-10, 195 lbs, Vacaville, CA (Vacaville HS)
Coach Rolin comment: “All-League linebacker who brings great athleticism. Very productive throughout his high school career.”
