PORTLAND STATE FOOTBALL NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEES

STUDENT-ATHLETE • BIO	POS	HGT • WGT	YR	HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOLS)	HIGHLIGHTS
Nate Richter*	ATH	6-3 • 220	FR • HS	Henderson, NV (Green Valley HS)	Video
Zach Wusstig*	DB	6-1 • 185	FR • HS	Jefferson, OR (South Salem HS)	Video
Jaden DeCosta*	DB	6-1 • 195	FR • HS	Inglewood, CA (Inglewood HS)	Video
Tristan Lewis*	OL	6-5 • 275	FR • HS	Eatonville, WA (Eatonville HS)	Video
Pryce Roberts*	OL	6-5 • 290	FR • HS	Woodinville, WA (Woodinville HS)	Video
Isaac Perez*	OL	6-3 • 305	FR • HS	Corona, CA (Centennial HS)	Video
Dallas Holliday^	OL	6-3 • 315	SR • TR	Sherman Oaks, CA (Oaks Christian HS/Boise State)	Video
Jazel Riley IV	QB	6-1 • 205	FR • HS	Lakewood, CO (Golden HS)	Video
Tupulea "Bam" Afalava	DL	6-3 • 240	FR • HS	Puyallup, WA (Emerald Ridge HS)	Video
Kamren Marsh	DL	6-3 • 250	FR • HS	Corona, CA (Santiago HS)	Video
Elijah Eason	DL	6-5 • 235	FR • HS	Fresno, CA (Bullard HS)	Video
Donte Hookfin	DL	6-3 • 240	FR • HS	North Las Vegas, NV (Mojave HS)	Video
Kristian Ingman	TE	6-5 • 235	FR • HS	Reno, NV (Bishop Manogue HS)	Video
Delon Thompson	RB	5-9 • 200	FR • HS	Newbury Park, CA (St. Bonaventure HS)	Video
Gabe Downing	QB	6-0 • 185	FR • HS	Olympia, WA (Olympia HS)	Video
Eric Denham	WR	5-11 • 200	FR • HS	Bellflower, CA (St. John Bosco HS)	Video
Spencer Elliott	DL	6-2 • 235	FR • HS	Bend, OR (Summit HS)	Video
Jermaine Braddock^	WR	6-1 • 190	SR • TR	Covina, CA (Charter Oak HS/San Jose State)	Video
Michael Montgomery	LB	6-3 • 230	FR • HS	Seattle, WA (Garfield HS)	Video
Jayden House	DL	6-2 • 250	FR • HS	Las Vegas, NV (Bishop Gorman HS)	Video
DeMarcus Houston	DB	6-2 • 185	FR • HS	Albany, OR (West Albany HS)	Video
Alex Navarro-Silva	DL	6-5 • 290	JR • JC	Chino, CA (Don Antonio Lugo HS/Riverside CC)	Video

* signed during early signing period, Dec. 21, 2022
^ grant in aid signee

The Portland State Football Program has signed 22 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent or Grant-In-Aid contracts during the 2023 signing period. The Vikings signed 16 on Wednesday to add to the six that signed during the early signing period in December.
 
The Vikings' recruiting class has been ranked number one in the Big Sky Conference and number three in all of the NCAA I FCS by 247Sports.com.
 
Noticeable among the Vikings' 22-man signing class were seven defensive linemen and four offensive linemen.
 
"This year, our priority was to fortify the trenches," said Viking Coach Bruce Barnum. "It was a very successful period for us being able to sign that many great student-athletes on the offensive and defensive lines. This might be the best group of high school student-athletes we have ever signed. The fact that so many schools are spending a lot of time recruiting through the portal allowed us to get a very talented group of high school athletes.
 
"And we aren't done yet. We have the foundation at those positions, and we will continue to recruit looking at the portal and transfers as well now."
 
Offensively, the Vikings added a talented senior transfer in Jermaine Braddock from San Jose State, and a senior offensive lineman in Dallas Holliday from Boise State. Both will contend to start right away for PSU. At running back, Delon Thompson, the top rusher in southern California adds to a stable of returning backs. Three-star wide receiver Eric Denham and tight end Kristian Ingman also have bright futures in the Viking offense.

On defense, in addition to a number of defensive linemen, the Vikings signed Michael Montgomery from Seattle's Garfield High School. He is a three-star recruit and Seattle's Metro League Defensive Player of the Year.
 
The early signing period set the tone for Wednesday's haul of talented student-athletes.

"We were very excited we got such a quality group signing early with Isaac Perez, Pryce Roberts and Tristan Lewis on the offensive line," said Barnum of his Dec. 21 signees.
 
"Jaden Dacosta, Zach Wusstig and Nate Richter fall into an athlete category that allow them to play multiple positions," Barnum said. "That is a coaches' dream when you know you have that kind of talent and just see where it best fits your program."
 
Wusstig is one of three Oregon high schoolers to join the Vikings. Spencer Elliott, the Oregon 5A Defensive Player of the Year from Summit High School, and DeMarcus Houston, another three-star recruit and the fourth-ranked player in the state of Oregon from West Albany High School, are also new Vikings.
 
In all, 19 of the 22 signees are high school student-athletes. PSU will continue to recruit through the spring while keeping an eye on the transfer portal.
 
PSU has 44 letterwinners and 15 starters that return in 2023. There are also 36 redshirts that return. Among the starters, seven are on offense, five on defense and three on special teams.

 

STUDENT-ATHLETE BIOS

 

Tupulea "Bam" Afalava, FR, DL, 6-3, 240, Puyallup, WA (Emerald Ridge HS) 

 
Coach Barnum says: "Comes from a great family. A solid addition on our defensive line as we re-build the foundation of our guys up front." 
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times and basketball once at Emerald Ridge High School… had 44 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks as a senior… also broke up four passes and had one fumble recovery for a touchdown… part of a team that made the first playoff appearance in school history.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Leina and Brett Lange… plans to major in Education… wants to be a teacher or an interior home designer. 

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Jermaine Braddock, SR, WR, 6-1, 190, Covina, CA (Charter Oak HS/San Jose State)

Coach Barnum says: "Jermaine is a dynamic player after the catch. He is great addition to what is already a very talented position group. He will impact us right away." 
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Competed in 44 games at San Jose State in his career… made 70 receptions for 869 yards and six touchdowns… a member of the 2020 Mountain West Champions… has one year of eligibility remaining due to the NCAA COVID waiver season.
 
Played football and basketball at Charter Oak High School… named first team All-State for medium-sized schools  as a senior… was the San Gabriel Valley Tribune's Player of the Year, Hacienda League's Player of the Year and a first-team all-league selection on offense and defense… a two-time first-team All-C.I.F. wide receiver… caught 147 passes for 2,453 yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons… averaged 7.4 yards per carry and scored nine TDs on just 42 rushing attempts… returned six of his 10 interceptions during his junior and senior seasons for touchdowns and returned two punts for TDs.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Natasha Moore and Jermaine Braddock Sr…. has one sister, Jermesha… Communications major… would like to play professional football and open a non-profit training facility in his hometown… hobbies are basketball, video games and cooking.

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Jaden DaCosta, FR, DB, 6-1, 195, Inglewood, CA (Inglewood HS)

Coach Barnum says: "Jaden is a big, physical, versatile defensive back. He was a highly-recruited student-athlete that fell in love with the Viking program when he visited here."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football and track and field… heavily recruited by Mountain West schools… earned Big Hitter Award… four-time scholar athlete… Ventura County High Jump Champion in 2021… played at Simi Valley High School prior to transferring to Inglewood as a senior... a three-star recruit.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Tony DaCosta and Janna Nichiporovich… has one sister, Sasha… would like to major in Engineering or Business…. Hobbies are music, fashion, video games, health and wellness… would like to get into software engineering or music production.

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Eric Denham, FR, WR, 5-11, 200, Bellflower, CA (St. John Bosco HS) 

Coach Barnum says: "Eric is a dynamic, versatile playmaker. He can be used all over the field and adds to an already strong receiving corps." 
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at St. John Bosco High School… his team won the high school National Championship and State Championship... had 536 all-purpose yards as a senior… scored three touchdowns as a receiver, rusher and kick returner… also completed two passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns... a three-star recruit.

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Gabe Downing, FR, QB, 6-0, 185, Olympia, WA (Olympia HS) 

Coach Barnum says: "Gabe is a very athletic, multi-sport athlete. He was the first commit of our class and will have a good future in this program."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered four times in football, three times in baseball and once in basketball at Olympia High School… threw for 2,747 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior, completing 68% of his passes… named first team All-South Puget Sound League twice, and second team once… also two time first team All-Area and one-time second team All-Area… as a junior, he threw for 2,373 yards and 29 touchdowns… totaled 5,189 yards and 54 touchdowns in his high school career… his team won the state championship in baseball.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Josh and Jami Downing… has three brothers, Cameron, Tucker and Eli… intends to major in Business… would like to be a football coach… hobbies are snowboarding and wake surfing.

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Elijah Eason, FR, DL, 6-5, 235, Fresno, CA (Bullard HS) 

Coach Barnum says: "Elijah is a great story of perseverance who has succeeded by going the extra mile in school and in football. He has worked extremely hard to overcome a lot of challenges in life and will be an impressive story when the world finds out about him." 
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football and track at Bullard High School… a three-star recruit per 247 Sports…. first team All-CMAC defensive lineman… as a senior made 37 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery…. as a junior had 46 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery… throws the shot put, discus and runs the 100 and 200 meters in track.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Dominique Coley and John Van Eason… has one brother, Michael… plans to major in Film and Video Production… eager to get a college degree and would like to play professional football.

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Spencer Elliott, FR, DL, 6-2, 235, Bend, OR (Summit HS)

Coach Barnum says: "Spencer represents what we have been recruiting with his talent and abilities. He is a big part of that strong foundation we are building on the defensive line. Trying to keep the most talented players in the state of Oregon here is what we strive for every year. With Spencer, we got a big win for the program."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
A member of the Oregon 5A State Champion Summit Storm High School Football Team… was the Oregon State 5A Defensive Player of the year… named first team All-State on both sides of the ball… first team All-League on both offensive and defensive lines… had 66 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception… competed in the 2022 Les Schwab Bowl All-Star game.

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Dallas Holliday, SR, OL, 6-3, 315, Sherman Oaks, CA (Oaks Christian HS/Boise State)

Coach Barnum says: "Dallas is a very important addition for us as we fortify our offensive line. He is a very talented football player, a great kid and I expect him to compete immediately."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Competed in 34 games over four seasons at Boise State… still has one season left due to NCAA's COVID waiver season… was teammates with Maclaine Griffin and Andrew Van Buren at Boise State and teammates with Jaylen Larry and Michael Jackson at Oaks Christian High School.
 
Three-star recruit from Oaks Christian High School… 2017 All-CIF SS Division 2 First Team selection...2017 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in the Marmonte League… Ventura County Coaches Association All-County First Team selection in 2017...two-time All-Marmonte League First Team honoree… competed in the 2018 Ventura County All-Star Game… was a part of an Oaks Christian team that won the CIF SS Division 2 title in 2017… also competed in track & field, winning the 2017 CIF title in the shot put.

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Donte Hookfin, FR, DL, 6-3, 240, North Las Vegas, NV (Mojave HS) 

Coach Barnum says: "Hook is a really good football player, an outstanding student and very involved in the community. He adds to our depth in this new defensive line group." 
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Competed in football, basketball, volleyball and track at Mojave High School… was football team Rookie of the Year in 2019… second team All-League in 2021… honorable mention All-Conference in basketball where his team won a state championship… two-year member of the honor roll... a three-star recruit.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Denise Hoofkin and Jireh Green… brothers are Jireh Jr., Darryl, Dodrian, Tyreek, Jearld and Jireh III, and sisters are Breauna, Mi'jireh and Jade… would like to majoring in Business and Real Estate… plans to become a business owner with a barbershop, car dealership, fashion store and invest in property… hobbies are fishing, lowriders, gaming, barbering, RC cars and community service.

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Jayden House, FR, DL, 6-2, 250, Las Vegas, NV (Bishop Gorman HS) 

Coach Barnum says: "Jayden comes from one of the top programs in the country and is a proven winner. He played his best in the biggest games of his high school career against the top competition."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Bishop Gorman High School… a two-time first team All-Conference selection… played for one of the best high school programs in the country, he was a two-time state champion… offered by Pac-12 and Mountain West schools… made 43 stops, 18 tackles for loss, three sacks, had an interception and a pass breakup as a senior… his junior season, made 33 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, a fumble recovery for touchdown and a blocked field goal… an honor roll student.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Nicki Tillman… has one sister, Imani…. would like to major in Physical Therapy and Psychology… has a goal to become a physical therapist… hobby is gaming.

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DeMarcus Houston, FR, DB, 6-2, 185, Albany, OR (West Albany HS)

Coach Barnum says: "DeMarcus is the highest ranked recruit in the state of Oregon that we have signed. He has great size at his position."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times at West Albany High School… named first team All-State at the 5A level… first team All-Mid-Willamette Valley Conference… number-four ranked player in the state of Oregon according to 247 Sports… a three-star recruit… earned second team All-State honors as a junior.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Keith Houston and Noelle Phillips… has two brothers, Keith and Tyson, and one sister, Sierra… would like to major in Kinesiology or Sports Medicine… would like to be a coach or physical therapist… enjoys time with family and friends, the outdoors, youth coaching and being involved in the community.

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Kristian Ingman, FR, TE, 6-5, 235, Reno, NV (Bishop Manogue HS)

Coach Barnum says: "It's hard to find a tight end that can block and catch like Kristian. He is a true mudder who can put his hand on the ground or dunk a ball on the goal post."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times at IMG Academy, then his senior year at Bishop Manogue High School… also competed in lacrosse and wrestling… second-highest ranked player out of Reno… offered by Air Force and several Ivy League programs… caught 30 passes for 410 receiving yards and eight touchdowns as a senior… had 26 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks on defense… named second team All-State tight end and first team All-Region 5A as a tight end and defensive end… team won the Northern 5A Championship… voted high school Athlete of the Year in 2022… made honor roll all four years in high school.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Jason and Linsey Ingman… has two sisters, Hailie and Kahyla… plans to major in Civil Engineering… has a goal to play professional football… would like to own a construction company specializing in housing and architecture… hobbies are power lifting, body building, video games and community service.

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Tristan Lewis, FR, OL, 6-5, 275, Eatonville, WA (Eatonville HS)

Coach Barnum says: "Tristan is an offensive lineman we have been chasing for many moons. An athlete at his position who is a great student and a great fit to our locker room."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered four times in football and track, twice in basketball at Eatonville High School… a three-year all-league selection… team captain as a senior… twice a state finalist as a thrower in track and field.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Jason and Silvia Lewis… has one sister, Katherine… would like to major in Mechanical Engineering… his hobbies are weight lifting, classic car repair, hunting and fishing.

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Kamren Marsh, FR, DL, 6-3, 250, Corona, CA (Santiago HS) 

Coach Barnum says: "Kamren is talented player who may be a sleeper from the state of California. He wasn't heavily recruited but we really liked his tape when we saw it."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four years and basketball once at Santiago High School… as a senior had 48 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Sandra and Robert Marsh… has one brother, Khari, and three sisters, Kiara, Kamari and Katrina… would like to go into sports broadcasting and journalism, or possibly a trade school… hobbies are lifting weights, video games, and plays six musical instruments.

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Michael Montgomery, FR, LB, 6-3, 230, Seattle, WA (Garfield HS)

Coach Barnum says: "Michael has been recruited by Power 5 schools. He is a highly-touted linebacker who will be a big addition to the defense."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Garfield High School… named Metro League Defensive Player of the Year… first team All-League linebacker… had 93 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, three interceptions, two pass breakups and a sack on the season… a three-star rated linebacker.

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Isaac Perez, FR, OL, 6-3, 305, Corona, CA (Centennial HS)

Coach Barnum says: "Isaac is an offensive lineman from a storied high school program, one of the premier schools in the country.  He's a physical player with great size already."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered four years in football at Centennial High School.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Omar and Martha Perez… has three brothers, Gabe, Omar and Nathan, and three sisters, Samantha, Janette and Gisele… plans to major in Business Administration and Management.

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Nate Richter, FR, ATH, 6-3, 220, Henderson, NV (Green Valley HS)

Coach Barnum says: "We recruited Nate as an athlete because he plays multiple positions. He was a great "get" for us who has the potential to contribute in a number of ways."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football, wrestling and track and field at Green Valley High School… can play wide receiver, tight end or linebacker… a two-time All-Conference selection who earned All-State this past year… had 52 receptions for 741 yards and six touchdowns as a senior… on defense made 98 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks and a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown… also a talented wrestler.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Jerome and Nichole Richter… has one sister, Abby… plans to major in Applied Health and Fitness… hobbies are hiking and watching movies… would like to play professionally and be a physical therapist.

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Jazel Riley IV, FR, QB, 6-1, 205, Lakewood, CO (Golden HS) 

 
Coach Barnum says: "Jazel is equally talented as a runner and a thrower. He has confidence, swagger and fits the role of quarterback very well. Jazel is one of the best quarterbacks out of Colorado, a place we haven't recruited in the past, so we were very happy to get him."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times at Golden High School… a two-time second team All-State selection… two-time first team All-Conference… two-time Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player… team captain… completed 100 of 197 passes for 1,587 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a senior… rushed 164 times for 1,533 yards and 19 touchdowns… team won outright league championship for first time in 25 seasons… won playoff games in back-to-back seasons for first time in school history… was 132-211 for 2,121 yards, 25 TDs and 10 interceptions as a junior… rushed 103 times for 1,006 yards and 17 touchdowns… threw for 4,435 yards and 44 TDs in his career… had 6,933 yards of total offense… holds school records for passing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns… a two-time Academic All-State honoree… three years on the Honor Roll. 
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Jazel "Paul" Riley III and Aimee Riley… has one sister, Emyah… plans to major in Communications… would like to play professional football and be a sports broadcaster… hobbies are video games, puzzles and movies.

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Pryce Roberts, FR, OL, 6-5, 290, Woodinville, WA (Woodinville HS)

Coach Barnum says: "You can't beat the pedigree that Pryce brings to our program as his father played in the NFL. Pryce is a big, strong kid with tons of upside."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played four years of football at Woodinville High School… named second team All-Kingco League as a senior… team captain… earned AP Scholar honors.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Beth and Ray Roberts… has two brothers, Slade and Reagan… plans to major in Computer Science… hobbies are playing video games with his brother, basketball and can play the saxophone… his father, Ray, played nine seasons in the NFL and was a first-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks.

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Alex Navarro-Silva, JR, DL, 6-5, 290, Chino, CA (Don Antonio Lugo HS/Arizona/Riverside CC)

Coach Barnum says: "Alex has great size and spent some time at Arizona. He should have an impact early with us."  
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Transferred from Riverside Community College… had 47 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery in 2022… was at Arizona in 2021, but did not play… played in 2019 at Riverside CC… team went undefeated and won the 2019 CCCAA California State Championship… had 25 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks in 12 games… All-SCFA Southern Region First Team selection.
 
Competed in football, wrestling and track at Don Antonio Lugo High School… team captain as a senior.. was an all-district and all-region selection.

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Delon Thompson, FR, RB, 5-9, 200, Newbury Park, CA (St. Bonaventure HS) 

Coach Barnum says: "Delon had a very decorated high school career and was a very productive player. He can run, he can catch the ball, and he brings a dynamic presence to our offense."
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Ventura County Star newspaper Offensive Player of the Year… Ventura County Football Coaches Association Most Valuable Player… led Ventura County and ranked second in the state in rushing yards and touchdowns with 261 carries for 2,388 yards and 25 scores in 11 games… also had 19 receptions for 211 yards and five TDs… his team won the Marmonte League Championship… as a junior in 10 games he rushed 146 times for 1,078 yards and 17 touchdowns… caught 13 passes for 98 yards and one score.

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Zach Wusstig, FR, DB, 6-1, 185, Jefferson, OR (South Salem HS)

Coach Barnum says: "Zach is a home-grown talent with a huge upside. He was heavily recruited because he is such a competitive player and a Swiss army knife type of kid who can play different positions." 
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
A versatile player at South Salem High School… as a senior caught 43 passes for 728 yards and 11 touchdowns, had 20 rushes for 227 yards and four touchdowns… on defense had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown… had 1,227 all-purpose yards and 16 total touchdowns… competed for three seasons at Jefferson (OR) High School before transferring to South Salem… a three-time first team All-Conference selection on both offense and defense… also competes in basketball and baseball and has earned All-Conference honors in both sports.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Gene and Angie Wusstig… has a brother, Evan, and a sister, Maddie… plans to major in Business… enjoys riding dirt bikes, snowboarding and helping out with youth football.

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