ASHLAND – Head coach Berk Brown and his Southern Oregon University football staff stayed busy during their first full recruiting cycle, announcing Friday 36 additions set to join the rejuvenated Raiders this fall.

The class – to which Brown still hopes to tack on approximately 10 more student-athletes – comprises 31 high school seniors and five transfers, pulling from Oregon (13 players), California (10), Nevada (9), Washington (3) and Hawaii (1). Offensive line was the most heavily-recruited position with nine individuals in that category, and a group of seven receivers includes Ashland High star Caden Negra.

"We're very excited to announce the first edition of our 2024 recruiting class and feel like the signings of these 36 young men build on the momentum we finished the season with," said Brown, who guided the Raiders to five wins in their final six games in his first year at the helm. "We've added speed, size, athleticism and most importantly character to a roster that is hungry to get after it. Our coaches worked tirelessly to put together a class that our fans can be proud of, and one that adds more diversity to a locker room that already has a lot of culture."

Brown noted that the class also boasts a combined grade-point average over 3.2.

"We aren't quite finished yet, but this is an amazing first step to get us ready for Sept. 7 against Lincoln University," he said.

The signees are listed alphabetically below:

GRANT ANDERSON | Redding, Calif./Shasta HS
Defensive End | 6-1, 225 | Highlights
Notable: Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Grant is big addition to Raider defense. Coming from Shasta, Grant will bring a high motor and playmaking ability to Southern Oregon." – Tyler Stinn, defensive coordinator

ETHAN ANDREWS | Fallon, Nev./Churchill County HS/Feather River CC
Cornerback | 6-0, 175 | Highlights
Notable: Played the 2020, '21 and '23 seasons at Feather River … Recorded two interceptions, eight pass-breakups and 20 tackles over 10 games in his final season … Majoring in environmental science.
Coach's Quote: "Ethan has good eye discipline and quick feet. He'll be a good addition to the cornerback room." – Stinn

ALLEN ARRIAGA | Sun Valley, Calif./Burroughs HS/Tennessee Tech U
Offensive Lineman | 6-3, 310 | Highlights
Notable: Played two seasons at Glendale C.C. (Calif.) before redshirting the 2023 season at Tennessee Tech … Majoring in criminology and criminal justice.
Coach's Quote: "Allen is a transfer who is an earth-mover of a run blocker. We expect big things out of him in the run game and the pass-protection world." – Greg Stewart, offensive coordinator

JORDAN AVILA | Las Vegas, Nev./Bishop Gorman HS
Offensive Lineman | 6-3, 275 | Highlights
Notable: Part of three Class 5A championship teams and won one national championship … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Coming out of a national powerhouse, Jordan is expected to be a mauler for the offensive line room. He has played against the best of the best talents, and we expect him to bring his experience and playing abilities to the RKO offense." – Stewart

BRADEN BAILEY | Bend, Ore./Summit HS
Defensive Lineman | 6-2, 220 | Highlights
Notable: Made the all-league first team and the all-state second team as a defensive end, and landed on the all-league second team as an offensive lineman following his senior season … Has a 3.83 GPA and intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Braden a dynamic pass rusher with multiple moves in his arsenal already. We are thrilled this star from the Bend area is going to be joining us this fall." – Stinn

BRANDON BARTHEL | El Dorado Hills, Calif./Oak Ridge HS/Valparaiso U
Wide Receiver | 5-10, 185 | Highlights
Notable: Redshirted in 2023 at Valparaiso (Ind.) after playing two seasons at American River College (Calif.), where he totaled 37 receptions for 521 yards and five touchdowns over 16 appearances … Majoring in communications.
Coach's Quote: "Brandon's maturity and experience are a big bonus for our receivers room. His energy in the field, classroom and community is what our culture is all about." – Samson Anguay, receivers coach

WALKER BONAR | Springfield, Ore./Thurston HS
Wide Receiver | 6-1, 190 | Highlights
Notable: Landed on the OSAA Class 5A all-state first team as a senior after registering 49 receptions for 908 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior, and was an all-conference selection at defensive back … Has a 3.8 GPA and intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Walker's speed and size make him very dynamic. We're looking forward to watching him grow in the program for the next four or five years and excited to see him set the standard in the future for the Raiders." – Anguay

GRAYSON BROWN | Sandy, Ore./Sandy HS
Offensive Lineman | 6-6, 285 | Highlights
Notable: A three-year starter and an All-Mt. Hood Conference first-team honoree as a senior … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Grayson is a tall, long, athletic offensive lineman. With his great personality also comes a great work ethic and a blue-collar mindset." – Stewart

COEN COLOMA | Las Vegas, Nev./Shadow Ridge HS
Athlete | 5-10, 185 | Highlights
Notable: Selected to the Nevada Class 5A all-state first team … Rushed for 20 touchdowns and 938 yards as a senior … Has a 4.0 GPA and intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Coen Coloma is a winner. The speed and football IQ that he has adds a lot of value not only to our receivers room but to this team in general. We can't wait to see this young man compete this fall." – Anguay

JOSEPH CZYZ | Reno, Nev./Galena HS
Linebacker | 6-0, 190 | Highlights
Notable: A first-team all-region linebacker and running back, as well as an all-region honorable mention punter … Logged 137 tackles, over 900 rushing yards and 300 reception yards at Galena … Made the Nevada Academic All-State team with a 3.79 GPA and intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Jojo is a great addition to the linebacker room. His versatility will allow him to play both the Mike and Will positions within our defense." – Stinn

STEPHEN DEL GUIDICE | Portland, Ore./West Linn HS
Defensive End | 6-5, 240 | Highlights
Notable: A Three Rivers League all-star on both sides of the ball as a senior after helping West Linn to a state title as a junior … Named a two-star defensive lineman by 247Sports.
Coach's Quote: "Stephen is a long, experienced pass rusher who can stop the run. We expect him to come into our D-line room and make an impact." – Stinn

AYDEN DENBO | Vancouver, Wash./Mountain View HS
Linebacker | 6-2, 220 | Highlights
Notable: The Greater St. Helens League Defensive Player of the Year and a second-team all-state selection … A scholar athlete with a 3.8 GPA.
Coach's Quote: "Ayden is a multi-sport athlete who also competes in wrestling at a very high level. We expect big things from him. His toughness and leadership will allow him to fit right in with our 'Mando Mentality.'" – Stinn

JAYDEN FARGAS | Kailua, Hawaii/Kailua HS
Cornerback | 5-11, 150 | Highlights
Notable: Chosen to play in the Dream All-American Bowl … A JPS Battle of the Pacific all-star and an All-Oahu Interscholastic Association honorable mention recipient … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Jayden is a long-limbed corner that will develop to be a good asset in our secondary in the future." – Stinn

COLE GOODENOW | Maple Valley, Wash./Tahoma HS
Offensive Lineman | 6-3, 285 | Highlights
Notable: A three-time selection to the All-North Puget Sound League … Rated a two-star lineman by 247Sports … Intends to major in criminology and criminal justice.
Coach's Quote: "Cole is a great interior lineman who can play both guard and center. With his intelligence and enthusiasm, he is going to be a great fit in the RKO offense." – Stewart

JAMES HADLEY JR. | Las Vegas, Nev./Shadow Ridge HS
Linebacker | 5-10, 190 | Highlights
Notable: Earned first-team all-state and second-team All-Southern Nevada honors as a senior … Graduating with a Career and Technical Education Diploma and intending to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "James comes from a dominant 5A program in Las Vegas. His explosiveness and playmaking ability will allow him to find a role in our defense." – Stinn

ALEXANDER HAGER | Eagle Creek, Ore./Sandy HS
Linebacker | 5-11, 220 | Highlights
Notable: Twice made the all-league first team at linebacker, and earned honorable mention as a running back … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Alex is a physical presence in the middle of the field. We're excited to see him make plays from sideline to sideline for the Raiders." – Stinn

ARLO HENDERSON | Tampa, Fla./Yelm HS
Cornerback | 5-11, 180 | Highlights
Notable: Led Yelm to the Washington Class 3A state finals as a team captain an All-South Sound Conference first-team defensive back with six interceptions, 17 pass-breakups and two touchdowns … An early enrollee at SOU after graduating in December … Intends to major in history.
Coach's Quote: "Arlo has come in and hit the ground running, academically and athletically. He has good technique, strong work ethic and is physical on the field. I expect big things from him in the near future." – Stinn

MICAH HILL | Las Vegas, Nev./Mater Academy East
Wide Receiver | 5-11, 170 | Highlights
Notable: An all-league first-team performer as a senior … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Micah brings a confidence you love to recruit. He has speed, shiftiness and athletic ability that will play not just as a receiver but as a returner on special teams. We're very excited to have him wearing the SOU uniform." – Anguay

ELI JOHNSON | Salem, Ore./South Salem HS
Wide Receiver | 6-4, 204 | Highlights
Notable: Attained all-conference first-team status with 37 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Eli Johnson brings a physical body to our receivers room. His size will create mismatches and help our offense build confidence for big plays. His playmaking ability is what I'm excited about, not just as a coach but for the fans of SOU football." – Anguay

AIDEN KEHM | Lake Oswego, Ore./Lakeridge HS
Offensive Lineman | 6-6, 290 | Highlights
Notable: Rated a two-star offensive lineman … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Aiden is a big talent. He has the size of an offensive tackle, but has the dynamic ability to play the interior position as well. We can't wait to get to work with him in the fall." – Stewart

CHARLES KING | Oak Hills, Calif./Oak Hills HS
Defensive Lineman | 6-1, 230 | Highlights
Notable: Named the Mojave River League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Intends to major in sports management.
Coach's Quote: "Charles is a hard-nosed player who is a great addition to our D-line room. He has ability to play anywhere on the line and we can't wait for him to be here in the fall." – Stinn

SEAN LACHAPELLE | Portland, Ore./Milwaukie HS/Redwoods CC
Wide Receiver | 6-4, 195 | Highlights
Notable: Played the 2022 and '23 seasons at College of the Redwoods (Calif.), where he made two touchdown catches as a freshman.
Coach's Quote: "Adding Sean to the room brings us the maturity and savviness that every receiver has to have. We can't wait to see him compete this fall." – Anguay

JEREMIAH LARA | San Jose, Calif./Overfelt HS
Defensive Lineman | 6-2, 215 | Highlights
Notable: A defensive player of the year and all-state nominee as a senior after recording 22 ½ sacks and 14 additional tackles for losses … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Jeremiah another defensive end joining the class, a Bay Area recruit who is going to bring speed and quickness to the party. We're excited for his future." – Stinn

TRISTAN LEAL | Yuba City, Calif./Sutter HS
Defensive Tackle | 6-0, 235 | Highlights
Notable: A two-time member of the All-Pioneer Valley League first team, an Optimist All-Star Game selection and a third-team All-Sacramento performer … Recorded 65 tackles, 8 ½ sacks, 25 hurries and four forced fumbles as a senior … Has a 3.89 GPA and intends to major in biology.
Coach's Quote: "Tristan comes from a powerhouse high school. He is a smart football player who brings size and effort. Look for big things from him." – Stinn

DEOMANI LOVELAND | Henderson, Nev./Green Valley Christian HS
Nickelback | 5-11, 177 | Highlights
Notable: A two-time Class 2A Offensive Player of the Year, and a two-time member of the all-conference first team on both sides of the ball … Intends to major in Kinesiology.
Coach's Quote: "Deo is a versatile athlete who has played multiple skill positions on each side of the ball. We're excited to see him flying around and making plays on Saturdays." – Stinn

JAMES MINTMIER | Roseville, Calif./Oakmont HS/Minot State U
Wide Receiver | 6-3, 200 | Highlights
Notable: Played the 2022 season at Sierra College (Calif.), compiling 21 receptions for 230 yards, and had six catches for 124 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore at Minot State (N.D.) … A two-time All-Metro and all-league selection at Oakmont High.
Coach's Quote: "James comes to us as a transfer with a lot of knowledge, experience and maturity. Adding his playmaking ability and enthusiasm to our culture is a huge win for us." – Anguay

CADEN NEGRA | Ashland, Ore./Ashland HS
Wide Receiver | 6-3, 185 | Highlights
Notable: A two-time all-conference honoree who accumulated 34 receptions for 547 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior … Earned all-state accolades in the 400 meters and won a state title in the 4x400 relay for the Grizzlies track team … The son of former SOU football player Danny Negra and women's basketball player Lindsey (Hilaire) Negra … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Caden adds a level of speed and dynamic playmaking that is going to be very exciting. Being from Ashland, he's going to develop into someone his hometown will be proud to watch. We're really looking forward to him representing our culture." – Anguay

LUKE NEWELL | Springfield, Ore./Thurston HS
Tight End | 6-3, 205 | Highlights
Notable: Made the OSAA Class 5A all-state first-team as a tight end and second team as a defensive end, and hit the all-league first team on both sides of the ball …
Coach's Quote: "Luke is dual threat and dynamic player with fantastic pedigree and DNA that will make him an explosive Raider." – Stewart

NED PELLICAN | Menlo Park, Calif./Menlo Atherton HS
Offensive Lineman | 6-3, 280 | Highlights
Notable: A two-year starter and senior captain at Menlo … Also starred for the rugby team … Intends to major in emerging media and digital arts.
Coach's Quote: "Ned is a great addition for the offensive line room. Coming straight out of the Bay Area, he'll be a great guard in our offense, and we expect him to be a dominant pulling guard in our gap schemes." – Stewart

SETH STEVENS | Rogue River, Ore./Rogue River HS
Quarterback | 6-3, 185 | Highlights
Notable: Received All-Special District 3 honorable mention as a senior and earned the RRHS Athletic Director Award … Intends to major in psychology.
Coach's Quote: "Seth is a dynamic playmaker and a great addition to the QB room. He is a hard worker and is all in on our culture. We're excited to have him as part of the family." – Stewart

DYLAN TAYLOR | Las Vegas, Nev./Mater Academy East
Offensive Lineman | 6-3, 285 | Highlights
Notable: Received all-conference honorable mention.
Coach's Quote: "Dylan is a dominant interior lineman who is coming back from a knee injury. We expect him to be back full force this fall, and he has the potential to be a big name at SOU." – Stewart

TYLER THOMPSON | Wheatland, Calif./Wheatland HS
Tight End | 6-4, 220 | Highlights
Notable: A two-year Pirate Football Award-winner … A scholar athlete with a 4.0 GPA intending to major in kinesiology.
Coach's Quote: "Tyler has a very high IQ and oozes potential. He has a high work ethic like an old-school coal miner, and is ready to grab his hard hat and get to work." – Stewart

ANTONIO VASQUEZ-WILLIAMS | Elk Grove, Calif./Pleasant Grove HS
Cornerback | 6-0, 165 | Highlights
Notable: An All-Delta League performer … Starred in both football and track and field … Intends to major in business.
Coach's Quote: "Antonio has good feet and hands, and is explosive in and out of breaks. He'll be a good lockdown, one-on-one cover corner." – Stinn

MAXWELL WALKER | Portland, Ore./Roosevelt HS
Offensive Lineman | 6-6, 230 | Highlights
Notable: Selected to the All-Portland Interscholastic League first team as a senior … Has a 3.93 GPA.
Coach's Quote: "The quiet giant, Max is prototypical left tackle who is very athletic. We expect him to push for a starting role right away." – Stewart

MICHAEL WHITE | Carson City, Nev./Douglas HS
Offensive Lineman | 6-4, 285 | Highlights
Notable: Named to the All-Northern Nevada second team on the offensive line … A two-time academic all-state honoree and member of the National Honor Society with a 3.97 GPA … Won a regional wrestling championship at heavyweight in 2021 … Intends to major in pre-medicine.
Coach's Quote: "Michael will bring special talents to the offensive line room. He has a wide variety of skills that will contribute to our success on Saturdays." – Stewart

LOGAN WHITLOCK | Klamath Falls, Ore./Henley HS
Running Back | 5-8, 180 | Highlights
Notable: Led Henley to a state title and was voted the OSAA Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year after compiling 1,934 yards and a state-leading 45 touchdowns as a senior … Also earned all-state honorable mention and all-league first-team honors at linebacker … Has a 3.77 GPA and intends to major in criminology and criminal justice.
Coach's Quote: "Logan Whitlock is a dynamic running back. He is coming back from ACL surgery, but we expect him to bring his playmaking abilities when he is back to full health." – Stewart