Concordia University, Nebraska head football coach Courtney Meyer and his staff announced Monday that 41 student-athletes have signed letters of intent to join the Bulldog gridiron program. "We are very happy with this group of kids," said Meyer. "We are looking to fill some holes, and I think with the players we have coming in we have done the best we can to bring the best players available to Concordia."
Offensively Concordia is attempting to replace two all-Americans, JaMaine Lewis (RB) and Jeff Neujahr (RB/WR/PR/KR). Signees Akeem Christian-Starks and Sean Atkins are both expected to compete for a starting spot in the backfield early in their careers. Newcomers Aaron Habe, Daniel Margritz, Darius Smith, and Jacob Harmon also add to an impressive list of incoming players in the stable for offensive coordinator Scott Hoffman.
Hoffman also welcomes his son Andy Hoffman to the program as a player. Hoffman brings a solid 6'5" 200 lb. frame to the Bulldogs and is expected to help strengthen the tight end position for the Bulldogs.
Defensively the secondary for the Bulldogs may benefit the most from this recruiting class. "This is probably the most overall athletic defensive class we have brought in during my time at Concordia," said defensive coordinator Vance Winter. "We have some guys that will be impact players during their first year."
Benjamin Klein from Dallas Lutheran will likely compete with sophomore-to-be Preston Harris for playing time at the safety position, a spot where the Bulldogs need to fill the shoes of All-GPAC free safety Brett Mertens.
Klein brings an impressive resume to Concordia as he was voted as the 2007 district athlete of the year as well being named the Dallas Lutheran MVP for both the offense and defense.
Another athlete of the year from the state of Arizona, Martin Rodriguez from Tucson, Ariz., joins the Bulldog defense. Rodriguez comes to the Bulldogs from one of the most respected high school football programs in Arizona, Salpointe Catholic. "Martin has the athletic ability and football smarts to be an early contributor at either the safety or cornerback position," said Winter.
The class includes one quarterback, three tight ends, three receivers, four offensive linemen, six linebackers, six running backs, eight defensive linemen, and 10 defensive backs. Of the 14 states represented in the class, Nebraska was the richest territory for the Bulldogs. Sixteen signees are from the Cornhusker state, seven from Texas and five from Arizona.
The Bulldogs begin fall practice August 15 before opening the season Sept. 6 at home against the Midland Lutheran College Warriors at Bulldog Stadium.
Complete list of signees
Bulldog Recruiting Central