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NEW ORLEANS – Twelve defensive players, 10 offensive standouts and a pair of special teamers highlight the Tulane University football team’s rookie class for the 2010 season, Green Wave Bob Toledo announced Wednesday on National Signing Day.
A total of 24 high school seniors signed National Letters-of-Intent to suit up for the Green Wave next season – six linebackers, five offensive linemen, four defensive backs, two running backs, two defensive linemen and one quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, punter and kicker each. In addition, nine of Tulane’s signees are from the state of Louisiana: defensive lineman Wendell Beckwith (Clinton, La./Clinton HS), quarterback Taylor Bullock (New Iberia, La./Catholic HS), defensive back Cameron DeJean (Lafayette, La./St. Thomas More HS), punter Jonathan Ginsburgh (Alexandria, La./Holy Saviour Menard Central HS), linebacker Logan Hamilton (Lake Charles, La./Barbe HS), defensive back L.J. Parker (Port Allen, La./Port Allen HS), offensive lineman Ben Stone (Natchitoches, La./St. Mary’s HS), running back Jamar Thomas (Baton Rouge, La./University Lab) and Kenny Welcome (New Orleans, La./McDonogh 35).
“We are extremely pleased with the results of the class,” Toledo said. “We signed 24 players from nine different states. Nine from Louisiana and that gives is 35 players from the state over the last three years. Our goal with this class was to create quality depth at every position and we were able to sign players at each spot. Then we wanted to improve our special teams and we did that with the addition of both a punter and a kicker. We also signed 10 linebacker/defensive back players types which should really help us with special teams.
“Overall, I’m happy with everyone we recruited. We feel that we finished strong and we are excited about this group of players.”
Toledo’s fourth recruiting class also includes several nationally prominent players as Ginsburgh is rated the No. 7 punter in the nation by Scout.com, Cairo Santos (St. Augustine, Fla./St. Joseph’s Academy) is rated the No. 57 kicker nationally by ESPN.com, Orleans Darkwa (Nashville, Tenn./The Ensworth School) is rated the No. 64 running back in the country and No. 16 prospect in Tennessee by Rivals.com, Steven Funderburk (Port St. Lucie, Fla./Treasure Coast HS) is rated the No.89 safety in the nation by ESPN.com, Ben Stone and Kerchal Byrd (Palmetto, Fla./Palmetto HS) are the No. 93 offensive guard and outside linebacker according to Scout.com and ESPN.com, respectively, and Ray Oppman (Sugar Land, Texas/Clements HS) is the No. 100 outside linebacker in the nation by ESPN.com
The Green Wave also signed seven incoming freshman who were rated “three-star” by the various recruiting websites: Byrd, Darkwa, Kyle Davis (San Antonio, Texas/Ronald Reagan HS), DeJean, Funderburk, Ginsburgh and Oppman.
On defense, the Green Wave added defensive linemen Beckwith and Welcome as well as linebackers Byrd, Zach Davis (Lawrenceville, Ga.), Hamilton, Oppman, Dominique Robertson (Cypress, Texas) and Andre Robinson (Longwood, Fla./Lyman HS). In the secondary, Tulane welcomes Kyle Davis, DeJean, Funderburk and Parker.
Offensively, Tulane added a quarterback in Bullock, who claimed first-team All-Acadiana and Offensive MVP honors at Catholic High in New Iberia after throwing for 3,113 yards and 36 touchdowns while adding 650 rushing yards and more 12 scores on the ground.
Providing targets for Bullock and the returning Tulane quarterbacks are Darkwa and Thomas at running back, Brent Comardelle (League City, Texas/Clear Creek HS) at wide receiver and Matt Marfisi (Tomball, Texas/Tomball HS) at tight end. Helping pave the way up front will be Sean Donnelly (Pelham, N.Y./Trinity Pawling School), Pat Husain (Evanston, Ill./Evanston Township HS), Adam Skidmore (Bayville, N.J./Central Regional HS), Stone and Ian Wiggins (Terryville, Conn.).
Santos and Ginsburgh were added to the special teams to handle kicking and punting duties, respectively.
“You never really know how many players will be able to come in right away and play,” Toledo said. “I think it is better just to wait and see what happens when they report to campus. Generally speaking, the linebackers and defensive backs have a better chance to play right away than say an offensive lineman became it takes those guys a little bit longer to adapt to our system.”
The 2010 Tulane football schedule features seven exciting home games, including the home opener against Southeastern Louisiana and marquee matchups against Ole Miss on Sept. 11 and the homecoming game vs. Army on Oct. 9. Tulane will also host Conference USA foes Southern Miss, Rice, UCF and SMU. Season ticket prices are only $199 for sideline seats, $99 for adult endzone, $65 for youth endzone and $250 for the Family 4 Pack (2 adult, 2 youth). For season ticket holders, prices on a per game basis are the lowest in four years.
Tulane Athletics is also pleased to offer an early renewal program for all 2009 season ticket holders. Any renewals made prior to April 30 qualify to receive additional tickets to the football home opener (one ticket per season ticket purchased) as well as a pre-game tent party with Tulane coaches along with game tickets for the May 21 baseball game against UCF. Each renewed account will also be entered into a random drawing for the following prizes: trip for two to a road football game, four tickets/passes to the AD’s suite for a home football game plus sideline passes, as well as game-worn items and autographed memorabilia.
For additional information or to order season tickets, please call the Tulane Athletics Ticket Office at (504) 861-WAVE, log onto the internet at TulaneGreenWave.com, or show up in person at the ticket office located inside the James W. Wilson Jr. Center on Ben Weiner Drive.
2010 TULANE FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School
Wendell Beckwith LD 6-3 230 Clinton, La./Clinton HS
Taylor Bullock QB 6-2 210 New Iberia, La./Catholic HS
Kerchal Byrd LB 6-0 216 Palmetto, Fla./Palmetto HS
Brent Comardelle WR 6-0 186 League City, Texas/Clear Creek HS
Orleans Darkwa RB 5-11 200 Nashville, Tenn./The Ensworth School
Kyle Davis DB 5-11 204 San Antonio, Texas/Ronald Reagan HS
Zach Davis LB 6-0 207 Lawrenceville, Ga./Collins Hill HS
Cameron DeJean DB 6-2 195 Lafayette, La./St. Thomas More HS
Sean Donnelly OL 6-8 306 Pelham, N.Y./Trinity Pawling School
Steven Funderburk DB 6-2 196 Port St. Lucie, Fla./Treasure Coast HS
Jonathan Ginsburgh P 5-11 195 Alexandria, La./Holy Savior Menard Central HS
Logan Hamilton LB 5-11 215 Lake Charles, La./Barbe HS
Pat Husain OL 6-6 285 Evanston, Ill./Evanston Township HS
Matt Marfisi TE 6-5 235 Tomball, Texas/Tomball HS
Ray Oppman LB 6-1 213 Sugar Land, Texas/Clements HS
L.J. Parker DB 5-10 175 Port Allen, La./Port Allen HS
Dominique Robertson LB 6-0 190 Cypress, Texas/Cypress Woods HS
Andre Robinson LB 6-1 215 Longwood, Fla./Lyman HS
Cairo Santos K 5-8 156 St. Augustine, Fla./St. Joseph’s Academy
Adam Skidmore OL 6-6 290 Bayville, N.J./Central Regional HS
Ben Stone OL 6-3 282 Natchitoches, La./St. Mary’s HS
Jamar Thomas RB 5-11 187 Baton Rouge, La./University Lab
Kenneth Welcome DL 6-2 281 New Orleans, La./McDonogh 35 HS
Ian Wiggins OL 6-4 285 Terryville, Conn./Cheshire Academy
2010 TULANE SIGNEE BIOS
Wendell Beckwith • DL • 6-3 • 210 • Clinton, La. • Clinton HS
High School: Prep letterman at Clinton High for head coach Cedric Anderson…named three-star prospect, earned a 77 grade and rated the No. 67 defensive end in the country and the No. 16 overall prospect in the state by ESPN.com…also rated a two-star athlete by Rivals.com and a one-star prospect by Scout.com…earned first-team All-District 7-2A honors as a senior when he tallied 73 tackles and 17 sacks…was selected to play in the Red Stick Bowl as a member of the Rough Riders, which posted a 33-31 win over the Black Knights, in Baton Rouge’s Olympia Stadium on Dec. 28…as a junior, had 87 tackles (20 solo, 67 assists), including 25 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks, and a pair of fumble recoveries…also lettered in basketball…first-team All-District 8-2A as a sophomore…chose Tulane over Minnesota, Southern Miss and Tulsa.
Personal: Born Wendell Beckwith, Jr., on Aug. 10, 1992…son of Wendell Sr. and Urhouda Beckwith…has two brothers…undecided on major.
Taylor Bullock • QB • 6-2 • 200 • New Iberia, La. • Catholic HS
High School: Four-year letterman at Catholic High where he saw time at quarterback and safety for head coach Craig Brodie…named two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…helped guide the Big Red to a combined 25-22 record, including a pair of nine-win seasons and trip to the state semifinals in 2009…named first-team All-District 6-3A as a junior and senior, claimed second-team all-district recognition as a sophomore and was tabbed first-team all-state as a senior…named first-team All-Acadiana quarterback and Offensive MVP, first-team Best of Teche Quarterback and Offensive MVP, Cox Player of the Year and the Acadiana Regional Media Jake Delhomme Quarterback Award as a senior after throwing for 3,113 yards and 36 touchdowns, running for 650 yard and 12 scores…threw for a career-high 401 yards and six touchdowns on 21-of-31 passing against Jeanerette on Sept. 4, 2009…as a junior after he ran for 450 yards and eight touchdowns and threw for 1,400 yards and eight scores on offense while posting 50 tackles and five interceptions on defense…also lettered four years in track and field and twice in basketball…off the field, was a volunteer at the Boy’s & Girl’s Club and the YMCA…chose Tulane over Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe and Louisiana Tech.
Personal: Born Taylor Steven Bullock on July 21, 1991 in Lafayette, La…son of Scott and Paige Bullock…has two brothers: Ben and Jared; and one sister, Abigail…great uncle William Bullock played football at Georgia Tech…proposed major is business.
Kerchal Byrd • LB • 6-0 • 205 • Palmetto, Fla. • Palmetto HS
High School: Three-year letterman at Palmetto High where he saw time at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive end, linebacker and strong safety for head coach Raymond Woodie, Jr…named three-star prospect, earned a Scout Grade of 75 rated the No. 93 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com…also rated a two-star athlete by Rivals.com and Scout.com…helped the Tigers go a combined 22-11 as a prepster, including two trips to the state playoffs…for his career, tallied 19 sacks and forced six fumbles…named to the Bradenton Herald Elite 11, first-team all-area and honorable-mention all-county in each of the last two years…as a senior, was selected to play in the Brad Price Memorial PAL Bowl all-star game after tallying 27 tackles, five sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries during the regular season…had 14.5 sacks as a junior…also lettered twice in track and field, and once each in basketball and wrestling…off the field, was a member of the National High School Scholars Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes…chose Tulane over Wake Forest and Western Kentucky.
Personal: Born Kerchal Lamonté Byrd, Jr., on June 23, 1992 in Dothan, Ala…son of Kerchal Sr. and Cinda Byrd…has one sister, Armen…father played football at Southeastern Louisiana and cousin, Justin Pritchett, is on the team at Cumberland…proposed majors are business and public health.
Brent Comardelle • WR • 5-11 • 174 • League City, Texas • Clear Creek HS
High School: Three-year letterman at Clear Creek High where he played wide receiver, safety and punter for head coach Darrell Warden…rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…hauled in 66 career passes for 950 yards and six touchdowns…as a senior, named second-team All-District 5A-24 as a wideout after hauling in 40 passes for 560 yards and four touchdowns and first-team all-district as a punter after averaging over 42 yards per punt…caught a career-best 10 passes for 136 yards and two scores against Galveston Ball and was selected team captain during his final prep season…as a junior, caught 16 passes for 250 yards and a score before suffering a season-ending leg injury in the fourth game of the season…named MVP of the 2009 Dallas National Underclassmen Combine…also lettered twice in track…away from the field, was a member of the Honor Roll and safe School Ambassador…chose Tulane over Kentucky, Rice, SMU and Tulsa.
Personal: Born Brent Michael Comardelle on Sept. 9, 1992 in Marrero, La…son of Leslie and Karen Comardelle…has one brother, Kevin…cousin, Alex Romero, played football at Nicholls State…proposed majors are business and communications.
Orleans Darkwa • RB • 5-11 • 200 • Nashville, Tenn. • The Ensworth School
High School: Three-year letterman at The Ensworth School for head coach Ricky Bowers…named a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Rivals.com and a one-star recruit by Scout.com…earned a Scout Grade of 75 and rated the No. 111 running back in the country by ESPN.com…ranked the No. 16 prospect in the state of Tennessee and the No. 64 running back in the nation by Rivals.com…helped lead the Tigers to a combined 20-2 record, including a perfect 13-0 mark in conference play, over his final two prep seasons…helped guide Ensworth to the state semifinals as a junior and the quarterfinals as a senior…as a senior, named Nashville Daily News Offensive Back of the Year and The Tennessean Dream Team, earned first-team all-state honors from the Tennessee Sports Writers Association and the Tennessee Football Coaches Association, and was a finalist for Division II Mr. Football after running for 2,243 yards and 24 touchdowns and returning six kickoffs for 200 yards…had three games 300-plus yard games in 2009, including a 364-yard, four-touchdown effort against Ryan on Oct. 16…as a junior, fan for 1,952 yards and 21 touchdowns, caught six passes for 246 yards and two scores, and returned three kickoffs for 91 yards and a touchdown…chose Tulane over Arkansas State, Army, Middle Tennessee State, UAB and Western Kentucky.
Personal: Born Orleans Opoku-Darkwa on Feb. 28, 1992…son of Orleans and Juliana Darkwa…has one brother, Clarence…undecided on major.
Kyle Davis • DB • 5-11 • 204 • San Antonio, Texas • Ronald Reagan HS
High School: Three-year letterman at Ronald Reagan High where he saw time as a running back, wide receiver and defensive back for head coach David Wetzel…named a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and a one-star recruit by Scout.com…helped the Rattlers go 30-9, including a 20-4 record in league play, as a prepsters…tallied 19 career interceptions, including eight as both a junior and a senior…named second-team all-state and first-team All-District 5A-26 as a senior after posting 95 tackles, including a season-best 16 against Pflugerville on Nov 13…also had seven-tackle, three-interception game against New Braunfels on Oct. 16…ran for 300 yards and six touchdowns on offense and posted 88 tackles and a fumble recovery on defense as a junior…picked off three passes as a sophomore…chose Tulane over Air Force, Navy, North Texas and UTEP.
Personal: Born Kyle Davis on March 27, 1992…son of Kurt and Angela Davis…has one sister, Kelsey…proposed major is architecture.
Zach Davis • LB • 6-0 • 202 • Lawrenceville, Ga. • Collins Hill HS
High School: Two-year letterman at Collins Hill High where he played linebacker, safety and wide receiver for head coach Larry Sherrill…rated a two-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…received a Scout Grade of 73 and was rated the No. 138 outside linebacker in the nation by ESPN.com, and ranked the No. 142 outside linebacker nationally by Scout.com…helped the Screaming Eagles go a combined 16-6 with a pair of trips to the playoffs…voted team captain as a senior, but had his year cut short with a shoulder injury…in two and a half games, posted 17 tackles (12 solo, 5 assists), three tackles for loss and a sack…named honorable-mention all-county as a junior after tallying 118 tackles (71 solo, 47 assists), including 13 tackles for loss and three sacks, forcing three fumbles and picking off a pass…named MVP for defensive backs at the 2008 Regional Underclassmen Combine…away from the field, was a member of the Honor Roll and the Institute for the Development of Educational and Athletic Leadership Skills (IDEALS)…chose Tulane over Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Kent State, South Alabama and Toledo.
Personal: Born Zachary John Davis on March 30, 1992, in Snellville, Ga…son of Bruce and Sara Davis…has one brother, Josh, and one sister, Isabella…proposed major is pre-med.
Cameron DeJean • DB • 6-2 • 195 • Lafayette, La. • St. Thomas More HS
High School: Three-year letterman at St. Thomas More High where he saw time at safety, wide receiver and linebacker for head coach Jim Hightower…named a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and a two-star recruit by Scout.com and ESPN.com…ranked No. 106 and No. 147 safety in the nation by Scout.com and ESPN.com, respectively, and the No. 50 recruit in Louisiana by Rivals.com…helped lead the Cougars to a combined 25-10 overall record as a prepster, including three straight trips to the playoffs and he 2009 District 4-5A championship…named first-team all-district as a senior and claimed Silver Cougar honors in each of his final two prep seasons…named No. 38 in the Times Picayune Fabulous 50 Football Recruits…also lettered three years in baseball…off the field, was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a three-year academic award winner…chose Tulane over Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, Southern Miss and Tulsa.
Personal: Born James Cameron DeJean on May 27, 1992 in Lafayette, La…son of Fred DeJean and Jane Guidry…has one brother, Griffen…father played football at UL-Lafayette…proposed major is business.
Sean Donnelly • OL • 6-8 • 306 • Pelham, N.Y. • Trinity Pawling School
High School: Three-year letterman at Trinity-Pawling where he saw time along the offensive and defensive lines for head coach David Coratti…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…as a senior, named Class A All-Erickson and All-New England after helping block for an offense that averaged 255.1 yards per game on the ground and 103.1 yards per game passing while chipping in with 24 tackles (13 solo, 11 assists) and 3.0 sacks on defense…started nine games as a junior and did not allow a sack as a junior while helping lead Trinity-Pawling to an 8-1 record with a win in the Eaton-Estey Bowl…began his prep career at Pelham Memorial where he started as a sophomore and earned all-state, all-section and all-league honors…off the field, was a member of the Honor Roll…chose Tulane over Akron and Army.
Personal: Born Sean Robert Donnelly on Sept. 18, 1991 in New York, N.Y…son of Laurence and Claire Donnelly…has two brothers, Daniel and Brendan…proposed major is business management.
Steven Funderburk • DB • 6-2 • 196 • Port St. Lucie, Fla. • Treasure Coast HS
High School: Three-year letterman at Treasure Coast High where he saw time at running back, wide receiver and safety for head coach Bill Kelley…named a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and a one-star player by Scout.com…earned a Scout Grade of 73 and rated the No. 89 safety in the nation by ESPN.com…ranked the No. 31 recruit in the area by The Palm Beach Post…as a senior, tallied 69 tackles (52 solo, 17 assists), nine tackles for loss, seven pass break-ups, three interceptions and a fumble recovery…played mostly offense his other two prep seasons, catching a combined 22 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns…also lettered three years in basketball…chose Tulane over Florida Atlantic, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisville, Kansas and Mississippi State.
Personal: Born Steven Funderburk on July 5, 1991…son of Charles and Magdaline Funderburk…has five brothers: Brian, Christopher, Patrick, Vincent and Leo; and one sister, Jennard…proposed majors are business and communications.
Jonathan Ginsburgh • P • 5-11 • 195 • Alexandria, La. • Holy Savior Menard Central HS
High School: Four-year letterman at Holy Savior Menard Central High where he saw time at kicker and punter for head coach Freddie Hallman…named three-star prospect by ESPN.com and two-star by Rivals.com and Scout.com… No. 10 kicker in the country and received a 77 rating by ESPN.com…ranked No. 7 nationally as a punter by Scout.com…named Outstanding Punter at Kohl’s Professional Kicking Camp, rated a five-star and the No. 4 kicker in the U.S. by Kohl’s Kicking, finished second in the Chris Sailer Kicking Showcase and was a member of the Chris Sailer Top 12 and Event Elite Camp in 2009…helped lead the Eagles to a combined 33-12 record as a prepster, including District 3-2A titles as a freshman and sophomore and three trips to the state playoffs…named first-team all-district as a kicker all four years and claimed first-team all-district honors at punter as a junior and senior…claimed first-team all-state honors as a punter and All-Central Louisiana honors as a kicker in each of his final two prep seasons…tallied 79 career punts for 3,352 yards (42.4 y/p) with 17 boots of 50-or-more yards and 29 downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line…scored 230 career points after connecting on 25-of-34 field goals and 155-of-166 PATs, and 70 percent of his kickoffs were touchbacks…as a senior, named District 3-2A Defensive MVP, All-Central Louisiana Offensive MVP and All-Central Louisiana Punter after scoring 100 points on the strength of a nation-leading 18 field goals – including a career-long 43-yarder – and averaging 43.2 yards per punt...also selected to punt and kick in the Nike Bayou Bowl All-Star Game in Texas on June 12…also lettered three years in soccer…off the field, was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, the yearbook and newspaper staffs and the Parent Teacher Club…received Community Commendation for Outstanding High School Student as a senior and was named to the Homecoming Court as a sophomore…chose Tulane over Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee State.
Personal: Born Jonathan David Ginsburgh on May 4, 1992 in Alexandria, La…son of Bob and Judy Ginsburgh…has one brother, Aaron, and one sister, Rachel…proposed major is business management.
Logan Hamilton • LB • 5-11 • 215 • Lake Charles, La. • Barbe HS
High School: Three-year letterman at Barbe High for head coach Jimmy Shaver…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…helped lead the Buccaneers to a combined 28-9 record, including back-to-back undefeated District 3-5A titles as a junior and senior…for his career, posted 295 tackles, five fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles, four sacks and an interception…claimed first-team all-district his final two prep seasons…as a senior, named all-state and All-Southwest MVP after tallying 125 tackles, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two sacks…had 122 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception as a junior, and recorded 48 tackles as a sophomore…off the field, served as Senator on the Student Council…chose Tulane over Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss.
Personal: Born William Logan Hamilton on Sept. 25, 1992 in Lake Charles, La…son of Willie and Diana Hamilton…has one brother, Alfred, and three sisters: Leslie, Shanel and Leah…cousin, Sean Piper, played football at Louisiana Tech…proposed major is business.
Pat Husain • OL • 6-6 • 285 • Evanston, Ill. • Evanston Township HS
High School: Two-year letterman at Evanston Township for head coach Michael Burzawa…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com, and a one-star recruit by ESPN.com…rated the No. 141 offensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com while claiming a Scout Grade of 65 and ranking as the No. 186 offensive tackle nationally by ESPN.com…earned first-team All-Central Suburban-South Conference and all-area honors, and claimed academic all-state recognition as a senior…also lettered four years in basketball where he was voted team captain as a senior…away from the field, was a member of the national Honor Society and the Honor Roll…received the History Department Achievement Award and the Ted Van Zelst Excellence Award from the Kiwanis Club of Evanston…selected for the Central Suburban League Leadership Conference in 2007 and the Junior/Senior Leadership Experience…chose Tulane over Boston College, Harvard, Toledo and Wisconsin.
Personal: Born Patrick Joseph Husain on Nov. 15, 1991 in Chicago, Ill…son of David and Jeanne Husain…has one brother, Zachary…undecided on major.
Matt Marfisi • TE • 6-5 • 235 • Tomball, Texas • Tomball HS
High School: Three-year letterman at Tomball High where he saw time at tight end and deep snapper for head coach Tommy Kaiser…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…claimed a spot on the 2010 Texas Top 100 Senior Recruits by Rivals.com and VYPE Magazine…named honorable-mention All-District 13-5A in each of his final two prep seasons…as a senior, caught 12 passes for 155 yards, one touchdown and a two-point conversion…caught five passes for 65 yards as a junior and four passes for 51 yards as a sophomore…was a state qualifier in the Texas 7-on-7 Tournament in 2008 and 2009…off the field, was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes…chose Tulane over Northwestern, Rice and UTEP.
Personal: Born Matthew Joseph Marfisi n March 8, 1992 in Omaha, Neb…son of Gerald and Terri Marfisi…has two sisters: Melissa and Morgan…father played football collegiately at Nebraska…proposed major is biology.
Ray Oppman • LB • 6-1 • 213 • Sugar Land, Texas • Clements HS
High School: Three-year letterman at Clements High seeing time at running back, tight end and linebacker for head coach Keith Knowles…ranked a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com…earned a Scout Grade of 75 and ranked the No. 100 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com…helped the Rangers go a combined 23-9 during his prep career, including two trips to the state playoffs and a quarter-final finish as a sophomore…as a senior, named honorable-mention all-state and first-team All-District 5A-23 honors, and was a finalist for the Houston Touchdown Club’s Greater Houston Defensive Player of the Year after posting 106 tackles, including 20 for loss, defensively while carrying the ball twice for six yards and a touchdown and catching one pass for 36 yards on offense…tallied 79 tackles in seven games and was named second-team all-district as a junior…off the field, was a member of DECA…chose Tulane over Baylor, North Texas, Rice and UTEP.
Personal: Born Raymond Irving Oppman on Feb. 10, 1992 in Houston, Texas…son of William and Casandra Oppman…has one brother, David, and one sister, Alana…proposed major is business.
L.J. Parker • DB • 5-10 • 175 • Port Allen, La. • Port Allen HS
High School: Four-year letterman at Port Allen High where he played quarterback and free safety for head coach Guy Blanchard…named a two-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com…received a Scout Grade of 74 and rated the No. 171 athlete in the nation by ESPN.com…helped guide the Pelicans to the state playoffs in each of his final two prep seasons…named honorable-mention all-state, first-team All-District 8-3A as a quarterback and defensive back and the district’s offensive MVP as a senior…earned …claimed WAFB and WBRZ Player of the Week honors in 2009 after running for 255 yards and three touchdowns on offense and posting 12 tackles and an interception on defense against St. James…tabbed second-team all-district as a quarterback as a junior…also lettered four years in basketball and four years in track and field...away from the field, was a member of the Beta Club…chose Tulane over Air Force, Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana Tech.
Personal: Born Leonard J. Parker, III on May 18, 1991 in Dallas, Texas…son of Leonard Jr. and Wyvetta Parker…has two brothers, Marcus and Nicholaus…father played football collegiately at Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State…proposed major is business.
Dominique Robertson • LB • 6-0 • 190 • Cypress, Texas • Cypress Woods HS
High School: Three-year letterman at Cypress Wood High for head coach David Jones…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…helped the Wildcats go a combined 19-7 during his final two prep seasons, including an 11-4 mark as a senior…as a senior, named honorable-mention all-state, first-team All-District 5A-15 and all-area, and second-team All-Greater Houston after tallying two interceptions, four fumble recoveries and one forced fumble…selected to play in the Inaugural Space City Classic in March 2008…chose Tulane over North Texas and UTEP.
Personal: Born Dominique Robertson on Sept. 24, 1991…son of Ken and Della Hagan…undecided on major.
Andre Robinson • LB • 6-1 • 215 • Longwood, Fla. • Lyman HS
High School: Three-year letterman at Lyman High where he saw action at tight end and linebacker for head coach Bill Caughell…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked No. 57 in the Orlando Sentinel’s 2010 Central Florida Top 100…claimed first-team all-district honors as a tight end as a senior and honorable-mention all-district honors as a tight end as a junior…as a senior, had 90 tackles, seven sacks, four pass break ups on defense while catching 15 passes for 253 receiving yards and a touchdown and running for another score on offense…also lettered twice in both basketball and weightlifting, and once in track and field…off the field, was a member of the band…chose Tulane over East Carolina, Florida Atlantic and Western Michigan.
Personal: Born Andre Robinson on June 10, 1992…son of Mark and Kimberle Robinson…brother, Mark, played football at East Carolina…brother, Loren, plays football at UCF…sister, Loren, plays basketball at Prairie View A&M…has two other siblings, Morgan and Xavier…proposed major is engineering.
Cairo Santos • K • 5-8 • 156 • St. Augustine, Fla. • St. Joseph’s Academy
High School: Three-year letterman at St. Joseph’s Academy where he saw time at wide receiver, kicker and punter for head coach Bob Esguerra…named a two-star prospect by ESPN.com and Scout.com…earned a Scout Grade of 72 and ranked the No. 57 kicker in the country by ESPN.com…over his final two prep seasons, combined to score 156 points after connecting on19-of-23 field goals and 99-of-100 PATs…as a senior, named conference and district Kicker of the year as well as first-team all-conference and all-district honors after hitting 8-of-10 field goals and all 67 PATs…also punted 29 times for 968 yards (44.0 y/p) and hauled in two passes for 44 yards and a score…set school record with a 51-yard boot against Monroe Day and broke his own mark later in the game with a 55-yarder…had 67 of his 72 kickoffs go for touchbacks…named all-county after both is sophomore and junior seasons…as a junior, hit 11-fo-13 field goals and 32-of-33 PATs, sending 20 of his 33 kickoffs into the endzone for touchbacks and punting 37 times for 1,473 yards (39.81 y/p)…won the 2009 National Expo Competition in Orlando, hosted by One-on-One Kicking…also lettered three years in soccer where he scored 57 career goals and had 49 career assists…away from the field, was a member of the Principal’s Excellence Academic Honor Roll, Behavior Honor Roll and the Spanish Club…chose Tulane over Georgia Tech, Miami (Ohio) and Western Kentucky.
Personal: Born Cairo Fernandes Santos on Nov. 21, 1991 in Sao Paulo, Brazil…son of Cairo and Magalie Santos…lived with David and Kathy Burnett as part of a high school exchange…has one sister, Talita…proposed major is business.
Adam Skidmore • OL • 6-6 • 290 • Bayville, N.J. • Central Regional HS
High School: Four-year letterman at Central Regional High where he played offensive tackle, defensive end and defensive tackle for head coach Vincent Casale…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…as a senior, named all-district, all-county and Defensive Player of the Year…had a career-high 14 tackles in a game against Lacey Township…also lettered in wrestling and track and field…throwing the shot put, earned all-state and all-district honors, and set school record with a toss of 51 feet, eight inches…as a wrestler, won the Most Pins Award in 2008…away from the field, earned the school’s Scholar Award…chose Tulane over Rutgers and UCF.
Personal: Born Adam Johnson Skidmore on Dec. 11, 1991 in Long Branch, N.J…son of Joe and Kelly Zayak, and Vaughn Skidmore…has two brothers, Justin and Nick Zayak…father, Vaughn, threw the shot put collegiately at Illinois…proposed major is political science.
Ben Stone • OL • 6-3 • 282 • Natchitoches, La. • St. Mary’s HS
High School: Four-year letterman at St. Mary’s High for head coach Charlie Cryer…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…tabbed the No. 93 offensive guard in the nation by Scout.com…claimed first-team All-District 3-1A and all-area honors each year as a prepster…as a senior, earned honorable-mention all-state honors after helping lead the Tigers to a 10-2 overall record and trip to the state playoffs…also lettered twice in basketball…off the field, was a member of the Beta Club, Senior Play and Honor Roll, and received the school’s Science Award…chose Tulane over Louisiana-Lafayette.
Personal: Born David Benjamin Stone on Oct. 20, 1991 in Fayetteville, Ark…son of David and Sheila Stone…has one brother, Samuel…undecided on major.
Jamar Thomas • RB • 5-11 • 187 • Baton Rouge, La. • University Lab
High School: Four-year letterman at University Lab where he saw time at running back and cornerback for head coach John Shoptau…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…ranked the No. 170 running back in the nation by Scout.com and the No. 50 recruit in Louisiana by Dandy Don…named first-team All-District 7-2A in each of his final three prep seasons…ran for over 2,200 yards for his career, including a 1,105 yards as a senior…selected to play in the Red Stick Bowl All-Star Game in Baton Rouge, suiting up for the Black Knights…ran for a career-high 215 yards as a junior against Calgary Baptist…also lettered twice in basketball and track and field…chose Tulane over Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe and Southern Miss.
Personal: Born Jamar Rachad Thomas on Jan. 18, 1992 in Jacksonville, Fla…son of Edward Thomas and Jackie Moore…has one sister, Adrian Chapman…undecided on major.
Kenny Welcome • DL • 6-2 • 281 • New Orleans, La. • McDonogh 35 HS
High School: Three-year letterman at McDonogh 35 High for head coach Wayne Reese…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com…rated the No. 113 defensive tackle in the country by Scout.com…claimed All-District 10-4A honors in each of his final two prep seasons…helped lead the Roneagles to a 7-5 overall record, a district championship and a trip to the state playoffs as a senior, earning first-team all-metro honors after recording 67 tackles, 17 career sacks and 22 tackles for loss…as a junior, had 42 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles…played freshman year at Ben Franklin High…chose Tulane over Arkansas, Stanford and Texas Tech.
Personal: Born Kenneth James Welcome on Feb. 9, 1992 in New Orleans, La…son David and Darnell Welcome…has one brother and one sister…undecided on major.
Ian Wiggins • OL • 6-4 • 285 • Terryville, Conn. • Cheshire Academy
High School: Three-year letterman at Cheshire Academy where he saw action on the offensive and defensive lines for head coach Dan O’Dea…named a two-star prospect by Rivals.com and ESPN.com, and is rated the No. 155 offensive tackle in the nation by ESPN.com…helped lead the Cats to a combined 17-8 record, including an 8-1 mark as a junior…named the New England Lineman of the Year, first-team All-New England as an offensive lineman and first-team All-Colonial League for his play on both sides of the ball as a senior…voted team captain…also lettered once in basketball and once in track and field…off the field, named Most Scholastically Improved in 2009…chose Tulane over Buffalo, Connecticut and Marshall.
Personal: Born Ian Michael Wiggins on June 2, 1991 in Bristol, Conn…son of Mike and Kathy Wiggins…has one brother, Justin, and one sister, Lindsey…proposed major is history.
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