Joplin, Mo. — Missouri Southern football coach Daryl Daye has announced his 2015 football signing class which consists of 42 players from 11 states. 
The list includes 18 mid-year transfers already on campus at Missouri Southern. The Lions signed individuals from the states of California, Georgia, Illinois, Texas, Kansas, Mississippi, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arizona.
Below are short bios on each of the student-athletes signed.
*Tyrese Ashmore – 6-2 – 310 – OL – Washington, GA – Eastern Arizona College (Wilkes HS)
Ashmore comes to Southern after two years at Eastern Arizona College where he was an offensive lineman for the Gila Monsters … As a sophomore, Ashmore was an All-Conference offensive lineman where he helped to lead the team to a 6-5 record … He helped anchor an offensive line that racked up 277 yards on the ground per game, which ranked first in the conference and fifth in the NJCAA … A native of Washington, Ga., Ashmore prepped at Wilke High School where he played football basketball and track and field … On the football field, Ashmore was an All-Area, All-Conference and All-State pick where he was the conference Offensive Lineman of the Year … the son of Clerance and Andrea Ashmore, Tyrese plans to major in criminal justice at Southern.
Bell comes to Southern after two years at Glendale CC where he was a two-year starter at Linebacker for the Vaqueros … At GCC, He was a defensive captain and was a first team All-Conference and All-Region pick … as a sophomore, Bell helped lead Glendale to a 9-2 record and a 6-1 league mark … He led the team in tackles with 81, including 2.5 sacks, 7.5 TFL, one forced fumble and two pass break ups … A native of Long Beach, Bell prepped at David Starr Jordan High School where he was a two-time All-League pick, including being the Defensive MVP his senior year … the son of Pedro Bell and Jennifer Vasquez, Dominick plans to major in social science at Southern.
Boykins comes to Southern after two seasons at Ridgewater College in Minnesota … As a sophomore, Boykins was an All-Conference pick after recording 47 tackles and ten sacks for the Vikings … A native of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Boykins played for coach Jack Daniels where he was a two-year starter at defensive end and linebacker … An All-Conference pick in high school, Boykins helped lead the Panthers to a Regional and District Championship … Also a long and triple jumper in high school … The son of Jerry Boykins and Jane Mortimore, Jeremy’s grandfather (John Brown) played football at Florida State … He plans on majoring in music at MSSU.
Brawner comes to Southern after staring for coach Jeff Jacque at Kirksville High school … the younger brother of former MSSU All-MIAA linebacker Jared Brawner, Joe played both offensive tackle and defensive end for the Tigers … His senior year, he recorded 45 tackles with a sack and two forced fumbles … on the offensive side of the ball, he had 17 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns … He was an All-Conference and All-District pick earning 94 tackles, two sacks, four forced fumbles over his career … The son of Jeff and Jeanne Brawner, Joe plans to major in business at Southern.
Broce comes to Southern after two years at Hutchinson CC where he was an All-Conference punter for the Blue Dragons … As a sophomore, Broce had 62 punts for 2,360 yards and an average of 38.1 per kick … He had a long of 71, five touch backs, 20 inside the 20 and eight of more than 50 yards, all while helping Hutch to the conference title and the Salt City Bowl… Broce is a native of Pretty Prairie, Kan. where he prepped at Pretty Prairie HS … A multi-sport athlete in high school, Broce was an All-State defensive back and receiver … As a basketball player, he earned All-State honors, and was also part of a state qualifying 4×100 and 4×400 track team … the son of Deoan Broce and Beth Smith … His brother plays football at Northwestner Oklahoma … Broce plans to major in kinesiology at Southern.
Crehan comes to Southern from Troy, Ill. He was a three-year letter winner for the Knights of Triad High School and coach Paul Bassler … A starter his senior season, Crehan was an All-Conference and All-Area pick, while being named the Offensive Player of the Year … Also a standout wrestler, Crehan has been a two-time conference champ, a regional champ and a qualifier at the 170 pound weight class … currently he’s ranked sixth at the 182 pound class … He holds the Triad High School record for highest completion rate in a season and he helped lead the team to the Illinois State Playoffs … the son of Jeff and Shelly Crehan, Jeff is a retired United States Air Force Colonel … Alex plans to major in business at Southern.
Day comes to Southern after a stellar four-year career at Pope High School for coach Matt Kemper in Marietta, Ga. … A four-year letter winner and three year starter, he was a team captain as a senior … He caught 42 passes for 726 yards and 8 touchdowns, while rushing for 362 yards and five scores on 56 attempts as a senior … He also added 22 kick off returns for a 32.6 average and 11 punt returns for a 14.9 average … A Cobb County Senior Bowl selection as a senior, Day was the Cobb County Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Week an the team’s MVP in 2014 … the son of Andy and Darla Day, Carson is undecided on his future major at Southern.
Played one year for the 2013 SIAC Champions Albany State…freshman year saw action in eight contests with 19 total tackles (10 solo, 9 assists) including 0.5 tackle for loss for one yard, one interception, and five pass break ups…earned All-State honors at DB for Stone Mountain HS and coach Donte Ferguson…was selected to play in the Georgia High School Association’s East/West All-Star game. A business marketing major at Southern…son of Corey Norman and Karen Smith…has three siblings Te’Andre Williams, Jalen Smith and Regenald Buckley.
Christopher Goss III – 6-4 – 195 – DB – Killeen, Texas – Arizona Western CC (Buena HS)
Goss comes to Southern after two standout years at Arizona Western CC where he helped lead the Matadors to an 11-1 season as a senior and a No. 5 national ranking to end the season … As a sophomore, He recorded 47 tackles, including 0.5 for a loss, two interceptions for a loss of 19 yards and two pass break ups … He helped the team to the conference championship and a win in the El Toro Bowl … Originally from Harvey, Ill. Goss prepped at Buena HS in Sierra Vista, Ariz … He was a two-time first-team All-Region pick and was an All-State pick at free safety as a senior, earning a spot in the Max Emfinger All-American Bowl where he was the Defensive MVP … The son of Christopher Goss Jr. and Kandis Duncan, he is the oldest of seven children … Goss is undecided on his future major at Southern.
Played two years at Copiah Lincoln CC…sophomore season saw action in all 11 games recording 14 tackles (seven solo, seven assists) and six pass break ups…during his freshman season saw action in eight games with 18 tackles (13 solo, 5 assists)…recorded one sack, one interception for one yard, and two pass break ups…started four years at QB for South Delta HS and Coach Derrick Hooker…earned First Team All-District honors and team MVP award his junior season. Son of Michael Green Sr. & Brenda Jennings…has one brother Michael Green Jr.
*Kyle Hammond – 6-2 – 225 – RB – Colony, Kan. – Ft. Scott CC (Colony-Crest HS)
Played two years for the Greyhounds at running back…during freshman campaign saw action in seven contests with 84 carries for 468 yards and five scores…his sophomore season saw action in six games with 72 touches for 249 yards and one score at Highland CC…prepped at Colony-Crest HS where he was a three time All-State honoree and was selected KSHSAA 8-man player of the year in 2012…Hammond also was a stand out in basketball for the Lancers where he is the second all-time leading scorer in Crest HS history. A health & wellness promotions major at Southern…son of Chad & Brenna Hammond…has two siblings, Karlee & McKenna.
Hanserd comes to Southern after two successful seasons at the College of DuPage in Illinois … Teammate of incoming Lions Travelle Smith and Charles Tigue at DuPage … As a sophomore, he was an All-Region selection where he recorded 23 tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and five pass break ups … In his career at College of DuPage, he had a total of one interception, three forced fumbles and eight pass break ups … A native of Rockford, Ill., Hanserd was part of two undefeated state championship teams his junior and senior seasons at Boylan Cathloic … He recorded 23 tackles, one forced fumble and three pass break ups as a senior … Also a three-time varsity letter winner in track and field, he was a sprinter, and also competed in the long and high jump, while his 4x200m relay team was a state qualifier and were named All-Conference … the son of Brian and Virginia Hanserd, Brian is undecided on his future major at Southern.
Played one year at Long Beach City College…appeared in eight games with 34 tackles (17 solo, 17 assists)…three pass break-ups, 1 tackle for loss for -4 yards…averaged 4.2 tackles per game…played for Gahr HS and Coach Marshall in Cerritos, Calif. Criminal justice major at Southern…son of Latrice Anderson.
Played two years at Modesto Junior College…saw action in 10 games his freshman season…recorded 32 total tackles (23 solo, 9 assists), one sack for seven yards, five tackles for loss for 16 yards, and two pass break ups…during his sophomore season saw action in eight games with 29 total tackles (20 solo, 9 assists)…recorded 1.5 sacks for 11 yards and 3.5 tackles for loss for a total of 18 yards…prepped at Johansen HS in Modesto…started four years earning three letters for Coach Sakuskie at linebacker and running back…was selected All-League at both positions with 1,206 rushing yards and 84 tackles…during his sophomore season he years First Team All-Conference honors at linebacker while leading the team with 72 solo tackles. A business major at Southern…son of Armando and Analia Hernandez.
Played four years at Langston Hughes HS for coach Willie Cannon…earned first team All-Region honors on both offense and defense…helped the Panthers to three straight playoff appearances and first round wins with two regional championships…led GHSA Class 6A with 11 interceptions his senior season…recorded 38 receptions with five touchdowns at wide receiver…four kick returns (kickoff and punt) for touchdowns…was also a member of the Panthers track team. Undecided on major at Southern.
During his senior season for Slidell HS Legier saw action in nine games…recorded 86 total tackles (33 solo, 53 assists)…five sacks for a total of 25 yards…forced two fumbles…also carried the ball eight times for 28 yards and two scores.
*Raphael McClain – 5-9 – 175 – DB – Starkville, Miss. – East Central CC (Starkville HS)
Played in nine games at East Central CC…recorded 50 tackles (38 solo, 12 assists)…two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery…Appeared in nine games for Northwest Mississippi College in 2013…recorded 17 tackles (10 solo, 7 assists)…Played for head coach Jamie Mitchell at Starkville HS…helped the Yellow Jackets to a 12-3 record and the Class 5A State Championship in his senior season…had 70 tackles (48 solo), two interceptions and two fumble recoveries…selected to play in the Northeast Mississippi All-Star game. A criminal justice major at Southern…son of Delvin and Willette McClain…has two younger sisters, Aundreunna and Dynisha…has one son, Caleb.
Played two years at Phoenix College for the Bears…during his freshman season saw action in all nine games recording six tackles (3 solo, 3 assists) and one tackle for loss…his sophomore season saw action in all nine contests…recorded 46 tackles (36 solo, 10 assists)…one tackle for loss…three interceptions with 75 return yards…four sacks for 22 yards…three pass break ups…was a one year starter at FS/QB at St. Cloud HS for Coach Tommy Jurgens…also started two years for the Bulldgos on the basketball court and field events shot put, discus, and high jump. A general studies major at Southern…son of Ian & Michelle McKenzie.
Played two years at Contra Costa College…freshman season saw limited action in five games and recorded five tackles (3 solo, 2 assists)…during his sophomore season saw action in 10 games with 34 tackles (8 solo, 26 assists)…recorded seven tackles for loss for 26 yards, two sacks for 12 yards…forced one fumble, recovered one fumble, and had one pass break up…prepped at Merrill F. West HS where he was a two year starter at linebacker for coach Matt Loggins…also wrestled for two years earning two letters and lettered one year in track and field in the shot put. A criminal justice major at Southern…son of Cliff and Deborah Mills.
Was a two year starter for Miller Grove HS and coach Damien Wimes……earned All-Region Honorable Mention “Dekalb County”…Mitchell was also a member of the 2014 Georgia High School Association 5A State Champion Basketball team. Nursing major at Southern…son of Eric White and Denise Jacobs…Brother Jacob plays linebacker at NCAA D2 Clark Atlanta University.
Mooney comes to Southern after two years at Hutchinson CC where he was a teammate of Stetson Broce … While at HCC, Mooney ran for 445 yards in nine games as a sophomore in 2013 for the Blue Dragons … He helped the Blue Dragons to two Salt City Bowl Championships … A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Mooney prepped three years at St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, before transferring to Olathe North High School in Olathe, Kan. … A three-year varsity letter winner at St. Mary’s, Mooney averaged 13.5 yards per carry as a junior, with one rushing score … He was a team captain, and an All-Conference pick … Also a standout sprinter and jumper on the track and field team, Mooney was a conference champion in the 100m, while qualifying for the State Championships in the long jump and the 100m … Mooney is undecided on his future major at Southern.
Moore comes to Southern after two years as a starter at Garden City CC in Garden City, Kan. … A two-year starter at left guard, where he helped the team average 235 passing and 107 rushing yards as a sophomore … He was a team captain for the Bronc Busters … A three-year varsity starter at Garden City HS, he helped lead the Buffaloes offensive front to two consecutive state playoff appearances and one conference championship … He was a first-team All-Conference pick and a team captain as a senior … the son of Mark and Gail Moore, Mitch plans to major in health promotion at Southern.
Mora comes to Southern after two seasons at Riverside City College in California where he was a teammate with incoming Lion Chad Nolan and Isaac Wold … As a sophomore, he helped lead the Tigers to a 10-2 record and a perfect 6-0 mark in conference play … The Tigers racked up 415 yards per game in offense, including 230 passing and 185 rushing in Mora’s sophomore campaign … Mora prepped at Vista Murrieta HS where the team was the CIF Inland Division Champion in 2011 and the team won back-to-back Southwestern League Titles in 2011 and 2012 … The team finished as the No. 5 ranked team in California and the tenth-best team in the Nation … the son of Esteban and Blanca Mora, Christian plans to major in psychology at Southern.
Nolan comes to Southern after one year at Riverside City College and a previous year at Southwest Baptist University … A teammate of incoming Lions Cristian Mora and Isaac Mold … At RCC, Nolan was a defensive back and saw action in nine games, recording 11 tackles, including a sack for four yards and a fumble recovery … at SBU, Nolan played on the offensive side of the ball … as a freshman, Nolan saw action in all 11 games, catching 42 passes for 392 yards and an average of 9.3 per catch and one touchdown … He also rushed the ball 11 times for 72 yards, and an average of 6.5 with a long of 41 … A native of San Marcos, Calif., Nolan prepped at Mission Hills HS where he played for coach Chris Hauser and was a two-year starter at defensive back, wide receiver and running back … He was a first-team All-Conference, All-County and All-State pick where he holds the school record for four defensive touchdowns and the turnover record with a total of nine in one season (interceptions, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries) … Also a baseball and basketball player at Mission Hills, Nolan played in three state championships, winning two out of three while playing both baseball and basketball … the son of Mark and Sheri Nolan, Chad plans to major in health science.
Norman was a three year starter at strong safety for Coach Robby Robinson and the Washington Wilkes HS Tigers…set the school record for most career forced fumbles with 13…finished with 12 career interceptions…was a three time Academic All-Region and All-Region performer. A business major at Southern…son of Quincy Norman and Tunisia Gartrell…cousin of Garrison Hearst, former NFL and University of Georgia running back.
Played two years at Tyler Junior College for Coach Danny Palmer…during his freshman season Nunez saw action in three games recording three solo tackles…during his sophomore campaign saw action in all 11 games for the Apaches recording 23 tackles (20 solo, 3 assists) with three sacks for a loss of 25 yards…played in high school at Laurence E. Elkins HS in Missouri City, Texas…recorded 32 tackles his senior season with four sacks, seven tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles.
Peterson comes to Southern after starting four years at Irwin County High School where he had originally signed at Georgia Southern University out of high school … A four-year letter winner for coach John Lindsey, Peterson also was a two-year letter winner in basketball, as well as a three-year letter winner in track and field, where he competed in the 4x100m, 4x400m, the 100m, 200m and long jump … Peterson was a scholar-athlete in all four-years … the son of Kim Harris and David Peterson, Ryan plans to major in management at Southern.
Trevor Plafcan – 6-1 – 225 – LB – Odessa, Mo. – Odessa HS
Plafcan was a four year letterwinner, three year starter at TE/LB for Coach Mark Thomas and the Odessa Bulldogs…saw action at LB in all 11 contests his senior season recording 67 total tackles (36 solo, 31 assists)…15 tackles for a loss and 12.5 sacks for a loss of 40 yards…Plafcan also forced one fumble and had one fumble recovery.
Randall comes to Southern after two years at Navarro Junior College in Texas … A two-year starter, Randall finished his sophomore campaign with 28 tackles, four tackles for a loss, one sack, four hurries and one pass break up … He helped Navarro to a 7-3 record his sophomore season … A native of Plano, Texas, Randall prepped at Plano West High School where he was a three-year starter on the football team … A first-team All-District selection as a junior, Randall was a second-team All-District pick as a senior … the son of Kerri Randall, Stephan is undecided on his future major at Southern.
Jalin Scott – 6-1 – 184 – QB – Houston, Texas – Fort Bend Kempner HS
Played QB at Fort Bend Kempner HS in Sugar Land, Texas for Coach Andrus…threw for 504 yards his senior season going 30-56 with four interceptions…ran for 1,050 yards with 11 touchdowns…was voted team captain…voted offensive MVP…earned honorable mention All-District honors. Undecided on major at Southern…son of Chris & Lisa Scott.
Smith comes to Southern after two seasons at the College of DuPage in Illinois … A teammate of incoming Lions Brian Hanserd and Charles Tigue … A two-year starter at DuPage, Smith had 28 tackles, two sacks, nine tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as a sophomore … He was an All-Conference pick and participated in the JUCO All-American Game … A native of Ford Heights, Ill., Smith prepped at Crete-Monee High School where he was a four-year letter winner … An All-Conference pick as a junior, he was also All-Conference and a team captain as a senior, where he helped his team to an undefeated State Championship … Also participated in wrestling and track and field in high school … The son of Keith Smith and Terri Stone, Travelle plans to major in criminal justice at Southern.
Simpson comes to Southern after two years at Pasadena City College … As a sophomore, Simpson played in ten games, recording 30 tackles, 17 solo, one tackle for a loss of four yards, three interceptions, one pass break up and two forced fumble … A native of Los Angeles, Simpson prepped at Crenshaw HS where in his senior year, he played in 11 games, catching 16 passes for 263 yards and 3 touchdowns … He also recorded 82 tackles, nine sacks for a loss of 40 yards, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, two blocked punts and one blocked field goal.
Tigue comes to Southern after two seasons at the College of DuPage in Illinois … A teammate of incoming Lions Brian Hansert and Travelle Smith … A two-year starter at DuPage, Tigue led DuPage in tackles as a sophomore as he recorded 52, 38 solo, including three sacks and 11 tackles for a loss … He was a team captain in both seasons at DuPage … A native of East St. Louis, Ill., Tigue was an All-Conference, All-State and All-American defensive lineman for the Flyers where he holds the school record for career tackles … He helped lead his team to the state championship as a sophomore … the son of Charles Tigue Jr. and Lisa Tigue, Charles is one of six children … He is undecided on his future major at Southern.
*Jonathan Villanueva – 6-2 – 290 – OL – Wichita, Kan. – Coffeyville CC (Wichita North HS)
Villanueva comes to Southern after two seasons at Coffeyville CC in Kansas … As a sophomore, Villanueva helped the Raves to a 9-3 mark overall and 6-1 in conference … He helped anchor an offensive line that racked up an average of 493 yards per game, including 222 on the ground and 270 through the air … He earned All-Conference honors as a sophomore … A native of Wichita, Kan., Villanueva prepped at Wichita North High School where he was a three year starter on the football field … there he was an All-City honoree on both the offensive and defensive lines … He also participated in track and field and wrestling … the son of Cruz and Maria Villanueva, Jonathan plans to major in health promotion at Southern.
Played two years at Southwest Mississippi CC…saw action in seven games during his freshman season recording 30 tackles (14 solo, 16 assists) with 2.5 sacks for one yard and two tackles for loss…during his sophomore season saw action in all eight contests for the Bears recording 25 tackles (15 solo, 10 assists) and one sack for a loss of 5 yards…earned first team All-Conference honors at SMCC at defensive end…prepped at Greene County HS where he earned first team All-State honors and was selected team MPV and Co-Player of the year during his senior season…also earned All-Conference honors for the GCHS Wildcats. Wallace is a general studies major at Southern.
Ward comes to Southern after two years at Los Medanos CC in California … A two-year starter for Los Medanos, Ward was third on the team this year in tackles with 53, including three interceptions for 70 return yards, five pass breakups, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery … A native of Pittsburg, Calif., Ward prepped at Pittsburg High School … The son of James and Kesha Ward, Keshawn is undecided on his future major at Southern.
Whalen comes to Southern after four years at Aurora Christian High School in Channahon, Ill. where he played for coach Dave Beebe … An All-Conference and All-State offensive lineman, Whalen has the school record for most pancake blocks recorded … Also a track and field athlete, Whalen was All-Conference, as well … the son of Greg and LouAnn Whalen, Brock is undecided on his future major at Southern.
Wilburn was a three year letterman in football, basketball, and baseball for SCHS…earned First Team All-Region honors at Defensive Back and Wide Receiver…was a two time football team offensive MVP, and one time football team defensive MVP…rushed the ball 90 times at SCHS for 426 yards and four touchdowns…caught 39 passes for 503 yards and four scores over his sophomore and junior seasons…tallied 1,352 all-purpose yards during his career at SCHS…recorded three interceptions his junior season with 143 return yards…19 kick returns for 280 yards during his junior and senior seasons…also earned basketball team defensive MVP honors. Undecided on major at Southern.
Williston comes to Southern after two seasons at Independence CC in Kansas … As a sophomore, Williston had eight tackles, including two for a loss of four yards … A native of Center Hill, Fla., Williston prepped at Sumter High School … A four-year starter on the football field, Williston also participated in basketball and track and field … a four-time state qualifier in the discus in high school, Williston also was his team captain on the basketball court … The son of Derrick Williston and Tammie Dillon, Willston plans to major in management at Southern.
*Devin Williams-Penick – 6-2 – 200 – LB – Arlington, Texas – Kilgore College (James Bowie HS)
A two year performer from Kilgore College…played in 17 games with 42 tackles (31 solo, 11 assists)…recorded one interception…earned All-District honors playing defensive back at James Bowie HS in Arlington, Texas…was also a varsity performer for the Volunteers on the basketball court. A criminal justice major at Southern…son of Derrick Williams and Alpha and Chris Baker…one of seven kids, Taylor, Kristal, Yasmeen, Myles, Brittany, and Alex.
Wold comes to Southern after two seasons at Riverside City College in California where he was a teammate with incoming Lion Chad Nolan and Cristian Mora … As a sophomore, he helped lead the Tigers to a 10-2 record and a perfect 6-0 mark in conference play … The Tigers racked up 415 yards per game in offense, including 230 passing and 185 rushing in Wold’s sophomore campaign … A native of Riverside, Calif., Wold prepped at La Sierra High School where he played for coach Marck Recktenwald … He was a three-time All-Conference and All-Region pick on both the offensive and defensive lines … He also served as a team captain … The son of Tom and Jennifer Wold, he plans on majoring in business at Southern.
Wooten comes to Southern after a year at Highland CC and a year previously at Bulter CC … An All-Conference pick at Highland, Wooten prepped at Schlagle High School … He was an All-Conference middle linebacker and also played baseball and track and field at Schlagle HS … The son of James Wooten Sr. and Vanessa Prather, Wooten plans to major in health science at Southern.
* Indicates player is a mid-year transfer and already enrolled and on campus at MSSU