West Chester Releases 2017 Football Recruiting Class

WEST CHESTER, Pa. – West Chester University head football coach, Bill Zwaan, announced his incoming class of recruits for the upcoming football season. A total of 21 freshmen and a pair of transfers comprise the class.
 
"We accomplished what we set out to do by signing a real good defensive back class," said head coach Bill Zwaan. "We also added a few good offensive linemen to help us when a good group graduates next year."
 
The Golden Rams signed eight defensive backs, four wide receivers, four offensive linemen, three running backs, two defensive linemen, a pair of quarterbacks and a tight end and place-kicker.
 
"The skill at wide receiver, running back and quarterback is outstanding," Zwaan added. "We got some really good football players at every position, who will help to build our depth. Our special teams will be tremendously improved by this class."
 
Of the 25 signed recruits, 21 of them hail from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with two others coming from a pair of commonwealth states – Massachusetts and Virginia – a pair from New Jersey.
 
West Chester is coming off an 8-3 season in 2016 and a second-place finish in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division standings.
 
Here are the newest Golden Rams in alphabetical order.
 
Nate Barnes                       Defensive Back                 6-2          210         Carlisle, PA                         Carlisle
With his length and size, Barnes causes a big obstacle for offenses. Coached under Pat Conrad, Barnes earned first team All-Mid Pennsylvania on defense twice. He also achieved second team All-Mid Pennsylvania on offense and first team PennLive all-star team on defense. Barnes contributed 79 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles as well as two interceptions. He also plays on the basketball and lacrosse teams. He is the son of Nathaniel Barnes Sr. and Jennifer Schultz.
 
Isaiah Cruz                          Defensive Back                 5-11       170         Abington, PA                     Abington
A highly motivated athlete that motivates his teammates to be better, is a quality that arises from Cruz. From the suburban Philly area and coached under Kevin Conlin, he was the team captain for the Galloping Ghost. He also earned the defensive MVP award twice and was also honorable mention for the Suburban One National. Collectively he accounted for 76 tackles throughout his high school career, two force fumbles, two recoveries as well as an interception. He is the son of Kenyatta Cottrell and Aracelis Cottrel. Member of National Honor Society.
 
Devin Darden                    Defensive Back                 5-11       170         Philadelphia, PA         Ben Franklin HS
Brings a lot of speed to the Golden Rams. Coached under William Crawford, his awareness as well as respect for the game goes a long way physically and academically. Darden is an honor roll student at Ben Franklin High School as well as earning All-Public League Athlete recognition. He is selected to play in the All-City all-star game where he will represent the Electrons. He is the son of Stephanie Hill.

Christian Day                    Defensive Back                  6-0        170         Downingtown, PA         Downingtown HS
Athletic individual, who comes from an athletic family. He posted 48 tackles, had one interception and 13 pass breakups for the Cougars - also scored one touchdown. He was selected to play in the Valor Bowl. Day also competed in track & field in high school. He is the son of Chris and Megan Day. Father, Chris, graduated from West Chester University and played football.
 
Darnell Ferrell                    Running Back                 5-10       180          Allentown, PA            Central Catholic             
Poise, patience as well as explosiveness are just a few qualities that can be used to describe Ferrell. Coached under John Couples, he earned all-state honors at running back, first team all-conference as well as Morning Call Player of the year for his area. He was also Eastern Plains Conference (EPC) offensive player of the year. Ferrell contributed to 201 carries for 1,802 yards, with a total of 42 touchdowns during his career with the Vikings. He is the son of Paul Ferrell and Mary Smith.
 
Patrick Ferry                      Offensive Line                  6-3          300         Allentown, PA           Parkland
Versatile when protecting the pocket. Coached under Tim Moncman, he was a three-year starter protecting the quarterback's blind side. He earned all-state, all-area, all-conference and All-USA selection for Pennsylvania. Ferry is very involved in his academics, earning a 3.74 GPA and achieving honor roll all four years of his high school career. He is the son of Shelly Ferry and Jim Ferry.
 
Mack Focht                         Wide Receiver                  5-9          180         East Earl, PA           Garden Spot
A very quick threat to the opposing defense, Focht is an athlete who is not only fast, but can make big plays down the field. Coached under Zachary Fulmer, he comes out of Lancaster County as an impact player in the slot as well as on the perimeter. Focht earned wide receiver of the year twice. Additionally, he managed first team all-league wide receiver, kick returner, and the Mini-Maxwell award. He set school records with 105 receptions, for 2,059 yards and a total of 29 touchdowns. He also ran track and became a district finalist as a sprinter. He is the son of Scoot and Kim Focht.

John George                        Place-Kicker/Punter        6-5          180         West Chester, PA      Bishop Shanahan
An All-Ches-Mont place-kicker for head coach Paul Meyers at Bishop Shanahan High School. Set a number of school records during his varsity career, including most kicking points in a single game (11), most kicking points in a single season (55) and tied for the most kickinkg points in a career. Tied for most field goals in a career (7). Ranks 11th all-time in points scored in school history. Went 4-for-5 on field goals his senior year, including a long of 43 yards. He was also the captain of the soccer team and played baseball at Bishop Shanahan. He is the son of John and Patty George.
                                  
Zach Gilbert                       Quarterback                       6-4          195         Whitehall, PA          Whitehall
Tall when it comes to being under center. Coached by his father, Brian Gilbert, his awareness of the game allows him to pick apart defenses. He helped his team by contributing to 2,786 yards passing with 31 touchdowns. He also earned himself all-state, all-area, and all-league. Other than football, he plays basketball. He is also a part of the National Honors Society. He is the son of Tiffany Gilbert and Brian Gilbert.
 
Ethan Harris                       Wide Receiver                  5-10       180         Downingtown, PA     Downingtown East
An athlete with excellent speed and toughness. He is a very intelligent and mature receiver, which will give positive reinforcement for the Golden Rams receiving core. Coached under Michael Matta, Harris had an impressive career for the Cougars, earning first team All-Ches-Mont honors as well as second team all-county. He also racked up 39 receptions for 673 yards and 11 touchdowns during seven games. He is the son of Kristina Kenworthey.
 
Tyrone Hodges                 Defensive Back                 5-10     180           Morrisville, PA            Pennsbury
A solid athlete, who cannot only solidify the pass game, but can produce yards if needed on offense. Coached under Dan McShane, Hodges comes out of the Bucks County area as an oriented team player. Hodges is a part of the National Business Honors Society. He help the Falcons by producing five rushing touchdowns, 18 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles and three interceptions. Additionally, he accounted for three sacks, a forced fumble as well as a fumble recovery. He earned third team All-SOL (Suburban One League) twice as well as third team All-SOL for baseball. Lastly, Hodges earned the selection to be in the 2016 Carpenter Cup. He is the son of Tyrone Sr. and Kelly Hodges.
 
Nyseer Jones                     Defensive Back                 5-11       170         Philadelphia, PA              Ben Franklin
With his breakaway speed and defensive might, Jones is a force to be reckoned with. Coached under William Crawford, he earned the all-public league at cornerback and all-public league kick returner. He contributed eight touchdowns, 50 tackles, seven of which were recorded for a loss. He earned himself a selection in the all-public vs. catholic all-star game. He is the son of Markita Vereen and Reginold Jones. 
 
Brett Moyer                       Defensive End                  6-2          220         Reading, PA                       Exeter
Another addition to putting pressure on the offense, Moyer truly has a high motor. Coached under Matt Bauer, his frame will help the battle in the trenches. He earned himself first team all-County, contributing 52 tackles, 29 of which were solo. He also racked up 5.5 sacks, an interception, one caused fumble and a punt block. He is the son of Cary and Kelly Moyer.
 
Nasir Mundey                   Wide Receiver                  6-3          218         Philadelphia, PA              Ben Franklin
Tall in his stature, he creates a big mismatch to smaller defenders. Coached under William Crawford, he helped his team by contributing 66 receptions for over 800 yards, and nine touchdowns. He also added two interception making him swift on both ends of the fields. He was the team captain and earned all-public league honors as well as team co-MVP. He was also a part of the all-public league game. He is the son of Malikah Mundey and Joe Mott (grandfather) and Laurena Mundey Mott (grandmother).
 
Mike Piperno                    Quarterback                       6-2         200         Washington Twp., N.J.  Wash. Twp.       
An honor roll student, Piperno was a two-time all-league performer for head coach Mark Wechter at Washington Township H.S. He threw for 3,866 yards and 38 touchdowns in his high school career in New Jersey. He is the son of Dominic and Kristen Piperno.
 
Brendan Ruskowski        Offensive Line                 6-3          255         Philadelphia, PA   Archbishop Ryan
An impactful player to watch as defenders attempt to maneuver around him, Ruskowski's awareness to line coverage and the blitz will be necessary to gain an upper hand for the Golden Rams. Coached by Frank McCardle, Ruskowski comes out of the Philadelphia Catholic League as a highly motivated individual where he earned all-catholic league honors three times. He also earned third team All-Southeastern PA honors for the Raiders. Lastly, he played basketball for two years. He is the son of David and Bobbie Ruskowski.
 
Ed Scannapieco                Defensive Back                 5-10       190         Franklin, MA                      Franklin
An athlete, who leads by example, Scannapieco unselfishly seems to find himself in the action of each defensive snap. Hailing from the New England Region in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts just outside Boston, Scannapieco was coached by Eian Bain, he helped the Franklin High School by adding 123 tackles in the last two seasons. He led his team's secondary in tackles. Academically, he is a recipient of the JFK Make a Difference Award, which makes him very alert and aware to his surroundings. He is the son of Ed and Annette Scannapieco.
 
Adam Schreck                   Tight End                             6-5       220            Manasquan, NJ                 Manasquan
A very big asset to the offensive line, who will make a big impact blocking as well as gaining receptions. An athlete, who is aware on the field as well as within his studies, was an honor roll student. He earned Coast Star Defensive Player of the Year, first team All-Shore Conference, and first team All-Group 2. Additionally he received first team all-division, honorable mention All-State and helped his team to become the Central Jersey Group 2 State Champions. Also played baseball at Manasquan High where he received Honorable Mention Coast Star Offensive Player of the year. Schreck is the son of Peter and Cara Schreck.
 
Trael Seegars                     Running Back                     5-11       200         Harrisburg, PA         Susquehanna Twp.
Not only a very gifted athlete on the field, he prides himself on his academics. Seegars exemplifies what it means to be a team leader as he was directed under coach Joe Headen. He earned himself the Mini Max Award as well as holding down a starting spot at running back for four years straight. Seegars also earned himself first team All-Mid Penn Keystone Division back-to-back. When he is not on the field, he participates in track as well. Not to mention, he currently holds a 3.7 GPA and earned the Subway Scholar Athlete of the week. He is the son of Joseph Seegars.
 
Jalik Smith                          Wide Receiver                  5-10       170         Harrisburg, PA        Susquehanna Twp.
An athlete with quick and elusive speed as well as playing multiple roles on offense and special teams, Smith is a threat when he gets the ball in his hands. Coached under Joe Headen, Smith earned first team wide receiver honor as well as first team defensive back. He also added about 37 receptions for 588 yards with two punt returns for a touchdown. Off the field, he participates for the indoor and outdoor track team. He is the son of Bonetta Baltimore and Steve Smith.
 
Wyatt Smith                      Defensive Line                                 6-3          255         Hellam, PA                         Eastern York
Strong on both ends offensively and defensively, Smith was coached under Jeff Mesich. He earned all-county offensive line three times, all-county defensive line three times, defensive lineman of the year, and the iron man award. He produced 59 tackles, nine sacks, two blocked kicks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also was a part of wrestling and the baseball teams in high school and earned superior honors in his academics. He is the son of Martin and Karen Smith.
 
Marcus Wilson                 Fullback                               6-1         225         Reading, PA                       Berks Catholic
A big legitimate athlete in the back field, who can not only block, but make a big impact on the ground. Wilson's size fills a void that the Golden Rams have been missing for a couple of years. Out of the Berks County area and coached under Rick Keeley, He helped the Saints by rushing for 3,306 yards during his high school career. Wilson is currently the school leading rusher with 44 total touchdowns. He earned first team running back twice, District 3 first team 4A all-state running back, All-Eastern PA first team Running Back. He also was the Mini-Max Award recipient and PFN all-state second team running back. Wilson earned the All-Academic team honors. Off the field, he participated in in basketball where he earned the Keith Uhrig Award and also Track & Field. He is the son of Neil and Mao-Lin Wilson. 
 
Cole Zapf                             Defensive Back                 6-0          195         Downingtown, PA/Downingtown West
Highly involved on the defensive side, Zapf awareness to lock down the offense has noted him highly worthy to defend the run or the pass game. Coached by Mike Milano, he earned first team all-conference on offense and first team all-conference on defense. He contributed 53 tackles, 45 of which were solo. He had eight sacks, 13 tackles for a loss and an interception. On the offensive side, he accounted for 18 touchdowns, with 48 carries for 503 yards, and 11 receptions accounting for 320 yards. He was selected to participate in the Valor Bowl and is the Big 33 East/West nominee. Not only is Zapf involved in football, he is active in wrestling, where he earned the 2016 District 1 championship, earned a spot in PA State Qualifier and is currently ranked seventh in the state. He is the son of Joe and Maureen Zapf.
 
WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY TRANSFER STUDENTS
 
Brendan Clark                   Offensive Line                  6-4          290         Philadelphia, PA              Father Judge
A Transfer from Temple, who sets his eyes on the Golden Rams to help rev up and contribute to the offensive line. Clark has a lot to prove, which gives him every reason to head west on I-76 to West Chester University. He is a major asset in height and size that will benefit the team. Raised in the Philadelphia Area, Clark was coached under Mike McKay where he helped the Crusaders with an 18-16 record in his three seasons. Matched up in the Philadelphia Catholic standings, he is a two-time 4A All-Catholic League selection as well as an All-City All-Star Game participant. He is the son of Kevin and Colleen Clark.  
 
Malik White                      Offensive Line                  6-1          330         Woodbridge, VA               Freedom
Another contribution to the offensive line for the Golden Rams as he takes his talents to Southeastern PA. A transfer from Lackawanna College, he set his sights to compete in the PSAC Eastern Division. Throughout his career in high school, he was coached under Gary Wortham where he was the team captain. He help the Vikings by earning VA 5A North All-Conference recognition two years straight and  all-region his senior year. He was selected to play in the NUC All-South Team game. On top of football, Clark participated in Track for four years as well as wrestling where he was the team captain. He is the son of Darryl and Angela White.
 
 
Name                                                    Pos.       Ht.          Wt.        Hometown/High School
Nate Barnes                                        DB          6-2          210         Carlisle, Pa./Carlisle
Isaiah Cruz                                          DB          5-11       170         Abington, Pa./Abington
Devin Darden                                       DB          5-11       170         Philadelphia, Pa./Ben Franklin
Christian Day                                      DB            6-0        170        Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown East
Darnell Ferrell                                      RB           5-10       180         Allentown, Pa./Central Catholic
Patrick Ferry                                       OL           6-3          300         Allentown, Pa./Parkland
Mack Focht                                         WR         5-9          180         East Earl, Pa./Garden Spot
John George                                       PK/P       6-5        180           West Chester, Pa./Bishop Shanahan
Zack Gilbert                                        QB          6-4          195         Whitehall, Pa./Whitehall
Ethan Harris                                        WR         5-10       180         Dowingtown, Pa./Downingtown East
Tyrone Hodges                                    DB          5-10       180         Morrisville, Pa./Pennsbury
Nyseer Jones                                     DB          5-11       170         Philadelphia, Pa./Ben Franklin
Brett Moyer                                        DE           6-2          220         Reading, Pa./Exeter
Nasir Mundey                                     WR         6-3          185         Philadelphia, Pa./Comm Tech
Mike Piperno                                     QB          6-2          200         Washington Twp., N.J./Wash. Twp.
Brendan Ruskowski                            OL           6-3          260         Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan
Ed Scannapieco                                 DB          5-10       190         Franklin, Mass./Franklin
Adam Schreck                                   TE           6-5          220         Manasquan, N.J./Manasquan
Trael Seegars                                     RB           5-11       200         Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna Twp.
Jalik Smith                                         WR         5-10       170         Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna Twp.
Wyatt Smith                                       DL           6-3          255         Hellam, Pa./Eastern York
Marcus Wilson                                   FB           6-1          225         Reading, Pa./Berks Catholic
Cole Zapf                                           DB          6-0          195         Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West
 
Transfers
Brendan Clark                                    OL           6-4          290         Philadelphia, Pa./Father Judge (Temple)
Malik White                                        OL           6-1          330         Woodbridge, Va./Freedom (Lackawanna CC)