BEAUMONT, Texas - The Lamar Cardinals football team signed 23 high school standouts to National Letters of Intent and added three transfers announced head coach Ray Woodard at a press conference in the Dauphin Athletics Complex Wednesday afternoon.

In one of the more balanced signing classes since the return of the program, the Cardinals brought in a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball. The 2015 class consists 13 defensive players, 13 listed on the offensive side of the ball and one athlete - Southlake Carroll product Tariq Gordon comes to Beaumont listed as a receiver and defensive back.

"I'm excited to be signing this group of young men," said head coach Ray Woodard. "This is a large class, and I believe we landed some talented players in every area with this group. Because of the job we're doing academically, we have been able to attract better student- athletes. I really believe this class has the potential to be the best class we've ever signed.

"We were in a bit of a unique position with so many new coaches this season, but I believe new guys will bring some fresh ideas, and added enthusiasm. This staff got out on the road and did a great job recruiting. We were able to get out in front of a lot of people," added Woodard.

The offensive signees consist of six offensive linemen, three wide receivers, two running backs, a quarterback and a tight end. On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals signed five defensive backs, five linebackers and two linemen (one end and a tackle).

A primary key for every recruiting class is to protect your backyard. The Lamar staff once again accomplished that task with an infusion of several players from southeast Texas. The five Southeast Texans include Ethan Cothen (Beaumont, Texas/West Brook HS), Duncan McVey (Deer Park, Texas/Deer Park HS), Corey Nance (Liberty, Texas/Hardin HS), Rodney Randle, Jr. (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen HS) and transfer Matthew Oubre (Dayton, Texas/Dayton HS).

The latest crop of Cardinals signees expanded far beyond the Lone Star State. Similar to 2014, the newst incoming class has a bit of a national flair. The current class represents five different states including Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Georgia and Utah.

A major question mark heading into 2015 for the Cardinals was quarterback. With record-setting quarterback Caleb Berry out of eligibility LU was facing serious questions for the upcoming season. That need was made even greater when Lamar's two returning quarterbacks elected to transfer. Lamar believes it found the quarterback of the future in 6-4, 200-pound Sachse product Brett Cox. A three-star prospect, Cox bring a big-time arm to Beaumont after throwing for more than 3,000 yards last season. He will battle transfers Joe Minden (Stephen F. Austin) and Carson Earp (Navarro College) for the starting spot.

"When the season ended we had two quarterbacks on scholarship," said Woodard. "So we felt like we didn't want to sign two freshmen at that position. We were able to get two transfers, and then our two returners transferred out. So it left us in a unique position, but we have brought in some very talented guys, including Brett who is one of the top quarterbacks in the state. We're very excited about what he can do during his career."

Over the course of the past two seasons, attrition has taken a significant toll on the Cardinals defensive line, losing four starters. The Cards addressed that need with the addition of two signees Stelen Covel (6-2, 260, Oklahoma City, Okla.) and David Dorsett (6-3, 240, Fort Worth, Texas) which bolsters the defensive signees from last year's class.

The Cardinals also brought in one of its strongest classes of offensive linemen since the program's rebirth. Lamar lost two key pieces of its 2014 offensive front, but replaced that with six newcomers. The incoming class of offensive linemen consists of Jesse Brewster (6-7, 285, Friendswood, Texas), Cothen, Joseph Gonzales (6-4, 285, Waco, Texas), Hayden Kaaiohelo (6-5, 285, Edmond, Okla.), Nance and Oubre.

"With me, linemen are always going to be a key area," said Woodard. "We entered this recruiting season wanting to sign three, and we got six. We just came across so many that we didn't feel like we could pass on. These are all tall, athletic guys we feel will come in work and just get better. If we can keep them healthy, they will really bolster our offense. This is a very talented group."

The Cardinals one tight end signee is already familiar with the university, LU football and the offense. He is the brother of outgoing senior, Payden McVey. The younger McVey, Duncan (6-4, 220, Deer Park, Texas), comes to Beaumont looking to replace Payden following a successful high school career at Deer Park High School.

-LAMAR-

2015 Signing Class RosterHigh SchoolDC Arceneaux • 6-2 • 230 • LB • Kinder, La./Kinder HSJesse Brewster • 6-7 • 285 • OL • Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood HSChaston Brooks • 6-1 • 190 • ATH • Tatum, Texas/Tatum HSBear Christianson • 6-6 • 205 • LB • Austin, Texas/Vandegrift HSEthan Cothen • 6-4 • 280 • OL • Beaumont, Texas/West Brook HSStelen Covel • 6-2 • 260 • DT • Oklahoma City, Okla./Casady HSBrett Cox • 6-4 • 200 • QB • Sachse, Texas/Sachse HSDavid Dorsett • 6-3 • 240 • DE • Fort Worth, Texas/LD Bell HSDedrick Garner • 6-3 • 220 • LB • Fairfield, Texas/Fairfield HSZae Giles • 5-9 • 170 • CB • Austin, Texas/Lyndon B. Johnson HSTariq Gordon • 6-0 • 175 • WR/CB • Southlake, Texas/Southlake Carroll HSJoseph Gonzales • 6-4 • 285 • OL • Waco, Texas/Waco HSJoJo Henderson • 6-3 • 190 • FS • Salt Lake City, Utah/Olympus HSDavon Jernigan • 6-0 • 184 • SS • Navasota, Texas/Navasota HSHayden Kaaiohelo • 6-5 • 285 • OL • Edmond, Okla./Edmond Memorial HSJerbrell Lipscomb • 5-9 • 184 • LB • Navasota, Texas/Navasota HSDuncan McVey • 6-4 • 220 • TE • Deer Park, Texas/Deer Park HSKeegan Mitchell • 5-6 • 172 • RB • Corrigan, Texas/Corrigan-Camden HSCorey Nance • 6-7 • 275 • OL • Liberty, Texas/Hardin HSMarcus Odell • 6-2 • 225 • LB • New Braunfels, Texas/New Braunfels HSKevin O'Neill • 6-2 • 205 • LB • Sachse, Texas/Sachse HSDerrion Randle • 5-10 • 200 • RB • Navasota, Texas/Navasota HSRodney Randle, Jr. • 5-10 • 175 • DB • Beaumont, Texas/Ozen HS
TransfersBrendan Langley • 6-1 • 188 • WR • Marietta, Ga./Kell HS (Georgia)Matthew Oubre • 6-1 • 289 • OL • Dayton, Texas/Dayton HS (Louisiana-Monroe)Dominique Wheeler • 6-1 • 186 • WR • Crockett, Texas/Crockett HS (Texas Tech)

2015 Signing Class Bios
DC Arceneaux • 6-2 • 230 • LB • Kinder, La./Kinder HSHigh School: Two-time all-district linebacker ... Earned All-LSWA, and all-state honors as a senior ... Guided Kinder High to a 14-1 (.933) overall record, a perfect 5-0 mark in district play and a trip to the Louisiana class 2A state title game as a senior ... That coming on the heels of a state championship as a junior ... Led football team to three district championships and state title ... Was an all-district pitcher, helping his squad recorded district title and a state championship.Personal: Cousin, Mikie Mahtook, is on the Tampa Bay Rays and was a member of Team USA.
Jesse Brewster • 6-7 • 285 • OL • Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood HSHigh School: Never surrendered a sack, or tackle for a loss, during his senior season ... A two-time offensive lineman of the week selection as a senior ... Helped lead Friendswood to the second round of the playoffs as a senior, and a sectional championship during his junior season ... A key figure in an offensive front that rushed for more than 240 yards per game, and scored a total of 42 touchdowns ... Garnered second-team All-District 24-6A honors this past season ... Also received recruiting attention from Houston and Abilene Christian.
Chaston Brooks • 6-1 • 190 • ATH • Tatum, Texas/Tatum HSHigh School: A two-year starter on the gridiron ... Garnered first-team all-state honors following his junior season, while leading his high school squad to a 2013 conference title ... Also received first-team all-region and all-area honors that same season ... Earned first-team all-east Texas recognition as a corner and punt returner during a 2013 season that saw him record 11 pass breakups, picked off two passes and returned six punts for scores ... Had a scholarship offer from New Mexico State ... Also received recruiting attention from Kansas ... Was also a standout point guard on the basketball court, and lettered on the baseball team.
Bear Christianson • 6-6 • 205 • LB • Austin, Texas/Vandegrift HSHigh School: A 2014 first-team all-district selection, who garnered honorable mention all-state honors ... Hauled in 79 receptions for 1,083 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2014, including a season-high 13 for 186 yards against Vista Ridge ... Guided his high school to a 12-3 (.800) overall record, a District 25-5A championship and a trip to the state semifinals in only the program's fifth season ... Named freshman team defensive MVP ... Received offensive MVP honors following sophomore season.
Ethan Cothen • 6-4 • 280 • OL • Beaumont, Texas/West Brook HSHigh School: Two-year letterwinner ... A 21-6A First-Team All-District selection as a senior ... Also a standout in the classroom, earning first-team Academic All-District honors, and first-team Academic All-State recognition.
Stelen Covel • 6-2 • 260 • DT • Oklahoma City, Okla./Casady HSHigh School: Named to the U.S. squad in the 2013 Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl - an all-star game that pits American U15 athletes against those from Canada ... Helped guide his prep squad to a 7-4 record as a junior ... As a senior, Covel earned honorable mention all-conference honors, posting 16 tackles, two sacks and batted ball ... Started every season at offensive guard where he recorded 25 plus pancake blocks while helping lead the Cyclones to the Southwest Preparatory Conference Championship game.
Personal: Son country music singer Toby Keith.
Brett Cox • 6-4 • 200 • QB • Sachse, Texas/Sachse HSHigh School: A three-star prospect according to ESPN.com ... Ranked as the No. 37 pocket passer in the nation (ESPN.com) ... A two-star athlete according to Rivals ... Considered a sleeper quarterback by Scout.com ... A first-team all-district selection who led all of North Texas quarterbacks with 3,066 passing yards and 32 touchdowns this season ... Also carried the ball 72 times for 362 yards (5.8 pc) and three scores in 2014 ... Also received recruiting attention from Air Force, Colgate, Fresno State, Montana State, Navy and San Diego State.
David Dorsett • 6-3 • 240 • DE • Fort Worth, Texas/LD Bell HSHigh School: Guided his prep squad to back-to-back 7-4 records and trips to the playoffs as a sophomore and junior ... Garnered defensive MVP honors as a freshman and sophomore ... Earned first-team all-district, and district newcomer of the year honors in 2013 ... Closed out his career by earning honorable mention all-state honors, and being named to the Ft. Worth Star Telegram's Super Team (second-team selection) ... Also a standout on the track and field team.Personal: Related to former Cowboys, and NFL Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett ... Has three relatives who have played in the NFL, including two who have won Super Bowls.
Dedrick Garner • 6-3 • 220 • LB • Fairfield, Texas/Fairfield HSHigh School: Rated as a two-star prospect by 247Sports.com ... Was the 11th-rated player on the CenTex Top 25 list of recruits ... Received first-team APSE Class 4A All-State honors ... Also earned first-team all-state, and all-district honors at the 3A level as a junior ... During his two years on varsity, he posted nearly 180 tackles, including 36 solo stops, and was credited with 45 tackles for losses ... He also recorded 21 sacks, 37 quarterback hurries, deflected 10 passes, caused nine fumbles, recovered five others and blocked two kicks ... Guided his prep squad to a 9-3 (.750) overall record and a 4-1 (.800) mark in district play as a senior.
Zae Giles • 5-9 • 170 • CB • Austin, Texas/Lyndon B. Johnson HSHigh School: Guided his prep squad to an 11-3 (.786) overall record and a 6-1 (.857) mark district play ... LBJHS advanced to the state quarterfinals ... He helped his prep squad post a seven-game turnaround from the 2013 campaign ... Garnered second-team All-District 26-5A honors ... Following his junior season, was named first-team all-district as a defensive back.
Joseph Gonzales • 6-4 • 285 • OL • Waco, Texas/Waco HSHigh School: Rated as a two-star prospect by 247Sports.com ... A second-team All-District 17-5A selection as a senior ... Was honorable mention all-district as a sophomore ... Received first-team all-district honors, and honorable mention all-state following his junior season ... Also received honorable mention Super CenTex recognition in 2013 ... Also received recruiting attention from Houston, Navy, Oklahoma, UTSA and North Texas.
Tariq Gordon • 6-0 • 175 • WR/CB • Southlake, Texas/Southlake Carroll HSHigh School: Guided his prep squad to a 13-1 (.929) overall record, and a perfect 6-0 mark in district play as a senior ... Southlake Carroll was ranked has high as third in the state, and 21st nationally ... Recorded 29 tackles during the season, including 24 solo stops ... Also picked off a pass and recorded five pass deflections ... In three seasons on the varsity squad, Gordon recorded 64 total tackles - 47 unassisted - deflected 10 passes, recorded five interceptions and a quarterback hurry ... Hauled in 44 passes for 836 (19.0 ypg) yards and four touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball as a senior ... Also a standout sprinter on the track and field team ... Received all-district honors on both sides of the ball in 2014 ... Named second-team all-district at receiver, and earned first-team honors at corner.
JoJo Henderson • 6-3 • 190 • FS • Salt Lake City, Utah/Olympus HSHigh School: Played on the North squad in the Blue-Grey All-America Bowl in Tampa ... Two-time all-region selection ... Named team MVP as a junior and senior ... Guided prep squad to a 10-2 (.833) overall record and a co-regional championship with a 5-1 (.833) mark as a junior ... The 2013 Olympus squad also advanced to the state semifinals ... Also received recruiting attention from Boise State ...Lettered in basketball and track and field.Personal: Son of former NFL running back Joe Henderson ... Joe, was a two-time All-American running back at Iowa State.
Davon Jernigan • 6-0 • 184 • SS • Navasota, Texas/Navasota HSHigh School: Received APSE Class 4A All-State honors for his work on the field ... Earned second-team all-district honors as a defensive back and return specialist ... Recorded 159 total tackles, including 57 solo stops in three years on varsity ... Was also credited with 14 pass deflections, six interceptions and three fumble recoveries ... Recorded 49 carries for 382 yards (7.8 ypc) and eight touchdowns, and caught 26 passes for 456 yards and six scores during his career ... Guided prep squad to a state title appearance with a 15-0 record, and a No. 1 ranking ... Has received recruiting attention from Texas State, Minnesota, East Carolina and Louisiana-Lafayette.
Hayden Kaaiohelo • 6-5 • 285 • OL • Edmond, Okla./Edmond Memorial HSHigh School: A four-year letterwinner ... Received first-team all-conference honors as a senior ... Blocked for an offense who is expected to sign an NCAA Division I scholarship ... Also lettered in track and field at Edmond Memorial.Jerbrell Lipscomb • 5-9 • 184 • LB • Navasota, Texas/Navasota HSHigh School: A four-year letterwinner ... A two-star athlete according to 247Sports.com ... Ranked as the No. 210 cornerback in the nation coming out high school ... A four-time all-district selection who received all-state recognition his final two seasons ... Helped guide Navasota to a 52-2 (.962) overall record, and the 2013 state title during his four years ... Also received recruiting attention from North Texas, Oklahoma and McNeese State ... A standout in the classroom earning Academic All-District honors ... Earned all-state honors in basketball, and advanced to state in track.Personal: Father was a collegiate athlete at Mississippi State.
Duncan McVey • 6-4 • 220 • TE • Deer Park, Texas/Deer Park HSHigh School: A two-time all-district selection ... Hauled in 10 passes for 168 yards (16.8 ypc) during his senior year ... Earned first-team all-district honors for his efforts on the field ... Garnered second-team all-district honors following his junior season ... A standout in the classroom, earning Academic All-District recognition.Personal: Brother, Payden, was a four-year letterman for Lamar who finished his career in 2014.
Keegan Mitchell • 5-6 • 172 • RB • Corrigan, Texas/Corrigan-Camden HSHigh School: A four-year letterwinner on the gridiron ... A two-time District Offensive MVP selection, who earned second-team all-state honors as a junior ... Carried the ball 194 times for 1,964 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior ... Named District Offensive MVP ... Carried the ball 541 times for 5,580 yards and 72 touchdowns during his career ... Named District Newcomer of the Year following a season that saw him rush for more than 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns ... Followed that up by rushing for nearly 2,400 yards and 29 touchdowns the following season ... Guided prep squad to an 11-1 (.917) overall record, and a 4-1 (.800) mark in district play this past season ... Corrigan-Camden won an area and regional title during his career ... Also a standout in basketball, baseball, track and powerlifting.Corey Nance • 6-7 • 275 • OL • Liberty, Texas/Hardin HSHigh School: A three-year letterwinner ... Recorded more than 60 pancake blocks during his three seasons with Hardin HS, including more than 30 as a senior ... Garnered honorable mention all-district honors as a junior ... Followed that up with a first-team all-district honor in 2014 ... Also a standout in track and field.
Marcus O'Dell • 6-2 • 225 • LB • New Braunfels, Texas/New Braunfels HSHigh School: Recorded 62 tackles during his senior season, including 30 unassisted tackles ... Was also credited with four tackles for losses, three pass breakups, two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble on the defensive side of the ball ... Rushed for eight touchdowns during his junior campaign ... Also a standout in the classroom earning Academic All-District honors.Kevin O'Neill • 6-2 • 205 • LB • Sachse, Texas/Sachse HSHigh School: A two-year letterwinner ... Recorded 193 total tackles, including 125 solo stops during his high school career ... Was also credited with two sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception ... Was invited to participate in the Blue-Grey Regional Combine ... Also received recruiting attention from Northwestern State, Air Force and Arkansas State.
Derrion Randle • 5-10 • 200 • RB • Navasota, Texas/Navasota HSHigh School: A three-year letterwinner in football ... Helped guide his prep squad to a perfect 42-0 regular-season record during his time at Navasota ... Considered "One To Watch" by Scout.com ... Named first-team all-area after his junior season ... Was named team captain ... Recipient of his team's heart award and running back award ... Recorded 316 carries for 2,988 yards (9.5 ypc) and 42 touchdowns during his high school career ... Added 34 receptions for 428 yards (12.6 ypr) and four touchdown catches ... Graduates high school with nearly 3,500 all-purpose yards ... Has been clocked at 4.35 in the 40 ... Also lettered in track.Personal: Cousin, Marcus Maxey, played football for the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.
Rodney Randle, Jr. • 5-10 • 175 • DB • Beaumont, Texas/Ozen HSHigh School: A four-year letterwinner ... Earned honorable mention all-district honors following a junior season that saw him rush for 525 yards and six touchdowns ... Named district utility player of the year after a senior season that saw him rush for 638 yards - and eight touchdowns - and record 85 tackles on defense ... Received second-team Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Team for his efforts on the field ... Team captain ... Has been clocked at 4.31 in the 40 ... Guided his squad to the playoffs as a sophomore and senior ... Also lettered in track.
TRANSFERS
Brendan Langley • 6-1 • 188 • WR • Marietta, Ga./Kell HS (Georgia)Georgia: Did not see playing time during the 2014 season ... Appeared in nine games, making four starts during his freshman season ... Registered 12 tackles ... Tallied a career-high seven tackles against No. 8 Clemson.High School: Coached by Derek Cook ... PrepStar All-America team ... The Marietta Daily Journal Cobb Defensive Player of the Year ... 2012 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl ... Fox Sports NEXT four-star prospect, No. 19 CB and No. 173 overall prospect in the country ... Dawg Post No. 2 CB and No. 14 overall prospect in Georgia ... Rivals.com four-star recruit, No. 22 CB nationally, No. 227 overall prospect nationally, No. 17 overall prospect in Georgia ... ESPN.com four-star recruit, No. 24 CB nationally, No. 26 overall prospect in Georgia ... A 247sports.com four-star player, No. 15 CB in the country, No. 16 player in Georgia, No. 181 in 247Sports Top247 ... As a senior he had 60 total tackles, four interceptions, and a fumble recovery, he also recorded rushing, receiving, and return yards on offense ... Talented athlete with great size for a cornerback ... Helped lead Kell HS to a 9-3 record in 2012.Personal: Born Oct. 16, 1994 ... Major: Pre-Business.
Matthew Oubre • 6-1 • 289 • OL • Dayton, Texas/Dayton HS (Louisiana-Monroe)Louisiana-Monroe: Utilized his redshirt season in 2013.High School: Was a three-year letterwinner for head coach Joel Hancock ... Earned back-to-back first team all-district honors as a junior and senior ... Named the school's Male Athlete of the Year as a junior ... Tabbed all-district (honorable mention) as a sophomore, while earning academic all-district honors and Dayton's George Eastman Young Leader Award ... Part of the Broncos squad that won the 2010 district 19-4A championship ... Was a four-year letterwinner in track and field and a three-year letterwinner in powerlifting ... Named USATF first team All-American in shot put and discus as a sophomore ... Owns the school record in shot put at 56'-3.5"... Accomplishments off of the field include: National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and United Methodist Youth Fellowship program ... Participated in ULM's 2012 Football Showcase in Monroe, La.Personal: Born March 31, 1995 in Kingwood, Texas ... Son of Todd and Susan Oubre ... Cousin, Ric Davis, played collegiate baseball at Panola College and Hill Junior College ... Town of Dayton, Texas was named after great, great, great grandfather, I. C. Day ... Day was also the president of the first Texas Constitutional Convention and president of the first Board of Directors at Texas A&M.
Dominique Wheeler • 6-1 • 186 • WR • Crockett, Texas/Crockett HS (Texas Tech)Will have two years of eligibility remaining with Lamar.Texas Tech: Utilized his redshirt during the 2012 season ... Made his debut with the Red Raiders in the 2012 regular-season finale on special teams.High School: Crockett High School in Crockett, Texas ... Four-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and ESPN.com ... A three-star prospect by MaxPreps ... Rated as the No. 23 overall prospect in Texas by Rivals ... 2011 U.S. Army All-American ... First-Team District 11-2A ... SuperPrep All-American ... SuperPrep All-Southwest team ... Helped lead his team to the Class 2A Division I Region III Finals against Tatum ... As a senior he compiled 1,622 total yards (13.5 average per touch) and 15 touchdowns ... Totaled 753 receiving yards and 770 yard rushing ... As a junior he compiled 1,164 rushing yards on 71 attempts and 16 touchdowns ... Caught six passes for 153 yards and five touchdowns ... Also competed in basketball and track ... Was also recruited by Auburn, Baylor, Clemson, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma State, SMU, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M and Utah.Personal: Born October 6, 1993 in Crockett, Texas ... Son of Veronica Wheeler ... Mother, Veronica, graduated from UT Arlington ... Has an older brother, Devin, an older sister, Veroneka and a younger sister, Symphony.