BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University has signed 15 high school standouts to National Letters of Intent and accepted two transfers, announced head coach Pete Rossomando Wednesday morning.
 
Over the course of the past few years, Early Signing Day has become just as big of an event as National Signing Day. The 2023-24 version of Early Signing Day marks the first class where Rossomando, and his staff, have had a full year to recruit players to Lamar.
 
The signing class is coming to the Golden Triangle after the Cardinals shocked the Southland Conference in Rossomando's first season. Big Red posted a five-win improvement in 2023 from the previous season and won more games this past year than in the three previous years combined. Lamar jumped out to its best start in league play since 1967 and was in the hunt for a share of the SLC title right down to very end of the season.
 
"We had a full recruiting cycle with this class which helps," said Rossomando. "We got through spring recruiting, through summer camp season, the fall and gameday visits so we've been through the whole gamut with these guys. All of that has made it easier to navigate and to get to know people. I think this class is a good representative of every position and it hits our needs, but more importantly it's the type of people we want to have in our program.
 
"Last year we were telling athletes the story of what we envision, but now we have some facts to back it up. When you talk about turning the culture of a program around, I believe we're 120 degrees in that direction. I don't think we're at a full 180 yet but we're headed in that direction. That has a lot to do with guys wanting to be a part of something special," added Rossomando.
 
The incoming class is balanced but with a slight lean to the offensive side of the ball – 10 offensive players and seven on the defensive side. The position breakdown on offense includes three offensive linemen, three receivers, two running backs, one quarterback and a tight end. Defensively, the breakdown consists of five linebackers (two outside), two defensive backs (both safeties) and a defensive lineman – with one signee currently listed at linebacker and defensive back (Isaiah Menefee).
 
"Our recruiting started out as needs based, but at some point, you take the best players if they are going to commit to you even if you may overload a position," said Rossomando. "We have that right now at receiver but you're not going to turn down the type of talent we're getting commitments from at that position."
 
The LU coaching staff focused primarily on the Lone Star State for the early signing period. Of the Cardinals' 17 incoming players, 15 call Texas home with one from Louisiana and one player from Tennessee. The class also includes three Southeast Texans – Nick Rossomando (Lumberton, Texas), Grayden Spencer (Lumberton, Texas) and Britain Simmons (Jasper, Texas).
 
"I think what folks will see with this class is that we're 'Texas strong,'" said Rossomando. "It is made up almost entirely of Texas players. We're making sure that we protect our state, and they're going to be from all over Texas – from East Texas to the Golden Triangle, from Dallas-Fort Worth to Houston. We are covering the state of Texas."
 
The Cardinals also added two transfers in the most recent class with one coming via the transfer portal and the other by way of the junior college ranks. Both transfers are on the offensive line – Dominic Eldridge (Blinn JC) and Dameon Smallwood (North Texas).
 
Lamar continues to add size and strength in the trenches. Among the Cardinals' 17 additions, four come on the lines with three of those on the offensive side of the ball. The three offensive linemen not only bring a wealth of experience – with two transfers – but average 6-4, 308 pounds.
 
"These guys definitely pass the eye test," said Rossomando. "More importantly, they're exactly what we wanted from a human being standpoint, and they can play. They bring good size to the position and we found out in those tough conference games last year how much size matters."
     
Kmare Balfour – 6-3 – 220 – TE – Killeen, Texas / Shoemaker HS
Jackson Bandy – 6-2 – 211 – OLB – Nolensville, Tenn. / Nolensville HS
Zion Carter – 6-1 – 213 – OLB – McKinney, Texas / McKinney North HS
Emonte "Cash" Cross – 6-2 – 192 – WR – Center, Texas / Center HS
Brady Driver – 6-0 – 200 – QB – Sulphur Springs, Texas / Sulphur Springs HS
Isaiah Menefee – 6-2 – 197 – DB/LB – Lufkin, Texas / Lufkin HS
C.J. Miller – 5-11 – 214 – ILB – Anna, Texas / Anna HS
Jameer Muhammad – 5-10 – 177 – RB – Fort Worth, Texas / Carter-Riverside HS
Omarion Rasberry – 5-8 – 170 – RB – Garrison, Texas / Garrison HS
Nick Rossomando – 5-9 – 238 – ILB – Lumberton, Texas / Lumberton HS
Endrei Sauls – 6-2 – 300 – OL – Temple, Texas / Temple HS
Britain Simmons – 5-11 – 165 – WR – Jasper, Texas / Jasper HS
Carldell Sirmons – 5-7 – 160 – WR – Monroe, La. / Ouachita Parish HS
Grayden Spencer – 6-3 – 270 – DL – Lumberton, Texas / Lumberton HS
Zaylon Stoker – 6-0 – 165 – DB – Kilgore, Texas / Kilgore HS
   
Dominic Eldridge – 6-5 – 310 – OL – Dallas, Texas / Pinkston HS (Blinn JC)
Dameon Smallwood – 6-5 – 315 – OL – Denison, Texas / Denison HS (North Texas)
  Kmare Balfour – 6-3 – 220 – TE – Killeen, Texas / Shoemaker HS
High School: Two-time 22-5A All-District recognition … Hauled in 24 passes for 290 yards (12.1 ypc) and five touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons … A versatile athlete he also carried the ball 60 times for 410 yards (.6.8 ypr) and five touchdowns (with one 100-yard rushing performance) … Member of an offense that set season and single-game records for scoring … Three-year starter … Two-sports letterwinner … Also received interest from Texas Tech, Sam Houston and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
 
Jackson Bandy – 6-2 – 211 – OLB – Nolensville, Tenn. / Nolensville HS
High School: A three-year letterwinner … Named a Prep Redzone Linebacker Sleeper to Watch … A first-team all-region selection following his senior season … Led his prep squad to a 12-1 record and a perfect 5-0 district mark as a junior to claim the district title … Participated in the 2023 Blue-Grey All-American Combine … Recorded 200 tackles in his final two seasons, with 50 tackles for losses … Led team in tackles as a junior and senior … Also received interest from Army, Navy, Air Force and Eastern Kentucky.
 
Zion Carter – 6-1 – 213 – OLB – McKinney, Texas / McKinney North HS
High School: A four-year letterwinner … Recorded 103 tackles, with 17 sacks during his senior season ... Among his 103 stops, 50 were unassisted ... Was credited with 41 tackles for losses, forced four fumbles and recorded 60 quarterback hurries during his career ... A three-time all-district selection … Named to Dave Campbell's Team of the Week and set school records during his time on the gridiron ... Named Team captain … Also received interest from Texas, Baylor and Texas Tech … Also lettered in track & field.
 
Emonte "Cash" Cross – 6-2 – 192 – WR – Center, Texas / Center HS
High School: A three-start prospect according to 247Sports.com … 247Sports has him rated as the No. 161 athlete in the country and the No. 230 overall prospect in the Lone Star State … Rated as a top-100 recruit in East Texas … Listed as one of five Texas high school prospects that could turn into a draft day gem according 247Sports.com … Passed for more than 2,100 yards and 30 touchdowns during his senior season … Also rushed for more than 500 yards and eight scores … District MVP … A two-time Maxpreps Player of the Game … Also lettered in basketball and track & field.  
 
Brady Driver – 6-0 – 200 – QB – Sulphur Springs, Texas / Sulphur Springs HS
High School: Three-year letterwinner … A dual-threat quarterback who was ranked among the East Texas Top 100 … A consensus 2023 first-team all-district selection … Received District MVP honors … Ranked among the top 80 in the state of Texas for total points (146) … Passed for 2076 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior … Also rushed for nearly 1,000 yards (927) during the 2023 season … Completed 283-of-464 (.609) passes for 4,057 yards during his career and rushed for 1,835 … Accounted for 45 total touchdowns during his high school career (24 career games) … Also lettered in baseball.
 
Isaiah Menefee – 6-2 – 197 – DB/LB – Lufkin, Texas / Lufkin HS
High School: Three-year letterwinner … Recorded 72 tackles, including five for losses, broke up six passes, recovered a fumble and picked off a pass … Received an offer from Tulsa … Also received interest from Arkansas State.  
 
C.J. Miller – 5-11 – 214 – ILB – Anna, Texas / Anna HS
High School: A four-year starter … A 2023 preseason all-state selection following a first-team all-state honors as a junior … First-team all-district selection … Former district defensive MVP … Recorded 166 total tackles during his junior season, with 8 unassisted stops, three sacks and an interception … Wrapped up his prep career with 467 total tackles (240 solo stops) and 44.0 tackles for a loss … Was also credited with 12.0 sacks, five pass deflections, five fumble recoveries and two interceptions in 38 career games and Also received interest from Arkansas, Baylor, Kansas State, Nebraska and Oklahoma … Also placed at state in wrestling and lettered in track & field.
 
Jameer Muhammad – 5-10 – 177 – RB – Fort Worth, Texas / Carter-Riverside HS
High School: Recorded 3,263 total yards during his two seasons on varsity … Finished his senior season with 191 rushes for 1,697 yards (169.7 ypc) and 15 touchdowns in 10 games … Had nine 100-yard rushing performances … Caught 22 passes for 288 yards (13.1 ypc) and six touchdowns in 2023 … Carried the ball 196 times for 1,585 (8.1 ypc) and 19 touchdowns as a junior … Also hauled in nine passes for 138 yards and three scores during the 2022 season … Also lettered in basketball, and track & field.
 
Omarion Rasberry – 5-8 – 170 – RB – Garrison, Texas / Garrison HS
High School: A four-year letterwinner … First-Team All-District 11-2A … Ranked among the top 400 nationally in total touchdowns during his senior season, and also ranked among the top 50 in the state of Texas … Carried the ball 134 times for 1,650 yards (12.3 ypc) in 2023 … Averaged 126.9 rushing yards per game … Of his 27 touchdowns, 24 came via the ground … Rushed for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior … Had eight 100-yard rushing performances as a junior … Won a state title in powerlifting.
 
Nick Rossomando – 5-9 – 238 – ILB – Lumberton, Texas / Lumberton HS
High School: Garnered first-team all-district honors at defensive tackle during his lone season with the Raiders … Recorded 46 total tackles, including 20 unassisted stops and two for losses … Was also credited with five quarterback hurries, broke up three passes and forced two fumbles … Helped guide Lumberton HS to one of its best seasons in program history posting an 8-4 record, including a perfect 5-0 district mark to claim the district title and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
 
Personal: Son of LU head coach Pete Rossomando.
 
Endrei Sauls – 6-2 – 300 – OL – Temple, Texas / Temple HS
High School: A three-time first-team all-district selection … Named team captain as a senior … Never allowed a sack during his high school career … Guided Temple to a district title and a perfect record in 2021 … A three-sport athlete … Member of the football leadership council (as selected by coaches).
 
Britain Simmons – 5-11 – 165 – WR – Jasper, Texas / Jasper HS
High School: A three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … Considered the No. 172 athlete in the country and the No. 253-rated prospect in the state of Texas … During his junior season he hauled in 49 passes for 768 yards and nine touchdowns … Finished his prep career with 83 catches for 1,397 yards (16.6 ypc) and 19 touchdowns … Also played defensive back for Jasper … Lettered in basketball and track and field … Held offers from Arkansas State, Nebraska, Texas State, Tulsa, Tulane, UIW and Vanderbilt before choosing Lamar.
 
Carldell Sirmons – 5-7 – 160 – WR – Monroe, La. / Ouachita Parish HS
High School: A 2024 DandyDon.com Top 100 Honorable Mention selection … Garnered first-team all-state honors following his junior season … Received 2022 First-Team All-CenLa honors at both running back and return specialist … First-Team All-Ouachita Parish … A three-time DownSouth Sports Magazine MVP … Recorded 2,683 all-purpose yards and 23 touchdowns during his junior season.
 
Grayden Spencer – 6-3 – 270 – DL – Lumberton, Texas / Lumberton HS
High School: A three-year letterwinner … A three-time first-team all-district selection … Helped lead the Raiders to a district title following a perfect 5-0 record … Recorded 65 total tackles, including 35 solos stops during his senior season … Wrapped up his prep career with nearly 200 total tackles and more and 80 unassisted stops … Was also credited with 7.5 sacks and a pass deflection … Also had an offer from Northwestern State … Also lettered in powerlifting.
 
Zaylon Stoker – 6-0 – 165 – DB – Kilgore, Texas / Kilgore HS
High School: Named to the East Texas High School Football Preseason Dream Team … Named the No. 3 defensive back (preseason) in East Texas according to the Spence and Co. Podcast … Spence and Co. rated him as the No. 11 prospect in the state of Texas …  Recorded 80 tackles (55 unassisted tackles), including one for a loss during his junior season … Also picked off 10 passes, returning four for touchdowns and broke up five more during his junior year …  Also blocked a kick which he returned for a touchdown … A 2022 first-team all-district selection … A 2022 Second-Team Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State honoree … Guided Kilgore HS to a district title and a perfect season as a senior … Kilgore won 42 games during his four years on varsity with two district titles and never finished worse that second in the district … Also lettered in basketball.
   
Dominic Eldridge – 6-5 – 310 – OL – Dallas, Texas / Pinkston HS (Blinn JC)
Junior College: Named first-team All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference … The key figure in an offensive line that blocked for a ground attack that averaged 225 rushing yards per game … Blinn's improved O-Line led to a ground attack that improved by more than 40 rushing yards per game … Eldridge was the lone freshman to start on Blinn's offensive front.
 
High School: A three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … Rated as one of the top 200 players in the state of Texas and top 100 at his position … A 2019 first-team all-district tackle as a junior … Signed with Nevada out of high school before going the JUCO route.
 
Dameon Smallwood – 6-5 – 315 – OL – Denison, Texas / Denison HS (North Texas)
North Texas: Utilized his redshirt season in 2022 … Did not see the field during the 2023 season.
 
High School: Led prep squad to a 7-4 record as a senior … A two-time first-team all-district selection (as a junior and senior) … A two-time all-area selection who received first-team honors as a senior … A three-star prospect coming out of high school according to ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports … Rated as a top 230 prospect in the state of Texas by several publications … Also lettered in basketball … Received recruiting attention from Liberty and New Mexico.