Braun Welcomes 20 Wildcats on National Signing Day

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern football welcomed 20 new Wildcats to the program on National Signing Day, Dan & Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach David Braun announced on Wednesday.

"Really excited about this group–in terms of not only the athletic ability and potential that they have shown to help us win a lot of games in the Big Ten, but also a group of young men and families that align with what we see ourselves building here in the future," Braun said on his newly inked class. "They're high character, tough, passionate about the game of football, and they value the academic degree that Northwestern offers and the experience that exists here...No doubt in my mind that this group sets a foundation for us to have a lot of long term success off the field, and on the field winning a lot of games in the Big Ten."

The Wildcats' incoming Class of 2025 features a collection of talent from across the nation, spanning 11 different states and 10 different position groups. The 'Cats' 20-member class marks its largest signing class since 2016.

The state of Illinois led the way, with five homegrown signees to mark the most in-state commitments in a signing class since 2018. Additionally, the 'Cats welcome three signees from Ohio, and two from Michigan, Georgia and Texas.

Seven members of the Wildcats' signing class will join campus in Winter quarter as early enrollees: (RB - Daniel Anderson, WR - Braden Blueitt, OL - Trey Boyd, CB - Marquet Dorsey Jr., WR - Dube Enongene, DE - Caden O'Rourke, QB - Marcus Romain).

Complete biographical information on each of the Wildcats' 20 signees can be found below.

***

RB - Daniel Anderson
Bryant High School
Alexander, Arkansas
5'11, 195

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on December 4, 2024
Totaled 856 yards on 74 carries for 11 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2022, added nine catches for 256 yards and three touchdowns. Helped lead Bryant to its fifth consecutive Class 7A state championship.
Appeared in just five games before an injury cut short his junior campaign in 2023, posted 35 carries for 283 yards with 4 rushing touchdowns.
Also competes in track and field, an Arkansas 6A state qualifier in triple jump, shot put, 4x100 and 4x200.
High school coach at Bryant was Quad Sanders
Chose Northwestern over Notre Dame, Tennessee, Colorado, Mississippi State

Chris Foster (RB Coach) on Anderson: "Daniel is an electric athlete that possesses all of the right qualities on and off the field to be successful and to help the 'Cats reach new heights and compete consistently for Big Ten Championships. A big, strong, physical running back, Daniel has demonstrated his ability to punish defenders that are attempting to tackle him, while also showcasing his athletic abilities with his movement skills that make his versatility one of his strongest attributes. Daniel's work ethic on and off the field make him the total package."

WR - Braden Blueitt
Colleyville Heritage
Colleyville, Texas
6'0, 190

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on May 14, 2024
Three-time All-District first team selection
Texas Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State selection in 2023
Hauled in 74 receptions for 1136 yards (113.6 ypg) and 20 touchdowns in 10 games during his junior season in 2023.
Recorded 22 catches for 387 yards and four touchdowns in five games before suffering a season-ending injury as a senior in 2024.
Helped lead Colleyville to Texas Division 5A-II state quarterfinals as a junior in 2023.
Father, Damond, played wide receiver at SMU.
High school coach at Colleyville was Jerry Edwards
Chose Northwestern over Kansas State, California, Texas Tech

Armon Binns (WR Coach) on Blueitt: "We couldn't be more excited about Braden joining the family here at Northwestern! He is a highly productive player with strong hands, quick feet, and an unmatched physical nature to his game. There is no doubt that the toughness he plays with will serve him well in the Big Ten. Braden also plays with a unique level of savviness, as he can win over the top or beat you underneath. We truly believe that his competitive nature will make us better."

OL - Trey Boyd
Shakopee High School
Shakopee, Minnesota
6'5, 275

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on May 13, 2024
Helped lead Shakopee to the school's first state semifinal in program history as a senior in 202, anchored a Sabers' offensive line than ran for 330 yards per game.
Selected First Team All-State by High School on SI following his senior campaign in 2024.
Named to the annual Minnesota Star Tribune outlet's 'Minnesota Dream Team', ahead of 2024 season.
High school coach at Shakopee was Ray Betton
Chose Northwestern over Iowa State, Kansas, Minnesota

Bill O'Boyle (OL Coach) on Boyd: "We are so excited to have Trey officially join the Offensive Line room here at Northwestern. Trey is extremely athletic, and we are fired up about the versatility he will provide. Trey is an offensive lineman that has the ability to play all five positions and possesses a unique skill set that will serve our team well as we compete in the Big Ten."

CB - Marquet Dorsey Jr.
DePaul Catholic High School
Wayne, New Jersey
6'2, 215

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on May 14, 2024.
Led DePaul Catholic to an 11-1 record and New Jersey's Non-Public B state title, its first since 2019.
High school coach at DePaul Catholic was Nick Campinile.
Chose Northwestern over Florida, Penn State, and Wisconsin.

LaMarcus Hicks (CB Coach) on Dorsey: "We are so excited to have Marquet officially join the family! He is an absolute playmaker in the secondary and will bring a different level of physicality and competitive demeanor to the Corner room. A player of his size, length and movement skills will make it tough on opposing WR's and QB's to make the perfect throw. Coming off of an impressive state championship run, Marquet brings a winning mentality to our defense that allow him to fit in perfectly with the group the minute he steps foot on campus."

P - Niki Dugandzic
New Trier High School
Winnetka, Illinois
6'5, 215

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on May 30, 2024
Selected as 2025 Navy All-American, will compete in East vs. West All-American Bowl matchup on January 11, 2025
Ranked as the No. 1 punter in the nation for the 2025 class according to 247 Sports/Chris Sailer Kicking.
Named to the 2024 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) Class 8A All-State Team as a senior in 2024.
Selected to the News-Gazette's 2024 First Team All-State.
Averaged 43.7 yards per punt as a senior in 2024, with a long punt of 66 yards. placed 20 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Also went 6-of-9 on field goals as a kicker in 2024, attempting five kicks of 40+ yards with a long of 51 yards, and recorded a touchback on 24 of 29 kickoffs.
Averaged 41.9 yards on 41 punts as a junior in 2023, with 17 inside the 20-yard line. Also recorded a touchback on 31 of 32 kickoffs.
High school coach at New Trier was Brian Doll
Chose Northwestern over Illinois, Kentucky and Ole Miss.

Paul Creighton (Special Teams Coordinator) on Dugandzic: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Niki to the Northwestern family! There is no doubt that his abilities in the kick game will make him an absolute game changer for the 'Cats. Having someone with his leg strength, accuracy and savviness will allow him to be one of the most exciting prospects in the class. Niki is the highest rated specialist we have ever had join our program and there is no doubt that he will not only continue to crush his individual goals, but also will play a key role in helping his teammates get the best out of themselves."

WR - Dube Enongene
North Paulding High School
Atlanta, Georgia
6'1, 185

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on May 19, 2024
High school coach at North Paulding was Don Stark
Class 7A Second-Team All-Region selection by Georgia High School Football Daily as a junior in 2023
Chose Northwestern over Minnesota, James Madison, Miami (OH)

Armon Binns (WR Coach) on Enongene: "We are fired up that this young man will be joining the 'Cats and the brotherhood that exists in the Wide Receiver room! Dube is an explosive athlete, who has the ability to score from anywhere on the field. His strength, body control and especially quick feet are strong skills of his that make him one of the most exciting prospects in our class. He is relentless in the way that he works, and his competitive spirit will be a perfect fit with what we are all about."

DL - Jonah Hayes
Archbishop Moeller High School
Loveland, Ohio
6'6, 220

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on June 23, 2024
As a senior, led Moeller to its first state title game appearance since 2013
Father, Jonathan, was an All-American tight end at Iowa (1982-84) and was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 1985 NFL Draft, played in Kansas City from 1985-93 before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers (1994-96). Later served as a tight ends coach for Oklahoma (1999-2002) and the Cincinnati Bengals (2003-18), head coach of the XFL's St. Louis Battlehawks (2020) and offensive coordinator for the XFL champion Arlington Renegades (2023). Now serves as the athletic director at Moeller.
Mother, Kristi, played college basketball at Drake and was the Missouri Valley Conference MVP in 1995. Brother, Jaxson, played basketball at Texas, was selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 NBA Draft and now for the Los Angeles Lakers. Sister, Jillian, plays basketball at Cincinnati. Brother, Jewett, is a defensive lineman at Virginia.
High school coach at Moeller was Bert Bathiany
Chose Northwestern over Virginia, Georgia Tech

Christian Smith (DL Coach) on Hayes: "There is no doubt that Jonah will make an impact in the Defensive Line room when he steps foot on campus. Jonah brings with him a tremendous athletic skill set, one that runs deep through his entire family. His competitiveness, explosiveness and physicality will serve him well at the Big Ten level. Jonah's best football is ahead of him, and we can't wait to be a part of his exciting development."

RB - Ronny Johnson
Dexter High School
Dexter, Michigan
5'10, 180

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on June 21, 2024.
Rushed for 1587 yards and 26 touchdowns during his senior season in 2024, also added 18 receptions for 325 yards, leading Dexter to an undefeated regular season.
Averaged 8.2 yards per carry while running for 1632 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior in 2023, adding 21 receptions for 351 yards and three touchdowns.
Transferred to Dexter after playing his first two high school seasons at Milan High School.
Selected as one of MLive's Top 10 Players of the Year for his senior season in 2024.
High school coach at Dexter was Phil Jacobs.
Chose Northwestern over Appalachian State, Marshall.

Chris Foster (RB Coach) on Johnson: "We couldn't be more excited to welcome Ronny into the Northwestern family. Ronny is a dynamic running back that has the ability to score a touchdown every time he touches the football. His home run threat ability, paired with his unique athleticism make him a very exciting addition to the 'Cats. There is no doubt that Ronny will give his all, on and off the field, in order to continue to build on the strong foundation he possesses, while also making others better around him."

SAF - Alijah Jones
Archbishop Spalding
Baltimore, Maryland
6'0", 190

High School

Committed to Northwestern on May 15, 2024.
Led Archbishop Spalding to its third-straight MIAA A Title.
Part of a Cavalier defense that won 35 consecutive games allowed just 2.8 points per game in 2024.
Earned MIAA - A All-Conference honors in 2024.
Also competes on the Archbishop Spalding track team.
High school coach at Spalding was Kyle Schmitt.
Chose Northwestern over Indiana, Michigan State, and Boston College.

Harlon Barnett (SAF Coach) on Jones: "There is no doubt in my mind that Alijah is going to be extremely successful as a 'Cat. That confidence we have in him comes from the strong foundation he is transitioning from. He is coming from a high school program that just won the state title and pitched 8 shoutouts on the year. Alijah played a huge role in his team's success, and we believe he will bring that fast, physical, and aggressive playstyle to our defense, which will fit in perfectly with who we are. This kid can run, cover and tackle with the best of them!"

DL - Tanner Jumpp
Lake Mary High School
Lake Mary, Florida
6'3", 230

High School

Committed to Northwestern on June 22, 2024.
Two-way player in high school, playing both defensive line and offensive line
Ranked No. 49 in the Orlando Sentinel's Super60 Central Florida prospect rankings.
High school coach at Lake Mary was Scott Perry
Chose Northwestern over Air Force, Navy and Troy

Christian Smith (DL Coach) on Jumpp: "We couldn't be more fired up about Tanner joining the Wildcat family! We are excited about the physicality he plays with. What he has done on both sides of the ball in high school fits exactly what we want out of our Defensive Tackles. His style of play will translate well with the physical nature of the Big Ten. Tanner is eager to continue to get better every day and has a very high ceiling."

TE - Tyler Kielmeyer
Westerville South
Westerville, Ohio
6'6, 235

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on July 2, 2024
Was teammates with Class of 2025 signee Jon Jon Stevens (Westerville North) in middle school.
Two-time team captain at Westerville South.
Chose Northwestern over Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan State
High school coach at Westerville South was Eric Calland
Chose Northwestern over Michigan State, Wisconsin, Rutgers

Paul Creighton (STC / TE Coach) on Kielmeyer: "We are fired up to have Tyler join the Tight End room! Tyler is a gifted athlete that will bring the physical demeanor needed to play in the Big Ten. Not only does Tyler bring a lot to the table on the field, but the first two-time team captain at his high school in 25 years will also bring a lot to the team off the field as well. His leadership skills paired with his athletic abilities make him a very exciting addition to the Wildcat family."

TE - Noah LaPorte
Princeton High School
Princeton, Illinois
6'6, 215

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on June 20, 2024
Named to Class 3A Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) All-State Team in back-to-back seasons in 2023 and 2024
Played tight end, wide receiver and defensive back at Princeton
Named 2023-24 as the Bureau County Republican (BCR) outlet's Male Athlete of the Year
Also started on Princeton's boy's basketball team and earned All-State honors
Played center field and pitched for Princeton baseball team, earning second-team Three Rivers East All-Conference honors in 2023.
High school coach at Princeton was Ryan Pearson
Chose Northwestern over Kansas, Michigan State

Paul Creighton (STC / TE Coach) on LaPorte: "We are so excited to welcome Noah to the Northwestern family! Noah has proven time and time again that his work ethic is unmatched, and will serve him well as he steps foot onto campus and competes at the Big Ten level. A true leader, on and off the field, Noah will add something special to the Tight End room that extends far beyond just his athletic abilities. His versatility, catch radius and physical playstyle will make him a key addition to our TE group."

DL - Mason Mayne
Lawton High School
Lawton, Michigan
6'3", 275

High School

Committed to Northwestern on May 8, 2024.
Team captain who plays both defensive end and offensive guard.
Member of 247Sports' 2025 Freaks List.
Ranked Michigan's 23rd overall prospect, according to 247sports.
A two-time first-team Kalamazoo-area football Dream Team selection.
Named First-Team All-State Selection (Division 7) for the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA) during his junior season in 2023, despite playing in just six games due to injury.
Recorded 36 total tackles, three sacks, six TFL, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a junior in 2023. Helped lead a Lawton defense that held opponents to just 197 yards and 12.9 points per game.
Also competes on Lawton's track and field team, holds school record in both the discus and shot put (Threw 62' 6" in the shot put during the 2024 indoor season, threw the discus 145' 7.25" in the 2023 outdoor season).
Shot the first hole-in-one of his life the same day he received his first official scholarship offer from Northwestern.
Brother, Carter, plays football at Kalamazoo College.
High school coach at Lawton was AJ High.
Chose Northwestern over Air Force, Toledo, Western Michigan.

Christian Smith (DL Coach) on Mayne: "We are very excited about Mason joining the Defensive Line room! Mason possesses a unique combination of size and explosiveness at the Defensive Tackle position that is rare to find. These special skills, along with his blue-collar work ethic, make him a great addition to our team. There is no doubt that he has tremendous upside and has the potential to be a very special player."

OL - Michael O'Connell
Glenbard West High School
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
6'7", 290

High School

Committed to Northwestern on June 10, 2024.
Selected to the News-Gazette's 2024 First Team All-State.
Named to the 2024 Red Grange All DuPage County Team.
Also plays basketball at Glenbard West.
High school coach at Glenbard West was Chad Hetlet.
Chose Northwestern over Indiana, Minnesota, and Illinois.

Bill O'Boyle (OL Coach) on O'Connell: "Simply put, Michael is built different. We are so excited about the size and frame he will bring to the offensive tackle position. Not only does Michael have the size to make an impact within the Big Ten, but he also possesses an extremely high level of athleticism. With continued development, the sky is the limit for this kid."

DL - Caden O'Rourke
Lincoln Way East
Mokena, Illinois
6'5, 230

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on January 29, 2024
Recorded 13 sacks and 10 TFls as a senior in 2024 and was voted to the Class 8A All-State First Team by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA).
Team captain at Lincoln Way East. Helped lead the Griffins to Class 8A state title game in 2022 and 2023, as well as an undefeated regular season campaign in 2024.
Selected to the News-Gazette's 2024 First Team All-State.
Older brother, Devin, played defensive line for the Wildcats from 2018-22.
High school coach at Lincoln Way East was Rob Zvonar
Chose Northwestern over Iowa, Illinois, Michigan State

Christian Smith (DL Coach) on O'Rourke: "We are very excited to welcome Caden home as he officially joins the Wildcats family. It was very clear through his recruitment that this place is very meaningful to Caden and his family. On top of all that, Caden is a great defensive end with tremendous upside. His explosiveness, athleticism and length are everything you want in a Defensive End in the Big Ten."

TE - Robby Preckel
Lafayette High School
Wildwood, Missouri
6'3, 215

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on June 24, 2024.
Hauled in 87 receptions for 1,403 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior in 2024, while adding 179 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Helped lead Lafayette to a 12-2 finish and berth in the Class 5 semifinals as a senior in 2024.
Caught 55 passes for 1038 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior in 2023.
High school coach at Lafayette was Boyd Manne.
Chose Northwestern over Air Force, Navy and North Dakota State.

Paul Creighton (STC / TE Coach) on Preckel: "We couldn't be more thrilled to have Robby join the 'Cats! There is no doubt that Robby is an absolute playmaker on the football field. He is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful and does anything that is asked of him at an extremely high level. As he joins the Wildcat family and competes at the highest level of football, there is no doubt that his natural competitiveness will set him apart from his peers and allow him to have a tremendous impact on those around him."

QB - Marcus Romain
Wheeler High School
Marietta, Georgia
6'0, 200

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on March 9, 2024
Took over as Wheeler's starting quarterback midway through his freshman season, guided Wheeler to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023.
Threw for 1003 passing yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 533 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns during his junior season in 2023.
High School Coach at Wheeler was Bryan Love
Chose Northwestern over Boston College, Navy

Zach Lujan (OC / QB Coach) on Romain: "We are fired up to have Marcus join the Wildcat brotherhood! From the start we knew Marcus possessed a unique set of leadership skills that are required of the Quarterback position. Marcus' arm talent, combined with his athletic abilities, will make him difficult to defend and will create special opportunities for him to have a lasting impact on our offense and the team."

S - Jon Jon Stevens
Westerville North
Columbus, Ohio
6'0, 185

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on January 28, 2024, Northwestern's first commitment of the 2025 class.
Two-way player that also saw time at running back and wide receiver–totaled 1,086 all purpose yards (including 701 rushing on 67 carries and 217 receiving yards) with 11 TDs as well as 65 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble return touchdown during his senior season in 2024.
Was teammates with Class of 2025 signee Tyler Kielmeyer (Westerville South) in middle school.
High school coach at Westerville North was Stanley Jackson
Chose Northwestern over Duke, Purdue

Harlon Barnett (SAF Coach) on Stevens: "Jon Jon Stevens, aka Mr. Do It All! It is easy to see that Jon Jon was one of the most impactful players to ever come from his high school. He did not leave the field and filled every role that was asked of him to the highest level. He can run, cover and tackle at a level that fits in perfectly with what is required to play high level ball in the Big Ten. We cannot wait for him to join the safety room and make his mark on the 'Cats!"

LB - Joshua Veldman
Lincoln Way West
New Lenox, Illinois
6'2, 205

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on March 9, 2024
Named Class 7A All-State Team as during his senior season in 2024.
Led Lincoln-Way West to its first playoff win in six years as a senior.
Named the South West Suburban Conference (SWSC) Defensive Player of the Year as a junior in 2023 after racking up 110 tackles, 12 TFL, six PBU, four forced fumbles and two sacks
Began playing football in 7th grade, got called up to Lincoln Way West varsity team during his sophomore year at just 14 years old.
High school coach at Lincoln Way West was Luke Lokanc, a former teammate of David Braun's at Winona State.
Chose Northwestern over Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Cincinnati

Tim McGarigle (DC / LB Coach) on Veldman: "We are fired up to welcome Josh into the Wildcat family! Josh's toughness, physicality and aggressive play will fit the mentality and playstyle of our linebacker room. There is no doubt that he will have a tremendous impact on our defense. We are looking forward to Josh joining his hometown team and leaving a lasting legacy."

OL - Hayden Wright
Kingwood High School
Kingwood, Texas
6'5, 265

High School:

Committed to Northwestern on October 29, 2024
As a senior, helped Kingwood advance to its first Texas Class 6A quarterfinals appearance since 1990.
Helped pave the way for Kingwood to set a single-season rushing yards record in 2024.
Offensive lineman finalist for the 2024 Dave Campbell Texas Football Whataburger Super Team
High school coach at Kingwood was Cale Melton
Chose Northwestern over Houston, UTSA, Tulsa

Bill O'Boyle (OL Coach) on Wright: "We couldn't be more thrilled to be adding Hayden to the Wildcat family! Hayden is a very exciting player who has a tremendous set of athletic abilities that make him a special offensive lineman. He plays with a mean streak, and a nastiness that will fit in very well with the level of play in the offensive line room. His development will allow him to reach the highest levels of play in the Big Ten."

Braun Welcomes 20 Wildcats on National Signing Day

Players Mentioned

Daniel Anderson

Braden Blueitt

Trey Boyd

Marquet Dorsey Jr.

Nikola Dugandzic

Dube Enongene

Jonah Hayes

Ronny Johnson

Alijah Jones

Tanner Jumpp

Tyler Kielmeyer

Noah LaPorte

Mason Mayne

Michael O'Connell

Caden O'Rourke

Robby Preckel

Marcus Romain

Jon Jon Stevens Jr.

Joshua Veldman

Hayden Wright

Northwestern University Athletics

Northwestern University Athletics

Braun Welcomes 20 Wildcats on National Signing Day

Related News

Players Mentioned

Daniel Anderson

Braden Blueitt

Trey Boyd

Marquet Dorsey Jr.

Nikola Dugandzic

Dube Enongene

Jonah Hayes

Ronny Johnson

Alijah Jones

Tanner Jumpp

Tyler Kielmeyer

Noah LaPorte

Mason Mayne

Michael O'Connell

Caden O'Rourke

Robby Preckel

Marcus Romain

Jon Jon Stevens Jr.

Joshua Veldman

Hayden Wright

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