Feb. 6, 2008

Audio Clip - John Zamberlin's Opening Statements

Audio Clip - John Zamberlin on Addressing Needs in Recruiting

Audio Clip - John Zamberlin on signing 11 Junior College Transfers

Audio Clip - John Zamberlin on A.J. Storms and Mitch Rudder from the Boise area

Pocatello, ID --- Idaho State head football coach continued his commitment to Idaho, signing seven Gem State natives to National Letters of Intent or financial tenders, running his total to 13 over the past two seasons. Included among the seven is Pocatello native Jared Barthlome and the 5A All-Idaho State Player of the Year, as Zamberlin announced a class of 26 players that have signed National Letters of Intent, financial tenders, or have enrolled at Idaho State University from junior colleges around the country. The Bengals have 11 commits from California, seven from Idaho, four from Washington, two from Utah, and one each from Nevada and Louisiana. In all the Bengals also picked up plenty of immediate help as they have 11 junior college transfers, seven of which are on the defensive side of the ball.

Much like last year, when Zamberlin's Idaho commits were from all over the state (Highland High School in Pocatello, Mackay, Boise [Centennial] Pingree [Marsh Valley], Dalton Gardens [Coeur d'Alene], and Shelley), ISU's Idaho commits reach all over the Gem State. Along with Pocatello's Barthlome, the Bengals picked up commits from Firth (Sean Williams), Burley (Braeden Clayson), Newdale (South Fremont's Stetzon Bair), Meridian (A.J. Storms, the Idaho State Player of the Year), Nampa (Skyview's Mitch Rudder) and Hailey (Wood River's Erik Jacobson).

Zamberlin, who spent 10 seasons prior to ISU at Central Washington, again kept his Washington roots alive, signing four players out of that state. Idaho State also had 11 commitments from California, including several of their junior college transfers. The one state that sticks out a bit is Louisiana, as defensive lineman Jason Jones originally hails from Reserve, Louisiana. Jones moved to a junior college in California after his life was literally uprooted during the Hurricane Katrina/Rita disaster of 2005.

Below are capsules for all 26 of Idaho State's new players for the 2008 season:

Ryan Anchetta-Major
Wide Receiver
6-3 * 180 * Fr * HS
Spanaway, WA
Graham-Kapowsin HS
HS ... Lettered in football for three years, basketball for three years, and track for four years at Graham-Kapowsin High School ... was Second Team All-SPSL South as a wide receiver as a senior ... was a team captain in both basketball and track ... led Graham-Kapowsin to the state playoffs ... runs a 10.8 100-meter, and he clocked a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash ... caught 24 passes as a senior for 520 yards and four touchdowns ... ran a leg of a 5th place state 4x400 relay team ... Personal ... his parents are Martin and Elle Major ... is undecided on a major ... his birthday is January 20, 1989.

Stetzon Bair
Tight End
6-9 * 245 * Fr * HS
Newdale, ID
South Fremont HS
HS ... Lettered in football for three years at South Fremont High School, as well as basketball for four, and track for two ... was named First Team All-Conference as a defensive end his senior season as well as Second Team All-Conference as a tight end ... served as a team captain for both football and basketball ... was Second Team All-Conference as a junior at defensive end ... had 41 tackles in eight games as a senior, with a sack and two blocked punts ... also caught 11 passes for 152 yards and a pair of touchdowns ... was also Second-Team All-Area in basketball as a junior ... actually led South Fremont to a 3A runner up finish in 2006, and they finished sixth in the state in 2007 ... averaged 9.0 points and 7.0 rebounds as a junior ... an honor roll student at South Fremont ... Personal ... his parents are Dave and Brenda Miller and Terry and Carina Bair ... has nine brothers and sisters, Taggart, Brandon, and Tangy Bair, and Dustin, Rayce, Hadley, D.J., Josh, and Bridgett Miller ... will major in sports medicine ... his birthday is September 24, 1989 ... his brother Brandon is a defensive end at the University of Oregon.

Jared Barthlome
Running Back
6-0 * 190 * Fr * HS
Pocatello, ID
Pocatello HS
HS ... Lettered in football and baseball for four years at Pocatello High School, where he played his home football games at ISU's Holt Arena ... helped lead Pocatello High School to the 2006 4A State Championships ... was named both All-Conference and All-Area as a senior ... Led Pocatello in rushing last season ... Personal ... his parents are LD and Shelley ... will major in business ... his birthday is April 10, 1990.

Braeden Clayson
Offensive Line
6-6 * 305 * Fr * HS
Burley, ID
Burley HS
HS ... Lettered in football for three years at Burley High School, as well as basketball for two ... was a three-time All-Conference selection at offensive line ... named All-State by the South Idaho Press as a senior ... was twice named Burley's offensive Player of the Year ... also helped Burley to a state championship in basketball in 2007 ... Personal ... his mother is Lori ... will major in physical therapy ... his great uncle is former Oakland/Los Angeles Raider great and football commentator Todd Christensen.

Taylor Duncan
Offensive Line
6-6 * 310 * Jr * JC
El Dorado, CA
Sierra JC
El Dorado HS
JC ... Lettered in football for two seasons at Sierra Junior College ... was named First Team All-Valley Conference and First Team All-California Region 2 ... was a part of a 37-game winning streak at Sierra College ... HS ... Lettered in football three times and basketball twice at El Dorado High School ... Was named First Team All-Sierra Valley Conference ... played tight end in high school, and recorded 26 catches for 223 yards and four touchdowns ... averaged 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds as a senior in basketball ... Personal ... his parents are Dean and Diana Duncan ... will major in history or education ... his birthday is July 22, 1987 ... his mom's cousin is Jack Del Rio, the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Wes Fletcher
Running Back
6-0 * 215 * Fr * HS
Fullerton, CA
Valencia HS
HS ... A three-year starter at letterman in football at Valencia High School, where he also lettered twice in baseball and once in track ... was named both First Team All-League and First Team All-CIF rushed for 5,775 yards in his career, the fifth most in Orange County history ... he ended his career as Valencia's all-time leading rusher ... ran for 1,775 yards as a senior ... was named All-State as a senior, and Orange County's Running Back of the Year ... helped his team advance to the CIF semifinals ... Personal ... his father is Joe Fletcher ... will major in business ... his birthday is April 12, 1990 ... his father Joe was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams ... his cousins include former NFL greats Eric Dickerson, Jerry Rice, and current Washington Redskin London Fletcher.

James Francis
Defensive Back
5-10 * 205 * Jr * JC
Pittsburg, CA
Diablo Valley Junior College
Pittsburg High School
JC ... Lettered in football at Laney College ... was named All-California First Team as a defensive line for both the Football Coaches Association and the California Community Colleges ... helped Laney College to the 2005 Capital Shrine Bowl Championships ... was ranked by College Football News as the 17th best defensive tackle prospect in the nation coming out of junior college ... HS ... Lettered in football at Pittsburg High School ... was all-league and all-conference ... Personal ... his parents are James Francis and Susan Francis ... will major in business management ... his birthday is December 31, 1984.

Jarret Gant
Offensive Line
6-2 * 325 * Jr * JC
Los Angeles, CA
El Camino Junior College
Dorsey High School
JC ... Lettered in football for two seasons at El Camino Junior College ... played offensive line, helping the Warriors to an 8-2 record and a berth in the American Bowl ... anchored the line for the #1 rushing offense in the Mission Conference.

Jeremy Gibson
Linebacker
6-1 * 200 * Jr * JC
Richmond, CA
Diablo Valley JC
Mount Diablo HS
JC ... Lettered in football for two seasons at Diablo Valley College ... was named First Team All-Golden Gate ... was also a team captain ... lead the Vikings in tackles, and he led the Golden Gate Conference in tackles for losses ... played most of his senior season while dealing with a house fire during the season that left him and his family without a home ... HS ... Lettered in football, basketball, and wrestling at Mount Diablo High School ... was an Honorable Mention All-League selection at linebacker as a senior ... twice was named team MVP, and he was a team captain ... Personal ... his parents are Alvin and Geraldine Heidelberg ... will major in business marketing ... his birthday is September 2, 1986.

Brandon Green
Defensive Back
6-0 * 185 * Fr * HS
Renton, WA
Rainier Beach HS
HS ... Lettered in football for two years and basketball for one at South Rainier High School ... was named First Team All-Metro League at linebacker ... helped his team to the 2005 and 2006 state playoffs ... Personal ... his mother is Michelle Green ... has one sister, Danielle ... will major in business ... his birthday is December 29, 1989.

Ryan Head
Defensive Back/Long Snapper
6-2 * 190 * Jr * JC
San Luis Obispo, CA
Allen Hancock JC
San Luis Obispo HS
JC ... Lettered for two years at Allen Hancock Junior College in football ... started 20 consecutive games over his two year career ... was named Second Team All-Western States Conference after leading Allen Hancock with four interceptions and three fumble recoveries ... also scored one defensive touchdown, and served as the teams' long snapper ... as a freshman he recorded three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown ... earned Honor Roll status ... HS ... Was a letterman in football and track at San Luis Obispo High School ... was a two-time First Team All-San Luis Obispo County pick, and a two-time First Team All-Pac 5 Conference as a defensive back ... was voted team Most Valuable Player as a senior ... helped his team to a 10-2 record his senior season, advancing to the CIF semifinals ... team went 8-3 and advance to the quarterfinals as a junior ... Personal ... his parents are Tom and Carrie Head ... will major in sports management ... his birthday is October 14, 1986.

Ryan Henry
Offensive Line
6-3 * 270 * Jr * JC
Upland, CA
Riverside CC
Upland HS
JC ... Lettered for two years at Riverside City College in football, and one in track ... was a team captain his sophomore season, a year in which he earned First Team All-Mission Conference honors ... was a Second Team pick as a freshman ... placed fourth in the shot put at the Mission Conference Championship meet ... HS ... Was a three-year letterman in football at Upland High School, and also lettered in track twice ... earned All-League, All-Valley, and All-CIF as a senior ... served as team captain as a senior as well, and was All-League as a junior ... qualified as a senior for the CIF track meet in the shot put with a toss of 51-4 ... led the football team to a pair of playoff appearances ... was named Upland's Scholar-Athlete as a senior ... played at Upland with current Bengal punter Jon Vanderweilen ... Personal ... his parents are Debbie and the late George Henry ... will major in physical education ... his birthday is August 18, 1987.

Chris Holmesly
Defensive Back
5-10 * 195 * Jr * JC
Mission Viejo, CA
Orange Coast College
Mission Viejo HS
JC ... Lettered in football at Orange Coast College ... was First Team All-Conference as a sophomore after being Second Team All-Conference as a freshman ... registered 37 tackles with four interceptions his sophomore year ... was named Defensive Back of the Year after both seasons at Orange Coast ... HS ... Lettered in football at Mission Viejo High School ... was First Team All-County, All-CIF, and All-League as a senior and as a junior ... helped Mission Viejo to the 2004 state title ... also an honor roll member ... Personal ... his parents are Craig and Khristy Holmesly ... will major in physical education ... his birthday is October 30, 1987.

Erik Jacobson
Tight End
6-5 * 235 * Fr * HS
Hailey, ID
Wood River HS
HS ... Lettered in football for four years at Wood River High School, along with basketball for three and baseball for three ... was named All-League as both a linebacker and a tight end as a senior and as a junior, when he also earned team MVP honors ... also named All-State as a linebacker ... in basketball, earned All-League honors as a junior at center, and in baseball, he was named All-League as both a pitcher and a first baseman ... earned Wood River's Citizenship Award as a junior ... is an Honor Roll member with a 3.4 GPA ... Personal ... his parents are Keith and Mary Jacobson ... will major in biology ... his birthday is December 30, 1989.

Jason Jones
Defensive Line
6-2 * 280 * Jr * JC
Reserve, LA
Chabot College
East Saint John HS
JC ... Lettered in football for two seasons at Chabot College ... was named First Team All-NorCal Conference as a lineman for the Gladiators ... came to Chabot College from Louisiana after his family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina ... HS ... Lettered in football at East Saint John High School, where he was named All-District as a lineman ... earned his teams' Most Improved Player Award as a senior ... Personal ... his parents are Issiah Jones and Lacy Mitchell ... is undecided on a major ... his birthday is January 18, 1987.

Kyle McGuire
Offensive Line
6-4 * 265 * Fr * HS
Brush Prairie, WA
Hockinson HS
HS ... Lettered in football, basketball, and wrestling at Hockinson High School ... was named First Team All-Greater St. Helen's League for the Hawks ... served as a team captain as a senior, and was also named a Scholar-Athlete ... was Second Team All-Greater St. Helen's League as a junior ... helped his team to a league title in 2006 ... was an Honor Roll member, and is also an Eagle Scout ... Personal ... his parents are Doug and Kelly McGuire ... will major in business.

George Ortiz
Defensive Back
6-0 * 180 * Jr * HS
Las Vegas, NV
Feather River College
Shadow Ridge HS
JC ... Lettered for two years at Feather River College ... was named First Team All-NorCal as a defensive back ... recorded six career interceptions, and he broke up 18 passes last year, second in the state of California ... registered 44 tackles as a sophomore and 37 as a freshman ... helped Feather River to the 2006 Sacramento Shrine Bowl ... HS ... Lettered in football for three years and baseball for two at Shadow River High School ... was a three-year starter at defensive back ... helped Shadow Ridge to the state playoffs in 2004 and 2005 ... selected to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl ... Personal ... his parents are Vanessa and George Ortiz ... will major in education ... his birthday is February 6, 1988 ... turned 20 the day he signed his letter of intent with Idaho State.

Phillip Pleasant
Defensive Back
5-11 * 185 * Fr * HS
Rosamond, CA
Desert HS
HS ... Lettered in football for three years at Desert High School ... also was a four-year letterman in basketball and he has lettered twice in track ... was named Desert's MVP as a senior ... also earned All-League, All-Valley, and All-CIF honors as a senior , and was All-League as a junior ... was his conference's Defensive Most Valuable Player ... also rushed for 1,321 yards with 14 touchdowns for the Scorpions during his senior year ... added two other touchdowns, one receiving, and one on a kickoff return ... helped the Scorpions to a pair of state playoff appearances ... in basketball, he averaged 17 points as a sophomore in earning team MVP and All-League honors ... averaged 13 points as a junior in again earning All-League honors ... in track he was team MVP as a junior, scoring marks of 43-3 in the triple jump, 21-10 in the long jump, and 22.8 in the 200m ... Personal ... his parents are Phillip and Wanda Pleasant ... will major in kinesiology ... his birthday is August 28, 1990 ... his cousin Ed Jones played for the Buffalo Bills, his uncle Timothy Johnson played football at Southern Methodist, and his sister Latrese played volleyball at Florida A&M.

Jake Rouser
Defensive Line
6-4 * 225 * Fr * HS
Oak Harbor, WA
Oak Harbor HS
HS ... Lettered in football, basketball, and track at Oak Harbor High School ... Was named First Team All-Area as both a tight end and a defensive end in both his junior and senior years ... was also named team Defensive MVP for the Wildcats ... was selected to play in the Washington All-State Game ... his team's went a combined 34-4 over his four seasons, winning three straight Wesco Championships ... his team also won the 4A state title, and the Wildcats made it to the 4A state quarterfinals in 2005 and 2007 ... Personal ... his parents are Kan and Nancy Rouser ... will major in engineering ... his birthday is November 4, 1990 ... his father played linebacker at the U.S. Naval Academy, and he had a pair of uncles that played linebacker, one at Navy, the other at Air Force.

Mitch Rudder
Offensive Line
6-3 * 300 * So * Tr
Nampa, ID
Boise State University
Skyview HS
BSU ... Redshirted the 2006 season, and then spent 2007 as a walk-on backup right guard ... saw action in the Sheraton Hawai'I Bowl against East Carolina ... HS ... A three-sport letterman at Skyview High School in Nampa, Idaho ... lettered in football three times and basketball and track twice ... named First Team All-State as a junior and senior and Second Team All-State as a sophomore ... earned First Team All-Conference honors all three seasons ... served as team captain as a senior... graduated from Skyview in 2003, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and was student body president as a senior ... Personal ... his parents are Ted and Beckie Rudder ... will major in business ... his birthday is May 1, 1985 ... first name is Robert.

A.J. Storms
Defensive Back
6-1 * 190 * Fr * HS
Meridian, ID
Meridian HS
HS ... Lettered in football for four year at Meridian High School, starting at safety for three years ... was named the 2007 5A All-Idaho State Player of the Year by The Idaho Statesman ... was named First Team All State at quarterback as a senior, and First Team All-State as a sophomore as a safety ... led Meridian to the 5A state title in 2005 and again in 2007 ... rushed for 1,117 yards and threw for another 975 yards ... scored 20 touchdowns on the ground, and then threw for another eight ... Personal ... his parents are Tim and Cathy Storms ... is undecided on a major ... A.J. is short for Anthony James.

Daniel Urias
Linebacker
6-2 * 225 * Jr * JC
Laguna Hills, CA
Saddleback Junior College
Laguna Hills High School
JC ... Lettered in football for two seasons at Saddleback Junior College ... helped his team go 18-4 over his two seasons, including an 11-1 record as a freshman ... team went undefeated in conference as a freshman ... recorded 35 tackles on the season in nine games ... picked off a pair of passes, had two sacks, and 5.0 tackles for loss ... also registered a forced fumble ... HS ... Lettered in football and track and Laguna Hills High School ... as a senior was named First Team All-CIF, First Team All-Seaview League, and Second Team All-County ... was Seaview and team Most Valuable Player ... was also a team captain ... helped Laguna Hills to the Seaview title as a senior ... was a member of the Principal's Honor Roll ... Personal ... his mother is Gabriela Urias ... will major in business marketing.

Brad Walker
Tight End
6-3 * 245 * Jr * JC
Granite Bay, CA
American River College
Woodcreek HS
JC ... Lettered at American River College for two seasons in football ... was named First Team All-NorCal and All-Mid Empire as a tight end ... was a team captain ... was a teammate of former Bengal Codi Boek ... was named offensive MVP as a sophomore ... had six touchdown catches ... also caught four touchdowns as a freshman ... HS ... Lettered in football for two years at Woodcreek High School ... was a team captain and was Honorable Mention All-City as a senior ... was named All-Sierra Foothill League in 2005 and 2006 as a tight end for the Wolves ... Personal ... his parents are Rob and Susan ... will major in sports management ... birthday is June 7, 1988 ... cousin Jesse Olivia played wide receiver at UC Davis.

Kevin Whimpey
Defensive Line
6-4 * 225 * Fr * HS
Highland, UT
Lone Peak HS
HS ... Was a two-year letterman in football at Lone Peak High School for two years, and also lettered for one year in basketball, track and field, and wrestling ... helped his team to a regional championship ... was an All-Region 4 selection ... was an Eagle Scout and an Honor Roll member ... Personal ... his parents are David and Barbara Whimpey ... is undecided on a major ... twin brother is fellow newcomer Kyle Whimpey.

Kyle Whimpey
Offensive Line
6-6 * 250 * Fr * HS
Highland, UT
Lone Peak HS
HS ... Was a two-year letterman in football at Lone Peak High School for two years, and also lettered for one year in basketball, track and field, and two years in wrestling ... helped his team to a regional championship ... was an All-Region 4 selection ... was an Eagle Scout and an Honor Roll member ... Personal ... his parents are David and Barbara Whimpey ... is undecided on a major ... twin brother is fellow newcomer Kevin Whimpey.

Sean Williams
Defensive Line
6-5 * 220 * Fr * HS
Firth, ID
Firth HS
HS ... Lettered in football for four years at Firth High School, along with three years in basketball and one year in track ... was twice named First Team All-State at offensive line and once at defensive line ... was his conference's Offensive Player of the Year ... helped lead Firth to the 2005 and 2006 state title ... served as a team captain ... helped the Cougars to the 2005, 2006, and 2007 district football titles ... also helped Firth to a 2007 state basketball title as well, and the 2007 district title ... was a team captain and was Honorable Mention All-City as a senior ... Personal ... his parents are Todd and Lynnette Williams ... is undecided on a major ... birthday is February 6, 1990 ... has ten brothers and sisters: Brennan, Ryan, Nathan, Dayne, Nicole, Natilee, Brook, Tara, Brittnee, and Devanee ... father Todd was a high jumper at Idaho State.

2008 Recruiting Class
Name	                     Pos	Ht	Wt	Cl	Ex	Hometown (Last Schools)
Ryan Anchetta-Major 	WR	6-3	180	Fr	HS	Tacoma, WA (Graham-Kapowsin HS)
Stetzon Bair		TE	6-9	245	Fr	HS	Newdale, ID (South Fremont HS)
Jared Barthlome		DB	6-0	185	Fr	HS	Pocatello, ID (Pocatello HS)
Braeden Clayson 	OL	6-6	305	Fr	HS	Burley, ID (Burley HS)
Taylor Duncan		OL	6-6	310	Jr	JC	Shingle Springs, CA (Sierra JC/El Dorado HS)
Wes Fletcher		RB	6-0	215	Fr	HS	Fullerton, CA (Valencia HS)
James Francis		DB	5-10	205	Jr	JC	Pittsburg, CA (Diablo Valley JC/Pittsburg HS)
Jarret Gant		OL	6-2	325	Jr	JC	Los Angeles, CA (El Camino JC/Dorsey HS)
Jeremy Gibson		LB	6-1	200	Jr	JC	Richmond, CA (Diablo Valley JC/Mount Diablo HS)
Brandon Green		DB	6-0	185	Fr	HS	Renton, WA (Rainier Beach HS)
Ryan Head		DB/LS	6-2	190	Jr	JC	San Luis Obispo, CA (Allen Hancock JC/San Luis Obispo HS)
Ryan Henry		OL	6-3	270	Jr	JC	Upland, CA (Riverside CC/Upland HS)
Chris Holmsely		DB	5-10	195	Jr	JC	Mission Viejo, CA (Orange Coast JC/Mission Viejo HS)
Erik Jacobson		TE	6-5	235	Fr	HS	Hailey, ID (Wood River HS)
Jason Jones		DL	6-2	280	Jr	JC	Reserve, LA (Chabot College/East Saint John HS)
Kyle McGuire		OL	6-4	265	Fr	HS	Brush Prairie, WA (Hockinson HS)
George Ortiz		DB	6-0	180	Jr	JC	Las Vegas, NV (Feather River College/Shadow Ridge HS)
Phillip Pleasant	DB	5-11	185	Fr	HS	Rosamond, CA (Desert HS)
Jake Rouser		DL	6-4	225	Fr	HS	Oak Harbor, WA (Oak Harbor HS)
Mitch Rudder		OL	6-3	300	So	TR	Nampa, ID (Boise State University/Skyview HS)
A.J. Storms 		DB	6-1	185	Fr	HS	Meridian, ID (Meridan HS)
Daniel Urias		DB	6-2	225	Jr	JC	Laguna Hills, CA (Saddleback JC/Laguna Hills HS)
Brad Walker		TE	6-3	245	Jr	JC	Granite Bay, CA (American River College/Woodcreek HS)
Kevin Whimpey		DL	6-4	225	Fr	HS	Highland, UT (Lone Peak HS)
Kyle Whimpey		OL	6-6	250	Fr	HS	Highland, UT (Lone Peak HS)
Sean Williams		DL	6-5	220	Fr	HS	Firth, ID (Firth HS)
By State - California 11, Idaho 7, Washington 4, Utah 2, Nevada 1, Louisiana 1
By Position - Offense 11 (OL 7, TE 3, RB 1, WR 1), Defense 15 (DB 9, DL 5, LB 1)
By Class - Freshmen 14, Sophomores 1, Juniors 11