Dec. 21, 2007

Pocatello, ID --- Idaho State University head football coach John Zamberlin has announced that the Bengals have signed seven junior college players for the 2008 football season, and all seven will enroll in Idaho State immediately and will be able to participate in spring practice, which will culminate in the annual Spring game, which will take place Friday night on April 25 at Holt Arena, which will be part of a big ISU weekend with the Bengal Foundation Auction taking place on Saturday, April 26.

The seven players signed are offensive linemen Jarret Gant of El Camino and Ryan Henry of Riverside, tight end Brad Walker of American River, defensive tackle Jason Jones of Chabot, and defensive backs Daniel Urias of Saddleback and Chris Holmesly of Orange Coast, and linebacker Jeremy Gibson of Diablo Valley.

In addition to the seven junior college recruits listed, the Bengals expect two previous announced JC signings from last year to be onboard for the 2008 season, in addition to the main recruiting class which will be announced on February 6, which is National Signing Day for football.

Jarret Gant is a 6-2, 325 pound offensive lineman from El Camino, helping the Warriors to an 8-2 record and a berth in the American Bowl. Gant anchored the line for the #1 rushing offense in the Mission Conference.

Ryan Henry is a 6-3, 270 pound offensive lineman from Riverside Community College, where he earned All-Academic honors for the Tigers. Riverside went 5-4 last season, and helped Riverside rush for 153 yards per game.

Brad Walker of American River College is a 6-3, 245 pound tight end from American River. Walker, who caught 10 passes as a freshman for 117 yards and four scores, and he added six more touchdowns in 2007, and according to Joe Davidson of the Sacramento Bee, Walker is best described as the following ... "Superb hands, strong blocker, smart and tough".

Jason Jones out of Chabot College is a 6-2, 290 pound defensive tackle. Jones, originally from Louisiana, was named All-NorCal Conference last season.

Daniel Urias of Saddleback is a 6-2, 220 safety out of Saddleback College. Urias has 18 tackles and an interception as a freshman, and as a sophomore he had 35 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks. In high school, along with playing safety, he was a quarterback and kicker at Laguna Hills. He also was a conference MVP in high school, and he is an All-Academic selection at Saddleback.

Chris Holmesly is a 5-10, 185 pound cornerback out of Orange Coast College. He was an All-Mission pick in both seasons, including a first team pick in 2007. As a sophomore he had 54 tackles, two picks, and 12 passes broken up. Overall at Orange Coast he picked off six passes.

Jeremy Gibson is a 6-1, 200 pound defensive back/linebacker out of Diablo Valley College. He was a First Team All-Golden Gate pick as a team captain, leading DVC in tackles and leading the Golden Gate Conference in tackles for losses, doing all of that while dealing with a house fire during the season that left him and his family without a home. He twice was a team MVP at Mount Diablo High School.

While fans can watch all the newcomers in spring drills, they officially begin their Bengal careers in August when ISU opens the season against the Boise State Broncos.