Bronx, N.Y. - Fordham University head football coach
Joe Conlin announced the signing of four additional football student-athletes to letters of intent with Fordham for the 2024 season. They join the ten who signed in December.
The new class features nine defensive players, four offensive players and one kicker. By position, defensive line and defensive backs lead the way with three each, followed by two on the offensive line and linebacker, and one each at defensive back, kicker, quarterback, and wide receiver.
The 14 newcomers hail from six different states. Three newcomers come from New Jersey, Arizona and Texas while California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are represented by one newcomer.
Here is a complete list of the 2024 newcomers:
| Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Hometown/High School (Last School) |
| Christian Black |
LB |
6-2 |
215 |
West Orange, N.J./Seton Hall Prep |
| Amaurey Brooks |
DB |
5-10 |
165 |
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga |
| Jaylen Dawson |
LB |
6-2 |
220 |
Goodyear, Ariz./Desert Edge |
| Jack Freeburg |
WR |
6-1 |
175 |
Scottsdale, Ariz./Desert Mountain |
| Bennett Henderson |
K |
6-0 |
180 |
Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair |
| Carter Hess |
DL |
6-2 |
285 |
Cumberland, Md./Fort Hill |
| Tripp Holley |
QB |
6-3 |
200 |
Dallas, Texas/Lake Highlands |
| Terrence Jones |
DB |
6-1 |
190 |
Prosper, Texas/Prosper |
| Drew Minich |
DB |
6-1 |
185 |
Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota West |
| Cole Nelson |
DL |
6-3 |
235 |
Clinton, Mass./Lawrence Academy |
| Jayton Owens |
DB |
6-2 |
180 |
Fort Worth, Texas/Aledo |
| Cooper LaFond |
OL |
6-7 |
315 |
Englewood, N.J./Saint Peter's Prep |
| Mardale Rowe |
DL |
6-2 |
235 |
Phoenix, Ariz./Brophy Prep |
| Adam Yevchak |
OL |
6-4 |
295 |
Toms River, N.J./Donovan Catholic |
Here is info on the four newly signed Rams:
Amaurey Brooks (DB, 5-10, 165, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga)
• Named 2023 Second Team All-Baseline League
• Led the Cougars to a 9-3 overall record in 2023, 4-0 in the league
• Intercepted three passes as a senior in 2023
• Played for head coach Brian Hildebrand at Rancho Cucamonga High School
Jaylen Dawson (LB, 6-2, 220, Goodyear, Ariz./Desert Edge)
• 2023 Defensive Player of the Year for the Desert West Region
• Named one of the Top Ten linebackers by the Arizona Republic
• A 2023 team captain
• Recorded 97 total tackles, 42 solo, including nine for loss as a senior
• Helped Desert Edge to the 2023 Arizona 5A state championship game
• Made 100 total tackles, 51 solo, including eight for loss as a junior
• Made 297 career stops, 134 solo, including 27 for loss
• Played for head coaches Mark and Marcus Carter at Desert Edge
Drew Minich (DB, 6-1, 185, Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota West)
• Named All Southwest Ohio in 2023
• A 2023 All-Conference selection
• 44 total tackles as a senior, including ten tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks
• Four interceptions, nine pass breakups, and three forced fumbles
• Played for head coach Tom Bolden at Lokota West High School
• Brother, Ben, plays football at Notre Dame
Jayton "Boogie" Owens (DB, 6-2, 180, Fort Worth, Texas/Aledo)
• 2023 First Team All-District 3-5A Division I
• 55 total tackles (41 solo) as a senior in 2023
• Two interceptions, six pass breakups and one fumble recovery returned for touchdown
• Earned Second Team All-District honors as a junior in 2022, compiling 43.5 total tackles, including two for loss, along with one interception and two fumble recoveries
• Member of two State Champion teams at Aledo
• Played for head coach Robby Jones at Aledo
Information on the ten who signed in December can be found
here.
