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Utah quarterback highlights latest group of Tiger football signees

Coach Brad Pole

MITCHELL, S.D. – When Dakota Wesleyan University head football coach Brad Pole announced his initial wave of recruits for 2010 earlier this month, he said the Tigers were still hopeful to add some talented signees at key positions, such as quarterback, receiver and on defense. Friday, Pole announced another group of commitments for 2010, and it appears he has addressed those needs.

Pole released the names of seven more recruits Friday, to bring DWU’s total up to 34 this offseason. This latest wave is highlighted by a star quarterback recruit, a pair of local standouts, and several other talented additions.

“This latest group of new commitments makes our 2010 recruiting class even stronger,” Pole said Friday. “We’re extremely excited about Brennan Flannery’s potential at quarterback. He’s a big kid and an accurate passer and we’ve been endlessly excited about him throughout the recruiting process.

Austin Letcher from Hanson and Tate Williams from here in Mitchell are great local additions. Demitri Fahey is the type of talented wide receiver we like to have in our offense, and the other guys all have great football pedigree and will be excellent fits here at Dakota Wesleyan.”

Flannery, a 6-5, 190-pound quarterback from Viewmont High School in Utah was a highly sought-after prospect that ultimately chose Dakota Wesleyan. The Tiger coaches fell in love with his size, delivery, arm strength and accuracy, and he gives DWU another great option under center after the graduation of Jon Doom, who leaves as the Tigers’ all-time leader in passing yards and total offense.

Letcher was an Argus Leader Elite 45 selection after leading nearby Hanson High School to back-to-back state titles, and the outstanding athlete will likely play defensive back at Dakota Wesleyan. Williams is a talented linebacker who was a two-time All-Conference selection for the Kernels, and an All-State Honorable Mention selection.

Tight end Cole Hamlin, star linebacker Ian Lackey from Kansas, Rapid City Central star wideout Fahey and Joey Bertrand from Adrian, Minn., round out Pole’s latest group of signees. Player bios with complete details are listed below.

DWU’s Latest 2010 Football Signees

Brennan Flannery
QB, Freshman, 6-5, 190, Centerville, Utah/Viewmont H.S.

A two-year starter and letterwinner at Viewmont High School in Centerville, Utah … great size, arm and accuracy and could compete for time under center immediately … completed just under 70 percent of his passes in high school … selected to the Top “25” National QB Academy … a member of coach Ryan Mullahey’s D.S. Quarterback Academy .. led the Vikings to the Class “5A” State Playoffs … also earned a total of three varsity letters in baseball and track and field … will graduate with honors this spring … a High School Ambassador … the son of Bryan and Carole Flannery … plans to major in physical therapy.

Cole Hamlin
TE, Freshman, 6-4, 185, Highmore, S.D./Highmore H.S.

A four-year starter and letterwinner at Highmore High School in Highmore, S.D. … will provide depth and great size to the tight end position at DWU … selected to the 281 Conference All-Conference team as a senior … a Football Academic All-Conference also earned eight varsity letters in basketball and golf … a three-time state qualifier in golf and an All-Conference Second Team selection in basketball … three-time academic letterwinner … a member of the “A” Honor Roll … the son of Mark and Tina Hamlin of Highmore … plans to major in pre-physical therapy.

Ian Lackey
LB, Freshman, 5-11, 185, Lindsborg, Kan./Smoky Valley H.S.

A three-year starter and letterwinner at Smoky Valley High School in Lindsborg, Kan. … a talented linebacker with great career numbers who will be a good fit in the Tigers’ defensive scheme … a two-time All-MCAA First Team linebacker … a two-time All-State Honorable Mention pick … racked up 125 tackles, four tackles-for-a-loss and one sack as a senior … added 114 tackles as a junior and 76 as a sophomore … led the Vikings to district and bi-district titles in 2008 … also earned six varsity letters in wrestling and baseball … a four-time state placewinner and All-League selection in wrestling … a four-year member of the Honor Roll … the son of Mark and Dawn Lackey … plans to major in athletic training.

Austin Letcher
DB, Freshman, 5-11, 175, Alexandria, S.D./Hanson H.S.

A three-year starter and a four-year letterwinner at Hanson High School in Alexandria, S.D. … a talented, aggressive defensive back and the latest Hanson star to commit to DWU … led the Beavers to State Championships in 2008 and 2009 … named to the prestigious Argus Leader Elite 45 team in 2009 … an All-State selection as a senior … a three-time All-Conference pick … named Team MVP as a senior … also earned six varsity letters in basketball and track and field … the son of Duane and Mary Letcher … undecided on his college major.

Tate Williams
LB, Freshman, 5-11, 215, Mitchell, S.D./Mitchell H.S.

A two-year starter and letterwinner at Mitchell High School in Mitchell, S.D. … a hometown star and talented linebacker who has decided to stay home to play his college ball … an All-State Honorable Mention selection as a senior … a two-time All-Conference pick … a two-time Mitchell Player-of-the-Year and the team’s Defensive MVP as a senior … the son of Joe and Lisa Williams … undecided on his college major.

Other signees
(DWU’s most recent commitments – complete information not yet available)

Joey Bertrand
LB, Freshman, 6-0, 175, Adrian, Minn./Adrian H.S.

Returns to football after two years off … will play linebacker at DWU … expected to provide depth and athleticism to the Tiger defense.

Demitri Fahey
WR, Freshman, 6-1, 175, Rapid City, S.D./Central H.S.

An All-Conference receiver who will compete for playing time as a freshman … good speed and great hands … a good route-runner with great fundamentals … will help ease the loss of DWU’s graduating stars at wideout.