Linfield football coach Joseph Smith has announced the commitments of seven incoming freshmen from around the Willamette Valley and central Oregon who will join the Wildcats this fall. All seven have been admitted into the university and paid their matriculation fees.
 
Logan Day comes to Linfield from Keizer, Clifford Hegney is coming from Salem, John Hofenbredl is from Dallas, David Kanoff hails from Turner, Jackson Lowery is from Salem, Chuck Sheldon comes from Redmond and David Sumner is from Madras.
 
"We welcome a strong group of young men from the middle part of Oregon latitudinally. This group is spread from Bend to Dallas and we are looking forward to bringing this wonderful group into the CatDome," said Smith.
 
LOGAN DAY
LB • 6-1 • 181
Keizer, Oregon • Blanchet Catholic High School

• Two-time all-Pac West Conference honoree.
• Honor roll student.

WHY LINFIELD? "I chose Linfield because it has one of the best football programs in Division III."
 
Coach Smith's thoughts: Logan was a three-sport athlete at Blanchet Catholic. He was a very productive at running back and made many plays all over the field at linebacker. We are excited to see what we can do at Linfield."
 
CLIFFORD HEGNEY
OL/DL • 6-0 • 240
Salem, Oregon • Blanchet Catholic High School

• Two-time all-league in football.
• Three-time Best Lineman Award recipient.
• National Honor Society member.

WHY LINFIELD? "I chose to attend Linfield because I knew it was a place that would push me to become the best person I can be on and off the field. Linfield will allow me to grow and give the best opportunity to further my education and continue playing the game I love."
 
Coach Smith's thoughts: "Clifford is local area recruit that was very effective on both sides of the ball at offensive lineman and defensive lineman. We know he will work hard to develop his craft and will fit in well here at the CatDome."
 
JOHN HOFENBREDL
DB • 6-0 • 180
Dallas, Oregon • Dallas High School

• Two-time Willamette Valley Conference honoree in football.
• Nominated to OSAA All-State banquet.
• OSAA Scholar-Athlete.
• Four-time all-OSAA Scholar.
• National Honor Society member.

WHY LINFIELD? "I chose Linfield because the education is great and the athletics are amazing. I think it's a great fit!"
 
Coach Smith's thoughts: "John comes do us from Dallas High School, the home of the Earhart family! We are excited to have John continue that legacy. He is very explosive as a safety, and we look for great things from him in the future. John can run and he can tackle."
 
DAVID KANOFF
DB • 5-10 • 150
Turner, Oregon • Cascade High School

• Two-time first-team all-conference defensive back.
• Honorable mention all-conference wide receiver.

WHY LINFIELD? "I chose Linfield because it feels like home and seems like a great place to start the career of life."
 
Coach Smith's thoughts: "David comes to us from Cascade High School. He plays with tenacity and effort on defense. We expect nothing but the same once he gets here into our system."
 
JACKSON LOWERY
QB • 6-3 • 225
Salem, Oregon • West Salem High School

• Two-time first-team all-Mountain Valley Conference in football.
• First-team all-MVC in basketball.
• National Honor Society member.  

WHY LINFIELD? "I chose Linfield because I want to be a part of a family on the football field with a winning tradition, and at the same time earn a high-level degree in the classroom."
 
Coach Smith's thoughts: "We welcome another Titan to Linfield, as West Salem High School has sent us so many fine young men over the last 20 years. Jackson will continue that tradition as he is a very solid young man character-wise. He is very strong as a quarterback and has the chance to be a durable passer for us in our system. He also is accurate and will grow under Coach Brett Elliott."
 
CHUCK SHELDON
OL • 6-3 • 260
Redmond, Oregon • Ridgeview High School

• Nine-time letter winner in track & field, football and basketball.
• 1st team all-league as a senior.

Coach Smith's Thoughts: "Chuck has a great frame for tackle and with his physicality we are excited to have him on the offensive line. Chuck will be a great fit as a young man, and he is a competitor."
 
DAVID SUMNER
OL • 6-2 • 260
Madras, Oregon • Central Oregon Community College / Madras High School

• Two-time all-Tri Valley Conference offensive lineman.  

WHY LINFIELD? I chose Linfield because of the culture on and off the field. I knew Linfield had a great football program but once I saw the confidence in everyone with their education and learning I knew this was the place for me. I saw a family aspect being created not just among athletes but among all students. When I took my visit, I saw the culture first hand and as far as football goes, I knew I'd be going to an established and successful program much larger than just myself. I've always wanted to learn from these amazing coaches.
 
Coach Smith's thoughts: "David comes to us after a pause and we excited to have him with us. He is physical, tough and a hard worker. We expect him to do well at offensive line."
 
Summarizing the group from central Oregon, Smith said: "We have told our freshmen that their job is to come in and help make a good team an even better team. This group, as with the other groups we are introducing this week, should certainly do that,".