Linfield University head football coach Joseph Smith on Tuesday announced the intention of 48 first-year players to join the Wildcats starting this fall. All 47 prospective student-athletes have paid their deposit to the university and are expected to enroll for classes in August.

Said Smith: "Our coaches did our best to comb the West Coast looking for young men that would be a great fit here, as well as possessing the talent to help us be successful. All of these young men fit those standards and we welcome them to our program. They know they are joining a program that has high standards, high goals, and high expectations. They know they will be asked to put the team first, be a man of character and work to their utmost. They also know they will get to experience the 'thrill of high achievement' and what it is like to stand before the best and be measured.
 
"I want to thank our staff for working so hard this year in recruiting, bringing a collection of young men together that are this talented and of this caliber of character is not merely good fortune. Rather, it's the result of focused and determined work as well as authenticity in communication and action. Our players are our best recruiters, and this program attracts young men who love football, love training and love being surrounded by success-oriented teammates.
 
"I also want to thank all of the people that have contributed to helping enroll these fine student-athletes. I believe these new Wildcats will continue the success we have had over the years. I know they will have the opportunity to be a part of four strong teams during their time here. Whether those teams are great will be up to them, as that will be determined by their level of commitment to the values of this program.
 
"This class is extremely deep on talent potential. This is class is also positionally deep as there are potential starters at every position. Looking through this news release in its entirety gives our staff reason to pause, as it is so deep in talent. It is powerful, explosive and competitive. We will be reloading many skill positions over the next two seasons and this class will allow us to do that without dropping significantly in production. Many of these players have the ability to help us right away. And in two years, these young men will likely be the core of a squad standing on a frozen field somewhere to the east, measuring themselves against the nation's best. Gentlemen, Welcome to the Catdome!"

Today, we preview 23 additions to the offensive side of the ball. Listed below are the student-athletes who have paid deposits and returned information requests as of May 22:
 
ALEX BOBADILLA, OFFENSIVE LINE
SAINT FRANCIS HS (CALIF.)
Honors: WCAL Honorable mention. Also competed in the shot put and discus.
Enjoys: Television, music, and cooking
Plans to major in: psychology 
Why Linfield? Loved the school and the community and felt that Linfield was the best fit for me. 
What else? Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Nicknamed "Bob/Boba"
SMITH SAYS: Alex, is a strong, physical, and smart football player from the Bay Area. Alex had a great senior year and has the ability to stay in front of defenders in pass protection and move them in the run game. He moves well and has a high ceiling. 
 
 
LIAM CHRISTENSEN, RECEIVER
MOUNT SI H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: KingCo all-eague wide receiver, Cleats v Cancer All Star.
Enjoys: Track and Field, working out, reading, going out with friends.
Plans to major in: Exercise science & management
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield to be surrounded by a winning culture and excellence that will push me to be the best athlete and person I can be.
SMITH SAYS: Liam has high top end speed and a great frame to go with it.  He has a physical mentality at receiver and that bodes well for him.  He has a high ceiling at receiver and I look forward to working directly with him.
 
 
CONNLEY COURTNEY, TIGHT END
NELSON H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Second team all-conference tight end
Enjoys: Mountain biking, snowboarding, wake surfing and playing lacrosse.
Plan to major in Business and Health Sciences
Why Linfield? For the football culture and academics.
SMITH SAYS: Connley is a very physical blocker with good hands and he has high physical growth potential. It will be exciting to see where he is physically in two years as he has strong potential.
 
 
MATT DOUGHERTY, QUARTERBACK
SAINT FRANCIS H.S. (CALIF.)
Honors:  First team WCAL, honorable mention all-Bay Area, all-metro and all-state.
Enjoys: Family time, music, psychology, strength training and nature.
Plans to major in: Business or psychology.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because it was the perfect fit for me to continue my academic and athletic career. The ability to continue to learn and develop life skills in a smaller setting was best environment for me. The beautiful surrounding green of Oregon offers a change of pace from my Bay Area life. The original pull for me has been the continued excellence that is Linfield football. The chance to play for such a storied program along with the pedigree Coach Elliott brings to the offense made the choice a no-brainer. Go 'Cats!
What else? Born and raised in San Francisco, California. I have a twin sister along with two other sisters. My favorite athlete of all time is Tom Brady. 
SMITH SAYS: Matt is a big and strong quarterback from Saint Francis down in the Bay Area. His senior year was cut short due to injury, which hurt his statistics and may have affected his recruiting in our favor.  Matt throws a great deep ball and stands tough in the pocket, which not many can do. We believe Matt has a very high ceiling.
 
 
DEACON EDGAR, QUARTERBACK
SOUTH MEDFORD H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Three-year varsity starter, two-time all state honorable mention, all-state second team, second team all-conference, two time first team all-conference.
Enjoys: Basketball as well as track and field. I enjoy fishing and being outdoors in general, and I love to watch YouTube.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because of how good the football program is at the D-III level. I've heard nothing but good things about the school.
What else? I'm a good student and prioritize school pretty well. I currently work at In-N-Out Burger, and  I have two younger siblings.
SMITH SAYS: Deacon comes to us from one of the finest quarterback developing programs in the state. Coach Singler is known for his fine quarterback play, much like Jim Nagel was and in fact still is. Deacon is a playmaker and started for three years at South, and few very have done that. He has strong elusivity and can regularly prolong the play enough to find the open receiver. He is a multi-sport athlete and a flat winner. I expect Deacon to compete every time he steps on the field. I know coach BG Gould could not be happier to have another Panther here at Linfield.
 
 
CAMDEN FERGUSON, OFFENSIVE LINE
LAKERIDGE H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Lettered six times in football and track. 2020, 2021, and 2022 first team all-league offensive guard 2020 and 2022 second team all league defensive line. Team Offensive Lineman of the Year (2019 and 2022). Team captain in football and track.
Enjoys: Creative writing, gaming, reading, puzzles, weight lifting.
Plans to major in: Psychology and potentially a double minor with business and exersice science.
Why Linfield? Because the environment is second to none and the athletic tradition is unrivaled.
What else? Started 30 games, gaining the role as a sophomore, Made the 2021 6A quarterfinals and the 2022 Columbia Cup semifinals. I've participated in 13 different sports in my lifetime.
SMITH SAYS: Camden is a big, strong, athletic interior offensive lineman. Camden has the ability to utilize his size and strength to move people off of the ball while also moving well laterally and in pass protection. He uses good technique and is a smart and tough football player.   Camden can be very good here as he has so much talent potential, and I look forward to seeing him develop under coach Heck.
 
 
NATHAN FILLINGER-PALOTAY, CENTER/LONG SNAPPER
SHERWOOD H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Honorable mention all-state and first team all-league as a senior.
Enjoys: Hanging with friends, playing golf, and boating.
Plans to major in: Exercise science.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because they have really good coaches and the culture surrounding the program is amazing.
What else? I love food.
SMITH SAYS: It is great to have another former teammate's son in our program. Nathan has been at our camp often, and we have been able to see his progress first hand as he has developed into the smart and athletic player that he is. He also has the ability to long snap. We are excited about the player that Nathan is and he is a welcomed addition to the Linfield offensive line.
 
 
REID GRAY, RECEIVER
NELSON H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: First team all-conference wide receiver, first team all-conference kick returner.
Enjoys: Playing basketball, running track, and time with friends and family. 
Intends to major in: Exercise science.
Why Linfield? I love the brotherhood and the coaches made me feel welcome. 
SMITH SAYS: Reid is a sandbox type of WR.  It is tough to get two hands on him, as he is very quick and elusive.  He possesses top end speed, as well.   I look forward to working with Reid.
 
 
NICK GRIBBLE, RUNNING BACK
SHERWOOD H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Honorable mention all-state running back; first team all-league running back and safety; honorable mention punter.
Enjoys: Golf, baseball, fishing and lifting.
Plans to major in: Business management.
Why Linfield? Because of their great campus, close to home, great education, great football team, and great fanbase that come to their games.
SMITH SAYS: Nick had a dominant high school career for perennial power Sherwood High.  He excelled both on defense at L inebacker and at running back, bringing power and explosiveness to their Wing T. Nick is a big powerful runner with good top end speed, and he is a fierce competitor. We marked him early one as one of our top recruits in the entire class. Mr. Gribble is a football player, and a program cannot have enough young men like Nick in it.
 
 
JAKOB HONDA, RUNNING BACK
HAWAII PREPARATORY ACADEMY (HAWAII)
Honors: Two-time all-BIIF running back and linebacker
Enjoys: surfing, spearfishing, wrestling
Plans to major in: sport management or sports science
Why Linfield? Linfield felt like a great fit. Everyone was super welcoming and kind. I would love to play for a great team and a great school.
Born and raised in Arizona till I was around 9 years old, but has resided in Hawaii for as long as he can remember. Loves playing all different sports and just love staying active and competitive.
SMITH SAYS: Jakob is a productive running back from Hawaii Prep High School that we are excited to see what he can do here for Coach McAnally as a Catback.   
 
 
BRADY LAYBOURNE, RUNNING BACK
PENINSULA H.S. (WASH.)
Enjoys: Basketball, music, sports analytics, working out, beach volleyball.
Plans to major in: Sport management
Why Linfield? Both the academic and athletic aspects line me up perfectly for my future. The majors and classes are exactly what I'm interested in.
SMITH SAYS: Brady comes to us from Peninsula High in Washington.  He was a productive player and very versatile in his skill set. He is going to focus on running back here at Linfield for Coach McAnally. He is a strong runner with good vision and patience it will be enjoyable to watch him develop here.
 
 
COLE MASSAR, RECEIVER
SUNSET H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Metro League first team receiver and first team defensive back.
Enjoys: Track and field, weightlifting, snowboarding, tennis, traveling, fishing/crabbing, photography, golf and listening to music.
Intends to major in: Business management.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because of the amazing culture of excellence the football program possesses, and also because of the great education I will receive.
SMITH SAYS: Cole is a strong, well muscled explosive slot receiver who has good hands and is very dangerous with the ball after the catch or on returns.    We also targeted Cole as someone we felt was a top recruit this year, as he excelled in the fine program of Sunset HS and we look for him to do the same with us.  I look forward to working with Cole.
 
 
DANE MEDDAUGH, RECEIVER
PENINSULA H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: First team all-conference receiver and defensive back.
Enjoys: Golfing, skiing, and basketball.
Plans to major in: business management or sport management.
Why Linfield? It is an extremely successful program that I know will benefit me both as a player and as a student.
SMITH SAYS: Dane is a large, strong and physical outside receiver that has the ability to excel on either offense or defense as he did for Peninsula HS.  Dane has the speed to take the roof off of coverages and open it up for others, or if not given enough space will score himself.    We were able to work with Dane in person at camp, and our entire staff was sold on Dane Meddaugh.
 
 
TYLER MISHLER, RECEIVER
MCMINNVILLE H.S. (ORE.)
Enjoys: I love to snowboard, work out, and hang out with my friends.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because of the opportunities I have on and off the football field.
SMITH SAYS: Tyler comes to us from Mac High, and the Grizzlies have been very integral to our program from the days of Don Rutschman to Rich Moberg, Danny Langsdorf, Luke Buchheit, Spencer Payne, Bruce Scanlon, Garett Scales, Colton Ramos, Cedric Agcoilli-Ostrom, Tyler Sitton, Copper Bosquet, Wyatt Smith, and Colton Smith, to name a few.  Tyler joins a proud group of MHS alumni that have joined the Catdome, and I look for him to do well at receiver. Tyler is a bigger reciever who gains leverage with his size and technique. He has a nice ability to find the open spots in zones. I look forward to seeing what he can do in our system and training program.
 
 
JACKSON PFEIFER, RUNNING BACK
SILVERTON H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: First team all-state running back; first team all-league Offensive Player of the Year, running back and returner, all league second team defense.
Enjoys: Hunting, fishing, golf, hanging with family and friends, and lifting.
Plans to major in: Sports marketing
Why Linfield? I really enjoyed all the coaches and players. I also really like the campus and what the school has to offer. I'm excited to play on one of the best D-III programs in the nation.
SMITH SAYS: Jackson is the third player that was brought to me somewhat late in the process, that also only took one look on film to realize he was someone that we had to have.   Jackson can do everything on the field, and much like Brady Crenshaw and Nick Gribble, he can excel on either offense or defense.   We want Jackson to play tailback for us and I believe he will help us as soon as he gets an opportunity.  Jackson is fast and explosive and has tremendous vision.  He will have the chance to learn under McNabb and Martinez and when he has his number called, I know he will perform.  Playing under former Cat Dan Lever, it makes it even that much more special to have him come to the Catdome.
 
 
PRESTON POWERS, OFFENSIVE LINE
MARIN CATHOLIC H.S. (CALIF.)
Honors: Second team MCAL 2022.
Plans to major in: Sport management.
Why Linfield? The sense of community, and overall passion for football.
SMITH SAYS: Preston has the great combination of size, athleticism, and personality. We look for Preston to make an impact as a physical presence on the interior offensive line. His toughness and physicality are evident on his film and we are excited to add him to our OL group.
 
 
ALEC PREVETT, OFFENSIVE LINE
AMITY H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Second team all-league offensive lineman as a senior.
Enjoys: Fishing, hunting, and helping people in my community. I enjoy working on trucks and playing sports with my buddies. 
Plans to major in: Business management to learn how to run an operation.
Why Linfield? My great-grandfather played football and studied at Linfield. It is where I've wanted to go to school and I'm honored to have the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing program.
SMITH SAYS: Alex is a smart and tough local student athlete with great size and tremendous upside. We Loved having him at camp and around campus a lot this fall.  Alec has improved tremendously over the past year as he has grown into that tremendous frame, and we are excited for him to continue to improve and grow into an impact player.    He is strong addition to our program.
 
 
JOSHUA SANTIAGO JR., RECEIVER
WAIANAE H.S. (HAWAII)
Honors: My junior year I had a (Taco Bell) play of the game against Kapolei, and also was on the second team for the all-OIA open team (all purpose); My senior year I won Impact player of the game against Leileihua.
Enjoys: Track & field, hanging out with family, beach days/workouts.
Plans to major in: Sport management with hopes to one day come back home and help out my community.
Why Linfield? The coaches are a big part of why I chose Linfield. They noticed my hard work and gave me the opportunity to better my education and to continue my football journey. I think I would be a good fit, not just for the school but for the football team and track team.
What else? I like helping people when I can, love laughing/making people laugh, and always spreading positive energy.
SMITH SAYS: Josh has good top-end speed with a strong and quick transition out of his breaks. This makes for an effective inside slot receiver. As he continues to grow and develop through weight training, I think he will improve even more. We are excited to have Josh with us.
 
 
JACE SWYGARD, TIGHT END
LAKERIDGE H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Two-time all-Three Rivers League honorable mention.
Enjoys: Hanging out with friends, outdoors, listening to music.
Plans to major in: Sports management or business management.
Why Linfield? It was the best fit for me and had the major I wanted. I am able to continue to play sports in college and the community and people are welcoming and it's the place that I want to be.
What else? I've got four brothers, one in college, one in high school, and one in middle school. I've lived in Oregon my whole life. I love playing sports, I've been playing them since kindergarten. My family is very important to me, and they support me every day.
SMITH SAYS: Jace was a very effective receiver in HS for a strong team in a great league.   He is more of a hybrid WR/TE with the potential to put on weight because of his large frame. He is a precise route runner with great hands and if he can develop to his full potential, he can be a very good TE for us.
 
 
TANNER THOMAS, OFFENSIVE LINE
SHELDON H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: 2021 second team all-league offensive line; 2022 first team all-league offensive line; 2022 second team all-state offensive line.
Enjoys: YoungLife, Irish Fishing Club and playing golf.
Intends to major in: Exercise science.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because of its amazing culture and atmosphere around football along with its great health programs.
What else? Optimistic, willing to learn and become wise. Putting others above myself as believed the favor will be returned.
SMITH SAYS: Tanner was a pivotal piece of Sheldon's great team this season. He continues the trend of big-time linemen coming to Linfield. His combination of length, athleticism, and work ethic will be huge assets to our OL group. Tanner is a smart and tough football player who plays with great technique. He draws comparisons with Jared Hinkle and Dakota Smith at tackle and has a very good chance to be a great player here at Linfield.
 
 
CADE WELCH, RECEIVER
SHELDON H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Honorable mention all-state receiver; first team all-league receiver.
Enjoys: Fishing and wake surfing.
Plans to major in: Business management.
Why Linfield? Because of the winning history and culture.
SMITH SAYS: Cade comes to us from the great program of Sheldon where he was part of one of the finest offenses in the state. Cade will be an outside receiver with the ability to take the top off of coverages and be a deep threat with his speed and route running. Having parents that both graduated from Linfield makes it extra special to have a Welch back at Linfield, and Cade has the chance to make quite a mark here at Linfield. He is very fast and has the speed we desire in our offense on the outside. We needed to bring in several young men capable of reloading our receiving corps when we graduate two of our dominant outside players.
 
 
KHALIL YARBO, RUNNING BACK
GRAHAM KAPOWSIN H.S. (WASH.)
Enjoys: Hanging out with friends, video games and playing basketball.
Intends to major in: Computer science.
Why Linfield? It really reminds me of my high-school when it comes to being a great winning program. I really enjoyed being on campus, and just felt like Linfield was the perfect fit for me.
What else? I was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and am fluent in German
SMITH SAYS: Khalil comes to us from powerhouse Graham Kapowsin HS in Washington.   He possesses a strong running style and has great vision.    He will be a good addition to our backfield and I know he will be a great teammate.
 
 
COOPER ZELLNER, RUNNING BACK
GILBERT H.S. (ARIZ.)
Honors: Honorable mention all-region running back as a sophomore; first team all-region linebacker, second team all-region running back, first team all-conference linebacker as a junior; first team all region running back, first team all-conference running back, first team all-region linebacker, first team all-conference linebacker, honorable mention all-state linebacker as a senior.
Enjoys: Hanging out with friends, thrifting and just chilling with the family.
Plans to major in: Pre-med or exercise science.
Why Linfield: I felt it was the best opportunity for me and a pretty cool opportunity to play with my brother again. Going to Linfield also makes it easy for the family, having the chance to come and watch us both play at the same time.
SMITH SAYS: We were able to meet Cooper as a youngster when recruiting his older brother Wyatt. And Cooper continued to develop into a very explosive and dangerous back for his father's program Gilbert High. Cooper is very fast and has the burst to punch through defenses all the way to the end zone. He is a very good receiver out of the backfield and very dangerous in space. It will be special for those two as brothers and we are very excited to have to have Cooper Zellner join us.