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 48 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," said Smith. "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 25 additions to the defensive side of the ball. Listed below are the defensive student-athletes who have paid deposits and returned information requests as of May 22:

TREVOR ANDERSON, LINEBACKER
MAZAMA H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: First Team All-State Running Back, first team all-state Linebacker, first team All-Conference Running Back, first team All-Conference Linebacker, Most Inspirational Player, Team Captain and Scholar Athlete all 4 years.
Junior Season: Honorable Mention All-State Linebacker, first team All-Conference Running Back, first team All-Conference Linebacker
Enjoys: lifting weights, playing golf, and snowboarding. They are all fun and have the competitive feel that I love in the game of football.  I also enjoy camping with my family and riding quads on the dunes.
Plans to major in: Exercise science. I want to open my own clinic in my hometown and give back to the people that have supported me all of my life. It's also an interesting and useful subject to learn about because it helps me understand how to recover and take care of my body.
Why Linfield? It was a very easy choice for me. Since the first time I was invited up to McMinnville to watch the season opener last season I felt nothing but support and excitement from the people at this university. Everyone is so welcoming.  They have a great winning mindset on campus. The small class sizes were also very appealing to me.  I knew this also meant that I would grow close relationships with my professors and classmates and it would make learning easier.
I've grown up in the same small town my whole life. I've always been around supportive friends and family which has always made me push to be the best I can be. I started playing flag football when I was very young and I knew right away that it was for me. I was soon introduced to tackle football and knew that football was definitely going to be a big part of my life. I loved the feeling of contact and being able to correlate a single plan with my teammates. I've felt that being a leader has always come natural to me and I've always taken pride in leading by example and being there for my teammates. My teammates and coaches have taught me so much about life.  They taught me how to believe in myself and push myself to do things that I never thought I'd be able to do.  I will forever be grateful for the lessons I have learned. This is why I'm so excited to say I've committed to Linfield University to play football. I am looking forward to this next chapter in  my life.  I know I will meet a whole new group of teammates and coaches that will once again, have a remarkable impact on my life.  I hope I can impact their lives as well. Go 'Cats!
SMITH SAYS: Trevor tore it up for Mazama at both runningback and linebacker, and had a HS career that is hard to match.  We are excited to have his grit and passion as well as his great speed and quickness in our program.  
 
 
PAAVAN BANKSTON, CORNERBACK
YELM H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: Two-time second team all-league DB
Enjoys: running track and hanging out with family, girlfriend and friends.
I want to study psychology
Why Linfield? Because of the atmosphere of the campus and football team. The community is amazing. The people at Linfield are very welcoming.
SMITH SAYS: Paavan is a cover corner from State Champion Yelm HS in Washington.  Paavan shows great cover ability, anticipates routes, and attacks the ball at a very high level.  He is quiet off the field but plays loud and does not back down from a challenge.  He is the kind of player who wants to cover a team's best receiver.   We are very excited to have Paavan join us.
 
 
AIDAN BECKSTED, SAFETY
NORTH MEDFORD H.S. (ORE.)
Enjoys: Lifting weights, playing baseball, hanging with friends and the outdoors.
Plans to major in: Applied physics
Why Linfield? Because of the culture, specifically their culture of hard work. When I first visited Linfield, a player came up to me and all he had was one question and that was if I was a hard worker, because if not then Linfield isn't the place for me.
What else? One detail about me is that I missed my senior season with a broken leg. This was definitely an obstacle for me but I had never shied-away from hard work in the past so I wasn't going to do it when it mattered the most. Now I am ready to take back what I missed with the 'Cats.
SMITH SAYS: Unfortunately, Aidan's senior year was lost to injury but we look forward to his return to the field.  He is a coach's son, intelligent, and tough.  He could play multiple positions in the secondary.  We are excited to see him get back to full speed and as he begins his career in the Catdome.
 
 
CARTER BOISE, DEFENSIVE BACK
SPRAY H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Thirteen-time letter winner in football, basketball, track, and rodeo. League defensive player and DB of the year, OSAA player of the week, and OSAA player of the game in semifinals.  All league first team in basketball, district champ 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay in track. Three time state finalist in calf roping and steer wrestling; national qualifier in steer wrestling.
Enjoys: Competing in rodeos, hunting and fishing.
Plans on majoring in: Management and marketing.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield for its great football program, small campus, and small class size.
What else? I love to compete in any sport.
SMITH SAYS: Carter is from a small school but he plays large.  He is a 'do everything' player for his team and will bring great athletic ability and toughness to our defensive backfield.  I think his best years are ahead of him.  Carter competes in rodeo so there is little doubt as to his ability to handle the rigor and pressure of football.


BRYCE BOUYER, DEFENSIVE LINE
CURTIS H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: Second team SPSL defensive line, second team SPSL offensive line.
Enjoys: Playing any sport, watching World War documentaries, going on hikes. 
Plans to major in: Education and history. 
Why Linfield? I felt as if this would be a great opportunity for me to grow and learn about myself as a person. I felt like i could reach my full potential in a community like this. 
What else? Born and raised in University Place Washington. I have two older sisters that both competed in track and field in college. My favorite color is orange. And my favorite food is Vietnamese pho. 
SMITH SAYS: Bryce is a long, athletic, and physical defensive lineman. He utilizes his length and ability to explode off the ball , to make impact plays.  Bryce's relentless ability to get to the ball will make him a great addition to the DL group.
 
 
SEAN CRAVEN, DEFENSIVE BACK
BEND H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: First team all-conference 2022. Second team all-state defensive back 2022.
Intends to major in: Microbiology and biochemistry.
Why Linfield? Linfield offers both great academic and athletic opportunities. As a future science major, I was impressed with Linfield's updated commitment to their science programs.
What else? I participated in track and wrestling all four years of high school. 
SMITH SAYS: We are excited to have another Craven here, as both Sean's mother and father are Wildcats. Sean is a fierce competitor who is steady as a rock. As he develops physically, I believe Sean's best days are ahead of him. I have no doubt he has the mentality needed at cornerback.
 
 
BRADY CRENSHAW, SAFETY
LEBANON H.S. (ORE.)
Enjoys: Fishing and snowboarding.
Plans to major in: Education
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because I love the environment and people. I also fit in perfect with the football program.
SMITH SAYS: When one of our assistant coaches brought me the film of Brady Crenshaw, I watched it for one play and said "Absolutely, get me his number." There are many great things about Brady, he is physical, fast, tough, and he plays on edge just a little. However, we really have not seen his full potential, as his evaluation was mostly on his junior film due to injury. The future is bright for Brady and I see him having the potential to play in the back row of our defense like Ray Lions, Josh Ort, Mike Purdy, Drew Fisher, Kyle Wright and Tyler Bergeron.

 
CONNER DASMANN, DEFENSIVE LINE
OAK RIDGE H.S. (CALIF.)
Honors: Oak Ridge High School and Sierra Football League Defensive Player of the Year; National Football Foundation Hall of Fame  Sacramento Chapter Scholar-Athlete Award - Cal-Hi All State Football Team Award - Sacramento Bee All Metro D.P.O.T.Y - All Star 63rd Optimist Game Defensive Captain- MaxPreps All State Football Team - Sports Star Magazine All Nor Cal Defense Team -Dream All American Bowl Leader Award - Wrestling- State Qualifier, Masters winner, Divisional winner, League winner.
Enjoys: Hiking and fishing. Being able to explore the wilderness and lakes to fish at. Also I love to work on engines of all sizes especially small engines doing small repairs.
Plans to major in: Finance and sports marketing.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because of the business program. I felt it was best fit for my athletic ability to continue at. 
What else? I have a great family that loves at supports me in everything I do. My Mom, Stepdad David, Brother Ethan and sister Abby,  I'm the oldest and I'm blessed to have them. I've been playing multiple nonstop sports since I was 5 and I've always been competitive. I can't wait to see where life takes me and I'm thankful for the county I live in and God. 
SMITH SAYS: Conner was all over the field on defense for Oakridge HS, and he was someone our staff targeted as a must get for this class.  Conner has a knack for slipping off blocks, and ducking under or bursting around blockers, and I believe that talent and skill will allow him to compete as a freshman here.   Conner is hard worker in the wt room, and as he gets bigger and stronger he has the potential to be very good here and continue the legacy of dominant defensive lineman.


CHASE DERSARKISSIAN, LINEBACKER
SAN MARCOS H.S. (CALIF.)
Enjoys: Lacrosse and the outdoors. I love to be active and always doing something. 
Plans to major in: Sport Management 
Why Linfield? It has great academics and a fantastic football program. The academics are there not to only help you get a degree but to be able to have a career after you graduate. For football it's the connection that all of the players and coaches have for each other that drive them to get better and better each and every day. 
What else? I'm a huge fan of lacrosse and the outdoors. I've been doing outdoors activities all my life and can't wait for college to start.
SMITH SAYS: Chase brings a high motor and a physical skill set to Linfield. Chase moves very well in open space and is physical on the point of contact. Chase thrives in the classroom and has the chance to be a great leader and player for Linfield throughout his career. 


TREY DIERINGER, DEFENSIVE BACK
SCAPPOOSE H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: First team all-state defensive back; two-time first team all-league and Cowapa League Defensive Player of the Year. Class 4A state wrestling champion
Enjoys: Camping and hanging out with friends and family.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because the football culture is amazing and the schooling is great.
SMITH SAYS: Trey continues the string of fine athletes we have had come to Linfield from Scappoose, home of the McNabb family.   Coach McNabb runs a great program and it is no surprise his athletes come here and succeed.   Trey is very physical in his play, a Scappoose trademark, and he moves well and is very proficient guarding the wide side of the field.    I believe he has the potential to do the same here at the Rover position.

 
ANDREW DURAN, LINEBACKER
UNION MINE H.S. (CALIF.)
Honors: First team all-league 2022, Sierra Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year 2022, Sacramento Bee 2022 All-Metro Team, first team all-league 2021, Defensive MVP 2021.
Enjoys: Weightlifting, snowboarding, air softing and MX riding.
Plans to major in: Mechanical engineering.
Why Linfield? I chose to be a Wildcat and continue my education at Linfield University for multiple reasons. Linfield provides a great college education; I loved the people I met while visiting and we have a championship football program with top ranking coaching.
What else? My great grandparents, Felicita and Gonzalo Mendez, fought against discrimination in the California public education system and won in the landmark case Mendez v. Westminster School District on February 18, 1946. The Mendez v. Westminster case set an important precedent for ending segregation in the United States as it paved the way for the Brown v. Board of Education case.
SMITH SAYS: Andrew brings a great work ethic and team-first attitude to Linfield. Andrew is an explosive player on defense who made play after play on both offense and defense.   Andrew will bring a toughness and physicality whenever he steps on the field.  We are excited to see Andrew's career unfold at Linfield. 
 
 
GABRIEL ERICKSON, DEFENSIVE LINE
STAYTON H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: First team all league offensive and defensive line; honorable mention all-state offensive line.
Enjoys: Camping, going to the gym and snowboarding.
Intends to major in: Management
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because of the culture and the family type of feel when I was on my visit.
SMITH SAYS: Gabriel was a dominant force on both the offensive and defensive line for Stayton High School. He is going to focus on DT here at Linfield where I believe he will be very successful. He has a great frame and with his strength and power he will fit right in with the metal of our defensive line. Gabriel loves to lift and train, and those type of young men thrive in this program.
 

NICHOLAS FORTNEY, DEFENSIVE LINE
GIG HARBOR H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: Second team all-league SSC and SSC runner up MVP lineman.
Enjoys: Fishing, golfing and hunting.
Why Linfield? I felt it was the best fit for me and a place I would thrive.
What else? Very outgoing and if you need someone to do something for you, I'm your guy.
SMITH SAYS: Nicholas has great size and moves extremely well. He comes highly recommended from his high school position coach Trey Farber, which speaks volumes.   Nic gets off the ball very well and uses his hands well to strike.   We are excited to see Nic develop here.
 
 
TYSON FUEHRER JR., LINEBACKER
UNION H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: Second team all-league quarterback and linebacker.
Enjoys: Lifting, reading and friends.
Majoring in: Business management and then branching into finance.
Why Linfield? The players, the campus is very nice, the lunch room and to win.
What else? My goal is to be one of the best linebackers in my division in the country.
SMITH SAYS: Tyson is a very physical player who makes plays all over the field. Tyson moves great in space, has a strong feel for throwing lanes in coverage, and tackles with authority. Tyson's father was a standout TE for us a few years back,and I know Tyson will bring that same fierce competitive edge when he steps foot on the field. Tyson was even used as a wildcat QB at Union HS which shows his playmaking ability. Tyson has the chance to be very good here.

 
DYLAN IWANAGA, DEFENSIVE BACK
LINCOLN H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: All-league honorable mention defensive back.
Enjoys: Fishing and ping pong.
Plans to major in: Business management.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because of the culture and elite football program.
What else? I'm half Japanese and my favorite artist is Carrie Underwood.
SMITH SAYS: Dylan is a heady, smart, coach on the field and is physical. You can see his football intelligence in his play. His great anticipation allows him to play fast and be effective. He will fit our system perfectly as we ask a lot mentally of the safety position. Dylan fits the description perfectly.

 
REECE JENNINGS, DEFENSIVE LINE
GIG HARBOR H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: South Puget Sound League honorable mention.
Enjoys: I have interests in alternative sports other than football. I wrestled in middle and high school, played baseball and commonly went to my local mma gym. Washington has perfect weather for mountain biking in the summer and has maintained trails and jump lines. My family and I go to Whistler Mountain whether it is for skiing, snowboarding or biking.
Plans to major in: Chemistry or biochemistry. I would like to learn more about the human body and how it reacts to its environment, specifically hypertrophy of muscle cells, or in other words getting swole.
Why Linfield? I was offered a spot on a legitimate football program that would develop me as a young man partnered with a quality education. After receiving a first generation scholarship and winning first place in the Linfield competitive scholarship weekend in chemistry, I could not turn down the opportunity. Linfield chose me.
SMITH SAYS: Reece comes to us from the storied Gig Harbor program. We are looking forward to his development as he shows athletic potential at defensive end. He is a very fine student-athlete and will really develop from our strength and conditioning program.
 
 
MAX KIRSCH, SAFETY
NELSON H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: 6A first team all-state defensive back, conference Defensive Player of the Year, first team all-conference defensive back.
Enjoys: Baseball, golf and basketball. And I enjoy hanging out with friends and family.
Plans to major in: Exercise science.
Why Linfield? Amazing coaching staff and felt like a great place for me that has a great history of success.
SMITH SAYS: Max is another young man that was brought to me later in the recruiting process. Like Brady Crenshaw, once we saw one or two plays on film, we knew he was a top prospect. Being from the Mount Hood Conference and being lanky and a great tackler, it is natural to make the comparisons to another MVP of the MHC years ago. I know Max has the coordination, speed, and length to be very effective and he has the anticipation and playmaking to be a very good safety.
 
 
JAKE KRIVOSHEIN, SAFETY
WOODINVILLE H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: KingCo 4A all-league honorable mention outside linebacker; three-year varsity letterman in football and two-year varsity letterman in track and field; football team captain
Enjoys: Being outdoors, specifically bass fishing, going to concerts/shows, weightlifting, and cooking meals.
Plans to major in: Business management.
Why Linfield? I felt at home on my initial visit and the culture translates to excellence in the classroom and athletics. The expectation of success in football specifically is something that I want to be a part of and I believe that high standard will make me the best student athlete I can be.
SMITH SAYS: Jake comes to Linfield via Woodinville HS, an elite program known for its great defense in the Seattle area.  Jake is a consummate football player with great instincts and open-field tackling ability.  Jake has a great frame and we love the way he plays on film and are excited to add his talent and character to our roster.
 

DYLAN MUNLEY, LINEBACKER
TUALATIN H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Second team all-Three Rivers League linebacker.
Enjoys: Basketball, track and spending time with friends and family.
Plans to major in: Exercise science.
Why Linfield? Academics and the storied football program.
SMITH SAYS: Dylan provides some great length and athleticism to the secondary.  He comes from highly successful football and basketball programs at Tualatin and he knows what it takes to be a State Champion.  He is a big bodied defensive back who can cover ground and impact passing lanes.
 
 
ERIC MURTAGH, DEFENSIVE LINE
WEST LINN H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: First team all-state offensive line, first team all-Three Rivers League, TRL Linemen of the Year.
Enjoys: Fishing, skiing and concerts.
Plans to major in: Business management.
Why Linfield? Great football program, great financial aid, close to home.
SMITH SAYS: Eric won a state title in Oregon under former Wildcat Jon Eagle, and Eric and was a large part of their success. Eric is a very smart and tough football player who understands leverage and plays with great technique. He will continue to grow as a defensive lineman. He is a great athlete who plays to his strengths and has a ton of potential. We love his tenacity and effort when he plays, and he is fun to watch run and hit.
 
 
GAVIN NGUYEN, DEFENSIVE LINE
SPRAGUE H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: Second team all-conference defensive line; team captain.
Enjoys: Golf 
Intends to major in: Finance.
Why Linfield? I chose Linfield because it's the best program in the Pacific Northwest and I love the Linfield Community.
SMITH SAYS: Gavin brings toughness and physicality to the linebacker room. Gavin has a good frame, a good strike, and does not shy away from contact. He is an eager learner and a leader and I know he will be a good teammate here. We look forward to seeing how he can develop here.
 
 
GABE PAEA, DEFENSIVE LINE
FEDERAL WAY H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: First team all-league offensive lineman.
Enjoys: Learning more on how to start and manage your own business.
Plans to major in: Business management 
Why Linfield? When I took a visit, the players there were cool and the coaching staff showed so much love. Heard many good things about our defense so excited to be part of that.
SMITH SAYS: Gabe is an intriguing prospect at defensive line because he could play defensive tackle or focus on speed and stay at defensive end. He was an impactful player on both offensive guard and at defensive end at Federal Way and we enjoy his fierce style of play in terms of striking blockers and his effort to the ball carrier. I look for great things from Gabe. He will be a great addition from a personality and character standpoint as well.
 
 
JORDEN REECE, DEFENSIVE END/LINEBACKER
NORTH KITSAP H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: Two-time first team all-league linebacker; all state honoree.
Enjoys: Going to the gym and spending time with family and friends.
Why Linfield? I love the town and environment around the campus. Also like what the football team is teaching.
SMITH SAYS: Jordan is an excellent pass-rusher who combines good length with great speed. He will be a strong addition to our high-pressure defense and we expect him to cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks.  As his body develops, he will become a great asset.
 
 
CONNER TOMPKINS-DELACERDA, DEFENSIVE END
BOTHELL H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: First team all-KingCo defensive end 2022; first team all-KingCo defensive end 2021.
Enjoys: Watching movies, having a good time with friends.
Intends to major in: Law and justice with a minor in either family development or child development.
Why Linfield? To be honest, I didn't know if I wanted to go to college at first but looked around and when I decided I wanted to go, it looked like Linfield could keep me staying at school.
SMITH SAYS: Connor comes to us from powerhouse Bothell High School in Washington.  Connor shows great effort to the ball, and is very stout against the run in particular. We are excited to work with him and see him develop under Coach Vaughan.
 
 
MASON YOCHUM, LINEBACKER
McMINNVILLE H.S. (ORE.)
Honors: First team all-conference 2021-22, honorable Mention 2022-23.
Enjoys: hunting and fishing. 
Plans to major in: Nursing.
Why Linfield? I grew up watching Linfield sports and their football program atmosphere is different from other schools.
SMITH SAYS: Mason is a hardworking young man from here in McMinnville. Like Tyler we welcome another Grizzly.  Mason has a big frame and made many plays for the Grizzlies on both sides of the ball. We are looking forward to having Mason's toughness and versatile skillset in our program.
 

ABDIMAALIK YUSUF, DEFENSIVE LINE
LAKE WASHINGTON H.S. (WASH.)
Honors: Cleats v Cancer All-Star, honorable mention all-conference.
Enjoys: Family and friends company and like to have fun outside.
Why Linfield? I know the program will help me grow as a man and as an athlete.
SMITH SAYS: Abdi is a stout interior defensive lineman who has a great combination of size and athleticism. He moves very well and is tough and physical in the trenches. Abdi has great strength and will be able to bolster a strong DL group. I look forward to seeing just how much Abdi can develop here under Coach Vaughan.