Joplin, Mo. -- Missouri Southern football coach Denver Johnson has announced his 2016 recruiting class. The class will be announced in a press conference inside the football conference room of the new endzone facility on the campus of Missouri Southern at 4 pm.

Below are short bios of the athletes that have been signed.

Taylor Allen - 6-2 - 300 - OL - San Antonio, Texas - Tom C. Clark HS
Prior to Southern - Allen prepped at Tom C. Clark High School for coach Steven McGee ... He did not play his senior year due to injury.

Austin Archey - 6-0 - 220 - ILB - Poteau, Okla. / Poteau HS
Prior to Southern - participated in three sports for the Pirates of Poteau HS...lettered four years at inside linebacker for Coach Forrest Mazey...finished career on gridiron with 525 tackles, 196 during his senior season...the 525 tackles set a new career record for PHS...led all of Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) during his senior season with the 194 tackles...earned SW Times' Oklahoma new comer of the year during his sophomore season, first team All-Defense his junior campaign, and Oklahoma Defensive Player of the Year during his final year....was named Fort Smith Radio Dream Team Defensive Player of the Year...was named OSSAA Class first team All-State and Defensive Player of the Year during his senior season...Archey also lettered two years in track throwing the shot put and one year in powerlifting at the 220 pound class.
Personal - Undecided on his major at Southern...son of Michael and Tracy Archey.

Akel Beard - 6-1 - 230 - LB - Keller, Texas / Byron Nelson HS
Prior to Southern - Beard was an inside linebacker for coach Byron Bode and the Bobcats ... two-time All-District selection on defense, Beard was a first-team selection as a senior where he finished the year with 100 tackles, 70 solo, averaging eight tackles a game ... as a junior, he was a second-team All-District selection ... Beard was a team captain and a team MVP, helping his team to the Texas state playoffs twice.
Personal - The son of Zadek and ArCinda Beard, Akel is planning to major in business at MSSU.

Josiah Bennett - 6-7 - 220 - WR/TE - Odessa, Mo. / Odessa HS
Prior to Southern - Bennett prepped at Odessa High School for coach Mark Thomas ... an Honorable mention All-State pick at tight end ... Bennett was also a first-team All-District pick, as well as being named to the KMZU Dream Team ... A two-sport athlete at Odessa, he also was a first-team All-Conference and All-District pick on the hardwood as a basketball player for the Bulldogs, while also playing first base on the baseball diamond.
Personal - Bennett is the son of Roxy and Mike Bennett and he plans on majoring in education at Southern.

Keith Beverly - 5-10 - 170 - CB - Florissant, Mo. / Parkway North HS
Prior to Southern - Played cornerback for the Parkway North HS Vikings and coach Bob Bunton...finished his career with 58 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles...earned Honorable Mention All-District honors for the Vikings...also rank track at PNHS...personal best times in the 100m was 11.23 and in the 200m was 22.81...also participated in long jump, the 4x200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m relay teams.
Personal - Plans to major in psychology at Southern...son of Keith and Kisha Beverly.

Torey Blevins - 6-3 - 185 - ATH - Phoenix, Ari. / North High School
Prior to Southern - Torey was a two-year starter for former MSSU alum Bernie Buskan at quarterback and corner on defense. Torey was twice selected 1^st team all PUHSD at QB, and in 2015 was selected Offensive Player of the year.

Martin Cano - 6-1 - 285 - OL/DL - Grand Prairie, Texas / Grand Prairie HS
Prior to Southern - Played both center and guard on the offensive line for the Grand Prairie HS Gophers...also played defensive tackle...was a two time first team academic All-District selection...also earned second team All-District honors at guard and honorable mention honors at defensive tackle...also competed for the GPHS Powerlifting team...set personal bests in the bench (465 lbs.) and squat (665 lbs.)...was a thrower for Coach Lowe on the track and field team.
Personal - Plans to major in Kinesiology at Southern...son of Guadalupe and Gabriela Cano.

Austin Carter - 6-4 - 205 - QB - Oak Point, Texas / Little Elm HS
Prior to Southern - Carter started at quarterback for two seasons at Little Elm HS for coach Kendrick Brown...during his junior campaign earned team MVP honors while being named unanimous All-District 9-5A...during his senior season was named a team captain, again won the team MVP, earned All-State Academic honors, and earned honorable mention at quarterback for District 9-5A.
Personal - Plans to major in international business at Southern...son of Michael and Julie Carter.

Quintahj Cherry - 5-10 - 180 - QB/ATH - Muskogee, Okla. / Muskogee HS
Prior to Southern - Cherry earned four letters on the gridiron for the Muskogee HS Roughers and coach Rafe Watkins...was named first team All-Phoenix by the Muskogee Phoenix and second team All-Conference during those four years...was a three year captain for the Roughers...also earned four letters in both basketball and track and field...helped lead MHS to OSSAA state appearances in both basketball and track.
Personal - Undecided on major at Southern...son of Sherika Cherry.

Jevonte Cross - 6-1 - 241 - LB - Tulsa, Okla. / East Central HS / Sam Houston State
Prior to Southern - Transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma to Sam Houston State in the spring of 2015...participated in spring drills with the Bearkats in 2015...while at NEO earned All-Conference linebacker in the Texas League Conference...at East Central HS in Tulsa, Okla. earned All-state, all-district, team captain honors and "Most Valuable Player" for Coach Travis Hill ... rose to Rivals 3-Star recruit status... set school record with 195 tackles as a senior ... led team to district titles each of his years at East Central.
Personal - Plans to major in kinesiology at Southern...son of Desiree Ballard.

Deshon Cowling - 6-0 - 176 - 176 - RB/WR - Brundidge, Ala. / Pike County HS
Prior to Southern -Cowling prepped at Pike County High School for coach Fred Holland ... Holland was named an All-State second-team selection, while also being named Super 12 as well as an All-Area pick ... Also a member of the basketball team at his school, he was an All-Area pick as a point guard for the Bulldogs.
Personal -Cowling is the son of Aquilla Gray ... He intends to major in computer engineering at MSSU.

Eric Dedrick, Jr. - 6-5 - 225 - TE/HB - Dallas, Texas / Pima CC
Prior to Southern - Played in 10 games at Pima CC during 2015 season...caught 19 passes for 246 yards and two scores...redshirted freshman season at Scottsdale CC...a 2011 graduate of Luther Burbank HS earned two letters at defensive end for Coach James Pale while garnering first team All-Conference honors during his senior year...was selected for the 2011 Optimist All-Star South Team and was ranked the number 10 TE by JCgridiron...also earned two letters at power forward/center on the basketball court for the Titans.
Personal - Plans to major in Health and Wellness Promotion at Southern...son of Tashia Weaver.

Josh Dorsey - 6-1 - DT - St. Louis, Mo. / North Dakota State College of Science
Prior to Southern - Dorsey played at North Dakota State College of Science ... prior to that, Dorsey prepped at Normandy High School in St. Louis for coach Antoine Torrey.
Personal - Dorsey is the son of Sheila Dorsey and Janius Woodside Jr. ... He plans to major in social work at Southern.

Jaylynn Dye - 5-11 - 161 - WR - Van Buren, Ark. / Van Buren HS
Prior to Southern - Dye prepped at Van Buren High School for coach Greg Werner and the Pointers ... An All-State, All-Conference and All-Star selection Dye had 62 carries and 9.9 yards per carry as a senior, while also putting down 21 receptions for 283 yards and seven touchdowns ... As a junior, Dye caught 61 passes for 1,185 yards and 11 scores ... Also a standout on the basketball court where he was his team's point guard, Dye was an All-Conference and All-State pick on the hardwood.
Personal - Dye is the son of Latoya Page and is undecided on his future major at Southern.

Keenen Ferrier - 5-8 - 165 - WR - Oologah / Talala HS
Prior to Southern - A three year letter winner for coach Brandon Craig and the Mustangs ... As a senior, Ferrier caught 18 touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards, averaging over 20 yards per catch ... An All-District receiver, Ferrier helped lead his team to back-to-back state finalist appearances in both 2014 and 2015.
Personal - Ferrier is the son of Kevin and Debbie Ferrier ... He intends to major in business at Southern.

Trevor Flores - WR - 6-1 - 165 - Missouri City, Texas / Ridge Point HS
Prior to Southern - Flores played wide receiver for coach Brett Sniffin at Ridge Point High School ... He helped the Panthers to a state semifinalist berth, while helping to lead the team to two District Championships ... He had 17 career touchdown receptions ... Also a standout track sprinter, he holds personal bests in the 200m of 23.1 and 51.8 in the 400m.
Personal - Flores is the son of Tracy and Kim Flores ... He intends on majoring in criminal justice at Southern.

Shane Gosson - 6-1 - QB/ATH - 190 - Missouri City, Texas / Ridge Point HS
Prior to Southern - A year starter for the Ridge Pointe Panthers at quarterback, Gosson lead the Panthers to a state runner up in the UIL playoffs ... Gosson had a strong season with 2,661 passing yards, 29 total TDs, with a 58% completion percentage. He was selected to 1^st team All District 23-5A ... Gosson was also a member of the Panther track team competing in the 4X200M and the 200M.
Personal - Plans to major in mass communications at Southern...son of Mechelle Batties.

Braylon Harris - 5-10 - 215 - RB/ROV - Maumelle, Ark. / Central Arkansas Christian HS
Prior to Southern - Harris was a four year letter winner at running back for the Mustangs of Central Arkansas Christian HS in North Little Rock...was a two time All-Conference selection and earned All-State honors for coach Tommy Shoemaker...was a finalist for Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) Offensive Player of the Year award...recorded 72 career touchdowns for the Mustangs.

LaVelle Houston - 5-11 - 285 - OL/DL - Calumet City, Ill. / Mount Carmel HS
Prior to Southern - Lettered two years at defensive line for the Mount Carmel HS Caravans...earned the team most outstanding defensive lineman award in 2015...also lettered two years in track throwing shot put and discus...was a state finalist in discus in 2015.
Personal - Plans to major in pre-engineering at Southern...son of LaTanya Hughes.

Michael Johnson, Jr. - 5-10 - 190 - RB - Plainfield, Ill. / Joliet Catholic HS
Prior to Southern - Johnson played for coach Dan Sharp at Joliet Catholic High School ... Johnson was an All-State selection as a senior when he was picked as the 5A Illinois All-State Player of the Year .... He was a finalist for the Joliet Herald News Offensive Player of the Year, as well as being picked as the Chicago Tribune Player of the Year ... Was also named the East Suburban Catholic Offensive Player of the Year ... As a senior, Johnson rushed for 1,986 yards and had 26 touchdowns, totaling for 190 team points ... He also caught 29 passes for 539 yards and an average of 18.6 per catch ... Johnson helped his team to a conference title in both his junior and senior seasons, while making it to the State Playoffs each year.
Personal - Johnson is the son of Tomeca Boue and Michael Johnson, Sr. ... He intends to major in Nursing at MSSU.

Christian Littlehead - 6-3 - 305 - DL - Broken Arrow, Okla. / Tahlequah Sequoyah HS / Oklahoma State
Prior to Southern - Littlehead was selected to the 2010 All-Big XII Defensive freshman team after playing in 12 games for the Cowboys recording 16 tackles (13 solo, 3 assisted) including 2.0 tackles for a loss and 1.0 sack...sophomore season saw action in 8 games for OSU recording four tackles (3 solo, 1 assist)...earned a high school All-American nod at Tahlequah Sequoyah HS in 2010.
Personal - Plans to major in business marketing at Southern...son of Jim and Claudia Littlehead.

Demontra McNealy - 6-4 - 245 - TE - Auburn, Wash. / Auburn Senior HS / Butte College
Prior to Southern - Played in eight games for Butte College in 2015...caught 14 passes for 169 yards and two scores for the Roadrunners...a 2013 graduate of Auburn (Wash.) Senior HS earned three letters at tight end and defensive end for the Trojans...also earned one letter playing center on the basketball court and two letters in track and field.
Personal - Plans to major in criminal justice at Southern...son of Alicia Hyman.

Gerrit Montgomery - 6-5 - 255 - OL/DL - Aurora, Mo. / Aurora HS

Jeremiah Moore - 6-2 - 290 - OL/DL - Tallahassee, Fla. / James S. Rickards HS
Prior to Southern - Moore was selected team captain his senior year at James S. Rickards HS...recorded 70 tackles (48 solo, 22 assist) during his senior season...recorded four sacks, and blocked two kicks...earned All-Big Bend honors...also wrestled for the Raiders.
Personal - Plans to major in history at Southern...son of Daisy Moore.

Bill Nixon - 6-3 - 220 - OL/LS - Grove, Okla. / Grove HS / NEO A&M
Prior to Southern - A long snapper for the Norsemen of NEO A&M...earned four letters at Grove HS at left tackle, defensive end, and long snapper...was selected All-District defensive end in 2012 for the Ridgerunners...earned four letters in wrestling in the 195 weight class and one letter in track and field running the 400m and the mile relay races.
Personal - Plans to major in education (math) at Southern...son of Bill and Kim Nixon and Syrina and Jason Nelson.

Maliq' Owens - 6-1 - 195 - DB - Sherman, Texas / Sherman HS
Prior to Southern - Owens earned three letters at safety and wide receiver for Sherman HS...during his three years playing for the Bearcats earned second team All-Conference honors...voted wide receiver of the year for Sherman HS...caught 76 passes for 784 yards...also earned two letters in track and field competing in the triple and long jumps and running the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay...set personal bests of 21 feet in the long jump and 42'4 in the triple jump.
Personal - Undecided on his major at Southern...son of MSSU alum Marque Owens ('00)...high school teammate of Chadd Perry.

Jonah Paszek - 6-1 - 182 - WR/DB - Monett, Mo. / Monett HS
Prior to Southern - Only played one season on the gridiron for the Cubs...caught eight touchdowns and recorded over 800 yards receiving...earned first team All-Big 8 Conference honors and second team All-Area honors at wide receiver...was also a four year letterwinner on the basketball court for Monett HS...averaged 9.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest during his sophomore season and 12.0 points and 11.0 boards during the junior campaign...also a two year letterwinner for the Cubs swimming team participating in all strokes...a two time selection to the A/B Honor Roll and was selected as a representative to Missouri Boys State during the summer of 2015.
Personal - Plans to major in criminal justice at Southern...son of Don and Missy Paszek.

Chadd Perry - 6-1 - 195 - DB - Sherman, Texas / Sherman HS
Prior to Southern - Perry earned three letters playing safety and running back at Sherman HS...was an honorable mention selection his sophomore season and first team All-District selection at safety during his junior season...earned team awards of newcomer of the year, DB of the year, defensive MVP, RB of the year, and strongest Bearcat while playing at Sherman HS...was also a three year letterwinner on the track running the 100m and the 4x100m relay....earned three letters in powerlifting as a member of the Bearcats squad.
Personal - Undecided on his major at Southern...son of Ramona Brown...high school teammate of Maliq' Owens.

Nic Preston - 6-2 - 198 - LB - Hazelwood, Mo. / Pattonville HS
Prior to Southern - Played four years at Pattonville HS...during his senior season tallied 74 total tackles (32 solo, 42 assists) including 6 tackles for loss and two sacks...in a game on August 21, 2015 vs. Seckman caught one pass for 25 yards...earned honorable mention All-Conference honors during his senior season.
Personal - Plans to major in business at Southern...son of Rebecca and James Preston.

Roc Robbins - 6-1 - 215 - OLB - Talala, Okla. / Collinsville HS
Prior to Southern - Robbins earned four letters playing five different positions on the gridiron for the Cardinals of Collinsville HS...during an injury shortened sophomore season Robbins recorded 27 tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown...during his junior campaign recorded 127 tackles, six sacks, forced five fumbles, and grabbed one pick six...his senior year saw 125 tackles, 10 sacks, and six forced fumbles...he earned 2014 Tulsa World All-District honorable mention and The Oklahoman All-State honorable mention honors...during his senior season was awarded the 2015 Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) Class 5A District 4 Player of the Year and was selected All-Metro Defensive second team while helping the Cardinals to three straight district championships and the 2015 OSSAA Class 5A runner-up...also earned four letters on the mat for the Cardinals wrestling at the 170, 182, and 195 weight classes...was the 2015 OSSAA Class 5A state runner-up at the 195lb weight class while helping the CHS wrestling team to three straight team titles...Robbins was also a star in the class room for Collinsville HS as he was the Class of 2016 Salutatorian, a delegate to the 2015 Oklahoma Boys State, attended the 2015 US Navy Summer Seminar, and a member of the National Honor Society.
Personal - Plans to major in biology (pre-med) at Southern...son of Allen & Danielle Robbins.

Nicholas Roller - 6-0 - 230 - RB - Bixby, Okla. / Bixby HS
Prior to Southern - Played running back for four years at Bixby HS...was the leading rusher in Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activity Association (OSSAA) Class 6A...earned All-Conference honors in 2013, 2014, and 2015...helped lead the Spartans to the 2014 and 2015 OSSAA Class 6AII State Championship...during his junior season (2014) earned Tulsa World All-State, The Daily Oklahoman All-State, and the Tulsa World Metro Player of the Year honors...also earned four letters on the mat for Bixby HS wrestling in the 220lb weight class.
Personal - Undecided on a major at Southern...son of Keith and Amy Roller.

Hunter Sidwell - 6-6 - 265 - OL/DL - St. Joseph, Mo. / Savannah HS
Prior to Southern - Sidwell earned honorable mention All-Conference honors during both his junior and senior seasons for Savannah HS...earned three letters on the offensive line and at defensive end for the Savages... also earned three letters at center on the basketball court for Savannah HS.
Personal - Plans to major in pre-physical therapy at Southern...son of Chris and Heidi Sidwell.

Austin Skelton - 5-11 - 188 - WR/KR - Poteau, Okla. / Poteau HS
Prior to Southern - Helped lead the Pirates of Poteau HS to the state playoffs in both football and track...finished 2015 as the number three wide receiver regardless of class in the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) with 49 receptions for 965 yards and 9 scores.
Personal - Undecided on his major at Southern...son of Teresa Nixon and Raymond Skelton...high school teammate of Austin Archey.

Elijah Smith - 6-1 - 285 - OL - Norman, Okla. / Norman HS

Douglas Stevens - 6-2 - 170 - WR/ATH - Mineral Wells, Texas / Mineral Wells HS
Prior to Southern - Stevens was a first-team All-District receiver for coach Gerald Perry at Mineral Wells High School ... He was an Academic All-District pick, as well as being named All-State as a receiver ... Also a track standout, he ran the sprints for coach Jackie Harvey.
Personal - Stevens is the son of Doug and Toni Stevens ... He plans to major in pre-law at MSSU.

Alexander Wade - 5-11 - 187 - DB - Richmond, Texas / George Bush HS
Prior to Southern - Wade earned four letters playing strong safety, linebacker, running back, and slot receiver for the Broncos of George Bush HS...earned first team All-District honors at safety as a junior and first team All-District honors at outside linebacker as a senior...was voted team most valuable defensive back as a junior and team MVP during his senior season...also earned two letters on the diamond playing outfield and short stop for GBHS.
Personal - Plans to major in business logistics at Southern...son of Cheantel Adams.

Darrius Walker - 6-4 - 240 - TE - Grandview, Mo. / Grandview HS

Brendan Watkins - 5-9 - 175 - RB - Olathe, Kan. - Olathe Northwest HS
Prior to Southern - Watkins was a football and track athlete at Olathe Northwest HS in suburban Kansas City ... As a member of the Ravens' football team, he played for coach Chip Sherman where he was a two-time letter winner ... Watkins was a honorable mention selection in football, while earning All-State honors as a jumper in track and field.
Personal - The son of Wardell Watkins, Brendan intends on majoring in engineering at MSSU.

Kendall Williams - 6-0 - 225 - RB - Little Rock, Ark. /Butte College
Prior to Southern - Williams played a season at Butte College in California where he was ranked as the No. 3 running back in the junior college ranks ... Originally a signee of Iowa State out of Butte, Williams rushed for 1,156 yards and nine touchdowns as a freshman where he was a first-team All-Conference, All-Region and All-American selection at Butte ... a 2012 graduate of North Little Rock High School.
Personal - Williams is the son of Fitzgerald Williams and Anissa Williams ... Williams intends to major in sociology at MSSU.
Cameron Wood - 6-6 - 265 - OL/DL - Claremore, Okla. / Oologah HS
Prior to Southern - Wood earned four letters at offensive tackle for the Oologah HS Mustangs...was a 2015 Pre-Season Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) Class 4A First Team All-Vype Offensive Lineman and was a first team All-Vype and All-Conference selection on the offensive line...he earned All-District honors on the o-line and honorable mention All-Metro and the Oklahoman All-State honors...he helped lead the Mustangs to the 2014 district championship and back-to-back OSSAA Class 4A State Runner-up finishes...Wood also lettered two times in the shot put for Oologah HS.
Personal - Plans to major in sports medicine at Southern...son of Keith and Cindy Wood.

Dominque Atkinson - 5-10 - 270 - Shawnee Mission, Kan. / Shawnee Mission East HS / Butler Community College
Prior to Southern- attended Butler Community College for two years appearing in three games for the lancers. At Shawnee Mission East High School where he was a three time All-Conference selection, all metro team, and All-State selection. Atkinson was also a three-year letterman in wrestling in the 285-weight class.

Austin Grotts - 6-5 - 330 - Noel, Mo. / McDonald County High School / Southwest Baptist
Prior to Southern - transferred to southern after redshirting at Southwest Baptist. At McDonald County High school Grotts was a 3-year letterman in football and basketball. He was an honorable mention all-district member for both sports as well.

Anthony Hardin - 6-5 - 345 - Nixa, Mo. / Ozark High School
Prior to Southern - a one year letterman at Ozark High School at right tackle. Hardin was also a member of the tigers track team.

Patrick Cheek - 5-11 - 190 - DB - Hayward, Calif. / Castro Valley HS / Laney CC

Prior to Southern - Recently completed his first season ever at safety after playing running back for previous five years...finished his season at Laney CC with two interceptions, two forced fumbles with one recovery, and 48 tackles...at Castro Valley HS he was a two-time first team All-League selection at running back and Bay Area Player of the Week...gathered honorable mention Northern California Player of the Week honors.

Personal - Plans to major in biology at Southern...son of Latarsha and Danny Cheek.

Devin Hames -6-0 - 195 - RB/ATH - Neosho, Mo. / Neosho HS

Prior to Southern - After a strong junior season Hames broke out as a senior amassing 1,800 yards rushing, 200 yards receiving, 400 return yards, and 28 TD ... Devin was a team Captain, first team All-COC, 1st Team All-Area Class 5-6, and 2nd Team All-State Class 5 ... Devin set the Neosho HS single season rushing and TD record and also plays basketball for the Wildcats.

Lukas Werneke - 6-3 - 220 - TE/DE - Neosho, Mo. / Neosho HS

Prior to Southern - Sure handed tight end who became a strong perimeter and down blocker by the end of his senior season...was also a team Captain and was selected 2nd Team COC and 2nd Team All-Area Class 5-6... also plays basketball for the Wildcats.

Jordan White - 6-4 - 270 - OL/DL - Neosho, Mo. / Neosho HS

Prior to Southern - Three Year Starter on the OL, 2nd Team COC, team Captain, and COC Heavyweight wrestling champion...he was also a three Year IronCat winner in the weight room.