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JMU Duke Dog
December 22nd, 2005, 09:12 AM
http://www.i-aa.com/news/article_13333.shtml


NAU Sports Information
Dec 22, 2005, 07:05

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona University football program has signed five junior college transfers to play football at the school for the 2006 season, said Head Coach Jerome Souers. They will enroll for the spring term.

"Our recruiting class addresses several areas on our football team," said Souers. "We feel we have added a group that will have an immediate impact on the field, as well as be outstanding representatives in the classroom and the community."

The class includes Nate Dedic (Biology, DB, 6-4, 220, Santa Ana College), Fotu Kofutoa (Criminal Justice, DE, 6-2, 240, Snow College), Lionel Scott (Psychology, RB, 6-1, 210, Delta College), John Toailoa (Undecided, OL, 6-0, 285, LB City College) and Adam Wright (Chemical Engineering, DB, 6-0, 190, Riverside CC).

Five of the six players enter NAU with a grade point average above a 3.00 with three carrying averages above a 3.5.

Souers and his staff added a balanced group on both sides of the ball, signing an offensive lineman, two defensive backs, a running back and a defensive end.

Dedic finished the year sixth on the Dons' defense with 27 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble, earning Mission Conference first team honors.

“Nate brings depth and experience to our squad,” said Souers. “He is a physical player in addition to his athletic abilities.”

Kofutoa earned first-team All-Western States Football Conference honors. He helped Snow to the second-ranked defense in the conference, allowing just 291.6 yards and 16.7 points per game. Snow finished ranked No. 8 in the NJCAA with a 10-2 record and a win in the Top of the Mountain Bowl over Butler. He recorded 30 total tackles, including seven tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

“Kofutoa is an athletic defensive player who is a great pass rusher,” said Souers. “He is a real good football player.”

Scott rushed 751 yards with a 5.8 per carry average with five touchdowns. He averaged 118.9 yards of total offense, including 319 receiving yards out of the backfield for the Mustangs.

“Lionel is a great athlete and his change of direction is excellent,” said Souers. “He is physical back with game-breaking speed."

Toailoa played left tackle at Long Beach CC for an offense that averaged 378 yards per game. He earned Mission Conference American Division first-team honors. He helped Long Beach win the division title and a win in the American Bowl against Allan Hancock.

“John is a lineman who can play all five positions,” said Souers. “He is an intelligent football player who projects to immediately help the offensive line.”

Wright earned Mission Conference American Division first-team honors, leading Riverside to its first post-season game in 12 years and its first conference title since 1993. He led the team with 95 total tackles, including 51 solos. He had eight total tackles for loss, including 3.5 sacks with five forced fumbles. He was named the team defensive most valuable player.

“Adam is a great competitor and talented athlete,” said Souers. “He is one of the more intelligent football players. He will be a great addition to our secondary.”