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McNeese State announced the signing of 20 outstanding high school football players Wednesday.
“We’re excited about this group,” said head coach Matt Viator. “We have addressed our needs not only for next year but for years to come.”
Among the recruits are wide receiver Damon Gladney Jr. of Haughton High and tailback Alex Johnson of Carencro High, both all-state performers and two of most recruited players in the state.
Gladney, the son of former Cowboy all-conference defensive back Damon Gladney Sr., was a two-time all-state performer and last season caught 68 passes for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns. He had a career total of 181 catches for 3,144 yards (17.4 yard average) and 39 touchdowns.
The 6-0, 200 pound Johnson was the state’s Class AAAAA MVP the past year after he rushed for 2,857 yarsds and 39 touchdowns, leading his team to the state championship game. He had a career total of 5,187 yards rushing with 65 touchdowns.
The Cowboys also addressed needs in the offensive line, at tight end, fullback, punter and linebacker.
Offensive linemen signing were Billy Aubertin of Klein Collins High of Spring, TX, Patrick Jacobs of Elton High, William McMillan Jr. of St. Thomas More High and Mason Martin of Pineville High.
Tight ends signed were Kaleb Cormier of Crowley High and Jordan Murray of St. Thomas More High and fullbacks signing were Bryce Hebert of South Beauregard High and Dylan Long of St. Paul High of Covington.
Acadiana High all-state punter and place kicker Jean Breaux signed with the Cowboys as did linebackers Bo Brown of Katy (TX) High, Brody Burkhalter of Parkview Baptist (Baton Rouge) and Kyle Harden of Tomball (TX) High.
And, defensive ends signing were Jake Grode of Katy (TX) High, Zach Hetrick of Central High (Baton Rouge) and Cameron Smith of J. P. Taravella High of Tamarac, FL and defensive backs added were Steele Merritt of St. Mary’s High (Natchitoches), Shea Nutt of Brenham (TX) High and Brenten Spikes of Newton (TX) High.
McNeese State 2012 Football Recruits-
Billy Aubertin, OL, 6-3, 280, Klein Collins HS, Spring, TX - named to the all-district team.... also named to Houston Top 100 list and to the Class AAAAA player watch list...played on district championship and undefeated teams as sophomore and junior...team posted 31-5 record during his career...two year starter and three year letterman...played for Coach Drew Svo- boda....parent is Diana Aubertin....projected major: business management. For Highlightsclick here
Jean Breaux, PK/P, 5-10, 155, Acadiana HS, Scott, LA - earned all-state (honorable mention), all-district (first eam), all- Acadiana (first team) honors as both place kicker and punter...made 118 of 120 PATs during career..also eight of 10 field goals with long of 38 yards...averaged 43.5 yards on 38 punts with a long of 63 yards...three letters in football....four letters in soc- cer and all-district....also two letters in baseball...played for Coach Ted Davidson...parents are Amy and Jeff Pool...projected major: physical therapy...For highlights click here
Bo Brown, LB, 6-1, 215, Katy HS, Katy, TX - all-state honorable mention, first team all-Greater Houston, finalist for Hous- ton TD club defensive player of year award, first team unanimous all-district...named school's John Culpepper athlete of the year...the past season credited with 146 tackles, nine sacks, two pass interceptions...in two year career had 277 tackles, 10 sacks, three interceptions, one fumble recovered...academic all-district and honorable mention academic all-state....also base- ball letter...all-district honorable mention as designated hitter...played for Coach Gary Joseph...parents are Sheir and David Brown...projected major: pre-med...For highlights click here
Brody Burkhalter, LB, 6-2, 220, Parkview Baptist, Baton Rouge, LA - first team all-state honors..also, all-district and all-metro...in 2011 season was credited with 100 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, five pass interceptions, returning three for tds....career totals of 301 tackles, seven interceptions (returned five for tds), 71 tackles for a loss, 16 sacks...played for Coach Kenny Guillot (former McNeese assistant coach)...parent is Camille Burkhalter...projected major: exercise science...For highlights click here
Kaleb Cormier, TE, 6-4, 232, Crowley HS, Crowley, LA - earned all-district and all-parish honors...four letters playing as both a wide receiver and a tight end...in senior season he caught 20 passes for 315 yards and three tds and as a junior he had 31 receptions for 510 yards and three tds...also three letters in basketball, four in baseball (pitcher and first base) and four in track and field (long and triple jump)...had a 44-9 best in the triple jump and 22-1 in the long jump...all-district in triple and long jump and twice named team's MVP in field events...member of National Honor Society....played for Coaches Tommy Tate and Josh Fontenot....parents are Jude and Nora Cormier....projected major: mechanical engineering...For highlights click here
Damon Gladney Jr, WR, 6-1, 180, Haughton HS, Haughton, LA - two time first team all-state, all-district, all-city...re- ceived coaches choice award...caught 63 passes for 1,135 yards and 15 tds in 2011..caught 70 passes for 1,211 yards and 15 tds as a junior...career totals of 181 catches for 3,144 yards (17.4 yd avg) and 39 tds...track letter as sprinter...carried a 3.00 grade point average....played for Coach Rodney Guin.....parents are Damon Gladney Sr. and Angela Jeter...father played defensive back for McNeese from 1992 to 1995, earning all-conference honors...projected major: undecided...For highlights click here
Jake Grode, DE, 6-4, 225, Katy HS, Katy, TX - first team all-district...twice named defensive player of week by Katy Weekly...team captain...football leadership council...two time academic all-district...two letters....47 tackles last year with seven sacks...caused fumble..recovered two fumbles...blocked kick....65 tackles in career, nine sacks, two fumbles caused... played for Coach Gary Joseph....parents are Keith and Toni Grode...projected major: undecided...For highlights click here
Kyle Harden, LB, 6-3, 216, Tomball HS, Tomball, TX - two time all-district selection...team captain and team MVP as a se- nior....totaled 88 tackles, two pass interceptions and two sacks in senior season....two time all-district academic....will gradute cum laude....National Honor Society member...Rotary Club student of the month...DAR citizenship award...EMT certifica- tion...played for Coach Tommy Kaiser....parents are Maggie and Bruce Harden...projected major: pre-med..For highlights click here
Bryce Hebert, FB, 6-2, 220, South Beauregard HS, Ragley, LA - three time all-district as tight end...three times all-parish... in senior season had 17 pass receptions for 215 yards...career total of 45 catches for 643 yards and five touchdowns...also played fullback and defensive end....honor roll student and Tops qualifier... played for Coach Shawn Demeritt, a former Mc- Neese assistant coach....parents are Lark and Lisa Hebert....father is a member of the McNeese coaching staff and a former Cowboy all-conference player....projected major: Education/Art...For highlights click here
Zach Hetrick, DE, 6-3, 235, Central HS, Baton Rouge, LA - first team all-district and named league's defensive MVP... all-state honorable mention...credited with 150 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss and six sacks as a senior....88 tackles, 21 TFLs, seven sacks, four fumble recoveries and two defensive tds as a junior...also played linebacker and tight end...also letterman in golf for which he qualified for both the regional and metro tournaments....received academic excellence award for 3.8 GPA.... played for Coach Doug Dotson...parents are Rob and Angie Hetrick...projected major: pre-med...For highlights click here
Patrick Jacobs, OL, 6-4, 280, Elton HS, Elton, LA - first team all-state, all-district, all-Southwest Louisiana and all-Jeff Davis Parish....also all-district and all-Jeff Davis as sophomore and junior...four letters in football, four in basketball (center)... season offensive grade of 93 percent with 52 pancake blocks...on defense he was credited with 46 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss.... also track and field letters in the shot put....played for Coach Kevin Bertrand....parents are Stefanie and Windy Goodley and Greg Williams...projected major: engineering...For highlights click here
Alex Johnson, TB, 6-0, 200, Carencro HS, Carencro, LA - first team all-state selection and named the offensive MVP for Class AAAAA.... three times first team all-district and district MVP....first team all-Acadiana and offensive MVP....rushed for 2,857 yards and 39 touchdowns as a senior.....career totals of 5,187 yards rushing with 65 touchdowns on 465 carries...also returned kicks for 780 yards...four letters in football and three in track...played for Coach Brent Indest.....parent is Bernadette Johnson....projected major: engineering...For highlights click here
Dylan Long, FB, 6-0, 225, St. Paul HS, Covington, LA - two time all-district...all-metro...athlete of the year...named to Clarion Herald elite team...rushed for 1,023 yards and 17 tds as a senior, for 1,218 yards and 23 tds as a junior and for 1,135 yards and 18 tds as a sophomore...also totaled 877 yards receiving passes the three years...lettered in baseball as catcher, DH and outfielder...played for Coach Ken Sears...parents are Keith and Leslie Long...grandfather is former McNeese football player and Louisiana coaching legend Jack Salter....projected major: Geology...For highlights click here
William McMillan Jr, OL, 6-4, 280, St. Thomas More HS, Lafayette, LA - first team all-district and all-Acadiana...offen- sive line MVP....three letters in football and two letters in wrestling.....named to the all-Acadiana wresting team twice....of- fensive grade of 92 percent for season...also had 26 pancake blocks and 14 knockdowns ....played for Coach Jim Hightower... parents are Wikoff and Nancy McMillan....projected major: pre-med...For highlights click here
Mason Martin, OL, 6-2, 295, Pineville HS, Pineville, LA - first team coaches all-state, first team all-district and first team all-Cenla....four year starter in football....started 37 straight games...also power lifting and baseball (first base and pitcher) letterman....two time state qualifier in power lifting and second team all-district in baseball....four time district literary rally participant and two time state literary rally participant.... played for father Coach Robbie Martin....parents are Robbie and Dee Martin...projected major: undecided...For highlightsclick here
Steele Merritt, DB, 6-1, 195, St. Mary's HS, Natchitoches, LA- four time all-district and all-area...offensive MVP...earned honors as both defensive back and wide receiver...also played quarterback during his career....as a wide receiver caught 104 passes for 1,904 yards and 29 tds...as a quarterback completed 82 of 175 passes for 1,566 yards and 21 tds...as a defensive back was credited with 35 tackles and four pass interceptions...also baseball (outfielder), basketball (forward) and track (high jump and relays) letter winner..all-state and all-district honors in baseball and all-district in basketball...state qualifier in high jump....district champion in high jump and 4x100 and 4x200 relays....three time regional qualifier in high jump...played for Coach Charlie Cryer...parents are Nanette Bienvenu and Kurt Merritt....projected major: engineering...For highlights click here
Jordan Murray, TE, 6-3, 265, St. Thomas More HS, Youngsville, LA - two-time all-district....in senior season he caught 18 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown...as a junior he had 26 catches for 320 yards and a td....average grade of 91 percent for season...had 19 pancake blocks and 23 knockdowns....also a baseball letterman as a first baseman and designated hitter.... played for Coach Jim Hightower...parents are Trey and Casetta Murray....projected major: Criminal Justice...For highlights click here
Shea Nutt, DB, 6-2, 175, Brenham HS, Brenham, TX - all-district as both a safety and punter....in senior year he was cred- ited with seven pass interceptions which he returned for three tds...also had 65 tackles...as a junior he had three interceptions and returned one for a td..also had 60 tackles...averaged 41 yards a punt as a senior....also played as a wide receiver....pitcher and third baseman in baseball and was named to all-district team as a pitcher.....has also pole vaulted....two time district all- academic...played for Coach Glen West...parents are Neil Nutt and Patrece Whitaker.....projected major: undecided...For highlights click here
Cameron Smith, DE, 6-3, 225, J. P. Taravella HS, Tamarac, Fl - three year letterman and played defensive end, linebacker and tight end..earned all-county honors and served as team captain..won the Brian Piccolo scholar/athlete award....in senior season was credited with total of 95 tackles (65 unassisted) along with five sacks, four pass breakups and two fumble recover- ies (one for a td)...also caught 10 passes, one for a td...played for Coach Dan Marguriet....parents are Cynthia Anderson and Gary Smith....projected major: engineering...For highlights click here
Brenten Spikes, DB , 6-1, 190, Newton HS, Newton, TX - two time first team all-district as a free safety...played three years and in those three years had 352 tackles, four pass interceptions....also used as a running back and rushed for 1200 yards in career with 11 touchdowns....basketball letter three years and track letter four years...played for Coach W. T. Johnston...parents are Jerome and Francine Spikes...projected major: undecided...For highlights click here
McNeese State announced the signing of 20 outstanding high school football players Wednesday.
“We’re excited about this group,” said head coach Matt Viator. “We have addressed our needs not only for next year but for years to come.”
Among the recruits are wide receiver Damon Gladney Jr. of Haughton High and tailback Alex Johnson of Carencro High, both all-state performers and two of most recruited players in the state.
Gladney, the son of former Cowboy all-conference defensive back Damon Gladney Sr., was a two-time all-state performer and last season caught 68 passes for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns. He had a career total of 181 catches for 3,144 yards (17.4 yard average) and 39 touchdowns.
The 6-0, 200 pound Johnson was the state’s Class AAAAA MVP the past year after he rushed for 2,857 yarsds and 39 touchdowns, leading his team to the state championship game. He had a career total of 5,187 yards rushing with 65 touchdowns.
The Cowboys also addressed needs in the offensive line, at tight end, fullback, punter and linebacker.
Offensive linemen signing were Billy Aubertin of Klein Collins High of Spring, TX, Patrick Jacobs of Elton High, William McMillan Jr. of St. Thomas More High and Mason Martin of Pineville High.
Tight ends signed were Kaleb Cormier of Crowley High and Jordan Murray of St. Thomas More High and fullbacks signing were Bryce Hebert of South Beauregard High and Dylan Long of St. Paul High of Covington.
Acadiana High all-state punter and place kicker Jean Breaux signed with the Cowboys as did linebackers Bo Brown of Katy (TX) High, Brody Burkhalter of Parkview Baptist (Baton Rouge) and Kyle Harden of Tomball (TX) High.
And, defensive ends signing were Jake Grode of Katy (TX) High, Zach Hetrick of Central High (Baton Rouge) and Cameron Smith of J. P. Taravella High of Tamarac, FL and defensive backs added were Steele Merritt of St. Mary’s High (Natchitoches), Shea Nutt of Brenham (TX) High and Brenten Spikes of Newton (TX) High.
McNeese State 2012 Football Recruits-
Billy Aubertin, OL, 6-3, 280, Klein Collins HS, Spring, TX - named to the all-district team.... also named to Houston Top 100 list and to the Class AAAAA player watch list...played on district championship and undefeated teams as sophomore and junior...team posted 31-5 record during his career...two year starter and three year letterman...played for Coach Drew Svo- boda....parent is Diana Aubertin....projected major: business management. For Highlightsclick here
Jean Breaux, PK/P, 5-10, 155, Acadiana HS, Scott, LA - earned all-state (honorable mention), all-district (first eam), all- Acadiana (first team) honors as both place kicker and punter...made 118 of 120 PATs during career..also eight of 10 field goals with long of 38 yards...averaged 43.5 yards on 38 punts with a long of 63 yards...three letters in football....four letters in soc- cer and all-district....also two letters in baseball...played for Coach Ted Davidson...parents are Amy and Jeff Pool...projected major: physical therapy...For highlights click here
Bo Brown, LB, 6-1, 215, Katy HS, Katy, TX - all-state honorable mention, first team all-Greater Houston, finalist for Hous- ton TD club defensive player of year award, first team unanimous all-district...named school's John Culpepper athlete of the year...the past season credited with 146 tackles, nine sacks, two pass interceptions...in two year career had 277 tackles, 10 sacks, three interceptions, one fumble recovered...academic all-district and honorable mention academic all-state....also base- ball letter...all-district honorable mention as designated hitter...played for Coach Gary Joseph...parents are Sheir and David Brown...projected major: pre-med...For highlights click here
Brody Burkhalter, LB, 6-2, 220, Parkview Baptist, Baton Rouge, LA - first team all-state honors..also, all-district and all-metro...in 2011 season was credited with 100 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, five pass interceptions, returning three for tds....career totals of 301 tackles, seven interceptions (returned five for tds), 71 tackles for a loss, 16 sacks...played for Coach Kenny Guillot (former McNeese assistant coach)...parent is Camille Burkhalter...projected major: exercise science...For highlights click here
Kaleb Cormier, TE, 6-4, 232, Crowley HS, Crowley, LA - earned all-district and all-parish honors...four letters playing as both a wide receiver and a tight end...in senior season he caught 20 passes for 315 yards and three tds and as a junior he had 31 receptions for 510 yards and three tds...also three letters in basketball, four in baseball (pitcher and first base) and four in track and field (long and triple jump)...had a 44-9 best in the triple jump and 22-1 in the long jump...all-district in triple and long jump and twice named team's MVP in field events...member of National Honor Society....played for Coaches Tommy Tate and Josh Fontenot....parents are Jude and Nora Cormier....projected major: mechanical engineering...For highlights click here
Damon Gladney Jr, WR, 6-1, 180, Haughton HS, Haughton, LA - two time first team all-state, all-district, all-city...re- ceived coaches choice award...caught 63 passes for 1,135 yards and 15 tds in 2011..caught 70 passes for 1,211 yards and 15 tds as a junior...career totals of 181 catches for 3,144 yards (17.4 yd avg) and 39 tds...track letter as sprinter...carried a 3.00 grade point average....played for Coach Rodney Guin.....parents are Damon Gladney Sr. and Angela Jeter...father played defensive back for McNeese from 1992 to 1995, earning all-conference honors...projected major: undecided...For highlights click here
Jake Grode, DE, 6-4, 225, Katy HS, Katy, TX - first team all-district...twice named defensive player of week by Katy Weekly...team captain...football leadership council...two time academic all-district...two letters....47 tackles last year with seven sacks...caused fumble..recovered two fumbles...blocked kick....65 tackles in career, nine sacks, two fumbles caused... played for Coach Gary Joseph....parents are Keith and Toni Grode...projected major: undecided...For highlights click here
Kyle Harden, LB, 6-3, 216, Tomball HS, Tomball, TX - two time all-district selection...team captain and team MVP as a se- nior....totaled 88 tackles, two pass interceptions and two sacks in senior season....two time all-district academic....will gradute cum laude....National Honor Society member...Rotary Club student of the month...DAR citizenship award...EMT certifica- tion...played for Coach Tommy Kaiser....parents are Maggie and Bruce Harden...projected major: pre-med..For highlights click here
Bryce Hebert, FB, 6-2, 220, South Beauregard HS, Ragley, LA - three time all-district as tight end...three times all-parish... in senior season had 17 pass receptions for 215 yards...career total of 45 catches for 643 yards and five touchdowns...also played fullback and defensive end....honor roll student and Tops qualifier... played for Coach Shawn Demeritt, a former Mc- Neese assistant coach....parents are Lark and Lisa Hebert....father is a member of the McNeese coaching staff and a former Cowboy all-conference player....projected major: Education/Art...For highlights click here
Zach Hetrick, DE, 6-3, 235, Central HS, Baton Rouge, LA - first team all-district and named league's defensive MVP... all-state honorable mention...credited with 150 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss and six sacks as a senior....88 tackles, 21 TFLs, seven sacks, four fumble recoveries and two defensive tds as a junior...also played linebacker and tight end...also letterman in golf for which he qualified for both the regional and metro tournaments....received academic excellence award for 3.8 GPA.... played for Coach Doug Dotson...parents are Rob and Angie Hetrick...projected major: pre-med...For highlights click here
Patrick Jacobs, OL, 6-4, 280, Elton HS, Elton, LA - first team all-state, all-district, all-Southwest Louisiana and all-Jeff Davis Parish....also all-district and all-Jeff Davis as sophomore and junior...four letters in football, four in basketball (center)... season offensive grade of 93 percent with 52 pancake blocks...on defense he was credited with 46 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss.... also track and field letters in the shot put....played for Coach Kevin Bertrand....parents are Stefanie and Windy Goodley and Greg Williams...projected major: engineering...For highlights click here
Alex Johnson, TB, 6-0, 200, Carencro HS, Carencro, LA - first team all-state selection and named the offensive MVP for Class AAAAA.... three times first team all-district and district MVP....first team all-Acadiana and offensive MVP....rushed for 2,857 yards and 39 touchdowns as a senior.....career totals of 5,187 yards rushing with 65 touchdowns on 465 carries...also returned kicks for 780 yards...four letters in football and three in track...played for Coach Brent Indest.....parent is Bernadette Johnson....projected major: engineering...For highlights click here
Dylan Long, FB, 6-0, 225, St. Paul HS, Covington, LA - two time all-district...all-metro...athlete of the year...named to Clarion Herald elite team...rushed for 1,023 yards and 17 tds as a senior, for 1,218 yards and 23 tds as a junior and for 1,135 yards and 18 tds as a sophomore...also totaled 877 yards receiving passes the three years...lettered in baseball as catcher, DH and outfielder...played for Coach Ken Sears...parents are Keith and Leslie Long...grandfather is former McNeese football player and Louisiana coaching legend Jack Salter....projected major: Geology...For highlights click here
William McMillan Jr, OL, 6-4, 280, St. Thomas More HS, Lafayette, LA - first team all-district and all-Acadiana...offen- sive line MVP....three letters in football and two letters in wrestling.....named to the all-Acadiana wresting team twice....of- fensive grade of 92 percent for season...also had 26 pancake blocks and 14 knockdowns ....played for Coach Jim Hightower... parents are Wikoff and Nancy McMillan....projected major: pre-med...For highlights click here
Mason Martin, OL, 6-2, 295, Pineville HS, Pineville, LA - first team coaches all-state, first team all-district and first team all-Cenla....four year starter in football....started 37 straight games...also power lifting and baseball (first base and pitcher) letterman....two time state qualifier in power lifting and second team all-district in baseball....four time district literary rally participant and two time state literary rally participant.... played for father Coach Robbie Martin....parents are Robbie and Dee Martin...projected major: undecided...For highlightsclick here
Steele Merritt, DB, 6-1, 195, St. Mary's HS, Natchitoches, LA- four time all-district and all-area...offensive MVP...earned honors as both defensive back and wide receiver...also played quarterback during his career....as a wide receiver caught 104 passes for 1,904 yards and 29 tds...as a quarterback completed 82 of 175 passes for 1,566 yards and 21 tds...as a defensive back was credited with 35 tackles and four pass interceptions...also baseball (outfielder), basketball (forward) and track (high jump and relays) letter winner..all-state and all-district honors in baseball and all-district in basketball...state qualifier in high jump....district champion in high jump and 4x100 and 4x200 relays....three time regional qualifier in high jump...played for Coach Charlie Cryer...parents are Nanette Bienvenu and Kurt Merritt....projected major: engineering...For highlights click here
Jordan Murray, TE, 6-3, 265, St. Thomas More HS, Youngsville, LA - two-time all-district....in senior season he caught 18 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown...as a junior he had 26 catches for 320 yards and a td....average grade of 91 percent for season...had 19 pancake blocks and 23 knockdowns....also a baseball letterman as a first baseman and designated hitter.... played for Coach Jim Hightower...parents are Trey and Casetta Murray....projected major: Criminal Justice...For highlights click here
Shea Nutt, DB, 6-2, 175, Brenham HS, Brenham, TX - all-district as both a safety and punter....in senior year he was cred- ited with seven pass interceptions which he returned for three tds...also had 65 tackles...as a junior he had three interceptions and returned one for a td..also had 60 tackles...averaged 41 yards a punt as a senior....also played as a wide receiver....pitcher and third baseman in baseball and was named to all-district team as a pitcher.....has also pole vaulted....two time district all- academic...played for Coach Glen West...parents are Neil Nutt and Patrece Whitaker.....projected major: undecided...For highlights click here
Cameron Smith, DE, 6-3, 225, J. P. Taravella HS, Tamarac, Fl - three year letterman and played defensive end, linebacker and tight end..earned all-county honors and served as team captain..won the Brian Piccolo scholar/athlete award....in senior season was credited with total of 95 tackles (65 unassisted) along with five sacks, four pass breakups and two fumble recover- ies (one for a td)...also caught 10 passes, one for a td...played for Coach Dan Marguriet....parents are Cynthia Anderson and Gary Smith....projected major: engineering...For highlights click here
Brenten Spikes, DB , 6-1, 190, Newton HS, Newton, TX - two time first team all-district as a free safety...played three years and in those three years had 352 tackles, four pass interceptions....also used as a running back and rushed for 1200 yards in career with 11 touchdowns....basketball letter three years and track letter four years...played for Coach W. T. Johnston...parents are Jerome and Francine Spikes...projected major: undecided...For highlights click here
