Western Michigan University football secured their 2022 recruiting class on Dec.15, 2021 with the signatures of 13 talented students athletes, who are expected to come in and compete for playing time next season. Here's a quick look at each of the Bronco signees. (Will update article as more commits respond to my questions)
Nate Anderson - WR
Fort Wayne, Ind./Homestead
Twitter - @nateanderson_22
Tim Lester– "He's one of our first commits, an all-state guy from Indiana. Great ball skills, and has the ability to do a lot of different things, and we're really excited about him."
BroncoBlitz: Is there anything you want to say to Bronco Nation on what they are getting with you as a person and a player?
"First of all, I am honored to be given the opportunity to play at Western Michigan. I hope to come in and make a positive impact for the team. My strengths are my speed, route running, my reliability and my commitment to being a great teammate. Also, my work ethic (getting) better every day should serve me well as I transition to the next level in my playing career."- Nate Anderson
Tag Bonnema -DL
Zeeland, Mich./Zeeland East
Twitter - @TagBonnema
Tim Lester – "He's long and athletic. We learned about him when we recruited his brother. We love that family and he was heavily recruited. He has a lot of flexibility in terms of where he can play. It will be fun to watch him grow."
Saveon Brown, DB
Phoenix, Ill./Thornwood
Twitter - @SaeNext
Tim Lester-"He is a quarters, downhill safety. He was the best athlete on the team at Thornwood and was surrounded by tons of athletes. He's a dynamic cornerback and has the body to potentially play right away. Just a great athlete on the field so I'm excited about him."
BroncoBlitz: Is there anything you want to say to Bronco Nation on what they are getting with you as a person and a player?
"As a person I just want to say I can’t wait to be a part of Kalamazoo and everything and everybody that’s a part of it. As a player, I am ready to show off my versatility on the defensive side of the ball. I am a playmaker and I will be a game changer. Also, thanks to all of the coaches and community for supporting me. I can’t wait for the season to start already! " -Saveon Brown
Palmer Domschke, K
Bolingbrook, Ill.
Twitter- @DomschkePalmer
Tim Lester – "The Naperville Sun Player of the Year. He played safety, running back and was an unbelievable kicker. He's a great football player and happens to be able to kick the ball really well."
Kenny Givens, DL
Chicago, Ill./Iowa Central CC
Twitter- Kennygivens15
Tim Lester– "We recruited him hard in high school and have been close with him and his mom for a long time. He's 295 pounds and athletic. He's super explosive and twitchy off the ball. I've known him a long time so it's fun to get him here and in the mix and ready to play."
BroncoBlitz: Is there anything you want to say to Bronco Nation on what they are getting with you as a person and a player?
"I just want to say K'zoo, you are getting a ball hawk and play maker. One last thing, I'M HOMEEEEEE"-Kenny Givens
Givens also had offers from numerous schools, including Arkansas State, Sam Houston State and Memphis.
Jamal Hailey, RB
Benton Harbor, Mich./Berrien Springs
Twitter - jamal_hailey
Tim Lester– "We clocked him at a 4.41 and had a 38' vertical in camp this summer. He keeps getting bigger and stronger and we're really excited about him."
BroncoBlitz: Is there anything you want to say to Bronco Nation on what they are getting with you as a person and a player?
"I just want to say thank you guys for welcoming me to Bronco nation. It’s a dream come true. I can’t wait to get to work and show how great of a person I am to you all. I love to work. I come with mental and physical toughness that separates me from the rest and I come with high IQ and speed with the ball. I’m a great unselfish teammate and I can’t wait to meet new people and start a new journey." -Jamal Hailey
August Johanningsmeier, TE
Howell, Mich./Howell
Twitter- @augustjohannin1
Tim Lester– "A 6-3 running back and a bruiser. He could play a number of positions. Played defensive end and did a really good job there, and is just a big athlete, so we are excited to watch him grow."
BroncoBlitz: Is there anything you want to say to Bronco Nation on what they are getting with you as a person and a player?
"I’d say they’re getting a hardworking, determined player and a great (teammate)." -August Johanningsmeier
Jashawn Johnson, WR
Streamwood, Ill./Hoffman Estates
Twitter - @jashawn_3
Tim Lester- "Led Illinois in receiving. Can't touch him in a phone booth type of guy. I think he's a wide out right now, but could also play defensive back. He has the ability to play both. Most of the really good ones can do both."
BroncoBlitz: Is there anything you want to say to Bronco Nation on what they are getting with you as a person and a player?
"I will be a game changer! A defensive back assassin" -Jashawn Johnson
Dillon Moore, LB
Indianapolis, Ind./Ben Davis
Twitter - @moore_dillon
Tim Lester– "Long, physical. He was a great receiver, safety and linebacker in high school. He can run and hit. He had an unbelievable senior year. He stood out during our summer camps and got us excited about his skills and flexibility."
Owen Olsen, TE
Yukon, Okla./Northeast Oklahoma CC
Twitter - @owenols7
Tim Lester– "He can run, catch, and is very physical. He is one of the top-50 JUCO players according to ESPN. He's very versatile and will help us offensively with some of the things we like to do.
BroncoBlitz: Is there anything you want to say to Bronco Nation on what they are getting with you as a person and a player?
"I would like to say that coming from a junior college, I am an older guy coming in so I look to be a leader, and (Bronco fans) can expect a hard nosed player that plays with reckless abandon. As a person, I am a soft spoken kid from Oklahoma. I strive to be a better person than a player. " -Owen Olsen
Olsen had offers from numerous schools, including I had offers from Hawaii, Akron, , and Troy.
Trevor Shaw, OL
Flemington, NJ/Cheshire Academy (CT)
Twitter- @TrevorShaw75
BroncoBlitz: Is there anything you want to say to Bronco Nation on what they are getting with you as a person and a player?
"I’m extremely excited to be a part of Bronco Nation. I’m going to bring intensity and maximum effort to the team everyday. I am a physical and relentless player, one who plays thru the whistle. Full speed!" -Trevor Shaw
Brandon Smith, OL
Indianapolis, Ind./Decatur Central
Twitter - @317_brandon
Tim Lester– "Unbelievably athletic we had him in camp twice and watched him run around. Looking at his 40 time and standing long jump and vertical, he is extremely explosive as an offensive lineman. Excited to see him come in and be part of our future offensive line."
BroncoBlitz: Is there anything you want to say to Bronco Nation on what they are getting with you as a person and a player?
"Well first off I am very thankful for the opportunity that was given to me. I can’t wait to get there and get straight to work!" -Brandon Smith
Isaiah Street, DL
Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg
Twitter - @IsaiahStreet3
Tim Lester– "Explosive defensive end. He's an outstanding wrestler which gives him leverage capability and skills to rush the passer. Big, long, great family, and he has the twitch to allow him be a great pass rusher."
(Tim Lester quotes taken from article on WMU Broncos website)
