Oklahoma State University Athletics
Parade All-American Highlights Football Signees
June 21, 1999 | Cowboy Football
February 3, 1999
STILLWATER, Okla. -- Chris Massey, the only Parade All-American in the state of Oklahoma, helped headline Oklahoma State's 1999 football recruiting list, announced Wednesday by head coach Bob Simmons.
Massey, an all-around athlete from Spiro High School, chose OSU on Wednesday morning and will bring with him a splendid football resume. The consensus prep All-American and all-state selection is generally regarded as the No. 1 prospect in the region and one of the top recruits in the country.
Massey is one of 12 Oklahoma high school seniors who cast their lot with the Cowboys on Wednesday. The Cowboys landed three prep stars from Texas and added two from Florida, one from Colorado and one from New York.
OSU also signed seven players from junior-college ranks, including Broken Arrow tight end Bryan Blackwood, Wewoka wide receiver Paul Jones, Houston defensive end Juqua Thomas and Tulsa Union offensive lineman Jon Vandrell, all from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.
Four junior college players, Lawrence Chamberlain, offensive lineman; Kevin Kemp, offensive lineman; Alvin Porter, defensive back; and Vandrell, are already on campus and will go through spring drills when they begin March 6.
Here is a list of OSU's 1999 football signees.
- Kobina Amoo, DB, 5-10, 170, Houston, Texas (Alief Hastings)
- Charles Atteberry, DE, 6-5, 245, Elk City, Okla.
- Carlos Banks, DB, 5-10, 175, Arlington, Texas
- Bryan Blackwood, TE, 6-5, 250, Tulsa (Union HS/Northeastern A&M)
- Ben Bowling, QB, 6-3, 205, Jenks, Okla.
- Tim Burrough, FB, 6-0, 225, Moore, Okla. (Westmoore)
- Elbert Craig, DB, 6-2, 195, Oklahoma City, Okla. (Millwood)
- Travis Felder, RB, 5-5, 180, Jacksonville, Fla. (White)
- DeAndre Fluellen, DL, 6-2, 280, Houston, Texas (Forest Brook)
- Bob Hafler, OL/DL, 6-3, 275, Niskayuna, New York
- Jon Hayhurst, OL/DL, 6-4, 270, Choctaw, Okla.
- Paul Jones, WR, 6-3, 195, Wewoka, Okla. (Northeastern A&M)
- Doug Koenig, OL, 6-4, 275, Cape Floral, Fla.
- Chris Massey, Athlete, 6-0, 185, Spiro, Okla.
- Aaron McConnell, DL, 6-4, 260, Midwest City, Okla.
- Brandon Parker, OL, 6-5, 275, Catoosa, Okla.
- Aso Pogi, QB, 6-4, 203, Lawton, Okla. (Lawton)
- Greg Richmond, LB, 6-3, 225, Oklahoma City, Okla. (Douglass)
- Richard Schwarz, RB, 6-0, 185, Yukon, Okla.
- Jacoby Shepherd, DB, 6-3, 205, Lufkin, Texas (Tyler CC)
- Juqua Thomas, DE, 6-4, 235, Houston, Texas (Aldine HS/Northeastern A&M)
- Mike Williams, DL, 6-2, 305, Denver, Colo. (Thomas Jefferson)
- Rashaun Woods, WR/DB, 6-3, 195, Oklahoma City, Okla. (Millwood)
Junior College Transfers (already on campus)
- Lawrence Chamberlain, OL, 6-4, 340, Houston, Texas (Sterling HS/ Fort Scott C.C.)
- Kevin Kemp, OL, 6-6, 300, Wewoka, Okla. (Fort Scott C.C.)
- Alvin Porter, DB, 6-0, 180, Dallas, Texas (Adamson HS/ Fort Scott C.C.)
- Jon Vandrell, OL, 6-2, 280, Tulsa (Union HS/ Northeastern A&M)
Here are biographical sketches on the Cowboys' signees:
Kobina Amoo, DB
5-10, 170, Houston, Texas (Alief Hastings)
4.4
One of the top-ranked defensive backs in Texas. Had a particularly spectacular junior season in 1997, during which he had five interceptions with 245 return yards. Two of his interceptions were returned for touchdowns. His junior squad made it all the way to the Class 5A title game. His senior season statistics included 30 tackles and 15 passes broken up. He was all-district and All-Greater Houston and earned mention on some all-state teams. He was rated one of the top 100 prospects in Texas and a Blue Chipper. He was the defensive player of the year in 19-5A. He led the entire state with nine interceptions as a senior. Great speed and instincts make Amoo an outstanding prospect.
Charles Atteberry, DE
6-5, 245, Elk City, Okla.
4.7
A two-way starter for the past three-plus seasons at Elk City. He had 80 tackles as a senior with nine sacks and a blocked punt. He earned all-state honors from the Daily Oklahoman, Tulsa World and Coaches Association. Rated among the top 15 prospects in Oklahoma by First Down Recruiting. Mobile and aggressive player who has great potential. A Blue Chip prospect according to the Daily Oklahoman. He is also a standout in track and field, qualifying for state in both the shot and disc. Atteberry chose Oklahoma State over Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas A&M and Tennessee.
Carlos Banks, DB
5-10, 175, Arlington, Texas (Lamar)
4.4
Committed to Oklahoma State early. Banks is a solid player coming off a sensational prep career. Banks gained all-state honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. Opponents stayed away from him during his senior season but he still gained all-district, all-metro and all-Greater Dallas. As a junior at Lamar, Banks had six interceptions, returning one of those 92 yards for a touchdown. He appears to have all the tools to play in the Big 12 Conference.
Bryan Blackwood, TE
6-5, 250, Tulsa (Union H.S. / Northeastern A&M)
4.7
After signing with Oklahoma State out of high school two years ago, this talented tight end will arrive at OSU next fall after a great career at Northeastern A&M. Had 30 catches for 410 yards and seven touchdowns last season, which, combined with his outstanding blocking ability, earned him all-conference and NJCAA All-American honors. Blackwood helped lead the Golden Norsemen to the Southwest Junior College Conference championship and the Red River Bowl. He had a 50-yard reception early in the bowl game before suffering a broken arm. He is expected to be fully recovered by the time he reports to OSU for two-a-days in August. His combination of blocking and receiving skills should make him a tremendous weapon at tight end for the Cowboys.
Ben Bowling, QB
6-3, 205, Jenks, Okla.
4.5
One of Oklahoma State's outstanding quarterback prospects in the 1999 recruiting class. Will come to OSU from tradition-rich Jenks High School, where he was part of three state championship squads. Has outstanding physical skills as well as a tremendous understanding of the game. He was the starting quarterback at Jenks the past two seasons. As a senior, he passed for 2,812 yards and 33 touchdowns. He had two, 300-yard passing games. He also ran for 568 yards and seven touchdowns. He was co-Player of the Year according to the Tulsa World and a consensus all-state selection. Has never lost a game on Lewis Field (6-0), in prep playoff action. He was named the Most Valuable Player in the 1998 6A title game after accounting for 345 yards of total offense. He owns single-season records at Jenks for passing yardage (2,812), touchdowns (35), attempts (247) and completions (147). He was a member of the Jenks Student Council for two years and on the Principal's Honor Roll. Bowling was also recruited by Miami, Kansas, Oklahoma, Kansas State and Colorado State.
Tim Burrough, FB
6-0, 225, Moore, Okla. (Westmoore)
4.6
Two-year starter at Westmoore and an outstanding fullback prospect. Burrough carried the ball 176 times for 1,379 yards and 19 touchdowns as a high school senior. He averaged an amazing 7.8 yards per carry and finished the season without fumbling the ball a single time. He is Westmoore's all-time leading rusher with 2,383 yards and the school's all-time leading scorer with 32 touchdowns. Over 700 of his yards came after initial contact. He was an Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State selection and a Daily Oklahoman All-City pick. Ranked as one of the top 25 prospects in Oklahoma by First Down Recruiting, Burrough is also the defending state wrestling champion at 215 pounds. He chose Oklahoma State over Oklahoma, Kansas State and TCU.
Lawrence Chamberlain, OL
6-4, 340, Houston, Texas, (Sterling HS/ Fort Scott Junior College)
5.1
Talented line prospect who will arrive at Oklahoma State after an impressive two-year stint at Fort Scott. All-stater out of Houston who signed with Kentucky out of high school. Chamberlain earned All-Jayhawk Conference honors this past season as an offensive tackle. Chamberlain has great size and ability and could compete for playing time almost immediately. Committed to OSU early.
Elbert Craig, DB
6-2, 195, Oklahoma City (Millwood)
4.5
A pre-season SuperPrep All American, Craig was a two-way starter at Millwood and one of the most coveted recruits in this part of the country. SuperPrep also ranked him one of the top 16 defensive backs in the country. He finished his senior season with 127 tackles. Over his final two prep seasons, Millwood's team captain had 181 tackles, 21 sacks and seven interceptions. On the offensive side of the ball in 1998, he had 20 receptions for 306 yards and a pair of touchdowns. First Down Recruiting ranked him as the No. 3 prospect in Oklahoma, and he's a Coaches Association All-State selection. A Daily Oklahoman Blue Chip selection, Craig was also recruited to Oklahoma, Kansas State and Nebraska.
Travis Felder, RB
5-5, 180, Jacksonville, Fla. (White)
4.4
Outstanding prospect from Florida who picked Oklahoma State over Miami, South Carolina and Central Florida. Don't let lack of height mislead you on this talented back. Last year at Jacksonville's White High School, Felder rushed for 1,891 yards on 214 carries, and that's better than seven yards per carry and a school record. Felder scored 44 career touchdowns. He earned all-district and offensive MVP honors. He was also named All-Jacksonville. He was a two-time all-state selection and member of the Florida Times Union's Super 24 list. When he was in the lineup, Jacksonville White had a record of 38-3. Additionally, he will play in the Florida-Georgia All-Star game in the summer.
DeAndre Fluellen, DL
6-2, 280, Houston, Texas (Forest Brook)
4.8
Defensive line prospect who will come to OSU after a stellar career at Forest Brook High School in Houston. Has great speed (4.8) and appears to have all the tools to play in the Big 12 Conference. He was Forest Brook's leading tackler a year ago while playing on a defense that allowed just 171 yards per game. He forced 10 fumbles on the season. He garnered all-state and all-city honors in the Houston area and was ranked among the top 100 prospects in Texas by SuperPrep Magazine.
Bob Hafler, OL/DL
6-3, 275, Niskayuna, New York
4.9
Two-way starter who earned all-conference honors on both sides of the football. He is a New York Class A all-stater and was voted to the New York Golden 50 team. He will play in the prestigious Golden 50 All-Star Game at Giants Stadium in July. He is a three-time All-Suburban Council Conference selection and a two-time Times Union All Star. He also excels in wrestling, having won the state heavyweight title as a sophomore and junior. He is currently ranked the fifth-best heavyweight in the country.
Jon Hayhurst, OL/DL
6-4, 270, Choctaw, Okla.
5.0
Three-year starter at Choctaw High School and ranked as the 24th-best prospect in Oklahoma by First Down Recruiting. All-state selection by the Daily Oklahoman. That publication also placed him on its All-Big City squad. Hayhurst is a talented prospect who was also recruited by Kansas State, Baylor and Purdue. Hayhurst also excelled in the classroom, being named to the Principal's Honor Roll. He was also a member of the 1998 6A State Power Lifting Team.
Paul Jones, WR
6-3, 195, Wewoka, Okla (Northeastern A&M)
4.5
Originally signed with Oklahoma State out of high school. Jones just completed a two-year career at NEO, where he earned all-conference honors this past season. His sophomore season numbers at NEO included 48 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 15.3 yards per reception. As a senior at Wewoka, Jones had 878 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. He also averaged 21 yards on punt returns and had one touchdown. His prep career numbers included 50 catches for more than 1,000 yards. He also played on the defensive side and logged 103 career tackles and five interceptions.
Kevin Kemp, OL
6-6, 300, Wewoka, Okla. (Fort Scott Junior College)
5.0
Kevin Kemp will be returning to Oklahoma State after a year at Fort Scott, where he played offensive tackle and earned All-Jayhawk Conference honors. Kemp is already proven at the Division I-A level. In 1996 he played 11 games for the Cowboys and had 20 tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery. At Wewoka High School, he was a four-year starter and a consensus all-state selection. He had 306 career tackles in high school and added 21 sacks and 11 fumble recoveries. He also played tight end in high school, hauling down 48 passes, 12 of which went for touchdowns. Coming out of high school, Kemp was a SuperPrep and Blue Chip All-American.
Doug Koenig, OL
6-4, 275, Cape Coral, Fla.
4.9
Highly regarded prospect out of Florida who SuperPrep referred to as a "pass-blocking offensive tackle whose athletic skills are ideal." He is rated among the top 80 prospects in talent-rich Florida by SuperPrep. Earned all-district honors after his senior season at Cape Coral and was third-team all-state. He is also a state contender as a heavyweight wrestler. In addition to OSU, he was recruited by Miami, Central Florida, Auburn, Mississippi, Tulane and South Florida.
Chris Massey, Athlete
6-0, 185, Spiro, Okla.
4.4
One of the premier prospects in the nation. Massey is the state's top prospect according to SuperPrep, First Down Recruiting and Max Emfinger. His high school numbers were phenomenal. As a senior, Massey ran for 1,221 yards and 15 touchdowns and passed for 1,308 yards and 14 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Massey had 112 tackles and four interceptions from his free safety position. He could play a number of positions as well as even possibly being a return specialist. A preseason All-American by Super Prep, he is Oklahoma's only member of the Prep Star Dream Team. Most recently, he was named a Parade All-American, the only Oklahoma player to be named to that elite list. He was an all-state selection by the Daily Oklahoman, Tulsa World and Coaches Association. Massey was recruited by almost everyone but narrowed his choices to OSU, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Aaron McConnell, DL
6-4, 260, Midwest City, Okla.
4.9
Outstanding all-around athlete and one of the top-rated high school football prospects in Oklahoma. Started the past two-plus seasons at Midwest City, where he was double- and triple-teamed by opposing offensive lines. He still managed 79 total tackles with three sacks and three blocked punts. Consensus all-state selection and rated as the 16th-best prospect in Oklahoma by First Down Recruiting. A Daily Oklahoman Blue Chip, he is also an accomplished wrestler. He has been ranked as the top heavyweight in Oklahoma all season. In addition to his prowess in football and wrestling, he is a national-caliber gymnast. Also recruited by Colorado and Nebraska. McConnell was voted Mr. Midwest City for 1998 by the student body. He is also a national cheerleading instructor.
Brandon Parker, OL
6-5, 275, Catoosa, Okla.
5.3
Powerful blocker who earned a variety of honors after his senior season at Catoosa High School. He was named all-metro by the Tulsa World and a second-team all-state selection by the Daily Oklahoman. He was rated one of the top prospects in Oklahoma ahead of the 1998 season. He was district lineman of the year and district most valuable player after his senior season. Parker, a senior captain, was preseason all-state and rated one of the top 30 prospects in the state. He is also an outstanding wrestler. He fashioned a 21-3 wrestling record as a junior and finished fourth in the state. In track, he was a seventh-place state finisher in the discus.
Aso Pogi, QB
6-4, 203, Lawton, Okla. (Lawton)
4.7
One of the reasons Oklahoma State's 1999 recruiting class is one of the best in the Big 12. Pogi comes to OSU from Lawton High School, where he helped lead his team to the district championship and Class 6-A semifinals. For the season, he completed 113 of 206 passes for 2,072 yards and 27 touchdowns. He earned all-state honors from the Oklahoma Coaches Association and the Tulsa World. The Daily Oklahoman labeled him a Blue Chip prospect. Pogi chose Oklahoma State over SMU, Tulsa and Colorado State. He's also a standout on the basketball court.
Alvin Porter, DB
6-0, 180, Dallas (Adamson H.S. / Fort Scott J.C.)
4.4
Another former Cowboy comes home, and he'll have a chance to find an immediate spot in the secondary. Porter originally came to OSU out of high school and made an immediate impact. He played in all 11 games as a true freshman and started four times at right cornerback. His 1996 OSU numbers included 22 solo tackles and 15 assists. He also had two tackles for loss and a pass broken up. He went to Fort Scott as a sophomore and earned All-Jayhawk Conference honors. He had four interceptions last year for the Greyhounds. Earned his junior college degree and will go through spring drills for the Cowboys.
Greg Richmond, LB
6-3, 225, Oklahoma City (Douglass)
4.5
Talented and versatile athlete who started four years at Douglass as a linebacker and quarterback. His defensive numbers as a high school senior included 108 total tackles, seven sacks, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He scored four touchdowns playing on defense in 1998. He earned all-state honors by the Daily Oklahoman, Tulsa World and Coaches Association. He is ranked the 10th-best prospect in the state by First Down Recruiting. Richmond also starts for the Douglass basketball team and was a member of the state qualifying 400-meter relay team. Oklahoma State won the recruiting battle over Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas A&M and Kansas State.
Richard Schwarz, RB
6-0, 185, Yukon, Okla.
4.5
Generally regarded as one of the top 20 football prospects in Oklahoma, Schwarz had an outstanding career as a running back at Yukon High School. He overcame a career-threatening injury as a sophomore to rush for 2,362 yards as a senior. He scored 21 touchdowns his senior season. His high school career produced 4,878 yards and 44 touchdowns. He had 24, 100-yard rushing games and ran for a school-record 318 yards against Putnam City West. He followed that with 335 yards against Del City. He was consensus all-state and also recruited by Oklahoma, Tulsa and Colorado State.
Jacoby Shepherd, DB
6-3, 205, Lufkin, Texas (Tyler, Texas C.C.)
4.45
Defensive back prospect who appears to have the size, speed and skills to make an immediate impact. Earned All-Southwest Junior College Conference honors at Tyler as a cornerback. He finished the season with 40 solo tackles and one sack to go along with four interceptions. As a punt returner, Shepherd had 15 returns for 100 yards. He was conference co-defensive player of the year. Shepherd committed early to Illinois but decided on Oklahoma State after visiting in January. He was also recruited by Houston, Kansas State and Iowa State.
Juqua Thomas, DE
6-4, 235, Houston, Texas (Aldine H.S. / Northeastern A&M)
One of the top defensive prospects in junior college, Thomas will come to Oklahoma State after completing an outstanding career at Northeastern A&M. Thomas is coming off a season after which he was named the Player of the Year in the Southwestern Junior College Conference. He posted 120 tackles as a sophomore, leading NEO to the Red River Bowl against Coffeyville. In two seasons, Thomas set an NEO school record with 29 sacks. He was the MVP of the Red River Bowl and led the nation in sacks.
Jon Vandrell, OL
6-2, 280, Tulsa (Union H.S. / Northeastern A&M)
5.0
Outstanding offensive lineman who will go through spring drills with the Cowboys. After a standout career at Tulsa Union, Vandrell attended NEO, where he was a steady performer at both center and guard. After his sophomore season at NEO, Vandrell earned All-Southwest Junior College Conference honors. With some holes to fill along the offensive front, Vandrell could compete for playing time immediately.
Mike Williams, DL
6-2, 305, Denver, Colo. (Thomas Jefferson)
5.1
Out of the same high school that produced Tony Lindsay, Williams is an outstanding defensive line prospect. At Thomas Jefferson, Williams earned all-city and all-state honors. His senior season statistics included 70 tackles and 15 for losses. He had seven sacks, forced four fumbles and recovered three fumbles. He was first-team all-league as a defensive lineman both junior and senior seasons. He earned the same honor as an offensive lineman as a senior. He chose Oklahoma State over Arizona, New Mexico State, Wyoming and California.
Rashaun Woods, WR/DB
6-3, 195, Oklahoma City (Millwood)
4.55
Oklahoma State's first verbal commitment and one of the best prospects in the class. Woods was a SuperPrep preseason All-American. He was a two-way starter and very effective on both sides. He had 57 receptions for 1,125 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. On defense, he had 47 total tackles and seven interceptions. High-school teammate of Elbert Craig, another OSU signee. Earned all-state honors from the Daily Oklahoman on defense and the Tulsa World on offense. Also a Coaches Association All-State selection. A Daily Oklahoman Blue Chipper and rated one of the top prospects in the state by most recruiting services. Woods, also a talented basketball player, was recruited by OSU, Kansas State, Kansas, Nebraska, SMU, Baylor and Oklahoma.
