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Augustana University Athletics

2019 Football Signees

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Augustana head football coach Jerry Olszewski announced the addition of 23 student-athletes to the incoming class on National Signing Day 2019, all of whom signed national letters of intent, indicating their plans to enroll at Augustana and compete for the Vikings football team.

Coach Olszewski is thrilled about the Augustana signing class this year. "I am very excited about our 2019 class, and the impact that I believe they will have on the future of AU Football," Olszewski said. "The process of signing this talented group began with our staff doing an extensive evaluation of our current roster and what needs we will have in our program. We then set out to find the very best fits in the country, which is evident in the 13 states represented in this class."

"During the offseason, we identified some key needs, and I am confident we hit the mark at every position with this class," Olszewski said. "When recruiting, we not only wanted to make sure we signed great football players, but equally important are leadership, competitiveness, and athleticism. I believe that we did just that in this group, and I look forward to their growth, leadership, and impact on our football program during their careers here at Augustana. Overall, I'm proud of our staff, faculty, and university for attracting such a tremendous group of young men into the Viking Football Family."

2019 Class by the numbers
  • 18 Team captains
  • 17 All-Conference players
  • 12 State champions
  • 11 All-State players
  • 8 All-State academic
  • 5 Players of the year
Augustana football fans can join coach Olszewski and his staff on Wednesday afternoon at Will's Training Table (Sanford Sports Complex) in Sioux Falls from 4-7 p.m. to learn more about the incoming class of Vikings.

Name

Pos.

Ht.

Wt.

Hometown / High School / Previous School

Highlights

Mitchell Goodbary

TE

6-5

215

Sioux Falls, S.D. / Sioux Falls Christian

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T.J. Skradski

TE

6-6

230

Omaha, Neb. / Skutt Catholic

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Carson Wilson

OL

6-1

260

Sioux Falls, S.D. / Washington

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CJ James

OL

6-6

305

Des Moines, Iowa / East High School

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Austin Rodriguez

OL

6-2

270

Plano, Texas / Prestonwood Christian

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Carter Olthoff

WR

6-3

190

Brandon, S.D. / Brandon Valley

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Jake Polson

DB

5-11

165

Reno, Nev. / Damonte Ranch

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Clay Herding

LB

6-1

195

Mankato, Minn. / Mankato West

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Luke Overton

DL

6-3

275

Rockford, Minn / Rockford

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Ben Limburg

K/P

6-0

190

Rochester, Minn. / Rochester Lourdes

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Eli Samuelson

ATH

6-3

185

Comfrey, Minn. / Comfrey

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Kyle Graham

RB

5-10

190

Las Vegas, Nev. / Arbor View

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Josh Buddenhagen

DL

6-3

275

Hartford, Wisc. / Hartford Union

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Bentley Boike

LB

6-3

215

Gluek, Minn. / Dawson-Boyd

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Tanner Moore

DB

6-2

175

Shawnee, Kan. / Mill Valley

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Haden Wallace

LB

6-1

205

Kansas City, Mo. / Park Hill

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Jarod Epperson

RB

6-0

182

Omaha, Neb. / Skutt Catholic

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Conner Carroll

OL

6-2

244

Omaha, Neb. / Millard West

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Devon Jones

WR

5-8

170

San Diego, Calif. / Kearney High Digital Media & Design

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Benjamin Roots

OL

6-4

245

Scottsdale, Ariz. / Desert Mountain

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Jessen Reinking

DL

6-3

230

Kingsley, Iowa / Kingsley-Pierson

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Isaiah Ryan

DB

6-0

185

Sterling, Ill. / Sterling

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Matthew Francis

QB

6-2

200

Thornton, Colo. / Horizon

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GoodbaryMitchell Goodbary, TE, 6-5, 215, Sioux Falls, S.D. (Sioux Falls Christian)

High School: Prepped at Sioux Falls Christian for coach Jake Pettengill ... three-year letter winner, a two-year starter, captain ... put up 23 receptions, 363 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns as a senior ... recorded 136 tackles and five interceptions on defense during his junior and senior seasons ... earned All-State Tight End, All-Conference during his junior and senior seasons, and Elite 45 honors during senior season ... was named Class B Player of the Year and an Argus Leader Sports Awards nominee as a senior ... helped the Chargers to back-to-back state championships

Personal: Son of Mike and Tanya Goodbary ... born on November 29, 2000 ... plans to major in Exercise Science


SkradskiTyler Skradski, TE, 6-6, 230, Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic)

High School: Prepped at Skutt Catholic High School for coach Matt Turmen ... three-year starter and a three-year letter winner ... 2018 state champion in football and two-time runner-up in Class B (2016 and 2017) ... a dual-sport athlete in basketball and football ... two-time state basketball runner-up ... school-record 66.7 shooting percentage in one season

Personal: Son of Steve and Amanda Skradski ... born on March 3, 2000 ... plans on majoring in Biochemistry


WilsonCarson Wilson, OL, 6-1, 260, Sioux Falls, S.D. (Washington)

High School: Prepped at Washington High School for coach Chad Stadem ... two-year letter winner, a two-year starter, and captain his senior year ... achieved All-Conference team for the Warriors ... helped an offensive line corps that led a record-breaking rushing attack ... earned Argus Leader Elite 45 honorable mention during senior season ... was a member of a three-time state championship team and one state runner-up team

Personal: Son of Alice and Chris Wilson ... born on September 23, 2000 ... plans on majoring in Secondary Education with a minor in Psychology


CJ JamesC.J. James, OL, 6-6, 305, Des Moines, Iowa (East High School)

High School: Prepped at East High School for coach Greg Schoon ... four-year letter winner, a four-year starter, and captain ... achieved First Team All-District twice for the Scarlets ... earned Academic All-State at East High School

Personal: Son of Lonna and Donnie James ... born on September 22, 2000 ... plans on majoring in Athletic Training with a minor in Biology


RodriquezAustin Rodriguez, OL, 6-2, 270, Plano, Texas (Prestonwood Christian)

High School: Prepped at Prestonwood Christian for coach Chris Cunningham ...Unanimous First Team All-State in 2018-19... four-year letter winner, a four-year starter, and captain ... was an Honorable Mention All-District during two seasons ... earned Second Team All-District honors once and First Team All-District once ... started on a state championship-winning offensive line for the Lions

Personal: Son of Laura and Bryan Rodriguez ... born on February 9, 2001 ... plans on majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Chemistry


OlthoffCarter Olthoff, WR, 6-3, 190, Brandon, S.D. (Brandon Valley)

High School: Prepped at Brandon Valley High School for coach Chad Garrow ...two-year letter winner, a two-year starter, and captain ... caught 57 passes for 1,264 yards and 20 TD's during his senior season for the Lynx while helping his team to a state championship ... achieved All-Conference and All-State honors during his senior season ... was named a member of the Argus Leader Elite - 45

Personal: Son of Luanna and Brent Olthoff ... born on June 2, 2000 ... has not decided on a major at Augustana


PolsonJake Polson, DB, 5-11, 165, Reno, Nev. (Damonte Ranch)

High School: Prepped at Damonte Ranch High School for coach Shawn Dupris ... three-year letter winner and three-year starter ... caught 39 passes for 849 yards and 11 TD's during his senior season ... made 43 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles in his senior season for the Mustangs ... achieved First Team All-Conference as a wide receiver and defensive back ... earned First Team All-State honors as a defensive back

Personal: Son of Kim and Jon Polson ... born on July 9, 2000 ... has not decided on a major at Augustana


HerdingClay Herding, LB, 6-1, 195, Mankato, Minn. (Mankato West)

High School: Prepped at Mankato West High School for coach Jeffery Helget ... four-year letter winner, a three-year starter, and two-year captain ... recorded over 100 tackles and at least 21 tackles-for-loss in both his junior and senior seasons ... put up 19.5 sacks in his junior and senior seasons, while forcing four fumbles ... earned All-District Defensive Player of the Year

Personal: Son of Vonda and Troy Herding ... born on September 18, 2000 ... plans on majoring in Business


OvertonLuke Overton, DL, 6-3, 275, Rockford, Minn. (Rockford)

High School: Prepped at Rockford High School for coach Dan Houghton ... three-year starter and three-year letter winner ... team captain his senior year ... two-time Offensive Player of the Year ... two-time First Team All-Conference ... he recorded 54 tackles, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries, four passes deflected and five extra points blocked during his junior year ... Second Team All-Conference, First Team All-Section and Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2016

Personal: Son of Cara and Tim Fowler ... born March 10, 2001 ... plans to major in Business and minor in Finance.


LimbergBen Limburg, K/P, 6-0, 190, Rochester, Minn. (Rochester Lourdes)

High School: Prepped at Rochester Lourdes for coach Mike Kesler ... four-time letter winner and three-year starter ... two-time state champion in football ... made 62-of-65 extra points, 9-of-10 field goals from inside of 50 yards his senior year ... school record field goal of 47 yards ... First Team All-State, Minnesota High School Football Showcase South Team Selection All-District, All-Section and Lourdes Football Special Teams Player of the Year his senior year

Personal: Son of Paul and Cora Limburg ... born November 6, 2000 ... plans to major in Chemistry


SamuelsonEli Samuelson, ATH, 6-3, 185, Comfrey, Minn. (Comfrey)

High School: Prepped at Comfrey Public High School for coach Dwane Jemmings ... three-year letter winner, a three-year starter, and two-year captain ... threw for 1,120 yards and 16 TD's, while also tacking on 1,198 yards rushing and 14 TDs... three-time All-Conference Academic ... earned Academic All-State during senior year ... was named All-Conference during junior and senior seasons

Personal: Son of Tammi and Pete Samuelson ... born August 7, 2000 ... plans to major in Exercise Science


GrahamKyle Graham, RB, 5-10, 190, Las Vegas, Nev. (Arbor View)

High School: Prepped at Arbor View High School for coach Dan Barnson ... two-year letter winner, a two-year starter, two-year captain ... rushed 2,102 yards and 218 receiving yards with 24 TD's during his senior season ... earned First Team All-State honors and First Team All-High School USA ... achieved Nevada All-State Academic team during senior season ... broke the school record for rushing yards, yards per carry, and longest rushing touchdown ... aided team to a Mountain Region Championship

Personal: Son of Amanda and Robert Robinson ... born October 23, 2000 ... plans to major in pre-med


BuddenhagenJosh Buddenhagen, DL, 6-3, 275, Hartford, Wisc. (Hartford Union)

High School: Prepped at Hartford Union High School for coach John Redders ... three-year letter winner and three-year starter ... recorded 68 tackles in his senior season (23 solo, 45 assisted), had eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble ... earned second-team All-Conference honors ... was named to WFCA All-Star Game

Personal: Son of Steve and Tracy Buddenhagen ... born on March 3, 2001 ... plans to major in Education with a minor in Psychology


BoikeBentley Boike, LB, 6-3, 215, Gluek, Minn. (Dawson-Boyd)

High School: Prepped at Dawson-Boyd High School for coach Cory Larson ... four-year letter winner, a four-year starter, captain ... rushed for 3,871 yards over his junior and senior seasons, with 46 TDs... recorded 103 tackles in his final two seasons ... named to All-Sub District team three times ... Minnesota Mr. Football nominee ... earned All-Sub District MVP honors, Most Valuable Offensive Back, and Most Valuable Defensive Lineman honors during senior season

Personal: Son of Paula and Jason Boike ... born on July 19, 2000 ... plans to major in Elementary Education


MooreTanner Moore, DB, 6-2, 175, Shawnee, Kan. (Mill Valley)

High School: Prepped at Mill Valley High School for coach Joel Applebee ... three-year letter winner, three-year starter ... recorded 135 tackles, two interceptions, and 15 pass deflections during his junior and senior seasons ... earned Honorable Mention All-State as a sophomore ... two-year member of the US National Football Team ... helped the Jaguars to win the 5A State Championship during his sophomore season

Personal: Son of Stacy and B. Clay Moore ... born on July 31, 2000 ... plans to major in Secondary Education


Wallace Haden Wallace, LB, 6-1, 205, Kansas City, Mo. (Park Hill)

High School: Prepped at Park Hill High School for coach Josh Hood ... three-year letter winner, a two-year starter, and captain ... recorded 283 tackles, 160 solo tackles, 53 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and two interceptions during his junior and senior seasons ... earned First Team All-Conference Linebacker, First Team All-District Linebacker, and First Team All-State Linebacker as a senior ... earned Academic All-State during both his junior and senior seasons ... helped the Trojans to a conference and district championship during his junior season

Personal: Son of Heather and David Wallace ... born on March 1, 2001 ... plans to major in Mathematics


EppersonJarod Epperson, RB, 6-0, 182, Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic)

High School: Prepped at Omaha Skutt Catholic High School for coach Matt Turman ... three-year letter winner, a one-year starter, and captain ... recorded 221 carries, 2,319 rushing yards, 36 rushing TD's, 176 receiving yards, and four rushing TD's during his senior season ... was named First Team Super-State ATH, First Team All-Nebraska RB, First Team All-USA Nebraska RB, First Team All-Conference, and three-year Academic All-Conference ... helped the Skyhawks to two runner-up finishes during his sophomore and junior seasons and one state title as a senior

Personal: Son of Dean and Kim Epperson ... born on November 8, 2000 ... plans to major in Athletic Training


CarrollConner Carroll, OL, 6-2, 244, Omaha, Neb. (Millard West)

High School: Prepped at Millard West High School for coach Kirk Peterson ... letter winner and starter ... helped the Wildcats to the state semi-final game ... was a member of 9-3 Millard West team

Personal: Son of Bryan and Betsy Carroll ... born on October 17, 2000 ... plans to major in Business


JonesDevon Jones, WR, 5-8, 170, San Diego, Calif. (Kearney High Digital Media & Design)

High School: Prepped at Kearny High Digital Media & Design for coach Will Gray ... three-year letter winner, a three-year starter, and two-year captain ... Caught 100 passes for 1,973 yards, while recording 69 rushes for 764 yards and 42 total TD's over the course of his final two seasons ... picked off 13 passes over his junior and senior seasons ... was a three-year member of the San Diego Union-Tribune All-Academic Team

Personal: Son of Ashley and Jolyn Jones ... born on November 27, 2000 ... plans to major in Graphic Design with a minor in Business


RootsBenjamin Roots, OL, 6-4, 245, Scottsdale, Ariz. (Desert Mountain)

High School: Prepped at Desert Mountain High School for coach David Semdak ... three-year letter winner, a three-year starter, and captain ... earned First Team All-City, First Team All-District as a junior and senior ... was named AZSports360 First-Team All-Academic as a junior ... earned First Team All-State as a senior

Personal: Son of Keith Roots and Kenna Ose ... born on September 22, 2001 ... plans to major in Business


ReinkingJessen Reinking, DL, 6-3, 230, Kingsley, Iowa (Kingsley-Pierson)

High School: Prepped at Kingsley-Pierson High School for coaches Bart Bousted and Brent Koedam ... four-year letter winner, a four-year starter and a captain ... he recorded 61.5 tackles and 5 sacks senior year ... ran for 888 yards and 17 TDs ... First Team All-Conference, All-District Academic Team, Honorable Mention All-Region, All NW Iowa Fourth Team and Iowa Shrine Bowl participant his senior year... recorded 76 solo tackles (6 for loss) and 21 tackles assists in his junior year ... had 3 interceptions ... First Team All-Conference, All-District Academic Team, First Team All-Area, Le Mars Daily Sentinel First Team Defense his junior year

Personal: Son of Perry and Jody Reinking ... born September 13, 2000 ... has two siblings ... plans to major in Exercise Science


RyanIsaiah Ryan, DB, 6-0, 185, Sterling, Ill. (Sterling)

High School: Prepped at Sterling High School for coach Jon Schlemmer ... 5A All-State Honors ... NIB-12 Defensive MVP award ... NIB-12 All-Conference honors ... was the Sauk Valley Media Player of the Year ... member of the Academic All-State team ... Team MVP along with Team Defensive MVP

Personal: Son of Joe Ryan and Melissa Ryan-Bergstrom ... born on September 1, 2000 ... Has three siblings ... plans on majoring in Psychology, Business and Public Administration


FrancisMatt Francis, QB, 6-2, 200, Thornton, Colo. (Horizon)

High School: Prepped at Horizon High School for coach Frank Ybarra ... two-year letter winner, a two-year starter and a captain ... Iron Hawk Award winner ... threw for 1149 yards and 12 TDs his senior year ... completed 77-of-160 passes ... threw for 1520 yards and 15 TDs in his high school career ... he completed 105-of-233 passes

Personal: Son of Matt Francis and Jennifer Francis ... born on August 17, 2000 ... has three siblings ... plans on majoring in Business