(Editor's note: Carroll College media release)
HELENA - The Carroll College football team welcomed 21 signees in its initial signing class of 2021, the program announced Wednesday on National Signing Day.
“The Fighting Saints' 2021 recruiting class is filled with talented young men on and off the field,” Saints head coach Troy Purcell said. “The entire coaching staff did an outstanding job of finding talented, driven players that will be an outstanding fit at Carroll College. We’re excited to add nine players from the state of Montana, as well as players from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Utah. The class consists of 14 team captains, 12 all-state athletes, 18 multi-sport athletes, 11 three-sport athletes and 11 state champions. We’re excited about the future of these young men and the future of Carroll College Fighting Saints football."
The class currently features 11 offensive and nine defensive players, with two recruits who are specialists. Seven of the nine Montana signees have been selected to play in the 2021 Montana East-West Shrine Game. The average GPA of the signees is 3.81.
The program plans to add another wave of signees in the weeks to come.
To learn more about the 2021 recruiting class, join the Carroll football coaches on Rewind 94.9 on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. for the Fighting Saints Class of 2021 Signing Day Special. Coaches will discuss each recruit and preview the upcoming spring season.
Here’s a rundown of Carroll’s 2021 class to date:
Branson Becker / Lolo, Mont. / Valley Christian HS / ATH, 5’11, 205
Becker was a two-time first team all-state performer and two-time team MVP at Valley Christian. He was a team captain, four-year varsity player in football, three-year varsity player in lacrosse, and two-year varsity player in basketball. Off the field, he earned the Highest Academic Honors as a senior. Becker is the son of Deanna and Brian Becker and has one sister (Amanda) and three brothers (Coty, Colton, and Eyan). He plans to pursue a degree in History for Secondary Education.
Becker on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because it was the best fit for me in terms of academics and school environment, and the winning culture was very appealing.”
Cormac Benn / Bigfork, Mont. / Bigfork HS / WR, 6’1, 190
Benn led the state of Montana in rushing with 1,934 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns as a senior at Bigfork. His 214.9 rushing yards per game as a senior ranks second all-time in Montana high school history, and his 381 yard performance vs. Polson ranks 5th all time. He was a team captain, a first team all-state running back and defensive back as a senior, and an all-conference performer as a sophomore and junior. He has been selected for the 2021 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He was an all-conference track performer as a sophomore. Off the field, he was a member of the National Honor Society. Benn is the son of Aimee Jackson and Jim Benn and has two sisters (Shona and Emma) and two brothers (Connor and Asher). He plans to pursue a degree in History.
Benn on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because the coaches and professors made me feel like they wanted me to be a part of the team and school. It just seemed like the right fit for me. Something just kept telling me to pick Carroll!”
Ryan Bohr / Meridian, Idaho / Rocky Mountain HS / OL, 6’5, 250
Bohr was a first team all-conference and second team all-state performer at Rocky Mountain. He was a two-time state champion, as well as being voted as a team captain. Off the field, Ryan earned a 4.08 GPA. Ryan is the son of Brooke and Jim Bohr and has one sister (Taylor). He plans to pursue a degree in Engineering.
Bohr on why he chose Carroll College: “I chose Carroll College because of the prestige of the football program, the relationship I had with the coaches, and the outstanding education that I will be able to get.”
Easton Durham / Pocatello, Idaho / Highland HS/ WR, 6’0, 170
Durham was a first team all-conference quarterback and defensive back as a senior at Highland. He was a four-year varsity member and a team captain as a senior. He was a four-year varsity letter winner in baseball and basketball, an all-conference center fielder, and a team captain in both sports. Durham is the son of Melissa and Jason Durham and has one brother (Colton). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Durham on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll because the coaching staff and the culture is amazing. Carroll also provides a great education along with the great football program. Carroll picked a great recruiting class this year as well!”
Jack England / Meridian, Idaho / Rocky Mountain HS / FB, 6’1, 210
England was a three-year varsity player, two-time state champion and an All-SIC fullback at Rocky Mountain. Off the field, England earned a 4.06 GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society, and a first-team All SIC Academic performer. England is the son of Melissa and Bryce England and has one sister (Claire). He plans to pursue a degree in Psychology.
England on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because the coaches and players are awesome and friendly. The connection and brotherhood everyone have on the team is amazing. The academics and school are top notch.”
Daxon Graham / Dillon, Mont. / Beaverhead County HS / DB, 5’11, 160
Graham was a first team all-state defensive back and all-conference wide receiver at Beaverhead County. He was a team captain and has been selected to the 2021 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He was a two-year letter winner in basketball, three-year letter winner in track and field, and a member of the Class A State Track and Field Championship Team. Off the field, he was an academic all-state selection and a member of the National Honor Society. Graham is the son of Vanessa and Kent Graham and has one sister (Kenleigh) and one brother (Treyton). He plans to pursue a degree in Pre-Med.
Graham on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because of the outstanding coaching staff, professors, and culture.”
Bryan Holland / Butte, Mont. / Butte Central Catholic HS / OLB, 6’0, 200
Holland was an all-conference linebacker, defensive end, and offensive lineman at Butte Central. He was the 2020 Last Man Award winner and a member of the 2020 Class A Co-State Champion Basketball Team. Holland was a team captain and has been selected to play in the 2021 Montana East-West Shrine Game. Off the field, he earned a 4.14 GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society, and was a four-time Academic All-State selection. Holland is the son of Beth and Joe Holland and has one brother (Danny). He plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Holland on why he chose Carroll College: “I chose Carroll College because it has a family atmosphere with enthusiastic coaches and a proud history of excellence and success.”
Max Lehman / Meridian, Idaho / Rocky Mountain HS / RB, 5’10, 195
Lehman was second team all-state running back and two-time State Champion at Rocky Mountain. He was a three-year varsity letter winner and a first team All-SIC running back. He was a member of the lacrosse team. Off the field, Lehman was a two-time SIC all-academic performer. Lehman is the son of Kristen and David Lehman and has one sister (Morgan). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Lehman on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because of the winning culture and academic prestige, as well as the strong brotherhood and great coaching staff.”
Aiden Mason / Pasco, Wash. / Chiawana HS / DB, 6’1, 185
Mason was a three-year varsity letter winner and first team all-conference performer at Chiawana. He was a team captain and a two-time Conference Champion. Off field, he was a member of the Principal’s Honor Roll and a member of the National Honor Society. Mason is the son of Michelle and Josh Mason and has two sisters (Mikayla and Rylee) and one brother (Zane). He plans to pursue a degree in Pre-Med.
Mason on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because it was a great fit for me academically and athletically. I loved the atmosphere and attitude of the program and school. I feel like I can make an impact at Carroll College!”
Mitch Muralt / Missoula, Mont. / Missoula Big Sky HS / TE, 6’3, 200
Muralt was a two-year varsity letter winner and Coach’s Award winner at Missoula Big Sky. He was also a varsity basketball player who earned a 3.6 GPA. Mitch is the son of Nicole Mora and Walt Muralt and has one sister (Olivia) and one brother (McKee). He plans to pursue a degree in Health Sciences.
Muralt on why he chose Carroll College: “I chose Carroll College because it is a great school and team to be a part of. The football team and the whole school has a great connection and is very welcoming.”
Carter Murdock / Providence, Utah / Ridgeline HS / ATH, 6’3, 215
Murdock was a four-year varsity starter and first team all-state performer at Ridgeline. He started at tight end, defensive end, kicker and punter. He won a State Cup as a member of the soccer team. Murdock is the son of Meg and Shayne Murdock and has one sister (Sammie) and two brothers (Wesley and Myles). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Murdock on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because it has a great academics and coaching staff. The players loved it here and I could see myself as a Saint.”
Dylan Nieskens / Glasgow, Mont. / Glasgow HS / LB, 6’2, 210
Nieskens was a four-year varsity starter and two-time all-state linebacker and tight end at Glasgow. He was a team captain and led Glasgow to a State Semi-Final appearance as a senior. He was selected to the 2021 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He was the Montana State Wrestling Champion at 170lbs as a sophomore and 182lbs as a junior. Off the field, he was a member of the Honor Roll. Nieskens is the son of Terri and Mike Nieskens. He plans to pursue a degree in Health Sciences.
Nieskens on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because I felt a great connection with the coaches and the school is a great fit for me!”
Brock Paldi / Oregon City, Ore. / Rex Putnam HS/Whittier College / K/P 6’, 165
Paldi comes to Carroll College from Whittier College. Prior to Whittier, he was an all-league kicker at Rex Putnam. He was a varsity baseball and tennis player. Off the field, Paldi was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with an Honors Diploma. Paldi is the son of Merin Paldi and Rochelle Bracken and has one sister (Frannie). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Paldi on why he chose Carroll College: “I chose Carroll College because of the awesome school environment and its winning culture.”
Hunter Peck / Windsor, Colo. / Windsor HS / LB, 6’2, 215
Peck was a three-time all-conference player and defensive player of the year at Windsor. He was a team captain, the Lucas Watts Never Outworked Award winner and One Team One Heart Award winner. He was an all-conference player in tennis and a three-year letter winner in basketball and lacrosse. Off the field, he was a three-year member of the Honor Roll and a member of the National Honor Society. Peck is the son of Bruce Peck and has one sister (Daria) and one brother (Zach). He plans to pursue a degree in Pre-Med.
Peck on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because of the rooted, close-knit, and winning culture of Carroll College and Carroll Football. Along with an unbelievable football program, Carroll offers a great education that will set me up for success for life.”
Jack Prka / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho / Coeur d’Alene HS / QB, 6’1, 185
Prka was a two-time 5A first-team all-state quarterback at Coeur d’Alene. He was the 2020 MaxPreps Idaho Player of the Year and the 2020 Inland Empire League Most Valuable Player. He was a team captain and quarterbacked Coeur d’Alene to the state championship game as junior and state semifinals as a senior. He was a three-year letter winner in basketball. Prka is the son of Jessica and Tony Prka. He plans to pursue a degree in Secondary Education.
Prka on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because I fell in love with the family aspect of the school, team, and community. They are a winning team and I can help them win championships!”
Beaux Taylor / Meridian, Idaho / Rocky Mountain HS / DB, 5’11, 170
Taylor was a two-time state champion and an all-conference defensive back at Rocky Mountain. He lost only one game in his high school career and was a varsity pole vaulter. Off the field, he earned a 3.9 GPA. Taylor is the son of Chelsey Taylor and has one sister (Grace). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Taylor on why he chose Carroll: “ I chose Carroll College because of the elite education as well as the amazing football program.”
Teegan Thomas / Blackfoot, Idaho / Blackfoot HS / RB, 5’8, 165
Thomas was a two-time first-team All-Idaho running back and two-time first team all-state running back at Blackfoot. He was a team captain and holds the record for most rushing yards in a season and a career at Blackfoot. He was a four-year letter winner in Track & Field and owns the Blackfoot record for the 100m and 200m. Thomas is the son of Kylee and Zeke Thomas. He plans to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Thomas on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because it has an elite football program with great facilities. I knew that this was a place that I could call home, away from home. The nursing program is outstanding and Carroll has great morals and standards for their students and athletes.”
Cole Truman / Dillon, Mont. / Beaverhead County HS / WR, 6’5, 180
Truman was a 2019 all-conference wide receiver and a 2020 all-conference and all-state wide receiver at Beaverhead County. He was a team captain and has been selected for the 2021 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He was a 2019-20 all-conference selection in basketball and a member of the 2019 Class A State Champion Track Team. Off the field, he was a four-time academic all-conference selection. Truman is the son of Shannon and Jason Truman and has one sister (Kelsy). He plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Truman on why he chose Carroll: “I choose Carroll College because the coaches and players are super awesome and friendly. The connection and brotherhood everyone have on the team is also really cool. The academics and school itself are top notch.”
Chayton Winkle / Helena, Mont. / Helena Capital HS / LB, 5’10, 205
Winkle was a 2020 first team All-State Linebacker and Team Defensive MVP at Capital. He was a team captain and an academic all-state selection. Winkle was a varsity letter-winner in wrestling and track, and has been selected to play in the 2021 Montana East-West Shrine Game. Off the field, Winkle is a 4.0 student who is a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Kim and James Winkle and has one sister (McKinley). He plans to pursue a degree in History for Secondary Education.
Winkle on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because the coaching staff treated me as family. The program and academics are top notch and I really like the energy and family-like atmosphere at Carroll.”
Marcus Wittman / Billings, Mont. / Billings Central Catholic HS / QB, 6’1, 195
Wittman was a four-year letter winner, two-time all-conference, and 2020 all-state quarterback and defensive back at BIllings Central. He was a team captain who quarterbacked Billing Central to the Montana Class A state Championship Game. He has been selected to the 2021 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He was an all-state performer and four-year letter winner in basketball. Off the field, Wittman was an eight time academic all-state performer and a member of the National Honor Society. Wittman is the son of Zoe and Brandon Wittman and has one sister (Mariah). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Wittman on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because of the outstanding team and school culture.”
Braeden York / Spokane, Wash. / Mead HS / DL, 6’2, 280
York was a two year starter and three-year varsity letter winner at Mead. York is the son of Suzanne and Trent York and has one brother (Spencer). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
York on why he chose Carroll: “I chose Carroll College because the coaching staff and professors at Carroll were really welcoming and wanted to get to know me better as a person. They have a great program with success that has lasted over the years.”
