Tony Coker, OL, 6-6, 320, Hoisington, (Hoisington HS/Hutchinson CC). Played last season at Hutchinson Community College ? originally signed with KU out of high school ? regarded by most recruiting services as one of the top offensive linemen in the Jayhawk Conference ? spent the 2000 season as a red-shirt freshman at KU ? was a three-year letterman in football and lettered in track and basketball in high school. 40-yard dash time: 5.25 seconds.
Reggie Curry, DE, 6-3, 225, Oxnard, Calif. (Rio Mesa HS/Moorpark CC). Credited with nine quarterback sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in earning honorable mention all-conference honors last season at Moorpark CC ? had 154 tackles as a junior and senior at Rio Mesa High ? credited with 85 tackles as a senior with four sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. 40 time: 4.6.
Cory Kipp, DE, 6-5, 255, Riverside, Calif. (North HS/Riverside CC). A two-year all-conference selection at Riverside CC ? ranked No. 41 nationally among junior college prospects by Rivals 100 ? credited with 13 quarterback sacks as a freshman ? earned PrepStar All-American, SuperPrep All-Farwest, Long Beach Press-Telegram first-team, Best in the West and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors his senior year ? named to Mike Gottfried’s Top Recruit Big Man all-Speed Team ? a three-year letterman, had 15 sacks his senior year after a school-record 22 as a junior ? set a school record with 49 career sacks ? attended the University of Arizona and red-shirted in 1999. 40 time: 4.6.
Bill Whittemore, QB, 6-1, 190, Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood HS/Ft. Scott CC). Was the Jayhawk Conference most valuable player and only unanimous pick for all-conference honors last season at Fort Scott Community College ? threw for 2,082 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season ? completed 59 percent of his passes and rushing for six TDs ? the top-ranked quarterback in the Jayhawk Conference by MoKan Magazine ? coached at Fort Scott by former KU quarterback Kevin Verdugo ? played one season at Tennessee-Martin and started as a red-shirt freshman. 40 time: 4.7.
Jon Cornish, RB, 6-0, 200, New Westminister, British Columbia, Canada (Thomas More). Rushed for 3,200 career yards and 49 touchdowns as a three-year letterwinner for Thomas More Prep ? averaged 14.9 yards per carry while rushing for 2,136 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior ? had a single-game best of 336 yards and four touchdowns ? also credited with 152 career tackles, including 89 his senior season ? earned a combined eight letters in football, basketball and track ? selected the British Columbia Provincial Player of the Year. 40 time: 4.5.
Travis Dambach, OL, 6-5, 270, Jackson, Mo. (Jackson). An all-state and all-region selection at Jackson High in 2001 ? named the outstanding offensive lineman in his conference ? also selected most outstanding athlete and offensive lineman at his school during his senior season ? a three-year letterwinner in football ? helped his team to the conference and district championships his senior season. 40 time: 5.17.
Derek Fine, TE, 6-4, 220, Sallisaw, Okla. (Sallisaw). Named to Oklahoma Coaches Assn. All-State team ? selected by The Daily Oklahoman to its Elite 25 All-State team ? also made Tulsa World All-State team ? ranked No. 49 nationally among prep tight ends by Rivals 100 ? named all-district and best offensive player in District 4A ? named his team’s most valuable player ? helped Sallisaw to a combined 26-2 record as a junior and senior with a pair of state runner-up finishes ? broke the school record for yards receiving in a season (798) and in a career (1,792) ? had 34 receptions for 798 yards as a senior with eight touchdowns ? named team MVP in basketball. 40 time: 4.6.
Charles Gordon, WR, 5-11, 175, Carson, Calif. (Santa Monica). Selected most valuable player for Santa Monica High his senior season ? had 66 receptions for 1,229 yards as a senior, and 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore ? also named player of year in the Ocean League ? had single-game highs of 10 receptions for 217 yards and four TDs his senior year ? also named most valuable player on his baseball team as a junior ? helped his team to a league championship in 2001 ? earned three letters in football, two letters in basketball and three letters in baseball. 40 time: 4.5.
Gary Heaggans, WR, 6-3, 206, Kansas City (Schlagle/Purdue). A transfer from Purdue ? appeared in 10 games last season during his red-shirt freshman year as a reserve ? credited with three receptions for 26 yards ? ranked as the No. 18 wide receiver and No. 126 player overall in the nation by Prep Football Report following his senior season at Schlagle High ? named Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Kansas as a senior after catching 27 passes for 670 yards with nine touchdowns in a run-oriented offense ? helped his team to a league championship his senior season ? also lettered in basketball and was a high jumper in track and field. 40 time: 4.5.
Joe Hogan, QB, 6-3, 180, Sallisaw, Okla. (Sallisaw). Passed for 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior ? earned Class 4A all-star honors ? team captain and offensive player of the year as a senior ? also named to the Muskogee Phoenix All-Area team ? selected to play in the Oil Bowl and the Eastern Oklahoma All-Star game ? helped his team win the district, regional and area championships in 2001 ? also quarterbacked Sallisaw to a state runner-up finish as a senior ? lost just one game as a starting quarterback during his prep career ? earned a combined 10 letters in football, basketball and baseball. 40 time: 4.7.
Dexter Jackson, DB, 6-2, 185, Miami (Jackson). An all-region selection by Prep Star Magazine his senior season? selected by the Orlando Sentinel as one of the top 10 prep defensive backs in Florida ? credited with 70 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, four fumble recoveries and three caused fumbles ? also had two interceptions ? helped lead his team to the state semifinals as a junior ? a three-year letterman in football. 40 time: 4.59.
Kevin Kane, LB, 6-2, 228, Parkville, Mo. (Rockhurst). A first-team all-state selection, all-metro and all-district as a junior and senior ? credited with a school record 116 total tackles as a senior ? also had three sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries ? helped Rockhurst to the state championship as a junior ? lettered three years in football and two years in basketball ? ranked as the second-best prep linebacker in the KC area by MoKan Football. 40 time: 4.65.
Jerome Kemp, RB, 5-11, 195, Wichita (Southeast). A consensus Class 6A all-state selection ? named first-team all-state as a running back ? earned first-team all-city honors as a running back and defensive back ? named to the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal all-state teams ? the top rated safety in the region by MoKan Football ? ranked as the No. 39 player in the midlands by SuperPrep Magazine ? an all-region selection by Prep Star Magazine ? the leading rusher in the city as a senior ? helped his team to the city league championship in 1999 and 2000 and the district championship in 2000 and 2001 ? earned four letters in football and three letters in track. 40 time: 4.5.
Kyle Knighton, LB, 6-4, 236, Weston, Mo. (West Platte). Set a new Missouri state record for single season tackles (222) as a senior ? also established a new state career mark for total tackles with 547 ? set a Show-Me Bowl state title single-game record with 22 tackles ? had 29 receptions for 486 yards and five touchdowns as a tight end ? named first-team all-state and all-metro his senior season ? a three-time all-conference and all-district selection ? the top rated defensive end in the KC area by MoKan Football ? helped guide West Platte to a district and state championship his senior season ?won a combined 11 letters in four sports during his prep career. 40 time: 4.63.
Jerome Lewis, WR, 5-11, 180, Carrollton, Texas (Turner). Recorded the fifth-fastest time in Texas for the 100-meter dash last year (10.5) ? ranked No. 39 nationally among all-purpose backs by Rivals 100 ? all-around athlete who also excels in track and basketball ? has 30 first-place finishes as a sprinter on the track team during his prep career ? named most valuable player on his basketball team. 40 time: 4.38.
David Ochoa, OL, 6-5, 260, Houston (Dobie). A two-time all-district selection during his junior and senior seasons ? helped his team to the state playoffs both as a starter during his junior and senior seasons ? ranked No. 59 in the country among prep offensive guards by Rivals 100 ? recorded 55 pancake blocks as a senior and 40 as a junior. 40 time: 5.3.
Brandon Perkins, LB, 6-2, 210, Houston (Eisenhower). Named first-team all-district and second-team All Greater Houston his senior season ? also honored as the most valuable defensive player in the district during the 2001 season ? a finalist for the Houston defensive player of the year award ? a two-time team captain and three-year letterman at Eisenhower High ? had a single-game highs of 12 tackles and three sacks. 40 time: 4.6.
Skye Peterson, OL, 6-3, 280, Little Rock, Ark. (Omaha Millard West HS/Milford Academy). A three-year letterman at Millard West High in Omaha, Neb. ? played last fall at Milford Academy Prep School in Milford, Conn. ? earned all-state, all-district and all-metro honors as a senior ? helped his team win back-to-back district and conference championships as a junior and senior ? also lettered two years in track ? named to his high school honor roll. 40 time: 5.18.
Nick Reid, QB, 6-4, 210, Derby. An all-around athlete who started at quarterback and defensive back ? tapped the top quarterback prospect in Kansas by MoKan Football ? named to the coaches association Class 6A all-state team his senior year ? set a school record for career total offense with 4,171 yards ? credited with 16 career TD passes ? also rushed for 13 TDs ? averaged 10.4 yards per carry and 21.6 yards per passing attempt as a senior ? selected to play in the Shrine Bowl ? helped his team to an 8-1 record and district runner-up finish in 2001 ? missed three games due to a sprained knee ? started on the varsity as a sophomore and helped Derby to a No. 1 ranking in the state and a 9-1 record ? guided Derby to a combined 25-3 record his three seasons as a starter ? also a three-year starter in basketball and the team’s leading scorer and rebounder ? an all-league performer in track. 40 time: 4.6.
Dominic Roux, WR, 6-0, 175, Los Angeles (Serra). A first-team all-league selection as a senior ? credited with 24 pass receptions for 611 yards and one TD ? also had 30 tackles as a defensive back ? an all-region selection in Prep Star Magazine ? helped his team to league championships as a junior and senior ? had a single-game high three touchdown receptions and 175 yards receiving as a senior ? lettered three years in football and four years in track ? also a standout sprinter in track ? helped his high school team to the state title in track as a senior. 40 time: 4.4.
Mark Simmons, WR, 5-11, 175, DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto). A product of one of the top high school programs in the state ? had 40 receptions for 688 yards and eight touchdowns his senior year ? a two-time all-district selection ? named one of the top 100 players in the state by the Dallas Morning News ? also included in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram’s Top 75 Players ? ranked as the No. 66 prep wide receiver by Rivals 100. 40 time: 4.5.
Kenneth Thompson, DB, 5-11, 175, Grand Prairie, Texas (Nimitz). Earned first-team all-state and all-area his senior season ? rushed for a career total of 4,127 yards ? had a single-game high of 276 yards against Duncanville ? credited with 135 career tackles and 12 interceptions as a defensive back ? selected most valuable player of the Metroplex ? a three-year letterman in football ? a state qualifier in the triple jump and on the 400-meter relay team as a junior ? placed third in the state in the triple jump. 40 time: 4.45.
Bob Whitaker, OT, 6-5, 310, Mt. Lebanon, Pa. (Mt. Lebanon). Earned all-state and all-conference honors his senior season ? helped his team to a conference championship as a junior and senior ? a two-year letterwinner in football ? ranked as the No. 17 player in the state by SuperPrep Magazine ? an all-region selection in Prep Star Magazine ? Ranked No. 69 among prep offensive tackles by Rivals 100. 40 time: 5.2.
Tony Coker, OL, 6-6, 320, Hoisington, (Hoisington HS/Hutchinson CC). Played last season at Hutchinson Community College ? originally signed with KU out of high school ? regarded by most recruiting services as one of the top offensive linemen in the Jayhawk Conference ? spent the 2000 season as a red-shirt freshman at KU ? was a three-year letterman in football and lettered in track and basketball in high school. 40-yard dash time: 5.25 seconds.
Reggie Curry, DE, 6-3, 225, Oxnard, Calif. (Rio Mesa HS/Moorpark CC). Credited with nine quarterback sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in earning honorable mention all-conference honors last season at Moorpark CC ? had 154 tackles as a junior and senior at Rio Mesa High ? credited with 85 tackles as a senior with four sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. 40 time: 4.6.
Cory Kipp, DE, 6-5, 255, Riverside, Calif. (North HS/Riverside CC). A two-year all-conference selection at Riverside CC ? ranked No. 41 nationally among junior college prospects by Rivals 100 ? credited with 13 quarterback sacks as a freshman ? earned PrepStar All-American, SuperPrep All-Farwest, Long Beach Press-Telegram first-team, Best in the West and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors his senior year ? named to Mike Gottfried’s Top Recruit Big Man all-Speed Team ? a three-year letterman, had 15 sacks his senior year after a school-record 22 as a junior ? set a school record with 49 career sacks ? attended the University of Arizona and red-shirted in 1999. 40 time: 4.6.
Bill Whittemore, QB, 6-1, 190, Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood HS/Ft. Scott CC). Was the Jayhawk Conference most valuable player and only unanimous pick for all-conference honors last season at Fort Scott Community College ? threw for 2,082 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season ? completed 59 percent of his passes and rushing for six TDs ? the top-ranked quarterback in the Jayhawk Conference by MoKan Magazine ? coached at Fort Scott by former KU quarterback Kevin Verdugo ? played one season at Tennessee-Martin and started as a red-shirt freshman. 40 time: 4.7.
Jon Cornish, RB, 6-0, 200, New Westminister, British Columbia, Canada (Thomas More). Rushed for 3,200 career yards and 49 touchdowns as a three-year letterwinner for Thomas More Prep ? averaged 14.9 yards per carry while rushing for 2,136 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior ? had a single-game best of 336 yards and four touchdowns ? also credited with 152 career tackles, including 89 his senior season ? earned a combined eight letters in football, basketball and track ? selected the British Columbia Provincial Player of the Year. 40 time: 4.5.
Travis Dambach, OL, 6-5, 270, Jackson, Mo. (Jackson). An all-state and all-region selection at Jackson High in 2001 ? named the outstanding offensive lineman in his conference ? also selected most outstanding athlete and offensive lineman at his school during his senior season ? a three-year letterwinner in football ? helped his team to the conference and district championships his senior season. 40 time: 5.17.
Derek Fine, TE, 6-4, 220, Sallisaw, Okla. (Sallisaw). Named to Oklahoma Coaches Assn. All-State team ? selected by The Daily Oklahoman to its Elite 25 All-State team ? also made Tulsa World All-State team ? ranked No. 49 nationally among prep tight ends by Rivals 100 ? named all-district and best offensive player in District 4A ? named his team’s most valuable player ? helped Sallisaw to a combined 26-2 record as a junior and senior with a pair of state runner-up finishes ? broke the school record for yards receiving in a season (798) and in a career (1,792) ? had 34 receptions for 798 yards as a senior with eight touchdowns ? named team MVP in basketball. 40 time: 4.6.
Charles Gordon, WR, 5-11, 175, Carson, Calif. (Santa Monica). Selected most valuable player for Santa Monica High his senior season ? had 66 receptions for 1,229 yards as a senior, and 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore ? also named player of year in the Ocean League ? had single-game highs of 10 receptions for 217 yards and four TDs his senior year ? also named most valuable player on his baseball team as a junior ? helped his team to a league championship in 2001 ? earned three letters in football, two letters in basketball and three letters in baseball. 40 time: 4.5.
Gary Heaggans, WR, 6-3, 206, Kansas City (Schlagle/Purdue). A transfer from Purdue ? appeared in 10 games last season during his red-shirt freshman year as a reserve ? credited with three receptions for 26 yards ? ranked as the No. 18 wide receiver and No. 126 player overall in the nation by Prep Football Report following his senior season at Schlagle High ? named Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Kansas as a senior after catching 27 passes for 670 yards with nine touchdowns in a run-oriented offense ? helped his team to a league championship his senior season ? also lettered in basketball and was a high jumper in track and field. 40 time: 4.5.
Joe Hogan, QB, 6-3, 180, Sallisaw, Okla. (Sallisaw). Passed for 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior ? earned Class 4A all-star honors ? team captain and offensive player of the year as a senior ? also named to the Muskogee Phoenix All-Area team ? selected to play in the Oil Bowl and the Eastern Oklahoma All-Star game ? helped his team win the district, regional and area championships in 2001 ? also quarterbacked Sallisaw to a state runner-up finish as a senior ? lost just one game as a starting quarterback during his prep career ? earned a combined 10 letters in football, basketball and baseball. 40 time: 4.7.
Dexter Jackson, DB, 6-2, 185, Miami (Jackson). An all-region selection by Prep Star Magazine his senior season? selected by the Orlando Sentinel as one of the top 10 prep defensive backs in Florida ? credited with 70 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, four fumble recoveries and three caused fumbles ? also had two interceptions ? helped lead his team to the state semifinals as a junior ? a three-year letterman in football. 40 time: 4.59.
Kevin Kane, LB, 6-2, 228, Parkville, Mo. (Rockhurst). A first-team all-state selection, all-metro and all-district as a junior and senior ? credited with a school record 116 total tackles as a senior ? also had three sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries ? helped Rockhurst to the state championship as a junior ? lettered three years in football and two years in basketball ? ranked as the second-best prep linebacker in the KC area by MoKan Football. 40 time: 4.65.
Jerome Kemp, RB, 5-11, 195, Wichita (Southeast). A consensus Class 6A all-state selection ? named first-team all-state as a running back ? earned first-team all-city honors as a running back and defensive back ? named to the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal all-state teams ? the top rated safety in the region by MoKan Football ? ranked as the No. 39 player in the midlands by SuperPrep Magazine ? an all-region selection by Prep Star Magazine ? the leading rusher in the city as a senior ? helped his team to the city league championship in 1999 and 2000 and the district championship in 2000 and 2001 ? earned four letters in football and three letters in track. 40 time: 4.5.
Kyle Knighton, LB, 6-4, 236, Weston, Mo. (West Platte). Set a new Missouri state record for single season tackles (222) as a senior ? also established a new state career mark for total tackles with 547 ? set a Show-Me Bowl state title single-game record with 22 tackles ? had 29 receptions for 486 yards and five touchdowns as a tight end ? named first-team all-state and all-metro his senior season ? a three-time all-conference and all-district selection ? the top rated defensive end in the KC area by MoKan Football ? helped guide West Platte to a district and state championship his senior season ?won a combined 11 letters in four sports during his prep career. 40 time: 4.63.
Jerome Lewis, WR, 5-11, 180, Carrollton, Texas (Turner). Recorded the fifth-fastest time in Texas for the 100-meter dash last year (10.5) ? ranked No. 39 nationally among all-purpose backs by Rivals 100 ? all-around athlete who also excels in track and basketball ? has 30 first-place finishes as a sprinter on the track team during his prep career ? named most valuable player on his basketball team. 40 time: 4.38.
David Ochoa, OL, 6-5, 260, Houston (Dobie). A two-time all-district selection during his junior and senior seasons ? helped his team to the state playoffs both as a starter during his junior and senior seasons ? ranked No. 59 in the country among prep offensive guards by Rivals 100 ? recorded 55 pancake blocks as a senior and 40 as a junior. 40 time: 5.3.
Brandon Perkins, LB, 6-2, 210, Houston (Eisenhower). Named first-team all-district and second-team All Greater Houston his senior season ? also honored as the most valuable defensive player in the district during the 2001 season ? a finalist for the Houston defensive player of the year award ? a two-time team captain and three-year letterman at Eisenhower High ? had a single-game highs of 12 tackles and three sacks. 40 time: 4.6.
Skye Peterson, OL, 6-3, 280, Little Rock, Ark. (Omaha Millard West HS/Milford Academy). A three-year letterman at Millard West High in Omaha, Neb. ? played last fall at Milford Academy Prep School in Milford, Conn. ? earned all-state, all-district and all-metro honors as a senior ? helped his team win back-to-back district and conference championships as a junior and senior ? also lettered two years in track ? named to his high school honor roll. 40 time: 5.18.
Nick Reid, QB, 6-4, 210, Derby. An all-around athlete who started at quarterback and defensive back ? tapped the top quarterback prospect in Kansas by MoKan Football ? named to the coaches association Class 6A all-state team his senior year ? set a school record for career total offense with 4,171 yards ? credited with 16 career TD passes ? also rushed for 13 TDs ? averaged 10.4 yards per carry and 21.6 yards per passing attempt as a senior ? selected to play in the Shrine Bowl ? helped his team to an 8-1 record and district runner-up finish in 2001 ? missed three games due to a sprained knee ? started on the varsity as a sophomore and helped Derby to a No. 1 ranking in the state and a 9-1 record ? guided Derby to a combined 25-3 record his three seasons as a starter ? also a three-year starter in basketball and the team’s leading scorer and rebounder ? an all-league performer in track. 40 time: 4.6.
Dominic Roux, WR, 6-0, 175, Los Angeles (Serra). A first-team all-league selection as a senior ? credited with 24 pass receptions for 611 yards and one TD ? also had 30 tackles as a defensive back ? an all-region selection in Prep Star Magazine ? helped his team to league championships as a junior and senior ? had a single-game high three touchdown receptions and 175 yards receiving as a senior ? lettered three years in football and four years in track ? also a standout sprinter in track ? helped his high school team to the state title in track as a senior. 40 time: 4.4.
Mark Simmons, WR, 5-11, 175, DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto). A product of one of the top high school programs in the state ? had 40 receptions for 688 yards and eight touchdowns his senior year ? a two-time all-district selection ? named one of the top 100 players in the state by the Dallas Morning News ? also included in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram’s Top 75 Players ? ranked as the No. 66 prep wide receiver by Rivals 100. 40 time: 4.5.
Kenneth Thompson, DB, 5-11, 175, Grand Prairie, Texas (Nimitz). Earned first-team all-state and all-area his senior season ? rushed for a career total of 4,127 yards ? had a single-game high of 276 yards against Duncanville ? credited with 135 career tackles and 12 interceptions as a defensive back ? selected most valuable player of the Metroplex ? a three-year letterman in football ? a state qualifier in the triple jump and on the 400-meter relay team as a junior ? placed third in the state in the triple jump. 40 time: 4.45.
Bob Whitaker, OT, 6-5, 310, Mt. Lebanon, Pa. (Mt. Lebanon). Earned all-state and all-conference honors his senior season ? helped his team to a conference championship as a junior and senior ? a two-year letterwinner in football ? ranked as the No. 17 player in the state by SuperPrep Magazine ? an all-region selection in Prep Star Magazine ? Ranked No. 69 among prep offensive tackles by Rivals 100. 40 time: 5.2.
Tony Coker, OL, 6-6, 320, Hoisington, (Hoisington HS/Hutchinson CC). Played last season at Hutchinson Community College ? originally signed with KU out of high school ? regarded by most recruiting services as one of the top offensive linemen in the Jayhawk Conference ? spent the 2000 season as a red-shirt freshman at KU ? was a three-year letterman in football and lettered in track and basketball in high school. 40-yard dash time: 5.25 seconds.
Reggie Curry, DE, 6-3, 225, Oxnard, Calif. (Rio Mesa HS/Moorpark CC). Credited with nine quarterback sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in earning honorable mention all-conference honors last season at Moorpark CC ? had 154 tackles as a junior and senior at Rio Mesa High ? credited with 85 tackles as a senior with four sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. 40 time: 4.6.
Cory Kipp, DE, 6-5, 255, Riverside, Calif. (North HS/Riverside CC). A two-year all-conference selection at Riverside CC ? ranked No. 41 nationally among junior college prospects by Rivals 100 ? credited with 13 quarterback sacks as a freshman ? earned PrepStar All-American, SuperPrep All-Farwest, Long Beach Press-Telegram first-team, Best in the West and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors his senior year ? named to Mike Gottfried’s Top Recruit Big Man all-Speed Team ? a three-year letterman, had 15 sacks his senior year after a school-record 22 as a junior ? set a school record with 49 career sacks ? attended the University of Arizona and red-shirted in 1999. 40 time: 4.6.
Bill Whittemore, QB, 6-1, 190, Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood HS/Ft. Scott CC). Was the Jayhawk Conference most valuable player and only unanimous pick for all-conference honors last season at Fort Scott Community College ? threw for 2,082 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season ? completed 59 percent of his passes and rushing for six TDs ? the top-ranked quarterback in the Jayhawk Conference by MoKan Magazine ? coached at Fort Scott by former KU quarterback Kevin Verdugo ? played one season at Tennessee-Martin and started as a red-shirt freshman. 40 time: 4.7.
Jon Cornish, RB, 6-0, 200, New Westminister, British Columbia, Canada (Thomas More). Rushed for 3,200 career yards and 49 touchdowns as a three-year letterwinner for Thomas More Prep ? averaged 14.9 yards per carry while rushing for 2,136 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior ? had a single-game best of 336 yards and four touchdowns ? also credited with 152 career tackles, including 89 his senior season ? earned a combined eight letters in football, basketball and track ? selected the British Columbia Provincial Player of the Year. 40 time: 4.5.
Travis Dambach, OL, 6-5, 270, Jackson, Mo. (Jackson). An all-state and all-region selection at Jackson High in 2001 ? named the outstanding offensive lineman in his conference ? also selected most outstanding athlete and offensive lineman at his school during his senior season ? a three-year letterwinner in football ? helped his team to the conference and district championships his senior season. 40 time: 5.17.
Derek Fine, TE, 6-4, 220, Sallisaw, Okla. (Sallisaw). Named to Oklahoma Coaches Assn. All-State team ? selected by The Daily Oklahoman to its Elite 25 All-State team ? also made Tulsa World All-State team ? ranked No. 49 nationally among prep tight ends by Rivals 100 ? named all-district and best offensive player in District 4A ? named his team’s most valuable player ? helped Sallisaw to a combined 26-2 record as a junior and senior with a pair of state runner-up finishes ? broke the school record for yards receiving in a season (798) and in a career (1,792) ? had 34 receptions for 798 yards as a senior with eight touchdowns ? named team MVP in basketball. 40 time: 4.6.
Charles Gordon, WR, 5-11, 175, Carson, Calif. (Santa Monica). Selected most valuable player for Santa Monica High his senior season ? had 66 receptions for 1,229 yards as a senior, and 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore ? also named player of year in the Ocean League ? had single-game highs of 10 receptions for 217 yards and four TDs his senior year ? also named most valuable player on his baseball team as a junior ? helped his team to a league championship in 2001 ? earned three letters in football, two letters in basketball and three letters in baseball. 40 time: 4.5.
Gary Heaggans, WR, 6-3, 206, Kansas City (Schlagle/Purdue). A transfer from Purdue ? appeared in 10 games last season during his red-shirt freshman year as a reserve ? credited with three receptions for 26 yards ? ranked as the No. 18 wide receiver and No. 126 player overall in the nation by Prep Football Report following his senior season at Schlagle High ? named Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Kansas as a senior after catching 27 passes for 670 yards with nine touchdowns in a run-oriented offense ? helped his team to a league championship his senior season ? also lettered in basketball and was a high jumper in track and field. 40 time: 4.5.
Joe Hogan, QB, 6-3, 180, Sallisaw, Okla. (Sallisaw). Passed for 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior ? earned Class 4A all-star honors ? team captain and offensive player of the year as a senior ? also named to the Muskogee Phoenix All-Area team ? selected to play in the Oil Bowl and the Eastern Oklahoma All-Star game ? helped his team win the district, regional and area championships in 2001 ? also quarterbacked Sallisaw to a state runner-up finish as a senior ? lost just one game as a starting quarterback during his prep career ? earned a combined 10 letters in football, basketball and baseball. 40 time: 4.7.
Dexter Jackson, DB, 6-2, 185, Miami (Jackson). An all-region selection by Prep Star Magazine his senior season? selected by the Orlando Sentinel as one of the top 10 prep defensive backs in Florida ? credited with 70 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, four fumble recoveries and three caused fumbles ? also had two interceptions ? helped lead his team to the state semifinals as a junior ? a three-year letterman in football. 40 time: 4.59.
Kevin Kane, LB, 6-2, 228, Parkville, Mo. (Rockhurst). A first-team all-state selection, all-metro and all-district as a junior and senior ? credited with a school record 116 total tackles as a senior ? also had three sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries ? helped Rockhurst to the state championship as a junior ? lettered three years in football and two years in basketball ? ranked as the second-best prep linebacker in the KC area by MoKan Football. 40 time: 4.65.
Jerome Kemp, RB, 5-11, 195, Wichita (Southeast). A consensus Class 6A all-state selection ? named first-team all-state as a running back ? earned first-team all-city honors as a running back and defensive back ? named to the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal all-state teams ? the top rated safety in the region by MoKan Football ? ranked as the No. 39 player in the midlands by SuperPrep Magazine ? an all-region selection by Prep Star Magazine ? the leading rusher in the city as a senior ? helped his team to the city league championship in 1999 and 2000 and the district championship in 2000 and 2001 ? earned four letters in football and three letters in track. 40 time: 4.5.
Kyle Knighton, LB, 6-4, 236, Weston, Mo. (West Platte). Set a new Missouri state record for single season tackles (222) as a senior ? also established a new state career mark for total tackles with 547 ? set a Show-Me Bowl state title single-game record with 22 tackles ? had 29 receptions for 486 yards and five touchdowns as a tight end ? named first-team all-state and all-metro his senior season ? a three-time all-conference and all-district selection ? the top rated defensive end in the KC area by MoKan Football ? helped guide West Platte to a district and state championship his senior season ?won a combined 11 letters in four sports during his prep career. 40 time: 4.63.
Jerome Lewis, WR, 5-11, 180, Carrollton, Texas (Turner). Recorded the fifth-fastest time in Texas for the 100-meter dash last year (10.5) ? ranked No. 39 nationally among all-purpose backs by Rivals 100 ? all-around athlete who also excels in track and basketball ? has 30 first-place finishes as a sprinter on the track team during his prep career ? named most valuable player on his basketball team. 40 time: 4.38.
David Ochoa, OL, 6-5, 260, Houston (Dobie). A two-time all-district selection during his junior and senior seasons ? helped his team to the state playoffs both as a starter during his junior and senior seasons ? ranked No. 59 in the country among prep offensive guards by Rivals 100 ? recorded 55 pancake blocks as a senior and 40 as a junior. 40 time: 5.3.
Brandon Perkins, LB, 6-2, 210, Houston (Eisenhower). Named first-team all-district and second-team All Greater Houston his senior season ? also honored as the most valuable defensive player in the district during the 2001 season ? a finalist for the Houston defensive player of the year award ? a two-time team captain and three-year letterman at Eisenhower High ? had a single-game highs of 12 tackles and three sacks. 40 time: 4.6.
Skye Peterson, OL, 6-3, 280, Little Rock, Ark. (Omaha Millard West HS/Milford Academy). A three-year letterman at Millard West High in Omaha, Neb. ? played last fall at Milford Academy Prep School in Milford, Conn. ? earned all-state, all-district and all-metro honors as a senior ? helped his team win back-to-back district and conference championships as a junior and senior ? also lettered two years in track ? named to his high school honor roll. 40 time: 5.18.
Nick Reid, QB, 6-4, 210, Derby. An all-around athlete who started at quarterback and defensive back ? tapped the top quarterback prospect in Kansas by MoKan Football ? named to the coaches association Class 6A all-state team his senior year ? set a school record for career total offense with 4,171 yards ? credited with 16 career TD passes ? also rushed for 13 TDs ? averaged 10.4 yards per carry and 21.6 yards per passing attempt as a senior ? selected to play in the Shrine Bowl ? helped his team to an 8-1 record and district runner-up finish in 2001 ? missed three games due to a sprained knee ? started on the varsity as a sophomore and helped Derby to a No. 1 ranking in the state and a 9-1 record ? guided Derby to a combined 25-3 record his three seasons as a starter ? also a three-year starter in basketball and the team’s leading scorer and rebounder ? an all-league performer in track. 40 time: 4.6.
Dominic Roux, WR, 6-0, 175, Los Angeles (Serra). A first-team all-league selection as a senior ? credited with 24 pass receptions for 611 yards and one TD ? also had 30 tackles as a defensive back ? an all-region selection in Prep Star Magazine ? helped his team to league championships as a junior and senior ? had a single-game high three touchdown receptions and 175 yards receiving as a senior ? lettered three years in football and four years in track ? also a standout sprinter in track ? helped his high school team to the state title in track as a senior. 40 time: 4.4.
Mark Simmons, WR, 5-11, 175, DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto). A product of one of the top high school programs in the state ? had 40 receptions for 688 yards and eight touchdowns his senior year ? a two-time all-district selection ? named one of the top 100 players in the state by the Dallas Morning News ? also included in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram’s Top 75 Players ? ranked as the No. 66 prep wide receiver by Rivals 100. 40 time: 4.5.
Kenneth Thompson, DB, 5-11, 175, Grand Prairie, Texas (Nimitz). Earned first-team all-state and all-area his senior season ? rushed for a career total of 4,127 yards ? had a single-game high of 276 yards against Duncanville ? credited with 135 career tackles and 12 interceptions as a defensive back ? selected most valuable player of the Metroplex ? a three-year letterman in football ? a state qualifier in the triple jump and on the 400-meter relay team as a junior ? placed third in the state in the triple jump. 40 time: 4.45.
Bob Whitaker, OT, 6-5, 310, Mt. Lebanon, Pa. (Mt. Lebanon). Earned all-state and all-conference honors his senior season ? helped his team to a conference championship as a junior and senior ? a two-year letterwinner in football ? ranked as the No. 17 player in the state by SuperPrep Magazine ? an all-region selection in Prep Star Magazine ? Ranked No. 69 among prep offensive tackles by Rivals 100. 40 time: 5.2.
Tony Coker, OL, 6-6, 320, Hoisington, (Hoisington HS/Hutchinson CC). Played last season at Hutchinson Community College ? originally signed with KU out of high school ? regarded by most recruiting services as one of the top offensive linemen in the Jayhawk Conference ? spent the 2000 season as a red-shirt freshman at KU ? was a three-year letterman in football and lettered in track and basketball in high school. 40-yard dash time: 5.25 seconds.
Reggie Curry, DE, 6-3, 225, Oxnard, Calif. (Rio Mesa HS/Moorpark CC). Credited with nine quarterback sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in earning honorable mention all-conference honors last season at Moorpark CC ? had 154 tackles as a junior and senior at Rio Mesa High ? credited with 85 tackles as a senior with four sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. 40 time: 4.6.
Cory Kipp, DE, 6-5, 255, Riverside, Calif. (North HS/Riverside CC). A two-year all-conference selection at Riverside CC ? ranked No. 41 nationally among junior college prospects by Rivals 100 ? credited with 13 quarterback sacks as a freshman ? earned PrepStar All-American, SuperPrep All-Farwest, Long Beach Press-Telegram first-team, Best in the West and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors his senior year ? named to Mike Gottfried’s Top Recruit Big Man all-Speed Team ? a three-year letterman, had 15 sacks his senior year after a school-record 22 as a junior ? set a school record with 49 career sacks ? attended the University of Arizona and red-shirted in 1999. 40 time: 4.6.
Bill Whittemore, QB, 6-1, 190, Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood HS/Ft. Scott CC). Was the Jayhawk Conference most valuable player and only unanimous pick for all-conference honors last season at Fort Scott Community College ? threw for 2,082 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season ? completed 59 percent of his passes and rushing for six TDs ? the top-ranked quarterback in the Jayhawk Conference by MoKan Magazine ? coached at Fort Scott by former KU quarterback Kevin Verdugo ? played one season at Tennessee-Martin and started as a red-shirt freshman. 40 time: 4.7.
Jon Cornish, RB, 6-0, 200, New Westminister, British Columbia, Canada (Thomas More). Rushed for 3,200 career yards and 49 touchdowns as a three-year letterwinner for Thomas More Prep ? averaged 14.9 yards per carry while rushing for 2,136 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior ? had a single-game best of 336 yards and four touchdowns ? also credited with 152 career tackles, including 89 his senior season ? earned a combined eight letters in football, basketball and track ? selected the British Columbia Provincial Player of the Year. 40 time: 4.5.
Travis Dambach, OL, 6-5, 270, Jackson, Mo. (Jackson). An all-state and all-region selection at Jackson High in 2001 ? named the outstanding offensive lineman in his conference ? also selected most outstanding athlete and offensive lineman at his school during his senior season ? a three-year letterwinner in football ? helped his team to the conference and district championships his senior season. 40 time: 5.17.
Derek Fine, TE, 6-4, 220, Sallisaw, Okla. (Sallisaw). Named to Oklahoma Coaches Assn. All-State team ? selected by The Daily Oklahoman to its Elite 25 All-State team ? also made Tulsa World All-State team ? ranked No. 49 nationally among prep tight ends by Rivals 100 ? named all-district and best offensive player in District 4A ? named his team’s most valuable player ? helped Sallisaw to a combined 26-2 record as a junior and senior with a pair of state runner-up finishes ? broke the school record for yards receiving in a season (798) and in a career (1,792) ? had 34 receptions for 798 yards as a senior with eight touchdowns ? named team MVP in basketball. 40 time: 4.6.
Charles Gordon, WR, 5-11, 175, Carson, Calif. (Santa Monica). Selected most valuable player for Santa Monica High his senior season ? had 66 receptions for 1,229 yards as a senior, and 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore ? also named player of year in the Ocean League ? had single-game highs of 10 receptions for 217 yards and four TDs his senior year ? also named most valuable player on his baseball team as a junior ? helped his team to a league championship in 2001 ? earned three letters in football, two letters in basketball and three letters in baseball. 40 time: 4.5.
Gary Heaggans, WR, 6-3, 206, Kansas City (Schlagle/Purdue). A transfer from Purdue ? appeared in 10 games last season during his red-shirt freshman year as a reserve ? credited with three receptions for 26 yards ? ranked as the No. 18 wide receiver and No. 126 player overall in the nation by Prep Football Report following his senior season at Schlagle High ? named Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Kansas as a senior after catching 27 passes for 670 yards with nine touchdowns in a run-oriented offense ? helped his team to a league championship his senior season ? also lettered in basketball and was a high jumper in track and field. 40 time: 4.5.
Joe Hogan, QB, 6-3, 180, Sallisaw, Okla. (Sallisaw). Passed for 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior ? earned Class 4A all-star honors ? team captain and offensive player of the year as a senior ? also named to the Muskogee Phoenix All-Area team ? selected to play in the Oil Bowl and the Eastern Oklahoma All-Star game ? helped his team win the district, regional and area championships in 2001 ? also quarterbacked Sallisaw to a state runner-up finish as a senior ? lost just one game as a starting quarterback during his prep career ? earned a combined 10 letters in football, basketball and baseball. 40 time: 4.7.
Dexter Jackson, DB, 6-2, 185, Miami (Jackson). An all-region selection by Prep Star Magazine his senior season? selected by the Orlando Sentinel as one of the top 10 prep defensive backs in Florida ? credited with 70 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, four fumble recoveries and three caused fumbles ? also had two interceptions ? helped lead his team to the state semifinals as a junior ? a three-year letterman in football. 40 time: 4.59.
Kevin Kane, LB, 6-2, 228, Parkville, Mo. (Rockhurst). A first-team all-state selection, all-metro and all-district as a junior and senior ? credited with a school record 116 total tackles as a senior ? also had three sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries ? helped Rockhurst to the state championship as a junior ? lettered three years in football and two years in basketball ? ranked as the second-best prep linebacker in the KC area by MoKan Football. 40 time: 4.65.
Jerome Kemp, RB, 5-11, 195, Wichita (Southeast). A consensus Class 6A all-state selection ? named first-team all-state as a running back ? earned first-team all-city honors as a running back and defensive back ? named to the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal all-state teams ? the top rated safety in the region by MoKan Football ? ranked as the No. 39 player in the midlands by SuperPrep Magazine ? an all-region selection by Prep Star Magazine ? the leading rusher in the city as a senior ? helped his team to the city league championship in 1999 and 2000 and the district championship in 2000 and 2001 ? earned four letters in football and three letters in track. 40 time: 4.5.
Kyle Knighton, LB, 6-4, 236, Weston, Mo. (West Platte). Set a new Missouri state record for single season tackles (222) as a senior ? also established a new state career mark for total tackles with 547 ? set a Show-Me Bowl state title single-game record with 22 tackles ? had 29 receptions for 486 yards and five touchdowns as a tight end ? named first-team all-state and all-metro his senior season ? a three-time all-conference and all-district selection ? the top rated defensive end in the KC area by MoKan Football ? helped guide West Platte to a district and state championship his senior season ?won a combined 11 letters in four sports during his prep career. 40 time: 4.63.
Jerome Lewis, WR, 5-11, 180, Carrollton, Texas (Turner). Recorded the fifth-fastest time in Texas for the 100-meter dash last year (10.5) ? ranked No. 39 nationally among all-purpose backs by Rivals 100 ? all-around athlete who also excels in track and basketball ? has 30 first-place finishes as a sprinter on the track team during his prep career ? named most valuable player on his basketball team. 40 time: 4.38.
David Ochoa, OL, 6-5, 260, Houston (Dobie). A two-time all-district selection during his junior and senior seasons ? helped his team to the state playoffs both as a starter during his junior and senior seasons ? ranked No. 59 in the country among prep offensive guards by Rivals 100 ? recorded 55 pancake blocks as a senior and 40 as a junior. 40 time: 5.3.
Brandon Perkins, LB, 6-2, 210, Houston (Eisenhower). Named first-team all-district and second-team All Greater Houston his senior season ? also honored as the most valuable defensive player in the district during the 2001 season ? a finalist for the Houston defensive player of the year award ? a two-time team captain and three-year letterman at Eisenhower High ? had a single-game highs of 12 tackles and three sacks. 40 time: 4.6.
Skye Peterson, OL, 6-3, 280, Little Rock, Ark. (Omaha Millard West HS/Milford Academy). A three-year letterman at Millard West High in Omaha, Neb. ? played last fall at Milford Academy Prep School in Milford, Conn. ? earned all-state, all-district and all-metro honors as a senior ? helped his team win back-to-back district and conference championships as a junior and senior ? also lettered two years in track ? named to his high school honor roll. 40 time: 5.18.
Nick Reid, QB, 6-4, 210, Derby. An all-around athlete who started at quarterback and defensive back ? tapped the top quarterback prospect in Kansas by MoKan Football ? named to the coaches association Class 6A all-state team his senior year ? set a school record for career total offense with 4,171 yards ? credited with 16 career TD passes ? also rushed for 13 TDs ? averaged 10.4 yards per carry and 21.6 yards per passing attempt as a senior ? selected to play in the Shrine Bowl ? helped his team to an 8-1 record and district runner-up finish in 2001 ? missed three games due to a sprained knee ? started on the varsity as a sophomore and helped Derby to a No. 1 ranking in the state and a 9-1 record ? guided Derby to a combined 25-3 record his three seasons as a starter ? also a three-year starter in basketball and the team’s leading scorer and rebounder ? an all-league performer in track. 40 time: 4.6.
Dominic Roux, WR, 6-0, 175, Los Angeles (Serra). A first-team all-league selection as a senior ? credited with 24 pass receptions for 611 yards and one TD ? also had 30 tackles as a defensive back ? an all-region selection in Prep Star Magazine ? helped his team to league championships as a junior and senior ? had a single-game high three touchdown receptions and 175 yards receiving as a senior ? lettered three years in football and four years in track ? also a standout sprinter in track ? helped his high school team to the state title in track as a senior. 40 time: 4.4.
Mark Simmons, WR, 5-11, 175, DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto). A product of one of the top high school programs in the state ? had 40 receptions for 688 yards and eight touchdowns his senior year ? a two-time all-district selection ? named one of the top 100 players in the state by the Dallas Morning News ? also included in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram’s Top 75 Players ? ranked as the No. 66 prep wide receiver by Rivals 100. 40 time: 4.5.
Kenneth Thompson, DB, 5-11, 175, Grand Prairie, Texas (Nimitz). Earned first-team all-state and all-area his senior season ? rushed for a career total of 4,127 yards ? had a single-game high of 276 yards against Duncanville ? credited with 135 career tackles and 12 interceptions as a defensive back ? selected most valuable player of the Metroplex ? a three-year letterman in football ? a state qualifier in the triple jump and on the 400-meter relay team as a junior ? placed third in the state in the triple jump. 40 time: 4.45.
Bob Whitaker, OT, 6-5, 310, Mt. Lebanon, Pa. (Mt. Lebanon). Earned all-state and all-conference honors his senior season ? helped his team to a conference championship as a junior and senior ? a two-year letterwinner in football ? ranked as the No. 17 player in the state by SuperPrep Magazine ? an all-region selection in Prep Star Magazine ? Ranked No. 69 among prep offensive tackles by Rivals 100. 40 time: 5.2.
