MINOT, N.D. – In his first full recruiting season leading the Minot State football's recruiting efforts, Beavers head coach Ian Shields is pleased to introduce a standout class of 38 additions to the Minot State roster who signed their National Letter-of-Intent today.

And Coach Shields and his staff did not pass up the opportunity to keep the best and brightest local talent at home as a trio of Minot High School state champions will be playing in their hometown as safety/linebacker Michael George, offensive lineman Teagen Nicholes, and slot-back Tyson Ruzicka highlight the recruiting Class of 2024.
 
Here is a look at the newest additions to the Minot State football team:  
Noah Blake, a 6-2, 275-pound offensive lineman from Liberty High School in Discovery Bay, California
Ranked in the top 75 among the offensive linemen in the state of California, Blake had multiple college offers before choosing Minot State. A starter at guard this past fall, he also saw time on defense at Liberty where he had 22 tackles, including 2 for losses, in the past two seasons.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Noah is a powerful and athletic offensive lineman that plays with an edge — he has a very bright future at Minot State."
 
Colton Brusven, a 5-9, 190 pound running back from Tonganoxie High School in Tonganoxie, Kansas
Brusven compiled 2,424 all-purpose yards and rushed for 2,047 yards as he was named the 4A Offensive Player of the Year by Sports in Kansas and the Wichita Eagle. He was a First Team All-State selection as a senior, an honorable mention All-State-running back as a junior, and First Team All-League as a running back and linebacker in 2023, and at running back in 2022. Tonganoxie's all-time leading rusher and all-time points leader, he was named the Lawrence Journal World Player of the Year and one of the Top 33 Players in Kansas (by Sports in Kansas). He also was honored at the Academic Excellence banquet.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Colton is a thick, powerful back with excellent speed and toughness. He is an accomplished high school wrestler and has family ties here in North Dakota."
 
Onyx Carter, a 6-2, 210-pound linebacker from Yelm High School in Yelm, Washington
Onyx played in 14 games for Yelm HS at defensive end and is a two-time First Team All-League selection. Onyx plans to major in Business or Entrepreneurship.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Onyx is an exciting linebacker prospect with a high ceiling and a lot of tools. He comes from one of the top programs in the state of Washington and coach Jason Ronquillo has them used to winning."
 
Carter Coauette, a 5-10, 180-pound safety from Crookston High School in Crookston, Minnesota
Carter played in nine games this fall for Crookston High School and is a two-time All-Section player. He plans to major in Entrepreneurship.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Carter is a versatile athlete with position flexibility — a tremendous leader, and an accomplished wrestler. He impressed on campus at our camp this past summer."
 
Nalu Cordeiro, a 6-1, 180-pound cornerback from James Campbell High School in Honolulu, Hawaii
Nalu played in 8 games for James Campbell this past fall.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Nalu is an awesome signee for us out of Hawaii — comes from a tremendous football family (his brother Chevan was starting quarterback at Hawaii and San Jose State). He's a long, athletic, instinctive corner back that has all the traits we're looking for."
 
Marcus Council, a 6-0, 202-pound running back/linebacker from Silverado High Scholl in Las Vegas, Nevada
Marcus is a two-time First Team All-League performer at fullback and linebacker who ran for 432 yards and 5 touchdowns and added 141 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns for Silverado. Marcus plans to major in Biology.               
Coach Ian Shields said: "Marcus is an accomplished two-way player that has great potential — has the speed and size that will translate to the college game. He's a smart, tough, hard-nosed competitor."
 
Coltrane Duggan, a 6-4, 285-pound offensive lineman from Littlerock High School in Littlerock, California
Coltrane was named the Lineman of the Year at Littlerock where he was a two-time team captain and an All-League offensive lineman. He had 78 pancake blocks this past fall. Coltrane also earned All-League Academic honors with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to major in Business Management.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Coltrane is a large and powerful human being — tough kid, heavyweight wrestler, plays to the echo of the whistle. Huge upside."
 
Jett Fay, a 6-0, 205-pound defensive back from Sam Barlow High School in Gresham, Oregon
Jett was named honorable mention All-Conference at quarterback and voted Best Back by his teammates. He threw for 1,026 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for 711 and 6 touchdowns. Jett also is a member of the Honor Roll. He plans to major in Computer Science.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Jett is a Swiss Army knife, tremendous position flexibility, has played just about everything. We project him on the back end at safety; should be a great fit for him."
 
Ashton Fischer, a 6-0, 220-pound linebacker/punter from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Ashton is a two-time All-Conference safety along with earning All-Conference honors as a kicker and punter. Defensively he made 84 tackles this fall, including 48 solo tackles, had 1 interception, forced 1 fumble, and recovered a fumble. He averaged 20 yards as a kick returner, and 43.1 yards per punt.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Ashton is an incredibly strong kid — possible National Champion powerlifter. Was a versatile player on defense and as a punter — really unique athlete that we're thrilled is a Beaver."
 
Ryan Gambino, a 6-1, 295-pounds offensive lineman from Godley High School in Godley, Texas
Ryan is an All-State left tackle who was a First Team All-County and All-District Offensive Lineman. He played in 11 games this past season for Godley. Ryan also was named First Team Academic All-State. He plans to major in Data Science.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Ryan is a tough and smart (4.0 GPA) offensive lineman out of Texas. He has played center, guard and tackle in high school and we're really excited to see him develop here."
 
Cruz Garcia, a 6-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Legend High School in Parker, Colorado
Cruz was ranked 9th in the state of Colorado at his position on the offensive line. He plans to major in Business and Finance.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Cruz is a talented and athletic offensive lineman out of Colorado. He has a tremendous upside in the trenches, comes from a football family (his dad played at UTEP and Oregon State). Cruz is also going to play baseball here at Minot State."
 
Aiden George, a 6-0, 195-pound quarterback from Davenport High School in Davenport, Florida
Aiden was named MVP and Quarterback of the Year at Davenport as he threw for 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns. Aiden also is a member of the Honor Roll. He plans to major in Business Finance.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Aiden is an accomplished dual-threat QB that has the complete package. Comes from a football family (his dad is the head coach at Davenport HS), has the speed, size, athleticism, and toughness we're looking for."
 
Michael George, a 6-0, 184-pound safety/linebacker from Minot High School in Minot, North Dakota
Michael is a First Team All-State player who had 16 solo tackles and 7 quarterback sacks this past season for the state champion Magicians.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Michael has tremendous ability and can really run — was also a captain for the State Championship team here in Minot for coach Chauncy Hendershot. One of the more under-rated prospects in North Dakota."
 
Ethan Graham, a 6-2, 270-pound offensive lineman from Athens Drive High School in Raleigh, North Carolina
Ethan is a First Team All-Conference offensive lineman who played in 10 games this past fall for Athens Drive. He plans to major in Elementary Education.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Ethan is an exciting prospect up front. Big, long powerful, loose hips, finisher. Throws the shot put over 50 feet, has a lot of "twitch" as a big man."
 
Keandre Harold, a 5-10, 200-pound running back from Fletcher High School in Jacksonville, Florida
Keandre ran for 507 yards and 3 touchdowns this past fall. He plans to major in Physical Education.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Keandre is a big back that is fast and powerful. His high school coach at Fletcher (Ciatrick Fason) compares him to Marion Barber favorably; the video verifies it. He also had FCS offers."

Evan Hartt, a 6-2, 267-pound defensive lineman from Everett High School in Everett, Washington
Evan is a 4-year starter and was his team's MVP as a senior playing in 10 games. He was a First Team All-Conference defensive lineman and fullback and a Second Team defensive lineman as a junior, as well as Defensive MVP as a junior. Evan also has been a member of the Honor Roll all four years. A three-year captain, he plans to major in Chemistry.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Evan is a dominant defensive lineman that could present early — very physical and is a tremendous competitor. Tough Pacific Northwest kid that will make a positive impact."
 
Ben Holte, a 5-11, 185-pound slot back from Shakopee High School in Shakopee, Minnesota
Benjamin was a team captain this past fall and an All-Conference honorable mention performer. A two-time state qualifier, he ran for 541 yards and 5 touchdowns this fall. Benjamin also has been on the A or B Honor Roll all four years. Ben also is a National Society of High School Scholar member. He plans to major in Business.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Ben comes from a tremendous program under Coach Betten so he's been very well coached. He has excellent speed (10.9 seconds in 100 meters as a junior) and plays with physicality - just a natural fit for us."
 
Hayden Hong, a 6-0, 174-pound wide receiver from Red River High School in Grand Forks, North Dakota
Hayden caught 34 passes for 518 yards and 6 touchdowns this past fall. He plans to major in Business Management.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Hayden is a multi-sport athlete at Red River who comes from a strong football background (his dad played at North Dakota). He has the potential to really develop into something special — best days are in front of him."
 
Aaron Ivankovich, 6-4, 230-pound defensive lineman from Coeur d'Alene High School in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Aaron is a Second Team All-State defensive lineman and a two-time First Team All-Conference performance. He plans to major in History Education.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Aaron is a physical, tough, rangy defensive end out of one of the top programs in Idaho (Coeur d'Alene) coached by legendary head coach Shawn Amos. A multi-sport athlete that is a great addition up front, one of the top prospects in Idaho."
 
Elijah Jackson, a 6-3, 260-pound defensive lineman from Williston High School in Williston, Florida
Elijah won the Defense Captain's Award at Williston where he made 55 tackles and had 5 quarterback sacks. He plans to major in Business.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Elijah is an athletic and powerful defensive lineman that can play inside or on the edge — good size, fluid athlete, excellent student as well. Comes from an always tough program coached by Hall of Fame head coach Robbie Pruitt.
 
Malachi Johnson, a 5-11, 180-pound slot back from Somerset Academy in North Las Vegas, Nevada
Malachi is a Second Team All-State running back who was named Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference as he rushed for 2,052 yards and added 164 yards receiving while scoring 26 touchdowns. He also was First Team hybrid defender and an All-Conference Nevada Athlete of the Week.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Malachi is a fast and smooth athlete with good size — has the ability to be a really dynamic player here in The Magic City. Dynamic athlete that will make us better."
 
Cole Kegbeh, a 6-2, 205-pound defensive end from Fargo South High School in Fargo, North Dakota and from Worcester, Massachusetts
Cole earned First Team All-State honors on defense and was named to the All-Conference Team as a junior for two-time conference champion South Fargo. He plans to major in Finance and Accounting.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Cole is an in-state product that has been a 3-sport athlete at Fargo South. He has battled through some adversity and injury as a senior but we really love his mindset, toughness, and upside athletically."
 
Daeton Lafountain, a 6-4, 290-pound offensive lineman from Turtle Mountain Community High School in Belcourt, North Dakota
Daeton was named to the All-State Second Team and earned All-Conference honorable mention honors as he played in 19 games for Turtle Mountain.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Daeton is another local multi-sport athlete. Big kid that will really develop on the OL under coach (Tom) Simi's tutelage; bright days ahead."
 
Drahcir Mackey, a 5-9, 230-pound running back/linebacker from Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, California
Drahcir is a three-time Hometown All-Star, a two-time First Team All-League linebacker, a three-time Defensive MVP, a Catch A Body Award winner and a four-time Coach Award winner. He had 70 tackles with 20 for a loss, 5 quarterback sacks, and forced 3 fumbles. Offensive, he had 318 all-purpose yards and 7 touchdowns. Drahcir also is a four-time member of the Honor Roll. He plans to major in Business Marketing.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Drahcir is a thick, compact, powerful running back and linebacker that loves the taste of football. He plays with a sense of destruction that is noticeable on tape — a throwback player that is fun to watch."
 
Ben Mailo, a 6-2, 285-pound offensive lineman from Mililani High School in Waianae, Hawaii
Ben is a top-5 rated lineman in Hawaii who also holds a 3.7 GPA and who played in 13 games for Mililani HS. He plans to major in Biology or Pre-Med.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Ben is another one of our signees out of Hawaii — an athletic big man, plays center, good hips and feet, tough; high academic achiever."
 
Tipisone Manu, a 5-9, 200-pound running back from Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, Nevada
Tipisone was named Overall Team MVP, First-Team All-State, All-Conference, and All-League running back, a five-time Player of the Game, and the Male Athlete for August and September. He has twice rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 22 touchdowns, including rushing for more than 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns as a senior. Tipisone also is a member of the Straight "A" Honor Roll. He plans to major in Exercise Science.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Tipisone is a powerful and tough running back out of Las Vegas. He is a hard worker, a leader, and is ultra-productive with the ball in his hands."
 
Jace McDonald, a 5-10, 195-pound defensive back from Williston High School in Archer, Florida
Jace is an All-Area Offensive performer who will transition to defense after rushing for 663 yards and 11 touchdowns and adding 22 yards receiving and two touchdowns. He plans to major in Business.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Jace is a dynamic athlete with good size and great speed (22.3 mph) — he has the ability to contribute early in the secondary as a safety and in the kicking game. He was an outstanding running back for Hall of Fame coach Robbie Pruitt."

Kai Moananu-Apela, a 6-4, 232-pound defensive lineman from De La Salle High School in Vacaville, California
Kai was named an honorable mention member of the Bay Area Team of the Year as he made 27 tackles, including 14 solo tackles and 7 tackles for loss. Kai also won the Art Award academically.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Kai is a long, physical defensive end with a high ceiling. Out of one of the top programs in the country (head coach Justin Alumbaugh at De La Salle), has been exceptionally well coached and prepared. From a football family (dad played at New Mexico State), and he also plays baseball."

Jahjah Napihaa, 6-2, 320-pound defensive lineman from Kentwood High School in Covington, Washington
Jahjah is a four-time First Team All-Defensive Lineman from Kentwood who also was named Student of the Month. He had 5 sacks this past fall.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Jah is a big, quick, athletic interior defensive lineman.  He has the potential to be a real force up front in the NSIC."
 
Teagen Nicholes, a 6-0, 270-pound offensive lineman from Minot High School in Minot, North Dakota
Teagen is a three-time Academic All-Conference award winner who played in 11 games this fall for the State Champion Magicians. Teagen also is a four-year member of the National Honor Society and the Highest Honor Roll for four years (4.0 GPA), and a one-year member of the National Technical Honor Society. He plans to major in Nursing.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Teagen has been a mainstay at Minot High School (North Dakota State Champions) for Coach Chauncey Hendershot. He plays with tremendous effort and energy; excellent student; will work and compete."
 
Anthony "Ace" Perez, a 6-1, 281-pound offensive lineman from Cypress Woods High School in Cypress, Texas
Anthony is a standout offensive lineman who also competed in shot put and discus in track and field at Cypress Woods.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Ace is one of our first commits in this class. A powerful offensive lineman out of the Houston area. Holds multiple weightlifting records at Cy Woods High School. His physicality and athleticism will translate well — talented and tough."
 
Zach Proctor, a 6-5, 250-pound defensive lineman from O'Dea High School in Bellevue, Washington
Zach is a First Team All-Metro defensive end, a First Team All-Metro defensive tackle, and an honorable mention defensive end who played in 12 games this past fall. He plans to major in Business.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Zach is a physical presence up front on the defensive line, has the capability to play inside or on the edge. Big, long, athletic, tough; out of a traditional powerhouse in Bishop O'Dea (head coach Monte Kohler in one of the winningest in Washington State history)."
 
Tyson Ruzicka, a 5-10, 180-pound slot back from Minot High School in Minot, North Dakota
Tyson was named Senior Athlete of the Year, was a member of the Magicians' State Championship team, and is a two-time All-State and All-Conference player who in 12 games this past season rushed for 1,590 yards, had 215 receiving yards, scored 19 touchdowns and added an interception. Tyson also has been named to the Honor Roll every year. He plans to major in Finance.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Tyson was the State Player of the Year in North Dakota. State Champion. Tyson is a perfect fit for us in every way — fast (10.9 seconds in the 100 meters), physical, tough, smart. We're excited he's staying home with two of his teammates."
 
Caleb Schmidt, a 6-2, 230-pound long snapper/linebacker from Chaska High School in Chaska, Minnesota
Caleb is an All-District Middle Linebacker who made 47 tackles, including 29 solo tackles with 3 tackles for loss in 9 games. He plans to major in Criminal Justice.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Caleb is an all-district linebacker and one of the top-rated long snappers in the country. He has excellent size and range, unique athlete with a huge upside as a prospect.
 
London "Paq" Smith, a 5-9, 152-pound corner back from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida
London, who will transition to defense, caught 18 passes for 272 yards and 1 touchdown. He plans to major in Sports Medicine.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Paq is an incredibly fast, skilled, and dynamic athlete out of one of the top programs in North Florida (Trinity Christian). Paq has great cover ability as a cornerback and is also a dangerous return man in the kicking game."
 
Kion Thomas, a 6-5, 238-pound defensive lineman from Canyon Springs High School in Las Vegas, Nevada
Kion is a First Team Defensive End and First Team Offensive Tackle who also was named Lineman of the Year. Defensively he had 30 tackles, including 8 quarterback sacks, and 1 interception.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Kion is a long and athletic defensive end out of Canyon Springs High School (the same school as Knylen Miller-Levi). Excellent athlete, basketball player, huge upside as a defender for us; dynamic pass rusher with elite traits."
 
Brinley Vandiver, a 6-6, 210-pound wide receiver from Highland Community College in Kansas and Davenport High School in Davenport, Florida
Brinley completed 95-of-166 passes for 833 yards and 5 touchdowns in 16 games in two seasons at Highland CC.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Brinley is a transfer from Highland Community College and is also Aiden George's brother. Tall and athletic athlete that has the athleticism to translate as a wide receiver. He will be a real matchup issue for people with his length and athleticism outside."
 
Mark "Bo" Wiedoff, a 6-4, 300-pound offensive lineman from North High School in Phoenix, Arizona
Mark is an All-Metro Region offensive lineman and a team captain who played in 10 games for North High School. He plans to major in Forestry.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Bo is an offensive lineman with a great frame and tremendous potential out of Arizona.  He is a physical prospect that has some position flexibility up front.