KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan football head coach Lance Taylor welcomed 31 new members to the Bronco Brotherhood on National Signing day on Wednesday.
 
The class is broken up in 22 high school athletes, one junior college, and five transfers. The Bronco offense gained 13 new members and the Bronco defense picked up 18. The key position groups for WMU in the class were offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback and safety. This is Taylor's first full recruiting class since being named head coach back in December 2022.
 
The recruiting class was spread out among 10 different states, with 13 coming from the Midwest. The Broncos also reached down South, with 11 signees from Florida (8), Georgia (2), and North Carolina (1).
 
Najiib Anderson | WR | 6-3, 180 lbs | Conyers, Ga/Rockdale County HS
- First Team All-Region selection.
- Starred on offense, defense and special teams.
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3 and 247 Sports.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Anderson - "We love the way Najiib Anderson plays the game.  He was a standout on offense, defense, special teams and is also an elite long and triple jumper.  He shows a great ability to high point the football and play above the rim.  On defense he is extremely physical with the speed to play sideline to sideline.  We can't wait for Najiib to get to Kalamazoo." 
 
Maddux Babin | LB | 6-1, 210 lbs | Ponte Vedra, Fla./Ponte Vedra HS
- Played in the Dream All-American Bowl.
- Three-star linebacker.
- Son of WMU Hall of Famer and NFL Pro Bowler Jason Babin.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Babin -  "Maddux comes from a football family. He has grown up around the game and in locker rooms at the highest level.  He is a physical linebacker who can play sideline to sideline.  Maddux has a really high football IQ and strong leadership qualities.  We are extremely excited to welcome the Babin family back to Kalamazoo." 
 
Noah Bishop | DE | 6-4, 215 lbs | Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech HS
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3 and 247 Sports.
- Named to the Detroit Free Press All-Detroit Team
- Michigan High School Coaches Association First Team All-State selection.
- Younger brother of former Bronco standout Freddie Bishop III.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Bishop - "We feel like Noah is one of the more under recruited prospects in the entire Midwest.  Broncos fans will remember his brother and all-time WMU great defensive end, Freddie Bishop III.  Noah camped here with us last June and has continued to build his body and improve as a defensive lineman.  Noah is a very intelligent young man who comes from a great family and a great high school program in Detroit Cass Tech."
 
Ryan Brotherton | TE | 6-4, 205 lbs | Lawrenceburg, Ind./East Central HS
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3 and 247 Sports.
- Top 50-rated recruit in the state of Indiana
- Helped East Central to a State Championship in 2023.
- Broke high school's all-time touchdown reception record.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Brotherton - "We feel like Ryan could be a steal in the class of 2024.  He helped lead East Central to a state championship and set receiving records all along the way.  He has a ton of ability and we feel like his best football is ahead of him.  We are excited for him to bring his championship habits to Kalamazoo."
 
Jordan Buckley | DE | 6-4, 240 lbs | Aurora, Ill./Batavia HS
- Rated three-star prospect by ON3 and 247 Sports.
- Rated Top-30 recruit in the state of Illinois
- Named First Team All-Area by the Kane County Chronicle
- Younger brother of WMU running back Jalen Buckley
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Buckley - "We couldn't be more excited to add another Buckley to our football team.  Jordan is a great young man who plays for a great high school program in the state of Illinois.  He is just scratching the service to what we think he can become.  The Buckley family are first class people and we can't wait to see Jordan get to work."
 
Gavin Dabo | OT | 6-5, 280 lbs | Grove City, Ohio/Grove City HS
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3 and 247 Sports
- Rated 50th-best recruit from Ohio and 74th-best interior lineman in the nation by ON3.
- Named Second Team All-OHIO by the Ohio High School Athletic Association in 2023 and Third Team All-Ohio in 2022.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Dabo - "We feel that Gavin has the flexibility to play all 3 offensive line positions.  He was an All-State selection and one of the top offensive linemen in the state of Ohio.  Gavin is a great student and has the leadership traits we are looking for along the offensive line.  We can't wait to get Gavin on campus and see him get to work."
 
JD Davis II | QB | 6-2, 190 lbs | Loganville, Ga./Grayson HS
- Gwinett County Quarterback of the Year.
- Named Atlanta Journal Constitution Regional Player of the Year for 4-7A.
- Helped Grayson to a State Championship in 2022.
- Threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 TDs in last two seasons.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Davis - "JD Davis has proven to be a winner against some of the top High School competition in the entire country.  A 70-plus percent passer as a senior he threw for 35 TDs and only 1 interception, while leading Grayson deep into the Georgia State playoffs.  The Davis family are great people who have raised JD the right way.  We couldn't be more excited to see JD on and off the field." 
 
Huston Eubank | LB | 6-2, 210 lbs | Roseville, Mich./Roseville HS
- Consensus three-star recruit
- Named First Team All-State by the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News.
- Voted All-State by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Eubank - "Huston is a young man who Coach Espo and the defensive staff have recruited for a long time.  He has been on campus countless times over the past year and is a young man whose best football is ahead of him.  He played at a great high school program in Roseville, and is someone who we think has a very bright future as a Bronco."
 
Conor Kenzinger | OL | 6-7, 285 lbs | Chicago, Ill./Brother Rice HS
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3 and 247 Sports.
- Rated Top-25 prospect in the state of Illinois.
- Named to Chicago Tribune All-Area Team.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Kenzinger - "Conor is a young offensive tackle with the traits we are looking for.  He plays at a great high school program in Chicago Brother Rice and plays with a great motor.  Conor has done a great job throughout his career developing into a good football player.  He was a guy we were tracking since early in the 2024 cycle.  Conor comes from a great family and is a young man with a very high ceiling."
 
Joshua Lloyd | DE | 6-2, 225 lbs | Margate , Fla./Blanche Ely HS
- Consensus three-star recruit
- Honorable Mention All-Broward County
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Lloyd - "Josh is one of the best young pass rushers in South Florida.  He is a young man who was recruited by dozens of schools but was looking for the best fit for him and his family.  He visited Kalamazoo this June for our Big Man camp and did a great job rushing the passer.  Josh has very good twitch and quickness off the edge and we feel like he can develop into a premiere pass rusher in this conference."
 
Terence Marshall | WR | 6-2, 170 lbs | Navarre, Fla./Navarre HS
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3
- Received offers from multiple Power 5 programs
- Named Top-10 recruit in Pensacola area.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Marshall - "Terence has a great mix of size and speed with the ability to make big plays in the passing game. With over 50 catches his senior year he is one of the top WRs in the state of Florida.  He is also an accomplished kick returner who can help us on special teams as well.  Terence is going to be a great addition to our wide receiver room." 
 
CJ Miles | S | 6-1, 185 lbs | Chicago, Ill./Mount Carmel HS
- Rated three-star recruit by 247 Sports.
- Received offers from majority of MAC programs.
- Helped Mount Carmel to Illinois State Championship in 2023.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Miles - "CJ is another young man who won a state high school championship in 2023.  Playing for Head Coach, Jordan Lynch, at Chicago Mt Carmel CJ showed his versatility in the defensive backfield playing both cornerback and safety.  We love CJ's length, frame, physical toughness and ability to play multiple positions.  CJ is a very bright young man who has huge potential."
 
Carlos Mitchell | ATH | 5-11, 175 lbs | Dundee, Fla./Lakeland
- Consensus three-star prospect
- Received offers from multiple Power 5 programs.
- Helped Lakeland to a Florida State Championship in 2023
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Mitchell - "We couldn't be more excited for Carlos to join the Bronco Brotherhood.  We feel like Carlos is one of the top overall players in the state of Florida when you look at his ability to impact the game on offense, defense and special teams. He is a 2023 Florida High School state champion who plays the game the right way." 
 
Domanick Moon | LB | 6-2, 225 lbs | Fort Wayne, Ind./ Purdue
- Former Mr. Football Award winner for the state of Indiana in 2022
- Consensus three-star recruit out of high school
- Played at Purdue in 2023.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Moon - "Domanick is a young man who Coach Espo and Coach Denham have had a great relationship with.  They recruited him out of high school and when he was looking for a new home we knew what type of person and player we could get.  Domanick is a physical linebacker who comes from a great family!  We can't wait to see Domanick compete." 
 
Jordin Parker | WR | 5-9, 170 lbs | Chandler, Ariz./New Mexico State
- Played two seasons at New Mexico State, catching 12 passes for 354 yards, averaging 29.5 yards per catch and scoring three touchdowns.
- Starred at Gila River Junior College, earning All-American honors as a return man. before heading to NMSU.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Parker - "Jordin is an explosive playmaker who can put the ball in the endzone anytime he touches it.  A former JC All-American return man we think he will immediately come in and upgrade our explosiveness and team speed.  We are excited to see what Jordin can do in the MAC on offense and special teams."
 
Isaiah Paul | CB | 6-1, 180 lbs | Palmdale, Calif./LA Valley College
- Had 14 interceptions over the last two seasons.
- Had offers from several Group of 5 programs.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Paul - "Isaiah is a long cornerback with the traits we are looking for in the position.  He moves his feet well and has the athleticism to high point the football.  Isaiah comes from a first-class family who we were able to meet on his visit.  Coach Celsicar had a previous relationship with Isaiah at another stop and felt like he would be a great fit for our football program."
 
Derek Pennington Jr. | LB | 6-2, 220 lbs | Caledonia, Mich./Caledonia HS
- Consensus three-star recruit
- Helped Caledonia to a berth in the Division I Michigan State Championship game, starring at tight end and linebacker.
- First Team All-State selection by the Associated Press in 2023.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Pennington - "Derek is the son of Caledonia Head Coach, Derek Pennington Sr.  He is a prospect that Coach Espo has been recruiting for a few years.  We will like his overall athleticism, football IQ, toughness and physicality will help make him a valuable addition to our football team.  Recruiting west Michigan will always be a priority for us, and we are excited for Derek to join the Bronco Brotherhood." 
 
Cameron Powell | CB | 6-2, 188 lbs | Ocala, Fla./Ocala Vanguard HS
- Consensus three-star recruit.
- Helped Vanguard to the 3S State Semifinals.
- Two-sport athlete, who also excels at basketball.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Powell - "Cam is a dual sport athlete who has played cornerback and safety and is also a standout on the basketball court.  He helped lead Ocala Vanguard to the 2023 Florida Class 3S Final Four.  We love Cam's position flexibility to play multiple positions in the back-end of the defense." 
 
Ryan Raybuck | S | 6-2, 190 lbs | Flower Mound, Texas/St. Anselm College (CT)
- Racked up four interceptions, 23 passes defended and 75 total tackles in four seasons at St. Anselm College.
- Posted career-high 14 passes defended in 2023, earning Northeast-10 Conference Second Team All-Defense honors.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Raybuck - "Ryan is a great young man who is originally from the state of Texas who played his high school ball in Connecticut.  He has good size and great speed for the position.  Ryan is extremely mature and someone who we can see helping us not only on defense but also being a stand out on special teams." 

Jayquan Reid | WR | 5-10, 170 lbs | Homestead, Fla./Miami Southridge HS
- Consensus three-star recruit
- Received several offers from Power 5 programs.
- Racked up 1,026 career yards receiving, including 936 in the past two seasons, along with seven career touchdown receptions and two rushing touchdowns.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Reid - "Jayquan is one of the top play-makers in the entire state of Florida.  He is a do it all athlete for Miami Southridge.  He is going to instantly bring speed, play making ability and toughness to our football team.  We can't wait to see what Jayquan can do with the ball in his hands in Kalamazoo." 
 
Mason Reynolds | QB | 6-2, 205 lbs | Lawrenceburg, Ind./Avon HS
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3
- Threw for over 6,000 yards and 51 touchdowns in his career, also rushing for 666 yards and eight touchdowns.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Reynolds - "Mason was one of the first commits in the 2024 class and did an excellent job uniting the class and helping the staff recruit some of the best players in the country.  Mason is one of the top quarter backs in the state of Indiana and we can't wait for him to join us in Kalamazoo."
 
Jeremy Schleicher | C | 6-3, 275 lbs | Overland Park, Kan./Bishop Miege
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3.
- Named Kansas State High School Athletic Association First Team All-State
 
Head coach Lance Taylor on Schleicher - "We feel as though Jeremy will be a perfect fit for what we are looking for in a young Center prospect.  He comes from a great high school program in Bishop Miege and has been coached by a legendary offensive lineman, Tim Grunhard.  Jeremy is extremely intelligent and plays the game with Effort, Attitude, Toughness and Discipline."

La'Varis Stanford | CB | 6-2, 187 lbs | Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington HS
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3 and 247 Sports
- Recorded eight career interceptions and 29 passes defended in three years as a starter.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Stanford - "La'Varis is another young cornerback prospect we have brought in who has great lengths and movement skills.  He was a stand out for one of the top programs in south Florida, Booker T Washington HS.  He has a great relationship with Coach Celiscar and has the competitiveness and temperament we are looking to add in our defensive backfield." 
 
Braden Steely | S | 5-11, 190 lbs | Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll
- Rated three-star recruit by ON3.
- Recorded 93 tackles in 25 career games, also picking off 13 passes.
- First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Northeast Indiana and 6A All-State team selection.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Steely - "Braden was our first commit of the 2024 signing class.  He has probably been on campus more times than any other recruit since we have been here.  He is a versatile athlete who plays on both sides of the ball and on special teams.  We are excited to see his speed and explosiveness on the defensive side of the ball at the safety position.  Braden comes from a great family and we can't wait for him to get on campus. "
 
Chris Toudle | TE | 6-4, 250 lbs | Wilmington, N.C./N.C. State
- Graduate Transfer
- Recorded 30 career receptions and five touchdowns at N.C. State, racking up 320 yards.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Toudle - "Chris is an experienced tight end, who has had multiple years of production at the Power 5 level.  His family is from the Grand Rapids area and during the recruiting process we knew that Chris was the type of person we wanted to add in the locker room.  We are so excited for Chris and his family to be a member of the Bronco Family."
 
Popeye Williams | DE | 6-3, 230 lbs | Westfield, Ind./Louisville
- All-State edge rusher at Westfield High School
- Played one season at Louisville.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Williams - "Popeye is a young man who our staff has had a great relationship with.  Whether it be my time at Louisville or Coach Denham's history with him recruiting him out of high school.  We feel as though Popeye can come in right away and give us impactful snaps on the edge as a pass rusher."

Jameson Young | CB | 6-2, 155 lbs | Lake Wales, Fla./Lakeland
- Consensus three-star recruit.
- Had scholarship offers from several Power 5 programs.
- Helped Lakeland to a State Championship in 2023 with future teammate Carlos Mitchell.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Young - "Jamo is a young CB who we feel like has all of the upside in the world.  He is a 2023 Florida High School state champion who played all over the field for Lakeland. Coach Celiscar has done a great job recruiting Jamo and the state of Florida.  Jamo has great length, feet and the championship traits we are looking for."
 
Andrew Baker | LB | 6-1, 205 lbs | Spring Lake, Mich./Mona Shores HS
- Recruited walk-on.
- Becomes the next in a long-line of Broncos from Mona Shores High School.
- Named All-State by the Detroit News.
 
Jake Chellman | OL | 6-5, 270 lbs | Stevensville, Mich./Lakeshore HS
- Recruited walk-on
- Earned All-SMAC honors
 
Jalen Whittaker | CB | 6-2, 180 lbs | Macomb, Mich./Dakota HS
- Recruited walk-on
- Had over 35 tackles and nine passes defended and one interception in two seasons at the varsity level.
 
Head Coach Lance Taylor on Baker, Chellman and Whittaker - "We are committed to having a top notch walk on program here in Kalamazoo.  Starting in the state of Michigan, we want to make sure that players know they can come in and make a huge impact on our program.  Being a walk-on is something I take pride in and am making an emphasis for our program.  We feel like Andrew Baker, Jalen Whittaker and Jake Chellman are the start of a great 2024 class."