CALIFORNIA (Feb. 7) – The California (PA) football program announced its initial recruiting class on Wednesday, which included National Letter of Intent signees, preferred walk-ons and mid-year transfers.

"We are thrilled to introduce our 2024 class, as these young men are great people, students and players," said head coach Gary Dunn. "I'm proud of the work that our coaching staff put in to build relationships with this group. I would like to thank our admissions department and entire athletic administration for helping us sign a great class. I cannot wait for these young men to arrive for training camp and build on the tradition of Vulcan Football."

Additional commitments may be added to this page at later date.
 

Name	Position	Height	Weight	Hometown / High School
Austin Aycock	OL	6-3	280	Kingwood Twp., N.J. / Delaware Valley Regional
Braeden Ballintine	LS	6-2	230	Pittsburgh, Pa. / Hampton
Tajuan Bandy	LB	5-11	180	Pittsburgh, Pa. / Penn Hills
Josiah Bowser	OL	6-4	300	Roaring Spring, Pa. / Northern Bedford County
Ethan Carlos	WR	6-0	180	York, Pa. / Central York
Da'sjon Craggette	RB	5-11	190	Uniontown, Pa. / Southmoreland
De'ondre Daugherty	OL	6-6	265	Washington, Pa. / Washington
Courtney Dunn, Jr.	DL	6-2	250	Duquesne, Pa. / McKeesport
Mike Evans	QB	6-1	210	Canonsburg, Pa. / Canon-McMillan
Domenic Grove	LB	5-11	225	York, Pa. / Central York
Connor Hartle	LB	6-3	180	Mars, Pa. / Mars
Tim Haviland	OL	6-2	275	McDonald, Pa. / South Fayette
Malik Jefferson	DB	5-8	190	New Castle, Pa. / New Castle
Sean Kennedy	LB	5-9	210	Hermitage, Pa. / Hickory
Brennan Knight	FB	5-10	230	Greensburg, Pa. / Hempfield
Anthony Kowehuck	TE
Jackson Landis	QB	6-1	190	Lancaster, Pa. / Hempfield
Jake Layhue	DB	6-4	205	California, Pa. / California
Terry Martin	DB	6-3	185	Vandergrift, Pa. / Kiski
Jayden McBride	WR	5-10	160	Connellsville, Pa. / Connellsville
Dorian McGhee	WR	6-2	210	Pittsburgh, Pa. / Lincoln Park
Luke Nevil	WR
Marion Norris	LB	5-10	190	Farrell, Pa. / Farrell
Grayson Nugent	OL	6-4	280	Pittsburgh, Pa. / Central Catholic
Dylan Ours	LB	6-1	205	Fairmont, W.Va. / Fairmont Senior
Michael Ponziani	OL	6-4	310	New Castle, Pa. / Neshannock
Keon Powell	DB	6-1	180	Chester, Pa. / Cardinal O'Hara
Shyne Roberts	LB	6-1	200	Philadelphia, Pa. / Upper Dublin
Roman Royal	OL	6-4	285	Cranberry Twp., Pa. / Seneca Valley
Mike Scavello	TE	6-1	195	King of Prussia, Pa. / Upper Merion
Geary Smith	OL	6-3	270	Pittsburgh, Pa. / Seton LaSalle
Kabron Smith	QB	5-10	190	Farrell, Pa. / Farrell
Keith Spell	DL	6-2	255	Pittsburgh, Pa. / McKeesport
Simeir Wade	WR	5-11	195	Farrell, Pa. / Farrell
Robert Williams	LB	6-1	200	Bethlehem, Pa. / Bethlehem Catholic

Austin Aycock I OL I 6-3 I 280 I Kingwood Twp., N.J. I Delaware Valley Regional
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Delaware Valley Regional under head coach Ben Ibach … also member of track & field team
PERSONAL
Son of Roy Ayock, Jr. and Dawn Aycock … has one sister

Braeden Ballintine I LS I 6-2 I 230 I Pittsburgh, PA I Hampton
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Hampton under head coach Steve Sciullo … also member of wrestling team
PERSONAL
Son of Brad Ballintine and Lisa Spinello … has one brother and three sisters

Tajuan Bandy I 5'11 I 180 I Pittsburgh, PA I Penn Hills High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Penn Hills under head coach Charles Morris… earned First-Team All Conference accolades in 2023 and 2022… two year letter winner… also a member of the track team… finished sixth in the state of South Carolina for the javelin event… lettered one year… played for the G-Men (South Carolina) under head coach Anton Jones… 
PERSONAL
Son of Robert Allen Sledge and Sherell Nicole Johnson… has six brothers and ten sisters… member of the Black Student Union… 
Josiah Bowser I OL I 6-4 I 300 I Roaring Spring, Pa. I Northern Bedford County
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Northern Bedford County under head coach Garry Black … member of district championship team … all-state … Lineman of the Year … county all-star
PERSONAL
Son of James Bowser, Jr. and Joy Hay … has one sister

Ethan Carlos I 6'0 I 180 I York, PA I Central York High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Central York under head coach Gerry Yonchiuk… member of York County Championship team (3x)... received All-County honorable mention in 2022 and 2023… three year letter winner… also a member of the track team… named All-County Jumper…three year letter winner…
PERSONAL
Son of Joshua and Alicia Carlos… has two sisters… earned distinguished honor roll each semester… volunteered for Military Family Day and Youth Flag Football… 
Da'sjon Craggette I 5'11 I 190 I Connellsville, PA I Southmoreland High School 
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Southmoreland High School under head coach Tim Bukowski… recorded 19 touchdowns and 335 rushing yards in 2023… holds the school record for rushing yards… member of the section championship team in 2022… Named Offensive MVP junior year… two year letter winner… also a member of the WPIAL Championship track team…
PERSONAL
Son of Norman Craggette and Marchell Edwards… has two brothers and one sister… brother Ky'ron currently plays football at Seton Hill as a running back…
De'ondre Daugherty I OL I 6-6 I 265 I Washington, Pa. I Washington
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Washington under head coach Mike Bosnic … all-conference … member of conference championship team … featured on Honor Roll
PERSONAL
Son of Darrell and Alisha Overton … has two brothers

Courtney Dunn, Jr. I DL I 6-2 I 250 I Duquesne, PA I McKeesport
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at McKeesport under head coach Matt Miller … received the 2023 Bill Fralic Memorial Award … earned Class 4A first-team all-state honors at defensive line as a senior … tabbed Conference Defensive Player of the Year … named first-team all-conference at defensive line and offensive line in 2023 … finished with 76 tackles and five sacks as a senior …
PERSONAL
Son of Courtney Dunn, Sr. and Valors Nelms

Mike Evans I QB I 6-1 I 210 I Canonsburg, PA I Canon-McMillan
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Canon-McMillan under head coach Mike Evans … served as team captain … received Class 6A second-team all-conference honors at quarterback as a senior … earned Class 6A first-team all-conference laurels at quarterback in 2022 … set all-time school records for passing yards, touchdowns and completions … also member of baseball and track & field teams … member of Honor Roll … involved in Varsity Club
PERSONAL
Son of Mike and Jennifer Evans … father served as offensive line coach at California for 12 seasons from 2003-14

Domenic Grove I 5'11 I 225 I York, PA I Central York High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Central York under head coach Gerry Yonchiuk… member of the York County Championship team… three year letter winner… 
PERSONAL
Son of Glenn and Donna Grove… has one brother and one sister… brother Glenn played soccer at California for a year and also played at Harford Community College… 
Connor Hartle I LB I 6-3 I 180 I Mars, PA I Mars
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Mars under head coach Eric Kasperowicz … named first-team all-conference at defensive line as a senior … selected to All-Academic Silver Team in 2022 … also member of lacrosse team … member of Class 2A lacrosse state championship team in 2022
PERSONAL
Son of Alan and Tara Hartle … has two brothers and one sister … cousin Eric Hudanick was offensive lineman at California (PA) from 2017-21

Tim Haviland I OL I 6-2 I 275 I McDonald, Pa. I South Fayette
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at South Fayette under head coach Joe Rossi … team captain … all-conference
PERSONAL
Son of Dennis and Renee Haviland … has two sisters

Malik Jefferson I DB I 5-8 I 190I New Castle, Pa. I New Castle
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at New Castle under head coach Stacy Robinson … two-time second-team all-conference as a senior … two-time all-conference in 2022 … also member of baseball team … featured on Honor Roll … received Academic Excellence Award … involved in National Hnnor Society
PERSONAL
Son of Victor and Jennifer Jefferson … has two brothers and three sisters

Sean Kennedy I 5'9 I 210 I Hermitage, PA I Hickory High School 
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Hickory under head coach Bill Dungee… member of the two-time District 10 Championship team… named an All-Region and All-District player in 2023, 2022, and 2021… four year letter winner… 
PERSONAL
Son of Stan and Nakita Kennedy… has one brother and one sister…
Brennan Knight I FB I 5-10 I 230 I Greensburg, PA I Hempfield
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Hempfield under head coach Nick Keefer … named team captain … featured on Honor Roll … involved in Caring Hands Club and FCA
PERSONAL
Son of David and Janice Knight … has one brother … brother Sean is a rising senior on the California (PA) football team

Jackson Landis I QB I 6-1 I 190 I Lancaster, PA I Hempfield
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Hempfield under head coach George Eager … received all-league honorable mention at quarterback as a senior … earned second-team all-league status and all-league honorable mention at punter in 2022
PERSONAL
Son of Gary and Jen Landis … has one brother and two sisters

Jake Layhue I DB I6-4 I 205 I California, PA I California
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at California under head coach Ed Woods … received Class 1A first-team all-state status at safety … earned all-conference honors at quarterback and defensive back as a senior … named Herald-Standard Class A/AA Co-Player of the Year … finished with 913 rushing yards, scored 20 touchdowns, collected 101 tackles and registered eight interceptions in 2023 … received all-conference status at quarterback and defensive back as a junior … also member track & field and wrestling teams … received High Honors … three-time Scholar-Athlete
PERSONAL
Son of Jason and Janae Layhue… has two brothers

Terry Martin I DB I 6-3 I 185 I Vandergrift, Pa. I Kiski
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Kiski under head coach Sam Alber … two-time first-team all-conference … two-time all-academic team … also member of basketball and track & field teams … featured on Honor Roll … involved in FCA and Black Student Union
PERSONAL
Son of Terry Martin and Deborah Noal … has two brothers and four sisters

Jayden McBride I WR I 5-10 I 160 I Connellsville, Pa. I Connellsville
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Connellsville under head coach Mick Lilley … two-time all-conference wide receiver … also member of basketball and track & field teams
PERSONAL
Son of Jason and Colleen McBride … has two brothers and one sister

Dorian McGhee I 6'2 I 210 I Mckees Rocks, PA I Lincoln Park Performing Arts High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Lincoln Park under head coach Mike Bariksi… earned All-State accolades in 2023… First-Team All Conference (2023,2022,2021)... two year letter winner… 
PERSONAL
Son of Jauwanda Clark… has two brothers and three sisters…
Marion Norris I LB I 5-10 I 190 I Farrell, PA I Farrell
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Farrell under head coach Anthony Pegues … named Class 2A second-team all-state at linebacker as a senior … finished with 149 tackles and 12.0 TFL in 2023 … received Class 2A first-team all-state laurels as a junior … member of three-straight district championship teams … featured on High Honor Roll
PERSONAL
Son of Kevin and Roseshellea Norris … has two brothers and two sisters

Grayson Nugent I 6-4 I 280 I Pittsburgh, PA I Central Catholic
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Central Catholic under head coach Ryan Lehmeier … earned Class 6A all-conference honorable mention at offensive line as a senior … received High Honors
PERSONAL
Son of Keith and Kelly Nugent … has one brother

Dylan Ours I LB I 6'1 I 205 I Fairmont, W.Va. I Fairmont Senior
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Fairmont Senior under head coach Nick Bartic … named Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … received Class 2A Mumuley Memorial MVP in 2023 … tabbed Conference Player of the Year as a junior … finished with 62 tackles and four forced fumbles, plus 823 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns, in 2022 … member of Class 2A state championship team as a sophomore and senior … also member of wrestling team … placed third at 190 lbs. at state championships twice … member of 2023 wrestling state championship team
PERSONAL
Son of Wes and Alycia Ours … has one brother … brother Brady played football at Robert Morris from 2018-20

Michael Ponziani I OL I 6-4 I 310 I New Castle, Pa. I Neshannock
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Neshannock under head coach Fred Mozzocio … member of conference championship team … two-time all-conference
PERSONAL
Son of Michael and Ginger Ponziani … has one brother and one sister

Keon Powell | DB I 6-1 I 180 I Chester, PA I Cardinal O'Hara
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Cardinal O'Hara under head coach Mike Ewing … received All-Catholic status as a senior … earned first-team all-county honors at defensive back in 2023 … named Offensive Team MVP as a senior … finished with 35 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and one interception, plus rushed for 980 yards and 12 touchdowns, in 2023
PERSONAL
Son of Raymon Powell and Keana Nelson … has two brothers and one sister

Shyne-J Roberts I 6'1 I 200 I Philadelphia, PA I Upper Dublin High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Upper Dublin under head coach Bret Stover… 
PERSONAL
Son of Lonnie Roberts and Deneen Griffin… has one brother and six sisters… 
Roman Royal I OL I 6-4 I 285 I Cranberry Twp., PA I Seneca Valley
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Seneca Valley under head coach Ron Butschle … served as team captain … earned Class 6A all-conference honorable mention at offensive line as a senior … also member of wrestling team … received the R.I.S.E. Award … involved in SVTV
PERSONAL
Son of James and Joetta Royal… has one brother and one sister… brother James is a defensive lineman at Mercyhurst after previously playing at Clarion

Mike Scavello I 6'1 I 195 I King of Prussia, PA I Upper Merion High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Upper Merion under head coach Davis Chubb… named to Second-Team All Area in 2023 and Second-Team All-Conference in 2022… team captain… also a member of the lacrosse team… received honorable mention honors… four year letter winner… 
PERSONAL
Son of Mike and Lea Scavello… has two brothers and one sister… member of the NAtional Honor Society and Distinguished Honors… 
Geary Smith I OL I 6-3 I 270 I Pittsburgh, Pa. I Seton LaSalle
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Seton LaSalle under head coach Tim Storino … all-conference
PERSONAL
Son of Steven and Kristy Smith … has one brother

Kabron Smith I QB I 5-10 I 190 I Farrell, PA I Farrell High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Farrell under head coach Anthony Pegues … named Class 2A first-team all-state at quarterback … finished career as the school's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns … set single-season school records for passing yards and touchdowns as a senior … member of three-straight district championship teams … also member of basketball team … served as Class Vice President … involved in National Honor Society … featured on High Honor Roll
PERSONAL
Son of Brandon Smith and Kendra Odem … has one brother

Keith Spell I DL I 6-2 I 255 I Pittsburgh, PA I McKeesport High School
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at McKeesport under head coach Matt Miller … named second-team all-state at defensive line as a senior … finished with 73 tackles and eight sacks, plus 727 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, as a senior … also member of basketball team
PERSONAL
Son of Keith Jones and Cia Spell … has eight brothers and two sisters

Simeir Wade I WR I 5-11 I 195 I Farrell, PA I Farrell
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Farrell under head coach Anthony Pegues … received Class 2A second-team all-state honors at wide receiver as a senior … earned first-team all-region status at wide receiver and defensive back in 2023 … totaled 918 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns as a senior … member of district championship team in 2023 … also played at Kennedy Catholic … finished with 20 total touchdowns as a junior with 1,328 rushing yards, 177 receiving yards and 455 passing yards … also member of basketball team … involved in National Honor Society
PERSONAL
Son of Simuel Wade and Zikiea Odom … has one brother and one sister

Robert Williams I LB I 6-1 I 200 I Bethlehem, PA I Bethlehem Catholic
HIGH SCHOOL
Played at Bethlehem Catholic under head coach Tyler Ward … member of Class 4A district championship team … also member of track & field team
PERSONAL 
Son of Deon and Rosa Williams