INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler football coaching staff brought in 32 student-athletes on National Signing Day as part of the 2024 Recruiting Class. Head Coach Mike Uremovich added a mix of transfers and first-year players to the program in preparation for the 2024 season.
 
"Our staff has worked very hard and has done a great job with the 2024 class." Uremovich added. "We always start with Indiana high school football players in the evaluation process and this year was no different. We were able to sign 12 kids from the state of Indiana from great high school programs. We also have incoming players from 13 different states in this class. It is a great mix of local talent with kids from across the country that will help us to continue to build the program. I can't wait to watch these guys develop on and off the field over the next four to five years at Butler."
 
BU added student-athletes from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Florida, California, Texas, Missouri, Virginia, and Massachusetts with this class. Of the 32 newcomers, 18 will play on the offensive side of the ball.
 
"We are very excited about the players we have signed in the 2024 class on the offensive side of the ball," Offensive Coordinator Alex Barr explained. "It is a group of very talented young men that have bright futures here at Butler. We are looking forward to getting them on campus and watching them compete in August."
 
On the other side of the ball, BU added four defensive linemen, four linebackers and five defensive backs. Defensive Coordinator Adam Siwicki will combine these newcomers with a talented group of returners that helped BU rank in the top-ten of all FCS programs in scoring defense and red zone defense.
 
"We are excited about our incoming class," Siwicki stated. "We have addressed our loses from graduation and believe this is a group on defense that defines what it means to be a Butler student-athlete. We believe they embody what it means to be a Bulldog."
 
With the departure of Luka Zurak, BU also addressed the kicker/punter position with Beck Janki joining the program.
 
"I am really excited and optimistic about the class of new Bulldogs that we have brought in," Special Teams Coordinator Joe Cheshire said. "They all fit our culture academically, athletically, and socially. I know with the quality and character of these incoming players we will see an impact in the competitiveness of our special team units across the board."
 
The Pioneer Football League announced the conference schedule yesterday. Butler will host Morehead State, Dayton, Stetson, and St. Thomas in 2024. Road games for the Bulldogs include trips to Drake, Davidson, Valparaiso, and Presbyterian.
 
Each member of the 2024 recruiting class is listed below in alphabetical order.
 
Tommie Aberle
LB
6-2, 180
Lake Forest, Ill.
Lake Forest H.S.

Aberle was a two-time all-conference selection at Lake Forest that earned Team MVP honors. He earned academic all-conference honors while also competing in basketball and baseball.

Why Aberle Chose Butler
"The coaching staff, campus and players all fit with what I was looking for. Academically, I also think I will be challenged here."
 
Braydon Alford
WR
5-8, 185
Dublin, Ohio
Dublin Jerome H.S.

Alford set his school's single-season receptions record with 90 catches during his senior year. He had 1,487 all-purpose yards that year and scored 10 touchdowns. As a senior, Alford was named First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District and Third-Team All-State. He played as a team captain and had an outstanding game against Hilliard Bradley in Week 5 which included 14 catches for 195 yards and three touchdowns.

Why Alford Chose Butler
"I wanted to play college football for a staff where I am wanted. I believe I can get a great education and be part of an amazing football program. Meeting the coaches and players helped me with my decision. They are all extremely kind. Being around the team felt natural to me."
 
Jarrin Alley
QB
6-2, 195
Bloomington, Ind.
Bloomington South H.S.

Alley was named All-State and All-Conference before being recognized as a Region 10 All-Star. The Bloomington South Offensive MVP threw for 2,738 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior. He completed 66 percent of his pass attempts (180/273) and added seven rushing touchdowns to give him 45 total TD's on the year. Bloomington South won a conference, sectional and regional championship with Alley under center. The team also set the school record for most 40-point games in a single-season. Alley set the school record for TD passes in a single-game with six in the sectional semi-final game vs. Bloomington North. He ended his career ranked second all-time in passing yards and passing touchdowns finishing behind former NFL QB Rex Grossman. In a win over Columbus North, Alley threw for 330 yards and five touchdowns. He was in the box score with 220 yards and six touchdowns in the sectional semi-final win over Bloomington North. Alley also threw for 267 yards and five touchdowns in the sectional championship win over Seymour. Off the gridiron, Alley is an Academic All-State selection with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Why Alley Chose Butler
"Butler gives me the chance to play football for a competitive team that wants to win as badly as I do, while playing in my home state. It is also a fantastic academic school that will grant me the opportunity to earn a great degree."
 
Trey Alsbrooks
DL
6-2, 230
Charlotte, N.C.
Weddington H.S. (Elon Transfer)

Alsbrooks played at Elon for three seasons before transferring to Butler. In 2023, Alsbrooks returned from an injury to play in all 11 games. He posted 16 tackles as a redshirt-sophomore (8 solo) to go with two tackles for loss and a sack. His best game was a five-tackle performance in the final game of the season against Hampton. Alsbrooks missed the 2022 campaign but started in all 11 games during the 2021 season. He was fifth on the team with 51 tackles and added 2.5 sacks. Before attending Elon, Alsbrooks was a three-time 3AA football state champion, earning all-conference nods as a sophomore, junior, and senior. He was also named all-county as a junior. Alsbrooks finished his high school career with 340 tackles, 30 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, five touchdowns, and three blocked punts

Why Alsbrooks Chose Butler
"Butler allows me to reach my full potential in the classroom and on the football field."
 
Justin Anagonye-Bahn
DT
6-3, 280
Southfield, Mich.
Berkley H.S. (Brown Transfer)

Anagonye-Bahn appeared in 29 games at Brown over the last three seasons. He recorded 20 tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. Before his career at Brown, Anagonye-Bahn was a two-time OAA All-League selection in football and wrestling.

Why Anagonye-Bahn Chose Butler
"Butler is an amazing place to advance academically while still playing college football at a high level."
 
Kameron Armstrong
DB
5-10, 170
Muskegon, Mich.
Lawrence North H.S.

Armstrong was part of a sectional championship team at Lawrence North. He had 60 tackles, eight pass breakups and a sack during his senior season. As a junior, Armstrong posted 60 tackles, and broke up 19 passes. A two-time All-MIC selection, Armstrong played as a team captain and was also tabbed All-County. He had a great game against Pike with seven tackles, a sack and two pass breakups. Armstrong also had seven tackles and three pass breakups vs. Lawrence Central.

Why Armstrong Chose Butler
"The staff made me feel at home. I can't wait to play for Coach Uremovich."
 
Cameron Beiswenger
OL
6-4, 270
Shaker Heights, Ohio
University H.S.

Beiswenger was a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter on the offensive line at University School. He was a Northeast Ohio All-District honorable mention selection in 2022 and 2023.

Why Beiswenger Chose Butler
"I can see myself succeeding and being challenged at Butler both academically and through athletics."
 
Ben Brandenburg
LB
6-1, 200
Indianapolis, Ind.
Roncalli H.S.

Brandenburg was an all-state and all-conference selection at Roncalli while winning two sectional championships (2021, 2022) and a regional championship (2022). A three-year starter, Brandenburg was a team captain, team MVP and selected to the all-star team after the completion of the 2023 season.

Why Brandenburg Chose Butler
"I like the people here and I think everyone at Butler cares about my development as a person just as much as my development as a football player."
 
Justin Dungy
DB
5-10, 155
Tampa, Fla.
Carrollwood Day H.S.

Dungy helped Carrollwood Day post an 8-2 record in 2023. He broke up seven passes over those 10 games and had an interception. As a junior, Dungy had a two-interception game to lead the defense.

Why Dungy Chose Butler
"I want to help Butler become a football powerhouse."
 
Graham Gilmartin
DL
6-1, 240
Northville, Mich.
Northville H.S.

Gilmartin was a three-year starter at Northville that helped his team win a 2023 conference and district championship. He had 51 tackles as a senior including seven sacks and 21 tackles for loss. Gilmartin was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection and All-Region pick. He was also tabbed First Team All-State after the 2023 season. Top individual performances for Gilmartin included a two-sack, seven-tackle for loss game against rival Novi and a strip sack in the district championship game against Detroit Catholic Central. Gilmartin recovered the fumble to set up the game-winning drive. The play helped Northville win their first district title in 23 years!

Why Gilmartin Chose Butler
"Butler offers a phenomenal college experience. I can get a world class education and play high level football. It's the best place for me to call home."
 
Gage Goralski
TE
6-3, 240
Granger, Ind.
Penn H.S.

Goralski was a three-year starter at Penn H.S. that played as a team captain. An Academic All-State selection, Goralski was also tabbed all-conference. Penn went 10-2 overall and 5-0 in conference action during his senior season. Goralski had 282 yards and three touchdowns that year.

Why Goralski Chose Butler
"It's a great opportunity. I have heard nothing but good things about the school and can't wait to spend four years here."
 
Jackson Griffith
LB
6-0, 200
Toronto, Ontario
Penn H.S.

Griffith helped Penn win three Northern Indiana Conference Championships and two sectional titles. He recorded 81 tackles as a senior (58 solo) while adding eight tackles for loss and three pass breakups. In 2022, Griffith was credited with 59 tackles, three sacks, and an interception. He led the team in total tackles as a senior and was a two-time all-conference selection. The talented linebacker had a team-high 13 tackles in a game against Mishawaka and later that season sealed a win with a red zone interception.

Why Griffith Chose Butler
" Butler is a perfect fit for me. It has a reputable business program and gives me the opportunity to play football at a high level."
 
Nick Howard
QB
6-2, 230
Green Bay, Wis.
Green Bay Southwest H.S. (Dartmouth Transfer)

Howard played quarterback for the Big Green in 2023 to help Dartmouth win an Ivy League Title. Their 6-4 overall record included a 5-2 mark in league action. They shared the conference championship with Yale after being picked sixth in the preseason poll. A two-time team captain, Howard was an honorable mention Ivy League selection that led the team with 613 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He was a First Team All-Ivy League pick after the completion of the 2021 season. As a junior in 2021, Howard was the conference's third-leading rusher and ranked sixth nationally in rushing touchdowns (15), which tied a Dartmouth school record that had stood for over 90 years. He earned the team's Jake Crouthamel Award (offensive underclassman who contributed most to the success of the team) and led the Big Green in rushing yards with 787. Howard averaged a league-best 6.3 yards per carry, the third-highest average in Dartmouth history and 14th that season in the NCAA.
 
Why Howard Chose Butler
"To win."
 
Beck Janki
K
5-9, 160
Atlanta, Ga.
Marist H.S.

Janki was team captain at Marist School in Atlanta during his senior season and helped the War Eagles post a 12-2 overall record. He was responsible for 70 points as a senior and led the team in kickoff average as a junior and senior. Janki's career long field goal was converted from 45 yards and he hit a 40-yarder against #1 Gainesville. Marist School never lost a conference game over three seasons with Janki playing varsity ball. They won three regional championships and were state semifinalists in 2023 (6A).

Why Janki Chose Butler
"Butler gives me an opportunity to further develop myself as a well-rounded individual through experimental learning in the classroom and by competing at a high level in athletics."
 
Oscar Kirch
LB
5-10, 210
Indianapolis, Ind.
Cathedral H.S.

Kirch helped Cathedral win two sectional championships (2022, 2023), a regional title (2022) and a 5A State Championship in 2021. He had 101 tackles (15 TFL) and five sacks as a senior. The year prior, Kirch was responsible for 87 tackles (8.5 TFL) and two sacks. He was Cathedral's Defensive Player of the Year and doubled as a team captain. After his senior season, Kirch was named All-State, All-City and a Region 7 All-Star. His top performances included a 15-tackle game (3.0 TFL) against Brownsburg and a 14-tackle game against Ben Davis.

Why Kirch Chose Butler
"Butler is a tight knit community that feels like one big family."
 
Andrew Lieske
S
6-0, 190
Westfield, Ind.
Westfield H.S.

Lieske was a first team all-conference selection at nearby Westfield High School that helped the Rocks win four sectional championships, three regional championships and two conference championships. Westfield finished the year as state-runner up two times during Lieske's three years as a starter. Lieske was an academic all-state selection that also played football as a team captain.

Why Lieske Chose Butler
"When I took my visit I felt welcomed and loved the culture and atmosphere."
 
Keith Long Jr.
TE
6-2, 210
Indianapolis, Ind.
Cathedral H.S.

Long was part of two state championship teams while playing at Cathedral. As a senior, he caught 51 passes to gain 592 yards and score six touchdowns. His top individual performance came against Brownsburg when he caught eight passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Why Long Chose Butler
"I liked Butler's atmosphere with the coaches and players. I think I can fit right in with the university and the football program and play a major role being successful with both."
 
Blake Mazone
OL
6-3, 260
San Diego, Calif.
La Costa Canyon H.S.

Mazone was a two-year starter for La Costa Canyon H.S. that was credited with 44 pancake blocks. He was tabbed Second Team All-CIF after helping his team post an 8-4 record.

Why Mazon Chose Butler
"I picked Butler for the coaching staff and the great players on the team. The facilities are beautiful and I think the school is perfect for me."
 
Michael Mclaughlin
OL
6-4, 290
Peoria, Ill.
Peoria Notre Dame H.S.

Mclaughlin was a unanimous all-conference selection at Peoria Notre Dame that earned all-state honors. A three-year starter and team captain, Mclaughlin was the lineman of the year for his team and helped the Irish win a city championship. He is a member of the national honor society and was an academic all-state selection.

Why Mclaughlin Chose Butler
"Butler felt like home."
 
Alexander McPhee
OL
6-4, 305
Rockford, Mich.
Rockford H.S.

McPhee was part of two conference championships, two district championships and one regional title while playing at Rockford. The All-State honoree was named all-conference as a junior and senior. The Rams went 14-0 in their conference and 21-2 overall with McPhee as a starter.

Why McPhee Chose Butler
"I believe that Butler was my best option due to the combination of academics and athletics."
 
Colin Murphy
DL
6-2, 255
Easton, Mass.
Catholic Memorial H.S.

Murphy helped his team win two state championships and four conference titles during his career at Catholic Memorial. A Catholic Conference All-Star, Murphy had 60 tackles and 6.5 sacks as a senior. The year prior he was credited with 30 tackles and a sack. His top high school performance included an eight-tackle game with six of those eight stops coming behind the line of scrimmage. He added a sack and a pick to his stat line that night.

Why Murphy Chose Butler
"Butler has a rich history of athletics and academics. I want to better myself as an athlete, a student and as a young man. The Lacy School of Business sold the deal for me. I fell in love with the business aspect of Butler and feel that I can leave campus with a solid job and outstanding relationships."
 
Gabe Passini
QB
6-4, 195
Middleton, Wis.
Middleton H.S.

Passini was a three-time All-State, All-Region and All-Conference selection that played at Middleton as a team captain. He threw for 1,046, 1,221 and 1,650 yards in consecutive seasons. Passini was responsible for 18 touchdowns as a junior and 23 as a senior. 

Why Passini Chose Butler
"Great atmosphere, great people and great buildings."
 
Luke Pedersen
OL
6-4, 270
Park Ridge, Ill.
Maine South H.S.

Pedersen helped Maine South post a 10-2 record during his senior year. The Hawks went 6-0 in conference action helped Pedersen be recognized as a all-conference selection and an honorable mention all-area pick. Pedersen only allowed one sack all season.

Why Pedersen Chose Butler
"I love everything about Butler."
 
Jerel Rhodes II
RB
5-8, 185
Roanoke, Va.
North Cross H.S.

Rhodes was a two-time VISAA Football State Champion (2022, 2023) that played as a team captain as a junior and a senior. He rushed for 950 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior and 1,012 yards and 14 TD's as a senior. Rhodes is a First Team All-State Running Back that was also tabbed Second Team All-State as a kick returner. He was recognized as a First Team All-Conference selection at each position.

Why Rhodes Chose Butler
"Butler felt like home. I love the environment and the success the school has to offer. I built a relationship with the coaches and saw how Coach U was able to turn the program around after just two seasons."
 
Elijah Romeus
DB
6-0, 190
Oak Park, Ill.
Fenwich H.S.

Romeus was part of Fenwick's first football State Championship team (5A). He played as a team captain and was the special teams MVP.

Why Romeus Chose Butler
"Great academics and athletics."
 
Barrett Schmidlkofer
TE
6-2, 235
Senoia, Ga.
Starr's Mill H.S. (Mercer Transfer)

Schmidlkofer was a three-time First Team All-County and First Team All-Region selection at Starr's Mill High School that helped the team make a final four appearance in 2020. A three-year starter, Schmidlkofer was honorable mention all-state as a senior.

Why Schmidlkofer Chose Butler
"I chose Butler for the academic prestige of the University and for the relationships I was able to build with the coaching staff."
 
Griffin Simpson
DB
6-3, 187
Brownsburg, Ind.
Brownsburg H.S.

Simpson helped Brownsburg win a conference and sectional championship as a two-year starter and three-year letterwinner. As a senior, Simpson played as a team captain and recorded 31 tackles, three interceptions, nine pass breakups and one forced fumble. He came up with 51 tackles, six pass deflections and an interception as a junior. An Academic All-State selection, Simpson opened his senior year with five tackles, three pass breakups and a pick in Week 1 of the season.

Why Simpson Chose Butler
"I knew I wanted to be a part of the Butler family from the first time I stepped foot on campus."
 
Michael Wells
OL
6-2, 285
Rockwall, Texas
Rockwall H.S.

Wells was a two-year starter at Rockwall that helped his team post a 21-4 overall record and an undefeated 12-0 conference record. He was a team captain and a First Team All-District honoree. A two-sport athlete, Wells was a two-time Junior Olympics All-American in the shot put. He was also a Second Team Academic All-State selection.

Why Wells Chose Butler
"Butler had everything I was looking for. I have the ability to play football at the collegiate level while also being able to earn a degree from a prestigious university."
 
Jack Weybright
WR
5-10, 180
Fishers, Ind.
Bishop Chatard H.S.

Weybright is a speed receiver with a track background. While at Bishop Chatard High School, Webright recorded 673 rushing yards, 473 receiving yards and scored 13 touchdowns. He won two state championships in football and one in track and field.

Why Weybright Chose Butler
"I've been on Butler's campus all my life and it felt like a great fit with the players, coaches and business school."
 
DT Williams
WR
6-2, 183
Fort Wayne, Ind.
Wayne H.S.

Williams was consistent over his final two years at Wayne H.S. He had 30 catches to cover 300 yards in seven games as a junior and 29 catches for 400 yards in 10 games as a senior. His best individual effort while at Wayne was an 11-catch game.

Why Williams Chose Butler
"I felt welcomed at Butler and have the opportunity to get a great education. Butler comes with a great brotherhood and gives me the ability to be very successful after graduation."
 
Zac Willingham-Davis
RB
6-1, 240
Liberty, Mo.
Liberty North (SIU Transfer)

Willingham-Davis attended Southern Illinois after a stellar high school career at Liberty North. A First Team All-State selection as a senior and second team honoree as a junior, Willingham-Davis ran for 2,387 yards and 31 touchdowns during his prep career averaging 6.8 yards per carry. He rushed for 1,447 yards as a senior averaging 7.7 yards per carry and 121 yards per game.

Why Willingham-Davis Chose Butler
"Butler has a great football atmosphere with nice facilities and a great coaching staff that cares about you. It's also a great academic school that will prepare me for medical school."
 
Chet Yardley
WR
6-2, 185
Raleigh, N.C.
Cardinal Gibbons H.S.

Yardley helped Cardinal Gibbons win two conference championships. He was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection that had 57 receptions and 1,086 receiving yards as a senior and 39 receptions for 680 yards as a junior. As a two-year starter, Yardley was responsible for scoring 20 touchdowns. He was a Team MVP that doubled as an honor roll student. His best game included a 10-catch, 200-yard performance in the state playoffs against Rolesville.

Why Yardley Chose Butler
"Butler is a great school, with a great football program."