When National Signing Day came to an end for CMU’s football team Wednesday, the vibe around the athletic offices was ecstatic. With 28 signed Letters of Intent, fans, boosters and students alike felt the same sense of satisfaction about the future of our football program. Under new coach Russ Martin, the squad landed 12 defensive and 15 offensive high school standouts, and a kicker. The group of incoming freshman are poised to make an impact on a team rebuilding under Martin.

“We focused a lot of effort in our in-state guys, with guys coming from the Front Range area along with right out of our own backyard,” Martin said.

The group of signed student-athletes have impressive high school resumes. On the defensive side, linebacker Jamie Lambert from Castle Rock headlines an impressive group at the position. Lambert served as a destructive defensive force for Castle View High School. As an All-State selection and a two-time All-South Metro League selection, Lambert will add depth to the Maverick linebacker corps. Other prominent defensive signees include Ian Driskill and Will Harvey, a pair of junior college linebackers out of Bakersfield, Cali. along with Frank deBraga, a defensive back out of Nevada who is the brother of Colorado Mesa University starters Trent and Trevor deBraga.

On the offensive side, CMU signs talented quarterback Kyle Duran. He tallied 3,077 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. Duran will come into fall camp needing to compete, but has a solid record of hard work and effort.

Jerreon Dennis, a former standout from Grand Junction High School, also has impressive credentials that include two All-State team selections, along with a rushing title his senior year with 2,351 yards. His obvious speed and explosiveness could help him become a factor early.

Offensive lineman Lucas Lovell was a major contributor for Rocky Mountain High School’s offensive attack, garnering All-Front Range League honors his junior and senior seasons. His size and potential might positively influence the team in the future.

Martin and his newly signed prospects will be the base of a team rebuilding after a 3-7 record led to the resignation of Joe Ramunno. Using a new system, Martin is confident that his new prospects will bring future success to the CMU football program.

“We see these young men making a big impact for us,” Martin said. “The coaches couldn’t be any happier.”