CHADRON – Two days after receiving National Letters of Intent from 20 high school seniors, the Chadron State College football team landed ten more signed commitments Friday.

They are Colton Blankenship of Wind River, Wyo., Cheyne Bluhm of Camarillo, Calif., Kevin Boomhower of Guernsey, Wyo., Derick Brooks of Dunn, North Carolina, Conor Casey of Rapid City, S.D., Pierre Etchemendy of Douglas, Wyo., Michael Lorenzo of Westlake Village, Calif., Charlie Marsh of Chadron, Sam Rogers of North Pole, Alaska, and Joseph Sokimi of Anchorage, Alaska.

“These guys are our type of kids,” CSC head coach Bill O’Boyle said. “They’re all tough and know how to play hard. Now, it’s time to learn our scheme and the techniques that come in the three phases of the game.”

Thirty student-athletes have now signed National Letters of Intent to play football at Chadron State in the fall of 2010. A majority of them are regional, with 13 hailing from Nebraska, six from Wyoming, three from Colorado and two from South Dakota. In addition, two are from California and Alaska, and one from Georgia and North Carolina.

By position, the Eagles have received letters of intent from seven defensive linemen, six linebackers, five wide receivers, four defensive backs and offensive linemen, and one kicker, quarterback, tailback and tight end.

O’Boyle said the Eagles are still looking to add depth at the offensive line and specialists.

Profiles of the players who signed on Friday follow.

Colten Blankenship, offensive line, 6-5, 260 pounds (Wind River, Wyo./Wind River High)

He’s certainly well-traveled and he said he’s glad he’s found a new home at Chadron State … He’s played at three different high schools, including Barrow in Alaska, a Department of Defense school in Europe and Wind River High in Wyoming … While he was at Barrow, he became familiar with the CSC coaching staff by attending their summer camp and enjoyed his time on campus … While he was a junior at Barrow High, he was named the offensive and defensive lineman of the year for the state of Alaska and attended the Army All-American Combine … He also had some lofty achievements academically in Alaska … He was the Alaska United Nations Delegate of the Year and he took first place in the Alaska Science Fair in engineering … His parents moved to Wind River, Wyo., in March of his junior year and he started on the offensive and defensive line in the fall … Will play in the Wyoming Shrine Bowl this summer … Plans to major in interdisciplinary studies.

Cheyne Bluhm, placekicker, 5-8, 150 pounds (Camarillo, Calif./Camarillo High)

An excellent prospect who could possibly take the place of All-American kicker Travis Atter … Bluhm booted 140 career PATs to set a school record and he also converted nine kicks against Hueneme High to set another school record … He was named Second Team All-Pacific View League Offense following the 2009 season … As a junior, he hit three field goals and 21 PATs, including a game-winning 35-yard field goal to help Camarillo to a 10-7 win over Oak Park High.

Kevin Boomhower, linebacker, 6-1, 185 pounds (Guernsey, Wyo./Guernsey-Sunrise High)

A two-way starter for three seasons at Guernsey-Sunrise and he was named the Offensive Player of the Year for 6-man schools in Wyoming following the 2009 season … On offense, he played tailback and fullback, but the coaching staff at CSC is excited to see him develop on the defensive side at linebacker … He was also named to the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 Third Team and he was all-conference in 2009 … He plans to play in the Shrine Bowl in the summer and he’s currently a starter for his high school basketball team.

Derick Brooks, defensive line, 6-2, 205 pounds (Dunn, N.C./Boys Town High)

A three-year starter who was named all-state his final two seasons at Boys Town … Last season, he had 39 solo tackles and assisted on 40 more … He was named First Team All-State in Class C-1 by the Omaha World-Herald, Lincoln Journal Star and Huskerland Prep … He also played special teams.

Conor Casey, wide receiver, 6-2, 180 pounds (Rapid City, S.D./St. Thomas More High)

Had a great season in 2009, finishing with 38 receptions for 709 yards and 13 touchdowns … He averaged 18.6 yards a reception … Also returned kicks, accumulating over 300 yards … On defense, he made 28 tackles and three interceptions … He was named all-state in 2009 … A two-time all-conference player and earned honorable mention to the Argus Leader Elite 45 … He also plays basketball at St. Thomas More.

Pierre Etchemendy, free safety/linebacker, 6-1, 175 pounds (Douglas, Wyo./Douglas High)

The Casper Star-Tribune Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 … He was a stellar player for former CSC standout and hall of famer Jay Rhoades at Douglas High, helping lead the Bearcats to back-to-back state championships in Wyoming’s 3A Class … Last season, Pierre was particularly effective, running for 2,036 yards on 200 carries and scoring 29 times … He averaged over 10 yards a carry and scored a school-record six touchdowns in a game against Rawlins … He also had 11 receptions for 140 yards and three touchdowns … On defense in 2009, he made 107 total tackles … For his career, he ran for over 2,500 yards and made 248 tackles … He was also a two-time Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 First Team Selection.

Michael Lorenzo, offensive line, 6-2, 270 pounds (Westlake Village, Calif./Westlake Village High)

Helped lead Westlake Village to a tremendous 2009 season … The Warriors went 14-0 and won the CIF Southern Division … Michael was named all-division, all-league and all-county … He was a team captain and a three-year starter … He also plays lacrosse … Plans to major in sports medicine.

Charlie Marsh, defensive back, 5-11, 185 pounds (Chadron, Neb./Chadron High)

A key member of the Chadron team that has gone 10-1 and 9-1 the past two seasons … Had 27 unassisted tackles, 32 assisted tackles and four interceptions that he returned 36 yards last fall … He also caught 15 passes for 262 yards and five TDs at wide receiver … Ran on the state-qualifying 400 relay team last spring … Expected to play in the secondary for the Eagles … Honorable mention all-state and placed on Star-Herald’s all-class all-star team.

Sam Rogers, defensive back, 5-9, 150 pounds (North Pole, Alaska/Eielson High)

Will join his older brother Nick at Chadron State in the fall … Nick, who will be a junior in 2010, was a backup cornerback last season, appearing in all 11 games and recording 19 tackles … Sam said he’s always wanted to play with his brother and is looking forward to the opportunity … He battled some injuries in his prep career, but he didn’t let them stop him from playing … He played the final two games of his senior season with a knee brace after he tore his ACL and meniscus early in the year … As a junior, he was second team all-conference … He also wrestles and runs track.

Joseph Sokimi, linebacker, 5-10, 210 pounds (Anchorage, Alaska/Service High)

Chadron State defensive coordinator really likes his tenacity on defense … An all-state linebacker, Joseph was a three-year starter and had over 50 tackles last season … Earned all-conference honors twice and was also named the MVP of his high school’s defense … Played in the 2008 state finals in Alaska.

Profiles of players who signed Wednesday follow.

Phillip Colling, linebacker, 6-1, 205 pounds (Omaha, Neb./Millard West High)

Had a fantastic senior season while helping lead Millard West to a runner-up finish in Nebraska’s Class A and a 10-3 record … He had 131 total tackles, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries, four pass break-ups, three sacks and two forced fumbles … Started two years and was honorable mention all-state by a variety of publications … Also wrestles at Millard West and qualified for the state tourney as a junior … He finished second in his district last season at 189 pounds … Plans to major in education.

Jake Hasz, defensive end, 6-3, 240 pounds (Omaha, Neb./Omaha Skutt Catholic)

Could develop into a solid defensive end for the Eagles … Had 88 total tackles, five forced fumbles, six sacks and four fumble recoveries last year for Class B state runner-up Omaha Skutt … He was named to the Class B First Team by Huskerland Prep and the Omaha World-Herald … Also a talented wrestler for one of the best programs in the state of Nebraska … He finished as state runner-up as a junior at heavyweight and has just one loss this season.

Michael Hill, defensive tackle, 6-0, 230 pounds (Fort Laramie, Wyo./Lingle-Ft. Laramie High)

A three-year starter at defensive tackle for Lingle-Ft. Laramie … Helped lead the Doggers to a state runner-up finish in Wyoming’s Class 2A and was named to the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 Third Team … He’s also a gifted wrestler … He went 39-0 and won the heavyweight title as a junior … He’s also finished second and fifth at the Wyoming state wrestling tourney.

Alec Holmquist, wide receiver/defensive back, 5-10, 180 pounds (Chadron, Neb./Chadron High)

A versatile athlete who is projected to play cornerback for the Eagles … Was Chadron’s leading receiver last fall with 23 receptions for 394 yards and five TDs … Also ran the ball 12 times for 158 yards, returned 14 punts for 14.5-yard average, intercepted five passes that he returned 66 yards and was the Cardinals’ punter … In addition, he is a key member of the Cards’ basketball team that has a 61-7 cumulative record the past three seasons, including a 15-2 record and the state’s top Class C-1 ranking this year … He had a best of 11.2 seconds in the 100 meters and anchored the 400-meter relay that qualified for the Class C state meet last spring … Earned all-state honorable mention in football the past two years and was named to the Star-Herald’s all-class team for 2009.

Brandon Jerke, defensive tackle, 6-0, 240 pounds (Alliance, Neb./Alliance High)

Took place in 40 tackles last season for Alliance High School and was named to the Star-Herald All-Region 11-Man Second Team … He was also named Class B honorable mention by the Omaha World-Herald, Lincoln Journal Star and Huskerland Prep … He plans to major in criminal justice.

Patrick O’Boyle, quarterback, 6-4, 170 pounds (Gering, Neb./Gering High)

Had a banner 2009 season leading Gering High to a 9-2 record and a playoff berth … He was the second-rated passer in Class B, completing 145 of 229 passes (63%) for 1,774 yards and 17 touchdowns … He was named to the Lincoln Journal First Team and earned honorable mention from the Omaha World-Herald and Huskerland Prep … He was ranked the No. 2 player in the Nebraska panhandle by the Scottsbluff Star-Herald and he was also the all-class quarterback … Played high school football for his father, Tom, and now he’ll be playing for his uncle, CSC head coach Bill O’Boyle … Also plays basketball and baseball for Gering and runs the hurdles for the track team in the spring.

Tyler Pace, tailback, 5-11, 195 pounds (Arvada, Colo./Pomona High)

Really burst on the scene last season at Pomona High … Rushed for 2,026 yards on 260 carries and scored 29 touchdowns … Averaged 7.8 yards a carry and had a long rush of 77 yards … He had a season-best 230 yards against Cherokee Trail High School … His most impressive performance, though, was against Colorado powerhouse Mullen High School in the Class 5A State Championship Game … In that game, Tyler rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort … Pomona High finished as state runner-up.

Sam Parker, offensive line, 6-1, 280 pounds (Harrison, Neb./Sioux County High)

A good two-sport athlete from Sioux County … He was a three-year starter for the football team and was named to the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald 6-man all-state team … He was also placed on the Star-Herald second team … Also wrestles, claiming a fifth place finish at heavyweight last year … He plans to major in education.

Lance Pickett, offensive line, 6-7, 290 pounds (Otis, Colo./Otis High)

A big offensive line prospect who played 6-man football at Otis High … He helped lead his team to the state semifinals and was named honorable mention by the Denver Post … Became familiar with CSC by attending the football camp in the summer … He also throws the shot put and discus and plays basketball … His sister, Keisha, graduated from CSC last December.

Blake Pirkl, wide receiver, 6-1, 180 pounds (Box Elder, S.D./Douglas High)

Plans to participate in both football and track and field at Chadron State … He was a three-year starter who had over 500 yards and five touchdowns last season at Douglas High School in South Dakota … He was named all-conference in 2009 … Finished third at the South Dakota high school track meet in the 300 hurdles with a time of 39.76 seconds … He’s also run the 400 meters in a time of 49.9 seconds … Will run the hurdles for the track team.

Andrew Rios, wide receiver, 5-8, 145 pounds (Lexington, Neb./Lexington High)

Tallied the fourth-most receiving yards in Class B last season (611) … He averaged 16 yards a reception and scored five touchdowns … Earned honorable mention accolades from a variety of publications and was all-district … He also had three interceptions from his defensive back position … Is also a good middle-distance runner, running the 400 meters in 52.1 seconds and the 800 in 2:01 … Plans to major in business or education at CSC.

Charlie Robison, linebacker, 6-3, 210 pounds (Alma, Neb./Alma High)

Earned honorable mention from a bevy of publications and had a great 2009 season for Alma High School in Class D-1 … He had a total of 144 tackles, while forcing two fumbles and recovering two more … Also wrestles at 215 pounds … Plans to major in range management.

Xavier Romero, defensive back, 5-8, 185 pounds (Fountain, Colo./Fountain Fort Carson High)

A two-year starter who helped lead Fountain Fort Carson to the playoffs last season and an 8-3 record … He had over 100 tackles and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown … Also runs track and field, competing in the sprints and relays.

Zach Sandstrom, defensive tackle, 6-1, 235 pounds (Chadron, Neb./Chadron High)

A first-team Class C-1 all-stater who was placed on the offensive line by the Lincoln Journal Star and Huskerland Prep and in the defensive line by the Omaha World-Herald … Played tackle on offense and end on defense … Expected to play defense in college … Last fall, he made 35 unassisted and 56 assisted tackles, had 8.5 quarterback sacks and 19.5 tackles for losses … The Cardinals were 29-3 during his three years as a starter … Also is the school’s heavyweight wrestler who qualified for the state tournament last year, and threw the shot more than 48 feet last spring … His brother Mike is a sophomore offensive lineman for the Eagles.  

Mitch Schlager, linebacker (Torrington, Wyo./Torrington High)

Earned a bevy of honors last season … He was ranked No. 5 on the Star-Herald All-Region Super 15 and he was on the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 Second Team … He was also the all-class running back for the Star-Herald’s all-region team.

Patrick Snead, defensive end, 6-5, 230 pounds (Gillette, Wyo./Campbell County High)

A big defensive lineman … Had 33 total tackles and three sacks for Campbell County High in 2009 … Named Class 4A honorable mention by the Casper Star-Tribune.

Austen Stephens, tight end, 6-3, 215 pounds (Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln North Star High)

A big inside receiver prospect for the Eagles … He led Lincoln North Star in receptions last season and earned honorable mention from the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star … A two-time letterwinner and a team captain … Also plays catcher for the North Star baseball team in the spring and participates in legion ball, as well.

Antonio Thompson, wide receiver, 5-7, 170 pounds (Savannah, Ga./Jenkins High)

Became acquainted with Chadron State after quarterback coach Chris Stein talked to him at a camp in Georgia … He made a visit to the campus earlier this winter and felt at home … Played wide receiver but his high school team rarely passed … On defense, he had 29 tackles and broke up two passes … Also plays basketball and runs the 200 meters in track … His best time is 23.7 seconds in that event … Plans to major in sports management.

Tyler Tingelhoff, free safety, 5-11, 170 pounds (Lexington, Neb./Lexington High)

Only played in four games last season because of an injury, but he still managed to accumulate 800 yards of total offense and score 11 touchdowns while playing quarterback … He started three seasons at Lexington High until his knee injury forced him to miss the remaining games of his senior season … Was named honorable mention by the Omaha World-Herald, Lincoln Journal Star and Huskerland Prep … Also competes in track and field, running the 300 hurdles in 39.7 seconds … He qualified for state as a junior.