Returning Letterwinner Profiles - Seniors

Juniors | Sophomores

#55 Justin Aichele
Senior
Linebacker
5'11" 220
Hemlock, Ohio
Miller
Psychology

Expected to be a regular contributor at middle linebacker and on special teams’ coverage units again … 2007: Member of the Scots’ special teams, in addition to serving as No. 2 middle linebacker behind all-conference pick Greg Schermbeck … Credited with an assisted tackle in game at Earlham (Nov. 3) … 2006: Played in nearly every game, contributing regularly on kickoff coverage and ended the season as the team’s No. 2 middle linebacker … Recovered a fumble on a run late in the Hiram game (Oct. 14) and had an assisted tackle at Waynesburg (Sept. 9) … 2005: Earned the team’s Rick Mueller Memorial Award given annually to the outstanding first-year defensive player … Appeared in six games, steadily working his way up the depth chart to become the backup at middle linebacker … Started at Oberlin (Oct. 22) when Phil Vitalbo was out with an injury and recorded a career-high eight tackles … One of just seven freshmen to letter … Prior to Wooster: Received honorable mention on the all-state team for Division VI as a senior at Miller High School, where he was also the valedictorian … Played baseball for the Falcons, too … Personal: Born Dec. 26, 1986 … Son of Mark and Wendy Aichele … Majoring in psychology with a minor in mathematics.

#37 Jeff Brown
Senior
Defensive End
6'2" 250
Crestline, Ohio
Crestline
Communication Studies

Will be counted upon heavily to be an impact player, likely at defensive end … Has gained significant size and strength since joining the program, according to the coaching staff … 2007: Made a tackle in seven games, while earning playing time at defensive end and on kickoff coverage … Ten of his 13 tackles came on defense, including a career-high four against Waynesburg (Sept. 8) … Also had a three-yard sack that game … Forced a fumble during a kickoff return at Case Western Reserve (Sept. 22) … 2006: Voted the squad’s Special Teams Player of the Year for his work on kickoff coverage and saw action at defensive end … Four of his seven tackles came during kickoff returns … Had a 10-yard sack and season-high three tackles at Hiram (Oct. 14) … Prior to Wooster: Transferred after one year at Ohio Northern University … Was a three-time all-North Central Conference honoree at Crestline High School, earning the recognition as a linebacker in 2003, tight end in 2002, and defensive end in 2001 … Team captain for the Bulldogs as a senior … Also excelled in track & field as a discus thrower … Personal: Born March 14, 1986 … Son of Glenda Toth and Kurt Brown … Majoring in communication studies with a minor in political science.

#58 Pat Byrne
Senior
Defensive Tackle
6'1" 245
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Central Catholic
Studio Art

Returning starter at defensive tackle who has the potential for postseason honors … Possesses mix of mobility and strength … Took significant strides last year, according to the coaching staff, and they expect continued improvement this fall … 2007: Led Wooster’s defensive linemen with 36 tackles, registering five-plus in four games … Came up with career-high six tackles against Waynesburg (Sept. 8), including a six-yard sack … Also had a solo sack the next game at Case Western Reserve (Sept. 22) … Blocked a fourth-quarter punt against Wabash (Oct. 27), in addition to four solo tackles against the NCAC champs … 2006: Played in every game as part of the defensive tackle rotation, recording 11 tackles … Recovered a fumble in the second quarter of the Hiram game (Oct. 14) … Season-high three tackles, including one for a loss, came against rival Wittenberg (Sept. 30) … 2005: Steadily worked his way into the defensive line rotation, appearing in exactly half of the Scots’ games … Produced five tackles, including three in the season finale against Ohio Wesleyan (Nov. 12) … One of seven freshmen to earn a varsity letter … Prior to Wooster: Garnered all-state and first-team all-conference honors as a senior lineman at Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, helping the Vikings to a state championship and the first 16-0 season in state history … Tallied 68 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and four forced fumbles … Three-year letterwinner in football and also competed in track & field … Personal: Born Jan. 22, 1987 … Son of Patrick and Jeannie Byrne … Majoring in studio art.

#53 Josh Clark
Senior
Offensive Lineman
6'1" 290
Dennison, Ohio
Tuscarawas Central Catholic
Psychology

Expected to be a starter on the offensive line, likely at center … Given a clean bill of health, following a serious illness that caused him to miss his junior season … Still has two years of athletic eligibility remaining … 2007: Awarded a varsity letter, despite not playing in a game as he provided inspiration for his teammates by recovering from a bout with a rare fungal infection that effected his lungs (hystoplasmosis) … Had been rotating in as a starting guard during training camp before spending the majority of the semester at Akron Children’s Hospital … 2006: Saw limited time with the varsity while continuing to hone his skills with the jayvee’s … 2005: Member of the jayvee team … Prior to Wooster: Received special mention on the all-state team as a senior at Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School … Tallied 68 tackles, including eight sacks, as a defensive tackle during 2004 … Two-time first-team honoree on the Region 11 Team and Inter-Valley Conference Team … Also was a state qualifier in wrestling with the Saints, compiling a 44-4 record his senior season … Personal: Born on June 26, 1987 … Is the son of Mary Taralla, and Mark Clark … Majoring in psychology with a minor in history.

#26 Jordan Ferns
Senior
Wide Receiver
6'0" 210
Canfield, Ohio
Canfield
Communication Studies

Returning starter and veteran of the Scots’ wide receiver group … Possesses outstanding hands and excels as a blocker … 2007: Wooster’s third-leading receiver, hauling in 28 balls for 292 yards and three touchdowns … Had a reception in every game except for one, highlighted by six for 117 yards and two scores against Waynesburg (Sept. 8) … Caught five passes each of the next two games at Case Western Reserve (Sept. 22) and at Wittenberg (Sept. 29), and other score on the season came at Allegheny (Oct. 20) … 2006: Produced the fourth-most receiving yards on the team with 161 on 13 catches, three of which resulted in touchdowns … Had a reception in each of his last five games played, including three for 34 yards at Wabash (Oct. 28) and two for 38 at Hiram (Oct. 14) … Opened with a bang, picking up NCAC Offensive Player-of-the-Week honors after hauling in four receptions for a season-high 63 yards and a touchdown and returning a kickoff 85 yards for what turned out to be the decisive score against John Carroll (Sept. 2) … That kickoff marked the first return of his career and the only one of the year … 2005: Appeared in each of the final four games, but did not record a statistic as a member of special teams and backup wideout … Was one of seven freshmen to letter … Prior to Wooster: Selected all-state in both football and basketball as a senior at Canfield High School, earning second-team honors on the gridiron … Two-time all-Metro Athletic Conference with the Cardinals … Made 36 receptions for 812 yards and 10 TDs in 2004, finishing with respective career totals of 82, 1,800, and 18 … Holds six school receiving records, including receptions in a game (9), receiving yards in a game (289), and receiving yards in a season (812) … Totaled eight letters – three each in football and basketball and two in track … Personal: Born Sept. 15, 1986 … Son of Don and Amy Ferns … Majoring in communication studies.

#32 Joe Francescangeli
Senior
Wide Receiver
6'0" 200
Brunswick, Ohio
Brunswick
Biology

Will see regular playing time, and has the ability to earn a starting spot, at wide receiver … Dangerous in the open field and possesses a wealth of experience, according to the coaching staff … 2007: Made the transition to receiver after two years at running back … Posted three receptions, two coming for 14 yards in the opener at John Carroll (Sept. 1) and the other during the season finale against Kenyon (Nov. 10) … Returned two kickoffs, both at Earlham (Nov. 3), for 37 yards … 2006: Played in nearly every game, sharing the No. 2 running back position behind all-conference pick Dustin Sheppard … Team’s fourth-leading rusher, netting 131 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 30 carries (4.4 average) … Ran for a career-high 82 yards and two scores while toting the ball just 11 times at Waynesburg (Sept. 9) … Also caught three balls on the season for nine yards … 2005: Played in three varsity games, while gaining collegiate experience at the jayvee level … Prior to Wooster: Two-time first-team all-county and all-Pioneer Conference honoree at Brunswick High School … Also collected honorable mention on the all-district team as a junior and senior, rushing for 1,225 yards and 13 TDs and 1,168 yards and 14 TDs, respectively … Helped the Blue Devils to conference titles each year he lettered (2002-04) and was a member of the track team … Personal: Born Aug. 22, 1986 … Son of Doreen Stark and older brother of teammate Mike Francescangeli … Majoring in biology.

#81 Kevin Friedman
Senior
Punter/Placekicker
5'10" 180
Pepper Pike, Ohio
St. Peter Chanel
Business Economics

All-American candidate at punter … Will challenge former Scot great Matt Mahaffey for the school and conference career record for punting average, currently at 39.1 … Also is expected to retain his role as  the team’s kickoff specialist and may compete for the starting placekicker position … 2007: Led the league and ranked 11th in NCAA Div. III in punting at 40.8 yards en route to receiving honorable mention on the All-NCAC Team … Averaged 50.2 yards – a school record for five attempts in a game – at Allegheny   (Oct. 20) … Boomed one 61 yards that game and had a career-long 63-yarder against Ohio Wesleyan (Oct. 6) … Served as the kickoff specialist as well, averaging 52.4 yards per attempt with just one going out of bounds … Made three touchdown-saving tackles on kickoff returns, highlighted by one against Waynesburg (Sept. 8) when he stripped the ball from the returner and recovered the fumble … 2006: Helped the Scots lead the NCAC in net punting (34.1 yards) and ranked third in individual punting average (37.0 yards) during his first season as a starter … Two of his punts went more than 50 yards, a long of 57 at Wabash (Oct. 28) and 56 in his only attempt at Ohio Wesleyan (Oct. 7) … Kicked off a team-leading    36 times, averaging 54.0 yards with one touchback … Prior to Wooster: Transferred after one year at NCAA Div. I-AA non-scholarship Robert Morris University, where he averaged 39.8 yards over 12 punt attempts, including a long of 61 … Was named the special teams’ MVP as a senior at St. Peter Chanel High School and an East vs. West all-star selection … Totaled seven varsity letters – two in football, two in wrestling, and three in baseball … Personal: Born April 9, 1987 … Son of Steve and Debbie Friedman … Majoring in business economics.

#83 Dan Grangaard
Senior
Placekicker
6'1" 180
Newark, Ohio
Newark
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Heir apparent to take over as the Scots’ placekicker … 2007: Backed up all-conference honorees Andy Milligan at placekicker and Kevin Friedman at kickoff specialist … 2006: Converted an extra point and made an 18-yard field goal in high winds to give Wooster a 10-0 lead at Wabash (Oct. 28) … Also booted through a pair of PATs at Hiram (Oct. 14) … Earned first varsity letter … 2005: Saw significant action on kickoffs, averaging a team-high 54.9 yards over 23 attempts with just one going out-of-bounds … Made a solo tackle against Kenyon (Oct. 8) … Prior to Wooster: Was second-team all-Ohio Capital Conference in football and first-team all-OCC in soccer at Newark High School … Helped the Wildcats to the league’s football title in 2004, averaging 36.6 yards per punt and scoring 34 points on four field goals and 22 extra points … Totaled six varsity letters – four in soccer and two in football … Personal: Born June 9, 1987 … Son of John and Gail Grangaard … Majoring in biochemistry & molecular biology.

#2 Eric Grinnell
Senior
Defensive Back
5'11" 185
Strongsville, Ohio
Strongsville
Political Science

Will be in a heated competition for a starting nod, likely at strong safety, in addition to continuing to serve a key role on special teams … 2007: Played in all 10 games as the team’s longsnapper on punts and also the second-string free safety, behind all-conference honoree Jeff Geffert … Recorded nine tackles, with four coming during kickoff coverage … Career-high three stops came at Earlham (Nov. 3) … 2006: Regular contributor on special teams both as a part of the coverage units and as a snapper on kicks … Also was the back-up strong safety for all-NCAC honoree Chris Craig … First career tackle was in punt coverage against Case Western Reserve (Sept. 23) … Earned first varsity letter … 2005: Member of the jayvee team … Prior to Wooster: Picked up second-team all-Pioneer Conference recognition as a senior at Strongsville High School … Was the team’s most valuable defensive back that year after recording 102 tackles, one sack, one interception, and four pass breakups … Led the Mustangs in tackles (112) and picked off three passes as a junior … A track standout as well, he broke the school record in the indoor 400 meters … Totaled seven varsity letters – three in football, three in track, and one in basketball … Personal: Born on Jan. 12, 1987 … Is the son of Dave and Melissa Grinnell … Majoring in political science.

#33 Orlando Jones
Senior
Running Back
5'9" 195
Elyria, Ohio
Elyria
Political Science

Will be a key factor once again in the backfield … Gives the Scots a nice change-of-pace back to complement two-time all-NCAC honoree Dustin Sheppard … 2007: Team’s second-leading rusher, going for 298 yards and three touchdowns over 63 carries (4.7 rushing average) … Also caught five balls for 37 yards … Ended the season on a high note with a career-high 81 rushing yards against Kenyon (Nov. 10) … Had 60-yard outings against Ohio Wesleyan (Oct. 6) and Hiram (Oct. 13) … Attempted six kickoff returns for 107 yards (17.8 average), including a long of 30 at Wittenberg (Sept. 29) … 2006: Was Wooster’s third-leading rusher, netting 220 yards and two touchdowns on 53 attempts (4.2 average) … Collected two receptions for 29 yards as well … Broke out for a season-high 74 yards and a score, while rushing a career-high 18 times at Waynesburg (Sept. 9) … Led the Scots with 48 yards against John Carroll (Sept. 2), including a career-long 30-yard run … 2005: Member of the jayvee team … Prior to Wooster: Received honorable mention on the All-Ohio Team as a senior at Elyria High School … Two-time all-conference, while going for 1,600 career rushing yards with the Panthers … Also lettered in track … Personal: Born Nov. 1, 1986 … Is the son of Dana Jones and Otis Jones … Majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy … Second-oldest of nine children, raised by a single mother, and first from his family to attend college … Plans to go to law school.

#65 Cam LeMasters
Senior
Offensive Lineman
6'4" 285
Cross Lanes, W. Va.
Nitro
Biology

Aiming for a starting position at right tackle … Possesses the combination of size and athleticism needed to excel on the outside of the offensive line, according to the coaching staff … 2007: Rotated in on the right side of the line, primarily serving as the backup to all-NCAC tackle Geoff Cooper … Also part of the field goal and PAT units … Helped the offense average 24.1 points and 337.0 yards on the season … 2006: Gained varsity experience, entering four games … Served as the back-up left tackle, only behind All-American Rick Drushal … Part of a group that helped the Scots average 29.5 points and 337.6 yards en route to first letter … 2005: Primarily honed his skills with the jayvee squad … Prior to Wooster: Was special mention all-state as well as first-team all-county and all-conference both his junior and senior seasons at Nitro High School … Helped the Wildcats reach the postseason and to records of 8-3 and 9-3 in 2003 and 2004, respectively … Competed in basketball and track & field, too … Personal: Was born Oct. 20, 1986 … Son of Dale and Kerry LeMasters … Majoring in biology with a minor in history.

#15 Luke McCann
Senior
Wide Receiver
6'1" 190
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Keystone Oaks
Business Economics

Returning starter at wide receiver, but will miss 2008 due to an off-season knee injury … 2007: Started all 10 games and was tied for third on the team in receptions with 28 for 291 yards (10.4 average) and a touchdown … Made a reception in every game, including five for 61 yards, both season highs, at rival Wittenberg (Sept. 29) … Scored against Hiram and recovered an on-sides kick attempt late in that game  to seal the victory (Oct. 13) … 2006: Ranked fourth on the Scots with 14 receptions, resulting in 150 yards (10.7 average) and two touchdowns … Had a career-high 77 receiving yards on just three catches against Earlham (Nov. 4), highlighted by a first-quarter, 39-yard touchdown … Season-high five receptions, including a score, came against Case Western Reserve (Sept. 23) … 2005: Played in exactly half of the varsity games, tallying three receptions for 33 yards … Caught a pass in his first game, a 14-yarder at Muskingum (Sept. 3) … Was one of just seven freshmen to earn a letter … Prior to Wooster: Tabbed with all-Greater Allegheny honors as a junior and senior at Keystone Oaks High School … Also competed in track & field for the Golden Eagles, breaking the school’s record in the high jump … Personal: Born on July 20, 1986 … Son of Randy and Sandy McCann … Majoring in business economics.

#21 Jordan Ross
Senior
Cornerback
5'7" 170
Silver Lake, Ohio
Cuyahoga Falls
Communication Studies

Will be one of the leaders in the Scots’ defensive backfield, likely a starter at cornerback … Plays bigger than his size and is an outstanding technician, according to the coaching staff … 2007: Tied for eighth on the team in tackles with 27, while serving as a part-time starter at cornerback … Made first career sack at Earlham (Nov. 3) … Played a key part in win over Ohio Wesleyan, registering five tackles and two pass breakups (Oct. 6) … Registered career-high six tackles against Waynesburg (Sept. 8) … 2006: Served as a gunner in punt coverage and was a backup at cornerback … Made four tackles, including two as a member of the secondary in the finale at Kenyon (Nov. 11) … Recovered a fumble on a muffed punt during the first quarter against Case Western Reserve (Sept. 23) … 2005: Appeared in five varsity games, mostly as a member of the kickoff and punt coverage units … Totaled all four of his tackles against Hiram (Oct. 29) … One of seven freshmen to earn a letter  … Prior to Wooster: Was a two-time All-Western Reserve Conference Team honoree at Cuyahoga Falls High School, including first-team accolades as a senior … Totaled 104 tackles, three interceptions, and 12 passes defended during his career with the Black Tigers … Also played basketball and baseball … Personal: Born Sept. 18, 1986 … Son of Don and Cindy Ross … Majoring in communication studies.

#20 Dustin Sheppard
Senior
Running Back
5'9" 205
Johnstown, Ohio
Johnstown-Monroe
Philosophy

Already proven to be one of the top backs in the NCAC and expected to vie for a number of postseason honors this year … Is 100 percent healthy for the first time since his freshman year and is as strong and fast as he’s ever been, according to the coaching staff … On pace to finish as the fourth-leading rusher in school history … 2007: Came in second in the league in rushing with 896 yards, keyed by six consecutive 100-yard games to close the season, resulting in a spot on the All-NCAC Second Team … Also was a big part of the receiving game with 24 catches for 226 yards, ranking him sixth in the conference in all-purpose yardage (112.2 ypg) … Totaled 739 yards and six of his seven touchdowns over the final six games … Season-highs in both rushing (152 yards) and receiving (56 yards) came against Kenyon (Nov. 10) … Had 141 yards (110 rushing, 31 receiving) and a score at Allegheny (Oct. 20), the conference’s top-ranked defense statistically … 2006: Ranked ninth in NCAA Div. III and third in the league in rushing yards per game (127.5) en route to honorable mention on the All-NCAC Team … Missed the first two games to injury, but then bounced back to become just the seventh different back in school history to post a 1,000-yard season (1,020) … Also was eighth in Div. III and third in the league in scoring (10.5 ppg) with 14 touchdowns, eight of which came during the season’s final five quarters … Combined for 468 rushing yards and nine scores over 71 carries the last two games, highlighted by a 278-yard effort – the fourth-most in team history – at Kenyon (Nov. 11) … Had an 81-yard run, which also was the fourth-longest in school annals, late in the second quarter of that game … Led the Scots to a stirring comeback against Earlham (Nov. 4), rushing for 68 yards and scoring three touchdowns, including the last with just :27 remaining, during the fourth quarter to erase a 31-17 deficit and lift Wooster to a 38-31 win … 2005: Named the NCAC Newcomer of the Year as well as the team’s Galbreath Memorial Award winner (outstanding first-year offensive player) … Earned the starting tailback position in the fourth game and went on to rank as the No. 7 rusher in the conference (76.9 ypg) … Tallied a team-high 769 yards and six touchdowns, while averaging 5.0 yards per rush … Exploded for 250 yards – the most by a freshman and 11th-best overall in Wooster history – at Oberlin (Oct. 22) … Had one other 100-yard game (123), the next week against Hiram (Oct. 29) … Prior to Wooster: Was an all-state running back and the Central District Player of the Year as a senior at Johnstown-Monroe High School … Two-time all-district as a running back, totaling 2,681 yards and 30 touchdowns his junior and senior seasons with the Johnnies … Also received all-state honors as a punter, averaging 42.6 yards as a sophomore … Totaled seven varsity letters – four in football and three in baseball … Personal: Born Nov. 12, 1986 … Son of Susan Peters and Grant Sheppard … Majoring in philosophy.

#42 Pat Zimmerman
Senior
Cornerback
5'9" 175
Akron, Ohio
Green
Business Economics

Expected to vie for regular playing time in the secondary … Also will play a role on special teams again … 2007: Member of the kickoff and punt coverage units … Recorded a solo tackle in the third quarter of a 24-17 victory against Hiram (Oct. 13) … Lettered for the first time with the Scots … 2006: Member of the jayvee team … 2005: Member of the jayvee team … Prior to Wooster: Part of three Suburban League championship teams at Green High School (2002-04) … Honorable mention all-Ohio as well as first-team all-district and all-league as a senior, when he registered 55 tackles and two interceptions on defense and 23 receptions for 468 yards and five touchdowns on offense … Also played varsity baseball … Personal: Born Oct. 10, 1986 … Is the son of Gary and Diane Zimmerman … Majoring in business economics.