Football | 02/01/23 | 1:37 PM
HELENA, Mont. – Head Coach Troy Purcell and the Carroll College Football program have announced the signing of 26 student-athletes as part of the 2023 National Signing Day.
The Fighting Saints, 2022 Frontier Conference Champions and the conference's representative as the automatic qualifier for the 2022 NAIA Football Championship Series, have announced the addition of the newest crop of football talent in a long and storied program history.
"This class features some great athletes." Said Head Coach Troy Purcell. "They are high-character and academic-driven, and will be a great fit for both Carroll College and the Fighting Saints Football program. The future is bright with this group!"
To learn more about the 2023 recruiting class, join the Carroll College Football staff and Montana Radio Company's Stewart Davis at the Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. Taproom on Monday, February 13th at 6 p.m. for the Fighting Saints Signing Day Radio Show. The event will be broadcast live on Rewind 94.9 FM, and guests and listeners will have the opportunity to hear coaches discuss each recruit, as well as look ahead to spring ball and beyond. There is no charge for the live event, and all Carroll Football fans are encouraged to attend.
Carroll College Football 2023 Signing Day Class by the numbers:
By State:
Montana: 15
Washington: 5
Idaho: 3
Oregon: 1
California: 1
Utah: 1
Offense: 11
Defense: 15
Multi-sport Athletes: 22
Three-sport Athletes: 14
Team Captains: 21
All-State Selections: 17
State Champions: 7
2023 Montana Shrine Game Participants: 7
Average GPA: 3.59
Learn a bit more about each signee below:
Cameron Burnham / Elk, Wa. / Riverside HS / 6'4 220
Burnham was a league defensive MVP and an All-State selection at defensive line for Riverside HS. He was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, and a three-time first team All-League defensive lineman. He was a three-year varsity letter winner and a state placer in wrestling, as well as two-year varsity letter winner in track and field. He is the son of Rhonda and Ryan Burnham and has one brother (Hayden). He plans to pursue a degree in Business Management.
Burnham on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because I loved the team feel and the brotherhood that I felt when I visited campus. I can't wait to be a part of the team."
Jett Boyce / Lewistown, Mont. / Fergus County HS / LB, 6', 200
Boyce three-year varsity letter winner, All-State linebacker and All-State running back at Fergus County HS. He was a team captain on the 2022 Montana Class A State championship team and was selected to participate in the 2023 Montana East-West Shrine Game. Boyce is a three-year varsity letter winner and divisional hurdle champion in track, and a three-year varsity letter winner and state placer in wrestling. Off the field, Boyce was a member of the Academic All-State team. He is the son of Kim and Bill Boyce and has two brothers (Cody and Brady). He plans to pursue a degree in Business Management and Marketing.
Boyce on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the top of the line education, winning culture, and coaching staff"
Jace Duval / Columbia Falls, Mont. / Columbia Falls HS / WR, 6'2, 175
Duval was a four-year varsity letter winner and an All-Conference and All-State selection at wide receiver in 2022 at Columbia Falls HS. He was named All-Conference as a junior in football, and was named All-State in six separate events in track and field as a junior. Off the field, he is a three-year member of the Academic All-State team. He is the son of Julie and Jeff Seliger and has two sisters (Ava and Maci). He plans to pursue a degree in Sports Medicine.
Duval on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because I felt like the school and football program are invested in, and welcomed me into the program right away. I love the atmosphere on campus and can't wait to be a part of it."
Joe Farrier / Kalispell, Mont. / Bigfork HS / RB, 5'10, 190
Farrier was a four year varsity letter winner, All-State and All-Conference running back at Bigfork HS. He was a member of the 2021 Class B State Runner-Up team. He was a four-year varsity letter winner and placed in three events at state in track and field. He was two-year varsity letter winner in wrestling, placing twice at divisionals. Off the field, Farrier was a member of the Academic All-State team. He is the son of John and Christina Farrier and has four sisters (Rebecca, Angela, Veronica, and Ciara) and four brothers (Michael, Quinten, Damian, and John). He plans to pursue a degree in Computer Science.
Farrier on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because the school and football program is the best path to achieve my goals and help give me the tools to succeed in life."
Trace Freeman / Boise, Id. / Borah HS / OLB, 6'1, 185
Freeman was a first-team All-SIC defensive back and offensive player of the year in 2022 for Borah HS. He was a team captain, three-year varsity letter winner, and special teams player of the year. He was a four-year varsity letter winner and all conference outfielder in baseball. Off the field, Freeman was a four-year member of the All-SIC Academic team, student body vice president, Citizen of the Year award winner, and a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Jenny Ware and Scott Freeman and has two brothers (Willie and Charlie). He plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Freeman on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the competitive environment both academically and athletically. I know I can achieve my goals for my future as a part of the Carroll College community."
Matthew Golik / Lewistown, Mont. / Fergus County HS / TE, 6'3, 205
Golik was a two-time All-Conference and All-State performer at tight end and defensive end for Fergus County HS. He was a four-year varsity letter winner and team captain on the 2022 Class A state championship team. He has been selected to the 2022 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He is a three-year varsity letter winner in basketball, and a three-year varsity letter winner as well as an All-State selection in Track and Field. Off the field, Golik is a three-year academic All-State selection and a four-time Kiwanis Academic Award recipient. He is the son of Tracy and Aaron Golik and has one brother (Lucas). He plans to pursue a degree in Chemistry.
Golik on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because it offers a combination of academic and athletic success that is unrivaled in the state of Montana."
Treyton Graham / Dillon, Mont. / Beaverhead County HS / WR, 6'2, 180
Graham was a 2022 first team All-State wide receiver, first team All-State kick returner, and first team All-Conference cornerback at Beaverhead County HS. He was selected as an alternate to participate in the 2023 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He was a team captain, a four-year varsity letter winner in track and field, and a three-year varsity letter winner in basketball. He was a member of the 2022 Class A Track and Field state championship team. Off the field, Graham was a four-year member of the Academic All-State Team and a three-year member of the National Honors Society. He is the son of Vanessa and Kent Graham and has one sister (Kenleigh) and one brother (Daxon). He is the brother of current Carroll College football player Daxon Graham. He plans to pursue a degree in Pre-Med studies.
Graham on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because I really liked the coaches and players, and I felt like I was already a part of the team. I wanted to play college football, and be set for life; that made Carroll College the place for me."
Tanner Grove / Great Falls, Mont. / Charles M. Russell HS / LB/P, 6'1 210
Grove was a 2022 second team All-State linebacker and honorable mention All-State punter at Charles M. Russell HS. He was a team captain and an honorable mention all-state tight end. Off the field, Grove was a four-year member of the honor roll and a member of the National Honors Society. He is the son of Jessica and Cody Grove, and has one sister (Madison) and one brother (Wyatt). He plans to pursue a degree in Health Science.
Grove on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the winning culture and the amazing coaching staff. It felt like home."
Hunter Gum / Stevensville, Mont. / Stevensville HS / DL, 6'1, 215
Gum was a four-year varsity starter and two-time All-Conference defensive end and tight end at Stevensville HS. He was a three-year team captain in both football and basketball, a four-year varsity letter winner in track and field, and finished fifth in the 2022 Montana Class A shot put. Off the field, Gum is a four-year member of the Academic All State team, two-year National Honor Society President, and the Jacket Scholar Award Winner. He is the son of Chanda and Brian Gum and has one sister (Roma) and one brother (Jaren). He plans to pursue a degree in Pre-Med studies.
Gum on why he chose Carroll College: "Carroll College is a perfect fit for me as a student-athlete. I was drawn to its academic reputation and outstanding football program. I am excited to get a great education and continue to play the game that I love."
Caden Hansen / Dillon, Mont. / Beaverhead County HS / DB, 6'3, 180
Hansen was a 2022 first-team All-State safety and a 2021 and 2022 All-Conference safety at Beaverhead County HS. He was a four-year varsity letter winner and a member of the 2019 conference championship team. He was selected to participate in the 2022 Montana East-West Shrine Game. Hansen was a three-year varsity letter winner in basketball and four-year varsity letter winner in track and field. He was named all state in track in 2021 and 2022 and a member of the 2022 Track and Field State championship team. He is the son of Crissie and Pete Hansen and has one sister (Quincy). He plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Hansen on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the family bond and culture that they have in the football program and on campus. It is a school and program that is on the rise and I can't wait to be a part of it."
Tyson Hanson / White Sulphur Springs, Mont. / White Sulphur Springs HS / DL, 6'2 230
Hanson was a four-year starter, two-time All-Conference and 2022 All-State lineman at White Sulphur Springs HS. He was team MVP in 2022 and has been selected to the 2023 6-Man All-Star game and as an alternate to the 2023 Montana East-West Shrine Game. Hanson was a state qualifier in track and field, and a three-year varsity starter in basketball. Off the field, Hanson was a four-year member of the honor roll, three-year member of the National Honors Society, a four-year state qualifier for the Business Professionals of America, and a four-year member of the Academic All-State team. He is the son of Julie and Lon Hanson and has one brother (Bill). He plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Hanson on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College for the quality of the education, the feel on campus, and the family-oriented environment in the football program. Every time I visited, the coaches, players and staff were great."
Mason Harwood / Burley, Id. / Minico HS/Idaho State Univ. / DL, 6'3, 265
Harwood comes to Carroll College from Idaho State University. Prior to Idaho State, Harwood was a three-year varsity letter and a first-team All-State selection at Minico HS. He was a team captain of the first Minico team to make a state championship game. Off the field, Harwood was a member of the Business Professionals of America. He is the son of Greg Harwood and has one brother (Greyson). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Harwood on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College for the type of teammates I will have here and I am excited to be a part of a team and campus community that cares about football."
Lincoln Holmes / St. George, Ut. / Desert Hills HS / WR, 6'1, 190
Holmes was an All-State selection at wide receiver and defensive back and MVP of the 4A Utah State Championship game as a senior at Desert Hills HS. He was a team captain and a three-year varsity letter winner. Holmes was a three-year varsity letter winner and first team All-Region in basketball. He is the son of Miriam Cutler and Spencer Holmes and has three sisters (Rayne, Lucy, and Presley) and two brothers (Landon and Peyton). He plans to pursue a degree in Pre-Med studies.
Holmes on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because it was the best place for me both athletically and academically."
Archie LaFurge / Great Falls, Mont. / Charles M. Russell HS / RB/DB, 5'10, 190
LaFurge was a three-year varsity letter winner, first team All-State running back and second team All-State safety at Charles M. Russell HS. He was a team captain and named the team MVP for offense and defense. He was selected to participate in the 2022 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He is three-time state placer and All-State selection in wrestling, and two-time All-State selection in track and field. Off the field, LaFurge was named Academic All-State as a senior. He is the son of Lacie and Archie LaFurge and has two brothers (Jackson and Taylor). He plans to pursue a degree in business.
LaFurge on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the great relationship I had with the coaches and players. They were awesome during the recruiting process and on my visit, and it made Carroll feel like home."
Brent Maldonado / Sunnyside, Wa. / Sunnyside HS / DB, 6', 165
Maldonado was a first team all-conference selection and Big 9 Conference MVP at Sunnyside HS. He was a team captain and a four-year letter winner. In addition, he was a four-year letter winner and was named MVP and defensive player of the year in basketball. He Is the son of Rick and Cyndi Maldonado and has four sisters (Emilee, Ashlee, Baylee, and Kailee) and one brother (Treigh). He plans to pursue a degree in education.
Maldonado on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the winning culture on the team and the brotherhood between the players. I am excited to be a part of it."
Zach McMurtrey / Spokane, Wa. / Central Valley HS / LB, 6'1, 225
McMurtrey was a three-year varsity letter winner and three-time All-League linebacker at Central Valley HS. He was a team captain, Central Valley team defensive MVP, and first team all-league linebacker in 2022. McMurtrey is a three-year varsity letter winner in Track and Field. Off the field, McMurtrey was a four-year member of the High Honor Roll and the Burkland-Butner Scholarship award winner. He is the son of Chris and Megan McMurtrey and has one brother (Nate). He plans to pursue a degree in Education.
McMurtrey on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because there is no better place for me to develop as a student, football player, and as a man. As soon as I stepped on campus I knew Carroll was home for me."
Beau Meyer / Missoula, Mont. / Loyola Sacred Heart HS / OL, 6'2, 285
Meyer was a three-year varsity letter winner, All-Conference Selection and team captain on the 2022 Class B State runner-up at Loyola Sacred Heart HS. He was a team captain and All-Conference selection in track and field. Off the field, Meyer was a two-year member of the Academic All-State team. He is the son of Randi and Scott Meyer and has two sisters (Tadra and Kingsley) and three brothers (Braden, Brody, and Trenton). He plans to pursue a degree in Business Finance.
Meyer on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the family environment that surrounds the campus and the football program. I know Carroll College will push me to be the best possible version of myself on and off the field."
Sam Murphy / Newberg, Ore. / Newberg HS / WR, 6'1, 185
Murphy joins the football program after attending Carroll College this fall. Murphy was a three-year varsity letter winner, first team All-Conference wide receiver, and second team All-Conference kick returner at Newberg HS. He participated in the 2022 Les Schwab Bowl. Murphy was a two-year varsity letter winner and all-conference selection in basketball. He is the son of Misako and Scott Murphy and has one brother (Joe). He is pursuing his degree in Nursing.
Murphy on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College for the great education and to be a part of a program with an awesome culture and great tradition."
Gage Norslien / Lewistown, Mont. / Fergus County HS / DB, 6'1, 195
Norslien was an All-State defensive back and quarterback, as well as the Class A State Championship MVP at Fergus County HS. He was a two-time team captain, and was voted as an All-State defensive back and All-Conference wide receiver as a junior. He is a team captain in basketball, and an All-State selection in track and field. Off the field, Norslien is a three-year member of the Academic All-State team, two-year Kiwanis Award Winner, and is scheduled to graduate with honors this spring. He is the son of Andrea and Erik Norslien and has three brothers (Madden, Seth, and Mitch). He plans to pursue a degree in Pre-Chiropractic.
Norslien on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the great education, the awesome brotherhood on the team, and the relationship I had with the coaches. Every alumni I have met has had great things to say about Carroll."
Gus Nunez / Great Falls, Mont. / Charles M. Russell HS / WR, 6'1, 185
Nunez was a three-year varsity starter, first team All-Conference, and 2022 first team All-State wide receiver at Charles M. Russell HS. He was a team captain and was selected to participate in the 2023 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He was a two-year varsity letter winner in basketball, three-year varsity letter winner in track and field, and an All-State performer in Long Jump. Off the field Nunez is a member of the Academic All-State team and a member of the Junior Honor Society. He is the son of Christina and Tony Nunez and has one brother (Joey). He plans to pursue a degree in Pre-Physical Therapy.
Nunez on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because I love the atmosphere on campus and around the football program, and because of the incredible coaching staff. My cousins played for Carroll, and I can't wait to follow in their footsteps."
Braeden Orlandi / Valley Springs, Calif. / Calaveras HS / DB, 6'1, 180
Orlandi was the Mother Lode League Offensive Player of the year at running back and a first-team all-conference safety at Calaveras HS. He was the league MVP for basketball and was a member of the league championship team in 2022. Off the field, Orlandi was named to the All-Academic team. He is the son of Les and Nicole Orlandi and has two brothers (Kaven, Zaiden). He plans to pursue a degree in Health Sciences.
Orlandi on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the great family feel on campus and in the community. I made a great connection with the players and coaches, and love the winning culture in the program."
Derrick Saltzman / Hamilton, Mont. / Hamilton HS / DL, 6'1, 205
Saltzman was two-time first team All-State selection at defensive line at Hamilton HS. He was a team captain, a three-year varsity letter winner, a member of the 2021 Montana Class A State Championship team, and has been selected to the 2023 Montana East-West Shrine Game. He was a three-time All-Conference selection and four-year varsity letter winner in wrestling. Off the field, Saltzman was a three-year member of the Academic All-State team. He is the son of Dara and Bobby Saltzman and has two brothers (Emerson, Brandon). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Saltzman on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the community on campus and the family feel to the football program. I know I am going to have a great experience and get a great education here."
Garrett Schmill / Frenchtown, Mont. / Frenchtown HS /Univ. of Montana / RB, 5'9, 170
Schmill comes to Carroll College from the University of Montana Track and Field program. Prior to Montana, Schmill was a four-year varsity letter winner and a team captain at Frenchtown. He was a two-year varsity letter winner in basketball and four-year varsity letter winner in track and field, earning All-State honors four times. Off the field, Schmill was a member of the Student Council, High Honor Roll, Academic All-State team, and a member of the National Honors Society. He is the son of Sarah and Gordon Schmill and has one brother (Brady). He plans to pursue a degree in Business Finance.
Schmill on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the family environment on campus and in the athletic department. I wanted to get a great education and be a part of a championship level program."
Bear Smith / Newport, Wa. / Newport HS / DB, 5'11, 180
Smith was a four-year varsity letter winner and a team captain at Newport HS. He was a four-year varsity letter winner in basketball, one-year varsity letter winner in golf, and a two-year varsity letter winner and team MVP in tennis. Off the field, he was a four-year member of the honor roll and a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Melissa and David Smith and has three brothers (Wyatt, Otis and Tug). He is the brother of current Carroll College football player Tug Smith. He plans to pursue a degree in Business Marketing.
Smith on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the family and brotherhood the team has built. I loved seeing the support the school and football team gets from the community and can't wait to be a part of it."
Jon Smith / Walla Walla, Wa. / Walla Walla HS / OL/DL 6'4, 265
Smith was a three-year All-Conference selection and a two-time team captain at Walla Walla HS. He was a two-time letter winner in track and field and a varsity letter winner in wrestling. Off the field, Smith was a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Jenny Mayberry and Stacy Smith. He has two sisters (Adilyn and Makaela) and two brothers (Layton and Gavin). He plans to pursue a degree in clinical psychology.
Smith on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the great environment and success both in the classroom and on the field. I love the coaches, players and campus I get to be a part of for my college career."
Branson Whitby / Coeur d'Alene, Id. / Coeur d'Alene HS / LB, 6'1, 215
Whitby was a three-year varsity letter winner and a team captain at Coeur d'Alene HS. He was a member of the 2019 High School National Championship while attending St. John Bosco in California. He is ranked in the top 3 for ski racing in the state of Idaho. Off the field, Whitby was a three-year member of the honor roll. He is the son of Michael and Laura Whitby. He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Whitby on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because I loved the atmosphere on campus and around the football program. I loved how Helena supports the school and the football program. Carroll felt like home."
