Football | 02/05/25 | 11:34 AM
HELENA, Mont. – National Signing Day 2025 is in full swing, and the Carroll College Football team has formally announced its initial signing class as spring ball draws near.
Year after year, prep standouts from around the nation make the commitment to join the NAIA's 10th-winningest program in history, and the 2025 class features a bevy of talent from all over the West.
The 2025 initial class features 27 high-school signees, as well as one mid-year transfer that's already enrolled, on campus and hard at work.
Eight different states are represented in the initial class, with homegrown Montana talent (eight players) sharing the bulk of the class alongside Washington. As has been the case for many years, Idaho continues to be a hotbed for Carroll recruiting, with five from the Gem State signing on. Both Arizona and Wyoming have a pair of signees, while one player will join from each of California, Colorado, and Utah.
Those who earn the right to call themselves Fighting Saints are continually categorized as high-character, high-academic individuals, and the 2025 class is no different. The class consists of 22 different team captains, and the group as a whole carries a combined 3.57 GPA.
Finding student-athletes with a wide range of skill sets is always a priority for the Carroll staff, and this year's class features 25 different players who lettered in, and excelled in multiple sports like Basketball, Baseball, Track & Field, and Wrestling.
Don't miss out on the fun next Tuesday, February 11 at 6 p.m. The Carroll Coaching staff, Mid-year transfer Kaden Huot, several current Fighting Saints, and Montana Radio Company's Stewart Davis will be broadcasting live from the Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. Taproom for the 2025 Signing Day Radio Show. The event is free to attend, and Saints fans are encouraged to come down and hear Stewart and the Coaches providing more insight into each of the incoming 28 players, a recap of the 2024 season, and a glimpse into the preparations for a new-look Frontier season in 2025.
Below are the 28 additions to the Carroll Football roster.
Mid Year Transfer:
Kaden Huot / Helena, Mont. / Helena HS / University of Montana / QB, 6-3, 210
Huot comes to Carroll from the University of Montana. Prior to Montana, he was a team captain, a three time All-State selection, and the top ranked recruit in the state of Montana at Helena High. He is the Helena High record holder for single game passing and passing touchdowns, single season passing, passing yardage, passing touchdowns, and total yardage, and the career record holder in completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and total yardage. Huot was a three-year varsity letter winner and an all-conference selection in basketball. Off the field, Huot was a member of the honor roll. Kaden is the son of Julie and Tony Huot and has one sister (Taylor). He plans to pursue a degree in Business Management.
Huot on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because it is a great place to call home. It has a great culture that I want to be a part of."
High School Signees:
Garrett Atwood / Ravensdale, Wash. / Tahoma HS / LB, 5-11, 210
Atwood was a three year varsity letter winner and unanimous first team all-league linebacker as a senior at Tahoma. He was an all-conference linebacker as a junior, as well as a two-time all conference selection at tight end. Garrett is the son of Julia and Ray Atwood and has one brother (Aaron). He plans to pursue a degree in Health Sciences.
Atwood on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because it was a great fit for me athletically and academically. The campus and city of Helena are a great fit for me!"
Maddax Ball / Cody, Wyo. / Cody HS / QB, 6-4, 200
Ball was a team captain, a three year varsity letterman, two time all-state and all-conference QB, and 2024 Offensive Player of the year at Cody HS. He was a 2021 State Champion and a member of the 2024 Wyoming Super 25 list. He was a four year varsity letter winner in basketball and track & field, earning all-conference honors in basketball. Off the field, Ball was a member of the honor roll. Maddax is Jennifer and Chad Ball and has one sister (Macy). He plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Ball on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because I loved the culture on the team and on campus. The coaching staff, players, and faculty made me feel at home right away. I feel like I will fit in and thrive."
Mike Bell / Wolf Point, Mont. / Wolf Point HS / DL, 6-3, 245
Bell was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, and an all-state defensive lineman at Wolf Point HS. He was a two-year varsity letter winner and all-state selection in wrestling, and a member of the district championship basketball team. Off the field, Bell was a four time Academic All-State selection. Mike is the son of Aaron Bell and has one brother (Tavian). He plans to pursue a degree in Health Sciences.
Bell on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because it's a place where I can reach my full potential as a student and as a football player."
Beau Butner / Spokane Valley, Wash. / Central Valley HS / RB, 5-11, 180
Butner was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, 3A league champion and league MVP at Central Valley HS. He holds the league record for single game rushing, and blocked 17 kicks in his high school career. He was also a four-year varsity letter winner, league champion, two-time first team all-league selection defender, and member of the Surf Select and GPS National teams in Soccer. Off the field, Butner was a member of the National Honors Society. Beau is the son of Heather and Ryan Butner and has one sister (Sophie) and one brother (Ben). He plans to pursue a pre-dental degree.
Butner on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the great education, the community support, and the history of success of the football program."
Forrest Carter / Olympia, Wash. / Olympia HS / OL 6-6, 290
Carter was a two-year varsity letter winner and all-league selection offensive lineman at Olympia. He was a two-year varsity letter winner in track & field and a varsity letter winner in wrestling. Off the field, Carter was a member of the Vice President's list. Forrest is the son of Melissa Soieth and has one sister (Mariah). He plans to pursue a degree in Bio-Chemistry.
Carter on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the outstanding pre-med program and because of the successful football program."
La'Mario Claiborne / Apple Valley, Calif. / Heritage Academy / DL, 6-2, 245
Claiborne was a team captain, defensive player of the year, and first team all-league defensive end at Heritage Academy. He led the state of Arizona in sacks as a senior, and was the MVP of his wrestling team. Off the field, Claiborne was a two time member of the honor roll. La'Mario is the son of Stanley Claiborne and has one brother (Jeremiah). He plans to pursue a degree in engineering.
Claiborne on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the long history of success in football and the relationships I have with the coaches. The tight knit community and faith based atmosphere are going to allow me to get a great education and reach my potential as a person. It's a special place."
Kolbe Coey / Hayden, Idaho / Coeur d'Alene HS / DB, 6-0, 195
Coey was a team captain, two-year varsity letter winner, an all-conference DB and safety of the year at Coeur d'Alene. He was a two-time conference champion, a state finalist as a junior, and state semi-finalist as a senior. He was a three-year varsity letter winner and all-conference selection in baseball. Off the field, Coey was a member of the honor roll. Kolbe is the son of Katie and Troy Coey and has one sister (Leila) and one brother (Zac). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Coey on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because the schooling and football was exactly what I was looking for. I enjoyed the atmosphere, players and coaches a lot on my visit."
Billy Corette / Frenchtown, Mont. / Frenchtown HS / ATH, 6-2, 220
Corette was a three-year varsity letter winner, a two-time all-conference and all-state performer at Frenchtown HS. He was a four-year varsity letter winner and a four-time all-state performer in track & field. Off the field, Billy was a member of the honor roll. Billy is the son of Margie and Bill Corette and has one brother (Bailey). He plans to pursue a degree in Business Finance.
Corette on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the outstanding education, family tradition, and the great coaching staff."
Marques Dorsey / San Tan Valley, Ariz. / American Leadership Academy-Ironwood / DB, 6-0, 170
Dorsey was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, all-state and all-conference defensive back at American Leadership Academy. He was a member of a 3A state playoff semifinalist. He was a three-year varsity letter winner in track and field and two year varsity letter winner in basketball. Off the field, Dorsey was a member of the Honor Roll. Marques is the son of Cheryl Stewart and has one sister (Nevaeh). He plans to pursue a degree in biology.
Dorsey on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because the moment I walked onto campus it felt like home.The coaches and players made me feel welcome, and I am excited to build and grow the legacy of Carroll football."
Kyson Douglas / Puyallup, Wash. / Puyallup HS / RB, 5-8, 200
Douglas was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, two-time all-league, and two-time offensive player of the year for Puyallup HS. He was an all-area selection and made four state playoff appearances. He was a four-year varsity letter and three-time all-state sprinter in track & field. Off the field, Douglas was a three-time Gold Presidential Award winner. Kyson is the son of Stephanie Travis and Andre Douglas and has two sisters (Mikayla, Arianna) and three brothers (Christian, Izack, Corian). He plans to pursue a degree in English for Secondary Education.
Douglas, on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because as soon as I got to campus, I knew it was the place I wanted to be. I know I will get a great education, and the coaches believed in me from the very beginning."
Carson Eickstadt / Spokane, Wash. / Shadle Park HS / OL, 6-3, 260
Eickstadt was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, and a three-time all-league selection at Shadle Park. He was a conference champ and made the state playoffs as a sophomore. He was a four-year varsity letter winner in basketball and a district finalist in shot put, discus, and javelin. He was a league champion in Track & Field. Off the field, Eickstadt was class president, National Honor Society member, and four-year member of the honor roll. He was voted most inspirational athlete in both football and basketball. Carson is the son of Kristen and Christopher Eickstadt and has two brothers (Caleb and Colton). He plans to pursue a degree in Engineering.
Eickstadt on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because I loved the culture on campus and the outstanding coaching staff."
Mateo Garreffa / Aurora, Colo. / Cherokee Trail HS / LB, 6-2, 200
Garreffa was a varsity letter winner and team leader in tackles as a senior at Cherokee Trail. He was a three-year varsity letter winner and placed third in the state of Colorado at 190 lbs in wrestling. Off the field, Garreffa was a four-year member of the Honor Roll. Mateo is the son of Joan ('02) and Dominic ('04) Garreffa and has two brothers (Louie, Anthony). He plans to pursue a degree in Business Management.
Garreffa on why he chose Carroll College: " I chose Carroll College because it's always been a dream of mine to play football and go to school at Carroll. I have grown up around Carroll, and my whole family went to Carroll. It's an opportunity I couldn't pass up!"
Calvin Garmann / Red Lodge, Mont. / Red Lodge HS / WR, 6'5, 185
Garmann was a team captain, three-year varsity letter winner, and three-time all-conference selection at Red Lodge. He was a two-time conference champion and a two-time state semi-finalist. He was a three-year varsity starter in basketball and an all-state sprinter in track & field. Off the field, Garmann was on the superintendent Honor Roll, earned commencement honors, and was a member of the National Honors Society. Calvin is the son of Heidi and Jay Garmann and has two sisters (Maycee, Messina). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Garmann on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the campus, academics, and the great football program and culture."
Canaan Hays / Kennewick, Wash. / Kennewick HS / RB, 6-0, 195
Hays was a team captain, three-year varsity letter winner, and an all-conference selection at running back for Kennewick. He was a three-year varsity letter winner in track & field. Off the field, Hays was a member of the honor roll. Canaan is the son of Abby and Jordan Hays and has one sister (Kamille). He plans to pursue a degree in education.
Hays on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the strong athletic program, dedicated coaching staff, and the commitment to academic success. I was drawn to Carroll because of the tradition and the history of success all while getting a great education."
Taylor Higham / Herriman, Utah / Mountain Ridge HS / LB, 6-0, 230
Higham was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, three-time all-region and two-time all-state linebacker at Mountain Ridge. He made the state track & field meet, was a two-time Utah little league champion. Off the field, Higham was a member of the honor roll. Taylor is the son of Lauren and Travis Higham and has two sisters (Hadley, Macie) and one brother (Chase). He plans to pursue a degree in Business Entrepreneurship.
Higham on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because you can't find a better combination of coaches, culture and education. I loved the atmosphere."
Josh Hoffman / Clarkston, Wash. / Clarkston HS / TE, 6'3, 220
Hoffman was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, a four-time all-conference performer at linebacker and tight end for Clarkston. He was a two-time conference champion in football. He was a three-year varsity letter winner in basketball. Off the field, Hoffman was a four-year member of the honor roll. Josh is the son of Brianne and Josh Hoffman and has one brother (Owen). He plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Hoffman on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because it felt like home from the beginning. The players, coaches and faculty make me feel welcome and wanted."
Jared Huff / Jerome, Idaho / Canyon Ridge HS / DL, 6-5, 250
Huff was a team captain, varsity letter winner and an all-conference selection at Canyon Ridge. Jared is the son of Anna and Jason Huff and has three brothers (Jakob, Joel, James). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Huff on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the winning tradition and the team culture."
Tanner Larson / Richland, Wash. / Kennewick HS / TE, 6-6, 230
Larson was a team captain, three-year varsity letter winner, and an all-conference and all-state tight end at Kennewick. He was an all-conference performer at defensive end. He was a four-year varsity letter winner in basketball and a three-year varsity letter winner in track & field. Off the field, Larson was a member of the honor roll. Tanner is the son of Allison and Scott Larson and has one sister (Autumn) and one brother (Oliver, Cooper). He plans to pursue a degree in Health Sciences.
Larson on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because the team and coaches are one big family."
Matthew Marcille / Helena, Mont. / Helena HS / OL, 6-1, 250
Marcille was a team captain, a four-year varsity letter winner, and an all-conference and all-state offensive lineman at Helena High. He was a two-year varsity letter winner in Lacrosse. Matthew is the son of Lisa and Chris Marcille and has one sister (Abby) and one brother (Jack). He plans to pursue a degree in Anthrozoology.
Marcille on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because I love the atmosphere on campus and the coaching staff. I have been coming to Carroll camps as a kid, and I can't wait to be a part of the team!"
Jack Maskrey / Riverside, Calif. / Ontario Christian HS / DL, 6-2, 260
Maskrey was a four-year varsity letter winner and a two-time all-conference selection at defensive line for Ontario Christian. He was also a varsity letter winner in soccer. Off the field, Maskrey was a member of the honor roll. Jack is the son of Keleigh Angelo and Fritz Maskrey and has three sisters (Bella, Lily, Finnley). He plans to pursue a degree in Business Marketing.
Maskrey on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of what they stand for on and off the field. Carroll is a family and a community that I want to be a part of."
Michael Peck / Butte, Mont. / Butte Central HS / OL, 6'1, 265
Peck was a team captain, three-year varsity letter winner, and an all-state defensive lineman at Butte Central. He was named the Butte Central Last Man Standing, and a varsity letter winner in track & field. Off the field, Peck was Class President, Montana state delegate to Boys Nation, and a two-year member of the National Honor Society. Michael is the son of Mariya and Josh Peck and has one sister (Molly) and one brother (Shamus). He plans to pursue a degree in Political Science.
Peck on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because it is a great place to continue Catholic education and my football career. Every coach and person on campus made me want to be a part of Carroll College."
Kalani Reynolds / Meridian, Idaho / Meridian HS / DB, 6-1, 160
Reynolds a three-year varsity letter winner and a first team all-conference selection at Meridian. He was a member of a conference championship team. He was a varsity letter winner and a state placer in track and field. Kalani is the son of Angelina and Chris Reynolds and has one sister (Aaliyah) and three brothers (Scooby, Tracey, Royce). He plans to pursue a degree in business.
Reynolds on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because it has great players, great coaches, and great teachers. I felt welcomed and like I was a part of the family!"
Cael Sell / Winston, Mont. / Broadwater County HS / DL, 6-6, 225
Sell was a team captain, three-year varsity letter winner, and two-time all-conference defensive end at Broadwater County. He was a two-time conference champion and an all-conference selection at offensive line as a senior. He was an all-state selection in lacrosse and a two-year varsity letter winner in basketball. Off the field, Sell was an academic all-state selection in football and basketball. Cael is the son of Carly (06') and Justin Sell ('02) and has one sister (Kyndal) and one brother (Layne). He plans to pursue a degree in pre-pharmaceutical studies.
Sell on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the family dynamics on the team and on campus. I am excited to go to college close to home!"
Will Taylor / Sheridan, Wyo. / Big Horn HS / OL, 5-11, 290
Taylor was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, and an all-conference and all-state performer at Big Horn. He was a member of the 2022 and 2024 State Championship teams. He was a four-year letter winner and two-time state champion in track & field. Off the field, Taylor was a three-time academic letter winner. Will is the son of Cherie and Jay Taylor and has two sisters (Ava, Emery). He plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Taylor on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the coaches and culture. I am excited to be a part of the team and the winning tradition."
Carter Vanek / Rathdrum, Idaho / Lakeland HS / OL, 6-3, 285
Vanek was a team captain, four-year varsity letter winner, and an all-league and all-state offensive lineman at Lakeland. He was a 2024 league champion and a state semi finalist. He was a varsity letter winner in track & field and placed 4th in state wrestling as a junior. Carter is the son of Brooke and Aric Vanek and has one sister (Reese). He plans to pursue a degree in Health Sciences.
Vanek on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the close culture and tight-knit community. It is the perfect place for me to grow as a person and an athlete."
Collin Warnick / Billings, Mont. / Billings West HS / DL/LB 6-2, 200
Warnick was a team captain, two-year varsity letter winner, and an all-conference and all-state defensive lineman at Billings West. He was voted team MVP at defensive line. He was a varsity letter winner in track and field. Off the field, Warnick was a four-time Academic All-State selection. Collin is the son of Natalie and Matt Warnick and has two sisters (Abigail and Emma) and one brother (Carter). He plans to pursue a degree in business.
Warnick on why he chose Carroll College: "I chose Carroll College because of the great culture on the team and on campus."