{"id":94452,"date":"2026-02-04T22:17:45","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T05:17:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/?p=94452"},"modified":"2026-02-04T22:18:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T05:18:12","slug":"azusa-pacific-football-2026-signing-class","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/?p=94452","title":{"rendered":"Azusa Pacific Football 2026 Signing Class"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"514\" src=\"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/APU.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/APU.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/APU-400x286.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/APU-70x50.jpeg 70w, https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/APU-150x107.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">APU football last took the field in 2019&#8230;they will retake it in 2026 in D-3.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>AZUSA, Calif.\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 <strong>Azusa Pacific University football announced its 2026 signing class Wednesday, adding a balanced group of student-athletes that brings experience, athleticism, and leadership across all position groups. Here are the signees. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n\n\n<p> <strong>Defensive Backs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Austin Abrahams | DB | Valley Christian HS<\/strong><br>A former quarterback and All-Ironwood League First Team selection, Abrahams brings football IQ and competitiveness to the secondary.<br>&#8220;Austin is a smart football player\u2026 with a relentless work ethic and someone who truly embodies our culture at APU,&#8221; said DBs coach Thomas Webb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Donovan Beckom | DB | Cathedral HS \/ Fort Hays State<\/strong><br>A lockdown corner who earned All-League First Team honors, Defensive MVP recognition, and recorded seven interceptions at Cathedral HS.<br>&#8220;Donovan brings experience, leadership, and a true competitor&#8217;s mindset,&#8221; Webb said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cade Campos | DB | Del Oro HS<\/strong><br>A multi-sport athlete currently competing in track, Campos adds speed and discipline.<br>&#8220;He brings competitiveness and athleticism that will translate to the field,&#8221; Webb said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tommy Chance | DB | Cal Lutheran \/ Oakdale HS<\/strong><br>A decorated multi-sport athlete and team captain at Oakdale HS, Chance earned multiple league MVP and DPOY honors.<br>&#8220;Tommy is an athletic defensive back with a very high ceiling,&#8221; Webb said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aldo Olweny | DB | Arkansas\u2013Pine Bluff \/ Grossmont College<\/strong><br>Recorded 34 tackles and one interception in seven games as a freshman at Grossmont College.<br>&#8220;Aldo brings great length, experience, and energy that lifts everyone around him,&#8221; Webb said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Defensive Line<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A.J. Diaz | DL | Western New Mexico \/ Tustin HS<\/strong><br>An explosive and versatile lineman.<br>&#8220;AJ brings passion, energy, and a high motor to our defensive line room,&#8221; said DL coach Tony Torres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Marko Luera | DL | New Mexico \/ Glendora HS<\/strong><br>A physically strong lineman who played both sides of the ball in high school.<br>&#8220;Marko&#8217;s toughness and commitment to faith, family, and community make him an immediate impact,&#8221; said Bo Beatty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aaron Montes | DL | Cal Lutheran \/ Eleanor Roosevelt HS<\/strong><br>A physical presence with an aggressive style of play.<br>&#8220;Aaron brings a welcome edge and high-tempo energy,&#8221; Torres said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ryan Pastran | DL | La Verne \/ Pasadena City College<\/strong><br>A veteran lineman with collegiate experience.<br>&#8220;Ryan adds immediate explosiveness and leadership,&#8221; Torres said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Linebackers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jedi Gbaja-Biamila | LB | Mt. San Jacinto \/ New Lutheran<\/strong><br>A dynamic athlete with elite physical tools.<br>&#8220;His combination of speed, power, and maturity will make him a force,&#8221; Beatty said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jeshua Hennerty | LB | Rowland HS<\/strong><br>A Defensive Player of the Year and All-CIF SS selection.<br>&#8220;Jeshua is a leader and excellent communicator,&#8221; said LB coach Joey Hartnett.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dane Schultz | LB | Troy HS<\/strong><br>A high-character defender with developmental upside.<br>&#8220;We&#8217;re excited about Dane&#8217;s growth and impact,&#8221; Hartnett said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Offensive Line<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Louie Aguilar | OL | East Los Angeles College \/ Garfield HS<\/strong><br>A veteran lineman with extensive experience.<br>&#8220;Louie is an incredibly hard worker who adds valuable experience,&#8221; said OL coach Mark Pasquarella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Michael Juarez | OL | Lake Erie \/ Pasadena City College \/ St. Genevieve<\/strong><br>Helped PCC win an American Division Championship Bowl in 2024.<br>&#8220;Michael&#8217;s leadership and work ethic will help establish our culture,&#8221; Pasquarella said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aren Monk | OL | University of Jamestown \/ Capital HS<\/strong><br>A center with versatility and long-term potential.<br>&#8220;Aren adds flexibility and upside to our offensive line,&#8221; Pasquarella said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Quarterbacks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sawyer Bray | QB | Classical Academy HS<\/strong><br>2024 Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Pacific League selection.<br>&#8220;Sawyer&#8217;s work ethic and football knowledge will benefit our program,&#8221; said head coach Mark Speckman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Miguel Larios | QB | Chadron State \/ Victor Valley College \/ Hesperia HS<\/strong><br>A veteran quarterback with college experience.<br>&#8220;Miguel adds leadership and explosiveness to our offense,&#8221; Speckman said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Brandon Valencia | QB | East Los Angeles College \/ John Muir HS<\/strong><br>An athletic quarterback with game experience.<br>&#8220;Brandon&#8217;s positive attitude and love for the game make him a great fit,&#8221; Speckman said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Running Backs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quitten Chandler | RB<\/strong><br>A physical runner with elite pad level.<br>&#8220;His toughness and low center of gravity make him difficult to defend,&#8221; said RB coach Craig Robbins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CJ Zackery | RB | Cal Lutheran \/ La Mirada HS<\/strong><br>A multi-sport athlete and Scholar Athlete Award recipient.<br>&#8220;CJ&#8217;s versatility and conference familiarity will be valuable,&#8221; Robbins said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tight Ends<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Scott Clark | TE | Redlands \/ LA Valley College \/ Alhambra<\/strong><br>A physical, veteran tight end.<br>&#8220;Scott brings toughness and versatility to our offense,&#8221; Robbins said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Colton Gray | TE | Glendora HS<\/strong><br>Also appeared in five games for APU men&#8217;s basketball as a true freshman.<br>&#8220;We&#8217;re excited about Colton&#8217;s athleticism and leadership,&#8221; said AJ Parnell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Javan Johnson | TE<\/strong><br>A multi-sport athlete and campus leader.<br>&#8220;Javan&#8217;s leadership and background add value to our program,&#8221; Parnell said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wide Receivers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Noah Elhardouzi | WR | Lawrence University \/ Redondo Union<\/strong><br>A dynamic playmaker with strong character.<br>&#8220;Noah brings value on and off the field,&#8221; said WR coach\u00a0<dfn><a href=\"https:\/\/athletics.apu.edu\/sports\/football\/roster\/dakota-ridgeway\/3312\">Dakota Ridgeway<\/a><\/dfn>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tyler Fogg | WR | Rose-Hulman \/ Canyon Hills<\/strong><br>An explosive athlete with elite speed.<br>&#8220;Defenders will have a hard time keeping up with Tyler,&#8221; Ridgeway said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sean O&#8217;Rourke | WR | Golden West College<\/strong><br>A high-IQ receiver with strong academic and athletic traits.<br>&#8220;Sean exemplifies what we want in a student-athlete,&#8221; Ridgeway said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>The Cougars&#8217; 2026 signing class reflects Azusa Pacific&#8217;s commitment to building a competitive, disciplined, and values-driven program as the team prepares for the upcoming season.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Information courtesy of Azusa Pacific Athletics website.    athletics.apu.edu <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AZUSA, Calif.\u00a0\u2014 Azusa Pacific University football announced its 2026 signing class Wednesday, adding a balanced group of student-athletes that brings experience, athleticism, and leadership across all position groups. Here are the signees.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[871],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-94452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-college"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94452","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=94452"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94452\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":94453,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94452\/revisions\/94453"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=94452"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=94452"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=94452"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}