Oberlin, Ohio - Oberlin College Head Football Coach John Pont announced the addition of 21 incoming first-year students to the program.
The class of 2027 hails from 16 states, Belgium, and China. Leading the state count are four Texans and three North Carolina competitors, including a pair of high school conference rivals. Over three quarters of the class played multiple-sports in high school with many earning all-state honors or having served as team captains.
Additionally, they have excelled academically and outside of sports with high class ranks and honors lists as well as being actively involved in student organizations, music, or theater.
"We are excited to welcome this incoming class of leaders," Coach Pont said. "Each of them has a love for the game, challenges themselves on and off the field, and has big dreams. I look forward to seeing them develop even deeper bonds of care and respect for our family as we begin camp together in August."
Meet the Class of 2027 ...
Jamykle Benison |
Twitter @
BenisonJamykle
Garfield Heights High School | Garfield Heights, Ohio
Video Highlights
Height: 5'10
Weight: 200
Accomplishments: 2023 Dream All-American, Dream All American bowl MVP, 2023 Offensive MVP, Second Team All-Lake Erie League Running Back, 2023 Baseball MVP, 2023 Baseball coaches award, 2023 Bowling MVP, National Honor Society, Honor Roll, Summa Cum Laude, 2023 Scholar Athlete, 2023 Academic All-American, 4 Year letter winner
High School Sports: Football, Baseball, Bowling, Track, Hockey
"I selected Oberlin because it felt like home because of the attitudes of the people on campus. I wanted to be surrounded by a lot of positive-minded people who are working toward their goals. Not only do the students at Oberlin live by the standard they set, but they live it. It's easy to say you're going to do something and hard to do it. I got to see first-hand how everyone operates on my visit, and I wanted to be around people like that because that's how I am too."
Jackson Bloomfield | Twitter @
jacksonbloom16
Episcopal School of Dallas | Allen, Texas
Video Highlights
Height: 6'5
Weight: 245
Accomplishments: Captain Award, Team Captain, All SPC North Zone
"I chose Oberlin because of the tight-knit community and the goal of success on and off the field. I felt I would be able to grow a brotherhood with the people around me while striving to be the best player I could be."
Cameron Burke | Twitter
@Cameron_1227
Santa Margarita Catholic High School | California
Video Highlights
Height: 6'2
Weight: 175
Accomplishments: Captains award, Eagle of the Year, Magna Cum Laude, Honor Roll, CSF, AP Scholar, Scholar Athlete
High School Sports: Football, Track
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because I felt like the players and the campus were welcoming. I felt like family even on my first visit. The coaches also really care about not just your football skills, but you as a student and your family. The players all have similar focuses on changing the world or excelling in their field and that inspires you to work hard to be like them. I am excited for the next step at Oberlin because I know it will facilitate the growth I want to make over the next four years. I also know that I will have fun playing the sport I love with a great group of guys and a coaching staff who cares deeply about us and our futures."
James Chikwe | Twitter
@chikwe_james
Saline High School | Saline, Michigan
Video Highlights
Height: 6'1
Weight: 170
Accomplishments: Gold Honor Roll, Academic All-State Football, SEC Academic Honors, Saline Scholar Athlete, College Board recognition via National African American Recognition Program Scholar Award, Track Captain, Zero Hero Community Service Award, Positive Communicator Saline High School Compass Attribute Awardee
High School Sports: Football, Track
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because of its reputation and educational opportunities. Also, it just felt like home the minute I stepped on campus."
Abraham Cromartie | Twitter
@v_cromartie
Father Ryan High School | Nashville, Tennessee
Video Highlights
Height: 6'1
Weight: 260
Accomplishments: Honor Roll, All-State Wrestler, All-State Football
High School Sports: Football, Track, Wrestling
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because of its inviting nature, stellar academics, and well-knit community. When I visited, the staff and students helped me finalize my decision."
Derek Daly | Twitter
@derekdaly56
Dover Sherborn High School '22 and Trinity-Pawling School '23 | Dover, Massachusetts
Video Highlights
Height: 5'11Â
Weight: 205
Accomplishments: Team Captain, Coaches' Award, Hardest Worker and Best Teammate Awards, Tri-Valley League First Team Defensive End / Center, 2021 Tri-Valley League Championship for the first time in 43 years, 2021 Division 3 Lacrosse State Champion, Honor Roll all four years
High School Sports: Football, Lacrosse, Track & Field
Why Oberlin? "Choosing Oberlin was an easy decision for me, given its stellar academic reputation and the opportunity to compete as a freshman. During my visits, I had the pleasure of connecting with numerous like-minded teammates who shared a common dream of transforming the culture and leaving a lasting legacy in Oberlin's football history. In high school, I proudly played a pivotal role in leading our team to a historic league victory, breaking a 43-year championship drought. This experience has fueled my determination to bring my skills, passion, and leadership to the Oberlin community. I am wholeheartedly committed to both academic excellence and athletic success, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute and make a meaningful difference."
Colten Daniel | Twitter
@ColtenDanel
Forest Hills Junior Senior High School | Sidman, Pennsylvania
Video Highlights
Height: 5'10
Weight: 195
Accomplishments: 2023 First Team All-Conference RB, 1,000-yard rusher, First Team RB in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, 2021 Second Team All-State Defensive End, Volleyball First Team All-State (Outside Hitter), Friday Night Lights Scholar Athlete of the Week, All-Conference Track and Field, All District, State, Region, Eastern and National Choir member, International Competition for High School Acapella (ICHSA) semifinalist, 2023 Isaac Award for best lead actor in a main role (Danny Zuko, Grease)
High School Sports: Football, Volleyball, Track
Why Oberlin? "I visited many colleges over the past two summers. I was unsure and nervous I would pick the wrong place. When I went to Oberlin, that worry wasn't even there … it felt like home and somewhere I wanted to spend the next four years."
Â
Jacob Day | Twitter
@jajo_day
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School | Rabun Gap, Georgia (Brussels, Belgium)
Video Highlights
Height: 6'3
Weight: 185
Accomplishments: First Team All-State and All-Conference, Special Teams Player of the Year, Extra Point school record, Field Goal School Record, High Honor Roll, French Club Leader, Orchestra Award in Leadership and instrumental (trumpet)Â
High School Sports: Football, Track, SoccerÂ
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because I believe it will be a great experience where I can develop in all aspects of my life, including joining a great football program with history. In a way, I am also following in my dad's footsteps as he was born in Ohio and is an Oberlin alum. I hope to create my own story and create long-lasting memories and relationships."
Jayden Eaton | Twitter
@eaton_jayden
Bishop Dunne High School | Dallas, Texas
Video Highlights
Height: 5'6Â
Weight: 185
Accomplishments: Two-time Second Team All-District in Football, Second Team All-District in basketball, African American Sign Language member, African American Association member
High School Sports: Football, Basketball, Track
Why Oberlin? "When I went on my visit to Oberlin, the team welcomed me with warm arms. I was worried it wouldn't fit, but when I got there it felt like home. The people and the environment were so relaxing. I'm excited to meet new people and build a bond with them."
Evan Elliott | Twitter
@EvanE2005
Northside High School | Roanoke, Virginia
Video Highlights
Height: 5'11
Weight: 188
Accomplishments: DECA Chairman, FCA Class Representative, Beta Club member, B'nai B'rith Award Nominee, Early College Scholars Award winner, Team Captain of Wrestling and Football, Wrestling State placer, 2x Football State Champion
High School Sports: Football, Wrestling, Baseball
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin not only to play football for a great program, but to give myself the opportunity to succeed in life once my athletic career is over."
Jordan Fishback | Twitter
@Jordan_Fishback
Montclair Kimberly Academy | South Orange, New Jersey
Video Highlights
Height: 6'0
Weight: 185
Accomplishments: 1st Team All Metropolitan Independent Football League, National Football Foundation Essex/Hudson County Chapter Scholar-Athlete Award, Fall 2022 MKA Captain's Award, New Jersey Honorable Mention All-State (Lacrosse), Second Team NJILL All-Waterman (Lacrosse), Second Team All Super Essex Conference (Lacrosse), First Team All Prep-B (Lacrosse)
High School Sports: Football, Lacrosse
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because of its great mix of competitive academics and athletics, and the opportunity to set myself up for a successful future. With the knowledge of the great coaching staff, I felt that Oberlin was the perfect fit for me."
Jackson Garlick | Twitter
@GarlickJackson
Lake Norman High School | Mooresville, North Carolina
Video Highlights
Height: 6'3
Weight: 200
Accomplishments: Four-sport athlete, Beta Club, 4.0 all four years of high school
High School Sports: Football, Basketball, Golf, Track
Why Oberlin? "Oberlin was a perfect fit for me. I always put academics first and with Oberlin I can achieve all my academic dreams while also playing for coaches who believed in me and gave me a chance to show my skill on the football field."
Jackson Gathings | Twitter
@NationwideJG
Bishop Lynch High School | Dallas, Texas
Video Highlights
Height: 6'0
Weight:Â 175
Accomplishments: Leadership Council member, NEHS, 4.0 GPA in high school
Why Oberlin? "Choosing Oberlin was a very easy decision for me. It's not only about the game, but about the principles and community that Oberlin represents. The team's commitment to excellence on and off the field, combined with the college's commitment to building a complete man, made it an ideal environment to grow as an athlete and as a person. Oberlin College football is about more than just winning games - it's about developing character, growing as a family, and understanding the power of teamwork. I am honored to be a part of this outstanding program and to represent Oberlin College on and off the field."
Rafael Green-Arnone | Twitter
@ArnoneGreen
Hackley School | Beacon, New York
Video Highlights
Height: 6'2
Weight: 180
Accomplishments: 2023 offensive MVP, #6 in the state of New York at the javelin
High School Sports: Football, Track & Field
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because it has an amazing network of people who can help me develop professionally, athletically, and socially."
Dane Mentore |
@DaneMentore
Lincoln High School | Lincoln, Nebraska
Video Highlights
Height: 5'8
Weight: 170
Accomplishments: 4.2 GPA, Magna Cum Laude, Honor Roll, Varsity Team Captain, 3x All City Selection, 3x NCPA Academic All-State Award, 3x Academic All Conference Team, 3x Scholar Athlete, Long Jump State Qualifier, Triple Jump State Qualifier, 4x100 State Qualifier, 8th Place Triple Jump at State
High School Sports: Football, Track & Field, Wrestling
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because I knew I would be able to sharpen my athletic and academic skills in a community that holds itself to a higher standard. Oberlin fosters a challenging environment that is perfect for me to grow as a person."
Devin Neugebauer | Twitter
@DevinNeugebauer
Cypress Park High School | Cypress, Texas
Video Highlights
Height: 5'8
Weight: 185
Accomplishments: Academic All-District, Academic All-State, 3 Year Lettermen, Team Captain, Cum Laude Honor GraduateÂ
High School Sports: Football, Baseball
Why Oberlin? "I knew Oberlin was home the minute I stepped on campus. The relationship the coaches built with me from thousands of miles away is incomparable. I am most excited to meet my new family and start winning championships."
Walker Prince | Twitter
@walkerprince60
Walter Johnson High School | Kensington, Maryland
Video Highlights
Height: 5'11
Weight: 241
Accomplishments: National Honor Society, All-County OL, Captain, Varsity Football, Social Media Manager and Staff Writer for school newspaper, The Pitch, MCPS Silver Star Student Engagement Recipient
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because of its incredible academic reputation and its commitment to its student-athletes."
Â
Ben Suler | Twitter
@BenSuler
Poly Prep Country Day School | Brooklyn, New York
Video Highlights
Height: 6'1
Weight:Â 180
Accomplishments: Top-25 ranked QB Northeast Prep Schools (MaxPreps), Top 25 Prep School Team Ranking, 2022 Undefeated 9-0 season with championship victory, Qualified for NYSAIS and IVY's for Track & Field weight throw, Four-time 1st place music competition awardee, 3x performer Carnegie Hall, Pianist (14 years), Piano teacher (4 years), Attended The Parsons – Mannes School of Music
High School Sports: Football, Track & Field, Lacrosse
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because of the opportunities it provides – not just in rigorous academics but athletics as well. The coaching staff will put me in the best situations to let me thrive. The community is like a family. I was welcomed right away, and everyone cares about each other and builds one another up. I am extremely excited to build friendships, make new bonds and be a member of this fantastic community."
Zheming Tang | Twitter
@ZhemingTang
Christ School | Asheville, North Carolina (Haikou, China)
Video Highlights
Height: 6'4
Weight:Â 212
Accomplishments: 2020 Football State Championship Team, Headmasters Honor Roll
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because I loved the team environment when I visited, and it is a great school academically. I believe I will have a fantastic time both in the classroom and on the field next year, and I am excited to work with all the coaches, teammates, and teachers."
Massimo Vilet | Twitter
@massimo_vliet
Moses Brown School | Little Compton, Rhode Island
Video Highlights
Height: 6'0
Weight: 180
Accomplishments: Second Team All-Division, MIP Award, Ethics Bowl Nationals 2021, undefeated season and division champs 2023
High School Sports: Football, Track
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because from the moment I stepped onto campus during my visit it felt like home. The way I was welcomed into the community was unlike anywhere else, and the competitive environment is one that I will thrive in. Oberlin is a place where I will have the opportunity to pursue all my areas of interest and meet incredible people while doing so."
Jacob Wong | Twitter
@Wang_72
Manchester Central High School | Manchester, New Hampshire
Video Highlights
Height: 6'1
Weight: 265
Accomplishments: Two-year Captain, High Honors, National Honor Society
Why Oberlin? "I chose Oberlin because of everything that was there, from the campus to the athletic staff, it just felt like home and the right fit for me. I'm excited to finally step onto campus as a student-athlete and become part of a family."
Â
