University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Football welcomes 18 new members
12/16/2020 2:38:00 PM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado football unwrapped a few new presents on Wednesday, welcoming 17 new members to the Bear Family. UNC brought in seven mid-year transfers and 10 high school signees to the early signing class.
The class breaks down to eight offensive signees and nine on defense.
Lamarius Benson | OL | 6'3" | 320 | Covington, Ga. | Central Florida
The former three-star offensive lineman comes to Greeley from Central Florida where he spent his first two seasons. He appeared in 10 games during his UCF career. Coming out of Eastside High School in Covington, Georgia, he was a two-time all-region selection. Benson was selected to play for USA Football in the 2018 International Bowl. He was ranked as high as the No. 40 offensive guard in the nation and No. 84 player in Georgia.
James Betschart | OL | 6'7" | 295 | Parker, Co. | Legend HS
The homegrown talent makes his way to Greely from Parker where he played at Legend High school also competing in wrestling. The three-time football letterwinner was an All-State selection his senior season as he helped LHS to the 5A semifinals. He also was an All-Conference selection his senior season. Betschart excels in the classroom earning two varsity letters for academics and a first team All-State Academic honoree.
He chose UNC over Wyoming, Kansas and Drake.
Jax Brown | DL | 6'3" | 270 | Little Elm, Tx. | Little Elm HS
Big Jax Brown will be an anchor on the defensive line for the next four years after being a second team All-District selection in Texas. The multisport athlete competed in wrestling earning a district championship.
Brown was also recruited by Colorado State, Illinois State and Texas A&M Commerce.
Jaylen Byrd | S | 6'3" | 190 | Denver, Co. | Far Northeast HS
One of the top safeties in the state is staying home to become a Bear in Jaylen Byrd. The first team All-Conference selection and All-State honorable mention joins his brother, Javian, playing college ball. Byrd not only was a team captain, but also the student body president at Far Northeast.
Other schools that pursued Byrd were Wyoming, UConn, CSU Pueblo and Chadron St.
Germaine Carmena | DL | 6'6" | 350 | Coffeyville, Ka. | Coffeyville CC
Big Sky offensive linemen are going to have their hands full with Germaine Carmena. The Coffeyville CC transfer was a plug on the defensive line recording 39 tackles and 0.5 sacks in 2020. A graduate of Canyon Springs High School in Las Vegas he was a first team selection and team MVP.
The Bears beat out fellow Big Sky program Northern Arizona in signing Carmena.
Patrick Carr | LB | 6'4" | 235 | Frankfort, Il. | Drake
Patrick Carr had a strong career at Drake playing in 20 games recording 50 tackles as a linebacker and contributing on special teams. The Frankfort, Illinois native was a second team all-area and first team all-conference selection.
Wilson Clark | OL | 6'5" | 280 | Arvada, Co. | Ralston Valley
Wilson Clark anchored a tough Ralston Valley offensive line by not allowing a sack himself his senior year. His performance his senior year made him a three-star prospect according to 247 sports. A two-sport athlete he lettered four times in football and three times in track and field. He not only put up an impressive resume on the field but in the classroom as an Outstand Academic Athlete, three-time honor roll member and two-time academic letterman.
Clark chose Northern Colorado over New Mexico State, Colorado, Wyoming, Colorado State and Idaho among many others.
Keenan Guthrie | LB | 6'3" | 215 | San Diego, Ca. | Cathedral Catholic HS
Keenan Guthrie comes from a long line of athletic talent as the nephew of former NFL safety John Lynch. He battled injuries throughout his final two years but has shown plenty of upside making play after play when on the field.
Corey Haniford | OL | 6'6' | 285 | Greenwood Villiage, Co. | Cherry Creek HS
Corey Haniford comes in with a championship pedigree having been on Cherry Creek's back-to-back state title teams in 2019-20. He helped the Bruins to one of the most dominant seasons in state history as they outscored opponents 350-41. Haniford was an All-Conference selection for offensive line.
Jordan Knapke | S | 6'3" | 200 | Aurora, Co. | Sioux Falls
Jordan Knapke returns to the Centennial State after spending two seasons at the University of Sioux Falls. After redshirting in 2018, he saw action in four games, recording four tackles for the Cougars. A graduate of Grandview High School, Knapke was a two-time first team All-League selection and three-time Academic All-State selection.
Keyvon Lakes | LB | 6'2" | 235 | Las Vegas, Nv. | Canyon Springs HS
Keyvon Lakes was a two-time All-Conference selection while at Canyon Springs High School and named the team's defensive MVP. His performance on the field earned him honorable mention All-State honors. A dedicated student off the field he held a 4.0 GPA.
Lakes picked UNC over Mountain West programs San Diego State and UNLV.
Tyson Lambert | LB | 6'0" | 220 | Highlands Ranch, Co. | Thunder Ridge HS
A two-sport athlete at Thunder Ridge High School Lambert earned three letters in both football and wrestling. On the gridiron, he was a two-time first team All-Conference selection racking up 128 tackles including 30 for a loss over his career. He is a two-time first team All-Academic selection and two-time academic letter winner.
Lambert decided to be a Bear of an offer from Colorado School of Mines.
L'Cier Luter | DL | 6'4" | 305 | Detroit, Mi. | Cass Technical HS
L'Cier Luter made an impact on his high school team from his freshman year playing on the varsity team. Cas Technical HS was one of the best team's in the nation which Luter ranking third in Michigan and 45th national. He also played basketball in high school.
Nick Lyon | DL | 6'5" | 300 | Lone Tree, Co. | Valor Christian HS
Nick Lyon rejoins his coaches from Valor Christian High School at Northern Colorado. The defensive lineman was a first team All-Conference selection in 2019 and 2020. He helped his team win the state championship in 2018 and back to the championship game in 2020.
Lyon chose UNC over Pittsburgh State, Nebraska Kearny and Missouri Western State.
He plans to major in Sports and Exercise Science.
Jonah Morris | WR | 6'4" | 215 | Akron, Ohio | Akron
Jonah Morris will add more playmaking ability to the Bears passing game coming to UNC from Akron. His best year as a Zip was his redshirt sophomore year when he recorded 381 yards and a touchdown on 26 receptions. Coming out of high school he earned All-America honors from MaxPreps and was the Akron Beacon Journal and Akron Touchdown Club Player of the Year.
Jacquez Robertson | RB | 5'9" | 175 | Mission Viejo, Ca. | Mission Viejo HS
A two-star prospect according to 247 sports, Jacquez Robertson is a shifty back that is now a Bear. He led Mission Viejo in rushing his junior year with 832 yards and 15 touchdowns. He posted four 100-yard rushing games as helped his team to the CIF Division 1 playoffs.
Robertson also had an offer from San Diego State
Dylan Thomas | WR | 6'1" | 200 | Fort Worth, Tx. | TCU
Dylan Thomas was one of the top athletes in the state of Texas coming out of high school ranking as the No. 7 athlete in the state and No. 31 nationally by 247 sports. Injuries slowed him his final two years at TCU. As a Horn Frog, he played 26 games leading to 250 yards receiving on 21 receptions including a touchdown.
Kassidy Woods | WR | 6'3" | 225 | Addison, Tx. | Washington State
Kassidy Woods spent his first two seasons at Washington State before deciding to be a Bear. At WSU he appeared in 16 games mostly on special teams. He ended with six receptions for 58 yards as a Cougar. The Greenhill School graduate in Addison, Texas was a four-star prospect out of high school according to ESPN.com and three-star by 247 sports and Rivals. He was rated the No. 82 wide receiver in the country and 64th overall prospect out of Texas by ESPN.com
The class breaks down to eight offensive signees and nine on defense.
Lamarius Benson | OL | 6'3" | 320 | Covington, Ga. | Central Florida
The former three-star offensive lineman comes to Greeley from Central Florida where he spent his first two seasons. He appeared in 10 games during his UCF career. Coming out of Eastside High School in Covington, Georgia, he was a two-time all-region selection. Benson was selected to play for USA Football in the 2018 International Bowl. He was ranked as high as the No. 40 offensive guard in the nation and No. 84 player in Georgia.
Games are won in the trenches and this guy is ready to win!
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
🚨Welcome to the Bear Family, @bensonboy14 🚨#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/ip52j4DoWD
James Betschart | OL | 6'7" | 295 | Parker, Co. | Legend HS
The homegrown talent makes his way to Greely from Parker where he played at Legend High school also competing in wrestling. The three-time football letterwinner was an All-State selection his senior season as he helped LHS to the 5A semifinals. He also was an All-Conference selection his senior season. Betschart excels in the classroom earning two varsity letters for academics and a first team All-State Academic honoree.
He chose UNC over Wyoming, Kansas and Drake.
Let @Coach_BDA break down what @BetschartJames will bring to the program!#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/MNa6BwA5u8
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
Jax Brown | DL | 6'3" | 270 | Little Elm, Tx. | Little Elm HS
Big Jax Brown will be an anchor on the defensive line for the next four years after being a second team All-District selection in Texas. The multisport athlete competed in wrestling earning a district championship.
Brown was also recruited by Colorado State, Illinois State and Texas A&M Commerce.
.@coachtbowens is back to break down what @Cashmoneyjax is bringing to the program!#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/9KdYhb1s11
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
Jaylen Byrd | S | 6'3" | 190 | Denver, Co. | Far Northeast HS
One of the top safeties in the state is staying home to become a Bear in Jaylen Byrd. The first team All-Conference selection and All-State honorable mention joins his brother, Javian, playing college ball. Byrd not only was a team captain, but also the student body president at Far Northeast.
Other schools that pursued Byrd were Wyoming, UConn, CSU Pueblo and Chadron St.
Let @jjraterink get you up to speed on what @ByrdFTV will bring to the program!#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/iKCL9jP3bw
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
Germaine Carmena | DL | 6'6" | 350 | Coffeyville, Ka. | Coffeyville CC
Big Sky offensive linemen are going to have their hands full with Germaine Carmena. The Coffeyville CC transfer was a plug on the defensive line recording 39 tackles and 0.5 sacks in 2020. A graduate of Canyon Springs High School in Las Vegas he was a first team selection and team MVP.
The Bears beat out fellow Big Sky program Northern Arizona in signing Carmena.
Patrick Carr | LB | 6'4" | 235 | Frankfort, Il. | Drake
Patrick Carr had a strong career at Drake playing in 20 games recording 50 tackles as a linebacker and contributing on special teams. The Frankfort, Illinois native was a second team all-area and first team all-conference selection.
Let @jjraterink get you up to speed on what @ByrdFTV will bring to the program!#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/iKCL9jP3bw
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
Wilson Clark | OL | 6'5" | 280 | Arvada, Co. | Ralston Valley
Wilson Clark anchored a tough Ralston Valley offensive line by not allowing a sack himself his senior year. His performance his senior year made him a three-star prospect according to 247 sports. A two-sport athlete he lettered four times in football and three times in track and field. He not only put up an impressive resume on the field but in the classroom as an Outstand Academic Athlete, three-time honor roll member and two-time academic letterman.
Clark chose Northern Colorado over New Mexico State, Colorado, Wyoming, Colorado State and Idaho among many others.
Let @jjraterink get you up to speed on what @ByrdFTV will bring to the program!#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/iKCL9jP3bw
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
Keenan Guthrie | LB | 6'3" | 215 | San Diego, Ca. | Cathedral Catholic HS
Keenan Guthrie comes from a long line of athletic talent as the nephew of former NFL safety John Lynch. He battled injuries throughout his final two years but has shown plenty of upside making play after play when on the field.
Adding more depth at LB! This group is STACKED!
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
🚨Welcome to the Bear Family, @KeenanGuthrie47 🚨@Coachmoed takes you through what to expect from Keenan!#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/7RpUKDMtX3
Corey Haniford | OL | 6'6' | 285 | Greenwood Villiage, Co. | Cherry Creek HS
Corey Haniford comes in with a championship pedigree having been on Cherry Creek's back-to-back state title teams in 2019-20. He helped the Bruins to one of the most dominant seasons in state history as they outscored opponents 350-41. Haniford was an All-Conference selection for offensive line.
.@Coach_BDA is back to tell you all about @CoreyHaniford and what he brings to the program!#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/YA04lKoWjd
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
Jordan Knapke | S | 6'3" | 200 | Aurora, Co. | Sioux Falls
Jordan Knapke returns to the Centennial State after spending two seasons at the University of Sioux Falls. After redshirting in 2018, he saw action in four games, recording four tackles for the Cougars. A graduate of Grandview High School, Knapke was a two-time first team All-League selection and three-time Academic All-State selection.
The secondary just got a whole lot better!
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
🚨Welcome to the Bear Family, @jordanknapke 🚨#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/Lng36A5qNl
Keyvon Lakes | LB | 6'2" | 235 | Las Vegas, Nv. | Canyon Springs HS
Keyvon Lakes was a two-time All-Conference selection while at Canyon Springs High School and named the team's defensive MVP. His performance on the field earned him honorable mention All-State honors. A dedicated student off the field he held a 4.0 GPA.
Lakes picked UNC over Mountain West programs San Diego State and UNLV.
Let @Coachmoed break down what @KeyvonLakes will bring to the program! #BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/DKSR3hDykQ
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
Tyson Lambert | LB | 6'0" | 220 | Highlands Ranch, Co. | Thunder Ridge HS
A two-sport athlete at Thunder Ridge High School Lambert earned three letters in both football and wrestling. On the gridiron, he was a two-time first team All-Conference selection racking up 128 tackles including 30 for a loss over his career. He is a two-time first team All-Academic selection and two-time academic letter winner.
Lambert decided to be a Bear of an offer from Colorado School of Mines.
We're back with @Coachmoed to tell you all about @TysonLambert4 and what he's bringing to UNC!#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/PKt8xEN1CE
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
L'Cier Luter | DL | 6'4" | 305 | Detroit, Mi. | Cass Technical HS
L'Cier Luter made an impact on his high school team from his freshman year playing on the varsity team. Cas Technical HS was one of the best team's in the nation which Luter ranking third in Michigan and 45th national. He also played basketball in high school.
Let @coachtbowens break down what @lcierluter will bring to the program! #BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/0uecO0Ta9E
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
Nick Lyon | DL | 6'5" | 300 | Lone Tree, Co. | Valor Christian HS
Nick Lyon rejoins his coaches from Valor Christian High School at Northern Colorado. The defensive lineman was a first team All-Conference selection in 2019 and 2020. He helped his team win the state championship in 2018 and back to the championship game in 2020.
Lyon chose UNC over Pittsburgh State, Nebraska Kearny and Missouri Western State.
He plans to major in Sports and Exercise Science.
Hey @coachtbowens cue the tape on @NicholasLyon62! #BearsStrong🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/ArOtElJm8G
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 17, 2020
Jonah Morris | WR | 6'4" | 215 | Akron, Ohio | Akron
Jonah Morris will add more playmaking ability to the Bears passing game coming to UNC from Akron. His best year as a Zip was his redshirt sophomore year when he recorded 381 yards and a touchdown on 26 receptions. Coming out of high school he earned All-America honors from MaxPreps and was the Akron Beacon Journal and Akron Touchdown Club Player of the Year.
More size and speed for the WR's!
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
🚨Welcome to the Bear Family, @Jumpmane22 🚨#BearsStrong 🏈🐻 pic.twitter.com/nZtGdlIvhY
Jacquez Robertson | RB | 5'9" | 175 | Mission Viejo, Ca. | Mission Viejo HS
A two-star prospect according to 247 sports, Jacquez Robertson is a shifty back that is now a Bear. He led Mission Viejo in rushing his junior year with 832 yards and 15 touchdowns. He posted four 100-yard rushing games as helped his team to the CIF Division 1 playoffs.
Robertson also had an offer from San Diego State
Let @CoachMoevao_3 break down what @jocky05 is bringing to the program!#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/5GM5zOvJE5
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
Dylan Thomas | WR | 6'1" | 200 | Fort Worth, Tx. | TCU
Dylan Thomas was one of the top athletes in the state of Texas coming out of high school ranking as the No. 7 athlete in the state and No. 31 nationally by 247 sports. Injuries slowed him his final two years at TCU. As a Horn Frog, he played 26 games leading to 250 yards receiving on 21 receptions including a touchdown.
Everything you want in a WR, he's got it!
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
🚨Welcome to the Bear Family, @TicketThomas 🚨#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/pCNZc58EnR
Kassidy Woods | WR | 6'3" | 225 | Addison, Tx. | Washington State
Kassidy Woods spent his first two seasons at Washington State before deciding to be a Bear. At WSU he appeared in 16 games mostly on special teams. He ended with six receptions for 58 yards as a Cougar. The Greenhill School graduate in Addison, Texas was a four-star prospect out of high school according to ESPN.com and three-star by 247 sports and Rivals. He was rated the No. 82 wide receiver in the country and 64th overall prospect out of Texas by ESPN.com
Adding some BIG TIME talent to the wide receiver group!
— Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) December 16, 2020
🚨Welcome to the Bear Family, @Kassidy7Woods 🚨#BearsStrong 🐻🏈 pic.twitter.com/MwHzjXZJnj
Head Coach Ed Lamb Signing Day Press Conference
Monday, October 20
Head Coach Ed Lamb Press Conference 9/24/25
Saturday, October 18
Ed Lamb Press Conference 10/15/25
Wednesday, October 15
Ed Lamb Press Conference 10/8/25
Wednesday, October 08
