The Washburn football program inked 18 new players for the 2010 season last Wednesday, Feb. 3.

The Bods looked to bulk up an already stellar offense, signing three running backs, a receiver, a tight end and Tyrell Brown, a 6’6, 190-pound quarterback from Topeka West High School. Washburn signed only one offensive lineman in Silver Lake product Tyler Smith, who was an all-state selection his senior season.

Mark Fancher, the lone recruit at receiver, is actually a transfer with freshman eligibility from Air Force Prep Academy. Fancher played high school ball at Shawnee Mission Northwest and led the team to playoff appearances in 2007 and 2008 as the team’s senior athlete of the year. Fancher also has experience as a kick returner and could provide the Bods with some extra help on special teams.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bods look to rebuild a senior-heavy attack from last year with 10 new faces. One of the more notable additions is Alex Dowty, a 6’2, 235-pound defensive end from Mustang, Okla. Dowty led the state in sacks as a junior with 17, and recorded 16 as a senior. Bryan Dale, another defensive end from Kansas City, Mo., was a two-star recruit on Rivals.com and earned first team Associated Press all-state honors, along with an assortment of other awards.

Aside from beefing up the pass rush, Washburn looked to replace four senior linebackers and managed to get five, snagging Michael Harris from Oklahoma City, Justin Haupt from LaCygne, Kan., Mark Kolmer from Emporia, Randy Mack from Edmond, Okla., and Jermon Watson from St. Louis.

Washburn also bolstered its secondary, adding a cornerback and a safety.

2010 Ichabod signing class

Name, position    Hometown

Tyrell Brown, QB    Topeka

Bryan Dale, DE    Kansas City, Mo.

Brandon Downing, S    Edmond, Okla.

Alex Dowty, DE    Mustang, Okla.

Mark Fancher, WR    Shawnee

Michael Harris, LB    Oklahoma City

Nathan Haug, DL    Seneca

Justin Haupt, LB    LaCygne

Tore Hurst, TE    St. Louis

Patrick Jean, CB    Miami

Darrell Jobe, RB    Kansas City, Mo.

Mark Kolmer, LB    Emporia

Sean McPherson, RB    Franklinville, N.J.

Randy Mack, LB    Edmond, Okla.

Cole Mount, PK/P    Edmond, Okla.

Terry Scott, RB    Harrisonville, Mo.

Tyler Smith, OL    Silver Lake

Jermon Watson, LB    St. Louis

Kansas recruits in bold