2023 Lute Recruits The Pacific Lutheran University football program welcomes eight defensive backs to Luteville for the fall season.

"Coming off the program's highest finish since 2013 and the most wins since the 2014 season; I believe our staff and players have done a great job and capitalized on that momentum with another great recruiting class in 2023. Our process is deliberately slow and thorough so we can continue to yield the best high school football players that are the right fit for PLU and the championship football program we are working to build,"

-Head Coach Brant McAdams

Defensive Backs

““Our DB unit has the most ground to make up from graduation in 2023. This group of incoming DBs is bringing a lot of speed and technical ability to the table. They are very able to push for opportunities in the two deep and on special teams as soon as they step on campus.”

Zach Cleveland

Magnolia, Texas / Magnolia West HS

"Zach is on the way from the great state of Texas. This kid is fast & fierce on the ‘find & fill’.. Big physical-presence-type & will shine in our safety system. Love his eager-mindset as we expect him to hit the ground full-go in August."

Full Bio

Kayden Silva

Hilo, Hawaii / Hilo HS

"Kayden is a smooth-mover from the “808”. Very efficient in space as he has shown through his athleticism. He is a ball-hawker & fits right in with the disguise/prowl game we feature in our coverage structures."

Full Bio

Jadin Chaves

Kamuela, Hawaii / Kamehameha HS

"Another ‘808’ playmaker. We expect Jadin to compete at our true defensive back positions. Great ball-skills and very feisty at the point-of-catch…an attribute we embrace as the Lutes have been tops in the conference the past two years w/interceptions."

Full Bio

Ezekiel Gragas

Mountain View, Hawaii / Kamehameha HS

"Nice size safety and excels in his run-support ability. Top run-defense in the conference - he will help with our perimeter & edges to continue that status & fill the alleys. Zeke will compete Day 1 in our wide-open safety positions & special teams. He’s a good one."

Full Bio

Jackson Hale

Mead, Wash. / Mount Spokane HS

"Well-rounded student-athlete from our friends on the Eastside. 3-sport athlete from a top program in WA HS football. State top-5 in Wrestling & a State Champion in T&F. Hair on Fire safety that can compete in 2-3 positions on our defense. We know he’ll turn-it-loose & open doors of opportunity. He’s a playmaker."

Full Bio

Nathan Phongphouvanh

Vancouver, Wash. / Prairie HS

"Fast twitch young man who darts around the field. We like how he ‘owns’ his area of the coverage. He’ll find the ball & close quickly. True corner & will shine on special teams."

Full Bio

Cross Pola

Keaau, Hawaii / Kamehameha HS

"Good size safety with great ball skills. Rangy big-field player & has a nice knack finding & defending the point-of-catch. We love his instincts & grit & how he’ll elevate the DB Room."

Full Bio

Walker Bruun

Eatonville, Wash. / Eatonville HS

"Hard nosed & feisty at the point of catch. Good player who gets on the serious ‘zip’ around the field. He is fearless and we all know he’ll compete."

Full Bio

Lutes Open the 2023 season at home against Redlands

Appreciate