Names to watch this fall at the Division I level for college football

Beginning his seventh season in college, Jeffrey Weimer has landed at Idaho State, where he was one of the biggest stories during spring ball.

Weimer, who has redshirted, has medically redshirted and been granted an extra year of eligibility because of the pandemic, played two years ago at UNLV.

The 6-foot-2 former Salinas High and Hartnell College receiver led Idaho State in receptions during its spring game and has caught the attention of pro scouts. His brother Ricky is playing linebacker at Division II CSU-Pueblo.

A teammate of Weimer’s will be former Alvarez multi-sport standout Messiah Johnson, who will battle for playing time on the offensive line at Idaho State.

The 6-3, 290-pound Johnson was a member of the Herald’s all-county football and basketball teams last season.

Having redshirted last season at the University of Idaho, 6-1 receiver Emmerson Cortez will be given a shot to see the field this season.

During his senior season at Salinas in 2022, Cortez caught 43 passes for nearly 900 yards and nine touchdowns. He also led the team in interceptions with five.

Redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Michael MacNeill is coming off a 10-tackle season last fall for Portland State.

The 280-pound Salinas High graduate – a two-time member of the Herald’s All-County team and former wrestler – produced three tackles in a win over Northern Colorado.

Having redshirted last year, Joey Finley is expected to battle for playing time on the defensive line for Stephen F. Austin State.

A former three-sport standout at Palma, the 6-3, 230-pound Finley earned all-state honors in his one season at Monterey Peninsula College.