ST. CHARLES -- The Lindenwood Lions football team picked up two local high school recruits for its 2008 recruiting class.

Allen Hemphill of the Charleston Bluejays, and Cory Rowe of the New Madrid County Central Eagles were two of 37 players named to the roster Wednesday for the Lions.

Hemphill was named third-team All-State for the Bluejays, and averaged 27.4 yards per catch was a wide receiver.

Rowe, a safety for the Eagles, racked up nine interceptions last season, and was named first-team All-State.

"We wanted to get down there and recruit the best guys," said Shawn Jackson, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Lindenwood University. "Hemphill and Rowe are both all-staters. I put the film in, and they're legit guys."

"There both good kids and have good grades," he added. "They're exactly what you want in football players. They're good team guys, and you couldn't ask for anything better than that."

Lindenwood finished 10-2 last season, where the Lions won the Heart of America Athletics Conference Championship. Lindenwood was put out in the first round of the NAIA Championship Series, and ranked ninth in the nation in the final national rankings.

"We have a shotgun, no huddle offense and a 3-4 defense," said Jackson. "Towards the end of the season, we ran out of depth. These guys will add to that right now. They're both top-notch, big-time players and we're fortunate to get them."

NMCC head coach Arlen Pixley said that the sky is the limit for Rowe.

"It means everything for him to sign with Lindenwood," said Pixley. "He's got an extremely good offer to, A, get a collegiate degree, and B, showcase his talents and skills at the collegiate level.

"Lindenwood has an extremely well-ran program," he added. "They're trying to bolster up their defense, particularly their pass defense. That's where Cory fits in. He'll make an immediate impact in their program."

Pixley added that it was a great day for NMCC, to put a kid in collegiate ranks, and that Lindenwood was getting a good athlete and a good student.

Charleston head coach Dan Kesselring also had nothing but praise for his all-stater.

"This will be a great opportunity for him to play at the next level," Kesselring said. "Anytime you get your education paid for, it's a great thing."

Kesselring went on to say that he didn't know much about the Lindenwood program, but that Jackson always had a good program while at Caruthersville.

"They'll be good if he keeps recruiting kids like Allen Hemphill," said Kesselring. "Being a first year player like Hemphill was (last season), and getting the notoriety that he had, I think it's a big deal."

Pixley and Kesselring both said that they wished their former players the best at the collegiate level.

Alongside Hemphill and Rowe, the Lions picked up Tyler Martin and Cody Randen, both of Jackson High School.