Nov. 19, 2007

Stanford, Calif. - Stanford men's volleyball announced its five man recruiting class for the class of 2012 on Monday by head coach John Kosty, which included three players that are arguably the highest rated players in their positions for the senior class. The class included Brad Lawson, Austin Gus Ellis, Erik Shoji, Dylan Kordic, and Evan Barry.

"This is a great recruiting class that brings exactly what we need to continually improve in our league," said Kosty. "This class gives us the ability to be among the best in the country."

Three of the recruits started on the USA Boy's Youth National team that competed in the FIVB World Championships in Mexico during the month of August. That team went on to upset world power and championship runner-up, China during the tournament.

One of the most highly sought after athletes in this year's class, Brad Lawson has been a key member of the USA Boy's Youth National team for the past two years. A 6-6 outside hitter, Lawson is considered by many to be the top recruit in the nation and certainly the top outside hitter. Lawson is one of the most skilled and physical players in the country. He will bring great athleticism and great instincts and can carry a large offensive load. Lawson competed for the Ourigger Volleyball Club.

Austin Gus Ellis of Corona Del Mar, Calif. also started for the USA Boys Youth National team and is arguably the top middle-blocker prospect in the class. He is a physically strong and energetic player and will provide good offense and block to the Cardinal. At Corona Del Mar High School he led his team to the 2007 CIF Division II Championship and was named to the Pacific Coast League First Team. Ellis competed for the Balboa Bay Volleyball Club.

Erik Shoji of Honolulu, HI had an impressive run in the world of international volleyball. He was the starting libero for the 2006 and 2007 USA Boy's National Team and was easily the best defensive prospect out of this year's class. He earned the top honors at the 2007 FIVB World Championships as he was awarded the honor of "Best Digger" and "Best Libero" of the tournament, the first time a USA player has ever earned such a recognition. Shoji also competed for the Outrigger Volleyball Club. He will join his older brother Kawika, who is a sophomore on the team. Shoji's sister Cobey is also the Director of Women's Volleyball Operations at Stanford.

Dylan Kordic of Manhattan Beach, Calif is a 6-4 opposite hitter/outside hitter that is one of the most complete players in the country. Kordic led his Mira Costa High School team to a runner up finish in the CIF Southern Section Division I Championships. He was named All-Bay League and All-CIF, while finishing with 239 kills and a .530 hitting percentage. This past summer, he earned All-Tournament honors in the 17 Open division of the US Junior National Championships while helping his team to finish third.

Evan Barry joins the Cardinal out of San Diego, Calif and Torry Pines High School. He was the team MVP last season and was All-CIF First Team. He was also All-Palomar League First Team in 2007. Barry was also named a 2007 USA Volleyball Junior Beach Championship finalist as well as a 2006 and 2007 San Diego Union-Tribune Scholar Athlete.

The Cardinal begin their season January 4th in the UCSB/Elephant Bar Tournament in Santa Barbara, Calif.