FORT COLLINS — Colorado State’s recruiting class started to take a more first shape Monday with the announcement of three midyear signees, one from the high school ranks.

Griffin Hammer, out of St. Charles High School (Ill.), signed a financial aid agreement and will enroll in classes for the next semester. Offensive linemen Tyler Bjorklund, coming from College of the Canyons (Calif.), and Ben Knox from Independence Community College (Kans.) signed national letters of intent, the school announced.

This is the third year in a row the Rams have added a high school midyear, following Collin Hill a year ago, Colby Meeks the season before that.

Hammer, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound tight end, played in eight games this year, catching 24 passes for 424 yards with eight touchdowns.

Bjorklund, a 6-5, 290-pound tackle, was a two-year starter earning all-conference honors this season. He had an open mind on his official visit, but was sold immediately upon arrival.

“I know how good these coaches are and where they came from. I got a chance to meet some of the players, and they were good people as well,” Bjorklund said. “It was just the environment, the culture over there. It seemed like a family.”

Knox, at 6-6 and 310, plays tackle like Bjorklund. He has two years of eligibility remaining; Bjorklund has three to play two.

Getting players in early always helps, and Bobo said going after some junior college transfers allows the team to address some areas of need while hoping the returns are more immediate.

“I think it’s a huge advantage anytime you’re able to get kids in the midyear,” Bobo said. “It’s like a redshirt year for those guys to get them acclimated to school, get them acclimated to offseason workouts, get them acclimated to their coaches, get them acclimated to how we practice. I think it gives them a better chance to truly compete in the fall and have a chance to win a starting job.”

The signings come in addition to the financial aid agreement signed by Tennessee transfer Preston Williams, a wide receiver, in November.

— By Mike Brohard