CHAMPAIGN — Davis Fraker, the 2010 New Balance Nationals champion in the shot put, highlights a group of 10 signees in Mike Turk’s first recruiting class for the Illinois men’s track and field team.

The Illini interim head coach announced the signings, which include 2010 News-Gazette Track and Field Athlete of the Year Brandon Noe of St. Thomas More, on Friday.

“There is blue-chip talent, with four guys ranked in the top five in their respective events nationally,” Turk said. “This class also bolsters a somewhat depleted field event crew, especially in the pole vault.”

Fraker, of Peachtree City, Ga., also was the New Balance runner-up in the discus and hammer throw. In 2009, he was a member of the U.S. World Youth Team.

Noe finished second in the discus and fourth in the shot put at the IHSA Class 1A state meet. In April, Noe recorded the second-best discus throw in state prep history: 203 feet, 7 inches.

The incoming class includes four 2010 prep state champions: Fraker in the shot put and discus; pole vaulter Matthew Bane of Rochester; high jumper James Davenport of Aurora Waubonsie Valley; and Jimmie Smith of Canton in the 200 meters.