The University of Idaho football program added its first three recruits for the 2012 season with the signings of receiver Najee Lovett, offensive lineman Nick Von Rotz and running back James Baker.

“We’re really excited to add these three guys to the program,” coach Robb Akey said. “They’ll be here for this semester and on the field for spring practice. I expect these guys to help us right away.”

Lovett (5-9, 170) comes to Idaho from Contra Costa College and is a graduate of St. Mary’s High School at Berkeley, Calif. He led Contra Costa in receiving as a sophomore with 34 receptions for 468 yards. As a freshman, he pulled in 39 passes for 616 yards.

“Lovett is a play-making receiver,” Akey said, “where obviously we have some room for some help.”

Baker (6-2, 225) spent two seasons at Independence (Kan.) Community College and is a native of Deerfield Beach, Fla., and a graduate of Boca Raton High School. As a sophomore, he had 118 carries for 611 yards, which includes his final three games of 116, 123 and 119. As a freshman, he had 160 carries for 547 yards.

“Baker is a power-type running back who will make a nice addition to our running game,” Akey said.

Von Rotz (6-5, 270) spent his junior college years at Butte College after graduating from Chico (Calif.) High School. Butte was 10-1 in 2011 and won the Graffiti Bowl after averaging 457.5 yards total offense (243.6 passing, 213.8 rushing) and 43.1 points per game. During his freshman season, Butte was 9-2 and won the ASBG Bowl.

“Von Rotz is a big guy who we can get in here now to learn our techniques and schemes in spring ball,” Akey said. “He should add some competition to our offensive line.”