Recruiting Insider: O.C. players set to sign (slide show)

Click on the photo to the right to launch the slideshow and find out where O.C.'s players are headed.

[UPDATE ON FEB. 4. GO TO THE OCVARSITY BLOG TO SEE LIVE SIGNING DAY UPDATES.]

With national signing day on Wednesday, Orange County appears to have assembled a strong football recruiting class.

Monday night, a Tesoro lineman committed to Navy (see below).

The county enters the week with 18 Division I-A recruits expected to sign national letter of intents on Wednesday. That total does not include Mater Dei quarterback Matt Barkley, who already is attending classes at USC.

"I think it was a good year (for Orange County)," said Greg Biggins, a West Coast recruiting expert for ESPNRISE.

"It was good in quarterbacks, obviously. … Good skills guys. (Alex) Mascarenas (of Mission Viejo) is very talented. He's probably one of the headliners. And good linemen on both sides."

Barkley is one of the county's five Division I-A quarterbacks.

He is the top-ranked recruit in the nation by ESPN, No. 2 by Scout and No. 5 by Rivals.

Orange County's tally could rise if any of its top three remaining recruits commit to Division I-A schools.

Wide receivers Preston King of Tesoro and Kevin Chandler of Mission Viejo visited San Diego State over the weekend, and Laguna Hills kicker/punter Richie Hogan visited Central Michigan two weeks ago.

Chandler said in a text message Sunday night the Aztecs are yet to offer him a scholarship but they expressed a strong interest in doing so.

The county's recruiting class does have one glaring weakness.

"You really didn't see that big-time, marquee running back," Biggins said.

But Orange County's outlook at running back should change next season. Juniors Anthony Wilkerson of Tustin and Josh Quezadaof La Habra already been offered by Stanford and Fresno State, respectively.

CABRAL TO NAVY

Tesoro first-team All-County offensive lineman Josh Cabral committed Monday night to the Naval Academy, he said in a text message.

The senior also is the footsteps of his mother, Susan, who graduated from the Naval Accademy.

HILLMAN RECOMMITS

The top running back recruit in the county this year is La Habra's Ronnie Hillman. The senior said he has re-committed to San Diego State.

Hillman was considered a soft commitment at one point in January. He took recruiting trips to Fresno State and Colorado State.

"I'm committed (to San Diego State)," Hillman said Friday. "I'll be signing with them."

Hillman said San Diego State strengthened its standing with him by retaining assistant LeCharls McDaniel.

Fresno State made a strong push toward Hillman, but the player said he didn't feel comfortable on his trip to the school.

Hillman also played receiver for La Habra but he said San Diego State recruited him as a running back.

The Aztecs have enjoyed a higher profile in the county this recruiting season under new coach Brady Hoke.

In addition to Hillman, they have commitments from Santa Margarita receiver Gavin Escobar and Orange Lutheran defensive back Gabe Lemon. King and Chandler are possibilities, too.

"I guess they got smart and decided to go after the kids that nobody wants (who) are good," Hillman said.

MORE 2010 STANDOUTS

San Clemente quarterback Chase Rettig (6-3, 200), a recent transfer from La Salle of Pasadena, is one of the county juniors Biggins likes.

"He's a potential Division I kid," Biggins said. "He'll definitely be good in San Clemente's offense. He's a pro-style guy who can move around a little bit. (He) throws it pretty good."

Mater Dei junior offensive lineman Chris Ward (6-6, 310) is already receiving heavy interest. UCLA, Cal, Stanford and Washington State have offered scholarships, and Washington and Notre Dame are among the interested, Monarchs coach Bruce Rollinson said.

"Notre Dame has him rated very high," Rollinson said.

Another junior to watch is Newport Harbor's Cecil Whiteside. USC, Cal and Notre Dame are expressing interest in the 6-foot-2 outside linebacker/defensive end, who has bulked up to 225 pounds since the end of the season, Sailors coach Jeff Brinkley said.

Overlooked Monarchs

Rollinson is surprised that Mater Dei seniors Jaron Hytche (5-9, 195), a running back, and defensive back Christian Maldonado (6-0, 175) have not received more interest from recruiters.

"I think colleges are missing out on two good players," the coach said. "It's beyond me how it's just gone dead. … (But) that's the recruiting game.'

Short routes

Santa Margarita quarterback Ryan World has committed to Western Carolina, giving Orange County seven quarterbacks who have committed to either Division I-A or Division I-AA/FCS programs. …

Tesoro wide out/defensive back Brett Gudim visited Air Force over the weekend. …

Nike is offering free combines April 11 at LA Southwest College and April 18 at Veterans Stadium, Biggins said. Both are set to begin at 9 a.m. Nike's elite camp will be April 19 at USC.

Trio commits, King and Chandler gaining

Three more Orange County football players have committed to four-year schools. Wide receivers Preston King and Kevin Chandler might not be far behind.
 
El Toro first-team All-County kicker Vince D'Amato (6-1, 190) committed Wednesday to Cal, said Brad Bohn, D'Amato's private coach with West Coast Kicking Academy.

Bohn considers D'Amato the best kicker in Southern California. This winter, the senior is a forward on El Toro's No. 1 ranked boys soccer team.

Second-team All-County linebacker Dylan Reda of San Clemente (6-3, 230) committed on Wednesday to Ohio and head coach Frank Solich, his father, Ken, said in an e-mail.

Segerstrom all-league wide out Nicalaus Powell-Calhoun (6-4, 210) has confirmed that he has committed to North Dakota State. Powell-Calhoun picked the Division I-AA Bison over North Dakota and Sacramento State.

Both Reda and Powell-Calhoun are excited about the possibility of early playing time.

Tesoro's King (5-10, 175) and Mission Viejo's Chandler (6-0, 185) will each visit San Diego State this weekend.

King said late Wednesday night in a text message that San Diego State is now his recruiting leader, followed by Colorado and USC.

San Diego State jumped to the top of the list Wednesday by offering King a full scholarship. He was considering a weekend trip to either San Jose State or Boise State.

Last weekend, King visited Colorado, which has offered him a preferred walk-on spot. USC also has offered a preferred walk-on spot.

Chandler said he has not been offered a scholarship by San Diego State but has worked out for the Aztecs.

"I'm really excited about it," he said of the upcoming trip.

Chandler also is staying in close contact with Utah.

TESORO LINEMAN TO ASU

Tesoro first-team All-County offensive lineman Evan Finkenberg said Monday he has committed to Arizona State.

Finkenberg, the Titans' 6-foot-5, 255-pound senior left tackle, said he picked the Sun Devils over Colorado, which he visited this past weekend. He also was recruited by Washington State, among others.

One of his key reasons for picking Arizona State was baseball. Finkenberg, a pitcher, also will play baseball at ASU. He will sign Feb. 4 as a football recruit.

In other football recruiting news, San Clemente long-snapper Evan Jacobsen (6-1, 245) committed to New Mexico on Monday, he said in a text message. Jacobsen is considered the No. 1 long snapper in the nation.

3 COMMIT TO CAL POLY SLO

Esperanza All-CIF center Geoff Hyde (6-2, 250) has committed to Cal Poly SLO, Aztecs assistant coach Bill Pendleton said in an e-mail.

He joins San Clemente quarterback Duke deLancellotti and Servite defensive back Bijon Samoodi as a pledge to the Division I-AA program, Aztecs assistant coach Bill Pendleton said in an email this morning morning.

5 ALL-COUNTY PLAYERS VISIT SCHOOLS

The weekend of Jan. 23-25 was a big recruiting weekend for five members of the first-team All-County football team.

Defensive player of the year Preston King  of Tesoro was scheduled to take an official recruiting trip to Colorado, though the Buffaloes have offered him a preferred walkon spot.

USC also has offered King a preferred walkon.

King's teammate, offensive lineman Josh Cabral, planned to visit UC Davis. Last weekend, Cabral took a trip to Cornell.

"I really like it," Cabral said of Cornell.

Laguna Hills punter Richie Hogan  headed to Central Michigan as a triple-threat recruit: kicker, punter and kickoff specialist.

Servite defensive back Bijon Samoodi visited Cal Poly SLO. Samoodi is coming off an intriguing recruiting trip to the Air Force Academy the previous weekend.

Samoodi's teammate, offensive lineman Zachary Burge, is took a trip to Montana State.

And while he doesn't have a trip set as of yet, Tesoro's first-teamer Brett Gudim picked up recruiting interest from newcomer Cal Poly SLO on Jan. 21.

EL DORADO QB COMMITS

El Dorado quarterback Kane Wilson and La Habra All-CIF linebacker Joe Casey  have committed to four-year schools.

Wilson (6-4, 205) has committed to Utah State, his mother, Lori, said in an e-mail.

Casey (6-1, 225), an All-Southwest Division selection, has committed to Humboldt State, Highlanders coach Frank Mazzotta said.

The first day seniors can sign a letter of intent with a university is Feb. 4.

TUSTIN'S ROBINSON TO UW

All-County defensive lineman Chris Robinson of Tustin made a change in his college destination over the weekend.

The new destination: Washington, where he will get a chance to play for the former USC coaches now running the program in Seattle.

The old destination: Nevada, which he had committed to earlier this month.

"I committed to Washington on Saturday when I was up there (on a recruiting trip)," Robinson (6-1, 270)  said Monday.

Robinson said new Washington defensive coordinator Nick Holt, formerly of USC, came after him.

"It actually took me by surprise," Robinson said.

To read more about about Robinson's decision, click here.

There's also an update (click here) on San Clemente receiver Graham Tenney, who is headed to the East Coast. 

The Register's Defensive Player of the Year Preston King (5-10, 175) has received his first offer.

The Tesoro senior wide receiver/cornerback said Sunday that San Jose State has offered him a scholarship. King also is picking up interest from Washington and Boise State.

In other recruiting news:

Mission Viejo defensive lineman Josh Steinert  (6-4, 270) has been offered by Utah, Diablos coach Bob Johnson said. …

Servite All-County defensive back Bijon Samoodi (5-8, 170) has been offered by Cal Poly SLO, his father, Lee, said in a text message. Samoodi is expected to visit the school this weekend. ...

San Clemente quarterback Duke deLancellotti  (6-0, 175) visited Cal Poly SLO this past weekend. ...

UCLA has picked up another Orange County lineman. Capistrano Valley offensive lineman Ryan Shott  (6-6, 265), who also plays basketball, has committed to the Bruins as a preferred walk-on. …

National champion Florida has asked for film on San Clemente touted long-snapper Evan Jacobsen  (6-1, 245). Jacobsen is visiting New Mexico this weekend. …

Esperanza All-County defensive lineman Sean Avila  (6-2, 260) is receiving regular contact from Boise State. Avila and fellow All-County teammate Aaron Garbutt  (Westminster) could be signed late because of academic requirements. Garbutt (6-1, 197) took the SAT in early January.

Segerstrom's Powell-Calhoun 'engineering' choice

Segerstrom senior Nicalaus Powell-Calhoun  proudly states that he was born and raised in Santa Ana.

However, his hometown loyalties, do have limits, which explain his whereabouts over the weekend.

The all-league wide receiver took a football recruiting trip to North Dakota State.

"It has one of the top engineering programs in the nation," he said in a phone interview during his visit. "It (the school's location) is not a deterrent at all. … I want to major in mechanical engineering or civil engineering."

For this recruit, education really does come first.

He was quick to say that he wants to earn a degree that will garner him respect in the workplace.

Powell-Calhoun also has taken a recruiting trip to the University of North Dakota, another strong engineering school, and this coming weekend, he heads to Sacramento State.

All three have offered the 6-foot-4, 205-pounder a full scholarship. Cal Poly SLO, Delaware, Richmond and San Diego State also have shown interest in Powell-Calhoun, Segerstrom's first Division I football recruit.

As for North Dakota, he has enjoyed the state.

"The university community has kind of a small town feel to it," he said. "Most of all, the people are really nice. They'll open their door to you if you need it."

MEMORABLE TRIP

Terrence Brown  won't soon forget his recruiting trip to Stanford two weekends ago.

Early on his visit, Orange Lutheran's All-County defensive back learned from Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh that he had been accepted to the university. Before the trip was over, the senior had committed to the Pac-10 school as a cornerback.

"My mom (Christinia) told me that when I was younger, I always wanted to go to Stanford," Brown said. "It's probably the best institution in the nation. It's really exciting."

Brown (6-0, 170) picked Stanford over Oregon. Stanford was the first school to offer Brown a scholarship, and in the end, he remembered that.

Brown carries a grade-point average close to 3.8 and takes AP literature and government.

MISSION VIEJO WR CONSIDERING SCHOOLS

Mission Viejo All-County wide out Kevin Chandler  (6-0, 185) remains one of the county's more intriguing uncommitted football recruits. He is a smart route runner and has excellent hands.

The senior is receiving solid interest from Utah State, which recently received a commitment from El Dorado QB Kane Wilson. A Wilson-to-Chandler connection sounds good.
Chandler also has been told by the University of San Diego that he is the Toreros' No. 1 receiver prospect.

But a member of the Big-12 conference has recently entered the picture.
Chandler said Thursday night that Kansas State has requested a highlight tape and school transcripts.

Interestingly, Kansas State has a new offensive coordinator in Andy Ludwig, who comes from the Utah Utes. Utah has recruited Chandler in the past.

Sure, K-State might sound like a small lead but that's the recruiting game. For some recruits, they really have to go through the entire process to land a scholarship. They're the ones who hope the small lead turn into a big opportunity.

"I want to play Division I," Chandler said.

TESORO QB DOWN TO TWO
Tesoro quarterback Robbie Picazo  appears to have narrowed his picks between Princeton and Stanford.

Speaking of quarterbacks, the South Coast League's class of QBs was impressive and the trend is continuing in recruiting.

San Clemente's Duke delancellotti  (6-0, 175) were scheduled to take a recruiting trip to Cal Poly SLO, his father Mark said.

delancellotti also is receiving interest from Ohio, Tulane, Eastern Michigan and Southern Utah.

Mission Viejo's Allan Bridgford  has committed to Cal and Dana Hills' Sean Schroeder  to Duke.

FINKENBERG'S STOCK SOARING

The first-team All-County offensive lineman from Tesoro will make his second Pac-10 recruiting this weekend when he visits Arizona State.

Evan Finkenberg, a 6-foot-5, 255-pound senior, visited Washington State late in the season and has been offered a scholarship by the Cougars.

But in recent weeks, the left tackle recruit also has attracted interest from the Sun Devils and Colorado among others.

Even Southeastern Conference member Tennessee recently visited Finkenberg and fellow lineman Josh Cabral  at Tesoro.

Finkenberg made a radical change a few weeks before Tesoro's first football game of 2008 when he moved from tight end/slot receiver to starting left tackle.

The Titans were dealing with illness and depth concerns along their offensive front at the time. Finkenberg had no experience as a lineman but became a big part of the solution.

He developed into an All-County performer who protected quarterback Robbie Picazo's blindside and helped the Titans reach the Pac-5 Division final.

Finkenberg also saw his recruiting stock soar.

Finkenberg played receiver or tight end during his first three seasons at Tesoro. During the summer, he thought his senior season was going to be full of mismatches and passes from Picazo.

"At first, I didn't want to (play left tackle) because I always liked catching passes," he said. "But once I starting do it, I liked it a lot because I like that one-on-one battle with the guy in front of you.

"I want to pancake the guy and beat the guy up the whole game."

Finkenberg also learned that some of his skills from being a receiver and tight end were luxury items for an offensive lineman.

"They (colleges) like my feet a lot because I'm really quick and I can move around really fast," he said.

Finkenberg took his official recruiting trip to Washington State in late November and enjoyed his visit, which included attending the Washington State-Washington game.

But he also is considering playing baseball in college. Finkenberg is a right-hander pitcher with a fastball than reaches into the low 90s. He recently attended a USC baseball camp.

"I'll pretty much have to make a decision to play football or baseball by Feb. 4 (football signing day)," he said.

But no matter what sport he picks, Finkenberg is certain about his position change in football.

"Left tackle has been a really good move for me," he said. "I love it a lot now."

TITAN TIDBITS

Picazo said he is interested in Princeton. The Register's offensive player of the year has taken an official visit to the Ivy League school and met one-on-one with Coach Roger Hughes. "The Princeton trip went really well," said Picazo's father, Bob. The senior also is considering a preferred walk-on at Stanford. …

All-County offensive lineman Josh Cabral (6-3, 300) has received an appointment to the Naval Academy but remains undecided. He has been offered a scholarship by Nevada but is considering other options, including UC Davis and the Ivy League. …

Register defensive player of the year Preston King (5-10, 175) is planning a recruiting trip to San Jose State but has not set a date. He also has been in contact with Boise State.

ABELE PAC-10 BOUND

Irvine All-County lineman Nik Abele  (6-7, 260) has committed to UCLA. The senior said that staying close to home was a big reason why he picked the Bruins over Colorado and Utah.

"Family and friends can watch," he wrote. "I felt good there."

A two-way star for Irvine, Abele said he is interested trying defensive end and offensive tackle at UCLA.

The Bruins also have commitments from Mission Viejo senior wide receiver/defensive back Alex Mascarenas (5-11, 185) and Los Alamitos junior wide receiver Paul Richardson (6-1, 165).

Last season, UCLA signed Troy's Derrick Coleman, Mission Viejo's Jeff Baca and Edison's Nick Crissman.

In other Pac-10 recruiting news, Orange Lutheran All-County defensive back Terrence Brown (6-0, 175) committed to Stanford on Sunday, Lancers coach Jim Kunau said. Brown visited Stanford over the weekend and had earlier taken a trip to Oregon.

OLu'S BROWN TO STANFORD

All-County defensive back Terrence Brown of Orange Lutheran has committed to Stanford, Lancers coach Jim Kunau said.

The senior visited Palo Alto over the weekend and had earlier taken a trip to Oregon.

I believe this is another great get for Stanford, which has put together an excellent class. Why?

Brown (6-0, 170) not only has very good size, speed and coverage skills, he is versatile. He played mostly safety for the Lancers this past season, and he played corner as a junior.

It also appears that Brown is the first DB recruit Stanford has for 2009.

For those scoring at home, Brown joins Lancers commits Scotty Williams (WR, Army) and Gabe Lemon (CB, San Diego State) to give Orange Lutheran the most Division I-A commits in the county so far.

HILLMAN IN DEMAND

La Habra All-County running back/wide receiver Ronnie Hillman (5-10, 175) recently took a recruiting trip to Fresno State.

The senior committed to San Diego State during the summer but began exploring his options after the Aztecs' coaching change.

On Thursday, the recruiting race heated up as San Diego State and Fresno State each visited Hillman on campus, Highlanders coach Frank Mazzotta said.

San Diego State sent two coaches, including new head coach Brady Hoke, to meet with Hillman.

Hillman was scheduled to also visit Colorado State and San Diego State. He considers himself a "soft" commitment to the Aztecs.

TRIP CALENDAR

San Clemente All-County linebacker Dylan Reda took a recruiting trip to Ohio. … Servite All-County defensive back Bijon Samoodi traveled to Air Force. Samoodi has been accepted by the school's prep academy. The senior cancelled a trip to SMU. … La Habra linebacker Joe Casey (6-1, 225) recently visited Humboldt State.

Orange Lutheran cornerback/wide receiver Gabe Lemon (5-10, 175) has committed to San Diego State, Lancers coach Jim Kunau said today.

Lemon was recruited to play cornerback, Kunau said. For first-year coach Brady Hoke and a rebuilding Aztecs program, Lemon is an excellent commitment.

He was first-team All-County as a junior at Trabuco Hills. He didn't have the star-studded senior season but he's a playmaker with great instincts and very good speed.

Lemon also was a big reason why Orange Lutheran's defense was so good in ‘08.

TUSTIN'S ROBINSON COMMITS TO NEVADA

Tustin All-County defensive lineman Chris Robinson (6-1, 270) has committed to Nevada, he said. Robinson is scheduled to have a home visit tonight with respected Nevada defensive line coach Jim House.

Robinson was receiving interest from Arizona State but was not the Sun Devils' top pick, so the senior defensive tackle/nose guard decided not to wait and picked a school that he had an excellent feeling about.

Nevada got a very good player who could help as a freshman.

RSM'S ESCOBAR COMMITS TO SD STATE

Santa Margarita wide receiver Gavin Escobar (6-6, 210) has committed to San Diego State, Eagles coach Mike Jacot confirmed.

Escobar has great size and impressed with a strong game against St. Bonaventure this past season. Escobar had seven receptions for 130 yards against St. Bonaventure, the eventual state Division III champion.

Escobar finished the season with 37 receptions for 492 yards and six touchdowns.

Tesoro's Preston King (5'-10", 175), The Register's 2008 Defensive player of the Year, said SMU and San Jose State have offered him trips.

The cornerback/wide receiver also has been offered preferred walk-on status at USC and Colorado.

"USC is definitely my top choice right now," King said.

Tom Luginbill, ESPN's national recruiting director, hasn't put much stock in the rumors of Matt Barkley backing off his commitment to USC.

"I'd be surprised if that happened with Matt Barkley," Luginbill said of the Mater Dei quarterback during a teleconference for Sunday's Under Armour All-America High School Football Game in Florida. "He's been a 'SC guy from Day One. This is a very, very early commitment."

As for Barkley's senior season, Luginbill said, "Did he have a down year? Yes. … But he also didn't have anywhere near as much help as he's had in the past."

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com