Highlanders drawing lots of recruiting interest

La Habra football coach Frank Mazzotta thought his Highlanders were talented.

College recruiters apparently agree.

The CIF Southwest Division champions have two players committed to four-year-schools, and another three are being recruited.

The collection of recruits is staggering for Mazzotta. The veteran coach said he can't remember ever having multiple players in the same class sign with four-year schools.

"Crazy," Mazzotta said of this year's possibilities.

Over the weekend, All-County running back/wide receiver Ronnie Hillman (5-10, 175) visited Colorado State. Hillman is a soft commitment to San Diego State.

Quarterback Randall Nygren (6-3, 195) and defensive end Jake Peppard (6-3, 225) visited I-AA Southern Utah over the weekend.

Nygren also is attracting interest from a member of the Big 12 Conference. Mazzotta said "out of the blue," Iowa State on Thursday requested video of Nygren.

La Habra offensive lineman Willie Mayoral (6-1, 275) has been attracting interest from Humboldt State. Mayoral could take a recruiting trip to the Division II school this weekend.

Humboldt State already has a commitment from La Habra All-CIF linebacker Joe Casey (6-1, 225).

Humboldt State seems to be making a huge recruiting push in Orange County.

Over the weekend, the Lumberjacks played host to Orange Lutheran standout defensive lineman Kapono Asuega (6-0, 275) on a recruiting trip.

Humboldt State also is recruiting Tesoro All-County defensive back Brett Gudim (6-0, 180) and the Mission Viejo duo of fullback John Akiba (5-6, 215) and linebacker Kris Mueller (6-2, 210).

"I don't even remember hearing about them coming (around Orange County)," Mazzotta said.

Mission Viejo coach Bob Johnson is disappointed that uncommitted All-County receiver Kevin Chandler (6-0, 188) has not received more interest from recruiters.

"I think he can play in the Pac-10 … as an inside guy," Johnson said. "He's got a shot (at a scholarship). … We've still got another week."

Cal Poly SLO picked up a pair of commitments from Orange County over the weekend. San Clemente quarterback Duke deLancellotti (6-0, 175) and Servite All-County defensive back Bijon Samoodi (5-8, 170) visited the Division I-AA program and committed.

Samoodi picked Cal Poly SLO over Air Force. deLancellotti is the sixth county quarterback to commit to a four-year school.

The Mustangs also expressed interest last week in Gudim.

San Clemente's Evan Jacobsen (6-1, 245) recently finished first in a national snapping competition in Las Vegas. Over the weekend, the long snapper took an official recruiting trip to New Mexico and was offered a full scholarship.

On Tuesday, Oregon is schedule to watch Jacobsen snap at school, he said. The Ducks also are interested in San Clemente kicker Aaron Jones.

Jacobsen plans to visit Boise State this weekend.

SHORT ROUTES

All-County left tackle Evan Finkenberg (6-5, 255) of Tesoro, arguably the county's top remaining uncommitted recruit, visited Colorado over the weekend. … Tesoro wide receiver/cornerback Preston King (5-10, 175) also visited Colorado. Last week, King was offered a recruiting trip by Boise State and is picking up interest from Hawaii, he said. … Newport Harbor quarterback Andrew McDonald (6-2, 180) will visit Arizona this weekend, Sailors coach Jeff Brinkley said. Newport Harbor offensive lineman Scott Ward (6-7, 241) has committed to Columbia.

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com