Mission Viejo produces record class for signing day

Mission Viejo football coach Bob Johnson collects a picture each year of his seniors headed to the college game.

On Wednesday, the photographer might need to adjust the zoom to fit all of the recruits in the frame.

The veteran coach is set to break his Mission Viejo record for most college players in a senior class.

The Diablos are expected to have an Orange County-leading nine players either sign national letters of intent or formalize their commitments to four-year programs on national sugning day on Wednesday.

Johnson said he believes his previous high with the Diablos was eight from the signing day classes of 2005 and 2006.

“Our team was very good (this year),” said Johnson, who guided Mission Viejo to the South Coast League title and a berth in the Pac-5 Division semifinals.

“I’m really happy for all of them and their parents.”

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Notes: Huntington's Biegel overcomes injury to shine

Top 50 senior recruits in Orange County

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Mission Viejo’s memorable 2005 signing class included future New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (USC), defensive linemen Chase Moline (UCLA), Nick Reed (Oregon) and Ryan Williams (Ohio State) and offensive linemen Kevin Bemoll (Cal) and Gregg Peat (Oregon State).

Mission Viejo’s 2012 class doesn’t feature as many high-profile recruits but impresses with how many positions it covers and the diversity of the universities.

The Diablos have two Pac-12 recruits: running back Jahleel Pinner (USC) and offensive lineman Colby Cyburt (UCLA).

They also are sending offensive lineman Austin Maass to San Diego State and cornerback Anthony Pierce to Hawaii.

But Mission Viejo’s class has two players headed to Navy, including a special teams standout. Linebacker Ryan Harris and long-snapper Josh Antol are headed to academy and could eventually play in the Big East when the Midshipmen join in 2015.

The Diablos also have an Ivy League-recruit in wide out Austin Reuland (Yale) and along with FCS-bound offensive lineman Doug Hanson (Montana State) and defensive lineman Colin Dzubnar (Cal Poly SLO).

College recruiters have flocked to Mission Viejo before but Johnson prides himself on helping the players with the recruiting process.

Safety Doug Ruggles will visit Humboldt State this weekend and Johnson continues to work on placing quarterback Alex Bridgford – who nearly landed at Yale.

“This (year) was exceptional,” Johnson said.