Buena Park on the recruiters' maps

BUENA PARK – Anthony White hasn't been talking long before his cell phone rings. Another college coach is about to connect with the Buena Park football coach in the midst of a busy recruiting season.

"You know Buena Park, we're always there to help you," White, 30, tells the college coach.

Buena Park hasn't been known in recent years for having many recruits but that has changed under the second-year White.

Defensive tackle Josh Tupou (6-foot-4, 295) emerged a Pac-12 recruit and has committed to Colorado. Offensive guard Oscar Barron (6-3, 258) gained weight during the offseason and has committed to San Jose State.

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Wide receiver Kameron Taylor (6-2, 186) has offers from FCS members Idaho State and Weber State and is picking up interest from Cal Poly SLO and Northern Arizona.

And quarterback JJ Christy (6-2, 190) is receiving interest from the Ivy League, FCS Valparaiso and Division III power Mt. Union.

By one account, Tupou and Barron are set to become the first Buena Park players to sign with Division 1 programs in 18 years. Signing day is Feb. 1.

White believes several factors have contributed to the Coyotes' success. The four players, three of whom transferred from other schools, have worked hard in a program that demands commitment, leadership and accountability, he said.

But White also has been proactive in spotlighting his players to recruiters.

"The reason we have so many student-athletes this year is not because we just have better players this year," he said. "It's because our coaching staff works as hard as our kids."

One of White's first moves was starting a website, BPCoyotes.com, to showcase Buena Park's program and players. The site features a college prospects page that links to the players' video on hudl.com.

White also sent the Coyotes' prospect list to every Division 1-A, FCS, Division II and Division III program in the nation.

"This is the kind of stuff that companies charge (players) for but kids that come to Buena Park, they get this," White said. "Our job is to better lives."