by Mike Finnerty (mike.finnerty@surewestsports.com)
It was perhaps a day we might not see for quite some time in Elk Grove.
National Letter of Intent signing day on Wednesday brought 16 athletes to the performing arts center on the campus of Cosumnes Oaks High School, an event so big that it required a big stage to hold the dozes of players and their families.
Football players from Pleasant Grove, Cosumnes Oaks, Sheldon, and Elk Grove got together for one public event where fans, friends, and media could witness the signings and celebrate their accomplishments.
SureWest Sports was there for the event as we interviewed six of the signees and here are only some of what they had to tell us.
(Full, on-camera interviews will air throughout the month on the SureWest Sports Show)
Steven Moore, Elk Grove, 6'7", 265 lbs (offensive lineman) - Cal
Initial thoughts about signing with Cal - "I'm really excited. The education is one of the best in the world and Coach Michalczik he's been good to me, he's been recruiting me the whole time, it was a perfect situation. I went on my trip, fell in love with the school, and it was great.
When did you hear from Cal? - "They came on later in the season. They had my stats wrong on their book, they thought I was way smaller than I was. During my last trip, it was before Christmas, and I just fell in love with it and committed that week. Just loved it there."
Nate Iese, Sheldon, 6'5", 250 lbs (defensive lineman) - UCLA
Talk about the recruiting process for you - "When I first got the offer from them was really exciting. That's most excited I ever been for getting an offer. Coach Angus actually called me up and offered me. I told my parents. They've been the top every since then. Nebraska gave them a run for their money, but it ended up being them the whole way. Took my family out there and spent most of my time with my family and I really appreciate them giving me the offer.
What are UCLA's plans for you in terms of your position? - "They'll be playing me as a hybrid linebacker to able to rush the edge and also as a tight end when need me, so I will be able to play both sides of the ball, that will be fun."
How excited is your family? - "My family is really excited. My dad is really happy for me. I'm really thankful they have been with me through the whole process, so I want to give thanks to them and to God as well."
Marcus Rios, Cosumnes Oaks, 6'0" 175 lbs (cornerback) - UCLA
What did you like about UCLA? - "I was committed to Boise, during that period I took an official to UCLA and as soon as I stepped foot on the campus something was different. Just the experience, the coaches, and just everything about it. The atmosphere, the surrounding area, so I just new that UCLA was it for me.
What was the recruiting process like for you? - "The recruiting process was getting hectic. They were calling from all angles, even yesterday, Miami, Washington and all them were calling. The big advantage that UCLA has is I'll will be able to go their with my sister. That has been a dream of mine since we were little, to go to the same school, so for that opportunity to be there is just priceless."
Talk about Coach Gomes' role in getting you recruited - "His role was big. I remember freshman year he was telling me by the end of senior year I would have 20-30 offers, I didn't believe it at the time, but as the year came by he had pretty much all the top colleges in the west, and little in the north, stop by and saw me. Junior year is when I started to blow up when I got my first from Arizona State, which I knew he was actually right that this was happening. He's been a real good coach. The best coach I ever had. He never stops. He's just good as what he is doing."
Arik Armstead, Pleasant Grove, 6'7", 285 lbs (defensive lineman) - Oregon
What did you like about Oregon? - "I really fell in the love with the program. The honesty of the coaches, and the stability of the program."
What do you look forward to at Oregon? - "Just looking forward to getting up there to compete and earn some playing time, helping the team win, and putting a smile on the fan's faces."
How will it work with you playing football and basketball? - "Coach Altman loves me as a basketball player, he's said he's going to utilize me as much as I can, him and Coach Kelly are going to talk about who gets me at what time. I think it will work out good."
Your thoughts now that the recruiting process is over? - "Definitely relief. It's final. I'm happy with my decision and to get out there to Eugene."
DJ Dunn, Pleasant Grove, 6'3", 220 lbs (linebacker/tight end) - Air Force
Your thoughts as you look forward to Air Force - "At first you can't get a feel for the unknown, but more than that the excitement for the unknown and I think that's what I'm excited about for Air Force."
Your fondest moment in football? - "I think definitely the section championship last year, that was definitely as strong point. Spending time with Coach Cat, just listening to his coaching, one of the smartest guys around. Playing with my friends, it was just a good time, a good time.
What is next? When do you head to Air Force? - "You go there in the summer, and then you have a six to eight week basic training and then you start school. That's it. It's all downhill from there."
Desmond Lewis, Pleasant Grove, 6'0", 170 lbs (defensive back) - Air Force
What was it about Air Force that you liked? - "What really sold me is I talked to one of my friends, Dano Graves, who is up there. He was just talking about how when you are up there it makes you raise your standards as a person, it makes you want to be better, and just hearing that from him made me want to go there and be surrounded by people who are just as motivated as I am to be successful.
Fondest high school football memory? - "The section championship (2010). I'm never going to forget that. Bonding with my friends, my teammates like Arik, we're pretty much friends for life now. Me and DJ became friends with this, so I'm just excited to move on."
How excited is your family? - "My dad, look at him now, he's in an Air Force hat, shirt, and jacket, surprised he didn't have shoes on. My family is beyond proud. My dad, we've been working on this since I was little, just to get a scholarship, to get my school paid for, and that's what we did."
Josh Letuligasenoa, Elk Grove, 6'1", 220 lbs (linebacker) - Cal Poly
Besides the fact that your brother plays football there, why Cal Poly? - "I like the coaches there. They are more oriented around family and not just football. They are there to make sure we get our school work done and perform on the football field.
What does Cal Poly have in terms of plans for you on the field? - "They want me there for D-end, so they want me to come in and gaining 20-pounds after the wrestling season. Next year, if they change their defense, they are going to move me to outside linebacker."
Your thoughts as you signed the papers? - "I was thinking about all hard work that I put in, coaches pushing me, that got me to the point where I am today.
Your family is going to have Cal Poly green everywhere, right? - "We were just down their for my official visit this last weekend and they loaded up on Cal Poly and everything green that they could get."