Playmakers who can compete right away were a priority for Sacramento State and UC Davis on Wednesday's national letter-of-intent signing day.

"We're very excited about the running back class," Sac State coach Marshall Sperbeck said of his 22 signees that included four running backs, three wide receivers and four defensive linemen. "I thought we did a really nice job with that group. We did a really nice job of filling needs at defensive line with athletes that are long and rangy."

At UC Davis, coach Bob Biggs signed 13 players, including three wide receivers, three defensive backs and two linebackers.

"I like the group that we've brought in from the last couple of years, but we needed playmakers and deep threats," Biggs said.

Sperbeck said Fresno State junior transfer A.J. Ellis and Elk Grove High's Deon Ransom can compete for running back spots immediately. And he spoke highly of wide receivers Kyi Thomas of Sheldon, Kyle Roberts of Seal Beach and Austin Dotson of Carson.

"Kyi Thomas is a very special athlete; he really has a chance to develop," Sperbeck said. "Kyle Roberts is big and can run well, and Austin Dotson can step in and play."

Sac State signed four players with area ties: offensive lineman Jessie Brown (Monterey Trail/American River College), Nevada transfer quarterback Mason Magleby (Del Oro), Ransom and Thomas.

Sperbeck said he expects Magleby, who also was recruited by Sac State when he was at Del Oro, to compete with Garrett Safron for the starting job.

"He chose to go to Nevada and it was nice to get him as a bounce-back, so that gives us two quarterbacks (signee Nolan Sorensen of Clovis) along with Safron," Sperbeck said.

Both Sac State and UC Davis were believed to have coveted Vanden High quarterback Benjamin Scott, who signed with the Aggies, but Sperbeck said rumors of Sac State's interest weren't true.

Biggs said he had Scott on his radar for more than a year.

"I think this guy is kind of special, I really do," Biggs said. "He jumped out at me, especially his ability to get the ball out quickly and accurately from any position. He's got a strong, whippy arm. I'm just happy he stayed with us throughout the recruiting process."

Biggs, preparing for his 20th and final season as UC Davis head coach, also praised wide receivers Ramon Vargas and Luke Williams, linebackers Russell Reeder and Brady Stibi and cornerback Patrick Wells.

Pleasant Grove kicker Marcus White is the only Aggies signee with local ties. He will compete for the starting spot, and he also might punt in the future.

White led the nation with 97 touchbacks and averaged 41.7 yards per punt.

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