Who’s going where? 15 Sacramento-area football stars sign early letters of intent
Dreams came true and hard work paid off for countless high school football players Wednesday.
Documents were signed, sealed and delivered. Proud friends, coaches and family members crowded around their student athlete on national early football signing day.
In Del Paso Heights, Grant’s nationally known drumline performed before the signing in the school auditorium. It created a loud and festive atmosphere that was felt by the athletes signing.
“The one special thing about Grant is that we always support each other,” said Carl Reed, Grant’s athletic director and assistant football coach. “We are always going to make this a big event for our athletes. This is a major accomplishment, so they deserve to have the drumline and friends here.”
National lineman recruit Omarr Norman-Lott signed with Arizona State over other Power Five schools. Arizona State defensive line coach Jamar Cain, a Sacramento native, is Norman-Lott’s uncle. That played a major factor in him signing with the Sun Devils.
“Family is going to push you harder than anybody,” Norman-Lott said. “(My family support) makes me want to become a monster. I’m ready for the challenge.”
Norman-Lott took his official visit to Arizona State in October with Folsom national recruits Daniyel Ngata and Elijah Badger, who plan to sign in early January.
When asked if he would put on his recruiting cap to get them to Tempe with him? “Stay tuned on that.”
Grant two-way lineman Isaiah Tupou signed with BYU. He will serve on a Latter-day Saints mission this summer and enroll at BYU in two years. Tupou fielded offers from other schools, but BYU has been his dream school since he started playing football at age 5.
“Since Day 1, I always wanted to go to BYU,” Tupou said. “I told my coaches from a young age I wanted that. I knew if I got an offer from BYU, it would be a done deal.”
Jordan Davis also signed from Grant. She did the kicking duties for the Pacers this year and was the first female football player in program history to score a point. She will play soccer at Army next year.
“That is something special,” Reed said of Davis signing to West Point. “Playing football will prepare her for military-type life. Having a young lady from Grant going to West Point is amazing.”
Regional powerhouse Folsom saw a handful of athletes sign and more will be signing in the coming weeks.
Those who signed Wednesday were versatile athlete Cameron Broussard, receiver C.J. Hutton and linebacker Davion Blackwell.
Blackwell announced his commitment to play for the University of Nevada with silver and navy balloons. His brother helped him with the decision.
“A had this planned for a few days,” Blackwell said on his announcement. “I wanted my brother and family to be a part of this. I love Nevada and can’t wait to get there.”
Mitchell Dixon, the gunslinger for Rio Americano, will join Hutton at UC Davis. Hutton will play football and baseball for the Aggies – a tough feat to accomplish.
“I can’t wait.” Hutton said. “I’ve always played multiple sports. I think everyone should play multiple sports because it helps you become a better athlete.”
Broussard also announced his commitment with balloons. He will join Rio Linda’s Cameron Skattebo at Sacramento State.
Folsom coach Paul Doherty was proud to see his athletes sign.
“I want to celebrate big time when they graduate,” Doherty said. “I am so proud of them. Going to school and continuing their education is a big deal.”
Bear River’s do-it-all athlete Tredan Maronic made program history. He is one of the few players in school history to sign a Division l scholarship right out of high school. The last to do so was linebacker Matt Logue in 2002 to Sacramento State, where he set tackling records. It’s been a good week for Maronic: he celebrated his 18th birthday Tuesday and signed Wednesday morning.
“Great coaches and great teammates made it possible,” Maronic said. “The only thing I want for my birthday is the new playbook. I just love the game and this is another step to prove myself again and work for the next level. I’m never satisfied. Other opportunities were right there but this is the best position and place for me, so no need to wait. Sign, then the real work starts.”
Sacramento-area football players who signed Wednesday
Davion Blackwell, LB, Folsom, Nevada
Michael Briscoe, WR/DB, Vacaville, Cal Poly
Cameron Broussard, ATH, Folsom, Sacramento State
Kyle Christensen, OL, Placer, Cal Poly
Mitchell Dixon, QB, Rio Americano, UC Davis
Kevin Good, OL, Whitney, Montana
C.J. Hutton, WR, Folsom, UC Davis
Gerad Lichtenhan, OL, Davis, Colorado
Grady Manley, DL, Lincoln, San Jose State
Tredan Maronic, ATH, Bear River, Western Illinois
Omarr Norman-Lott, DL, Grant, Arizona State
Cameron Skattebo, RB, Rio Linda, Sacramento State
Tommy Spencer, TE, Roseville, Oregon State
Isaiah Tupou, OL, Grant, BYU
Jermey Villalobos, QB/DB, Vacaville, Drake
Did we miss you? Update us at csalerno@sacbee.com or jdavidson@sacbee.com.
This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 2:40 PM.