Off to college: Tracking Sacramento-area prep football players signing scholarship deals
This week, scores of high school seniors across the country will put pen to paper for life-altering college football commitments.
Wednesday is the early National Signing Day for student-athletes to sign binding letters of intent with Division I programs for full scholarship packages. At least 18 players in the Sacramento region will ink deals, some doing so on campus and others at home.
This is not the only day players can sign, just the first day. This signing period ends Friday with another set for Feb. 7 though April 1.
Four-year programs traditionally offer up to 25 scholarships a year, so these are not easy to get. Fewer than 2% of high school student-athletes sign full scholarship deals with any college program.
The Grant Pacers lead the way with three players headed to four-year programs in running backs Devin Green (UNLV) and Wayshawn Parker (Washington State) and receiver/defensive back Kingston Lopa (Oregon).
Here’s a closer look at the local haul:
Auckland Asiata
Sutter | defensive line | 6-foot-3 | 250 pounds
School: Fresno State
Comment: Doesn’t matter the size of the school, but rather the size of the guy and his heart; an anchor for a small-school powerhouse.
Frank Cusano
Granite Bay | LB | 6-3 | 220
School: Washington State
Comment: His father, Dave, was a Bee All-Decade defender from Folsom who started at Oregon; the kid may be even better.
Ethan Dasmann
Oak Ridge | OL | 6-5 | 290
School: Fresno State
Comment: A load in the trenches, Dasmann doesn’t get pushed around; Fresno State went 9-4.
Brody Fortunati
Vacaville | QB | 6-3 | 190
School: Air Force
Comment: The Air Force Academy has signed a lot of regional prospects over the decades, and here’s a rare QB find.
Devin Green
Grant | RB | 5-11 | 205
School: UNLV
Comment: In just seven games, Green rushed for 613 yards and 14 touchdowns, using power or speed; UNLV went 9-4.
AJ Hasson
Davis | OL | 6-5 | 285
School: Washington State
Comment: Versatile, strong and a tremendous student, Hasson brings to mind another Davis Blue Devils star who sparkled at WSU in Paul Wulff, the Cal Poly coach.
Matt Long
Vista del Lago | WR | 5-11 | 190
School: Air Force
Comment: Relentless competitor, great hands, strong and determined, Long is perhaps Vista’s greatest player.
Kingston Lopa
Grant | WR/S | 6-5 | 190
School: Oregon
Comment: Tall enough and skilled enough to snatch touchdown passes and quick enough to return interceptions for scores.
Brandon Nazworth
Vista del Lago | OL | 6-4 | 270
School: Air Force
Comment: The Capital Athletic League Lineman of the Year was equally adept at pass blocking as he was in the run game.
Mohammed Othman
Pleasant Grove | LT | 6-6 | 270
School: San Jose State
Comment: The upside is as grand as his length and frame, and Big Mo still has lots of growth to experience.
Cole Owens
Casa Roble | WR | 6-0 | 180
School: UC Davis
Comment: As great of a player in the 58-year history of the school, Owens says little off the field but plays loudly on it.
Wayshawn Parker
Grant | RB | 6-0 | 185
School: Washington State
Comment: In 12 games, Parker ran with fury and burst to amass 1,907 yards and 24 touchdowns for a team that reached a CIF state final.
Tommy Poe
Del Oro | WR/TE | 6-4 | 200
School: Sacramento State
Comment: Comes from a storied program so is used to work ethic and expectations; can play receiver and may bulk up to play tight end.
Brian Ray III
Folsom | WR | 6-0 | 200
School: Army
Comment: He emerged in the playoffs as a junior and never slowed down in helping power the Bulldogs to a CIF state championship.
Phoenix Rose
Whitney | CB | 6-0 | 170
School: Sacramento State
Comment: A four-year starter with coverage skills and speed, Rose is the latest area prep to head to the FCS-powerhouse Hornets.
Noa Siaosi
Vacaville | DL | 6-3 | 240
School: San Jose State
Comment: There is always a need for an end rusher in the pass-happy world of college football, and Siaosi can get after quarterbacks.
Baron Taylor
Inderkum | DB | 6-0 | 170
School: Southern Utah
Comment: A ball hawk who had nine interceptions for an 11-win this this season, Taylor figures to step right in and help the Thunderbirds.
Mason Vicari
Christian Brothers | OL | 6-3 | 265
School: UNLV
Comment: Strong, versatile, a leader and an athlete who can rumble 50 yards with the ball in a pinch.
▪ Who’d we miss? Email to jdavidson@sacbee.com.
This story was originally published December 19, 2023 at 10:04 AM.