Local preps ink letters to receive scholarships (2024)

After a coaching change at Oregon, four-star Lincoln defensive back Jahlil Florence and four-star St. Augustine defensive end Gracen Halton pulled back on their college football commitments.

After a broken ankle early in the season’s fifth game, high-rising Mission Hills quarterback Gunnar Hensley had a tough time finding a college that wanted him.

All three landed on their feet Wednesday.

Florence was courted by the likes of USC and Michigan, but chose to sign with his first choice — Oregon.

After a vigorous re-recruitment, Halton narrowed his choices to Oregon, Oklahoma and Miami, finally settling on the Sooners.

“From the moment I de-committed from Oregon, I had a clue I was headed to Oklahoma,” Halton said.

“I had the same feeling at Oklahoma as I had at Oregon before Oregon changed coaches (with Mario Cristobal leaving for Miami).

“When I ran on the field at Oklahoma and stood at midfield on the OU logo, I knew it was my home field.”

New Oklahoma coach Brett Venables was the defensive coordinator at Clemson. And Halton said he connected with defensive line coach Todd Bates.

“I had a wonderful four-year experience at St. Augustine,” said Halton. “I got the same feeling of brotherhood at Oklahoma that I have at Saints.

“And I love playing for a defensive-minded head coach.”

Halton said he plans to play right away, forgoing a redshirt year.

Florence de-committed after former Oregon coach Cristobal left.

“I wanted to sit back and see who the head coach would be,” said Florence.

New Oregon head coach Dan Lanning flew to San Diego to nail down his commitment to the Ducks.

“I knew I’d always be back at Oregon,” said Florence. “I wasn’t considering other schools but wanted to keep my options open just in case.”

Florence is headed to Eugene with teammate and fellow cornerback Jalil Tucker. The two know they’ll be competing against each other for playing time.

“We compete every day in practice,” said Tucker. “It’s what we do. It’s not a problem. It’s part of football.”

Hensley’s stock was on the rise, but when he broke his ankle in a game against Carlsbad, he didn’t know what the future held.

“I had my doubts, especially when I heard the bone crack that night,” said Hensley, a strong-armed, 6-foot-3, three-star prospect.

“Immediately after surgery, the doctors told me it would be a nine-, 12-month recovery.

“I had been talking to several colleges, but after surgery, the recruiters stopped calling.

“There wasn’t much interest.”

That opened the door for the non-Division I schools and Augustana, an NCAA Division III college in Sioux Falls, S.D., swooped in.

“I had some other opportunities, but Augustana felt the best for me,” Hensley said. “When I visited, I felt a connection to the coaching staff.

“It has been a winding road, but I’m excited for this opportunity, and it wouldn’t have happened without my parents, coaches and teammates.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back there and competing for a spot.”

Army connection

Army, which has great success recruiting San Diego, landed a trio of locals — Oceanside offensive lineman Jonah Zimmerman, Cathedral Catholic linebacker Tanoai Letuli and Poway kicker James Wagonseller.

Zimmerman and Letuli were both first-team All-CIF selections.

USD scores big

The Toreros scored big, getting Scripps Ranch receiver Conor Lawlor along with Scripps Ranch running back Jalen Shaw, Helix athlete Xavier Van and Rancho Bernardo linebacker Antonio Barcelos.

A first-team All-CIF selection, Lawlor led the county in receiving with 88 catches for 1,771 yards and 25 TDs.

Shaw was injured on and off during the season, but is explosive when healthy.

Van can help as a receiver or deep defender.

Keels to the champs

Orange Glen receiver Malachi Keels signed with Mountain West conference champion Utah State.

The 6-2, 185-pound Keels caught 55 passes for 1,005 yards and 12 TDs at OG.

“Utah State is perfect for me,” Keels said. “We ran a spread offense at OG, and Utah State runs the exact same thing.

“I need to thank my family for helping me get here, but also coach Tido Smith.

“He knew I had talent, but I was struggling with my grades early on. He got me on the right path, and here I am.”

Lincoln sends out 8

Florence and Tucker were two of eight Hornets who announced their signings at a ceremony inside the school theater.

Among the other Hornets signing national letters of intent was early signee WR Nate Acevedo (Fresno State). Signing Wednesday were: OL Kendall Williams (Washington State), WR/DB Demarion Smith (Black Hills State), OT Elmo Barnes (Black Hills State), LB Marquis Lewis (Concordia University Wisconsin) and LB Khalil Key (Culver-Stockton College).

Lincoln head coach David Dunn choked up when congratulating the athletes and their families.

“People don’t think this is supposed to happen in our school and our community,” he said. “This shows we can get it done at home. The loyalty you guys have shown, the dedication, it just means the world to us as a coaching staff.

“All of you are like sons and nephews to us. We want nothing but success for all of you. We’re doing it the right way, and we’re doing it at home.”

Dunn called the eight players earning scholarships “magnets,” drawing college coaches to the school. He said of the 11 seniors on next year’s team, seven have received scholarship offers.

Norcross is a freelance writer.

Wednesday’s San Diego County signees

Football

Name, Pos., High School: College

Gracen Halton, DE, St. Augustine: Oklahoma

Jahlil Florence, DB, Lincoln: Oregon

Malachi Keels, WR, Orange Glen: Utah State

Zoom Esplin, OL, La Costa Canyon: BYU

Nathaniel Gillis, Ath., Steele Canyon: BYU

Xavier Van, WR-DB, Helix: USD

James Johnson, WR-DB, Helix: Benedictine

Dylan Butler, OL-DL, Helix: Benedictine

James Wagonseller, PK, Poway: Army

Jonah Zimmerman, OL, Oceanside: Army

Omar Hammond, WR-DB, Patrick Henry: Portland State

Armando Rodriguez, TE, Otay Ranch: Ottawa U. of Arizona

Antonio Barcelos, MLB, Rancho Bernardo: USD

EARLY SIGNEES

Football

Name, Pos., High School, College

Jackson Stratton, QB, La Jolla: Colorado State

Jaxson Moi, DE, Cathedral Catholic: Stanford

Trey White, LB, Eastlake: San Diego State

Rambo Mageo, OL, Cathedral Catholic: San Diego State

Donovan Saunders, DB, Cathedral Catholic: Cal Poly-SLO

Zach Rowell, DE, Torrey Pines: Stanford