Football stars celebrate college destinations at Ventura County Coaches Signing Luncheon

There were scads of big numbers piled up by Delon Thompson during the fall high school football season, including 2,388 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns.

On Wednesday, it was the simple yet significant No. 1 that brought out the smiles for the St. Bonaventure High senior.

Despite the prolific production for the standout running back this season, the first scholarship offer — yes No. 1! —was landed in the past 10 days. The 5-foot-9, 196-pounder officially accepted Portland State's offer by signing his national letter of intent, then celebrating the achievement at the Ventura County Coaches Signing Luncheon at the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park.

"It's a great feeling to know I'm playing at the next level," said The Star's Offensive Player of the Year. "I'm happy. I'm relieved. It's something I've wanted for a long time."

The good news came together quickly, Thompson said. "I heard from them in the last month. Their running back coach came out last week and made the offer. It just feels like all the hard work has paid off."

Thompson had to choose between Portland St. and UCLA, which offered to bring him aboard next fall as a preferred walk-on. It wasn't an easy decision.

"I thought what both schools could offer, and I talked it over with my parents," Thompson said. "I liked the coaches and the opportunity to play right away at Portland State. I decided that was my best option."

There were lots of other success stories to tout for the county's top senior stars.

Carson Mott, Simi Valley High's gifted defensive end, could trumpet his rally from adversity. He signed with Weber State, a Big Sky Conference school in Ogden, Utah.

Mott originally committed to the University of Colorado in June, but had the offer rescinded when the Buffaloes fired head coach Karl Dorrell and hired former Jackson St. coach and NFL star Deion Sanders in December.

Mott, still recovering from a dislocated shoulder he suffered in the Marmonte League opener, was forced to restart the recruiting process. Weber State's coaches acted swiftly.

"They contacted me within two days and made it clear they wanted me to come there," Mott said. "I appreciate that they were aggressive and made me feel wanted. I think I'll be very comfortable there for the next four or five years."

Mott said he'll be rehabbing his shoulder for the next two months.

"If I ready to go, I hope to compete right away for playing time," he said. "If I'm not ready, physically, I'll redshirt."

Then there's Ventura's standout offensive tackle Tobias Raymond, who will be joining one of college football's hottest programs in signing with USC and head coach Lincoln Riley.

Despite notable achievements — he's the Channel League's Offensive Lineman of the Year and a first-team member of The Star's and county coaches first-team squads — Raymond didn't think this day was possible as recently as two seasons ago.

"I played tight end before moving to tackle as a junior," Raymond said. "I never thought this could happen. It feels great. It's special."

Raymond did make a seamless transition to the offensive line.

"I was mostly a blocking tight end," he said with a grin. "That's what I do best."

Raymond is cerebral enough to recognize that football is different at the next level.

"This was the last year where football was all about fun," he said. "I mean college football will still be fun, but it's also a lot more like work. I need to perform."

Raymond is already comfortable as a Trojan. He's connected with members of the offensive line, including Moorpark High graduate Jonah Monheim.

"I've gotten to know all of them," he said. "They've all made me feel right at home. I can't wait to get started."

Chase Martin had no trouble believing. The Star's Defensive Player of the Year who led Thousand Oaks High to the Canyon League championship and 10-0 finish in the regular season always believed he was a future collegian. He's headed to Boise State.

"I think I was about 7 when I started to believe I could play in college," said the son of former star Thousand Oaks linebacker Lance Martin. "This is really cool to have it happen. I'm ready to go. If I have the opportunity, I'd like to play right away."

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's football program scored big in Ventura County on signing day. Wide receiver Jordan Garrison of Westlake, linebacker Jared Barlow of St. Bonaventure, and offensive lineman Miles Medina of Buena all will become Mustangs.

"This feels so good," said Garrison. "I've gone through a lot of obstacles the past couple of years, faced some adversity. To be able to achieve this makes it all worthwhile."

While Garrison was a two-way player for the Warriors, he'll focus on wide receiver in college.

"I score touchdowns," he said with a grin. "That's what I do best."

Barlow, who piled up 140 tackles this fall, will wait two seasons before joining the Cal Poly program. He will first complete his Mormon mission and will find out in June where he's headed.

"I always believed that his day would happen," he said. "I was 4 or 5 when I started playing, and I believed in myself. This really is a dream come true."

Two Camarillo High seniors and three-year starters savored Signing Day. Quarterback Brody Meyer and wide receiver/defensive end Jack Maulhardt started for the Scorpions as sophomores and rode the growing pains into college scholarships.

Meyer will next play for Missouri Western State. Maulhardt will play for Black Hills State in South Dakota.

Maulhardt's older brother, Jake, is Camarillo's all-time leading receiver who went on to play tight end for Wyoming. Jack will play the same position for Black Hills State.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "I like the coaches. It's a small town in a beautiful area. I'm hoping to contribute right away."

Meyer threw for 3,080 yards and 32 touchdowns as a senior while helping the Scorpions reach the playoff semifinals. He said he's reaped the benefits of playing for a close-knit team.

"We all helped each other grow," he said. "No matter the situation, we knew we could all rely on each other. They helped me improve each year and each game. It's been a great three years."

Simi Valley High's Sean Brown announced his commitment to Michigan State and Westlake High's Isaiah Sepand was on hand to announce his commitment to Davidson College in North Carolina.

Three area stars missed Wednesday's luncheon but can celebrate playing on.

Defensive back Maliki Crawford of Pacifica is headed to USC and teammate and linebacker Jordan Whitney will play for Washington. Camarillo defensive back Reese Winchester signed with Benedictine College.

Six Oaks Christian football stars signed their letters of intent at a ceremony at the school on Wednesday.

Offensive lineman Luke Baklenko and kicker Aidan Flintoff will play for Stanford; lineman Cage Dutcher signed with the University of San Diego; defensive back Jalen Lewis is headed to Northwestern; running back Johnny Thompson will play for Kansas; and defensive end Dylan Hampsten signed with Boise State.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Football stars celebrate college destinations at signing luncheon