Mustang News Staff Report
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The Cal Poly football team inked the signatures of 19 recruits Wednesday at a ceremony hosted at Mother’s Tavern in downtown San Luis Obispo. The list of recruits features 12 directly out of high school, four junior college transfers and three FBS transfers.
Head coach Tim Walsh was enthusiastic about the incoming class and said after the program’s successful start as a new member of the Big Sky Conference, these recruits have the ability to improve championship hopes. Walsh said the Mustangs were just one or two big plays from a conference championship, and now he thinks they have what it takes to win the title.
Five 3-star recruits signed their National Letter of Intent today, the most in Cal Poly football history.
Cal Poly beefed up its offensive line, adding four players to the roster. Cutler Salmon, Tyler Wisenhunt, and Paul Trujillo-Langdon — all straight out of high school — will join Colin Goebel, a transfer signing from Iowa, at Cal Poly next season.
“Size in the interior defensive line was the hardest thing to recruit this year,” Walsh said.
Linebacker Chris Santini will also look to be an impact player immediately. The Boise State transfer will bring experience to the position, appearing in all 14 games — including a Fiesta Bowl victory over a ranked Arizona side.
A big story is the reunion of two former high school teammates from De La Salle: defensive backs Jerek Rosales and Kevin Griffin. Griffin played predominately as a corner back for Washington State, but is likely to occupy the safety position for the Mustangs. His experience in Pac-12 play will also be beneficial for all parties involved.
Four running backs have been added to the roster, boosting the depth of the run-heavy offense implemented by Walsh. Last season, the Mustangs rushed for the most yards (4,221) and touchdowns (44) in both program and Big Sky history.
“This year’s recruiting class speaks to who we are as a university and who we are as a football team,” Walsh said. “The best is yet to come.”
Signed Recruits:
QB Khaleel Jenkins, 6’1″ 190 lbs, Francis Parker (San Diego) HS
WR J.J. Koski, 6’0″ 195 lbs, San Ramon Valley (Danville) HS
OL/DL Cutler Salmon, 6’4″ 245 lbs, St. Mary’s (Stockton) HS
DB Jerek Rosales, 6’1″ 188 lbs, Diablo Valley College
LB Charlie Davis, 6’2″ 215 lbs, Laney College
RB DJ Peluso, 6’0″ 220 lbs, College of San Mateo
OL Paul Trujillo-Langdon, 6’3″ 290 lbs, Carter (Rialto) HS
WR Jake Smeltzer, 6’3″ 191 lbs, Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita) HS
RB David Cooper, 5’9″ 189 lbs, Loyola (Los Angeles) HS
OL Tyler Whisenhunt, 6’3″ 285 lbs, San Ramon HS
DB Darren Adjei, 6’3″ 210 lbs, Bakersfield JC
RB Raven Middleton, 6’2″ 208 lbs, Sweetwater (National City) HS
DB Kameron Dennis, 5’10” 180 lbs, Servite (Anaheim) HS
RB Trey Nahhas, 6’1″ 182 lbs, Monterey Trail (Elk Grove) HS
LB Nick Navarro, 6’2″ 235 lbs, Jurupa Hills (Fontana) HS
CB Kitu Humphery, 5’11” 180 lbs, Long Beach Poly HS
FBS Transfers:
LB Chris Santini, 6’1″ 221 lbs, Boise State
CB Kevin Griffin, 5’10” 168 lbs, Washington State
OL Colin Goebel, 6’5″ 280 lbs, Iowa
Nick Larson and Harry Chang contributed to this report.