Football releases 2012 recruiting class

WHITTIER, Calif. – Whittier College head football coach Todd Stratton and the rest of his staff announced this morning their 2012 recruiting class which includes 39 players.

 “I am very excited and pleased with our recruiting class for the 2012 season.  Whittier College football took a huge step forward in securing these commitments,” Stratton stated.

Leading the recruiting class was freshman Steven Rivera from the San Gabriel Valley who was named the San Gabriel Valley Player of the Year this past fall.  “This pickup is incredible for the football program especially when we beat out Cal Lutheran for him.  He will be a fantastic player for us.”

But not only did the Poets get depth at quarterback but they improved up front as well, which was a priority in the off season.  “We replaced three graduating senior offensive lineman with four outstanding recruits, including:

Tony Jarjoura 6’5”/305 (Atlanta, Georgia)

Timothy St. Marie 6’2” /330 (Millcreek, Washington)

Oscar Hernandez 6’3”/ 300 (Los Angeles, California)

Marcus Reynolds 6’3”/ 320 (Downey, California)

On the defensive side of the ball Head Coach Todd Stratton was impressed with several impact players including:  

Mark Sanchez - 5’10” / 180 Defensive Back, Compton CC

Brandon Watson - 5’10/180 defensive Back, Compton CC

David Edwards - 5’10” / 200 Defensive Back, Bakersfield California

Samuel Bettencourt - 5’10” 208 Defensive Back,-Pacific University

Valemond German - 6’3” 250 Defensive End, Orange County, California

“With this group of recruits who are joining the core players on the defensive side of the ball, the program will have made big strides in returning to the defensive powerhouse they once were,” Stratton explained.

Whittier opens their 2012 campaign with a home matchup against Whitworth College on September 8 beginning at 1:00pm.