Unveiling the 2009 Mt. SAC football playmakers – Part 1

After a heartbreaking loss to Butte last year in the state championship game, the Mt. San Antonio College Mounties will be seeking atonement as their first game of the 2009 season approaches with less than a month away.

Former quarterback Nick Lamaison (Now at Tennessee) led the Mounties to a big start in the 2008 season delivering a MVP-like performance with quick pass attacks and the ability to put points on the board early in games. With his contribution the Mounties provided offense that many opposing teams could not handle. However, it wasn’t until the latter half of the season when Lamaison suffered a leg/ankle injury that limited his playing time.

By watching from the sidelines, his teammate and backup quarterback Tyler Vanderzee stepped in and gave an impressive debut and performance against Fullerton and a better-than-expected contribution throughout the rest of the season. Lamaison was able to put in some minutes fighting his injury but Vanderzee took the load and helped carry the Mounties to the state championship game.

Vanderzee’s ability to bob, weave and scramble inside and outside the pocket provided key plays to help the offense come through for the team but unfortunately came short as the team sputtered in the end.

Along with Vanderzee, the class of ’09 consists of many great weapons that Mt. SAC has to offer. As one coach put it, “This team has probably 14-15 players who will make it to D1 easy.”

The following is a list of the first of many players who will help in getting that state championship for Mt. SAC:

PHOTO BY JAMES CHOY - Sophomore wide receiver Lester Thomas leans out for a one-handed catch during a run-and-catch drill at practice.

LESTER THOMAS
STATUS: Sophomore
POSITION: Wide Receiver
SCHOOLS INTERESTED: Central Florida, South Florida, Fort Valley, Michigan
OTHER SCHOOLS THOMAS IS INTERESTED IN: Tennessee, BYU, UCLA, Utah, Texas, LSU, Georgia, Clemson, Hawaii

JAMES’ ANALYSIS: Thomas is a humble person and a ‘to-himself’ kind of guy. He is low-key, speaks very little but let’s his game speak for itself. Clearly he has the best hands on the team and almost always catches any pass that comes to him. He moves well enough to beat his defender in receiving the short 5-15 yard pass or the long 20-50 yards. He loves to run deep and go for the long bomb.

On a few occasions, Thomas has made some spectacular catches, a couple of them with one hand leaving teammates in oohs and aahs. Despite not being with the team last year, Thomas is definitely one of the weapons that will contribute in giving Mt. SAC that chance to go far in the post-season.

PHOTO BY JAMES CHOY - Sophomore wide receiver Jesse Canada pushes away a Golden West defender while running for a touchdown.

JESSE CANADA
STATUS: Sophomore
POSITION: Wide Receiver
SCHOOLS INTERESTED: New Mexico State, Arizona State, Boise State, Syracuse, TCU, Utah, Utah State, Tennessee
OTHER SCHOOLS CANADA IS INTERESTED IN: Canada has said that he would like to go anywhere but Utah and Tennessee really excited him.

JAMES’ ANALYSIS: The receivers’ coach said Canada and teammate Lester Thomas are two players who will be significant and pretty much the goto guys for the upcoming season. Canada stands (from my guess) about 6’2″, has nice acceleration in his speed but uses his height well in receiving catches.

Although at times he has missed some passes during practice (what receiver doesn’t), Canada plays on a whole different level and raises his game noticeably during the games.

Despite the stats showing him only with 70 receptions, 927 yards receiving with 8 touchdowns, Canada is more than what is shown on paper. Offensive coordinator Tom Craft has a philosophy in bringing a balanced offense attack giving not one or two receivers the extra yardage but anyone who is open to receive and to get the extra yards. Lamaison completed many of his passes not targeting on one receiver alone but to everyone–picking his spots and delivering the passes.

With teammates Matt Austin and Gabe Tuata both moving on (both were the top two receivers statistically last season), Canada will be one of the first group to get that opportunity.

NOTE: The University of Utah called with interest in signing Canada but there was no word if any further talks went on with that. Canada said Tennessee had called him at the end of last season with interest but nothing had resumed afterwards.

Lane Kiffin was named head coach for Tennessee on Dec. 2 last year which gives the possibility that his staff was interested with Canada considering the final game of the season for Mt. SAC ended on Dec. 13.

It’s obvious Canada likes Tennessee. But does Kiffin like Canada?

Will Kiffin revisit contact with Canada if he comes through with an impressive sophomore year? If it happens, there surely will be more D1 schools knocking at his door.

PHOTO BY JAMES CHOY - Sophomore running backs Burton & Lancer Iosefa will work together to help the Mounties' running game this year.

LANCER & BURTON IOSEFA
STATUS: Sophomores
POSITION: Running Back
SCHOOLS INTERESTED: BYU (May be other schools interested but unknown at this time)
OTHER SCHOOLS IOSEFAS ARE INTERESTED IN: Utah, ASU, Hawaii

JAMES’ ANALYSIS: Lancer said this past spring BYU offered a package deal to have both brothers come to the team.

There hasn’t been word if the Iosefas are willing to break up and go separate ways. If they choose to leave together to other schools, it’ll be a tough call for those schools interested to consider it. But if BYU is offering that package, then there really is no option but to go that way.

On the field, the two athletes are quick. They love to swerve and run and turn and speed away from the pocket and take off to the end zone on every play/drill. While it’s hard to determine the difference between both in their running style, Burton has been impressive throughout last season with his quickness. He rushed for 780 yards with 143 carries and 10 touchdowns, three of those games he rushed for 100+ yards.

Lancer on the other hand had limited touches with the ball during his time in 2007 playing alongside Kevin Craft. During that year, the emphasis was more on gaining passing yardage than with the running game.

After that season Coach Tom Craft organized some plays and schemes to incorporate a running game in the offense. With a bad leg injury in the beginning of last season, Lancer was unable to play and had to sit out. This year he has the opportunity to redeem himself and work with his brother together for the first time at Mt. SAC and deliver a 1-2 punch against the defense.

While their heights might seem problematic against the toughness of the opposing defense, the two brothers find no major problems dealing with the Mt. SAC defense during the drills and move swiftly through the pocket almost every time.

From jcfootball.scout.com:

The Iosefas’ So Cal Combine Results from Spring 2009

Burton Iosefa
5′8 1/2″, 183
Forty: 4.63, Shuttle: 3.97, Vertical: 35.4, Bench: 15 reps of 225

Lancer Iosefa
5-7, 180
Forty: 4.67 (laser), Shuttle: 3.91, Vertical: 39, Bench: 18 reps of 225

NOTE: If both can share and breakout with some good statistics on paper, they will also find many D1 schools knocking at their door.

PHOTO BY JAMES CHOY - Sophomore offensive lineman Joe Unga will help defend the Mt. SAC offense this fall.

JOE UNGA
STATUS: Sophomore
POSITION: Offensive Line
SCHOOLS INTERESTED: Oregon State, UCLA, Kansas, Weber State, Washington, Louisville
OTHER SCHOOLS UNGA IS INTERESTED IN: Unga said he would like to go to any of the schools previously mentioned BUT he said, “I would love to stay out here in the west.”

JAMES’ ANALYSIS: Unga is 6’6″ 310 pounds. His twin brothers, Kevin and Devin are playing at Oregon State. If Unga chooses to stay close with family (which might be all the more reason to consider Oregon State as his first choice) it’s pretty evident where he would want to go. However, with UCLA calling and his cousin Eddie Williams playing for the Bruins this year, it might require some more time in deciding where he’ll go. But then again, maybe not.

“If UCLA calls, I want to come play–I love Southern California,” he said.

With former teammate Dominique Gaisie up at University of Washington as well as former Mt. SAC assistant coach Demetrius Martin, the sweepstakes for Unga become more interesting. Having played with Williams beside him and going head-to-head against USC’s defensive tackle Hebron ‘Loni’ Fangupo numerous times during practices, Unga will be prepared and ready for whatever comes his way for the Mounties this year.

“My mission this year is to help the offensive line, work as a team and work as a brotherhood,” Unga said. “The more we talk, the more comfortable we’ll be.”

Unga has the perfect height and body to be a presence in the offensive line. His strength will allow anyone playing beside him to aid in warding off the charging defensive line. Despite the exceptional job Unga has provided in protecting Lamaison last season, he said he also wants to get better physically and work on his mechanics more.

“I think I’m in good shape but I can be better,” he said.

Unga’s So Cal combine workout results this past Spring:

Joe Unga
6′6″, 310
Forty: 5.04 (h), Shuttle: 4.5, Vertical: 27.8, Bench: 10 reps of 225

PHOTO BY JAMES CHOY - Defensive end Bruce Irvin will help lead the frontline defense to give opposing teams problems.

BRUCE “BJ” IRVIN
STATUS: Sophomore
POSITION: Defensive End; Linebacker; Safety
SCHOOLS INTERESTED: Tennessee, USC, LSU
OTHER SCHOOLS IRVIN IS INTERESTED IN: None

JAMES’ ANALYSIS: Irvin is a monster. The six-foot five-inch sophomore has been working hard during the summer to get into shape. While it’s hard to tell, Irvin seems the same on his upper body but looks more defined. My guess is that the coaching staff is looking for him to utilize more quickness when playing on the defensive end. Irvin has spent time in the summer working real hard with his academics to make an easy transition out of Mt. SAC and into wherever he goes.

The rumor with USC is that head coach Pete Carroll was interested in Irvin but talks may have died down. According to sources, Carroll was impressed with Irvin’s combine results and loved Irvin’s speed. By being accompanied with the rest of USC’s defense, Irvin would be an instant and effective chess piece in the Trojan’s lineup.

From my opinion, it really looks like Irvin is on his way to Tennessee. He seems set on it for sure and is making no mention of conflictions with his choices. But Irvin has all that left aside for now and is locked in for the upcoming Mt. SAC season. Irvin said there’s some unfinished business that needs to be done at the junior college.

“I’m pumped about everything that’s going on and I’m ready,” he said. “There’s business to handle at Mt. SAC–people think we’re a joke but we got a lot to prove this year.”

Bruce Irvin
6′5″, 240
Forty: 4.36 (h), Shuttle: NA, Vertical: 34.3, Bench: 20 reps of 225

The following story/feature will be a first of many profiles of Mt. SAC football players to be looked at. For more questions, email James Choy at James909@gmail.com.

D1 schools need to look harder at Mt. SAC Football

For the past number of years, Mt. San Antonio College has noticeably pushed out quality football players and helped them move on to four-year universities with a handful of them going to the pros.

The following is a list of former Mt. SAC players currently in the NFL:

1. Antonio Pierce – Linebacker – New York Giants
2. Alphonso Boone – Defensive Line – Kansas City Chiefs
3. Chris McAlister – Defensive Back – Baltimore Ravens
4. Donte Nicholson – Defensive Back – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5. Delanie Walker – Tight End – San Francisco 49ers
6. Rulon Davis – Defensive End – Denver Broncos
—
7. Anthony Calvillo – Quarterback – Montreal Allouettes

In college football, 9 players took part in the 2008 bowl games while a handful of other players represented but did not partake in the bowl matchups. The following names are those who participated:

– Allstate Sugar Bowl – Aiona Key – WR – Utah
– Allstate Sugar Bowl – Aaron Tonga – DT – Utah
– Allstate Sugar Bowl – Viliami Nau – OL – Utah
– Rose Bowl – Greg Woidneck – P – USC
– Pacific Life Holiday Bowl – Tyrell Irvin – LB – Oregon
– Emerald Bowl – Rulon Davis – DE – California
– Champs Sports bowl – Joe Tonga – OL – Florida St.
– Poinsettia Bowl – Garcia Day – S – Boise St.
– Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl – Bernard Afutiti – DL – BYU

* NOTE: Some players were not mentioned in the list above.

* Kevin Craft – UCLA – QB — With a stellar year at Mt. SAC, Craft was the 2007 State Offensive Player of the Year and J.C. Gridwire Offensive Player of the Year completing 61% of his passes with over 4,200 yards passing with 44 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Despite a tough year last season with UCLA, Craft remains as one of the quarterbacks on the roster under Bruin head coach Rick Neuheisel and may see some action in the 2009 season.

After the 2008 season, the Mounties re-established their roster with a combination of freshmen and sophomores going all the way to the state championship game for the second year in a row, but falling once again as runner-ups. The following is a list of the 2008 class that have moved on to four-year schools:

Nick Lamaison – QB – Tennessee
Hebron Fangupo – DT – USC
Jacob Harfman – K – USC
Eddie Williams – OL – UCLA
Dominique Gaisie – DB – Washington
Vincent Federico – DT – New Mexico State University
Blake Cornalino – OL – Old Dominion
Matt Austin – WR – Utah State
Bobby Alt – DE – University of Montana
Bruce Harris – DB – Nebraska-Omaha
Alfred Rowe – LB – Fort Valley State University
Uafaileeimoo Uelese – DT Fort Valley State University
Dalton Etimani – TE – West Texas A & M
Jonathan Joe – TE – East Central Oklahoma
Justin Hunt – DE – Western New Mexico
Kendall Price – OL – Western New Mexico
Roland Foumai – DE – Western New Mexico
Paul Koloa – DT – NW Oklahoma State
Robert Mata – P – NW Oklahoma State
Jason Cohen – DB – NW Oklahoma State

* NOTE: Some players were not mentioned in the list above.

With many Division I schools sending their scouts over to the junior college, the talent pool at Mt. SAC has risen in the last decade with the credit of staff networking, media presence and the players themselves.

Earlier this year, a number of athletes from the 2009 Mt. SAC football team took part in the JCfootball.com Southern California Combine at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, Calif. on May 2.

During the workouts, a number of Mt. SAC players performed in a variety of tests with many faring well. The following is a list of the athletes that stood out:

From http://jcfootball.scout.com:

QUARTERBACKS

Tyler Vanderzee
6’6″, 198
Forty: 4.71 (h), Shuttle: 4.39, Vertical: 30.1, Bench: 8 reps of 185
** Attended unsigned sophomore camp on Friday due to scheduling conflict. Only two combine tests were run on Friday.

Kolby Arendse
6’3″, 227
Forty: 4.77 (h), Shuttle: 4.21, Vertical: 29, Bench: 27 reps of 185

RUNNING BACKS

Bryce Mahmud-McBride
5’6 1/2″, 186
Forty: 4.52 (h), Shuttle: 4.22, Vertical: 36.3, Bench: 15 reps of 225

David Bart
5’5 1/2″, 154
Forty: 4.53 (h), Shuttle: 4.0, Vertical: NA, Bench: 18 reps of 185

Burton Iosefa
5’8 1/2″, 183
Forty: 4.63, Shuttle: 3.97, Vertical: 35.4, Bench: 15 reps of 225

Lancer Iosefa
5-7, 180
Forty: 4.67 (laser), Shuttle: 3.91, Vertical: 39, Bench: 18 reps of 225

OFFENSIVE LINE

Joe Unga
6’6″, 310
Forty: 5.04 (h), Shuttle: 4.5, Vertical: 27.8, Bench: 10 reps of 225

Bruce Seumanutafa
6’4″, 397
Forty: 5.31 (h), Shuttle: 5.22, Vertical: 17.9, Bench: 30 reps of 225

Manase Fuketi
6’5 1/2″, 313
Forty: 5.19 (h), Shuttle: 5.29, Vertical: 27.6, Bench: NA

Desmund Farris
6’2″, 269
Forty: 5.19 (h), Shuttle: 4.69, Vertical: 27.1, Bench: 17 reps of 225

Thomas Sherman (Special Acknowledgment)
5’10”, 174.
Vertical: 38.6

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Bojay Filimoeatu – DT
6’1″, 275
Forty: 4.97 (h), Shuttle: NA, Vertical: 25, Bench: 20 reps of 225

Bruce Irvin
6’5″, 240
Forty: 4.36 (h), Shuttle: NA, Vertical: 34.3, Bench: 20 reps of 225

Terry Battle
6’1 1/2″, 215
Forty: 4.46 (h), Shuttle: 4.18, Vertical: 35.2, Bench: 22 reps of 225

Michael Willis
6’1″, 222
Forty: 4.64 (h), Shuttle: 4.16, Vertical: 29.6, Bench: 20 reps of 225

LINEBACKERS

Nate Vaiomounga
5’11”, 226
Forty: 4.75 (h), Shuttle: 4.33, Vertical: 33.2, Bench: 20 reps of 225

DEFENSIVE BACK

Arness Ikner – CB
5’6 1/2″, 168
Forty: 4.41 (h), Shuttle: 4.17, Vertical: 33.7, Bench: 11 reps of 225

Manoa Latu – CB
6’0 1/2″, 196
Forty: 4.59 (h), Shuttle: 4.1, Vertical: 32.1, Bench: 15 reps of 225

Isaiah Williams
5’8″, 167
Forty: 4.57 (h), Shuttle: 4.4, Vertical: 33.2, Bench: 13 reps of 185

Malcolm Murray – FS
6’1″, 199
Forty: 4.4 (h), Shuttle: NA, Vertical: 33.8, Bench: 13 reps of 225

——

With the high level of competition in Southern Calif., JUCO football consists of talented athletes across the area. With other schools like El Camino, Fullerton, College of the Canyons and Saddleback to name a few, Mt. SAC is one with the rest as one of the top junior colleges in football.

If four-year schools are pondering and wondering of where to find that talent, one of the places to be is that campus just aside the small hills of Walnut, Calif.

———-
Other former Mt. SAC students/players/staff:

– Rocky Seto – USC Defensive Coordinator

– Dewayne Walker – Head Coach-New Mexico State, former Defensive Coordinator-UCLA

– Ron English – Head Coach-Eastern Michigan University, former Defensive Coordinator – Michigan, former Defensive Coordinator – Louisville

* More others to be named.

COLUMN: No hurry needed for Lamaison at Tennessee

Nick Lamaison during practice at Mt. San Antonio College in 2008

Newly-signed University of Tennessee quarterback Nick Lamaison will take whatever is asked of him.

If you’re a Volunteer fan, you have to love Lamaison’s willingness to step up and take the lead, but for safety’s sake, I would rather see him take the backseat for this upcoming season.

During the recruiting process Lamaison was told that the quarterback job was an open competition and getting that starting job was an opportunity for any of the competing athletes to chase.

But there are a number of things I wonder right now with this situation.

How much has Jonathon Crompton learned after a disappointing 3-5 record in conference and a 5-7 record overall? Is he ready to show that he’s learned from his mistakes? Will Volunteers’ head coach Lane Kiffin show faith in Crompton or will he give junior Nick Stephens the lead instead?

Despite what the results were from last season, Crompton deserves that chance to redeem himself. While some fans are vocal about not wanting to see him start, whether its Crompton, Stephens, Lamaison or whoever–having Crompton to lead could be the outcome. Any misfortunes that arise during the season would allow Stephens to step in and take over.

From Lamaison’s standpoint, how highly does Kiffin think of his newest signee to step in and immediately take lead?

Lamaison’s shine came from being patient. By taking time off gray-shirting, learning the team’s system, working with coaches and then showing what he can do at Mt. San Antonio College, redoing this process could be the right thing and the right way to go.

With the number of recruits that are making early commitments to play for Tennessee, you wonder if Kiffin is gathering his troops and planting the seeds in extracting something big, something for other SEC teams to watch and wonder perhaps?

It would be too much of a risk to act boldly and let Lamaison take the lead of a team that he’s hardly had any time to work with.

By playing in a conference that’s as competitive as any other in college football, the consequences could be an early downer for Lamaison. While he’s said in the past that the pressure is exciting and challenging, the ramifications could be harsh. I’m sure the fans of the UCLA Bruins knew of that with Kevin Craft last season.

With teams such as Florida, Alabama and Georgia (to name a few), all scheduled to face Tennessee, this challenge may be too much for Lamaison to handle.

But all eyes will be on Kiffin with his game plan, what he decides to do and who he chooses to be the one leading the offense.

I would prefer to have Lamaison sit out and recycle what he did back at Mt. SAC. When you’re surrounded by a coaching staff that he views as knowledgeable and well-experienced, why rush anything?

To be in company with a head coach who’s had the taste of that national championship, it can only be a good outcome for Lamaison to play his cards right and not ante up immediately.

But whether he wishes to do whatever is asked, we would have to sit and wait and observe how things unfold as the season slowly approaches.

How quickly will Kiffin be able to gather the squad and lead them to a winning season? How efficiently will he be able to work with the offense after an unfortunate outcome last season?

USC head coach Pete Carroll took a year to regroup his team before winning the championship in 2003 and 2004. If you allow Kiffin to recreate that process at Tennessee, the puzzles piece perfectly for Lamaison when looking at the time frame. (Oh, let’s not forget that Kiffin was a part of that championship experience also.)

Lamaison comes to Tennessee and puts himself in a position where he can learn and observe. Then later he’ll get the chance to plan and execute. But that time is not now.

With three years to show and prove, let time repeat itself not from the voice of Tom Craft, but of the Tennessee coaching who, in time, will nurture and mold you, Mr. Lamaison.

As brave as you are, Mr. Lamaison, you make a good impression to all of us with your passion, but we want to insure that your time playing at Tennessee will be nothing but a championship type season.

And as the age old saying goes, patience is virtue my friend.

James Choy can be reached at James909@gmail.com