Aug. 14, 2009
CAMP REBEL - Call it Fun Friday for five Rebels who were honored as part of today's morning practice.
The Black Jersey honors went out to a pair of seniors, one a longtime star and the other hoping to make a bigger impact in what will be his final fall on campus.
Ryan Wolfe (Santa Clarita, CA/Hart HS) was the winner for his Thursday effort and there were no other nominees on the offensive side of the ball.
Large-maned defensive end Heivaha Mafi (Oakland, CA/San Lorenzo HS/Laney College) was the winner on defense, getting the nod over fellow-nominees Daniel Mareko (Pago Pago, American Samoa/Faga'itua HS) and Jason Beauchamp (San Diego, CA/Steele Canyon HS).
"Ryan earned it for his consistent hard work and he just really practiced especially hard yesterday," said head coach Mike Sanford. "Mafi had a great day on Thursday, now we need to see him follow that up with another great day and another. If he can get his consistency down, he will help us this season."
At the end of the 22-period early session, three newcomers had the honor of getting their rookie red stripes removed from their helmets before addressing the team huddle.
Young quarterback Caleb Herring (Moreno Valley, CA/Citrus Hill HS) is now stripeless as mentor Omar Clayton (Normal, IL/Normal Community HS) did the honors; defensive back Mike Grant (Fresno, CA/Laguna Creek HS/Sierra College), who stole the show on Friday morning, was helped by Ryan Tillman (Rialto, CA/Rialto HS); and recent addition James Dunlap (Pasadena, CA/John Muir HS/Citrus College) from the d-line was helped by Beau Brence (Plano, TX/Plano Senior HS).
While Herring is expected to spend '09 learning behind vets Clayton and Mike Clausen (Riverside, CA/John W. North HS), JC transfers Grant (a junior) and Dunlap (a sophomore) will vie for immediate playing time this fall.
"Mike Grant had two interceptions today (including a pick-six off Clayton) and is competing hard," said Sanford. "He wasn't with us in the spring so he is still learning about how to perform day after day but he is right in the middle of things back there. Dunlap is a guy who has three years of eligibility and is working on helping us in the interior of our defensive line."
The team will return to the practice field Friday night.
2009 CAMP REBEL BLACK JERSEY WINNERSAug. 10: CB Quinton PointerAug. 11: Travel DayAug. 12: QB Omar Clayton & LB Jason BeauchampAug. 13: WR Rodelin Anthony & DL Martin TevaseuAug. 14: WR Ryan Wolfe & DE Heivaha Mafi
