Cougars Sign 11 On National Signing Day

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The 2008 College of the Canyons football team continued its tradition of post-season success off the field as 11 players signed with four-year universities on National Signing Day, including eight players with Division I schools.

The Cougars' powerful offensive and defensive lines were well represented in the class. All-conference offensive linemen Shawn Johnson became the first Cougar to transfer to UCLA since 1998, while highly-sought-after All-American lineman Joe Evinger made his way to Kentucky, which is close to his hometown of Brazil, Ind., and should make an immediate impact with the University of Louisville. Ralph Curiel also signed, with Division II Wingate University in North Carolina.

All-conference defensive lineman Jonathan Hollins, who had verbally committed to Tennessee, instead decided to take his skills to the Pac-10 and signed with the University of Arizona. All-conference defensive lineman Dejuan Yates will also stay near the west coast as he has committed to the Division I-A New Mexico State University.

The nation's top ranked community college player and All-American wide receiver Hayo Carpenter, who owns nearly all of the receiving record for College of the Canyons, will continue his stellar career in the Big Ten after signing with the University of Minnesota. All-conference fullback Sean Quinn will try his hand as a walk-on at USC, but with the understanding that a scholarship is definitely a possibility.

"These young men put in a considerable time and effort in being successful student athletes," said Cougar head football coach Garett Tujague. "It's a fantastic day to see their efforts rewarded."