Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
The football program that secured the most commitments from Orange County on National Signing Day wasn’t USC or UCLA. It was a prestigious service academy in Colorado.
Air Force swooped into the county Wednesday to collect six expected signees.
The players were Huntington Beach offensive lineman Sean Marella, El Dorado offensive lineman Mitchell Jones, Laguna Hills defensive lineman Nate Hoss, Mission Viejo linebacker Jack Matranga, Tesoro running back Travis Wood and Sunny Hills defensive lineman Connor Irons.
Air Force also holds a commitment from Santa Margarita tight end Kyle Brody.
Marella said Air Force’s success in the area reflects its approach to recruiting.
“For me, Air Force was such a great place,” he said after the Oilers’ signing day ceremony. “They cared about you. You could tell that they wanted you. That they would take care of you. Maybe they would be hard on you but they want you. That’s the bottom line.”
“I think a lot of guys from the Orange County area love that,” he added, “and see love in that program.”
Marella, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound senior, also was inspired by his family to attend Air Force. His father Paul served in the Marines and his brother Dominic, 19, is pursuing the military branch as well.
“I come from a big military family,” said Marella, who aspires to be a pilot. “It definitely makes me want to carry on the family legacy.”
Laguna Hills football coach John Lester sees another reason why recruits are drawn to Air Force.
“The Air Force Academy is the ultimate academic opportunity for players who have the highest academic and athletic goals,” he said.
Lester noted that Hoss’ father Rick attended Air Force.
“Air Force Academy has done a great job recruiting the cream of the crop in Orange County,” the coach added.
