Hanford High football star Juwuane Hughes commits to Fresno State

When Juwuane Hughes was on an official visit at Fresno State with a host of other recruits last weekend, the Hanford High standout heard about what life might be like as a Bulldog.

He’d be lining up all over the football field: as a wide receiver, defensive back and returner.

Add that to the thought of playing in front of family and friends, and it was too much to pass up. Hughes gave a nonbinding oral commitment to Fresno State to be a part of the Bulldogs’ 2016 signing class on National Signing Day on Feb. 3.

“How could I pass up playing here in the Valley with all this support?” Hughes said.

Coaches per NCAA rules are not allowed to comment on prospective student-athletes until a National Letter of Intent has been signed and validated.

Hughes said Bulldogs coaches talked to him “about playing in all three phases of the game” and that he was excited to join the new coaches in hopes of getting Fresno State back on track after the team went 3-9 in 2015 and 6-8 in 2014. Coach Tim DeRuyter recently added Eric Kiesau as offensive coordinator and Lorenzo Ward as defensive coordinator, along with Mark Weber (offensive line) and Joe Bernardi (tight ends).

“I really like the coaching staff,” Hughes said. “I think they got some really good coaches that know what they’re doing and are going to turn the program around.”

If Hughes does end up playing offense, defense and special teams for Fresno State, he’d be the first to do it since Gary Boreham, who in 1969-70 was listed as playing running back, receiver, defense and kick returner, according to Fresno State.

Hughes, listed at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds on MaxPreps, played defensive back, receiver and returner for Hanford. While he missed six games this past season with a broken arm, he returned to help the Bullpups cap their season with a state championship. In Hanford’s 33-21 victory over Bonita Vista (Chula Vista) in the Division IV-AA final Dec. 19, Hughes caught eight passes for 175 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown.

Hughes didn’t have Fresno State at the top of his list. He was leaning toward Arizona or San Diego State before he was sold on Fresno State during his visit.

“Months ago, I was for somewhere fun and a cool place to live. I wasn’t focusing on the main things that matter,” he said. “When I look at it the right way, as I have been, Fresno State is the best place for me in all aspects … a good coaching foundation, a family-type program. The main part is being around good people, and at Fresno State I really feel like I’m around good people.”

In addition to Hughes, Buena Park High outside linebacker Andrew Wright (6-4, 210) gave an oral commitment to Fresno State, his coach, Anthony White, told the Orange County Register.

Previous commitments – Mesquite West High tight end and three-star recruit Donte Coleman committed Oct. 17. Listed at 6-4 and 220, he was teammates with Bulldogs quarterback Chason Virgil for two seasons at the Texas high school.

▪ Fullback Saevion Johnson made his commitment July 9. He prepped at Dawson High in Pearland, Texas.

▪ Safety Patrick Peek of Aledo High in Texas committed Aug. 3.

▪ Justin Rice committed Aug. 22. The Central Catholic (Modesto) running back is the brother of Bulldogs tight end Jared Rice.

▪ Murrieta Valley High offensive guard Quireo Woodley committed Nov. 8.

▪ Reno High safety Lukas McKenzie committed Nov. 26.

▪ Duncanville High-Texas safety Jaron Bryant made his commitment Dec. 13.

▪ Vista Murrieta High defensive end Kevin Atkins committed Dec. 3.

▪ In December, Fresno State added junior college transfers in running back Dontel James (who left the Bulldogs after his redshirt freshman season in 2014 and spent last year at Riverside City), defensive tackle Malik Forrester, offensive tackles Christian Cronk and Ryan Popolizio, offensive guard Shane Gama and outside linebacker Trent Soechting. Defensive end Austin Vaimili had been part of that group, but he said he’s reopened his recruitment after not meeting academic standards.

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 7:41 PM with the headline "Hanford High football star Juwuane Hughes commits to Fresno State."