Four local high school football players sign with Fresno State. One was a surprise announcement
Four Fresno-area high school seniors signed with the Fresno State football team, including one who didn’t reveal his intentions until early Wednesday morning as the early signing period started.
They are wide receiver Mac Dalena of San Joaquin Memorial, linebacker Tyler Mello of Hanford, wide receiver CJ Jones of Buchanan and athlete Kosi Agina of Sanger.
All four will play for Kalen DeBoer who was introduced as the new Fresno State coach on Tuesday.
Agina, listed at 6 feet and 185 pounds, kept his commitment to Fresno State to himself and his family until signing day.
He cited a friendship with Jalen Cropper, a freshman standout this year for the Bulldogs, as a determining factor in going to Fresno State.
“I loved the close home aspect of everything,” Agina said. “Cropper really ran me down on how the transition from high school to college would be and what they are trying to build at Fresno State.
“I’m super-excited to play for Coach. He was a part of the few recent seasons of success. Just looking to go in Day 1 and work for everything I want.”
Mello (6-3, 215) is following his uncle’s footsteps. Duncan Reid played for the Bulldogs from 2001-04.
“Being from the Valley I grew up watching Fresno State,” he said. “I love the hard-working mentality of the program and the Valley.”
Jones (5-11, 175) is following a family path that started in Lemoore. His father, Charlie Jones, was a standout receiver for the Bulldogs from 1992-95. An uncle, Tommy Jones, played for Fresno State in 1992-93, and cousin Lorenzo Neal was a Fresno State star from 1990-92.
“Very excited to play where my family played,” CJ Jones said. “Time to pick up where they left off and make something big happen.”
Dalena (5-10, 165) will join the Bulldogs after seeing his brother, Frank, finish up his career at Fresno State.
“It was a relief just to get it over with,” Mac Dalena said. “It’s great to know it’s over and official. I wanted to play where my brother played and play in front of my family. Just seeing how many people came just to watch my brother and just think how cool it’d be to have them all come and watch me.
“I love Fresno State and I love the coaching staff. Coach DeBoer, I talked to him last night. A great guy. He’s really excited for the season. It was an easy decision for me.”
