SEC, Pac-12 await these Fresno-area players as they put ink to paper on early signing day
It has been a busy few days for Central High wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter and defensive lineman Ricky Correia.
Both players helped the Grizzlies to a California Interscholastic Federation Division 1-AA state championship after a 34-19 victory over Sierra Canyon-Chatsworth on Friday.
On Wednesday, Hunter and Correia cemented their next step together as both signed national letters of intent with the Cal Golden Bears.
“I’m happy I’m done with recruitment,” Hunter said. “I was stressing, and Cal just felt like family and I know they can help in what I want to do in life.”
Correia said, “It’s good to have all that out of the way and now it’s time to focus on bettering myself,” he said. “Cal is a great fit for me as a player and as a person.”
Now both can relax and enjoy the parade planned to celebrate Central’s championship. It starts at 1 p.m. Thursday and arrives at Koligian Stadium for a celebration beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Praise for signings from 247Sports
Also signing Wednesday, the first of three days in the early period, was four-star running back Kendall Milton with the Georgia Bulldogs, San Joaquin Memorial four-star wide receiver Jalen McMillan (Washington) and SJM four-star defensive end Tobin Phillips (Stanford).
Brandon Huffman, the national recruiting editor for 247Sports gave his thoughts on Milton and McMillan.
“Kendall Milton is the top running back in California in this cycle and his departure of the Golden State for Georgia is another indictment on the Pac-12’s struggles keeping top players in the West. Also, for Georgia to come across the country, when the Southeast has been so prominent for them in recruiting backs, speaks to the talent level of Milton.
“Jalen McMillan on the other hand, is one who gives the Pac-12 hope, especially since he’s the only top ten player in the Golden State who signed with a Pac-12 school on Wednesday. He’s one of the best play-making receivers in the region and should be an instant contributor to Washington’s offense.”
Huffman praised Cal for going after the Central teammates.
On Correia: “His size and strength separates him from many other tackles in this class.”
On Hunter: “An absolute steal for Cal.”
Kendall Milton
Milton committed to Georgia in late July over Alabama, Louisiana State and Ohio State.
He helped Buchanan to a 10-3 overall record; the losses were two to Central and one to state Open Division runner-up De La Salle-Concord.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart noted Milton’s strong family background and said a relationship with running backs coach Dell McGee helped the Bulldogs land Milton.
“I’m super pleased to get him,” Smart said at a Georgia news conference. “He was one of our leaders in the class, and I’m excited about what he’s going to bring to the table.”
Milton will play in the All-American Bowl on Jan. 4 at 10 a.m. on NBC.
Jalen McMillan
McMillan committed to Washington in late June.
In his career, he had 260 receptions for 5,234 yards and 54 touchdowns and helped the Panthers to three straight Central Section championships.
“To play football at Washington ... I mean it’s been a dream since I was 10,” McMillan said. “To be able to do this and to play football in college is a dream come true.”
Like Milton, McMillan will play in the All-American Bowl.
Tobin Phillips
In April, Phillips committed to his dream school, Stanford. “I’ve always watched their games for as long as I can remember. ... It took one trip to really see how the whole operation works and make sure I wanted to go there.”
He finished his senior season with 90 tackles and 14 sacks.
Said Huffman: “Tobin Phillips was one of the top defensive tackles in a generally down year at the position in the West. ... His quickness off the ball will get him on the field early.”
Other signees
At least nine other Valley players signed Wednesday:
▪ Edison defensive back Dezjhon Malone, San Diego State.
▪ Washington Union wide receiver Tory Horton, Nevada.
▪ Tulare Western brothers Elijah and Jordan Burrell, Davidson (an FCS program in North Carolina).
▪ Central Valley Christian sent two to the FCS Big Sky Conference, Jaalen Rening (Montana State) and Karson Oliver (Northern Colorado.)
▪ Redwood tight end Sam Olson, Fresno City College defensive lineman Jay Kakiva and College of the Sequoias defensive lineman Noah Wright (Lemoore), both San Jose State.
▪ Fresno City offensive lineman Stephawn Townsend (McLane), New Mexico State.
This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 4:35 PM.
