Signed on the dotted line: Two Fresno-area players sign with Fresno State football
It didn’t matter to Buchanan High senior offensive tackle Brayden Walton who the next head football coach will be at Fresno State.
He was already committed to the Bulldogs and picked them over 14 other Division I universities.
One main factor led to his decision to play for Fresno State. He made it a reality Wednesday when he signed on the dotted line and officially become a Bulldog.
“I kind of realized I wanted to stay closer to home,” he said. “Great opportunity to be at home.”
Walton joins the Bulldogs along with defensive back Jonavon Darrington (Clovis West), linebacker Lucas Blumling, offensive lineman Jonah Leaupepetele, quarterbacks Jonathan Craft and Braden Turner, wide receiver Isaiah Dillon, defensive back DaJhon Hall, defensive lineman Robert James III and offensive lineman Malcolm Polu Jr.
All players had uncertainty on who will be the next head football coach following the resignation of Jeff Tedford earlier in the season.
Tim Skipper was named the interim coach and many hoped he would be the permanent coach.
Instead, the job went to Matt Entz, who served as the USC assistant head coach for defense.
Prior to Wednesday’s signing, Walton said “nothing’s gonna change” his mind in joining the Bulldogs.
He was drawn to the support the Bulldogs receive.
“It’s a great atmosphere,” he said. “It’s just something I want to be a part of. Really excited to join and be part of that culture here.
Walton didn’t play a full year at Buchanan this past season. He had a torn MCL against Clovis East in the second quarter on Oct. 25.
He has since had surgery and will be 100% when he joins Fresno State.
Other schools that offered Walton included Air Force, Nevada, Washington State and a couple of Ivy League schools.
