When Tim Walsh was hired as Cal Poly’s head football coach Jan. 9, he stressed that he didn’t want to “sign guys just to sign guys,” especially in light of starting recruiting at such a late date due to Rich Ellerson‘s Dec. 26 departure to Army.
That apparently wasn’t a problem, as he announced 15 signings Wednesday, a testament to an aggressive recruiting campaign perhaps more e-savvy than Ellerson’s, even using a nearly eight-minute video package on YouTube.
The school has made video available of both the news conference and a highlight reel of the signees.
Here are some unsigned prospects the Walsh regime may be waiting on, followed by the publication first reporting Cal Poly’s interest, noted with the corresponding date:
• 6-0, 175 Casa Grande QB Matt O’Brien — Santa Rosa Press Democrat 1/15 — Still available
• 5-11, 210 Sonoma Valley LB Mike Mulas Jr. — Santa Rosa Press Democrat 1/21 — Still available
• 6-2, 250 Pioneer Valley LB Nick Leyden — San Luis Obispo County Tribune 2/3
• 5-10, 163 Stone Ridge Christian FS Matt Borges — Merced Sun-Star 2/4
Eight of Wednesday’s additions hail from Southern California, five from Northern California and two from the San Joaquin Valley. None were from San Luis Obispo County.
Ironically, Paso Robles’ Mitchell Van Dyk, one of two county products to sign with Division I programs, joined Walsh’s old stomping grounds, Portland State. Vikings head coach Jerry Glanville called Van Dyk, a 6-9, 260-pound, two-way lineman “unbelievable” because of his “athletic ability of a tight end.”
The county’s other Division I signee — 6-2, 205-pound Atascadero linebacker Nick Tenhaeff — honored his previous commitment to San Diego State.
The regular signing period ends April 1.