Flowers Leaves Early to University of North Dakota

Glendora, CA -- Citrus College freshman Charles Flowers has signed a scholarship offer with the University of North Dakota. Flowers will enroll at North Dakota in the Fall, and will have three years of eligibility remaining for UND.

"I really enjoyed my visit with UND. The coaching staff and people were very friendly. They are a program that's trying to rebuild, and their facilities are really great," Flowers said. "When I went on my visit I could really see myself playing there. They offer a major in business with a minor in sports business, which is what I want to do. They laid out a solid academic plan for me, and it felt like the right fit."

Flowers grey-shirted the 2012-2013 academic year with the Owls, before making his debut this past season. Flowers had a fantastic freshman campaign, tallying 50 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, five interceptions and five pass break-ups. Flowers was named a 1st team All-Central Conference selection and also earned CCCFCA Region IV All-California 1st-Team Defense.

"[Citrus Defensive Coordinator] Coach [Eddie] Pacheco recruited me to come to Citrus out of high school, I came and visited and I really liked it. The coaching staff knows their stuff, and Coach Pacheco was a big reason I came. Grey-shirting allowed me to get faster and stronger. I had the chance to get better against other players in practice, and ultimately it was the best opportunity for me to succeed," Flowers said.

"Citrus has played the biggest role in all of this. Without Citrus I wouldn't have this opportunity. Out of high school I didn't have any offers, and after this freshman year I had three. Citrus presented the opportunity for me to go out on the field and have the year that I had," Flowers said. "[Citrus Defensive Backs] Coach [Mario] Franklin had a big impact on me. He took me from having one interception in my senior season and helped turn me into an All-State defensive back with five interceptions this past year. He drilled me on my footwork and taught me how to be patient on routes. I give him a lot of credit for the success I had."

Flowers, who came to the Owls from Chino Hills, CA and Chino Hills High School, is the 10th Owl from the 2013 team to sign a scholarship offer this off-season, and the fourth freshman to leave early.

"At Citrus College, we believe it is our job to move our student-athletes on to the next level, no matter how many years of eligibility they have left," said Citrus College Head Football Coach Ron Ponciano. "Charles worked hard these last two seasons in the program, and all of his hard work is now paying off. We're excited to see what he can do at the next level."