Ten More Owls Accept Offers to Continue Playing

Glendora, CA -- A total of ten more Citrus College Football players have accepted offers from four-year institutions to continue their playing careers. Of the ten, two will transfer with three years of athletic eligibility remaining, and three will transfer to NCAA Division I Schools.

Leading the pack is freshman wide out Raphael Barr, who transfers after playing just one season at the community college level. Barr recently tripped to the University of Illinois and will suit up for the Illini as a sophomore in Big 10 play next season. As a freshman Barr, hauled in 27 passes for a total of 408 yards and six touchdowns. Barr averaged 15.1 yards per reception with a long of 77 on the year.

"Illinois is a respected academic institution, and that was important to me," Barr said. "On my visits, it felt like a family and the coaching staff was really warm and welcoming. Citrus has taught me how to be a better person and has helped mold me into a more complete football player. This last year at Citrus has been a great experience for me."

Also leaving the Owls early is freshman offensive lineman Jared Clark. Clark was a key contributor on Citrus' line last season, and will take his talents to the University of Montana which competes in the Big Sky Conference as an NCAA DI Football Championship Series school.

"They were my only Division I offer. I took a visit and I really like the coaching staff and the campus. It felt like a good fit for me," Clark said. "The coaching staff at Citrus is excellent. My teammates were great, and I had a great year. It was a positive experience, and I learned a lot."

Sophomore Jesus Vargas is the latest Owl to also sign with an NCAA DI school when he inked with Southeastern Louisiana University. Vargas was a wrecking ball on the Owls' defensive line in 2013. Vargas recorded nine tackles for a loss, six and a half sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and blocked two kicks.

"Southeastern Louisiana has been recruiting me since last season. They are a strong program and were very close to winning a championship last year. I have several former teammates who are there now, and I look forward to playing with them again at Southeastern," Vargas said. "Citrus gave me an opportunity that I don't think I would have had at other community colleges. I am a bit undersized, but make up for that in speed and effort. Citrus allowed me to showcase my talents and develop my skills. Like me, Citrus has been the underdog taking on these powerhouse programs the last couple of years and winning."

Three more Owls will be suiting up at the NCAA DII level, as sophomores Herman Akins, Joseph Henderson, and Derek Calderon signed with Texas A&M University – Commerce, Missouri Southern State University, and Tiffin University respectively.

Akins spent two years prowling the back third of the defensive side for Citrus, earning 2nd team All-National Division Central Conference honors in 2013. Akins recorded 56 tackles, a sack, one and a half tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery, an interception, and five pass break-ups.

"Texas A&M is going to be a good fit for me in many different ways. It's going to allow me to excel athletically and academically, and it's going to prepare me for life after college," Akins said. "Citrus allowed me to mature as a person and as a student. I've learned college is about putting in the effort. The faculty and staff prepared me for the next level. "

Henderson meanwhile was one of the top return threats in Southern California in 2013. Henderson earned All-National Division Central Conference Honorable Mention honors as an All-Purpose selection. Henderson led the Owls in return yards with 295, averaging 29.5 yards per return. Henderson also carried the ball 17 times for Citrus, recording a touchdown in the process.

"It's a great school that's going to provide me a great education. It's a program on the rise and it feels like a good fit for me," Henderson said. "Citrus has played a big role these past years. They've helped me become a better person and football player, and helped me get this scholarship."

Calderon was fifth on the Owls in tackles during the 2013 season, recording 47. Calderon also have five tackles for a loss, three picks, and a pair of pass break-ups as he roamed the secondary.

"I took a visit out to Tiffin and it went well. It's a good school with a great campus, and the coaching staff was honest and approachable. I just really liked it," Calderon said. "Citrus has helped me learn how to stay humble and work hard. It helped me get to my dream, by helping me to stay on task, and continuing to play football."

Moving on the NAIA Midland University is quarterback Andrew Cameron. Cameron appeared in nine games in 2013, completing 67.7% of his passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns.

"I really liked the program at Midland, and the offense that they run. They offered me a good scholarship and a chance to continue playing while pursuing a degree," Cameron said. "Citrus has helped me develop into a better athlete and student."

Sophomore Scott Calles will also be moving on to the four-year level, as he has an accepted an offer to continue playing at NCAA DIII the University of La Verne. Calles was a 2nd team All-National Division Central Conference selection in 2013. Calles led all Owl receivers with 56 catches and 775 yards receiving. He averaged 13.8 yards per catch, hauled in three touchdowns on the season, and put himself on top of the Citrus record books, with 85 receptions of his two-year Owl career.

"I wanted to stay local and stay close to my family. La Verne is a great school, and it's going to allow me to focus on my schooling and still play football for the love of the game," Calles. "The coaching staff at Citrus has prepared me for the next level. They've taught me how to be a better decision maker, and that football is about how hard you work and how much you want it. Being at Citrus really opened my eyes to what's important in life, and Coach Ponciano is a driving force behind that."

Rounding out the signings are sophomore Robby Haines and Yamil Slim who both signed with Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Stingers compete in the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport). Haines lined up on the offensive side of the ball as a freshman, but switched to the defensive line in 2013. Haines recorded nine tackles, a sack and a half, and a break-up during his sophomore campaign. He also lined back up on offensive in goal line situations catching a total of four passes, two of which went for touchdowns. Slim meanwhile was a member of the Owls' secondary, recording five tackles and a sack in 2013.

"I felt an instant connection with the coaching staff at Concordia University," Slim said. "From what I saw on my visit they really loved and cared for their players and that was refreshing considering I would be so far away from home. As I built a connection with head Coach Mickey Donovan through constant communication, they made me feel like I'm needed there as an experienced player and leader. The culture shock is scary, as it's a whole other country, but I'm excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity and for the memories I'll make."

"I have nothing but love for Citrus College and its football program," Slim continued. "I've been asked a lot about my time there and I tell people nothing but good things. The coaches taught me many things in my two years on campus. They imparted knowledge of the game and helped me grow up as a young man. I can truly say that I would not be where I am now without the constant support of the Citrus College Football Staff."

"I'm going to Concordia, because it's an experience and opportunity that many will never get. The coaches really make it feel like a home away from home," Haines said. "The Citrus College Coaching staff's help and encouragement pushed me to do well and be great. It made me the player I am today. From the start of the recruiting process Citrus never gave up on me, and I am now prepared for the expectations for how to succeed at the next level."

"Our number one priority in the Citrus College Football Program continues to be preparing our student-athletes to be ready to matriculate whenever the time is right," said Citrus College Head Football Coach Ron Ponciano. "These ten individuals have put in the time and effort, and now they are reaping the rewards. We look forward to continue to follow these individuals at the next level, and know that they will do the Owl name proud."

The ten athletes in this release bring Citrus College Football's 2013 matriculation total to 20 and counting.