Inland Empire football players making last-minute decisions

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Commitments are dropping fast and furious in the Inland Empire these days. Kids who have been hoping since last spring they’d be offered a scholarship are seeing their hard work pay off just in time for Wednesday’s signing day.

Arroyo Valley quarterback Robert Fuller and defensive end Keenan Brown committed to Utah State over the weekend. Fuller threw for 2,775 yards and 28 touchdowns, and ran for 877 yards and 10 scores. Brown had 14 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

The door finally opened for a couple Redlands East Valley players as well. Dylan Cruz, a 6-foot, 235-pound halfback, committed to Fresno State. Tanner Hansler, a 6-0, 185-pound safety, committed to Northern Arizona.

Somewhat more suprising is the committment Northern Arizona garnered from Redlands linebacker Brandon Phillips, who reportedly had several other offers, including Nebraska and Arizona State. He must really want to start as a freshman, either that or he doesn’t like extreme humidity or heat.

Texas State also received a quality committment from Daniel Bernard of Colton, a 6-3, 315-pound offensive limeman who is rated as the 55th best offensive guard in the nation. Bernard reportedly also had offes from Nevada, Mississippi and Colorado State.

Makes you wonder if any colleges will take a chance on two additional Inland Empire quarterbacks, A.J. Springer of A.B. Miller and Kavon Seaton of Vista Murrieta. Neither has the size to play quarterback at the next level, but they certainly have the athleticism to play somewhere.

-- Dan Arritt

-- Image from www.palmerslaw.co.uk