Brazas Leaves Illinois, Enrolls at Orange Coast

Former Times All-Orange County running back Steve Brazas has left the University of Illinois and has enrolled at Orange Coast College.

Brazas, a 6-foot, 2-inch, 210-pound freshman, signed with the Illini after twice being named as the Sea View League’s Back of the Year. He set school records with 2,780 yards rushing and 45 touchdowns.

Although he didn’t rule out the possibility of playing football at OCC this fall, Brazas said he plans to concentrate on his studies, graduate with an Associated Arts degree and then transfer to Cal State Fullerton where he would have three years of eligibility remaining.

The 19-year-old said he has unhappy with the amount of playing time he received as a freshman and didn’t enjoy the demands of playing in a Division 1 college program.