Mixed Reviews for Allen’s First Recruiting Class

George Allen’s first recruiting class at Cal State Long Beach has received mixed reviews.

Mark Tennis, editor of Cal-Hi Sports Weekly, a publication in Redondo Beach that ranks high school and college players, said that Allen has a typical 49er recruiting class, consisting of average but not outstanding high school players. But Dick LaScola, who runs a scouting service in Fallbrook, said Allen has nothing to be ashamed of.

“They got players who will help them,” LaScola said. “I think they made an impact in the high schools. It’s the first time in years they’ve gone out to get high school kids.”

But Tennis said: “They lost ground to Fresno State, which got a majority of the better Southern California players. Some of the kids play their high school games at Veterans Stadium and they do not see the thrill in playing their college games there. Fresno State has a very nice facility that impresses the Southern California kids.”

Here is a look at the 25 players signed by the 49ers.

High school players:

Tim Holliday, running back, 6-1, 190, Westchester High, Los Angeles: A big-time player, said LaScola. Holliday, one of the best backs in Los Angeles the last two years, rushed for 1,115 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

Terrell Davis, running back, 6-1, 190, Lincoln High, San Diego: An exciting player, said Tennis. LaScola said Davis has good speed and power.

Andre Devizan, running back, 6-1, 190, Muir High, Pasadena: A fairly polished player, said Tennis. Devizan is quick, can break tackles and likes to run up the middle.

Calvin Dotson, offensive lineman, 6-4, 265, Westchester High: He is big and runs well, but needs to mature, LaScola said.

Dan Ledieff, defensive lineman, 6-3, 245, La Habra High: A good pass rusher, LaScola said. A solid prospect, Tennis said. Also recruited by Colorado State.

Kent Richter, wide receiver, 5-11, 185, Agoura High: A player you go to on third and 12, LaScola said.

Malcolm Thomas, defensive back, 5-9, 185, Wilson High, Hacienda Heights: Tennis said Thomas, who is fast and has good hands, is a clutch player who excelled as a receiver.

Chad Wilson, defensive back, 5-11, 180, Canyon Springs High: A good player, LaScola said. He was an explosive running back in high school.

Scott Wohrman, offensive lineman, 6-4, 255, Fountain Valley High: Best offensive lineman on his high school team, Tennis said. Wohrman is aggressive and well coached.

Community college players:

(Assessments by LaScola)

Gerald Brooks, defensive lineman, 6-1, 250, San Bernardino Valley: Tough player with some ability.

Mark Esposito, offensive lineman, 6-2, 250, Saddleback: Fireplug body, good pass blocker.

Earnest Johnson, defensive back, 5-11, 175, San Diego Mesa: Quick, covers pass well.

Torrin Johnson, defensive back, 5-11, 180, Merced: A real good one; he’s fast and plays the field well.

Mike Kyckelhahn, defensive lineman, 6-2, 250, Cerritos: Plays run well, can shed blockers.

Tony Perry, defensive lineman, 6-6, 265, Saddleback: Good size, runs well, good pass rusher.

Bob Titus, linebacker, 6-2, 225, Rancho Santiago: Tough, real aggressive.

Chris Tsangaris, linebacker, 6-2, 240, Hancock College, Santa Maria: Good size and moves well; suited for middle linebacker.

Dante Venturelli, linebacker, 6-2, 220, Fullerton: Has quickness to be outside linebacker. Good speed, does good job containing the run.

Willie Burton, defensive lineman, 6-4, 220, Mt. San Jacinto: Big-time player, very quick.

Damon Hinton, defensive lineman, 6-5, 250, Glendale: Fast, aggressive, good pass rusher.

Marc Mango, offensive lineman, 6-3, 260, San Bernardino Valley: Workmanlike guard who is a good pass blocker.

Tony Martin, offensive lineman, 6-2, 255, Merced: Tough and fast; can pull on sweep plays.

Bascom Mellon, defensive lineman, 6-3, 290, Mt. San Antonio: Big but still raw, a lot of potential.

Kelly Schlegel, offensive lineman, 6-7, 270, Mt. San Antonio: Good football player; played at Utah.

Chris Stetz, defensive lineman, 6-3, 270, Hancock: Good hitter; played at Utah State.