3 Junior College Football Players Choose Schools

Defensive end Ron Nielsen of Moorpark College and tight end Greg Thompson and wide receiver David Nottoli of Glendale announced Wednesday their decisions to attend four-year schools.

Glendale fullback Wes Bender said that he has yet to make a decision, but Vaquero Coach John Cicuto said he is certain that Bender will sign with USC in February, after completing his associate of arts degree.

Thompson, a 6-foot-3, 231-pound All-Western State Conference Northern Division selection, signed a letter of intent with Utah State on Wednesday--the first day of an early signing period--and the 6-6, 265-pound Nielsen, another All-Northern Division pick, signed with UCLA.

Nottoli made a verbal commitment to attend the University of Pittsburgh.

Although the 5-10, 234-pound Bender has not decided where he is going, Cicuto said that, “Wes is absolutely, positively, going to USC. They want him and he wants to go there.”

Bender, an All-Northern Division selection who rushed for 996 yards and four touchdowns this season, will take a recruiting trip to USC this weekend. Thompson had 16 receptions for 261 yards this season. Nielsen anchored Moorpark’s defense, and was an honorable mention J. C. Grid-Wire All-American. Nottoli had only 11 receptions in Glendale’s run-oriented offense, but he averaged 23.8 yards a catch, and scored two touchdowns.