Valley Quarterback Arellanes Says He’ll Play for Fresno State

Quarterback Jim Arellanes of Valley College, who set a state passing record and several school marks this season, said Friday he will sign with Fresno State.

“It was really tough (to make a decision),” Arellanes said. “It was between Fresno State and Memphis (State).”

Arellanes, 6 feet 4 and 212 pounds, passed for a school single-season and career-record 3,908 yards to lead the Monarchs (10-1). He set Valley single-season marks with 246 completions and 30 touchdowns. The touchdown total tied a career record set by Barry Hanks in 1986-87. Arellanes compiled his marks in only one season.

Arellanes also established a state single-game passing record with 639 yards against Bakersfield on Nov. 5.

Arellanes, a sophomore transfer from Northern Arizona, played at El Rancho High in Pico Rivera. He said that Fresno State’s proximity to his home was a major factor in his decision.

“My parents really want to see me play,” Arellanes said.

They’ll get a chance to see him at the Rose Bowl next season when the Bulldogs face UCLA in a nonconference game Sept. 30.