CSUN Attempts to Get Up to Speed by Signing Blakey

Shayne Blakey, a running back from Antelope Valley College, has signed a letter of intent to play football at Cal State Northridge.

Blakey, 6-feet, 190 pounds, is expected to provide speed in the backfield, which Northridge lacked last season.

Robby Proffer, a 6-1, 195-pound linebacker from Valley College and Agoura High, and Chris Hughes, a 6-1, 190-pound defensive back from Sacramento City College, also signed with Northridge.

Other signings included Drew Hill, a 6-1, 180-pound receiver from Santa Rosa College, and Greg Leyone a 6-1, 255-pound defensive lineman from Sacramento City.

As of Wednesday, the first day of the weeklong signing period for high school football players, the Matadors had letters of intent or commitments from 27 players, including 22 junior college players.

Among the most promising are:

* Aaron Flowers, the quarterback who led Valley to the No. 2 ranking in the nation.

* Marc Goodson, a former state junior college defensive player of the year from Laney College.

*Norman Clarke, a 2,500-yard rusher last season at San Bernardino Valley College.

The Matadors have three remaining scholarships that could be used in the spring.