Valencia’s Cassaday Tabs UCLA

Linebacker Ray Cassaday, an All-Valley selection by The Times as a junior last season, has committed to UCLA for the year 2000.

Cassaday, who’s 16 and growing, ranks among the top defensive players in the Foothill League. The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder also plays fullback.

“I think I’m a physical football player,” he said.

Cassaday is the second player from the Santa Clarita Valley to make an early commitment to the Bruins, following Hart fullback Patrick Norton.

“I think it’s a great situation,” Valencia Coach Brian Stiman said. “He’s a linebacker who can play a lot of different positions.”