Venice Players Are Going to Division I Schools

Even though the BCS national championship took place just two weeks ago, many college football buffs consider Wednesday, Feb. 2 to be the biggest day in the new year. It is known as national signing day, and it is the day that schools around the country will find out what big names are coming to play at their programs.

For the players, it is the biggest step in their journey to one day fulfill their dream of playing in the NFL. At , a few players are taking that step. 

Running back will be attending the University of Nevada and wide receiver will be attending San Diego State University on full athletic scholarships. Linebacker made a visit to Missouri S&T on Wednesday.  

In addition, two members of the 2010 Venice High class will be moving on to Division I programs. Ignacious Porchia attended Wyoming Prep and will be transferring to Central Connecticut State and John Mcheal will join Caldwell at Nevada.

“This is an amazing accomplishment for all of these young men who have earned everything that they are being given right now," Venice head coach said. "To have five players getting athletic scholarships really shows the tradition of excellence here at Venice.”

Caldwell's senior year did not exactly go as he had planned. He suffered a severely sprained ankle early in the season and played sparingly throughout the year. He admitted that the hurt ankle might have been a blessing in disguise for him.

“The reason I chose Nevada was that they were loyal to me since my junior year," Caldwell said. "They were one of the few schools who stuck with me through my injury. When I went to visit them, I loved the campus, and I knew this is where I belonged.”

The highlight of Caldwell’s season came in the Gondoliers' playoff game against San Pedro. With his team struggling and trailing 10-7 at halftime, Caldwell ripped off an 80-yard touchdown run to put his team ahead and Venice went on to win 35-10. 

Caldwell hopes to get playing time right away at Nevada.

“I think there’s a good chance I will play right away on special teams," he said. "I will have to work my way onto the field at running back, but I will do whatever it takes to get in the game.”

Clark, meanwhile, will be taking his talents south to San Diego State. The 6’3” wide out said that the team’s current roster was a big factor in his decision: 

“One of the main reasons I chose SDSU was because I saw that their two starting wide receivers were seniors, so I think that I can come in right away and get some playing time.”

Clark caught at least one touchdown in five of his last six games at Venice and confessed that his time at the school is really special to him.

“It was a great experience I’m going to miss all of my teammates and friends and I can say it was the best experience of my life," he said. "I’m just so happy to be one step closer to my dream.”

Both players said that neither one was considering attending a school like USC or UCLA unless they were offered a scholarship. In Clark’s words, “I don’t want to pay to not get any playing time.”

Gasca believes it is underappreciated how much work the players will be going through.

“These guys have to work their way through college," Gasca said. "It’s like they have a job with football. They have to get up at six to do weight and stay up until midnight watching film. They have a big task on their hands, but they are ready for it.”

For linebacker Tim Geiger, his decision has yet to be made. He has been offered a scholarship at Missouri S&T but is considering walking on at a bigger program.

“Right now a lot is up in the air," Geiger said. "I need to talk to my parents more before I make a decision. I know that they want to come see my football games, and if I’m in Missouri, that’s going to be nearly impossible. So that’s why I’m looking to play closer to home possibly.”

Geiger is looking into UCLA and San Jose State, two schools where he would have to walk on and earn playing time the hard way. That would be a huge step for Geiger, who hasn’t been playing football very long.

“I’ve really come a long way here at Venice," Geiger saud. "I had never played contact football before ninth grade. Once I had my academics set straight, I was able to focus more on football and that really helped. I’ve had an amazing experience here at Venice.”

Venice has given all three players the tools to take their dreams to the next level. The next time you hear about Caldwell, Geiger, and Clark, they will be playing on Saturday afternoons on some of the biggest stages in college football.