Hancock Linebacker Willie Iribarren Signs With Humboldt State

Allan Hancock College linebacker Willie Iribarren has signed a National Letter of Intent to play football in the fall at Humboldt State, a Division II program. The Lompoc High School graduate led the Bulldogs and ranked sixth in California with 98 tackles last season on his way to All-Conference First Team Defense honors. The sophomore ranked second in the state with 9.8 tackles per game.

"Humboldt State is a beautiful school located in a great area," said Iribarren. "I already started to establish and built a relationship with the coaching staff there. I can't wait to start playing for Humboldt."

Iribarren finished his Hancock career with 157 total tackles over 18 games. He forced three fumbles, intercepted three passes, broke up four passes, and tallied 10.5 tackles for lost yardage between 2013-14. Last season, Iribarren recorded 10 or more tackles in five games, including a program-record 19 in the season opener at Santa Ana.

"I am grateful for my time at Hancock. I became a man during my two years at the college," added Iribarren. "Coming out of high school, I had a lot to learn. I learned all about discipline, respect and hard work at Hancock."

The Jacks are coached by Rob Smith, who will begin his eighth season at Humboldt State in 2015. Humboldt State is a member of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Last season, the Jacks went 8-2 overall as Smith was named the conference's Coach of the Year for the third time. He guided the Jacks to the program's first GNAC championship in 2011 and the program finished the season ranked No. 16 in a NCAA Division II poll.

Iribarren plans to major in kinesiology at Humboldt State and possibly minor in nutrition.

Humboldt State opens the 2015 season at home in Arcata against Western Oregon University on September 5.  

Hancock opens its season on September 5 against Santa Ana. The 2 p.m. game will mark the first contest ever played on the Hancock's Santa Maria campus. Hancock played its home games the last several seasons at Righetti High School.