Four More Hancock Football Players Headed to Four-Year Universities
Surrounded by coaches, friends and teammates, three Allan Hancock College football players signed national letters of intent inside the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on Thursday. Mershad Dillon signed with Texas State, Demetrius Johnson inked papers to Missouri Southern State University and Joshua Thornton signed with Southern Utah. Connor Allen, who recently verbally committed to the University of San Diego, was also recognized during the ceremony.
Dillon, a Santa Maria High School graduate, earned All-Conference First Team Defense honors in 2013. The 6-foot-3, 300 pound defensive end recorded 12.5 tackles for lost yardage, including six sacks for the Bulldogs. He added one interception, three pass breakups and blocked one kick.
"I chose Texas State because they were the most loyal, they were good to me and they gave me a second chance at going Division I," said Dillon, who signed with Fresno State out of high school, but arrived at Hancock in 2012. "Coach Kris Dutra, Kim Ensing and the athletics department have stayed on me the last few years and got me on the right track. Coach Dutra is truly a role model to me and helped me earn this chance to play at the next level."
The Bobcats are members of the Sun Belt Conference that recently transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision level. Texas State went 6-6 last season and are coached by Dennis Franchione.
Johnson is headed to Division II-level Missouri Southern State University, which is located in Joplin, Missouri. The 6-foot-1 Johnson led the Bulldogs with 100 tackles in 2013. He forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble. Johnson credited his Hancock family for helping him earn a chance to play a four-year university. "I came out here thinking I'd be by myself, but I ended up with a second family. All the guys I met, all the coaches and teammates made this a great place to be and helped me succeed. Hancock was a great place to be," said Johnson, who was an All-Conference First Team selection in 2013.
The Missouri Southern Lions compete in the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association and are coming off their first seven win season since 1993.
Thornton is headed to Southern Utah, which competes against Cal Poly in the Big Sky Conference at the Football Championship Subdivision level. SUU went 8-5 season and 5-3 in Big Sky action.
"I'm beyond excited to be going to Southern Utah. It's an up and coming team and we're planning on winning the national championship next year," said Thornton.
He broke up five passes and picked off once pass to go with 15 tackles his sophomore season with Hancock. Thornton played in just six games due to injury. He recorded 15 tackles his freshman year at Hancock.
Atascadero High graduate Connor Allen was also recognized during the ceremony. The sophomore tight end has verbally committed to the University of San Diego. Allen caught seven passes for 91 yards in 2013 after he hauled in 14 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns in 2012. The Toreros, who compete at the FCS level, went 8-3 in 2013.
"I'm so excited to be going to USD. They have one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. The coaching staff really seems to look out for the players. I can't wait to get down there," said Allen. "We've all worked hard together over the last few years. I'm thrilled we can all move to the next level and continue to make each other and Hancock proud," added Allen.
Hancock head coach Kris Dutra praised his four athletes. "They are all outstanding athletes and gentlemen. They've worked so hard on the field, in the weight room and in the classroom. I know they will all contribute and bring the same dedication, talent and enthusiasm to their new programs," said Dutra, who expected a few more of his sophomores would secure opportunities to play at four-year universities in the coming weeks.
To watch video from the ceremony, click here.
Back in December, wide receiver Shane Henderson signed a letter of intent with Valdosta State, a Division II powerhouse.