San Bernardino Valley College kicker Jonathan Gonzales (Apple Valley HS) has signed with Division I Portland State.
He spent just one season with the Wolverines and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
“It’s definitely tough finding a spot as a kicker,” he said. “It’s not like most positions where you have to recruit multiple players. Teams usually have just one kicker and there are a lot of good ones out there.”
Gonzales credited Hugo Castellanos, a noted kicking coach who works with athletes from all schools all over the Inland Empire. It was that connection that paid off in the end.
“He has been like a second dad to me and taught me everything,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales was 13 of 17 on field goal attempts, making a long of 52 yards twice, once against Southwestern and once against Santa Monica. He was also 44 of 44 on extra-points.
“They’re field goal team was just 3 of 16 so they were looking for someone with college experience that can come in right away and help,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales plans to major in athletic training.