Class of 2018 could produce another big Signing Day for the area

braddockJermaine Braddock looks like the next big thing to come out of CO

At Charter Oak High School, they call it “passing the torch.”

That’s the term used when Chargers top college football recruit hands off his star status on the way out the door to the next big-time prospect. This year, that process will take place between Brian Casteel, who yesterday signed with Arizona and Jermaine Braddock, the gem of next year’s class.

“He’s already heard people talking about some early offers and there are Pac-12 schools that I think are going to offer him,” Charter Oak head coach Lou Farrar said. “He’s the next sort of receiver/defensive back/skill guy up for us and we’ve got a few other guys coming up, too.”

As if you hadn’t enough of all the recruiting hoopla with Signing Day having come and gone on Wednesday, it’s now time to look forward to next season and think about the Class of 2018.

Braddock figures to be one of the biggest targets in the area for college football teams. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver led Charter Oak in receiving in 2016 with 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns. Farrar also said he expects some recruiting action for tight end Louis Farrar, defensive back Michael Anywanu, offensive lineman Nate Aceves and defensive lineman Mario Mora.

Just up the road at Glendora, the Tartans have a pair of offensive lineman who should garner plenty of interest. Guard Victor Arteaga stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 290 pounds and is coming off an All-Area season. Tackle Michael Chase is 6-4, 260.

“I do think both kids will have offers when it’s all said and done,” Tartans head coach Jerry Lewallen said. “I know APU (Azusa Pacific) loves them both and I’m hoping the Mountain West guys get in here and fall in love, too.”

Lewallen also expects that quarterback Bryce Wooldridge will see plenty of Division 2 interest, if not bigger.

In terms of quarterbacks, Northview’s Steven Comstock looks set to be the area’s most-prized recruit. Coming off a strong junior season in which Comstock showed he’s dangerous with both his arm and legs, the senior-to-be figures to get plenty of attention this spring. He’s already got an offer from Oregon St.

The area’s overall biggest recruit, not just in terms of size but also rankings, is Bishop Amat defensive tackle Aaron Maldonado. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound may have his pick of the litter at this time next year. Maldonado is the Mission League’s Defensive MVP and already has an offer from BYU.

The college football recruiting factory that is La Mirada should also put out another solid group. Former head coach Mike Moschetti reports that offensive lineman Tyler Casados already has an offer from Colorado.

Moschetti also expects plenty of attention to be thrown lineman Sebastian Hernandez’s way, as well as tight end Jared Mead. And beyond next year, La Mirada has a serious Class of 2019 prospect in quarterback Josh Calvin, who is already 6-4, 200. Linebacker Cam’Ron Chapman also figures to get plenty of looks.