The Central Section had two state high school football champions in 2019, which seems a world away from where we are today. Central (Fresno) and Bakersfield Christian each grabbed CIF titles and while the shortened spring season won't have any postseason, there is still plenty to play for.
And when the Central Section teams kickoff in a few weeks, the talent on the field is as good as anywhere in the state. Two high-level players, Keanu Willians and Xavier Worthy each opted to forgo their senior years to enroll early, but there are still a ton of skilled players ready to show out.
Zach Buckey, Garces Memorial
File photo by Matt Plugge
Senior | WDE | 6-5, 250 | StanfordThe Rams' three-star has NFL bloodlines with his father Jeff playing for the Dolphins and 49ers. Zah Buckey had seven sacks in 2019.
Thomas Cole | San Luis Obispo
Senior | OT | 6-7, 265 | UCLAWith an NFL frame and size, the three-star paved the way for Tiger ball carries to gain 2,000 yards last season.
Ricky Easterwood | Bakersfield
Senior | QB | 6-2, 205 | UndecidedThe Drillers field general threw for nearly 1,500 yards and 12 scores in 2019.
Xavier Hailey | Tulare Union (Tulare)
Senior | CB | 5-11, 160 | New MexicoA three-star corner, the future Lobo has 11 career interceptions and has made two regional bowl game appearances.
Senior | WR | 5-7, 160 | Cal Poly
A breakout season in 2019, the Ridgeview transfer had 893 yards receiving on 70 catches and eight touchdowns.
Jordan Hornbeak | San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno)
Senior | RB, 6-0, 195 | Fresno StateThe three-star back ran for more than 1,700 yards last season as the Panthers reached the 1-A NorCal title game.
Velltray Jefferson | Edison (Fresno)
Senior | ATH | 6-4, 230 | UtahA wideout and linebacker for the Tigers, he's projected by 247Sports to play linebacker or on the edge for the Utes.
Nate Johnson | Clovis
Junior | QB | 6-2, 185 | UndecidedThe three-star was in a backup role last year, but should step into the spotlight in his final two seasons.
Christian Jones | San Luis Obispo
Senior | OT | 6-9, 300 | San Diego StateThe three-star was a first-team junior pick from Cal-Hi Sports.
Jekob Jones | Central (Fresno)
Senior | ILB | 6-0, 215 | Cal PolyThe three-star future Mustang logged 85 tackles last season, including 13 tackles-for-loss. He added five sacks and two interceptions for the Grizzlies.
Ian Kirby | Buchanan (Clovis)
Junior | QB | 6-2, 180 | UndecidedThe Bears didn't lose a beat when Kirby stepped in for D.J. Stevenson was injured. Kirby went 6-1 as a starter.
Keanu Kuma | Washington Union (Fresno)
Junior | LB/TE | 6-1, 220 | UndecidedLogged 116 tackles and one sacks for the Panthers last season.
Dominic Martinez | Orosi
Senior | 5-6, 160 | UndecidedThe Division VI back ran for 2,279 yards and 31 scores for the Cardinals. This will be his fourth varsity season.
Hector Nava Jr. | Porterville
Senior | QB | 5-8, 160 | UndecidedThrew for 3,604 yards and 31 touchdowns last year for the Panthers. Has more than 6,000 yards passing in two seasons.
Jason Oliver | Liberty (Bakersfield)
Junior | CB | 6-0, 170 | UndecidedTwo-way player had 336 yards receiving and two scores while adding 25 tackles and two interceptions.
T'Ky Posey, Bullard (Fresno)
Senior | DE | 6-1, 220 | UndecidedHe logged 90 tackles, 25 tackles-for-loss and 10.5 sacks for the Knights in 2019.
Tristan Risley | Clovis
Junior | RB | 5-11, 155 | UndecidedRan for 1,338 yards and 15 scores in 2019 as a sophomore.
Marcel Sanders | Clovis West (Fresno)
Senior | SDE | 6-3, 235 | San Jose StateThe three-star logged 52 tackles, eight sacks and three fumble recoveries. He also scored two defensive touchdowns.
J.J. Uphold | Garces Memorial
Senior | TE | 6-5, 230 | WyomingThe two-sport, two-way standout had 35 tackles for the Rams last season.
Bryce Weiner | Bullard
Senior | QB | 6-0, 180 | Cal PolyThe future Mustang threw for more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in five games last season.
