Storied football program continues on-field and academic success

The wall of CSM football head coach Brett Pollack's office is adorned with many things: photos of his children, photos of the teams he has coached,  typical furnishings for the head coach of any football team.

The most notable wall furnishing, however, is a framed and autographed Julian Edelman New England Patriots jersey.

Edelman is a return specialist for the three-time Super Bowl champions, but just seven years ago he was taking snaps at College Heights Stadium for the Bulldogs.

It's success stories like these that make CSM such a desirable destination for recruits who were unable to secure scholarships straight out of high school.

"We want (recruits) to know that it's very possible to move on to D-I schools," said head coach Bret Pollack.

"There's something like 10-15 players in the NFL that started out in the Nor-Cal conference," said Pollack.  

(One notable NorCal alum is 2011 Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers from Butte College).

Notable recent division-1 transfers from CSM include Cal running back David Akni, USC offensive lineman Jeremy Galten, and highly-touted Oregon wide receiver Rahsaan Vaughn.

Bulldogs on the recruiting radar of D-I schools include offensive guard Hoko Fanaika (reportedly sought out by 2010 NCAA champions Auburn), safety Alex Hubbard, defensive lineman Barret Wingara, and wide receiver Antoine Turner.

"A lot of guys out of high school need work in the class room, weight room, and on the field," said Pollack.

"Going to a JC is another way of developing that. Improve your grades and skill and after two years here you can make that jump," he said.

Lyman Faoliu, a current Bulldog defensive lineman, was recruited by Fresno State and University of Nevada during his high school career, but both programs, citing size concerns, asked him to walk-on instead of offering him a scholarship.

"They said they liked the way I played, but I couldn't afford to go all the way out there without knowing if I'd make the team," said Faoliu.

Shortly afterwards, Faoliu was introduced to CSM's storied program and elite facilities.