The National Signing Day ceremony at Linfield Christian celebrated student-athletes and their decision to continue their athletic career at the collegiate level. Linfield Interim Athletic Director Mike Fages spoke about each of the athletes, of their accomplishments both on and off the soccer field, and gave them a piece of encouragement for the future.
Bradley Whitworth committed to play football at UCLA. In his time as a Lion, Brad was a three-year starter and captain and played in 22 games. He tallied 26 career solo tackles, 52 career total tackles, as well as 87 pancake knockdowns. He was awarded to the Ambassador All-League team as a sophomore, junior and senior. He received First Team All-CIF honors and First Team Offences CalHi Football All State honors as a senior.Brad is a smart, physical, and versatile lineman. He makes all line calls in pass pro regardless of the position he is playing. At 6’5” he plays with excellent leverage to create surge at point of attack and finish the defender in a run game. Brad is technically sound, an elite pass protector, and will be greatly missed on the Lions offensive line next year.
Kaleb Maresh committed to play football at Dordt College in Iowa next year. Kaleb was a one-year wonder as a Lion, who didn’t miss a single snap during the 15-game season. He passed for 2,408 yards, 34 touchdowns, and completed 138 of 225 passing attempts. Kaleb finished the season with a QB Rating of 131.8 which is the highest QB rating of passers with 50+ attempts. He rushed for 814 yards and 14 touchdowns, totaling his offense to 3,222 yards and 48 touchdowns. With those stats, Kaleb now holds the school record in seven different categories. He was named the Ambassador League Co-Offensive Player of the Year, CIF Offensive Player of the Year, and received Second Team Multi-Purpose Player, CalHi Football All State, as a quarterback and running back. Kaleb is athletic, tough, and durable. He has a strong arm and is quick making him a dual threat QB. Kaleb is a consistent and accurate passer, and the offensive leader of the highest scoring team in the state.
Ryan Manqueros will be joining Maresh at Dordt University. Ryan was a one-year starter for the Lions, finishing the season with 42 solo tackles, and 82 total tackles. He received Ambassador Second Team All-League honors as a senior. Ryan is a tenacious, hardworking individual with a willingness to learn. He takes the game of football seriously, improving each week, especially as a senior. His selfless attitude, passion and fire in his craft will serve him well at the collegiate level.
Jalen Jefferson decided to play football at Doane University in Nebraska next season. Jalen had a shorter season due to injury, but totaled 6 tackles in the final two games of the season, 5 of them being solo tackles. Jalen overcame many obstacles his senior season. When he got the all clear from his injury, he stepped in on special teams, learned the safety position and contributed when it counted. Jalen’s best football is ahead of him.
Abby Uhler committed to play soccer for Providence Christian College in Pasadena in the fall. Abby has played in 84 games for Linfield. As a center back, there aren’t too many stats to put on paper, but Abby was an aggressive and integral piece of the Lions’ defense. She received Ambassador Second Team All-League honors as both a sophomore and a junior, and has yet to hear about this season. Abby was a consistent leader for the girls soccer program. She fulfilled her role as a senior captain, and took opportunities to serve her teammates through encouragement, love, and support. We are excited to see what the future holds for Abby at the next level.
The ceremony concluded with senior Ben Coleman praying for the student-athletes in the next chapter of their lives, and the student-athletes signing their letters of intent.
