The new year will find Allan Hancock College offensive tackle Riley Gauld in a new zip code, as the First Team All-Conference selection signed a letter of intent on Dec. 16 to attend San Diego State.
“They were first to offer, and I got interested in them right away,” Gauld said. “They were the most upfront, I would say.”
The athletic, 6-foot-5, 300-pound Gauld was a standout on an offensive line that blocked for the state’s No. 1 rushing offense among community colleges.
“It made me a better football player,” Gauld said of his Hancock experience. “Coach pushed me harder than any other coach, and all my teammates were great.”
Gauld arrived at Hancock after a decorated career as a right tackle at Santa Ynez High, where he won All-League, All-County, and All-Area honors. Hancock head coach Kris Dutra said he saw Division-I ability in Gauld from the start.
“I think he’s one of the best offensive linemen we’ve had here,” Dutra said. “I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s a great kid, he deserves it, and he’s worked hard since he’s been here.”
Dutra praised Gauld for his quickness and agility, but even more than his physical skills, Dutra said he appreciated Gauld’s intangible qualities.
“For him to do some of the things he’s done and maintain his grades the way he has is impressive, and I’m awfully proud of him for that,” Dutra said.
Gauld will be shifting over to play guard for the Aztecs and said he picked the school over Nevada because he was impressed with the coaching staff and facilities and academic program. He hopes to be a starter and graduate with a business degree.
Even a National Football League career isn’t out of the realm of possibility, according to his coach.
“If he gets the most out of his potential, he could have an outside shot at being a pro,” Dutra said. “He’s got to get stronger, and we’ll see how he develops at the next level.”
This article appears in Dec 24-31, 2009.