Three Vaqueros sign with New Mexico State

Isaac McClain has signed a national letter-of-intent to continue his football and academic career at New Mexico State. He's one of three SBCC players to sign with the Aggies.

McClain, a 6-2, 305-pound sophomore offensive tackle from Manteca, Calif., was a two-year starter and a two-time All-State player. He said he chose New Mexico State because his longtime friend and Vaquero teammate, Bilal Sharmoug, had already committed to the Aggies.

"I was blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime," said McClain. "I played football with my best friend, Billy Sharmoug, since the sixth grade. We played Pop Warner together, high school together, went to a Div. 2 school together, transferred here together and now we get to play together at a great Div. 1 school."

McClain will major in Administrative Justice.

"It was awesome to play football at SBCC, the best two years of my life," he said. "All the support and staff that they provide for the student-athletes is really helpful. I think we have one of the best coaching staffs in California and they led us to a bowl game."

Two other Vaqueros received scholarships to New Mexico State -- Sharmoug and defensive back Nakota Shepard-Creer.

"To have two guys who've been boyhood friends get full rides to a Division 1 college is very, very special," said football coach Craig Moropoulos. "Isaac is the quiet guy but he plays very loud on the field. The No. 1 thing I appreciate about Isaac is he never complained how hard things were on the field or in the classroom. He utilized the support and guidance we offer and he's very coachable.

"I can't wait to see our three guys line up against Arizona State in the first game next season!"

Seven other Vaqueros signed with four-year schools: quarterback Joshua "Graham" Lindman (Mississippi), punter Joel Whitford (Washington), quarterback Noah Holle (East Central University, Okla.), running back Cedric Cooper (Southwestern Oklahoma State) and a trio of defensive backs -- Rhomel Fields (Alabama A&M), Tony Anderson (Grand View University, Iowa) and Mykhael Sanford (Northwood University, Mich.).