Dons football update 2012

LEADERS OF THE PACK:

— Three game-changing players.


NO. 3 — JOSHUA WEBB Wide Receiver	NO. 24 — ARESEO LAKEY Running Back	NO. 5 — HAYDEN GAVETT Quarterback
In his sophomore season, Webb is the team’s No. 1 offensive weapon.He averaged 89 receiving yards per game through seven games played, scoring multiple touchdowns in four, and surpassed his 2011 totals of 30 receptions for a total of 461 yards and eight touchdowns.	In his first season with the Dons, sophomore Areseo Lakey heads the multi-back set. Lakey has averaged about 100 yards rushing on 22 attempts. He has rushed for 130 or more yards in two of his six games played. In 2008, Lakey had a cameo for OCC, carrying the ball once for two yards.	In his first season with the Dons, Gavett earned the role of Coach Jones’ primary game caller.His intangibles and athleticism are his key attributes, Jones said. Gavett is a dual threat quarterback who is capable of picking up a first down on the run or with his arm.
2012 SEASON STATS	2012 SEASON STATS	2012 SEASON STATS
31 Receptions for 623 yards 20 Average receiving yards per catch 12 Total touchdowns, including a 98 yard punt return	134 Total carries for 589 yards on the ground 4 Team leading rushing touchdowns 48 Longest yardage for carry	1152 Total passing yards on 131 attempts 11 Touchdown passes out of 75 completions 55 Carries for 230 yards rushing

COACH GEOFF JONES

Jones is in his 11th season as the head football coach of the Santa Ana College football team. In 2010, Jones led the Dons to their second bowl victory in three seasons, following the Dons 52-43 win over Grossmont College in the 2010 Beach Bowl. The former Don, who is the 15th head coach in Santa Ana College football history, spent six years as an assistant coach under Dave Ogas, who is now the team’s linebacker and special teams coach. During Jones’ tenure, 129 players have received a scholarship to continue their athletic and academic careers at a four-year university.

FRESHMAN LINEBACKER KEYS DONS’ DEFENSE

Player Profile: MARC MILLAN.

Redshirt chosen team captain after exhibiting strong leadership characteristics.

Before game-time, freshman linebacker Marc Millan howls in the middle of the team huddle, like an alpha wolf calling the pack to follow his lead.

“He is in the moment and he is dragging them up with him,” Head Coach Geoff Jones said.

Prior to the first snap, Marc is reading the quarterback, processing everything from his hours of film study, directing teammates on where to go and who to cover.

Because of that approach, the Dons draws up its defense around Millan, Jones said.

“He plays within the structure of the defense, but sometimes that gives him a lot of leeway, leaving him to run and be the instinctive player that he is,” Jones said.

On the sideline, Marc continues to strategize with fellow defensive linebackers.

As a red shirt freshman, Marc has had time to understand some of the intricacies of college offensive schemes.

His experience is a trait his teammates and coaches observed. The players chose Marc as one of the two defensive captains.

“He is a little older and more mature than the other guys, who are mostly true freshman right out of high school,” said Mike Cobleigh, linebacker coach.

Marc is an athletic specimen. The 6-foot-1-inch, 215 pounder runs a 4.5 second 40-yard dash. Through seven games, Marc compiled 44 total tackles, including 13.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks.

“He is fast and instinctive. He has one of the best motors you’ll ever see. He just never stops,” Jones said.

The Mission Viejo resident has piqued the interest of multiple universities, including D-1 powerhouse Ohio State, Arizona State and Eastern Michigan.

“He definitely has D-1 potential. It has to be the right system. He can play linebacker anywhere,” Jones said. “Who ever gets him is going to get one heck of a football player.”

The 20-year-old is a product of a broken home, but his parents worked to make it seem normal anyway. That has produced a well-adjusted but hyper-competitive child born to become a leader.

“They have been divorced for as long I can remember, but both are a big part of my life,” Millan said. “They never miss one of my football games and it makes me work that much more knowing that they are screaming for me.”

Marc takes his role of student-athlete seriously. In the classroom he is articulate, inquisitive and attentive.

“He is a B+ to an A- student. I had him in my sports and society class and I think he got the highest grade in there,” Jones said. “He only has one blemish on his whole transcript. He had an issue with a math class, other than that he has all A’s and B’s.”