Ball, Hall, Nduka, Newton, & Pruitt Sign
Glendora, CA -- Five Citrus College sophomores signed scholarship offers recently. Michael Ball, Andrew Hall, Chima Nduka, Brock Newton, and Simon Pruitt have all signed on with four-year schools to continue their educational and playing careers next season.
Nduka and Newton will continue their careers at NCAA Division I FCS Prairie View A & M University. Nduka appeared in all 11 games for the Owls, recording 26 tackles, 1 sack, and five tackles for a loss. Newton was an SCFA All-Central Conference Honorable Mention honoree, with 26 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for a loss.
"I chose Prairie View because of the way they treated me. They were warm, they treated me well, and the coaching staff seemed like they would take good care of me. Texas is a big football state, and I'm looking forward to playing in a football crazy State. There's opportunity to grow there too," Nduka said. "Citrus has given me the exposure and the opportunity to showcase myself on the field. The coaches helped instill in me the initiative I needed, and played a fatherly like role in helping keep me on track on the field and in the classroom. They helped keep me well rounded."
"It [Prairie View A & M] felt like a home away from home. They showed me a lot of love and it looked and felt like a good fit," Newton said. "They've [Citrus] played an extremely large role. Without Citrus I probably wouldn't be playing football anymore."
Ball will continue his career at NCAA DII member Western New Mexico University. Ball was a 2nd team All-Central Conference honoree in 2013. Ball was third on the team in receptions (46) and yards (482), and was second in TD's (6) in 2013. Ball will finish his career second all-time in career receptions with 79.
"My parents and I took a trip there [Western New Mexico], and we liked the campus and the program. It's close to home, and they are offering me a good scholarship," Ball said. "Citrus has helped develop my skills, and gave me a chance to get my name out there."
Hall will also be competing at the NCAA DII level this next season when he suits up for Adams State University in Colorado. Hall was a two year starter on the offensive line for Citrus, and was named an All-Central Conference Honorable Mention honoree in 2013.
"Adams State is a nice school that offered me a great scholarship. It's in a beautiful area, and it's a nice change of pace from the big city. It's a good program, and from the vibe that I got I can fill a need for them," Hall said. "Citrus has played a huge role in my recruiting. They got me in contact with the coaching staffs, and put me out there. I give them all of the credit for my success."
Pruitt will suit up for the Hardrockers of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. South Dakota currently competes as an NCAA Division II Independent athletic program after recently making the transition from NAIA. Pruitt was an All-Central Conference Honorable Mention honoree in 2013. He finished third on the team in total tackles (54), while racking up three sacks, seven tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and three interceptions.
"They [SDSM&T] have a really good engineering program that fits my major, and they were one of the best schools to offer me," Pruitt said. "I've learned how to make the leap from high school to college football at Citrus. Thanks to that, I'll be able to go in and compete right away rather than sitting out for a year or two."
"Citrus College Football has a strong tradition of moving on our athletes," said Citrus College Head Football Coach Ron Ponciano. "These five are yet another great example, that if you work hard and take care of your business, opportunities will be waiting for you after your time at Citrus."