SMC Football Players Go Pac-10:

Even though the Santa Monica College football team won only one game last season, several four-year universities were impressed with the Corsairs’ talent.As a result, a dozen or so Corsair players are expected to continue their careers in college football next season. Two are headed to the Pac-10.Defensive end Dexter Manley II, son of the former National Football League player of the same name, has signed a letter of intent with Oregon. Offensive tackle Aaron Mason, a two-year Corsair starter, has signed with Washington.Mason previously played at Santa Monica High.Several other Corsair players have made their choices. Wide receiver David Whaley is going to West Texas State, cornerback Kevin Foley-Kossi to Colorado School of Mines, defensive tackle Connor Redfern to Baylor and linebacker Joseph Young to Texas A&M of Commerce.It will be Young’s second venture into Texas. After starring at Santa Monica High he played at Texas El Paso before transferring to SMC.“We’re going to miss them all,” said SMC Coach Robert Taylor. “They were sophomores who contributed a lot to our team. They all were good at their positions.“Another five or so players will be playing at four-year schools, too but their commitments aren’t firmed up yet. It’s possible we’ll end up with 12 or 13 players from our team going on to play at four-year schools.”SMC was Western State Conference Southern Division champion two years ago and it is uncharacteristic for the program to have down years. As a result, Taylor and his staff are working hard on recruiting for next season’s team. In addition, several key players will return.