Kicker switches commit to D-II level; List of 4-year transfers still at 17

SAN MARCOS (5-17-2018) / (UPDATED 7-11-2018) -- Palomar's football program so far is sending on 17 players, with more still expected to come, to play college football at the four-year college level this upcoming fall.

Four players are on their way to NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) universities, three more to Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) universities, seven to NCAA Division II universities and three more to the NAIA -- including one to Carroll College in Helena, Montana, which won 6 National Championships in a nine-year period from the 2002 season through 2010.

The latest Comet to accept a scholarship is defensive back Maxwell Scott, who started all 11 of Palomar's 2017 games, to Fort Lewis College in the Rocky Mountain Conference, while kicker Tyler Vargas (see below) has switched his commitment from the NAIA level to D-II Eastern New Mexico University.

D-I FBS

Chandler Wachholtz, Linebacker, University of Louisiana-Lafayette -- Wachholtz (La Costa Canyon High School) led both Palomar and the National Division South in tackles last fall with 95 (57 solo) and an 8.6 average per game. He'll get an early introduction to the FCS level when the Rajin' Cajuns open the season at Mississipi State on Sept. 1 and play defending National Champion Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 29.

Matt Romero, Quarterback, New Mexico State University -- Romero (Oceanside High School) passed for 2,915 yards in 11 games in 2017. His 265.0-yards per game average led the National Division South last fall and he led the state and nation in touchdown passes for most of the season, finishing with 26.

Tyson Dryer, Punter, University of New Mexico -- The Lobos landed a big-time punting prospect in Dryer, an Australian who deposited 23 kicks inside the 20-yard line with a long punt of 70 yards in 2007, with only 1 touchback. He accepted his scholarship after his freshman season.

Nikola Kresovich, Long Snapper, UNLV -- Kresovich (Orange Glen High School), considered one of the best available long snappers, also received his scholarship after his freshman season.

D-I FCS

Carter Crouch, Defensive End, Houston Baptist -- Crouch (Orange Glen High School) recorded 7.5 tackles for loss during the 2017 season, when he spent much of his time in the opponent's backfield.

Marquis Williams, Wide Receiver, Southeastern Louisiana University -- Williams transferred from Chula Vista's Southwestern College to Palomar after his freshman season and was the Comets' leading receiver with 53 catches for 626 yards to land a D-I scholarship. He also had 863 all-purpose yards, second on the team to Issiah Aguero.

Issiah Aguero, Running Back, Kick Returner, Morehead State University -- Aguero (Poway High School) overcame injuries to accumulate 1,154 all-purpose yards by leading the Comets in rushing, receiving and kickoff returns.

DIVISION II

Nate Johnson, Wide Receiver, University of Sioux Falls -- Johnson (Vista High School) caught 38 passes for in nine games, missing two games because of an injury. He led the Comets in receiving yards per game (74.4), average yards per reception (17.6) and touchdown catches (7).

Nick Zimmerman, Defensive Tackle, University of Sioux Falls -- Zimmerman (Oceanside High School) recorded four tackles for loss for 16 yards and a sack for 7 yards as a starter for the Comets.

Mike Childress, Offensive Line, Minot State University -- Childress (Vista High School), a 6-foot-5, 300-pound tackle, was a starter at tackle to land his scholarship.

Currie Thompson, Running Back, Humboldt State University -- Thompson (Mira Mesa High School), a big RB at 6-foot-0 and 200 pounds, was a part-time starter for the Comets and was effective in short-yardage situations and as a blocker. He rushed for 229 yards and 3 TD's, and also demonstrated he also could catch the ball.

Anthony Zuninga, Defensive Tackle, Long Island University-Post -- The active Zuninga (San Marcos High School) recorded three sacks for 15 yards and eight tackles for loss for 19 yards. He also broke up a pass and blocked a kick.

Maxwell Scott, Defensive Back, Fort Lewis College -- Scott (Murrieta Mesa High School) recorded 74 tackles (53 solo) in 11 games as a starter for the Comets, including 9 tackles for loss. He intercepted two passes in the Comets' 17-14 victory over rival Grossmont on Nov. 11 and forced a fumble. He contributed 11 tackles (6 solo) against Golden West on Oct. 21.

NAIA

Preston Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Carroll College -- Johnson (Ramona High School), a starter on the offensive line at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, impressed the Fighting Saints coaches to land a scholarship to a program that has won 40 conference championships, along with its six National titles.Devonte Woods, Defensive Back, Rocky Mountain College -- Woods recorded 42 tackles (36 solo), recovered a fumble, forced a fumble intercepted a pass, contributed a tackle for loss, broke up 17 passes and blocked w kicks during an active 2017 season. He came to Palomar from Father Lope High School in Datoyna, Florida.

Austin Early, Quarterback, Southwestern College (KS) -- Early, son of head coach Joe Early, took a year off after his sophomore season, when he was the Comets' Most Valuable Player, and is battling for the starting job for the Moundbuilders in Kansas.