It was a big day for Bishop Diego football on Wednesday as five players signed college letters of intent.
It’s believed to be one of the largest football signing classes in program history.
Four of the senior student athletes signed with NCAA Division I programs.
Kicker/punter Michael Luckhurst is headed to Cal, two-way lineman Logologo Va’a and wide receiver Sam Mikaele are both going to the University of Texas-El Paso, and defensive end/fullback Joseph Nanai is bound for Portland State University.
Offensive lineman Filiga Mulipola signed an offer with Southern Oregon University, a perennially strong NAIA program.
“It is obviously satisfying for our coaching staff and school community when you have student athletes go on to the next level,” proud Bishop Diego head football coach Tom Crawford said of the five signees. “They not only were a huge part of our team success in the 2021 seasons, but they are each so deserving of the opportunity they have been given to play in college. Such great guys.
“They will represent Bishop Diego, their families, and their past and future teammates well going forward. I can’t wait to see them on this next step in their journey.”
Luckhurst will be attending the alma mater of his father, Mick, who is a member of the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame. He was a standout kicker for the football team and a star rugby player for the Golden Bears before enjoying a distinguished career in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.
“I visited several schools, but on my visit to Cal it really felt like the right place to be and a place where I think I can get a real opportunity to play right away,” Luckhurst said.
Luckhurst had a punt average of 51 yards in his senior season and placed six punts (all 40-plus yards) inside the 20-yard line. He made two 50-yard field goals and 49 of his 60 kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. He also was the starting quarterback for a Cardinals’ team that went 8-2 and won the Camino League title.
UTEP is getting an impressive package deal with Mikaele and Va’a.
Va’a was the Camino League’s Most Valuable Player. At 6-foot-4, 302 pounds, he dominated on both sides of the line. He led Bishop Diego in tackles with 56 and had 10 sacks.
“I feel like I can play at the highest college level (FBS) and beyond, and I really want to challenge myself,” Va’a said of the opportunity to continue playing football. “The UTEP football program is on the rise and, to me, it felt like the right fit.”
Mikaele didn’t play the last two years because of an injury, but his impressive freshman and sophomore seasons at wide receiver as well as his overall athletic ability still drew the attention of college programs.
“Fortunately, Sam’s highlight video from his first two years of varsity were impressive. and his next level size (6-3, 225 pounds) and skill sets were enough to impress UTEP, who recognized his exceptional talent and potential,” coach Crawford said. “As coach Dana Dimel from UTEP said: ‘Sam has the potential to play on either side of the ball in multiple positions, so he’s going to let his offensive and defensive coaches wrestle to see who gets a crack at him first.’
“We’re all so excited for Sam. Such a great young man who persevered through such adversity the last year while fully recovering from injury.”
Mikaele felt UTEP was the right fit for him.
“Overall, I feel like UTEP fits me,” he said. “I believe UTEP can help me reach the next level as an athlete, and I’m looking forward to attending there and appreciate being given the opportunity.”
UTEP is a member of Conference USA. The Miners played in the New Mexico Bowl in December.
Nanai said he felt comfortable at Portland State.
“After returning from my official visit, I realized how much I liked the campus and the football program,” he said. “It seems like a great school, and I’m excited to have the chance to attend and play there.”
On the PSU football website, Portland State coach Bruce Barnum said of Nanai: “He played as an undersized defensive lineman in high school and he projects to the flex linebacker position for us. His reaction time is excellent off the ball.”
Portland State plays in the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Series.
Southern Oregon football assistant coach Mitch Malot is excited about the signing of the 6-5, 315-pound Mulipola.
“He will be one of the biggest dudes on campus,” Malot said on the school’s football website. “Filiga is all of 6-foot-5 and has the frame to become a big-time player at the tackle position. He has excellent quickness for a big man and his strength and physicality will allow him to make an impact right away.”
Multipola was impressed with the Southern Oregon’s coaching staff when he visited the school in Ashland.
“I felt that the coaching staff was great and can really help me reach my potential,” he said.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal contributed to this story.