Saturday Match-up to Feature Five NSR Prospects

Cal versus UC-Davis Holds Special Meaning to NSR in California

Saturday’s grudge match between The University of California (Cal) and The University of California at Davis (UC-Davis) holds special meaning for all of us at National Scouting Report, but espcially for NSR in California.  Five former NSR prospects, three from UC-Davis and two from Cal, will be on their respective team rosters as the Aggies travel to Berkeley to take on the Bears at Memorial Stadium.   

Spencer Hagan is a redshirt sophomore at Cal.  The 6’4″ wideout was ranked as the No. 2 receiver in Northern California by ESPN in 2008.  He finished his high school career at Capital Christian High in Sacramento with 145 receptions and 2,629 receiving yards, both all-time school records.  Spencer earned first-team All-State honors as a prep senior by both Rivals and MaxPreps, while also being named second-team All-City by the Sacramento Bee.

Alejandro Crosthwaite is a freshman offensive lineman for the Bears.  He hails from Cathedral Catholic High in San Diego.  Named by Phil Steele as the nation’s No. 30 offensive lineman prior to this season.   In high school, Alejandro was a four-star recruit by ESPN, Scout, Tom Lemming and Rivals, selected as the No. 6 offensive tackle and No. 85 overall player in the nation according to Max Emfinger, invited to play in the Max Emfinger All-American Bowl, the Offensive-Defensive All-American Bowl and the Aloha Prep All-American Bowl.  

Nick Aprile is a redshirt sophomore at UC-Davis.  He is a 6’1″ 210-pound free safety from Escalon High in Fresno.  In 2009, Nick appeared in all 11 games as a reserve defensive back for the Aggies.  He was also the ball handler in the team’s variation of the Wildcat formation.  He rushed for 123 yards and four TDs on 29 carries.  On defense, Nick posted 7 tackles (5 solos, 2 assists) on defense.  

Ian Joseph is an offensive lineman for UC-Davis.  At 6’6″ and 300 pounds, Ian is likely to see action as a true freshman for the Aggies.  At El Dorado High in Placerville, CA, Ian was a three-sport standout, playing football, basketball and track.  He earned All-Pioneer Valley League first-team and Sacramento Bee All-Metro second-team honors as a senior lineman.  He was named his team’s Most Outstanding Lineman and Bleeding Blue awards.  He was also an All-league thrower in the spring, posting personal bests of 50-3 in shot, 141-3 in discus.  On the basketball court, he was voted Most Inspirational. 

Ryan Dimino is one of UC-Davis’ most prized recruits in 2010.  The freshman linebacker’s high school career at Del Campo High in Sacramento made him one of the most recruited prep stars in the state.  He was selected as All-Metro Player of the Year by the Sacramento Bee in 2009, rushing for 2,702 yards and passing for 2,089 more.  Ryan accounted for 47 touchdowns (28 rush, 19 pass).  He ranked 2nd on team with 60 tackles on defense, while adding an interception.  Post season honors include being named Old Spice California Player of the Year, Capital Athletic League MVP and first-team Cal-Hi Sports team.  Ryan’s team at Del Campo won 42 games and two Sac-Joaquin Section titles during his career.  He was a three-time All-CAL honoree and was named to Sacramento Bee All-Decade Team.  Ryan was also a National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete.