Gilroy – It’s easy to get caught up about what’s wrong with Gavilan College’s football team this season.
After all, the Rams are 0-4 heading into Saturday’s matchup with Hartnell, and numbers are down from previous years. But take a look at what previous alum are doing on the four-year level, and one gets the impression that this is a proud program that commands respect from others throughout the country.
Gavilan alum are playing football on every level. This, however, will focus on the four players — seniors El Ray Henry, Roy Sims, Cameron Shutts and Curtis Lilly — who are making a significant impact on the Division 2 level. Sims and Shutts are from Hollister.
Start with El Ray Henry at Emporia State University (3-1) in Kansas. All the 6-1, 230-pounder has done in the last two weeks is establish career highs rushing and has scored five touchdowns. Henry had 124 yards rushing in a 48-10 win over Fort Hays State, and then had 138 yards in a 35-31 win at Southwest Baptist.
“We’ve gotten everything we’ve asked for and more from El Ray,” Hornets’ coach Dave Wiemers said. “We got him a little late in the recruiting process and kind of think we got a diamond in the rough. He runs hard and has really bought into what we are trying to do.”
Roy Sims of Washburn University, Kansas, is considered a pro prospect at defensive tackle because of his size and speed. Sims missed half of his junior season at Washburn because of a broken arm, but came back strong this year. He has 14 tackles including three for loss and one sack. Sims was Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Rams.
“In my opinion he will be playing Sundays,” Gavilan coach John Lango said of the 6-6, 300-pound Sims. “I have heard the Packers and Giants have both expressed interest in him. He runs a 5.1 40. He’s real strong.”
Shutts, a 6-2, 205-pound defensive back at Eastern New Mexico University, will get coaching opportunities next year. Both Lango and Gilroy High coach Rich Hammond talk in glowing terms of the San Benito graduate’s leadership abilities. Shutts has 17 tackles in three games for the Greyhounds.
“He’s one of those kids who doesn’t test well in the weight room or running, but on the field there is none better,” Lango said. “He’s smart, physical and vocal, and is a team leader, a very inspirational individual.”
Lilly of East Central University in Ada, Okla., is fifth in the nation in punting in Division 2 with a 42.8 average. Three of his 17 punts have been downed inside the 20. He was 11th last year with a 40.4 average.
“Curtis is a consistent punter and consistent person,” ECU assistant coach Chuck Hepola said. “His punting helps our field position. He has a lot of talent and is a great young man.”
