Ventura’s Swafford to Attend Northwestern for Football

Ventura High tailback Derek Swafford has committed to play football next season at Northwestern.

Swafford (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) averaged 9.6 yards a carry, rushing for 1,193 yards and 18 touchdowns. High school players may sign NCAA letters of intent beginning Feb. 3.

Swafford said he considered UCLA and USC, among other schools. Northwestern, which implemented the run-and-shoot offense last fall, finished 3-8. Swafford said he was recruited as a running back and kick-return specialist.

Thirteen players from Moorpark and Glendale colleges are moving on to four-year schools.

From Glendale, tight end Troy Aldrich has signed with UCLA; linebacker Scott Blade with San Diego State; kicker Brad Faunce with Nevada Las Vegas; offensive tackle Albert Ocon with San Jose State; offensive tackle Brian Feola with James Madison; and center Jason Bess with Missouri Western. James Madison is a Division I-AA school in football. Missouri Western is Division II.

From Moorpark, defensive back Lance Thomas has signed with Fresno State; defensive back Brian Vellmure with Texas El Paso; linebacker Kevin Kalfass with Boston University (I-AA), and defensive linemen Demetrius Jones and Quincy Johnson with Missouri Western. Quarterback Corey Tucker has committed to Texas El Paso and nose guard Jacob James is weighing a partial scholarship offer from St. Mary’s (I-AA).