Patrick McMorris and Nick Larriva of Santa Ana High make it official and sign letters to play Division 1 college football

Santa Ana High players Nick Larriva (left) and Patrick McMorris (right) were joined by Coach Charlie TeGantvoort and teammates Tuesday night to celebrate their decision to sign letters of intent on Wednesday.

Santa Ana High School’s football team held its annual year-end banquet Tuesday night and there was much to celebrate for a team that won the Orange Coast League title and advanced to the semifinals of the CIF Division 8 playoffs.

Capping the evening was the announcement from Coach Charlie TeGantvoort confirming that Patrick McMorris was going to sign on Wednesday, national letter of intent signing day, with San Diego State and Nick Larriva was going to sign with Idaho State.

Both players, who received full scholarships, were all-CIF Division 8 first team. They both signed their letters Wednesday morning, TeGantvoort said Wednesday morning.

McMorris, the most valuable player of the Orange Coast League, said he was recruited to play safety for San Diego State. He was also a great offensive back for the Saints. (Please click here to see the story on McMorris comitting to San Diego State).

“San Diego State is the place I want to be for sure,” McMorris said. “The coaching staff is great and when I went on my visit, I had a lot of great conversations with all the coaches, especially the safeties coach. It was just a great place and it’s close to home; that’s a big part, my family can come down and watch me. That’s a huge part, that’s what made me want to choose San Diego State for that reason.”

(To read more about McMorris decision, please click here)

Larriva, who also played offense for the Saints, said he expects to play defensive end with Idaho State.

He said his visit to Idaho State made it clear that was the right decision. (Please click here to see more about Larriva comitting to Idaho State).

“What really got me was the visit; the players were really cool, the team and the coaching staff,” said Larriva. “I know that I’m going to learn there and continue learning and further excel my football career. I’m going to do my best, I trained really hard this off-season and hopefully I’ll get a starting spot.”

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com