Irvine High wide receiver Bryce Tanikawa commits to play football at Grinnell College

Irvine High receiver Bryce Tanikawa made his college decision this week, (Photo courtesy Irvine football for OC Sports Zone)

Former Irvine High wide receiver Bryce Tanikawa has committed to play football next year at Grinnell College in Iowa, according to former Irvine football coach Erik Terry.

The Pioneers compete on the  NCAA Division III level in the Midwest Conference.

Tanikawa was a first team All-Pacific Coast League player. He had 41 catches for 510 yards and four touchdowns and broke two career receiving records at Irvine.

“Grinnell College was actually the first college that began recruiting me back in November of last year,” Tanikawa told OC Sports Zone. “I did not know that much about the Grinnell (program).

“I was looking at other schools in the meantime, but Grinnell was always in contact with me during the whole time.

“When arrived, I feel in love with the campus. It was the nicest campus that I visited. I was not really enthusiastic about attending school in the Midwest, however, the players really made me feel comfortable, the team values really matched with my personality. The coaching staff was really interested in my football career in college as well as my academic future. Grinnell College offers a great academic experience as well.

“I sat down with a few counselors at the school and learned about all the resources that the college had to offer. Grinnell College is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, it has a strong alumni network, internship opportunities, and a top economics program.

“I just felt like it offered the best of everything in comparison to all my other college offers.”