Murrieta Mesa Sends 4 to Collegiate Football Programs

Four Murrieta Mesa Rams football players have signed national letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.

Jess Ayala, Garrett Andrews, Clayton Willis and Khalil Sharpe will be suiting up in new colors next year, it was announced.

“We are really proud of all these student-athletes and feel these young men are a shining example of the growth our program has made since we opened in the fall of 2009," said Mesa Head Football Coach Justin Schaeffer, in a news release.

"All of these young men were members of the inaugural school year (2009-2010) here at Mesa as freshmen and have 'grown-up' in our football program. They have all worked very hard in the classroom and on the field and I am happy for them, their families, and the Mesa community and for us in the football program."

Defensive Lineman Jess Ayala is heading to University of California, Davis. A was a three-year varsity letterman, Ayala is the first member of the Mesa Football Program to sign a National Letter of Intent and receive a full Division I Athletic Scholarship. 

Garrett Andrews is another Ram defensive lineman headed to the college game. He will be a member of the Southern Oregon Raiders. Garret has always been an exceptional student-athlete; maintaining better than a 3.5 GPA in AP and advanced classes. 

Clayton Willis will be playing linebacker for the Jackrabbits of Humboldt State. 

"Clayton has an overwhelming passion that is evident in his play. He has worked hard at improving academically, and his fierce play and constant 'motor' on the field have earned him this much deserved opportunity," Schaeffer said. "Clayton’s ability and desire to achieve will serve him well as we follow his success in the coming years."

Khalil Sharpe play for the Bearcats of Southern Baptist University this fall. He is the most decorated athlete in the history of all of Mesa sports. Khalil is the only Mesa athlete to have ever been selected to the CIF Southern Section 1st Team list, a feat he accomplished two years in a row.

He was a three-time All-Southwestern League Selection at wide receiver and is the Inland Empire’s all-time leading receiver with 190 receptions in his three-year varsity career. He was also selected to the All-Southwestern League Basketball Team.

"Khalil will be continuing to leave his legacy, and bringing ours with him," Schaeffer said.

"We are so proud of all these young men and so proud to have our football program represented by them."

To date, Murrieta Mesa is sending off 22 student-athletes this year. Listed below, the athletes were celebrated April 16 during a signing ceremony. To see a photo gallery of the celebration, visit Murrieta.k12.ca.us.