Eight Fresno City College football players signed their letters of intent and committed to Division I schools on Feb. 6.

The day marked the beginning of the national signing day period for high schools and community colleges to move players to high er division schools.

The players making the jump include members of both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. These players played a major part in helping FCC to an 8-3 record and a No. 2 state ranking during this past season.

The event began with a short statement by FCC football head coach Tony Caviglia thanking several members of his staff and a quick introduction by each student athlete and what school they would be attending in the coming year.

The FCC secondary which accounted for a Central Valley Conference leading 19 interceptions was well-represented in the group with three defensive backs making the jump to other schools.

Cornerbacks Duron Singleton and Trevor Baker will be playing at Missouri and the University of Texas, San Antonio respectively while Clovis standout safety Donnell Vercher decided to attend Wisconsin after also being recruited by Fresno State University and Syracuse University.

“I’m so happy for these guys. Duron and Trevor didn’t really play as freshmen too much so to see the progress they have made since the moment they stepped on campus to signing the letter of intent to play Division I football, I’m extremely proud of them. I know they’re going to go and do great things,” said defensive backs coach Cameron Worrell.

He adds that he would have “loved to have Vercher line up at Fresno State”, his alma mater, but understands his decision to attend Wisconsin.

Vercher led the team with eight interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. He says it’s a “relief” to have the paperwork finished and now he can focus on school and finish his last semester at FCC.

Singleton, who led the team with 62 total tackles and two interceptions last season says “I enjoyed my time here, I cherish the moments I had here and it’s going to be with me forever.”

He adds that the coaching staff is a great group of guys and throughout his two years at FCC, he came to see the coaching staff as “father figures.”

Fellow cornerback Baker leaves FCC after a 2012 season with three interceptions. He says what he will miss most about FCC is his teammates but looks forward to making connections with new teammates.

Defensive lineman Ioane Sagapolu, originally from Hawaii, will remain in the Central Valley as he has committed to play for The Fresno State Bulldogs.

He says he is excited to go to CSU Fresno and work hard to earn his spot.

“We’re so proud of all our players,” said Cavaglia. “These kids have worked hard. They’ve developed themselves as students and football players and we’re proud to see them moving on.”

The offensive side of the team also announced Wednesday that three players would be moving on to other schools.

Receivers Jon Pulido, Larry Overstreet and Anthony Yancy will be playing college ball at University of Mary, Bethune-Cookman, and Angelo St. in Texas. Offensive lineman Chongo Kondolo has committed to Nebraska.

Ex-Clovis North High School player Jon Pulido says he feels nervous about the move but wants to train hard and hopefully earn a spot in the starting lineup.

Receiver Larry Overstreet who is originally from Lehigh Acres, Fla sees this as a homecoming of sorts. Overstreet has signed on to attend Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Fla.

“I feel great about it because the school is four hours away. So my family can come see me now. Being out here I never got family to come watch me play,” said Overstreet.

Even with many departing students, Vercher believes FCC’s football program will continue to prosper.

“Fresno City competes every year,” said Vercher. “I feel we have some good guys returning next year and some freshmen coming in next year to replace us.”