Ceres resident Coleby Garrett graduated from Central Catholic High School on May 26.

The former Ceres Seahawks youth football standout will continue his education and playing career at NCAA Division-III Cal Lutheran University, which is located in Thousand Oaks.

“It’s definitely a relief,” Garrett said. “I know where I’m going next year. It’s been a long journey. It’s always been my dream to play college football. I love the sport so much.”

Family members and friends attended Coleby’s signing party at Bonsu Elite Athletics (BEA) in April.

“It was a great experience and one I will never forget,” said Garrett, who trains at the Ceres facility five times a week. “I got so much support from my parents and Bonsu. Bonsu’s an amazing trainer. He’s made me a lot stronger and faster. He definitely got me to where I’m at today. He’s really impacted my life.”

Coleby got recruited by more than 15 colleges.

He visited Cal Lutheran in April and February.

“Their coaching staff is amazing,” Garrett said. “They’re friendly and know a lot about the game. They have top-notch facilities. It’s going to be a new experience. I’m going to be away from home. I’m more excited than nervous. I’m going to work my butt off to get on the field.”

“It’s a perfect fit for him,” said Les Bonsu, BEA owner and trainer. “He’ll excel on the field and in the classroom. He’s very versatile. He’s tough. He never complains. He plays every single game like it’s his last. He’ll do everything that’s expected to make the team.”

Garrett’s parents, Brad and Rachelle, will attend all of his at Cal Lutheran.

“It’s only a four-and-a-half-hour drive from home,” Coleby said. “I can’t thank my parents enough. I’ve always wanted to make them proud. I got my work ethic from them.”

Garrett was a two-way starter on Central Catholic’s varsity football team during his senior and junior years.

Coleby played middle linebacker and fullback.

Garrett was a first-team all-Valley Oak League pick on defense this past season.

He earned second-team honors on offense.

Coleby registered 61 tackles and recovered one fumble.

Garrett rushed for 550 yards and 14 touchdowns.

He caught eight passes for 132 yards and two TDs.

The Raiders amassed a 10-2 record, finished second in the VOL (6-1) and lost 23-12 to Del Oro in the semifinals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-II playoffs.

Garrett was an honorable-mention selection in 2016.

He made 62 tackles.

He ran for 287 yards and two TDs.

Central Catholic compiled an 8-4 overall record, tied for first place in the VOL (6-1) with Oakdale and Manteca and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

“Everyone said I was undersized for my position on defense,” stated Coleby, who stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 199 pounds. “That was definitely motivation. I met my expectations.”

Cal Lutheran will open the 2018 season at home against the Pacific Lutheran Lutes of Washington on Sept. 8.

The Kingsmen compiled a 5-3 overall record and tied for third place in the Southern California Collegiate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings (3-3) with Pomona-Pitzer.

Coleby posted a GPA of 4.06 during his final semester at Central Catholic.

“Education is very important to me,” said Garrett, who will be a pre-med student at Cal Lutheran. “I’ve always set high standards. It will be a difficult path in college. If you outwork everyone else, you’ll get what you want.”