A standout on the gridiron for three seasons at Central Valley High School, Estevan Barragan will move to North Dakota later this year to play college football.
Barragan signed a national letter of intent with University of Mary on Feb. 7.
Central Valley athletic director Greg Magni made the announcement during halftime of the Hawks' freshman boys basketball game versus the Ceres High Bulldogs on Feb. 9.
Estevan was all smiles as he posed for pictures with his mother Erica, two brothers Jonathan and Jose, girlfriend Vivi Yepez, high school head coach Scott Edwards and a host of other well-wishers.
"Not a lot of people get to experience this," Barragan said. "I'm blessed. Everybody knows how hard I've worked to get to this spot. I'm thankful for everything my coaches have done for me."
Barragan toured University of Mary the first weekend of February.
"I feel relieved," said Barragan, who will major in psychology. "It's always been a dream of mine to go to college. I'm going to get an education and play at the highest level I can play at. It's very special."
The Mauraders compiled a 1-10 overall record and finished in fifth place (1-6) in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North Division.
Estevan was recruited by University of Mary head coach Craig Bagnell.
"He's trying to build a program and he wants me to be a part of it," Barragan said.
Estevan will compete for playing time at running back in college.
"They really loved my film," he said. "They have a great vision for me to play in their offense."
Barragan had a success-filled career as a key member of Central Valley's varsity football program.
Estevan helped lead the Hawks to a combined record of 21-11, one Western Athletic Conference title and two Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berths.
He totaled 304 tackles, three interceptions, 13 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries at safety.
Barragan was Central Valley's top player on both offense and defense his senior year.
He was voted WAC Offensive Player of the Year.
He rushed for 1,111 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He caught 31 passes for 503 yards and two TDs.
He totaled 230 yards on eight kickoff returns.
Barragan racked up 110 tackles, to go along with one interception, two pass deflections and one forced fumble.
Estevan competed in the Blue-Grey High School All-American Football Game on Dec. 18 in Texas.
He collected eight tackles, forced one fumble and deflected one pass during the West's 23-20 overtime win over the East at the $1.2 billion Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium.
