Posted: Jan 30, 2015

O’Leary Signs With Prairie View A&M; Two More Also Move On

Sophomore Marquice O'Leary returns one of his six interceptions on the season during the Owls' opener against College of the Canyons. O'Leary recently signed with Prairie View A&M. Photo By: Brenda Fink

Glendora, CA -- Citrus College sophomore defensive back Marquice O'Leary became the fourth Owl football player to sign an early DI scholarship offer. O'Leary has accepted an offer from NCAA Division I FCS Prairie View A&M. In addition, two other members of the Citrus secondary accepted offers from Benedictine College of the NAIA.

O'Leary played one season for the Owls, after spending his freshman campaign at Southern Oregon University. In his one season for Citrus College, O'Leary made an immediate impact on the Owl secondary, leading the team in tackles (84), interceptions (6), and pass break-ups (9). O'Leary also recorded 7.5 tackles for a loss, which was the fourth best mark on the team. O'Leary was named a 2nd team All-Central League player for his efforts.

"I chose Prairie View, because I have family out this way, and it was a great opportunity to go to a place where there was some family support," O'Leary said. "They gave me a great chance to go to school and continue to play football without having worrying about anything else."

During O'Leary's 2014 campaign, he led the Southern California Football Association Central League, the toughest division in the State, in tackles per game (8.4). O'Leary was also second in total interceptions, tying with a player from Mt. San Antonio College and Riverside City College who played in 13 and 12 games respectively, while O'Leary played in all 10 of Citrus' contests. O'Leary helped anchor a pass defense that ranked #1 in the Central League for the second straight season.

"Citrus helped mature my patience. It helped strengthen my faith, and made me realize that if you just trust and work hard something good will come of it," O'Leary said. "I have to give credit to Coach [Mario] Franklin as well. He has helped develop my ball skills, and made me a better defensive back."

Signing on with Ravens of Benedictine were Anthony Cordero Jr. and Charles Beal. Cordero Jr. appeared in eight games for the Owls in 2014, recording 22 tackles and a pair of break-ups. Beal meanwhile moved to defense in the last half of the season, and managed to win a starting free-safety job in the final game of the season. Beal made five total tackles in that contest.

"Marquice is a guy who came in to our program and made an immediate impact for us," Head Citrus College Football Coach Ron Ponciano said. "He is a savvy defender and an extremely hard worker. That will carry him a long way at Prairie View."