Every high school athlete dreams of grabbing a scholarship and playing at the college level. For Point Loma High School senior and football standout Lester Arnold, that dream will play out in Fort Collins, Colo., next year, as a running back for the Rams of Colorado State University.
Arnold set the bar high for those following him. His 1,901 rushing and receiving yards this season are sure to stand as a record for quite a while, not to mention the 150 points he amassed running over opponents.
While no agreement is binding until the official NCAA football signing day on Feb. 2, some players prefer the peace of mind of a verbal commitment.
Arnold was able to breathe easier this season after arriving at such an agreement earlier this year with CSU head coach Sonny Lubick.
Colorado State was not the only school that Arnold looked at, though it was the best fit, Arnold said. He will play running back for the Rams, while others schools could only offer defensive back positions “” not to mention the high climate expectations of a lifelong San Diegan.
“It was nice knowing that I had somebody that wanted me to play what I wanted to play,” Arnold said. “And Fresno State and UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) get too hot for me.”
It’s no surprise that many Division I schools came calling, as the team’s scoring leader racked up 1,705 yards on the ground this season, 1,000 yards more than second-place Josh Wade, a likely Pointer star next season. Arnold also entered the end zone 24 times for 150 points, similar to LaDainian Tomlinson’s season with the Chargers.
Arnold is second to Drew Callejon in receiving yards, with 196 on his 16 catches. He was a powerful weapon on the defensive side of the ball as well, with 31 total tackles. Arnold was also honored by the Hall of Champions during the Poinsettia Bowl as one of December’s athletes of the month.
No wonder head coach Mike Hastings relied on him so much this year. Even when he wasn’t scoring, Arnold opened up the passing game when opposing teams felt forced to key on him.
“Whenever you have No. 26 out there on the field, good things happen,” Hastings said. “He’s a heart and guts player. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Arnold has high hopes of playing as soon as possible “” the Rams have four current running backs, with one graduating this year. If the coaches are impressed with the 5’10” Arnold during fall camp, he may forgo the traditional redshirt season to make an immediate impact.
“If I have the opportunity to play right away and get right into it, that would be great,” Arnold said. “I’m just real excited about meeting new people and the new atmosphere.”
His visit to Fort Collins on Dec. 9 and 10 solidified his decision. Arnold said the facilities were impressive and even the snow on the ground could not diminish his enthusiasm for the small college town. So far everyone he has met from the university has been gracious and welcoming, according to Arnold, and he takes that as a good sign for the next four years.
Since Arnold also plays basketball and runs track at PLHS, he will keep busy the rest of the academic year. Staying in shape until he reports for practice in Fort Collins will not be a problem.
A few other graduating Pointer teammates are hoping to play college ball, including quarterback Lucas Shaw, who is considering Cal Poly for both athletic and academic ambitions. Luis Villavicencio and Drew Callejon both seem headed east, talking with Villanova, Stonybrook and New Hampshire. Additionally, Alex Holmes has interest from Azusa Pacific, Chadron State, Minnesota Morris, Mesa State and Menlo as a long snapper or defensive tackle.
