Vic Viramontes named CCCAA Offensive Player of the Year
Sophomore quarterback Vic Viramontes (Norco, CA) was arguably the most chased after talent in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) since he began his journey with the No. 3 ranked Riverside City College football squad in early August. He lived up to expectations after being named the CCCAA Offensive Player of the Year following a remarkable season that lead the Tigers the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) playoffs.
"It feels great to be honored with this award," said Viramontes. "I would like to thank all of my teammates and RCC coaches for putting me in a great situation and providing me with this opportunity."
Viramontes, who is a Division I bounce back, joined the Tigers after playing one season for California and left following a coaching change at the university. The local talent linked up with Head Coach Tom Craft and the rest was history.
"Coach Craft has always been there for me. He is a very demanding coach and I love that about him. He is not going to tell you want you want to hear. It creates good habits to have a guy like him coaching you."
Since the moment he chose to don the Orange and Black, Viramontes has received multiple Division I offers after leading the Tigers to an overall record of 10-2 and a Southern California Championship game appearance. After much thought, Viramontes verbally committed to the Big Ten's University of Minnesota and looks to put pen to paper come early signing day on December 20th.
"Playing in the Big Ten is a big achievement for me. Being around Coach [P.J.] Fleck and the culture they have built is perfect for me. I love the area and they have the right kind of energy."
The Norco, CA native was recently named the SCFA Central Division Offensive Player of the Year after pacing the gridiron in nearly every major category. He was, without a doubt, one of the most dangerous threats in the state by the numbers and by his pure athletic stature.
He was the definition of a true dual threat quarterback. He ranked tops in the state in rushing touchdowns (21), and total rushing yards from scrimmage (1,346). He ranked second in average yards-per-tote (7.4) – almost a first down on every carry – while placing third in rushing yards-per-game (112.2).
Viramontes anchored the Tiger offense the entire season as he passed for 100+ yards and rushed for 100+ yards in seven games. In four games, Viramontes surpassed the century mark in both rushing and passing. He recorded a season-high 224 yards rushing and five rushing touchdowns in a victory over Ventura in late September and followed with a season-high passing mark of 332 yards and five passing touchdowns in a SCFA Southern California first-round playoff victory against Ventura in mid-November. Additionally, he found the end zone on the ground in all but two games and threw a touchdown pass in all but two games. Furthermore, he was named the SCFA Central Division Offensive Player of the Week twice on the season.
Division I football is a step up from community college, but Viramontes knows what it takes to excel at the next level.
"It's about being more diligent in the mental aspect and watching more film – understanding the playbook and I know that is what it takes to get to the next level."
He has had endless support from coaches, family, and friends as he has been a pillar of success both on and off the playing field.
"It is special to do it at home in front of family. It was nice that they could see it live and not over the TV."