Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Former Eureka star Isaak Gutierrez is penciled in to start at center for Butte this weekend.
By Ray Hamill — It probably won’t surprise anyone on the North Coast who had to go up against him in recent years, but former Eureka star Isaak Gutierrez will start for Butte College in the Roadrunners’ season opener this Saturday.
Gutierrez, a 2019 Eureka graduate, is one of several local players to take his talents to Butte this year, and has been the quickest to establish himself within the nationally recognized program.
And that’s earned the former Big 4 MVP lineman a start at center at San Joaquin Delta this weekend.
“Isaac’s very physical, and he’s just kind of a natural leader,” Butte head coach Rob Snelling said. “He’s a smart kid who loves football, and those are all great things for a football player.”
Gutierrez is one of four local standouts to join the program this summer.
His former Eureka teammates John Foster and Tyce Mullins are each also trying to make the team, along with former Fortuna star Sheaden Kadle.
Foster and Kadle are vying for playing time along the offensive line, primarily at guard, while Mullins plays linebacker.
And all three have impressed the coaching staff since joining the team.
“We’re thrilled to have all these guys, and all of them are going to be pretty good players for us at some time,” Snelling said.
Foster, Kadle and Mullins are all in the mix for a roster spot, and may yet be added to the game day roster either before Saturday or in the coming weeks.
According to the coach, they may also red shirt this season depending on how much playing time they are likely to see on a deep and talented roster.
“It’s still up in the air, but all three of these guys are working hard,” Snelling said.
The Roadrunners are one of the most competitive community college programs in the state and were national champions in 2013.
They have produced legendary NFL stars like Aaron Rodgers and Larry Allen, and annually send numerous players on to top Division-I programs.
