California college signs second Valley all-state lineman of offseason

PALMER — During the 2017 season, Palmer head coach Rod Christiansen said senior lineman Lucas Santana certainly has the potential to play football at the next level.

“There’s a lot of growth he can do if he wants to go and play (in college),” Christiansen said late in the year.

Santana has earned his chance. The Palmer standout has committed to Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, and will play football for the Bulldogs.

Santana is the second Valley all-state lineman to commit to Allen Hancock during the offseason. The Southern California Football Association program signed Wasilla senior TJ Laumatia in February. Santana said as Laumatia was going through the recruiting process with Allen Hancock, Wasilla head coach Will Stout urged the Bulldogs coaching staff to look at Santana.

“Right after TJ decided, the coach got a hold of me. Coach Stout recommended me. They looked at my film and got a hold of me,” Santana said.

Santana said he appreciates that an opposing coach thought enough of him to recommend him. He said he’s also excited about playing with Laumatia at the next level.

Santana, who considered joining the United States Marine Corps, prior to the chance to play college football said he has not discussed his immediate role with the Bulldogs football program. Santana excelled on both sides of the football with the Moose, and was named the 2017 Division II Lineman of the Year and Northern Lights Conference Lineman of the Year.

“He’s really deserving of the award,” Christiansen said after Santana earned the honors. “He’s an impact player, making big plays.”

Santana was also named first-team all-state at offensive guard and defensive line. Christiansen called Santana a standout on both sides, but said he made a particular impact from the offensive guard position.

“A big guy like that, the best thing he does is down block, and get after it,” Christiansen said. “But he has also developed himself as a technician.”

Santana has played football since the sixth grade. He also stood out in wrestling at the middle and high school levels, but said football was always his main sport. He said the idea of playing football at the college level became more realistic as a senior.

“Definitely this year, getting all my exposure through all of my awards,” Santana said. “(I thought), I could do this, but I’ve got to put my mind to it.”

Looking back on his success, Santana said he’s excited about what he was able to accomplish.

“It feels good, but I know I could not have done it without my team,” Santana said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.