GILROY—It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Tyler DeCarlo.
Just three weeks ago, DeCarlo was exploring his options for schools and going on college visits. Even as he signed his letter of intent to play for West Virginia State University Wednesday in the Gavilan College gym, the sophomore offensive lineman said the whole thing felt surreal.
“It’s really surprising how fast it happened,” DeCarlo said. “I’m still kind of in shock right now.”
DeCarlo is the first mid-year transfer in Spencer Gilford’s four years as head coach—and he’s not surprised. Gilford said from the day DeCarlo and his mother visited for their recruiting trip, this has been the goal.
“We’re really proud of him and excited for him because he’s been in our program the whole time,” Gilford said. “We’ve seen his growth over the year and a half that he’s been here. It’s not a surprise because of the work he put in. This was going to be the end result for him.”
The icing on the cake, Gilford said, is that DeCarlo is a homegrown talent. The O-lineman is a 2013 graduate of Christopher High School and was named a team captain for the Rams this season. He also earned an honorable mention to the All-Golden Coast League team.
While DeCarlo has a natural ability for football, Gilford said it’s his devotion and drive that ultimately landed him a scholarship.
“The position that he plays is a high-need position. His height, his work ethic, his attention detail is easy to see on film,” the Gavilan coach said. “He had a positive impact on and off the field in terms of his work ethic. In the weight room, his work ethic in the classroom and his work ethic on the football field. We’re very proud of him.”
DeCarlo received multiple offers, but ultimately it came down to West Virgina State and Minot universities. He said he chose the Yellowjackets because they have a better program for his major—Criminal Justice—and because they offer a master’s degree, which he intends to pursue.
Since his visit came so close to the holidays, DeCarlo wasn’t able to meet his new teammates. His visit with the coaching staff, however, left a lasting impression that has him excited to head east.
“I met the coaches and they’re all really nice and just good people,” DeCarlo said. “It’s something new. It’s different and I can be out on my own.”
He’ll be on the opposite side of the country, but DeCarlo will always keep a piece of Gilroy with him. He said he’s learned a lot during his time with the Rams, but the most important lesson is one he’ll never forget.
“(I’ve learned) as long as you’re willing to put the work in, then you’ll go somewhere,” he said. “It’s all about work ethic.”
