Cal Poly’s football team has strong ties with the Santa Barbara area.
Carpinteria’s Chris Gocong, a two-time All-American linebacker for the Mustangs and the 2005 winner of the Buck Buchanan Award for being the most outstanding defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision, is entering his fifth year in the NFL. He’s a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns.
Kyle Shotwell of Dos Pueblos capped a stellar career at Cal Poly by winning the 2006 Buck Buchanan Award.
This year, three players from the community figure prominently in coach Tim Walsh’s plans in San Luis Obispo.
Scott Winnewisser, a former All-CIF lineman at Bishop Diego, is No. 1 on the Mustangs’ depth chart at left tackle. The 6-5, 275-pound junior started 11 games last year.
Dos Pueblos grad Kellen Moriarty has been moved from defensive back to wide receiver. The son of former Notre Dame star and NFL player Larry Moriarty, is listed as the team’s No. 2 X-back. He is a senior.
Troy Shotwell, also a DP grad, is switching from offensive to defensive line. The 6-3, 235-pound junior also is the team’s long snapper. Troy is the third Shotwell to play for the Mustangs, following brothers Kyle and Ryan.
