Cal Poly Photo
Photo: Chris Gocong was the division I-AA leader in sacks last season with 17.5.

The Consensus Draft Services (CDS), a draft coverage website (condraft.com) that describes themselves as “having a soft spot for guys at smaller schools,” has selected former Warrior, Chris Gocong (2001) to the All-Under Appreciated third team.

Gocong, a senior defensive end for the Cal Poly Mustangs, was the nation’s division I-AA sack leader with 17.5 and second in tackles for lost yardage with 21.5. His 17.5 sacks also broke the school record of 17 set by Tom Carey in 1987 according to the Cal Poly website.

“I want to break my record, 20 is my goal,” said Gocong, “But team goals are more important, winning the division championship again, making the playoffs, beating Davis and winning a National Championship.”

Although Gocong played defensive end for the Mustangs, he was selected as a defensive tackle for the All UP team. He was one of six defensive tackles selected and

Steve Martin, an administrator for the website, said that they look at three things to qualify someone for the All UP team: production, size and speed.

Gocong has plenty of production and the size and speed according to a Consensus Draft Administrator.

“At 6-2.5 (and) 265 (pounds), he led all I-AA lineman last year in total sacks (17.5) and sacks per game. He has been a valuable cog on the Cal Poly line the three years past (though he reshirted in the middle) and has experience playing all the spots along the (defensive) line. Chris has great speed for a (defensive tackle) at 4.78 electronic time at Cal Poly, and (has) a great primary move and super hand utilization. Chris played DE last year, and nose guard the year before in the 3-4, and will probably play at DE again this year though he has the strength to be equally effective (32 reps) in the four-point stance. His pro spot may be at DE, but it is conceivable he could be asked to add 30 pounds and play inside.”

Gogong finished runner-up for the 2004 Buck Buchanan award, the best defensive player, to his teammate Jordan Beck. Beck was selected in the NFL draft, the first Mustang to do so since 2002, by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round.

“Jordan getting drafted was a big deal. It proved that players in (division) I-AA can play in the NFL,” said Gocong.

Among Gocong’s accomplishments were first team The Sports Network All-America, Walter Camp Foundation All-America team, first team Associated Press division I-AA All-America, first team All-Great West Football Conference and he was a first team member of the Football Gazette All-West Region team.

Being selected to the All UP team by the CDS will be of great help for Gocong. “We help raise visibility,” said Martin. CDS hosts a free forum for fans to communicate with Gocong, has connections with the East/West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl and can put in good words for him at NFL combines.

If drafted in the NFL Gocong would become the second Warrior to play in the NFL. Warrior Hall of Famer Ken Duncan played for the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals after graduating from Tulsa University. He graduated for Carpinteria High School in 1964.

When asked if getting to the NFL is his goal Gocong replied, “Yeah, definetly. But I know I have a lot of hard work to do.”

Visit Chris Gocong’s forum
• Go to www.condraft.com

• Click on Message Boards on left hand side

• Scroll down to “Communicate with your favorite 2006 Pro Prospect”

• Click on Chris Gocong