WALNUT, Calif.—In Southern California’s inland empire, Walnut two-way player Aubrey Coleman made local headlines last season when he pulled on the facemask of an opposing quarterback, sidelining the player with a broken collarbone.
It briefly tainted the 6-foot-6, 215-pound Coleman, who plays at wide receiver and safety for the Mustangs. Last season he had 33 catches for 445 yards and three scores. He also made 57 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
The Mustangs went 7-3 last season. Coleman also plays basketball for Walnut, averaging 10.3 points and 11.1 rebounds.
He verbally committed in April to play for Washington and coach Steve Sarkisian, one of several Californians who gave their answer to the Huskies early.
Not considered one of the top recruits in talent-loaded California, Coleman still garnered attention for his height and his upside. Still growing, he could play at defensive end for the Huskies. He could also fill a need as a tall receiver.
Several scouts have noted Coleman’s agility for his size.
But back home he will long be known for the facemask on Rowland High School’s Michael Ball. A photo of the penalty shows Ball’s face turned almost 180 degrees to his back.
“Because Aubrey’s so big, he struggles getting low on anything,” Walnut coach Mike O’Sheilds told the San Gabriel Tribune at the time. “I don’t think there was any malice or intent on hurting Michael on Aubrey’s part.”
