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Rising Star Malakai Ross-Graves: A Journey from JUCO to Division I Football
Overcoming Adversity: A Strong Finish to the Season
Santa Cruz’s own Malakai Ross-Graves has made headlines despite a knee injury that sidelined him during the second half of the College of San Mateo’s thrilling 28-27 victory over Golden West in the 3C2A State Football Championship on December 13. While the injury was a setback, Ross-Graves remains optimistic and is actively garnering postseason accolades and scholarship offers.
Postseason Recognition and New Opportunities
The sophomore defensive lineman recently received honors as an All-California Region I selection and was named to the All-Bay 6 Conference team. “It means a lot,” Ross-Graves expressed, highlighting the hard work he has invested since joining CSM. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 280 pounds, he is focused on seizing his last significant opportunity to elevate his football career.
A Winning Legacy
Ross-Graves transitioned to CSM with a winning mindset, having played a pivotal role at Soquel High, where he helped the Knights achieve a historic CIF State Championship in 2023. His winning streak continued at CSM, where he appeared in 23 games over two years and contributed significantly to back-to-back state championships.
“I’ve been used to winning for a while now,” Ross-Graves remarked, noting he has lost only four games in three years of competitive football.
Making Sacrifices for Success
Despite the glamour associated with collegiate athletics, Ross-Graves has faced challenges. Choosing CSM over nearby Cabrillo College meant leaving home and confronting the practicalities of living arrangements—sharing a house with nine teammates and weathering leaks during storms. “Some days it was rough, money-wise, but we found a way,” he revealed, emphasizing the sacrifices made to pursue his dream.
Future Endeavors: NCAA Division I Goals
Looking forward, Ross-Graves is enthusiastic about potential opportunities at the NCAA Division I level. He currently holds scholarship offers from Southern Utah University and Northern Arizona, with a visit scheduled at The University of Akron. He is proactive, reaching out to various programs with his highlight reel to keep the momentum going. “I plan to make my college decision before the signing date in February,” he stated.
Surprising Silence from San Jose State
Interestingly, Ross-Graves is puzzled by the lack of interest from San Jose State University, despite earlier engagement during game-day visits. “I would love to stay close to home, but I’m open to any opportunity,” he commented, reinforcing his commitment to maximizing exposure and interest from coaches.
Performance Highlights
Since transitioning to an interior defensive role, Ross-Graves has bulked up, gaining over 30 pounds of muscle since high school. This has led to enhanced performance on the field, where he has demonstrated his dual capability as both a run stopper and pass rusher.
In the 2023 season, he recorded 29 tackles over 13 games, including eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two broken passes. His defensive coordinator, Hansen Sekona, praised Ross-Graves’ impact, equating him to a “JC version of Warren Sapp” due to his football intelligence and consistent performance.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
As Malakai Ross-Graves prepares to transition to the next step in his football career, his journey serves as an inspiring story for aspiring athletes. With a solid foundation laid at CSM and an impressive skill set, Ross-Graves is poised to make a significant mark at the collegiate level, ensuring that all of his hard work continues to pay off.
For more information on college football recruitment and success stories, visit NCAA Recruiting or MaxPreps.
