Fresno State lands commitment No. 1

Fresno State landed their first commitment in the class of 2007 from Austin Raphael, a 6-3, 215 pound linebacker from Sonora (Calif.).

"He's our top player this year and a very good prospect," Sonora coach Robert Cendro said. "He plays inside linebacker for us in our 3-3-5 system and averaged about 15 tackles a game last season. He also runs track and is a tough, physical football player."

Raphael camped at Fresno State this past summer and was offered by Bulldog coach Pat Hill following one of Sonora's Spring scrimmages.

"I'm excited to have the decision out of the way," Raphael said. "I talked to some people who said the recruiting process can be pretty stressful and I didn't want to deal with that. I like Fresno State a lot and love their style of play. I think I'll fit in very well there and I really like the coaches and players a lot."