Turlock’s versatile Velasquez named CCC co-MVP

For now, James Peterson’s toughest decision is what to put on the dinner menu at the end-of-season banquet in December.

“We might have it catered. Tacos seemed to be a big hit at a team dinner this season,” the Turlock football coach said. “I’ve never seen the guys stick around so long.”

In a few months, his decisions will grow in magnitude. The question likely to burn hottest: What to do with Danny Velasquez, whose talent is surpassed only by his versatility.

Velasquez is the jewel of the Bulldogs’ litter of young talent as evidenced by the Most Valuable Player award bestowed upon him by Central California Conference coaches.

“It’s his hard work. He plays both sides of the ball and he comes to practice with a strong work ethic,” Peterson said. “It was the work he put in during the week that allowed him to get that award.”

Velasquez led Turlock in rushing (780 yards, 10 touchdowns) and receiving (270 yards, 3 TDs), amassing 1,050 yards of total offense and 13 touchdowns in nine regular-season games. He also pulled in an interception as the starting safety.

“It’s pretty cool when people call you ‘MVP,’ but my parents taught me that you have to stay humble,” Velasquez said. “You have to be humble no matter what. I would put up 50 TDs a season (in youth football) and my parents would tell me it doesn’t matter if you’re a cocky kid.

“I’m not going around bragging about this. I’m just going to stay humble.”

Velasquez shared the award with Merced senior wide receiver A.J. Stewart, who became the school’s third consecutive player to earn at least a share of the CCC’s top individual award. Stewart joins former wide receiver Travante Richard (2013) and running back Jabar Byrd (2014), all of whom, ironically, wore the No. 2 jersey.

This one might as well stand for “Most Versatile Player.” Stewart was also named to the all-CCC first team as a kicker and punter, while Velasquez finished the season under center as the Bulldogs’ emergency quarterback.

Velasquez started the final two games of the regular season at quarterback, engineering a Harvest Bowl victory over city rival Pitman. He also relieved senior Peyton Dunseth in last week’s loss to Franklin of Elk Grove in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoffs when Dunseth re-aggravated his shoulder injury.

“I did everything this season,” Velasquez said.

One of the Stanislaus District’s most productive wide receivers, Stewart also spent a stint at quarterback after starter Jake Foss was knocked out of the Bears’ season opener against Clovis West with concussion-like symptoms. Foss returned and was named the conference’s Best Offensive Player. Stewart was often on the receiving end of his passes, amassing 740 yards and eight touchdowns during the regular season.

Turlock junior Mustafa Noel-Johnson was named the Best Defensive Player, while Merced’s Joseph Moraga was named Lineman of the Year.

Turlock had eight players named to the all-CCC first team, while Pitman had five first-team selections. Merced had the most first-teamers with 13.

“It’s a special time,” Peterson said. “We’ve been building the program up and the kids have really come along. It’s cool to see coaches that I really respect and look up to rate our kids pretty high, especially Danny and Mustafa. I thought that was pretty amazing.”

Velasquez was shocked by the MVP award. He thought his opportunity was lost with an interception late in a 34-28 loss to Merced in what amounted to the CCC championship game.

The Bears have won three consecutive titles and have a second round date with Elk Grove, the No. 2 seed in the Division I bracket.

Turlock closed its season with losses in two of its last three games.

“Usually the MVP goes through the league champion,” Velasquez said. “I knew I was doing well, but I thought I lost it after that game. I didn’t play very well. I threw that pick, made a bunch of dumb decisions and missed some tackles.”

Turns out, Velasquez is his own worst critic. After fumbling in a loss to Oakdale, the running back/slot back kept a ball tucked under his arm in class and around campus. Anytime it hit the ground, Velasquez pumped out 25 push-ups.

“You always have to fix yourself,” he said.

Peterson may choose to keep the ball in Velasquez’s hands. The seventh-year coach has fancied a running quarterback – think Kevin Kramer, Bubba Moreno and Peyton Dunseth – and there’s no player better equipped than Velasquez.

Though Peterson hasn’t picked an incumbent starter, the do-it-all junior has already begun to campaign.

The move, Velasquez says, makes sense. He knows the playbook and personnel. He possesses the skills. Turlock returns four of its five offensive linemen. And moving him under center frees up carries for running back Dustin Grimes and others.

“I like to help my team however I can. When Peyton went down, I was the first to say I’d play quarterback,” he said. “I was always taught ‘Next man up.’ If you’re capable of doing it, do it.

“I think I’ll play quarterback.”

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 9:11 PM with the headline "Turlock’s versatile Velasquez named CCC co-MVP."