VC running back Jesse Valenzuela earned All-American honors as an all-purpose back as voted upon by the California Community College Football Coaches Association following the 2022 season. The first team All-SCFA honoree as an all-purpose back, kick returner and punt returner also headlined five Pirates on the region III All-State list.
Valenzuela was joined on the CCCFCA All-State team by wide receiver Tim Grear and lineman Caleb Barajas on offense and by lineman Jonah Rubadue and corner back James Tuayemie on defense.
Valenzuela, a Camarillo High School product, led the state's upper division with 167.3 all-purpose yards per game, including 641 rushing yards on 106 carries, 24 catches for 129 receiving yards, 283 punt return yards and 787 kick return yards on 22 and 27 attempts, respectively. He led the state in kick return yards and was third in kick return average, came in second in the state in punt return yards was third in punt return average, and was 14th in the state in rushing yards and eight in rushing yards per game. He scored four rushing touchdowns and found paydirt once each as a receiver, kick returner and punt returner. The sophomore was also named second-team ALL-SCFA as a running back to seal his place as one of the state's best backs.
See complete 2023 CCCFCA All-American and All-California teams