College Football: Oldenkamp announces decision to sign with UNM

When Bob Davie was named the new head football coach at the University of New Mexico in mid-November, it didn't take long for him to get in touch with Bryan Oldenkamp.

Oldenkamp, a former Hesperia offensive lineman who recently finished his freshman season at Chaffey College, was considering Marshall, North Texas and UNM, but Davie helped push him toward the Lobos when Oldenkamp was the first recruit he flew out to see.

“It was kind of a big honor for me,” said Oldenkamp of having the former Notre Dame coach and college football analyst for ESPN and ABC fly out to see him.

Oldenkamp announced his decision to sign with UNM on Tuesday. He signed the paperwork for a full scholarship shortly after 7 a.m. Dec. 20 when recruits can officially start signing with schools.

“I just decided that the best fit was at the University of New Mexico,” Oldenkamp said. “I fit the best in there. The mentality of the team and the mentality of the coaches went well with my mentality.”

The 2010 Hesperia High graduate still has a redshirt year and three years of playing eligibility after playing just one season at Chaffey College. He said he received interest in high school from colleges, but wanted to better prepare himself for Division 1 football by playing a year of junior college football first.

Oldenkamp played right tackle at Chaffey College and said he expects to stay the position, but is willing to move to suit the team’s needs.

Oldenkamp leaves for UNM, which is located in Albuquerque, Jan. 14 to start school. He’s considering majoring in business.

“(I’m) very excited,” Oldenkamp said. “It’s a big life change coming up real quick.”

Matthew Peters can be reached at mpeters@vvdailypress.com or (760) 955-5365.