Zorts

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The Cal Poly football team wrapped up Fall Camp on Friday and, at a team meeting, a trio of walk-on players were awarded scholarships.

Junior wide receiver Victor Beglitsoff, senior defensive tackle Caleb Melton and redshirt freshman wide receiver Ryan McNab have earned scholarships for the 2017-18 academic year.

In addition, senior linebacker Mason Montgomery earned an increase in his scholarship and senior defensive lineman Jack Ferguson received an extension of his scholarship through next spring to pursue his minor in real estate development.

Beglitsoff, from Millbrae and a graduate of Mills High School, played in 10 games a year ago, mostly on special teams, and recorded four tackles, including three solo stops. He caught one pass for 17 yards in the 2017 Spring Game.

"Honestly, I didn't know how to react," Beglitsoff said. "I am super excited and grateful."

Melton, from Placerville and an El Dorado High School graduate, transferred to Cal Poly after playing two seasons at American River College. He was a redshirt at Cal Poly in 2015, and played all 12 games as a junior in 2016, making one tackle against San Diego. Melton secured three tackles in the 2017 Spring Game.

"I am overly excited," Melton said. "It feels good to finally have my hard work over the years pay off. I wasn't really sure it would happen, but thankful that it did happen."

Victor Beglitsoff Jack Ferguson Ryan McNab Caleb Melton Mason Montgomery
McNab, who attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks and hails from Northridge, is getting ready for his first season as a Mustang after a redshirt year in 2016. He is battling J.J. Koski for the starting nod at the X-back position and also will return punts and kickoffs on special teams in addition to being the holder.

"I am extremely happy. It's a dream come true," said McNab. "I wasn't really expecting it. My hard work finally paid off."

Ferguson, a fifth-year business administration major and a San Luis Obispo High School graduate, finally worked his way into the starting lineup as a junior, recording 27 tackles (nine solo). One of his tackles was a sack against Portland State.

"It's pretty awesome. I've been blessed," Ferguson said about the scholarship extension. "Everyone has been so supportive of me. After three years, I'm finally getting some playing time, fulfilling my role with the team and pursuing what I want to do academically."

Montgomery arrived at Cal Poly a year ago after transferring from Butte College. The Ashland (Ore.) High School graduate earned nine tackles as a backup outside linebacker a year ago, playing in all 12 games, and is listed No. 1 on the preseason depth chart at Sam. He made one tackle and forced a fumble in the 2017 Spring Game.

Also at the team meeting, Cal Poly's six team captains (above, left) modeled the new adidas uniforms to be worn this season.

The sixsome includes senior fullback Joe Protheroe, center Joey Kuperman, both All-Big Sky Conference first-team selections a year ago, and junior quarterback Khaleel Jenkins from the offensive side of the line.

Defensive team captains are tackle Augustino Elisaia and linebackers R.J. Mazolewski and Charlie Davis.

After 3.5 weeks of Fall Camp, the team will take Saturday and Sunday off, beginning preparations Monday for one of the earliest season openers in program history.

Cal Poly opens its 2017 season next Saturday, August 26, with a 4:05 p.m. nationally televised (ESPNU) Week Zero kickoff against Colgate inside Alex G. Spanos Stadium.