John Schupp (77) was front and center for the Bulldogs in their march to the 2011 Sac-Joaquin Section Division II championship. His football career will continue at Colorado State in the fall.

Fresno State was the first university John Schupp visited, and the Vacaville High School senior would have likely remained a Bulldog next season if coach Pat Hill and his staff not been fired.

Among the assistants let go was Tim Skipper, who found a new job when he was hired by Jim McElwain at Colorado State. Skipper arrived in Fort Collins with more than a suitcase and whistle.

Skipper was well aware of the players who had been recruited by Fresno State before the staff was canned. He apparently was intrigued by a 6-foot-5, 240-pound lineman from Vacaville.

John Schupp

Schupp paid a visit to Colorado State on Jan. 20 and committed to the Rams in less than two hours. His familiarity with Skipper and Internet “homework” on McElwain was enough to convince Schupp.

McElwain came to Colorado State from Alabama, where he was offensive coordinator for Nick Saban.

That the Rams were recruiting Schupp as a tight end instead of a defensive end was never a factor.

The switch makes sense, given the emergence of tight ends in college and professional football. Who is drawing the most attention at Super Bowl XLVI this week? It happens to be a tight end, Rob Gronkowski of the New Englad Patriots.

Gronkowski’s ankle has been the subject of speculation in Indianapolis, where the Patriots and New York Giants will meet Sunday whether or not Gronkowski can give it a go.

Schupp will gladly make the move to tight end for no other reason than “I’ll get to wear a visor now.” He has been catching passes from Nic Ardave, the heir apparent at quarterback for Vacaville.

“Tight ends play a bigger role in the offense,” Schupp said. “I get to catch the ball. That’s fun.”

Being recruited as a tight end did not shock Schupp, who said he has been timed at 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash. His athletic prowess is also evident on the wrestling mat for the Bulldogs.

Vacaville hosts crosstown rival Will C. Wood tonight, and Schupp anticipates an intense dual match. He is ranked second among California heavyweights by the californiawrestlers.com.

The Sac-Joaquin Section dual championships are Saturday at Lincoln High in Stockton. The Monticello Empire League championship meet follows Feb. 11 at Vintage High in Napa.

Schupp expects to reach the state meet and hopes for a rematch with Clovis’ Nick Nevills, who handed Schupp his one loss this season in a 10-8 overtime win at the Doc Buchanan Invitational.

A college wrestling career certainly tempted Schupp, but “I don’t think I’ll be going to the Olympics.” He could have a shot at the NFL, following in the footsteps of former Bulldogs Thomas Williams and Kyle DeVan.

“Anything’s possible,” Schupp said.

Willliams, a linebacker, was with the Carolina Panthers this season until a neck injury knocked him out of action. DeVan was released by the Philadelphia Eagles after starting at right guard.

The road to the NFL does not seem as long anymore, not with DeVan and Williams joining Wood’s Jarrett Bush, Fairfield’s Desmond Bishop and Rodriguez High’s Stevie Johnson in the pro ranks.