Mark Restelli - Cal Poly, Edmonton Eskimos, Miami Dolphins
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At Cal Poly Mark moved to safety, a position he quickly loved because of his vision, range, speed and open-field tackling ability. He earned a scholarship to Cal Poly (2005-2008), where he started 44 of his 46 games, where he had 267 tackles (137 solo), including 16.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 14 passes defended and one blocked kick in 46 games. His 267 career tackles is No. 10 on Cal Poly's all-time career tackles list. He earned 2007 All-Great West honorable mention as a roving defensive back. After going unselected in the 2009 NFL draft, the tough-tackling Mark Restelli attended an open CFL tryout in Long Beach, got an invitation to attend Edmonton Eskimos camp and made the team. He saw early action as a rookie on special teams and filled a void at linebacker. He played in 17 games during his 2009 rookie season. He became a popular player for his all-out effort, fearless play, long hair and California surfer looks. He had 58 tackles during his rookie season, including three tackles for loss. He also played on four of six special teams units. Under head coach Mike Jacot at Santa Margarita High, recorded 71 tackles (29 solo) as a strong safety with two forced fumbles, three interceptions and a team-leading eight pass breakups ... also was a wide receiver, catching nine passes for 144 yards and a touchdown with a long of 67 yards ... earned first-team All-Serra League honors as a defensive back ... team awards in 2003 include hitman of the year and a four-time player of the game award ... as a junior was named varsity rookie of the year and a three-time player of the game honoree ... Eagles' defensive secondary gave up just three passing touchdowns in 2002 and 2003 with Restelli in the backfield ... played in Orange County North/South All-Star Game ... also lettered in track and field in 2004, earning team MVP honors.
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Under head coach Mike Jacot at Santa Margarita High, recorded 71 tackles (29 solo) as a strong safety with two forced fumbles, three interceptions and a team-leading eight pass breakups. He was also was a wide receiver, catching nine passes for 144 yards and a touchdown with a long of 67 yards. He earned first-team All-Serra League honors as a defensive back. His team awards in 2003 include hitman of the year and a four-time player of the game award. As a junior was named varsity rookie of the year and a three-time player of the game honoree. Eagles' defensive secondary gave up just three passing touchdowns in 2002 and 2003 with Restelli in the backfield. He played in Orange County North/South All-Star Game. He also lettered in track and field in 2004, earning team MVP honors.
