Long Beach City College defensive end Mat Boesen (West Torrance HS) has signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Texas Christian University. Today marked the opening day of the mid-year junior college transfer signing period. Boesen will enroll in classes at TCU beginning this January.

"It will be great to get back to that level again," said Boesen on returning to a NCAA Division I program. "Everything about TCU was just a great fit for me. I love the coaches, I love the city. And with them losing three defensive ends in my class, there's a good chance of me playing right away."

Boesen, who played his freshman season at Boise State University, heads to Fort Worth after an impressive sophomore year at LBCC. He earned All-American honors from the California Community College Football Coaches Association (CCCFCA) and was named the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) National Central League Co-Defensive Player of the Year after leading one of the top defensive lines in the state.

On the season, Boesen totaled 62 tackles over 12 games, including 23.5 for loss, with eight sacks. Even more impressive were his seven forced fumbles. Boesen also broke up five passes and recovered one fumble.

The Long Beach defense ranked No. 14 in the state and No. 7 in the SCFA after allowing 332.5 yards per game. The Vikings also ranked 12th in the state in rushing defense, allowing 103.1 yards. LBCC closed out the season with a 10-2 overall record and was just a win away from advancing to the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Football State Championship game.

"I made some great relationships while I was here with the coaches and the players," said Boesen on his time at LBCC. "I wish we could have finished a little bit better than we did. But I had a great time. I was glad I chose Long Beach City."

LBCC head coach Brett Peabody is proud to see another one of his players move on and expects a large number of Vikings to transfer out in the coming months.

"Mat really put the work in to get to this point," Peabody said. "He's great on the field and did a great job in the classroom as well. He was also a leader for us in the locker room. This is a special day for him and his dad as well as our program."

Last season, Peabody had three players sign during the early mid-year transfer period. Quarterback Kenny Potter has led San Jose State University to a bowl game berth, tight end Clayton Granch started two out of 12 games he played in at New Mexico State University, and Patrick Scoggins moved on to Iowa State University.

The regular signing period for football begins on February 3, 2016.