If his senior year at St. Bonaventure High hadn't been ruined by foot and knee injuries, Ryan Panapa no doubt would be in a NCAA Division I stadium somewhere today.

Even after he fractured seven bones in his left foot, Washington and Nevada were still offering scholarships. It was the later ligament tear in his right knee which put him at strongside linebacker Saturday morning at Ventura College, scrimmaging NCAA Division III Cal Lutheran.

"I understand the (recruiting) game and I don't regret it at all," said Panapa. "It's fun being here.

"I'm happy to be back playing."

Panapa returned as a fullback for St. Bonaventure in the CIF sectional and state finals last December. The longtime middle linebacker was back on the defensive side of the field Saturday.