An already hefty linebacker corps at California (Pa.) University just got a bit more crowded.

Matt Schandelmeier, a solid two-way player for three years at Moniteau High School, is continuing his academic and football careers with the Vulcans.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Schandelmeier was recruited as an outside linebacker, the position he played for the Warriors his senior season. He had 12 sacks as a defensive end his junior year.

Schandelmeier will major in technical education.

"California is the prime school in this region that offers that major," Schandelmeier said. "That was the key factor in my deciding to go there."

Indiana (Pa.), Slippery Rock and Edinboro also made scholarship offers. Youngstown State offered Schandelmeier an opportunity as a preferred walk-on.

The Vulcans finished 8-2 last season and in first place in the PSAC West with a 5-1 mark. They have 14 returning linebackers on their roster, 12 of who are freshmen or sophomores.

"I still feel like I can get playing time early if I go down there and do my work, do my job," Schandelmeier said. "I'm hoping not to be redshirted."

Schandelmeier had 3½ sacks and 39 solo tackles for Moniteau last season. He rushed for more than 1,300 yards and scored 16 touchdowns offensively in leading the Warriors to the District 9 Class AA championship game.

Overall, Schandelmeier rushed for 2,875 yards and 32 touchdowns in his high school career.

"He's going to an up-and-coming program and he feels he can get on the field early," Moniteau coach Steve Wilson said. "Combine those factors with his major and it's a perfect fit for him."

While he's put up the numbers on offense, Schandelmeier prefers to play defense.

"That's where I can make an impact the quickest," he said. "California's defense is losing only two starters. That's a veteran group I'll be able to learn from and become a part of.

"I know I have to hit the weight room and bust my butt like never before. They want my weight to be at 230 without losing any of my speed. I need to get in better shape."

Under coach John Luckhardt, California has put together consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1986-87. The Vulcans experienced 13 consecutive losing campaigns from 1988 through 2000 before finishing 5-5 in 2001.

"With Matt's athletic abilities, he can play on either side of the ball," Wilson said. "I'm pretty thrilled for him because I think he can have a big career down there."

Winning championships is what Schandelmeier wants to do most.

"Everybody always hopes to become an all-American, be the best linebacker in the nation, that kind of stuff," he said. "I just want to do my best and help the team keep winning."

Moniteau graduate Dylan Snyder, an offensive lineman, was recruited by California two years ago, but later transferred to Slippery Rock before ending his playing career.