Looks like Tyler McCulloch's recruitment was slowed by an injury in September, 2010: lacerated spleen.
He came back in November, (remarkably so), in time for the state playoffs and had a great rest of season.
Eagles Rip Cougars in 5A Football Playoffs
Tyler McCulloch made a triumphant return, Chris Sedillo had a 128-yard night, Marcus Jaramillo couldn't miss in the clutch, and the Eldorado Eagles move on.
The Eagles overcame two first-half turnovers, including one inside Cibola's 1-yard line, and poured it on the 12th-seeded Cougars in the second half, taking a 28-7 decision in a first-round Class 5A playoff game Friday night at chilly Wilson Stadium.
The fifth-ranked Eagles (9-2) play at No. 4 Las Cruces (9-1) this coming Friday night at the Field of Dreams.
After a 7-7 game at halftime, Eldorado scored on its first three drives of the second half.
"In the first half, we had some red-zone fumbles, but we came in here, got focused, and did our thing," said
the 6-foot-5 McCulloch, an outstanding receiver who saw his first action since lacerating his spleen and liver at Mayfield on Sept. 17. "If you let teams hang around, then there's a good chance you are gonna get beat."
Eldorado clearly missed McCulloch - no one more than Jaramillo, the Eagles' quarterback who had one of his best nights of the year, completing 19 of 30 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
"I have to give all the credit to Marcus," said tight end Josh Day, who also benefited from McCulloch's return.
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another nice write-up on Tyler in a
pre-playoff review of the Eldorado Eagles:
COULD VERY WELL WIN THE WHOLE THING, DON'T WRITE OFF
Is it fair to say that one player makes a team? No, however 6-foot-5, 200 pound receiver
Tyler McCulloch makes the Eldorado Eagles that much better as he possesses an outside threat to free up their big ground game. With McCulloch missing the middle half of the season, Eldorado has been very one dimensional and has not been able to throw the football to free up the rushing attack.
McCulloch will be back in a few weeks, which is great news for Eldorado. The defense is very good and they are led by 6-foot-4, 315 pound Willie Pounds and 6-foot-4, 310 pound Tyler Eschulmen. The twin duo makes for two of the biggest defensive tackles in the state. This team will be fine and don't be surprised to see them flying into the semifinals. This is one bird that is staying around through the winter.