COC NOTEBOOK: HAMILTON WALKS INTO THE FAST LANE.

Byline: Scott Magoloff Staff Writer

All-Western State Conference receiver Mark Hamilton took an unusual route to arrive at College of the Canyons last year.

As a player at Clovis High (Fresno), Hamilton (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) was a self-described ``walking receiver,'' meaning he could just walk his routes on each play because it was either a run or a pass to another receiver.

``I never saw the ball the whole year,'' he said. ``I knew in my heart I wanted to keep playing, but it was up to me because I didn't get looked at (by college scouts). All I could do was walk on somewhere.''

Hamilton's family moved to Santa Clarita after he graduated from high school and he chose to walk on at Cal State Northridge. He redshirted his freshman year and had a hard time practicing without the possibility of seeing any playing time or even traveling with the team for away games.

But Hamilton, who caught 40 passes for 851 yards and seven touchdowns last year, was going to make the best of the situation. As a redshirt and walk-on he was relegated to playing on the scout team during practice. He was not discouraged and took advantage of daily facing CSUN's starting defense.

``I think I matured there; I learned a lot about speed, effort and what it takes to get things done,'' he said. ``Hanging around with other athletes at a four-year school, I learned a lot about how to play the position. I don't think I'd be as successful if I went to a JC first and played. It's better that I went to CSUN and redshirted.''

When he learned he would not be offered a scholarship, Hamilton looked at other options. As it happened, COC was starting up its dormant football program at that precise time.

``Mark Hamilton is a big-time player,'' coach Chuck Lyon said. ``He runs well, jumps, catches - he does everything.''

He does everything when given the chance, which, Hamilton said, is all it took for his talents to blossom.

Hamilton caught seven passes for 179 yards in COC's season opener against Citrus last week. On his way to another potential all-conference season, Hamilton just might wind up as a starter for a four-year school next season.

``I was able to show what I had when I was given a chance - that's exactly what I needed,'' Hamilton said. ``I'm grateful that COC started their program back up and I was here at the exact time and that coach Lyon gave me a chance.''

Working harder: Running back George Garcia has lifted his work ethic in practice. The sophomore ran 15 times for 50 yards against Citrus, his first start, but wants to do better.

``I always feel I can do better, especially in the last game,'' he said. ``I think it was just the first game. I just have to work a lot harder in practice, work on things like my cuts, reads and get off the ball faster.''