Piranhas Sign Quarterback O’Neil

The Anaheim Piranhas of the Arena Football League announced the signing of former Oregon and Mater Dei quarterback Danny O’Neil.

“We are thrilled and proud,” Piranhas President Roy Englebrecht said in a press release Wednesday. “Not only is Danny an outstanding football player, but he is a quality young man who is highly thought of in the community. I’m also pleased the first player ever signed by the Piranhas is from Orange County.”

O’Neil spent two years at Corona del Mar High before transferring to Mater Dei. In four years at Oregon, O’Neil completed 636 passes for 8,301 yards and 62 touchdowns.

In O’Neil’s last college game, he completed 41 of 61 passes for 456 yards in a 38-20 loss to Penn State in the 1995 Rose Bowl. He was named co-most valuable player of the Rose Bowl and set five passing records. As a senior, he was first team All-Pacific 10.

O’Neil, who was not selected in the NFL draft, turned down an offer to attend the Kansas City Chiefs’ mini-camp. He also turned down an offer from the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League. Last season, O’Neil was the offensive coordinator for the football team at Calvary Chapel High, where he is a youth minister.

“I’m very excited to be playing for the Piranhas,” O’Neil said. “I’m looking forward to getting back to football and competing again.”

Arena Football is a 15-team league that plays on 50-yard fields in basketball and hockey arenas. The Piranhas begin their 14-game season in May at The Pond.