Sailors venture onward

Newport Harbor High junior defensive lineman JB Salem has verbally committed to Stanford, Sailors’ football coach Jeff Brinkley said Thursday.

In addition, senior Ryan Iverson will begin at the University of Colorado as a preferred walk-on, Brinkley said.

Salem, 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, made 58 tackles, three for losses, recorded two sacks, and intercepted a pass, earning him second-team All-Sunset League honors in his junior season.

Salem is a two-time Daily Pilot Dream Team selection.

Iverson is a long snapper, considered to be one of the best in the nation. He also received interest from Washington. If Iverson can become the starting long snapper, he’ll earn a scholarship at Colorado, Brinkley said.

Iverson stood out as a linebacker for the Sailors in his senior season. He totaled 76 tackles, recovered three fumbles and sacked the quarterback once. Iverson earned first-team All-Sunset League honors and was a Daily Pilot Dream Team selection.

— Steve Virgen