Hannum headed for the hills

After three seasons with the Marysville High football program, soon-to-be senior Cole Hannum will transfer to Sac-Joaquin Section powerhouse Nevada Union, according to multiple sources.

The Appeal-Democrat reached Hannum on Tuesday, but he would not comment on the situation. Marysville coach Cullen Meyer confirmed that Hannum notified him by text message on July 10 that he would be transferring to the Grass Valley high school.

The circumstances surrounding the transfer have raised eyebrows in the Mid-Valley.

Hannum attended a Nevada Union football camp July 6-8 and two days later told Meyer he was transferring.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound running back/linebacker resides in Loma Rica.

Former Marysville coach Brad Sparks was hired as Nevada Union's line coach this summer. According to sources, Sparks' son is transferring to Nevada Union as well.

According to the Sac-Joaquin Section's new transfer rule, an incoming senior must sit out of a fall sport until Oct. 1 after transferring if that student transfers before the first day of school.

That SOP (sit out period) can be lifted due to a hardship. Unless Hannum is exempt from the SOP, he will likely sit for the first half of the season.

"(Hannum) texted me on Tuesday and I haven't spoke with him since," Meyer said. "There's no falling out between him and I."

Nevada Union coach Dave Humphers chose not to comment on the matter.

The Miners have won four Division-I section titles under Humphers and have sent several players on to Division-I collegiate programs.

Hannum is regarded as a D-I prospect and has garnered the attention of several collegiate programs.

At Marysville last season, Hannum earned Golden Empire League MVP honors after rushing for 1,827 yards and 16 touchdowns. He averaged 10.5 tackles per game at linebacker.

The two-time A-D All-Area selection also played basketball and ran track for the Indians.

Meyer said he's down to about 18-19 kids now on his varsity football team.

The coach said the Indians will miss having him on the field, but it's time to move on.

"We're going to have to condition more than the cross country team," Meyer said. "He's obviously a great athlete. He'll be able to play at that level."