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Palm Desert Football Standout Ready for NCAA
Former Aztec D.J. Welch prepares for his role as a starter at Oregon State.
Its been three years since former Palm Desert linebacker D.J Welch menaced quarterbacks in the Desert Valley League.
Welch now steps into a new role as a starting outside linebacker for Oregon State University. The Beavers open the season this coming weekend against subdivision team Nicholls State. The first major test is the week following, when Oregon State faces nationally ranked Wisconsin.
Welch is getting advice on the college game from another Palm Desert graduate, current Cleveland Browns defensive back James Dockery. Dockery starred for the Beavers before signing with Cleveland. Showing the deep ties between the two, Welch wears Dockery's former college number, 4.
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