John Castillo is a 6-foot, 215-pound inside linebacker from Helix High School. He was picked first-team All-CIF, All-Grossmont South League, All-East County, Defensive South Player of the Year, East County Defensive Player of the Year, ESPN.com Player of the Year, and a first-team San Diego Union-Tribune All-Academic selection. Additionally, he was team captain and winner of the Iron Man Award. He was Prep Athlete of the Month for October 2000 and was National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Most Valuable Player in September 1999. Grid Iron Greats Magazine listed him as a “Rising Star,” Western Region. He was Grossmont district bench press and power clean champion. Castillo received three letters in varsity football, one in baseball and one in wrestling.
With a 3.4 grade point average, he was Associated Student Body Spirit Commissioner. He lists his hobbies as lifting weights, barbecues with family, sports and photography. He is the son of Joe and Gloria Castillo of Spring Valley.