So this Future Friday idea is good in theory, but it requires both diligence on my part and phone calls back on a recruit or coach’s part. Well, Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson delivered today.
Here is Chris Ward, the Monarchs’ behemoth offensive lineman, rated by Scout.com the No. 5 offensive guard in the class of 2010…
After the jump, Chris talks about narrowing his college choices down to two and what it will take to make it one.
Have you narrowed it down at all?
“It’s down to UCLA and Cal right now. UCLA is really close to home and the players and coaches, I got to hang out with them, and they’re very similar to the people up at Cal. Cal’s a different area, something I would have to look into a little more. UCLA is a little more like where I live. It’s pretty much 50/50 right now.”
Is either staff calling more or putting on the pressure?
“No, I’ve felt I’ve gotten a lot of attention from both coaching staffs for the whole year. I know that both schools want me, and every once in a while I’ll get an email. I’m just fine with that.”
Is the ability to play early for an up-and-coming program a factor? Did you see the UCLA-Tennessee game last night?
“That would be pretty cool. It’s definitely a plus, and it’d very cool to get that program on the map. They’ve had a big improvement just in one year. That was definitely a good win to see, and kind of cool to see how well the young guys played in their first road game in a big stadium.”
Does a big recruiting class matter to you? Are you watching where guys like Malcolm Jones, Anthony Barr, Lucky Radley end up?
“Whichcever school I end up choosing, I’d be happy to see other guys picking the school with me. But it doesn’t play a major factor. If all of us talk and say, ‘Let’s all go to one school,’ that’d be pretty cool.”
How has the recruiting process gone?
“It hasnt been too overwhelming. Definitely from growing up not knowing really about football – I grew up playing basketball, and my mom said it’d be cool to play football freshman year. I said, ‘OK, it’ll get me in shape for basketball. I ended up being OK at football.”
What can either team do to win your services at this point?
“I just need to talk it over with my head coach a little more and my family. They don’t really persuade me from one side to another. I’ve visited both schools at least four times each. Ive seen all I can see in both schools.”