West Spotlight: 4 programs that surprised me in recruiting
The 2024 football season is in full swing, and programs across the country are working to finish the 2025 recruiting cycle on track. Here are four programs in the Western world that are exceeding expectations.
alabama state
1st year coach karen deboer He coached at the University of Washington for several seasons and before that at Fresno State. alabama state general manager courtney morgan They are banking on their West Coast connections to bring top players to California.
In addition, the Crimson Tide will add four-star cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. of Mission Viejo, Mater Dei’s teammates Chuck McDonald and Abdual Sanders of Santa Ana (Calif.), and four-star cornerback Dejon Lee Jr. of Santa Ana (Calif.) They have acquired some of the nation’s top prospects, such as tight end Caleb Edwards. And Carmel standout Jackson Lloyd could quickly move up the rankings after a stellar senior season. Alabama’s future kicker, Alex Aspalkhov, is also from San Joaquin Memorial in Fresno, California.
The Crimson Tide currently ranks second in the nation, and one of the main reasons for that is that Alabama has prioritized recruiting players from the West region and has had tremendous success in that region. .
Oregon
Perhaps no program in the country, even local programs, employs as many coaches from the West as Oregon. Dan Lanning He built a national title contender in Eugene. The Ducks don’t have any in-state contracts, but more than half of their recruiting class is from the West Region.
There was no bigger news for Oregon State this week than when the Ducks released five-star offensive lineman Douglas Utu from the team. tennessee. Utu can play right tackle, but he’s in the same class as Bishop Gorman teammate Aly Kalaniuval from Las Vegas (Nev.), so it wouldn’t be surprising if he moved inside at the college level.
In California, Oregon drafted running back Jordon Davison and edge rusher Nasir Wyatt from Santa Ana (Calif.) powerhouse Mater Dei, followed by four-star quarterback Akili in the same class as Oregon tradition. – Acquired Smith Jr. Dax also provided Cal The quarterback recently signed Jaron Sagaportele, and Oregon State is his dream school.
Looking for production on the receiving end? How about four-star player Cooper Perry from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Notre Dame Prep? He has already scored eight touchdowns in four games.
Texas A&M
In addition to several players, a first-year coach mike elko and his staff are targeting players from around the state and the Western region to join this loaded class, which is ranked 10th in the nation.
It all started when Huthan Longstreet, a four-star quarterback from Corona (Calif.) Centennial, chose the Aggies over Auburn and others. The rest of the West is on defense and has a lot of talent across the board.
California linebackers Marco Jones and Noah Mikhail still being pursued University of Southern California He has length, speed, and playmaking ability. Adonis Curry of Lancaster (Calif.) Quartz Hill and Jamal Beal Goins of Phoenix (Ariz.) Desert Edge boast incredible speed and length on the outside.
notre dame cathedral
In the last hiring cycle, notre dame cathedral West had three signees, but none were bigger than five-star linebacker Kingston Viliam-Asa, who has already made a huge impact on the Irish team.
Things are going well again, even though quality has taken precedence over quantity. Four-star defensive back Kree Thomas from Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep is a solid talent, but he doesn’t play in many national events and doesn’t get much exposure. Three-star linebacker Ko’o Kia is a hard hitter who can play in space and is a perfect fit for the Irish defensive style.
And Notre Dame Cathedral may never be completed. The Irish are well-stocked with four-star linebacker Madden Faraimo from J.Serra Catholic in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., visiting this weekend.
