Ben Humphreys committed to Duke for several reasons, and not all of them related to football. But the Mater Dei safety will be focusing on the sports side of his college decision this weekend when he makes an unofficial recruiting trip to the university in Durham, N.C.
The senior is visiting to experience the Blue Devils’ game this afternoon against visiting Kansas.
Top-ranked Mater Dei (2-0) has a bye this week, so the timing worked out well for Humphreys.
“(I) just wanted to see (the) game-day atmosphere and a game in general,” he said in a text. “(This is) the only one I can see all year.”
In July, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Humphreys became arguably the highest-profile player in the Class of 2015 to commit to the ACC team. He picked Duke over several Pac-12 schools.
Humphreys said Duke’s strong academics and his comfort with the players and coaches were key reasons for his decision.
“The school sells itself,” said Humphreys, who is interested in majoring in business. “I feel super-comfortable in that setting.”
Humphreys also is excited about the Blue Devils’ rise as a football program. Last season, they won a school-record 10 games, finished No. 23 in the final Associated Press poll and played in their first ACC championship game.
Duke coach David Cutcliffe earned multiple national coach of the year awards.
The success has generated more buzz about football on a campus best-known for its passion for basketball.
“They’re a program rising very quickly in a great conference,” Humphreys said.
MARTIN UPDATE
Mater Dei offensive lineman Frank Martin (6-6, 300) has been offered by UCLA, the junior confirmed.
Martin also has Pac-12 offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Oregon State, Utah, Washington and Washington State along with Arkansas and LSU from the SEC.
QUICK HITS
Cypress wide receiver/defensive back Quinten Pounds (6-1, 180) visited Boise State last weekend and has plans to visit Washington and Colorado, Centurions coach Rick Feldman said. …
Beckman safety Ryan Sinkking (6-1, 185) has received interest from Air Force, Coach Glen Fisher said.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
