Ortiz hopes to boost stock in new all-star game

Mater Dei linebacker Ricky Ortiz is proud of his humble childhood.

He was raised by a single father in Corona, and money was tight at times.

But Ortiz didn’t struggle when it came to school. His father, Richard, stressed education and Ortiz responded by earning straight As in elementary and junior high school.

Now a high school senior, Ortiz’s continued academic success is providing him opportunities in recruiting and with a new all-star game.

The first-team all-Trinity League selection is uncommitted but is receiving interest from Harvard and Brown. Air Force also has targeted Ortiz, who carries a 3.48 grade-point average.

Fresno State and Idaho State visited Ortiz (6-2, 225) at Mater Dei in December.

Ortiz’s recruiting stock, however, could receive a boost from an upcoming all-star game. The hard-hitting defender has been selected to play in the inaugural Catholic Christian Literacy Classic at Whittier College on Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

The Southern California game, which has academic requirements for the players, will pit players from the Trinity League and schools such as Bishop Amat and St. Paul against a North team that includes players from Serra, Loyola, Crespi and Alemany among others.

Former San Jose State assistant football coach Charles Nash is organizing the game. Nash has positioned the game on a Thursday to accommodate the schedules of recruits and college coaches.

Ortiz hopes to raise his recruiting profile but also is excited about the game’s mentoring luncheon for Pop Warner players Saturday in El Segundo. The youth players will be enrolled in a literacy program.

“I always feel I can expose myself a little more (to colleges),” he said, “but (this game) is about the kids, too.”

Literacy Classic debuts

Servite quarterback Cody Pittman, Santa Margarita defensive end Chris Frost and linebacker Matt Andersen, Orange Lutheran running back Jabari Wilson and JSerra duo of QB Jake Hall and wide receiver/cornerback Jonavaughn Williams are among the county players also expected to play in the game.

The South team was expected to open practice Jan. 2 at St. Paul at 6:30 p.m.

Murphy sets more visits

San Clemente left tackle Kyle Murphy (6-7, 280) said he won’t announce his college decision at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which is Saturday in San Antonio.

But the All-County senior has scheduled his third and fourth official recruiting trips. Murphy will visit Stanford on Jan. 13-15 and USC on Jan. 20-22.

Murphy, the county's top recruit, has already visited Oregon and Florida. He also is interested in Cal.

Tuerk remains in spotlight

Santa Margarita All-County offensive lineman and USC commit Max Tuerk also will be part of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday. The game will air live on NBC at 10 a.m. PST.