HAPPY DAY: Servite's Matt Kalil enjoys the moment before signing his national letter of intent to play football at USC. Servite held a ceremony for its athletes who were signing letters on Wednesday. STEVE ZYLIUS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER |
Signing Day Roundup: O.C. stars look into the future
Servite's Kalil has already started preparations for his first year at USC.
Matt Kalil didn't want to talk too much Wednesday about his chances of starting as a freshman at USC in the fall.
But then again, the monstrous offensive tackle from Servite didn't have to say much on the subject. His actions since the end of the Friars' season make his intentions quite clear.
Kalil, the highest ranked Orange County player who signed Wednesday, has gained 15 pounds and plans to arrive at USC weighing more than 300 pounds.
“I'm probably looking to be 310 by the time I get up there,” said Kalil, a 6-foot-7 senior who played in the fall at 275.
“I just need to gain 20 more pounds and I'll still keep the same speed I have. … I'll be ready when I get up there.”
Servite coach Troy Thomas has seen changes in Kalil, whose brother, Ryan, played center at USC.
“He's really working hard in the weight room, and he's out there working with (assistant) Coach (Ed Drzanek) two times a week,” Thomas said. “He's really starting to fill out. He is maturing.”
Kalil played left tackle for the Friars but he said he will likely try both tackle positions initially at USC. The Trojans are seeking to fill spots on the offensive line.
APPRECIATIVE SON
Servite's D.J. Shoemate spoke about his father, Dennis, who is battling colon cancer. Shoemate said his father is getting stronger and preparing for the start of chemotherapy treatments in about three weeks.
“With him and my family, it really is a blessing,” Shoemate said.
The versatile Shoemate said he is leaning toward trying receiver initially at USC.
“I love offense. I love getting the ball and being able to make the next move,” he said.
Shoemate said he is working out with Mater Dei junior quarterback Matt Barkley, who has committed to USC.
COMPETITION FOR COLEMAN
Don't expect Troy running back Derrick Coleman to be bothered by the Bruins' signing of Birmingham running back Milton Knox, the state player of the year.
“Whoever the running backs are, they're going to be my teammates (but) I've got to beat them out,” Coleman said. “I guarantee they have the same philosophy as I do.”
HAPPY BULLDOGS
Orange Lutheran linebacker Ricky Pemasa stuck with his commitment to Fresno State and signed with the Bulldogs.
After committing to the Bulldogs, Pemasa did take a trip to Boise State.
“It all boiled down to the coaching staff (at Fresno State),” Pemasa said.
Santa Margarita defensive tackle Logan Harrell also signed with Fresno State.
BROTHERS UNITE
Mission Viejo's Ross Williams and Warren Reuland signed with San Diego State and Stanford, respectively, and in the process, joined ranked with their brothers.
Williams, a linebacker/defensive end, will join his brother, Ryan, a defensive end who transferred from Ohio State. Reuland, a wide receiver, will join his brother Konrad, a tight end, who has transferred from Notre Dame.
“Better than playing against each other, right?” said the Reuland's father, Ralf.
SHORT ROUTES
Former Edison wide out Dominique Vinson, a senior in the 2006 season, signed with Boise State on Wednesday. ... Linebackers Austin Niklas of Servite and Brady Lukas of Esperanza will enroll in Air Force Academy's prep school. “I'm glad I get to go through it with him,” said Niklas, who roomed with Lukas on their recruiting trip. … Special team stars Louis Feinstein, a kicker from University, and long snapper Aaron Brewer of Troy expect to start as freshmen at Rhode Island and San Diego State, respectively. … Los Alamitos junior quarterback Clark Evans (6-5, 220) has a scholarship offer from Colorado. The Buffaloes offered Evans before his junior season. “He has a lot people taking to him, but that's the only offer he has right now,” Evans' father, Brent, said.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
| "Servite held a ceremony for nine athletes who were signing letters of intent." Kind of sad with all this talent this group never won CIF or beat Mater Dei. |
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| Observer - Feb 07, 2008 10:39:39 AM | Remove Comment |
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| "Shoemate said he is working out with Mater Dei junior quarterback Matt Barkley, who has committed to USC." Nice to see that Shoemate knows talent when he sees it! |
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| Observer - Feb 07, 2008 10:37:32 AM | Remove Comment |
