Laurenzi proves he belongs in the Pac

If anyone doubted the abilities of Anthony Laurenzi, he hopes those reservations were let go over the weekend.

The El Dorado defensive lineman committed to Washington State on Saturday night.

Laurenzi was selected The Register's 2007 defensive player of the year but drew some critics because of the competition he faced. The Golden Hawks played against two Pac-5 Division schools.

Laurenzi hopes his detractors will now look at him differently.

"Only a few people from Orange County are going to the Pac-10 and I'm part of it," the 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior said.

Laurenzi's desire to play in the Pac-10 Conference helped push him to Washington State.

He also heavily considered Nevada and had scholarship offers from Idaho and SMU, among others.

Laurenzi said another plus for Washington State is that it offers his major - construction management.

"It made more sense for me to go to Washington (State)," he said.

Laurenzi said he likely will redshirt this fall so he can focus on gaining weight, strength and speed.

MILITARY MAN?

Servite linebacker Austin Niklas (6-2, 230) said he is excited about his visit this weekend to the Air Force Academy. The senior has already visited Montana State but didn't commit on the trip.

Niklas said he isn't sure if the military is right for him but he enjoyed a trip last week to the Navy SEALs' training base at Coronado. Niklas made the trip as part of the player activities for the Southern California Bowl.

"That was pretty cool and eye-opening," Niklas said of the trip.

ANOTHER LUMBERJACK

Cypress All-County athlete Ryan Saumur (6-2, 190) said one of the reasons he committed to Northern Arizona last week was that the program recruited him to play rover on defense, a key position that is a combination of linebacker and safety.

"I love that position," Saumur said.

Last year, Northern Arizona landed another defensive standout from Orange County in Mater Dei linebacker Travis McNaughton.

McNaughton helped host Saumur on his recruiting trip to Northern Arizona.

NYC BOUND?

Canyon wide receiver Christian Daniel (6-4, 195) has committed to Columbia but he said he still might talk to UCLA this week about a preferred walk-on spot.

ENJOYING JERRY

Portland State-bound offensive lineman Manuel Rojas of Fullerton (6-2, 283) enjoyed his interaction with Vikings coach Jerry Glanville on his recruiting trip two weekends ago.

Rojas came home with one memorable story about the former NFL coach. Rojas said Glanville joked with the recruits after a prime rib dinner that if they weren't committed, they had to pay for their meal.

"He kids around," Rojas said. "I like the way he ran things."

JUST OK

Edison linebacker Earnie Sagiao (6-0, 235) didn't sound overly excited about his recruiting trip to New Mexico State two weekends ago.

"It was all right," he said.

New Mexico State offered Sagiao a scholarship but the senior didn't care for the campus, the weather or what he perceived to be a slower pace of life in Las Cruces.

PEMASA PONDERING

Orange Lutheran running back/linebacker Ricky Pemasa (6-0, 210) called his recent recruiting trip to Boise State "amazing." The senior has committed to Fresno State but that pledge appears to be soft. Pemasa said after Saturday's Southern California Bowl that he will wait until signing day to make his decision.

SHORT ROUTES

Orange Lutheran tight end Blake Ayles (6-4, 255) and Servite offensive lineman Matt Kalil (6-7, 280) - both committed to USC - are ranked in SuperPrep's January All-America Issue as the top players at their positions in the nation. … Esperanza linebacker Brady Lukas (6-2, 230) will visit SMU this weekend. … Brea Olinda linebacker Kory Johnson (6-1, 250) is considering walking on at Fresno State. … Mater Dei receiver Robbie Boyer (6-1, 175) still appears to be on UCLA's radar. Coach Rick Neuheisel has indicated to the family that he would like to have an in-home visit with Boyer. The senior also received interest last week from Cal, which requested video and transcripts. Cal has offered Boyer a preferred walk-on position.

Staff writer Adam Maya contributed to this report

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com