Alaka adds offers, talks early top 3

Houston (Texas) Cypress Falls linebacker Otaro Alaka has the full attention of college coaches around the country. At 6-3, 210 pounds Alaka already holds several college offers and has a full slate of junior day visits.

Arkansas, Baylor, Boise State, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Ole Miss, Nebraska, and Rice put offers on the table. Last week Texas Tech joined their ranks, and on Wednesday Tulsa put their name in the mix.

It is easy to see college coaches have been making their presence known around Cypress Falls, and over the next few weeks Alaka plans to check out a few college campuses.

"It's been really fun," Alaka said. "I've met some cool coaches and I look forward to going to some junior days as well. Texas is on February 23, Texas A&M is in March. I can't make it to the OU one, which was this weekend. I might going to one on the 16th. There's Oklahoma State and Alabama on the 16th so I have to decide. I may make it to one of those."

It is still early in the process, but at this point he does have a few schools beginning to stand out.

"Just the ones that have offered me its OU, Northwestern, and Oklahoma State that are standing out," Alaka said. "I just think those three are the best fit for me. I look at their defenses and stuff and also they're good academically with Northwestern being the No. 1."

What does he like about the defenses?

"OU I like it because I like where the outside linebacker plays and it looks like it wouldn't be a difficult transition from what I play now to where they're at," Alaka said. "[Oklahoma State and Northwestern] also run a 4-3, well my team runs a 3-4 but I look at the defenses and watch film of their games and like their defenses."

Academics will alos play a big part of his decision. His parents have made it clear how important the academic aspect is to them, and Alaka's older brother Temi Alaka is committed to sign with Rice on signing day. Watching his brother's recruitment has also allowed him to get to know more about the Rice program.

"Yeah, I known the Rice coaches well and I visited with him on his official visit and I liked the place too," Alaka said. "They're already talking about a package deal."

A decision may not be that far away. As he prepares to make the rounds to junior days, Alaka feels good about the possibilities of receiving a few more offers and if that happens a spring decision occur.

"If more offers from some of the junior days that I'm going to come I think I would like to make my decision by the end of spring ball," Alaka said.

As a junior, Alaka was named first-team all-district for his efforts and is a member of the Rivals250 to Watch.