Blaes sets SEC visit

Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College three-star offensive guard Joe Blaes knew the attention would come sooner or later.

And after waiting patiently for the schools to come into the picture, things have finally started to develop in a big, big way.

Blaes, who is 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, said he's picked up his first scholarship offer from Temple and he's also lined up an official visit with Georgia for the weekend of Nov. 24.

"I just set up that visit this week actually," said Blaes, who is originally from Cherryvale, Kan., and will have three years to play two seasons when he graduates in December. "Their coach came out to watch film on us a few weeks back and they liked what they saw. They said they're losing a lot of senior linemen and need some guys to come in and play early for them.

"I don't know much about Georgia, but I know it's Georgia. I know they're a good football team, a good place to play and it's a good atmosphere."

At this point the Dawgs have yet to offer, but Blaes hopes that will change when he takes his official visit to Athens.

UGA and Temple aren't the only teams showing interest, though.

"I'm getting calls from KU and some letters from K-State," Blaes said. "That's about it from the Big 12. San Diego State wants me to come for a visit, and UAB said last week they're about 90 percent sure they're going to offer me.

"San Diego State said if I go out there to a visit and I'm taller than 6-1, then I'll have an offer. I'm 6-2, so I should be Ok."

On the field this past week was a big victory for the Red Ravens. Coffeyville beat Garden City on the road and now they'll prepare for a game against Dodge City at home before gearing up for the first round of the Region VI playoffs.

"I played well last week, but as well as I should have," he said. "It wasn't my best game, but I'm a tough critic."