Byrd has co-leaders

Oakland (Calif.) McClymonds always has their fare share of Div I talent every season and this year is no exception. Another Warrior player with early offers and a pair of official visits set up is offensive lineman Thomas Byrd.

Byrd, 6-0, 270 pounds is one of the top true center prospects in the region. He anchored one of the top offensive lines in the state last year and will be counted on to do the same this year. Byrd has great strength, is very physical and has the quickness to get out and make a secondary block on a linebacker or even safety.

The lineman had a strong showing at the NIKE Camp at Stanford where he did 28 reps on the bench and looked very good in the one on one drills. No one took more reps than Byrd and his stalemate battle with Utah DT Simi Fili was one of the highlights of the camp.

On the recruiting front, Byrd has drawn offers from San Jose State and Boise State and both schools have called this month.

"I heard from both of them along with Colorado, Utah and Utah State," Byrd said. "I'm taking a midweek visit to Boise State (Nov. 1) when they play Fresno State. It's a big ESPN game so it should be a great atmosphere.

"I'm also going to visit San Jose State in December when our season is over. I'm not sure about the exact date right now since it depends on when our season gets over and how far we go in the playoffs. I'm looking at the (Dec. 8) weekend but it's not set in stone yet. Those are my top two schools right now but I'm still keeping things open and want to see who else recruits after watching me this season."