Cali DL enjoying the process

It seems every week that passes, Poway (Calif.) defensive lineman Nick Wood lands a new offer or two. The San Diego strong man had his coming out party at the NIKE Camp at USC back in April and he should now be considered among the elite line prospects in the entire West region.

Wood, 6-2, 275 pounds is one of the strongest players in the nation and his 50 reps on the bench at the NIKE Camp were the most by anyone tested this year. Wood showed in the drills he's more than just a weight room guy as he was rated among the top linemen following the one on ones and he looks very good on film as well.

On the recruiting front, Wood has been busy this past spring and summer and has taken more unofficial visits than just about any player we know.

"I visited every school in the Pac 10, some on unofficial visits and others were camps," Wood said. "In addition, I've also been to a lot of schools back east. I camped at Wake Forest and Virginia Tech and checked out Virginia, Duke, North Carolina and North Carolina State. I've also been to Vanderbilt, Georgia, Georgia Tech and UTEP.

"Most recently, I took a visits to Colorado, Colorado State, Utah and Air Force. Colorado State and Utah were two of my first offers so I wanted to check them out and liked it a lot. Colorado was incredible and that might be the most beautiful campus I've seen. They offered me as well so the trip was definitely worth it.

"Honestly, I've liked all the places I've been. They're all different but nice in their own way. The schools back East have incredible facilities. Duke has an amazing campus and I had a good time camping at Virginia Tech. Locally, I loved the USC camp and I liked ASU and Washington State, really I can't narrow it down to just a few because all my visits were good.

"Right now, I'm still open to all the schools who are recruiting me. I have about 17 offers right now, off the top of my head, Wake Forest and NC State were the most recent and I've also been offered by Colorado, ASU, Washington, Duke, Washington State, Oregon State, Hawaii, Colorado State, Utah, UTEP, Idaho and Boise State.

"My plan is to take all five of my official visits and that's why the unofficial trips were so important. It has allowed me to see these schools so I know if I want to head back for an official. Right now, I'm pretty sure I'll be visiting Colorado and ASU but I'm not sure about the last three visits. I kind of have an idea but I'm still sorting everything out but Colorado and ASU are two schools that I'm pretty certain I'll visit.

"We have a bye week during the season and a couple of Thursday night games so my plan is to try and take as many of the trips during the season that I can. As soon as football is over, I'll be on a wrestling mat so I know I won't have much time to take the trips after the football season. Hopefully I can take all five and then just wait for that special feeling and I can pick the school that I know I'll be comfortable at for the next four or five years."