California LB racks up tackles and D1 interest

Junior to Watch: Grant Izokovic.

School: Bencia, Calif.

Position: Linebacker/Tight End/Long Snapper.

Size and Speed: Grant stands 6-foot-2, weighs in at 218 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds.

Statistics: Grant is a three-year starter who has racked up 316 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, 17 passes broken up, 11 fumble recoveries and two interceptions for his lofty career. Izokovic is also a standout on the offensive side of the ball as a tight end. He caught 66 passes for 1,536 yards and 19 touchdowns. As impressive as his offensive stats are, Grant projects as a linebacker. He could also see action as a long snapper on the next level.

Honors: Izokovic was selected all-league at his tight end position. Grant was selected team Defensive Player of the Year for the last two years.

Favorite Schools: Grant is hearing from Stanford, Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, USC, Texas, Kansas State, Clemson, Oklahoma, ASU, Georgia, Nevada, UNLV, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Jose State, Harvard, Princeton, Cal State Sacramento and more. Grant told Rivals that he is keeping his options open but Stanford, Washington, Cal, Oklahoma, and Illinois are his current top five.

The Skinny: “I have coached five linebackers to the D1 level and Grant ranks at the top of the list,” Bencia defensive coordinator Gary Agnitsch said. “In over 30 years of coaching high school, junior college and state university, I feel I know what it takes for a young student-athlete to be successful at the next level. On the high school level, I have had the honor of helping 34 student-athletes play beyond the high school level, 22 of which play or played D1,” Agnitsch said. “Grant is without a doubt one of those individuals that possesses the unique ability to succeed at the D1 level, both in the classroom and the playing field.”

Wow what a testimony!

Grant is very intelligent and possesses intangibles that you can’t coach. He has a great nose for the football and the physical ability to get there. He is a tireless worker and possesses the work ethic to succeed. His hard work has made him an outstanding long snapper and that talent will enhance his recruitability.

Grant is a scrapper who has led his team in every defensive category for three years. Izokovic has good football pedigree; his second cousin is Miami Dolphin linebacker coach Bobby Sanders.

Izokovic let rivals know that the school he chooses will have a solid academic reputation. Location style of defensive, coaches and course of study will also be considered.

Stay tuned…