Central Cali RB get first two offers
In the central valley of California is a running back who already has two offers and it's a sure bet there will be several more before it is all said and done. This talented football is so athletic that he also played linebacker just so his school could get him on the field.
The player in question is Ryan Mathews (6-0, 195, 4.5) from Bakersfield (Calif.) West.
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The talented Mathews received honors from three different positions as a junior. He was first-team all-state underclass as an athlete, first-team all-area as a linebacker and first-team all-league as a running back.
On the defensive side of the ball, Mathews racked up 98 tackles, 24 quarterback hurries and had 16 sacks for his junior season.
On offense, Mathews rushed for 1,104 yards while averaging 10.5 yards per carry. He scored 20 rushing touchdowns on 107 carries and that means that he scored a touchdown on 21.4 percent of his attempts.
Mathews was able to achieve his offensive success while splitting time with Idaho bond Princeton McCarty.
"Ryan plays his best when everything is on the line," West coach Rich Cornford said. "In the championship game, McCarty went down with an injury and Mathews rushed the ball 22 times for 250 yards and six touchdowns. It was something to see."
"Ryan has that great combination of speed, size and power," Cornford. "The first guy on the scene never brings him down."
"Ryan has a stiff arm that gives the opposition nightmares," Cornford said. "Like I said he's something to watch."
Though Mathews has the ability to play several positions on the D-I level, he projects as a running back.
According to Cornford, Mathews has offers from Nevada and Fresno State. Boise State, USC and ASU are just a few of the teams that are actively showing interest in Mathews.
"Everybody who recruited our school last season already knows about Ryan and are on him," Cornford said. "USC and Arizona State recently requested film on him."
"Before it is all said and done," Cornford said. "I think Ryan could be one of the most sought after running backs on the west coast."