Coyle ready for the All-American challenge

SAN ANTONIO – At Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian, talent abounds and winning is the norm. Even still, Oaks Christian tight end Chris Coyle isn't used to the talent assembled in San Antonio at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Of course no one is used to that kind of talent but after being a late addition to the Army roster, Coyle plans to make the most of his week.

"I actually found out maybe a month and a half ago (about the invite)," Coyle said. "I was one of the later picks but when I found out – it's what I've been working for ever since I got into high school. At the beginning I wasn't sure that I'd ever get to this point but now that I'm here, I worked hard for it and I'm happy to be here and really thankful for it."

The week in San Antonio closely follows a CIF Championship by Coyle and his teammates, Oaks Christian's 6th in as many years. It also follows an undefeated perfect season so needless to say, Coyle hopes to extend his win streak into the Bowl season.

"We went undefeated and won our CIF championship," he said. "I had a good season personally. I had a lot of catches, probably about seven touchdowns I think and I did well for my team and helped lead them to another championship."

Not only did Oaks Christian go unscathed through its scheduled but rarely were Coyle and his teammates even challenged. That won't be the case for the athletic tight end this week.

"I'm excited for the competition," he said. "some of the teams we play aren't as strong as we would like them to be so I'm just happy to be out here competing with the best."

Coyle is fortunate to be heading into the week of practice with one major decision behind him: his college decision.

"I verbally committed to Arizona State so that's out of the way," he said. "I committed right before school started. It came down to Arizona State and UCLA and I just felt that Arizona State was a better fit for me."

Coyle will be taking his official visit to Arizona State in January. It will be his only official.