Cravens is name to remember

Su'a Cravens is one of the top sophomores in southern California and the Murrieta (Calif.) Vista Murrieta prospect proved that last week in a loss to Encino Crespi where he showed his playmaking ability on the field and a mature temperament after the game.

Cravens, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound prospect, was involved in a bunch of tackles playing outside linebacker and some defensive back but he didn't want to discuss his own performance. In a 45-31 defeat, Cravens wanted to focus on his team and look forward to getting better.

"It's a reality check that we have some work on offense and defense but overall we played pretty well and we'll be back next week," Cravens said.

"Right now it's way too early for recruiting. I'm not really worried about that. I just want to play football."

Cravens' brother, Siaki, now plays at Hawaii after stops at Utah and Long Beach City College. Hawaii has been one school mentioned for Cravens along with UCLA and many others. Since he's just a sophomore it's still too early to tell where his recruitment is headed. It's probably safe to say that Pac-10 schools will be involved in the years to come.

Cravens started at Temecula (Calif.) Temecula Valley last season and according to the Riverside Press-Enterprise was the first freshman to start at that school in 23 years. It's not surprising because Cravens certainly has the talent to be a contributor even this early in his high school career.

"He's getting better," Vista Murrieta coach Coley Candaele said. "Every time he gets on the field and playing at the level we're expecting him to play. The first two games he was a little slower and the last game he was getting better but I haven't seen the film yet so we'll find out."

Cravens is one of many top sophomores in California's 2013 class which is already shaping up to have some standout prospects.

Arguably the projected top recruit among sophomores in California is Orange Lutheran offensive tackle John Lopez, a 6-foot-5, 328-pound recruit who has a verbal offer from UCLA and is hearing from USC, Oregon, Washington and others.