Dillon hopes for more attention
Steve Dillon still likes UCLA and Cal the best but Washington is sliding into the picture and the Palmdale, Calif., strong-side defensive end would like to hear from some other major programs before making a decision.
Not much has changed in Dillon's recruitment in recent weeks but the 6-foot-3, 245-pound prospect who shined at the B2G Elite Camp this summer said he hopes to have a big senior season and attract attention from Texas, Oklahoma and Ohio State. Those three teams particularly stand out.
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"It's pretty much the same," Dillon said. "I've just been working out and getting ready for the season. It's pretty much the same schools. During the season I'm going to go all out and try to get looked at by more schools. I would really love to go there (Texas, Oklahoma or Ohio State) because they're the best programs."
Arizona State, Cal, Colorado, Colorado State, Iowa State, New Mexico, Oregon State, UCLA, Utah, Washington and Washington State have all offered Dillon, who sticks by his recent statements that the Bruins and Golden Bears stand out the most.
Dillon said neither program leads at this point but UCLA is certainly making strides and has the local prospect's attention.
"It's still kind of even," Dillon said. "Washington is creeping up there, too. I'm just taking a bigger look at them. They've been actively e-mailing me a lot and I'm starting to really like their coaching staff and the way their program is out there.
"You can't go wrong with UCLA. I'm still close to home and I can drive back and see my mom and I get along with all the coaches. Coach (Chuck) Bullough is a great mentor. Coach (Todd) Howard is a great mentor. They're great guys. Coach (Rick) Neuheisel is a really great guy. He really wants me and I feel the love for UCLA. I feel at home."
Cal is also very much in the picture. Defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi, the Rivals.com recruiter of the year, has developed a strong relationship with Dillon and that will go a long way in determining Dillon's future.
"With Cal, I couldn't have a better connection with coach Lupoi," Dillon said. "He reminds me of my high school d-line coach. He and I get along very well."