DiLuigi impressive in season opener

We had a chance to take in the Canyon (Calif.)- Moorpark (Calif.) season opener for both teams Thursday night and came away impressed by several players. No one impressed more than Cowboy running back J.J. DiLuigi who showed why he's one of the most under-rated prospects in the entire West region.

DiLuigi, 5-10, 190 pounds was a 1st team all-state underclass selection last season after rushing for 1,875 yards and 37 touchdowns, catching 33 balls for 530 yards and five touchdowns and adding one kickoff return for a score showing why he's one of the most complete backs in the state.

On Thursday, the athlete rushed 16 times for 143 yards and a touchdown and added three catches for 79 yards. Any time Canyon needed a big play, DiLuigi stepped up and delivered.

It's tough to find someone who DiLuigi compares to but several in the press area threw out of the name of former Ventura, UCLA and UTEP running back Tyler Ebell. Like Ebell, DiLuigi lacks prototype size but has great quickness, is very shifty and is just as dangerous out of the backfield as he is carrying the football.

The first guy never brought down DiLuigi. He's very good at making defenders miss, is very strong in the lower body and is able to make his cuts going full speed without having to slow himself too much. He also has great balance and vision and finishes his runs falling forward every time.

When DiLuigi committed to BYU, we thought it was a steal for the Cougars and believe that even more strongly now. There is no question he's a Pac 10 level talent who could have played for several schools in the conference.

Canyone, ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 14 in the nation in the Student Sports Fab 50 will next take on Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks next week, followed by a huge matchup with fellow Fab 50 member St. Bonaventure, Ventura.