East Bay DT attracts visitors
Two-way standout Deandrea Ward (6-3, 350) from Oakland (Calif.) Castlemont has been one of the main attractions why several D-I colleges have already made the trek this spring to the East Bay campus.
Ward is a two-time first-team all-league selection as an offensive lineman. He was even selected League Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2007 when he was a sophomore.
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In the weight room, he has outstanding numbers. His bench is 385, he squats 500 and his power clean is 315.
Though Ward has received most of his honors as an offensive lineman, according to Castlemont head coach, James Barnes, Ward is being recruited as a defensive tackle.
"Deandrea is very strong and explosive," Barnes said. "That is why schools are recruiting him as a defensive tackle."
"Deandrea gets great leverage on blockers and you always have to double team him,' Barnes said. "He uses his hands extremely well. He gets great inside penetration while rushing the passer and he's good against the run."
"You know, Deandrea is also a great offensive lineman," Barnes said. "He excels on both sides of the ball."
"Deandrea is very aggressive off the line of scrimmage and finishes off his blocks," Barnes said. "The majority of our big runs have come from running behind him."
"I think he could be a good center or offensive guard on the next level," Barnes said. "But I still think, because of how hard he is to handle defensively that he will end up on the defensive side of the football."
"So far we have had Boise State, Fresno State, UNLV, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, UCLA and USC all come by here already this spring," Barnes said. "Deandrea is very good in the classroom and took the SAT last weekend. He's going to take the ACT this weekend.
"Deandrea is taking care of business."