Elite junior has coming out party

In a game that had a final score of 51-37, you wouldn't think there was much defense being played. The offenses did dominate in Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei's win over Corona (Calif.) Centennial last Thursday but Husky junior Vontaze Burfict showed he'll be a national recruit this coming spring.

Centennial has three Div I linebackers on their squad but last Thursday in a matchup of the state's top two teams, it was a fourth 'backer, a junior named Vontaze Burfict, who was the best defensive player on the field for either side.

At 6-2, 235 pounds, Burfict is an absolute physical specimen and does not look like an underclassmen. He had some of the biggest hits we've seen this year and was all over the field, all game long.

Coming in to the game, Burfict was leading the Huskies in tackles with 11 a game but the showdown with Mater Dei gave him an opportunity to make his name known on a national level.

" Vontaze is an incredible player and will be recruited by everyone next year," Husky coach Matt Logan said. "His only problem is going to be grades but talent wise, he's off the charts.

"He actually missed most of his sophomore season because of grades and got eligible right before the playoffs. He played a little bit in those games but has really played well for us this year.

"The thing about him is he's not just a great defensive player, he's our backup quarterback as well. He has a great arm and runs well. I'm hoping next year, we can just keep him on defense because he's so valuable there. He's a stud, he has size, can run and loves to hit, you don't see many players like him."