Freeman adds offer, seeing interest rise

Until recently, recruiting has been "kind of slow" according to Midwest City, Okla., offensive lineman Carlos Freeman, but that has now changed.

Early on, Freeman was receiving interest from several programs, but after tearing his meniscus at a wrestling meet and being forced to sit out the majority of spring ball, his recruitment took a hit.

Programs took a wait and see approach as he rehabbed the injury. However those who were paying attention did learn a few things about Freeman's determination and toughness. Initially Freeman did not know he tore his meniscus. In fact, he continued to wrestle and finished third in meet. It was not until it popped while trying to squat 685 at a powerlifting meet that he learned how severe the injury was and that surgery was needed.

Now, he is back, and the 6-3, 280-pound offensive lineman is seeing his recruitment pick up thanks in large part to one coach who has stayed in contact throughout the entire process.

"At the beginning of the season people were trying to see how well I was healing up. It all sort of picked back up," Freeman said. "Coach (Jarrail) Jackson, he was recruiting me when he was at Dartmouth and he moved over to Washington State. He told them a little about me and they watched some film and he said they fell in love with me instantly. We talked for about four or five days and they came down to visit me and they offered me which was a really big deal."

He also holds an offer from Utah State, continues to receive strong interest from Dartmouth and Tulsa, and has seen Missouri show more attention lately. However, the offer from the Cougars has them at the top of his list.

"Washington State, I really respect the coaching staff, and I'm very much a fan of Mike Leach," Freeman said. "They really respect the way I play and how hard I work. There's a lot of mutual respect between us. I really enjoy the vibe that they're giving off to me."

There is plenty to respect about the way Freeman plays. Over the years, he has played up and down the Midwest City offensive line, and has proven to be a valuable asset at offensive tackle on the high school level. When he makes the jump to the college ranks, he realizes he is headed for an interior spot, and that is something he is fine with. In fact, he is looking forward to the opportunity.

"They're looking at me as a guard or a center, which I'm fine with. I'm really comfortable playing both. I actually prefer center over the three," Freeman said. "It's a fun position, and when you're a guy who's pretty intelligent, it's fun to make the reads and know you're the one that's kind of dictating how the offense is going."

Freeman currently only has one official visit on his schedule. He plans to visit Washington State on November 10 when the Cougars host UCLA.