Growing spurt adds value to QB

When Rivals.com first saw quarterback Allan Bridgford (6-4, 218, 4.7) from Mission Viejo, Calif., he looked like the skinny kid in the before/after pictures. Since last summer, Bridgford has gained over 40 pounds and has grew one inch. That growing spurt and a whole lot of talent has made Bridgford one of the hottest signal callers on the west coast.

As a junior, Bridgford hit on 62 percent of his passes for 2,508 yards and 22 touchdowns. His effort saw him earn his league's Offensive Player of the Year.

What makes Bridgford's accomplishments even more impressive is he played much of the season with mononucleosis. That he was able to compete at all is a testimony of his grit. One can only imagine how good he's going to be when fully healthy.

Bridgford has offers on the table from Arizona, Arizona State, Stanford, and Texas Tech. Colleges that are recruiting him with reciprocal interest are UCLA, Cal, Oregon, Boston College and Notre Dame.

Bridgford was one of many standouts who showed up at UCLA this past Saturday for their junior day and take in the first practice in pads.

"I liked UCLA a lot," Bridgford said. "I could definitely see myself there, but I want to check out other schools on my list.

"UCLA's practice was good and it was fast paced," Bridgford said. "It was only their third practice so they are off to a good start.

"UCLA is the only junior day that I will attend, but I will take unofficial visits to Cal, Arizona State and possibly Texas Tech," Bridgford said. "I probably won't go to any camps this summer because the schools that I am interested in will come see me at my school this spring.

"Hopefully I will I will find a school that I like enough that has offered me by May to make a decision," Bridgford said. "If I don't make my decision by the start of the season then I will put recruiting on the back burner and wait until my high school season is over.

"High school football will be my main focus when the season starts."