Hard hitting DB racks up offers
One of the hardest hitting safety prospects on the west coast is Shawn Oatis (6-0, 205, 4.6) from Chino, Calif. He also a pretty good running back and he’s getting some looks for his talents on the offensive side of the ball.
Most of the smart money is on Oatis making his impact on the D-I level as a lethal hitting safety.
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Oatis was an all-CIF first-team selection, earned his league’s Defensive Player of the Year award and was all-area for his performance in 2003.
On defense, Oatis racked up 69 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
On offense, he rushed for 1,285 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.
The Los Angeles Times has tabbed Oatis as one of the top 25 defensive backs in California for 2004.
Oatis received phone calls from Northwestern, Washington, ASU, Arizona, Ohio State, UCLA, Oregon State and Oregon last May. Many other colleges came by Chino high school getting information on Oatis.
Oatis is a very dedicated and motivated football player who watches hours of tape to prepare for opponents. He uses the knowledge learned to his advantage when it is game time.
Oatis is also working hard on his overall speed and strength. He is working with a strength and conditioning coach and Oatis has already seen marked improvement in his overall quickness that he attributes to being more flexible.
Oatis has offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, BYU, Northwestern, Ohio State and Notre Dame.
“I will likely take official visits Ohio State, Notre Dame and Stanford,” Oatis said. “I plan to visit Arizona, Arizona State and UCLA unofficially this summer.”
“I want to go to a school that will further my education and a place to play good solid football,” Oatis said. “Distance from home and weather will not be a factor in my decision.”
“I want to take all of my visits before I make my decision,” Oatis said. “I want to have my decision made before my season is over.”