Junior To Watch: Eric Schlegal

Junior to Watch: Eric Schlegal

School: Capistrano, (Calif.) Valley Christian

Position: Linebacker/Tight End.

Size and Speed: Eric stands 6-foot-2, weighs in at 240 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds.

Statistics: Eric racked up 152 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four picks.

Honors: Schlegal was selected second-team all-CIF, all divisions as a junior. He has also been chosen all-CIF division 13 for the last two seasons and he has also been named his League’s Defensive MVP two-years running.

Favorite Schools: Eric is getting recruiting action from Texas, UCLA, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Colorado State.

The Skinny: “We line Eric up at five different positions so offenses couldn’t key on him,” said Valley Christian head coach Keith Patefield. “Eric is a very disruptive force to opposing offenses,” added Patefield.

Some who have seen Eric play say that he reminds him of former UCLA Bruin linebacker Brian Wilmer. Like Wilmer, Patefield noted, “Eric has the knack of being in the right place at exactly the right time.”

Eric may not have the overall 40-yard dash speed that you might like, he more than overcomes lack of speed with shear brains and quickness.

Schlegal is not one to rest on his laurels. He has the work ethic that you love to see in a ball player. He works very hard on all aspects of the game and continues to grow as player year-after-year. “Eric is an absolute pleasure to coach,” said Patefield. “There is nothing he wouldn’t do to better himself as a football player or for the team.”

Eric will add tight end to his list of duties due to his soft hands and overall athleticism. Schleagal will be one of many talented youngsters who will attend the Nike camp at USC this April 13th.

Stay tuned…