Lone Star State Star eyes west
Lone Star State two-sport standout three star tight end Tate Casey (6-7, 225, 4.7) from Longview, Texas has been very busy of late. He was at UCLA this past weekend, but didn’t commit. Casey still has some traveling to and the recent hiring of Mike Stoops at Arizona as brought another Pac10 team into the picture.
Not only will the lucky team that signs Casey get an outstanding big time tight end, but he a very good pitcher that throws bb’s. He has been clocked at 95 mph, but is consistently throwing at the 92 mph range.
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The Arizona Wildcats are now very much in the hunt. The Wildcats offered a scholarship to Casey under the Mackovic regime and the Arizona baseball program also has a written offer on the table.
The Wildcat football offer is now back firmly in place.
Casey was being recruited by Mark Stoops for Miami and since Stoops has joined his brother on the Arizona staff the dialogue with the Hurricanes has slowed down and obviously Mark has some influence on brother Mike.
Casey will now visit Arizona on December 19th.
As a football player Casey is a big and mobile target for a tight end. He played on an option team that ran the football at least 70% of the time so he made the most of his pass catching opportunities.
As a junior Casey caught 19 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns. As a senior, Casey latched on to 14 receptions for 280 yards and one touchdown.
Casey moved around a lot on offense lining up as a wingback, slot back as well as a tight end. “I was used a lot like an H-Back,” Casey said.
Because Casey was asked to block a lot he became solid at blocking. He worked hard in the off-season improving his technique. His hard work paid off and now he’s a very good blocker.
Casey has tremendous growth potential and has the frame to add at least 20 more pounds without skipping a beat in the quickness department.
After Arizona Casey will visit Florida on January 9th, LSU will be next on January 16th and Arkansas has been scheduled for January 30th.
The rest of the schools have a lot to live up
“I liked UCLA a lot,” Casey said. “The trip overall couldn’t have been better. They really planned the activities real well.”
“I really like Coach (Karl) Dorrell,” Casey said. “I think he’s a great guy. He builds a good relationship with his players.”
“I was thinking of taking all of my trips,” Casey said. “But with the way things are going I may just end my recruitment after the Florida visit or maybe after LSU.”
Casey has been quoted saying he thinks that UCLA, Arizona and Florida offer him the best opportunity for early playing time.
Something to consider is the fact that Casey is such an outstanding pitcher he may get drafted high in the coming spring’s major league baseball draft. If the money is there he will take it.
Who could blame him?