Magnuson rules Trenchman Academy
CULVER CITY, Calif. - Erik Magnuson had scratches on both arms and his neck was starting to turn red but the Carlsbad (Calif.) La Costa Canyon offensive tackle didn't want to stop during one-on-one drills.
The nasty 6-foot-6, 275-pound prospect was too busy manhandling players, getting challenged by others who wanted to make a name for themselves and going all out Saturday at the Asante Trenchmen Academy at West Los Angeles College.
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Former NFL and Penn State standout Irv Pankey ran the camp and even he was impressed with Magnuson, who has offers from Arizona, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, Washington and many others.
Magnuson was relentless all day and he proved to be one of the West Coast's top offensive tackles.
"That's a man right here," Pankey said. "He's a man. He has the mentality, he listens, he's a ballplayer. He's going to do well wherever he goes.
"I call it want-to. Some coaches say heart. It's the one thing you can't give a football player. It's the only thing a coach can't give him. A bunch of these kids have that swag to him, they're comfortable in their skin, and he's one of them."
Magnuson displayed it all on Saturday from footwork to leverage to determination but maybe the thing that stood out most was just how aggressive he was against the defensive linemen in one-on-one drills.
Not only did Magnuson overpower most of the defensive ends but it looked like he wanted to punish them for even considering going up against him. That drive and fire is what Pankey said separates a lot of the good ones from the great ones.
"He has it," Pankey said.
With so many offers, Magnuson said he didn't come to the Trenchmen Academy for more exposure. He wanted to come out to prove he's one of California's top linemen and earn the MVP award.
"That's why I'm here," he said. "I want to get that MVP."
Magnuson plans to attend the Oregon junior day next weekend so he'll miss the Los Angeles NIKE Camp. He does plan to attend the Palo Alto NIKE Camp later in the spring plus take some unofficial visits.
BIG PROSPECTS SHOW UP
Another impressive offensive tackle was Fernando Villanueva, a 6-foot-7, 280-pound prospect from San Jose (Calif.) Independence who's still lean and will probably eclipse 300 pounds before he reaches college.
Villanueva showed great flexibility and he's long and wiry so adding good weight should not be a problem. While he's not reached his full potential, Villanueva has tons of upside because his body structure is so impressive.
He said Washington State has already offered and Oregon State is on the verge of an offer so things are coming together on the recruiting side. Villanueva attended Cal's recent junior day and the Golden Bears do stand out in his recruitment but an offer has not come through yet.
Compton (Calif.) Dominguez offensive tackle Lacy Westbrook went through some drills but his left ankle is still tender and he wanted to save himself for next week's Los Angeles NIKE Camp.
Westbrook is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound prospect with a bunch of offers. He said Alabama, LSU and Wisconsin have started to show interest.
His mother is from the state of Alabama and he still has some family there so playing in the SEC isn't out of the question although his favorites are Pac-10 schools at this point. UCLA, Oregon, USC and Washington stand out a little more than others.
Another Compton Dominguez prospect who performed well was Dejon Allen, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound offensive lineman who has offers from Arizona State, New Mexico and Northern Arizona. So far, the Sun Devils stand out but Allen said he'll remain patient in his recruitment.
It is hard to believe John Lopez is still in his sophomore year at Orange (Calif.) Lutheran especially since he's 6 feet 5, 328 pounds and can grow a full beard but it's true that he's so young.
Not only is Lopez big but he's an outstanding football player with star potential. UCLA has already verbally offered and USC is involved. Lopez is leaning toward staying in the Los Angeles area which puts the Bruins and Trojans in great shape but he has the potential to become a national recruit soon.
"I was talking to him this morning and he's huge," Pankey said. "He's legit."
OTHERS GET RECOGNITION, TOO
Midway through camp, Carson coach Elijah Asante, responsible for putting the event together, pointed out No. 46 Bobby Johnson but it was hard not to notice him since he was one of the best offensive tackles at the event. Asante's compliments were noted - so too was that Johnson is a 2014 prospect. Yes, he's still just a freshman.
Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 280-pounder from Carson, was one of many recruits who made a name for themselves at Saturday's event.
Defensive tackle Sia Leni, a 6-foot-1, 260-pound prospect who's hearing from BYU and UCLA and defensive end David Garcia - both from Carson - performed well especially during one-on-one drills.
Compton Dominguez was also well represented with three other prospects in center Adrian Molina, defensive end Mafi Seanoa and defensive tackle Demarlow Moses.
Out of those three, Molina is the only one who reports offers at this time with SMU, New Mexico and Northern Arizona involved.