Mangum getting looks at new position

One of the top linebackers we saw during the NIKE Camp tour this past Spring was Chandler's (Ariz.) Kurt Mangum. After playing defensive end as a junior, Mangum looked like a natural at the linebacker position and you can now throw in fullback as a position the Arizona standout is getting serious looks at.

Mangum, 6-0, 230 pounds had very impressive showings at the NIKE Camp at Purdue as well as Stanford. In fact, one of the bigger mysteries for us this year is why haven't any schools jumped on Magnum with an offer yet.

We understand that most schools want to see the athlete playing linebacker in the pads this fall since his junior film is all on the defensive line. Saying that, Mangum has outperformed several other 'backers who already hold offers and his physical size, athleticism and toughness all translate very well to the college level.

In addition to the NIKE Camps, Mangum has also attended team camps at ASU, Cal and recent USC.

"I enjoyed all the camps a lot," Mangum said. "ASU is in my backyard and I really like the coaches there a lot. I'm just really comfortable there and ASU would be a good fit for me.

"At Cal's camp, I worked out with the fullbacks and the coaches told me if they were taking a fullback this year, they would have offered me on the spot. Unfortunately, they're not taking a fullback this year but they are recruiting me at linebacker. They said they're taking two more 'backers and I'm of the guys they're looking at and I'm high on their board.

"USC's camp was incredible and I felt I did really well there. I worked out at fullback and they said I'm one of three players they like for that position. They just want to see me in a game catch some passes and block some people before they offer.

"When they play ASU, they're going to come and watch me play so I'm pretty excited about that. Stanford just talked to me this week too and they're like me as a fullback. I love playing linebacker but I really like fullback too. Last year was the first year I only played on defense, I had always played both ways before so it's not a new position for me.

"There are some other schools I like too and I'm committed to taking all five of my trips right now. Even if I made an early commitment, I would still want to take all my trips. I'm just focusing on my season right now and I think if I play the way I know I can, I should have some offers after the first couple of games this season."