Mayes takes trip to Big Ten school

Logan Mayes' father, Reuben, played at Washington State and set all kinds of rushing records with the Cougars so it makes sense that the Pac-10 school is going after the Eugene (Ore.) Marist outside linebacker.

Washington State and Idaho have already offered Mayes, a 6-foot-3, 218-pound recruit but he said his father is trying to stay as objective as possible about recruiting although the Cougars will get a serious look. Mayes, who took a trip to Northwestern last weekend, has already visited both schools that have offered.

"He really tries to be objective in how he deals with it," Mayes said. "He encourages me too about Northwestern because it's a great academic school. He says if you really want to go there then go there. They haven't offered me yet so it's not an option at this point.

"My dad did some great things in college and the pros and I aspire to have that same success myself. That's not really a negative or a positive for me. It would be cool to play there like he did but it's not like my first concern. It's cool. It's not a major issue in my recruiting."

Mayes said his trip to Northwestern was impressive, that he bonded well with the coaching staff and especially liked how the practices were run. Academics will also play a big factor for Mayes, who said he could return to Northwestern for summer camp.

"Their coaching staff is really good up there," Mayes said. "They've got some really good intensity in the program. They practice really hard and they have a good, high energy going within that program. The academics are very good so that's always a bonus, too.

"I'd love to play in the Big Ten. There are some philosophical things in the Big Ten, like the power running game, that I kind of want to stay away from being a pass rusher but really if you're good enough that's really not a problem. It would be cool to be playing down in Happy Valley and Ohio State and Michigan State and all those big programs."

Don't count out Idaho, either, because Mayes seems impressed with the program's direction and how coach Robb Akey is handling everything with the Vandals. Mayes plans to visit Idaho again for its spring game.

"I'm still looking at them too," Mayes said. "They have a really good program going there, too. They won their bowl game last year so that's big. I do like that program. There is a lot of energy there."

Summer camp plans are being figured out and Mayes said stops at Northwestern, UCLA and Stanford are possibilities.

The Bruins and Cardinal have recently reached out more and Mayes said visits to Oregon and Oregon State are definitely being considered. He's already visited the Ducks and Beavers but plans to see both teams again before his senior season starts.