Merced athlete picks up two offers

Merced, Calif., could have up to six D-I prospects for the class of 2009. Three of them already have bona fide offers from D-I schools. One of them is defensive end/running back Nathan Mayfield (6-4, 215, 4.5).

"Nathan started in all 12 games a junior and he recorded 8.5 sacks," Merced coach Rob Scheidt said. "He has a tremendous speed and a great motor.

"Nathan's first two steps are probably the best we have seen here and that's what the college coaches think as well," Scheidt said. "His progression during the season was outstanding and his knowledge of defense allowed him to become the complete player.

"Nathan understands how to set up offensive linemen to create a sack," Scheidt said. "Along with his leverage, which a lot of guys on the high school level don't have, allows him to have mismatches. He also knows the combo move and that makes him tougher still. Like I said he is becoming the complete player.

"Nathan even played running back and scored on 70 yard touchdown and had another 40 yard run," Scheidt said. "He's an amazing player."

On the recruiting trail, Mayfield has landed his first two offers, both of them are from Pac 10 schools. He has offers from Arizona and Cal. USC has also showed a lot of recruiting interest in Mayfield and were even in on him as far back as January. Arizona State is also showing a lot of interest in Mayfield.

It appears that Mayfield will be quite the attraction for recruiters this spring evaluation period, which incidentally started today, April 15th.