Midwest OL has interest in the West

Sometimes the Midwest gets a bad rap for not having a lot of speed guys. That is probably more fiction than fact, but one thing that has been universal constant they grow big in Big 10 country and it is a pretty safe bet that if you need offensive linemen, then the Midwest is a good place to look. There is one player from Ohio who has one known Pac 10 offer, and perhaps another one on its way.

The player in question offensive tackle Chris Freeman (6-7, 325, 5.2) from Trotwood (Ohio) Trotwood-Madison and according to his coach Maurice Douglass, his talented behemoth definitely has interest in west coast schools.

"Chris is interested in Oregon, UCLA, and USC," Douglass said. "These schools have strong traditions and play good football.

"Oregon came by the school and they have offered Chris," Freeman said. "We have sent out film to UCLA and USC.

"Irv Eatman and Larry Lee are from this area and both of them played at UCLA before going onto the NFL."

Douglass is very impressed by his talented offensive in many ways. He kids his giant behemoth by Freeman his "ballerina girl" because he is so light, graceful and athletic on his feet. There are other obvious reasons why Freeman is such a highly sought after prospect.

"Chris is 6-foot-9 and weighs 348," Douglass said. "You add that size and his great feet then you have a match made in heaven."

The most amazing thing about Freeman is he's a neophyte to the game of football. Believe it or not his junior season was his first on the gridiron. He was a basketball player until then, but he has been a quick study since his very first practice.

"During Chris' first practice, we had two D-I linebackers," Douglass said. "One ended up going to Colorado and the other to Michigan State.

"Chris pancaked the one on his way to Michigan State three out of his first five plays," Douglass said. "We told Chris that he has a future in this game and by the way Michigan State also offered him.

"I told him that if he works hard and keeps his nose clean then in five years he will be able to take care of his family financially forever. Chris has what they want and that it size, speed, strength and long arms. He has an incredible wingspan"

In the weight room, Freeman's current bench is 315, squats a very impressive 515 and an equally impressive 300-pound power clean.

"Chris has unlimited potential," Douglass said. "His best days as a football player are ahead of him."

Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, N.C. State, Oregon, Penn State and West Virginia are a sampling of schools that have offered Freeman a scholie…