Moran taking baby steps

With two scholarship offers in hand and a recent state championship triumph highlighting his résumé, three-star safety Mason Moran is heading into the offseason on a high note.

That's a great spot for the 6-foot-3, 180-pound prospect to be in give that the next few months could be massive for his recruitment.

"For me, it's baby steps," Moran said. "I haven't worried about visits or camps just yet. I'll probably figure that out in a couple weeks over winter break. Really, I'm getting my lifts in and hoping to put on weight to prepare for what's to come."

The two-way standout from Chandler (Ariz.) has offers from Boston College and Colorado, but more figure to be on the way following a highly productive junior season. Moran, the No. 7-rated player in the state for the 2016 class, was a playmaker at defensive back and is drawing interest as an athlete.

"Boston College and Colorado are my only offers right now, but those are a blessing," Moran said. "I wouldn't mind playing quarterback or safety in college. I'm open to whichever position. I'm being recruited as an athlete, so that's cool."

Schools have dropped by Chandler to check on a number of prospects, and Moran has been a topic of conversation. He has received camp invites from Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon, and gotten mail from a handful of other Pac-12 programs.

Boston College was the first school to offer back in the spring and Moran kept a close eye on the Golden Eagles this fall.

"They had a couple big wins and a couple other games that were very impressive," Moran said. "From everything I could see, they run a phenomenal football program that I would want to be a part of."

The Buffaloes joined his offer sheet following Chandler's victory at Highlands Ranch (Colo.) Valor Christian.

"Coach [Mike] MacIntyre is a really likable guy and when I talked to him, it seemed like we saw eye to eye on a lot of things," Moran said. "I like the football program they are building and they have my teammate Justin Jan going there. They are giving kids a shot to go there, and the program is becoming better and better."

Moran, though, said he doesn't see himself making a decision any time soon. Since he'll be the starting quarterback at Chandler next year, he would prefer to wait until after his senior season.

Moran passed for 217 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for 150 yards and another score in limited duty backing up Arizona State-bound quarterback Bryce Perkins. On defense, he had 52 total tackles and two interceptions.