Published Jun 25, 2007
NIKE Camp MVP blowing up
Greg Biggins
Recruiting Analyst
Not many people had heard much about Fresno (Calif.) Hoover linebacker Mychal Kendricks prior to the NIKE Camp at Stanford in May. Kendricks then went and had a dominant showing earning camp MVP honors for his position and offers have flooded in ever since.
Kendricks, 6-0, 210 pounds earned all-league and all-area honors as a junior but said playing where he plays, no one knew much about him.
"We don't produce a lot of high Div I recruits from my area," Kendricks said. "I was definitely what you would call a sleeper prior to the camp and I was hoping to make a name for myself at the NIKE Camp and that's pretty much what happened."
"Oregon actually offered me right before the NIKE Camp and since then, several others did as well," Kendricks said. "Cal, Oregon State, San Diego State, San Jose State, Fresno State and a few others that I can't remember have offered as well.
"The NIKE Camp was really big for me and earning MVP honors helped out a ton. I've already taken a few unofficial visits and I'm actually at Oregon right now checking things out here.
"I really like it here at Oregon and they're recruiting me harder than anyone. I got here yesterday and I'll be leaving later today. I love the atmosphere here and when I got to the stadium, I was basically in awe. The facilities are incredible and I really like the coaches here.
"I already visited Cal and that's my top school right now. I camped with them for their half day camp in May and that's when they offered. You can't beat the education at Cal, if you're get your degree from Cal, you're basically set for life. Football wise, they're a big time program now as well and can compete with anyone.
"Coach Littlejohn is recruiting me and I text with him all the time. I would like to hear more from the LB coach there because that's the guy I'm going to be spending the most time with.
"Fresno State is my other favorite, they're also in my top three along with Cal and Oregon. They're the local school and I've been there before. It's not far from home and I like their style of play. It's funny, even though they're so close, they were one of the last ones to offer me but they said they never offer early because they really want to make sure the player is a good fit for them so that's all right.
"I'm planning to make an early commitment and will hopefully have my decision made in about a month. I definitely want to do it before the season starts so I can just focus on my senior year and not worry about recruiting. Right now, I'm just looking for the best fit and also where I feel I'm wanted.
"I'm going to take my time and make a wise decision here. I think a lot of players pick the school for the wrong reasons and I want to make sure I pick a school where I'm not just going to be another guy there. I want to pick a place where I can come in and make an impact and make a difference there."