Pac 10 school 1st to call Thigpen

Moreno Valley (Calif.) Rancho Verde athlete Brandon Thigpen had a big opening game last weekend in the Mustangs exciting 17-15 win over an always tough Tustin squad.

Thigpen, 6-3, 190 pounds is one of the elite safeties in the state although he may end up playing closer to the line of scrimmage in a few years.

"I have a big frame so a lot of schools like me more as a linebacker," Thigpen said. "That's what I would like to do as well. For me, the closer to the line of scrimmage, the better for me because I just love to be around the ball and I feel I can make a lot of plays as an outside linebacker."

In Rancho Verdes win, Thigpen had 12 tackles, for loss on defense and made a huge play on the offensive side of the ball as well.

"We were down 15-14 with 30 seconds and had the ball on our own 30 yard line," Thigpen said. "It was third and long and I caught a pass for a first down and then we hit the game winning field goal with five second left in the game. It was a great win for us because Tustin is always good and I was fired up about how we played."

On the recruiting front, Thigpen said he has only received two calls so far this month.

"Washington called the first day they could, on Sept. 1," Thigpen said. "Earlier today, Nevada called but that's been it so far. So far, I have offers from Nebraska, Colorado State, Washington, Idaho State, UTEP and now Nevada.

"Nebraska is still my top school. They were my first offer and have been recruiting me the hardest since the Spring. I also like Washington a lot and I'm definitely going to take visits to both of those schools. Colorado State and Nevada are two others I might visit.

"We have a bye later this month, Sept. 29 so that would be a great weekend to take a visit. Hopefully I can set something up soon here. Right now, I'm just looking for a school where I'll feel comfortable and where I'll get a chance to get on the field fairly early as well."