Pac10 and Big 12 has Eyes For ATH

Junior to Watch: Nate Kimbrough

School: Santa Fe Springs (Calif.) Santa Fe

Position: Wide Receiver/Free Safety

Size and Speed: Kimbrough stands 6-foot-3, weighs 175 pounds and runs the 40 in 4.5.

Honors: Kimbrough was first-team all-league on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver/free safety as a junior.

Statistics: Kimbrough was dominating as a junior hauling in 43 receptions for 772 yards while averaging 18 yards per catch and scored eight touchdowns. On defense Kimbrough tallied 34 tackles and picked off eight passes as a free safety. He returned 12 punts for 192 yards for an average of 16 yards per punt return and one touchdown. Kimbrough returned 15 kickoffs for 295 yards while averaging 19.6 yards per kickoff.

Favorite Colleges: Kimbrough is being heavily recruited by Pac10 schools led by UCLA, USC, Cal, ASU, Oregon State, Oregon and Washington. Colorado is also recruiting Kimbrough hard.

Skinny: You will want to keep your eyes on Nate Kimbrough. Not only is Kimbrough an outstanding receiver and safety but he is lethal returning kicks. He has that long running stride that makes his speed look very deceiving. Once he gets into space he runs by opponents as it they were standing still. He has great instincts as a runner and is terrific after the catch. He’s great open field runner who follows his blocks and gets up field.

Kimbrough is an outstanding all-around athlete and has the talent to play on either side of the ball on the level. He is equally as good on both sides of the ball and he is participates in track and runs the very tough 400-meter.

What is Kimbrough looking for in a school?

“I am looking for a school where I can get a good education,” Kimbrough said. “I also want to attend a school with a good football program.”

Kimbrough is also very talented off the field. He plans to major in music. He as versatile musician as he is a football player, Kimbrough plays keyboards, drums and the trombone. There is no truth to the rumor that Kimbrough is the halftime entertainment for Santa Fe’s games.

Kimbrough has been playing on the varsity level since his sophomore season when he played at Los Angeles (Calif.) University.

“Nate is serious about working hard,” Santa Fe assistant coach Bob Costa said. “He’s pleasure to coach. Nate is only going to get better.”