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football Edit

Salem talks about status

J.B. Salem remains committed to Stanford but because the admissions office hasn't pushed him through yet the Newport Beach (Calif.) Newport Harbor defensive end wants to make sure his bases are covered if it doesn't work out with the Cardinal.
"Basically, the admissions process has been a little slow," Salem said. "I feel like for my best interests just as a way of covering myself and not selling myself short I've opened up the doors a little bit and it's gotten out more than I liked to. I never want to close any doors especially when admission at Stanford is still up in the air.
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"Troy Niklas and I both applied a while back and we're still waiting on the word. There is a lot going on and I understand when I got myself into this commitment that it would by no means be an easy one. For that, I do respect that university and how they do their thing."
Throughout the process, Salem said the Stanford coaching staff couldn't have been any better but that he's still waiting to get word whether he's in or not. One concern is that Salem initially applied early in the school year so he's wondering about the holdup.
Salem said Stanford's staff is helping as much as possible.
"The coaches have never been better as far as support," Salem said.
"They call me when they can, they'll say they backed me 110 percent and they're talking to the admissions office every day. They're helping me out as best as they can and they definitely feel for me. I do feel like I have a good support system over there."
Salem, a 6-foot-4, 254-pound three-star prospect, said if Stanford admits him that there's a "very good chance" he'll end up playing for the Cardinal.
UCLA is making a late push for Salem and there is a chance he could still end up with the Bruins but at this point he just wants to see what happens with Stanford's admissions before making any further decisions.
Rivals.com rates Salem as the No. 48 strong-side defensive end nationally.
"UCLA is up there," Salem said. "I kind of want to keep it local. Stanford isn't local but it's the same state. Northwestern is there a little bit but I don't know how quickly that will progress.
"UCLA would be the fit. I have a big family and they're a huge part of my decision. That was the draw with Stanford, it's only an hour plane flight and UCLA is an hour car ride. My family will make an effort to get to the games regardless. There are a bunch of good kids up there (at UCLA)."
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