Savage selected to all-star game

One of the nation's top two sport athletes is San Diego (Calif.) Morse lineman Darius Savage. Not only is Savage a dominant player on both sides of the line, he's one of the nation's top throwers in the shot and discus and will double sport for UCLA in 2006.

Savage, 6-4, 320 pounds gave an early commitment to the Bruins back in April and is just what the doctor ordered as his size should allow him to see plenty of time early in his football career.

"That's what they're telling me," Savage said. "They're pretty small up front so they told me to be ready to come in and compete for playing time right away next season. That's fine with me, I want to play as soon as I can and I think I'll be able to help them next season."

Savage has had a strong senior season on both sides of the ball. At defensive tackle, he estimated he had around 50 tackles amd 10 quarterback sacks. He has also started at center, guard and tackle on the offensive line and does all the long snapping for the Tigers.

"I've been playing a lot of center but I prefer defense," Savage said. "I'll play wherever though, it doesn't really matter to me. I just enjoy the game and have fun playing wherever they put me."

In track, Savage is the state's No. 1 returning thrower in the shot (59'11") and discus (196'11"). He won a state title as a junior last year with a throw of 194' and placed 6th in the shot.

"UCLA's track program was a big reason I committed there," Savage said. "UCLA has a strong tradition in track and especially in the throws. When you combine that with the football program they have and it was just the perfect place for me."

Savage said he's still hearing from a few other schools and Arizona State is pushing for a visit but added his commitment is solid and he has no plans to take any other trips. Morse finished their season last night with a blowout loss to Mira Mesa and will not make the playoffs but Savage was recently selected to the CaliFlorda Bowl where he could see time on both sides of the ball.

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