SDSU Lands SoCal Safety

San Diego State has picked up a commitment from Palmdale (Calif.) defensive back T.J. McKay M. McKay, 6-0, 180 pounds tripped to San Diego State this past weekend but didn't know whether or not he would be offered a scholarship until he got the call late last night.

"While he was on the visit there, the coaches told me it was between T.J and another player," Lisa McKay, T.J's mother said. "They had already offered the other player and basically said if he goes elsewhere, then T.J will be offered. So we were kind of on pins and needles for awhile there just wondering what was going to happen and how this would all play out.

"Then last night we got a call from one of the assistant coaches saying the player committed to Arizona State. They were going to call coach Kraft to make sure the offer to T.J was still going to happen. T.J had bought a San Diego State hat on his trip and had it in his car. He told us when the coaches called back, he would be wearing his hat if he was offered and committed. About 9:30 the coach called T.J and he was outside for a little while. When he came back in the house, he had a big smile on his face and was wearing his San Diego State hat so we were all excited for him.

"My husband and I really liked San Diego State too, we went on the trip with him. It's close to home but not too close. They have a nice program there and they're improving everything, not just football but academically as well. They said they liked T.J as an athlete who can play on either side of the ball but will start him off at safety which is where he played this past season."

McKay was rated the top defensive back at the Nike Camp in Oregon and is a solid football player. He's a sure tackler who can also run and cover well. He's a two time All-Area selection and also earned All-CIF honors this past season.