SEC interest for Hilinski
Tyler Hilinski is just a sophomore and did not play much this season because he backed up his brother, Kelly, at Sherman Oaks (Calif.) Notre Dame but that has not stopped his recruitment from getting busy.
Hilinski, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound pro-style quarterback, shined at numerous 7on7 events this past off-season so his name has gotten out to college coaches and some big-time players have shown early interest.
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Hilinski said last week at the Army National Combine in San Antonio that Mississippi State, Oregon, Arizona State, Alabama and UCLA are sending the most mail and one SEC school in particular has stayed in close touch.
"I've never talked to the Mississippi State coaches but I get so many letters from them all the time," Hilinski said.
"They've been stepping it up and if that's where I can go to play football then that's definitely an option."
The 2015 quarterback has developed a good relationship with the UCLA coaching staff especially offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Noel Mazzone but Hilinski said it's far too early to name frontrunners.
Hilinski has only seen limited varsity action so his recruitment could really pick up and the sophomore doesn't want to limit any options so early.
Next season could be big for him.
"It's too early to tell favorites," Hilinski said. "It's still really early for me.
"I can play anywhere. I'm looking for the best football school. Grades are a big thing but I want to play football."