SoCal athlete getting looks on both sides of the ball
Tight end/defensive end Robert Graves (6-3, 248, 4.8) from Chula Vista (Calif.) Eastlake is another Southern California player who has the ability to play on either side of the ball on the D-I level and he is being recruited that way. He will be a three-year starter once the fall rolls around.
Boise State, Iowa State and Vanderbilt are looking at Graves for his ability as a tight end, while UCLA, San Diego State and Hawai'i are looking at him as a defensive end.
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Graves so far has been to junior days at UCLA and hometown, San Diego State. He was also invited to attend Boise State's junior day, but he couldn't attend so Boise State will be coming to the Eastlake campus this spring and watch him.
"I liked UCLA's junior day, it was really good," Graves said. "I really liked the campus and all the coaches were all cool. UCLA is my No. 1 choice."
"San Diego State's junior day was also very cool," Graves said. "We talked to all the coaches and they gave us information. If San Diego State would offer I would go to San Diego State."
What is Graves looking for in a college?
"Most importantly, I want to play," Graves said. "Playing matters to me. I don't want to go to a school just to sit."
"Location will be another key," Graves said. "I want to stay close to home, but if a school that is far away would offer me and if it is a good fit, I could go there."
"I also want to go to a school that where I get along well with the coaches."
Graves earned first-team all-league honors from his tight end position after catching 15 passes for 125 yards.
A good all-around athlete, Graves also starts on the basketball team and is a captain on the track and field team, where he participates in the shot and discus.
In the weight room, he currently benches 280 and squats 435.