SoCal lineman gets Big 12 offer
Defensive lineman/offensive lineman Otis Jones (6-2, 255, 4.9) from Lawndale (Calif.) Leuzinger has seen his stock go steadily upward since his fine NIKE Camp performance in Los Angeles last April. Jones has attracted several D-I schools to the Leuzinger campus and he received his first offer yesterday (May 17th).
"Colorado offered Otis yesterday," Leuzinger assistant coach Ralph Oliver said. "The thing that intrigued Colorado the most about Otis is his size and speed combination, plus the quickness of his hands. His strength was also noticed as he is now benching 385.
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"Otis became very motivated in the weight room after speaking to UCLA defensive line coach Todd Howard after UCLA's spring game," Oliver said. "Coach Howard expects his defensive linemen to be benching over 500-pounds when they leave UCLA. So his goal is to get to 400 before this summer.
Though Colorado is ahead on the recruiting curb getting an offer on the table before any other school there are plenty of other colleges that are definitely in the mix and could join CU with an offer anyway.
Oregon State and Washington State were on the Leuzinger campus on Wednesday and watched Jones practice.
Arizona was on campus with their head coach Mike Stoops and Mike Tuiasosopo the man who recruits the area for the Wildcats.
UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell also made an on campus appearance.
"Arizona, Oregon State, UCLA and Washington State are also recruiting Otis very hard," Oliver said. "Arizona and Washington State seem the closest to joining Colorado with offers followed by UCLA and Oregon State.
"Otis was very enthused with his offer from Colorado and he's happy that his hard work is paying off," Oliver said. "He has been working very hard and he's looking forward to attending these camps so he can close those offers hanging in the air.
Jones will be attending UCLA's and Arizona's football camps and if possible, Oregon State.
As a junior, Jones played primarily offensive guard and earned all-league status for his performance.
From his defensive end position and on a part time duty, Jones accounted for 32 tackles, six sacks and had three forced fumbles.