SoCal OL has familiar top three

This past year, a huge recruiting war for Peninsula (Calif.) athlete Erik Lorig (still going on) centered on three main schools- USC, Cal and UCLA. Ironically, another talented player from Peninsula, offensive lineman Colin Baxter has those same three at the top of his board.

Baxter, 6-3, 290 pounds will be one of the state's top line prospects in the class of 2006. We saw Baxter play multiple times this past season and were very impressed with him each time. He's a massive kid who projects as a guard or even center at the next level. Baxter is a strong, physical kid who is able to manhandle opposing players at the high school level.

In games against area rivals Mira Costa, Manhatten Beach and Redondo Union last year, Baxter really shined and showed he should be mentioned among the top offensive linemen returning this year.

Recruiting attention is coming in from the Pac 10 along with Colorado State and the Ivy league. Once the spring evaluation period rolls around, we're confident a more high majors will jump in to the picture as well.

"Right now, Cal is probably my top school followed by USC, UCLA, Arizona and Oregon," Baxter said. "I would like to stay on the West Coast and I like the Pac 10 as well. Right now, I'm just working hard with our off season training program and looking forward to the spring and summer. I know I'm going to the Nike Camp at USC but I'm not sure what the rest of my summer camp plans will be like."

Academically, Baxter is carrying a 3.6 GPA and will take the SAT later in the year.