Socal TE attracting attention

As the tight end position becomes more of an offensive weapon it is important for the spot be filled with guy who can catch as well as play a prominent role as a blocker. No longer is the position just a glorified lineman who is eligible to catch a pass. There is a player who fits this mold in Orange County, Calif., and he is beginning to attract a lot of recruiting attention.

The player in question is Tommy Gallarda (6-5, 215, 4.8) from Brea (Calif.) Brea Olinda.

USC's Offensive Coordinator/wide receivers coach Lane Kiffin has already visited Gallardo's school to inquire about him. Kiffin asked Gallarda's coach to have him attend the upcoming USC camp.

In addition a coach from Oklahoma called the school and now the Sooners are inquiring specifically about Gallarda.

Gallarda has had a longtime interest in Oregon and been to the Eugene campus three times already and will be there a fourth time when attends the Oregon Duck Camp on June 19th.

Gallarda also stood out at the UCLA one-day camp back in early April and he likes the Bruins.

Other schools that have showed an interest in Gallarda are Fresno State, UNLV, Nebraska, Georgia, ASU, Cal and Washington State.

Gallarda plays for the same school that developed Stanford receiver Evan Moore.

A hard worker, Gallarda has two outside coaches helping shape his skills. One of them is speed coach Rick Hagehorn who has an excellent reputation in his field and an excellent track record helping athletes improve their speed.

The other is former all-pro tight end David Hill who played for the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams.

Hill is working with Gallarda reviewing game films, on-field blocking techniques and precise route running.

Gallarda already has a sweet pair of hands so he is basically fine tuning his skills as he gets ready for his senior season.

Brea Olinda coach Robb Perrance has noted that Gallarda has the softest hands of anyone he could recall.

Gallarda was an all-league selection in 2004 after catching 24 passes for 450 yards and four touchdowns.