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Sophomore lineman already on radar

John Lopez is only a sophomore at Orange (Calif.) Lutheran but the 6-foot-5, 328-pound offensive tackle already has a verbal offer from UCLA and is picking up interest from other Pac-10 schools including USC, Oregon and Washington.
"I take it as it comes," Lopez said. "It's really just a great blessing that I have for all the hard work that I've put in. It's really a blessing for what it is.
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"It's definitely easier now to focus and I'm getting my mind right knowing right now I'm not what I'm supposed to be and I have to keep improving, keep getting better and work every day until I can get to that point."
Lopez, one of the top offensive linemen at the B2G Elite Camp this summer, is expected to be a national recruit in a couple years but Pac-10 programs might have the best shot at landing him because Lopez is probably going to stay closer to home for college. Being in the Pac-10 is a great possibility.
"I most likely want to stay on the west side because of my family," Lopez said.
This summer, the sophomore offensive lineman camped at UCLA - where he received a verbal offer - and at USC along with numerous combines where he excelled and has started to establish himself as one of the best linemen in California regardless of class.
The Bruins might have a jumpstart on his recruitment not only because they offered so early but because Lopez likes coach Rick Neuheisel and offensive line coach Bob Palcic. He worked with both at UCLA's camp.
"I like the atmosphere, I really like everything they're about and it's a really nice school," Lopez said.
"(Neuheisel) is a really nice guy, I like his program and I like the way he encourages his players. I like him as a coach in general."
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