Thenarse having huge season

Outside of Colton's (Calif.) Allen Bradford, there may not be another player in the state this year doing more on both sides of the ball than Los Angeles (Calif.) Jordan standout Ricky Thenarse. The athlete had another huge game earlier tonight (Thursday) and looks like a shoe in for all-state honors at the end of the season.

"I rushed for 274 yards and four touchdowns tonight," Thenarse said. "We won 34-21 and ended up going undefeated in league. We lost our first two games of the year but have won eight straight since. We'll find out who we play in the opening round of the playoffs this weekend but I heard we'll probably play Crenshaw next Wednesday."

Including Thursday's game, Thenarse has been putting up huge numbers on both sides of the ball. He has rushed for 1,306 yards on just 103 carries (12.7 ave.) and scored 10 touchdowns with a long of 97 yards. He also has 15 catches for 443 yards (29.5 ave.) and three mores scores and another 504 yards on punt and kickoff returns and one touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball, Thenarse is a head hunting safety who has 127 tackles (12.7 ave.) and is regarded by many a one of the most vicious hitters in the L.A city section. He could play four different positions in college- running back, receiver, cornerback or safety but has a couple of personal favorites.

"My first choice would be cornerback followed by receiver," Thenarse said. "I think I have the size and speed to be a difference maker at either position but I'm being recruited all over the place right now."

At 6-0, 175 pounds, Thenarse clocked a 4.48 in the 40 at the SoCal Nike camp and was rated by the camp coaches as the No. 2 running back in the event following the position and one on one drills. He worked out with the receivers at the NorCal Nike camp and was again, rated among the top players in the camp.

The athlete has already taken an official visit to Nebraska and although he hasn't set up any other trip dates, he does have the four schools in mind for his remaining visits.

"I'm going to visit Oregon, Washington, Fresno State and Colorado," Thenarse said. Those are my top schools along with Nebraska and USC. I can just take an unofficial visit to USC since it's so close to home but I'm leaning towards going away to school right now.

"Oregon and Colorado like me for receiver, Washington and USC like me at corner, Fresno State wants me at running back and Nebraska likes me as a safety. My plan is to take all five of my visits and then I'll be ready to make my decision probably sometime close to signing day. I don't have a leader right now but I loved Nebraska. It was a perfect trip and I fit in great there with everyone so the trips I take from here on out are going to have a lot to live up to in order to match what I saw there."