Three-star DT makes the call

Three-star defensive tackle Fred Thompson (6-4, 290, 5.1) from Oakland (Calif.) Tech quickly climbed up the recruiting charts based on an outstanding senior season. Thompson had offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State. He made up his decision where he will play his college football.

Thompson went on his official visit to Oregon State this weekend and that's all it took as the fast rising prospect committed to Beavers.

"One thing I really liked about Oregon State was the social environment around campus," Thompson said. "A big plus, like Ryan (Ryan Murphy) said is the coaching staff is awesome.

"It was really a tossup with all the other schools after Oregon State," Thompson said. "It was a tossup with UCLA, Arizona State and Arizona maybe.

"I really like the opportunity that I have at Oregon State," Thompson said. "They don't have, I believe a lot of d-tackles and they like to rotate guys.

"Oregon State likes to have around 12 to 14 defensive lineman so there is a lot of opportunity for me there," Thompson said. "I would be playing behind Stephen Paea and I think I can learn a lot playing behind him.

"Coach (defensive coordinator) Mark Banker is a really good guy," Thompson said. "He has a good sense of humor. He's really down to earth and so is Coach Mike Riley. Coach Riley's whole coaching staff are nothing but good guys."

Is recruiting now done for Thompson?

"I'm pretty much done with recruiting," Thompson said. "I will probably have an in-home visit with Arizona State, just because he wanted to schedule one before I committed. Since I already scheduled it, I feel I should hear what he has to say or whatever."

As a senior, Thompson racked up 90 tackles, seven sacks, and had one interception that he returned for a touchdown.