Tolson heats up for ARC

James Tolson headed to Sacramento’s (Calif.) American River College after finishing at Oakland (Calif.) Tech High, and the move has been good for his game.

“We’re 3-4 and lost last week, but we’re doing all right,” Tolson said. “I’ve been doing pretty good and raked in a few tackles. I’m strong and physical, and I’m really aggressive. A lot of people are intimidated by my size, so they try to double team me or cut me off.”

At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, it’s easy to be intimidated by Tolson. It’s also easy to be impressed with his skills, which have some colleges in close contact.

“I’ve been talking to Tulsa, Arkansas State, Nevada and Sacramento State. I talk to Coach Moore [assistant coach Thurmond] at Tulsa, Coach Hiller [offensive line coach Darren] at Arkansas State and Coach Sacks [co-defensive coordinator Barry] at Nevada. I like how Tulsa has won some games over the years, but I’m going to wait until after the season to see who really wants me. I also want to make sure that they have academic programs that I’m interested in.”

Still waiting on his first scholarship offer, Tolson knows he’ll also have to wait to determine where he’ll take his official visits.

“I’m not quite sure where I’ll go yet, and I’m waiting to see who will give offers,” he said. “But I’m planning on taking them right after the season.”

A position change could also be in the works for the large lineman.

“A lot of people talk about moving me to offensive tackle because of my size, and I’d be willing to change,” Tolson said. “Some schools want me for defensive tackle, but most of the bigger and better schools want me for offensive tackle.”