Two favorites for Iese

CLOVIS, Calif. - Nate Iese said UCLA and Nebraska have emerged as his favorites and the three-star from Elk Grove (Calif.) Sheldon could make his decision within weeks.

"I'd probably say my top two schools right now are Nebraska and UCLA," Iese said. "They stuck with me for a long time and I'm going to be close to coming to my decision in the next two or three weeks. I've been preparing for that."

The 6-foot-5, 240-pounder who played wide receiver Friday in the Cal State Game but could also be a defensive end has already visited Nebraska, will take a trip to UCLA in mid-January and then could be ready to choose. A visit to Oregon State on Jan. 20 is planned and Iese said he'll take it even if he makes his decision.

"I'll probably make my decision after the UCLA trip and I'll still take the Oregon State one," Iese said.

The trip to Nebraska in late November went well and Iese said he was especially impressed with the academics there. He had already known about the football tradition but he liked how the two tied together.

"Nebraska was a really good school," Iese said. "I liked how the academics were tied in really well with football.

"That's really what I'm looking for in a college. That's what really impressed me. Everybody knows about the football but the academics helped out, too."

UCLA might have a slight edge in his recruitment, though, because of its location. Iese said the Bruins and Huskers are tied but the distance could play a factor as he nears his decision.

"The big reason is it's close to home," Iese said. "UCLA and Nebraska, I'm tied with them, it's hard to make a decision, but the edge for UCLA is because it's closer to home.

"(The coaching change) is not really a big deal. I wouldn't choose a school for the coaching staff. I believe any coach at that level can coach and I'd probably get used to them. I'll be able to get used to whatever coach is there.

"Coach (Jim) Mora is a really good coach. He visited me during basketball practice and he said he liked how I moved on the court and he told me he knows he's a new coach but he's bringing in a lot of recruits that can get the job done."