Two-way standout getting D-I love

Outside linebacker/tight end Royce Culp (6-5, 214, 4.8) from Imperial, Calif., is beginning to see his recruitment heat up as several schools are showing him serious interest.

"Royce's number one school, San Diego State, continues to keep in contact," Imperial assistant coach Justin Hannon said. "We have formed a great relationship with Coach Bob Elliott, and he really likes Royce."

"A little over a month ago, Royce went up to San Diego State to watch them practice and saw the coaches," Hannon said. "At the time, I think they wanted him to gain more weight, because he hadn't been able to work out too much due to a surgery on his hand to fix a broken finger he suffered during the season."

"Royce was at 201 then and is back up to 215 now," Hannon said. "Coach Elliott keeps sending him messages and keeping in contact with him."

"Washington State thinks he is going to be a player and wants him to go to their summer camp," Hannon said. "I have been in contact with Coach Brian Cabral from Colorado and need to send him Royce's film ASAP."

"Northwestern is supposed to be coming by the school sometime soon," Hannon said. "Other schools that I have been in contact with on him are Boston College, Hawai'i, and Boise State."

"Royce should get to about 225-230 by the time the season starts, and if he does he is going to flat out dominate everyone," Hannon said. "He played last season at 180lbs and at that size, he was dominating lineman that were about 100lbs heavier than him."

"Royce is primed for a huge year, and if he doesn't have offers before the season starts, look for many to come once they see him play," Hannon said. "He is in the weight room everyday and working hard to get as strong as possible."

Culp is a two-year starter on the defensive side of the ball and as a junior he started both ways. In addition to his linebacker duties, Culp also started at tight end in 2005.

For his junior season, Culp racked up 79 tackles and had six sacks. As a sophomore, he had 56 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one blocked field goal.

As a tight end, Culp hauled 11 receptions for 104 yards and three touchdowns.

Culp's junior season saw him earn first-team all-league honors for his job on the defensive side of the ball.

Culp is also good in the classroom with a 3.3 GPA.