(Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on Rivals.com, a leader in college football and basketball recruiting coverage. For the latest updates on your favorite teams, sign up here.)
The offseason for college athletics is heating up with marquee events taking place all over the country every weekend. In the Western region, quite a few prospects are living up to their impressive reputations, while others are working hard to boost their rankings.
Adam Gorney, Rivals’ national recruiting director, highlights five West-region prospects who have already made a name for themselves this offseason.
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Crowder secured the defensive back MVP award at last year’s Rivals Los Angeles Camp, standing out even among a group of very talented players. Since then, the three-star defensive back from Rancho Santa Margarita Catholic in California has only improved—he’s become bigger, stronger, and more impressive in his role.
Crowder has bulked up even more through his junior season but continues to move with incredible smoothness in his coverage. He committed to Cal last November, though North Carolina is now making a strong push to change his mind, largely due to the efforts of new position coach Armond Hawkins Jr., who has known Crowder for years—Crowder played under Hawkins Jr.’s father on the 7-on-7 circuit.
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Then there’s Day from Las Vegas’s Faith Lutheran, who recorded an outstanding 110 tackles during his junior season. He’s like a Swiss Army knife on defense. This three-star safety can blitz from the edge, make tackles and cover slot receivers, or hang back in coverage to make plays as a single-high safety.
With his impressive stats, including two interceptions and 16 tackles for loss, Day’s stock is certainly rising, catching the attention of more programs. He’s already got offers from USC, Kansas State, and Oregon State, and others seem to be lining up.
Lucero, at West Covina Northview, seems to fly under the radar, but his skills have been anything but ordinary. He gained 1,000 receiving yards and snagged five interceptions last season, ensuring no touchdowns were scored against him.
Playing this offseason with Premium, Lucero has showcased his talent as a sizeable cover corner, and it’s expected his recruitment will really take off. He’s already considering offers from schools like BYU, Arizona State, Utah, and Michigan State, but don’t be surprised if more offers come his way.
Hamiel, from Goodyear’s Desert Edge, initially named a top seven of Texas A&M, Nebraska, Oregon, Michigan, Arizona State, Penn State, and Tennessee back on February 7. Since then, he’s added even bigger programs to his list, with offers rolling in from Missouri, UCLA, Oklahoma State, and the highly coveted Alabama. It’s all in a day’s work for one of the top defensive backs in the region.
During his junior season, Hamiel racked up 50 tackles and three interceptions—not eye-popping numbers because elite cornerbacks like him often aren’t tested much. He’s explosively quick, highly athletic, and has a real knack for instinctively knowing where to be to make a play.
Sorensen from Anaheim’s Servite may not have put up huge numbers due to some issues at quarterback and his team’s reliance on the run game. However, few tight ends nationally have seen their recruitment soar like Sorensen’s. This three-star tight end is big, strong, and formidable—with the ability to run through defenders.
Penn State, Michigan, and Texas, among others, have offered him scholarships in recent months. His performance at the Rivals Camp in Los Angeles this weekend might just propel him to even greater heights.
