It was just a matter of time really. But the waiting game is not an easy one when your as highly rated as Maximo Espitia Jr. andLochlin Deeks. The Salem Valley duo make up two of the top 5 in athletes in the State. Waiting for that first offer is not easy but tonight they both got some much needed relief as the recruiting damn broke loose as suitor.
For Deeks it has been a matter of fit as he keeps growing and as he does so does his projection. He is now 6’4″ and 260 pounds and planning to float between Middle Linebacker, Defensive End, and Defensive tackle.
The big West Salem Titan will no doubt start at the offensive line positions as well. But where he will end up in college is hard to say.
Lochlin had a visit today from Coach Price at Air Force Academy. The visit turned into a follow up call and his first official offer to play football in college. A relief for sure after two years of developing and preparing.
“It is a relief. While people kept saying to be patient it wears on a guy. So it is great to know that I have a place like the Air Force Academy to call home if I choose to go that route,” said the power house red-head.
Airforce is a $405,000 dollar opportunity and despite the military service aspects of the offer Deeks said he can reconcile that.
“The degree is really valuable and it is not like you have no options. There are so many jobs and careers you can train for and many of them are professional in nature. So you can bet I will look at this offer strongly as other options unfold.”
He is a smart kid and one heck of a football talent. That massive frame can move to and Deeks can clock a 4.7 40 and really wreak havoc on the field.
Expect Oregon State and Boise State to do something next. Both schools have been in contact and represent good fits for him. So time will tell very soon. Great first offer for him.
A few miles away is his Friday Night Competition and friend Maximo Espitia Jr. of South Salem had a visitor as well. His day started off as the #8 ranked player in the State but still a man without an offer.
That was something Junior wanted to have change. So today he got his wish.
“The Idaho Vandals officially offered me. That was really great. To finally get that going and see that I can go on and play at the D-1 level is really rewarding. And I was trying to be patient but I have to admit it was getting old,” said the mutli-talented speedster.
Junior can do it all and is rated by many as one of the premier Wide Receivers and safeties in the region even though he starts at QB for the Saxons.