PREP NOTES : Top Recruits Consider Next Big Step

Now that the football season is over, Orange County coaches and players are turning their attention to college recruiting.

Here are some of the county’s top recruits, and schools they say they’re considering:

Billy Blanton, quarterback, Mater Dei--Some might question his size (he’s listed at 6 feet 2), but Blanton is definitely an outstanding Division I college prospect. He’s considering Notre Dame, Washington State, Cal, USC, Colorado, Oregon and Pacific.

Gavin Brown, linebacker/tight end, El Modena--Brown, projected as a college linebacker, is planning visits to Oregon, Colorado State and Cal. UCLA and San Diego State also are interested.

Curt Cannon, offensive tackle, Irvine--One of many huge linemen this year, Cannon (6-5, 240 pounds) has trips planned to Washington, BYU and Oregon. He also is considering Cal and UCLA.

David Erikson, linebacker, Dana Hills--Colleges want Erikson for his academics as well as his playing ability. He has a 4.03 grade-point average, a 1,340 score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and is considering Cal, Stanford, UCLA, Army, Navy and Air Force.

Eric Fegraus, wide receiver, Laguna Beach--The school’s first major Division I football recruit since the early 1980s. Fegraus is considering Cal, Oregon, Washington State, UC Davis and Pacific.

Adrian Ioja, tight end, Garden Grove--Blessed with soft hands and good blocking skills, Ioja’s considering UCLA, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, Fresno State and San Diego State.

Bryant Jackson, offensive guard/defensive tackle, Loara--Another of the county’s earth-moving linemen, Jackson (6-1, 275) is considering Oregon, USC, Cal and UCLA.

Matt Keneley, defensive tackle, Mission Viejo--His frame (6-6, 260) and quickness make him one of the county’s hottest recruits. He has the longest shopping list of any player--Arizona State, Arizona, USC, UCLA, Cal, Oregon, Washington State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State.

Gavin Molinar, offensive tackle, Buena Park--Molinar, who might move to guard in college, is being recruited by Colorado, Cal, UCLA, San Diego State and Colorado State.

Kevin Pola, running back, linebacker, Santa Ana--Pola, who probably will be a fullback in college, has trips planned to Washington State and Oregon.

Ryan Roskelly, running back/defensive back, Valencia--Projected as a wide receiver or defensive back in college, Roskelly is considering USC, Colorado State and Utah State.

Jason Thies, linebacker, Mater Dei--Thies is considering several schools, including BYU, Oregon, Arizona, Army and Navy.

Other county players being recruited include Esperanza safety Jason Long (UNLV, Pacific), Dana Hills offensive tackle Alfredo Diaz (USC, San Diego State), Valencia’s speedy twins, Korey and Kevin Alexander (Fresno State, Pacific, Oregon and Washington) and Rancho Alamitos linebacker Lia Togia (Colorado).