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Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soon

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 10:52 am
by uostudent
LINK
Christian French could make college decision any day

ELDRIDGE – He was busy celebrating his Cedar Rapids Kennedy football team’s 13-7 upset of North Scott, but Cougars defensive back-linebacker-receiver Christian French divulged Monday night he is very close to making a college decision. And it’s down to three schools: Oregon, Iowa and Notre Dame.

“Maybe later in the week,” he said. ”I’m not sure.

“I have it narrowed down to about three schools in my mind. But I think in the next couple of days, I’ll have that decision made.”

French said Oregon is recruiting him as a tight end, Iowa as a wide receiver and Notre Dame as a linebacker. He said he doesn’t really care what position he plays in college, as long as it’s the best for his future.

“They all have something to offer,” he said. “Oregon is far away from home, but they want me to play the tight end position. They’re doing real well out there, and they’re going to have a lot of spots open for that position (next year), so I’d have a chance at making a big impact – maybe. (With) Iowa, it’s receiver, and Coach (Erik) Campbell is one of the best receiver coaches there is. So there’s another aspect. And Notre Dame, it’s outside linebacker. That’s totally different. So it’s three different looks.”

French is a relative neophyte when it comes to football, in only his fourth year playing. He doesn’t necessarily stand out on the field during games, but his 6-foot-6 frame and sprinter’s speed has made him a major recruit – in the top 100 nationally according to Rivals.com.

“I’m just going to the best place I can fit in,” the affable and well-spoken French said.
I'm not expecting him to end up at Oregon because it sounds like distance may be a factor. French is an unbelievable athlete - 6'6 and runs a 4.4 40. Personally, I think he'll end up at Iowa. He's going to be a big pickup for whichever program gets him.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 12:00 pm
by UOducksTK1
Sounds like Iowa or Oregon to me. Proximity strikes once again, my money is on Iowa. His situation reminds me a bit of the Chris Harper.

Man that 6'6" 230 frame with his speed at TE would be awesome.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 12:18 pm
by Hoagduck
If he sees David Paulson make a few more great catches, and watches Rosario and Dickson do well in the NFL, that'd be a plus.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 12:33 pm
by uostudent
UOducksTK1 wrote:Sounds like Iowa or Oregon to me. Proximity strikes once again, my money is on Iowa. His situation reminds me a bit of the Chris Harper.

Man that 6'6" 230 frame with his speed at TE would be awesome.
The difference being that French is a very bright kid who is willing to play any position.

Agree that he ends up at Iowa. Iowa is only about 30 miles from his hometown and is a very good program. I wouldn't blame him for wanting to play close to home.

From everything I've read, he would prefer to play on offense (even though he doesn't state that in the article) and he would get that opportunity at Iowa.

In some ways, his scouting report reminds me of Jaison Williams. French apparently doesn't have great hands, but I think he would be an outstanding blocker.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 1:05 pm
by HomeFieldAdvantage
Sounds like he is Oregon's to lose.

After all, we are the the #1 team in the country.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 2:19 pm
by SeattleDuck
uostudent wrote:
UOducksTK1 wrote:Sounds like Iowa or Oregon to me. Proximity strikes once again, my money is on Iowa. His situation reminds me a bit of the Chris Harper.

Man that 6'6" 230 frame with his speed at TE would be awesome.
In some ways, his scouting report reminds me of Jaison Williams. French apparently doesn't have great hands, but I think he would be an outstanding blocker.
He may not need great hands if he is getting wide open over the middle. This kid has the build and speed to be the next Jermaine Gresham if he works hard.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 3:14 pm
by Hoagduck
Notre Dame is a joke right now, so I imagine Iowa is our biggest competition. You can never count out the in-state power.

Plus, Iowa has TE's like Dallas Clark in the NFL, along with three others.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 3:21 pm
by UOducksTK1
Hoagduck wrote:Notre Dame is a joke right now, so I imagine Iowa is our biggest competition. You can never count out the in-state power.

Plus, Iowa has TE's like Dallas Clark in the NFL, along with three others.
Agreed. Btw Iowa is not recruiting him at TE.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 3:28 pm
by Hoagduck
UOducksTK1 wrote:
Hoagduck wrote:Notre Dame is a joke right now, so I imagine Iowa is our biggest competition. You can never count out the in-state power.

Plus, Iowa has TE's like Dallas Clark in the NFL, along with three others.
Agreed. Btw Iowa is not recruiting him at TE.
Derp. My bad on that.

Ok. turns out Iowa has ZERO wide receivers in the NFL.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 9:27 pm
by karlhungis
I am surprised that we aren't offering him either TE or WR. A guy with his size and speed would be a great WR in our offense.

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 10:29 pm
by hjpop
Says that UO's offering him as a TE. Agree, though, his size and speed would make for a great mid-field threat after a few years in the system and maybe a few more looks from BB. The home issue will be the toughest...

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 10:33 pm
by bellsduck
karlhungis wrote:I am surprised that we aren't offering him either TE or WR. A guy with his size and speed would be a great WR in our offense.
A guy with his size and speed is even more valuable as a TE matching up against a MLB. Hello, Good-bye, and see ya -- TD!!!

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 11:47 pm
by pudgejeff
bellsduck wrote:
karlhungis wrote:I am surprised that we aren't offering him either TE or WR. A guy with his size and speed would be a great WR in our offense.
A guy with his size and speed is even more valuable as a TE matching up against a MLB. Hello, Good-bye, and see ya -- TD!!!
I could see us moving him to DE ala Dion Jordan

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 2:43 am
by Supreme
You don't move kids with his obvious offensive abilities to defense. Not everyone is made to put their hands in the ground. Put this kid in a collegiate strength and conditioning program, add an additional 20-30 lbs, and he's a future 1st round pick at TE.

And Brian Kelly needs to be slapped. Outside LB; Really?

Re: Christian French down to 3 and could make a decision soo

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:49 am
by duckfan96
Oregon has moved kids with obvious defensive talents to offense before. Maehl popping into my head. CK will put the person where he wants em.