Saugus (Calif.) running back Ryan Zirbel (5-9, 190) has been one of the Southland’s most prolific runners the past two seasons, rushing for over 3,500 yards.
Now Zirbel is hoping to turn his production on the field into the production of offers.
Zirbel is waiting for that first offer, but has been hearing from a host of schools, and has made two in-state Junior Day visits.
“I went to UCLA’s Junior Day and it went really well and it was a nice experience. I talked with all of the coaches there,” said Zirbel. “I went to San Diego State’s Junior Day and I also went once for a practice.”
Both the Bruins and the Aztecs are in Zirbel’s top five which also includes Arizona State, Oregon State and Colorado.
“I’m a little frustrated that I haven’t gotten an offer, but I know it takes time,” said Zirbel.
Zirbel said most of his attention is coming as a running back, and though he’ll be playing a little cornerback this fall for Saugus, he hopes to stay at running back in college.
As for a commitment, Zirbel said even if the right offer came soon, he doesn’t anticipate making a decision any time immediately.
“I don’t want to commit too early, I want to make sure if it feels comfortable or not,” said Zirbel. “I want to check out the school, see if its out of state or local.”
Zirbel is also planning a busy spring to get out and perform at camps, with plans to go to Arizona State, Colorado, San Diego State and UCLA. He’s been to the Badger/New Level Pass Camp in Las Vegas in March and will be at the UnderArmour/Scout.com Combine later this month in Los Angeles.
He’s coming off a big junior year in which he was named the Foothill League Offensive Player of the Year and First Team all-Los Angeles Daily News. He finished 7th in the state in rushing with 2,289 and 38 touchdowns and was the second leading rusher amongst juniors. He ended the year by earning all-CIF honors and all-SCV honores and was named all-state underclass by GoldenStatePreps.com.
Academically, he has a 3.2 and will take the SAT this weekend.