Los Flores (Calif.) Tesoro linebacker Scott Graves (5-10, 215), was an anchor for the Titans defense this year, helping them to the CIF-SS finals in the Pac-5.
But because he lacks the ideal size, most schools are overlooking him.
“It’s definitely been my height that’s held me back,” said Graves. “I’m a real 5-10. It’s just me and Preston King, both of us, we’re kind of overlooked because of the height.”
So Graves has mostly heard from D-II and D-III schools as well as some NAIA schools.
“Right now, I’m just talking to D-II and D-III schools. I went to Redlands last weekend, this weekend I’m going to Humboldt and Azusa Pacific next weekend,” said Graves. “I was talking to SMU a little bit and I was talking to Portland State a little.”
Graves said that the best dialogue has been coming from Humboldt and Southern Oregon.
“Humboldt said the coach just wants to meet me, I think that’s how it been with most of them, Southern Oregon said the same thing,” said Graves. “So I’ll probably be waiting to make a decision, see if anything comes from my visit to Humboldt. Hopefully, I can make my decision as soon as possible, when the right offer and the right school comes around.”
And those two stand as Graves’ favorite.
“Probably Humboldt or Southern Oregon lead,” said Graves. “After I visit and see how I like it, I’ll know more.”
Graves said the walk-on route or JC circuit is also an option.
“If I was going to walk-on, I’d rather do it at a school where I like more,” said Graves. “Northern Arizona said I could walk on. Me and some of my teammates went down to Saddleback College, so that’s definitely an option too.”
Graves said wherever he ends up, he wants to stay playing linebacker.
“I want to play in the middle,” said Graves.
As a senior, he ended the season with 145 tackles, 8.5 sacks and an interception and was named all-Southern California by GoldenStatePreps.com.
