2020 DL West Picked Up His First FBS Offer
College Coaches: If you’d like his contact info and test scores please reach out to me at mattlemming@lemmingprepinsider.com or DM me @lemminginsider.
CJ West
Nazareth
LaGrange Park, IL
GPA: 2.50/4.00
Commitment status: Undecided
Twitter: @CJwest_52
Wt: 290 lbs
Class: 2020
LPI: You recently picked up your first FBS offer from NIU, what was that feeling like and what other schools have shown interest in you?
CW: After receiving my first offer from NIU it was an amazing feeling. Ever since I started to play football I wanted to play in college. This was a very special moment to me and I am blessed to say that I was able to spend it with my mother. It was one of those memories that I will never forget. Other schools that has shown interest are Western Michigan, Bowling Green, and Toledo.
LPI: Do you have any upcoming visit days planned?
CW: At this moment I have planned on visiting NIU, Western Michigan, Toledo, and Illinois State. I’m very excited to meet the coaching staff and get to be able to tour the facilities of these schools.
LPI: Not counting any teammates, who is the best player that you have gone against in your high school career?
CW: The best player that I have gone against in my career is Jalen Grant from Mount Caramel high school. I lined up against him at a camp a few times and he’s a very well developed offensive lineman. He has great technique and is very strong. I look forward to competing against him in the future.
LPI: Who do you model your game after and why?
CW: I model my game after my “Big Brother” Isaiah Lee. He currently plays at Iowa State. Through my life I have played linebacker and sophomore year was the first time that I have every played on the line. He helped me develop my game and gave me all the tips and advice that could help me become the best student-athlete that I can be. He helped with getting my hands and feet faster and using my strength and gaining leverage over offensive lineman. Most importantly he helped in the classroom with finding places to tutor and study tips. People said that we always looked like twins. So I used his help and advice to get where I am now.
LPI: What have you been doing this offseason to elevate and take your game ot the next level?
CW: This offseason I have been working with Kerry Neal up at EFT, I have also used my local gym and the school weight room. EFT has helped improve my game in unimaginable ways. I have gotten faster and stronger with EFT’s help.
LPI: Who on your team has what it takes to play college ball, but are currently being under recruited?
CW: These players grind every day. They live nothing but football.
Robert Gurley – All he does is train. He plays hard nosed football. He is always finding ways for him to get better.
Derrick Strongs – Very fast. I probably can count on one had him many times he has been tackled this season. He never gives up on a play and gives it everything he’s got.
Marcus Griffin – Marcus is probably one of the hardest hitters I have seen in person. His heart and love for the game are unmatched. He has started on varsity since his freshman year.
Riley Theobald – Very big linebacker, his speed and ability to fill in gaps is amazing. He is very underlooked.
Lukas Salaviejus – He’s may not be the biggest player on the field but trust me it’s not gonna be an easy fight. He very tough kid, scared of no one. He has the true heart of an defensive lineman.
All of these players have the drive and motor like no one else. They are very talented and think that they are very under recruited. They are always the first people in the gym and the last ones to leave. They have great futures ahead of them and I know they have what it takes to play at the next level.