The 2014 class is beginning to reveal some of its elite prospects nationwide and on the offensive line Layth Friekh looks poised to be included in that discussion. Already Friekh has four offers out of the Pac-12 and that list doesn’t look to be slowing down.
Friekh has helped his team to a 9-1 regular season record.
On the last Friday of September, Friekh’s recruitment officially kicked off. On that day, the 6-5, 270-pound offensive lineman picked up three offers from some major West coast programs.
“That one day was pretty cool,” Friekh said. “Oregon State and Utah came back to back during the day and then [Arizona] offered me right before kickoff. I was hoping someone would offer me this fall but it was exciting.”
Since those offers, Washington has joined the fold becoming the fourth program to offer the athletic lineman. Already Friekh has the offer that he grew up hoping for in Arizona.
“My dad, he’s an alumni of U of A,” said Friekh in response to how the Wildcats became a favorite. “It was pretty awesome [getting that offer]. I’ve been waiting for them. I’m really considering them. Washington was a real cool one too.”
The interest in the Huskies is thanks in part to his offensive line coach.
“Coach McDonald, my offensive line coach, he’s really good friends with their OL coach and he says that he’s a really good guy and knows what he’s doing.”
Friekh has plans to visit Arizona for its homecoming matchup against Colorado. It will be his first college visit this fall but won’t likely be his last. The athleticism he shows on film is likely to draw plenty of other college opportunities.
“I think something that sets me apart is my athleticism,” he said. “Pulling and hooking a block I think I do well.”
The big junior also excels on the hardwood and plays basketball for his high school team but he’s been a football guy since fourth grade and knows that is where his future lies.
In addition to his interest in the two schools that have offered him, Friekh also has heard from Oregon and hopes to field some USC inquiries in the future.
“Oregon contacted me a couple of weeks ago,” he said. “I really like Oregon too. I like how they play fast. USC is a hot team and they produce so many good football players.”
Friekh says that he does want to stay out West and play in the Pac-12 and off-the-field factors may play the biggest role in his ultimate decision.
“Academics are real important,” he said. “My dad always told me that it doesn’t matter what school you go to, just make sure that it fits academically and has the program you want to study.”
Currently Friekh has an interest in a degree related to law enforcement.
This weekend, Centennial begins the playoffs after a 9-1 regular season.
- Barton Simmons
- National Recruiting Analyst - 247Sports