Kramer's late try to steal one from PSU
Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 12:20 pm
Found on the Net:
PSU's Haul Started With Radcliff
OregonPreps.com Staff
OregonPreps.com
Portland State head coach Tim Walsh is giddy about his 2005 recruiting class, and it's for good reason - he and his staff were able to secure letters-of-intent from several top in-state players. Leading the way for the Oregon natives was Keith Radcliff, a quick 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back from Sunset High School in Portland. Radcliff was the first player to receive an offer from the Vikings, and was the first one to accept as well.
"They offered me pretty early, like one week right after the season was over," Radcliff said. "I was pretty sure that's where I wanted to be. It's a little smaller and it's close to home and close to family - I have a lot of people here that support me every step of the way. It was a nice fit."
The Metro League's Offensive Player of the Year, Radcliff put up some big-time numbers this past season for the Apollos. His 385 yard performance against Glencoe in October set a an all-time single-game record in state history. Radcliff is humble about his achievements, but knows what he is capable of. He's excited about how he fits into the offensive scheme at PSU.
"Their style of running is they tell you where to go," Radcliff said. "You get up to the line and then it's up to me. That's my style. I feel I'm between power and speed and a lot of people say I have great vision. I make people miss, and I know what to do when I need to do it. So if I'm going to get hit I can lower my head and try to power for some yards, or I can move laterally and accelerate."
PSU had to sweat out a late entry into Radcliff's recruitment right before signing day. Montana State rolled out the red carpet for Radcliff in Bozeman, but the young running back did not waver on his original commitment.
"They tried to sneak in, and I took an official visit out there this past weekend," Radcliff said. "It was a nice place and they're a good program, but for me - PSU was the better fit. The coaches - they really seem to care about the players and our futures. They really wanted me."
OregonPreps would like to congratulate Radcliff and his family on his decision.