BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 7:00 pm
Omaha Westside junior running back Collins Okafor received his first college scholarship offer only a few weeks ago. It came from Nebraska. It’s been his only offer.
Whether more offers follow would seemingly matter little to Okafor. He gave Nebraska coaches his oral commitment Thursday and becomes the second member of the Huskers’ 2008 recruiting class. He joins another in-state recruit, Lincoln Southwest’s Baker Steinkuhler.
“It was just talking to coaches, and they made me feel at home when I was there and everything,” said Okafor, who visited Lincoln last weekend when Nebraska played Texas.
Okafor said he was especially impressed by running backs coach Randy Jordan.
“He’s so cool,” Okafor said. “He’s a really good guy. I really think of him as another father. That’s another good part of the relationship.”
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Okafor has run for more than 1,300 yards for undefeated Westside. The third-ranked Warriors play Grand Island Friday night in the first round of the Class A state playoffs.
“He’s really only had this season, and he’s done some pretty phenomenal things in a short period of time,” said Marty Kauffman, in his 35th year as Westside’s coach. “It’s been kind of a whirlwind thing for him. We thought he was going to be pretty good, but he’s really exceeded those expectations.”
Kauffman described Okafor as a “long-strided kind of slasher.” He said Okafor, who also runs track, has been electronically timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
“He’s got the long stride. A lot of speed, but he’s really developed into having some power, too,” Kauffman said. “He’s just a very dedicated kid. Works extremely hard. A good personality. Always a smile on his face.”
The best part, Kauffman said, is that Okafor is only a junior.
Of course, just because he’s committed to Nebraska doesn’t necessarily mean the recruiting attention will come to a screeching halt for Okafor.
“I’m sure there are going to be several other schools that will try to get into the picture,” Kauffman said. “Depends on what their policy is as far as what ‘committed’ means. Some back off, and some think it’s not a final thing until they sign.”
Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.