Tough to Leave The Bay Area

Saratoga (Calif.) wide receiver Alex Lagemann (6-2, 205) admits its going to be tough for him to leave his familiar surroundings. "It's going to take a lot to get me out of the Bay Area," Lagemann said.

Good thing both California and Stanford, are making a concerted effort to get the receiver to sign with them, since both have a built-in advantage.

Cal became the first school to offer Lagemann, and that wasn't lost on him.

"Coach (Jeff) Tedford has put his head on the line and offered me early. Its cool to know I am the first receiver that they've really offered. I love the facilities and the campus," Lagemann said.

But before one thinks he's a done deal for the Bears, one needs to know the history Lagemann has with Stanford.

"I grew up a Stanford fan. I've had season tickets to Stanford since I was a kid," said Lagemann.

So the Big Game could turn into the Big Recruitment for Lagemann.

"Cal's offered, but Stanford said they're close to offering. Cal and Stanford are definitely my leaders. Looking at it now, if Stanford offers me, which I think they will soon, I'll have two great schools to choose from. They both excel as a school," said Lagemann. "Stanford, they said I'm perfect in the classroom. They want to check my character and they've talked to a few people at my school. Football-wise they've seen me make all the plays, so I'm almost positive they'll offer.

And Lagemann definitely has the academic mettle for both schools, carrying a 4.2 GPA and scoring a 1960 on the SAT.

The Bears and Cardinal, though, aren't the only schools he is hearing from. Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon and USC have all been showing interest in Lagemann.

"USC said they want me to come down for their camp, and if I did well, they could offer me. Arizona said they're close to offering. Oregon and Arizona State have liked me from the beginning," said Lagemann. "I'm 100% positive that I'm staying in the Pac-10."

Though he says the Pac-10 is his likely destination, if a certain school in South Bend were to pick up their recruitment, all bets could be off.

"If Notre Dame came in, with a top 10 program and a great education, well that would change things up," said Lagemann.

Psychology and business are two of the majors that Lagemann has shown an interest, and the quality of education is something that has played a huge role in his two favorites.

"My schoolwork is very important to me. The education I get makes a big difference," said Lagemann.

Lagemann was at the Nike Camp in Palo Alto last weekend, and his performance there raised some eyebrows, and exceeded his own expectations.

"I ran a 4.53 forty at the Nike Camp. I was surprised, but it was more of a relief. That had been the whole question. Coaches said I had great hands and ran great routes, but the only question was my speed. My coach said I need to run a 4.5 to play in the Pac-10. I guess it was one of the fastest times," said Lagemann.

Lagemann anticipates making a decision within the next two months.

"I'm definitely going to end my recruiting process, probably in July, but as soon as I can make it. I'm going to both Cal and Stanford's camps and will take unofficial visits to both schools," said Lagemann.

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