Myers looking to stay in the Pac-10

Athletes like Lynwood, Calif., prospect Leilyon Myers who possess the ability to play both offense and defense and could excel on either side of the football in college tend to be national recruits.

Especially when they come from a state like California where college coaches across the country are trying to tap into that vast talent pool. Keeping those players close to home, then, is the goal of all nearby schools.

With the 6-0, 190-pound Myers, that looks like it will not be too difficult. Even though he is hearing from teams in the Big 12 and SEC, Myers says his desire is to stay on the West Coast.

"Basically my coaches have been telling me that you want to stay in your area instead of playing way out," Myers said. "They would put someone in their area before you so if you stay in your area you don't have to deal with all that type of stuff."

UCLA, Utah and Colorado are the three schools that have already extended the state's No. 66 player a scholarship offer. The Bruins fit his criteria of being a Pac-10 school, but there are a couple of teams that still sit ahead of them on his list of favorites.

"I wouldn't mind playing there because they are still in the Pac-10 and I really want to play Pac-10 ball, but out of the schools in the Pac-10 they wouldn't be the first choice," he said. "It would probably be USC first and then Washington and then probably UCLA."

LSU and Utah are the primary teams outside of the Pac-10 that interest Myers. He plans to visit Baton Rouge, La., in late July for a rising seniors camp and may visit Colorado after that.

While the Bruins do not hold the No. 1 spot on his list, they are a team he is considering and has checked out in the past. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy is handling Myers recruitment for the Bruins. He last was on UCLA's campus for a track meet and had a chance to talk with some of the football coaches while visiting.

"I haven't been in much contact [with UCLA], but they have called my coach a couple of times saying they are still recruiting me heavily," said Myers. "They are actually a nice school and their campus is nice. It's a nice little environment. They have a nice, little team."

In his junior season, Myers rushed for 1,347 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. On defense he notched 30 tackles, five interceptions, seven forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles including one he took back for a 78-yard touchdown.

"Some schools are looking at me for running back and some for defensive back. I prefer offense and I can play running back or the slot position too," Myers said. "I have great field vision and can make great cuts. I can pick up the extra yards and make the first defender miss."