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RECRUITING: George’s athleticism interests recruiters

It’s no mystery why Arbor View lineman Elijah George has a popular phone number among college football coaches.

The senior starts at offensive tackle and defensive end for the Aggies, and he packs some basketball athleticism into his 6-foot-6-inch, 255-pound frame.

“He’s a big kid, and he can move,” Arbor View football coach Dan Barnson said. “That’s what everybody’s looking for.”

Several schools are recruiting George, who was a second-team all-state pick as a junior.

Colorado, Colorado State, Duke, Idaho, Navy, Oregon State, San Diego State, UNLV, Northern Arizona and Southern Utah have made offers to George.

Arizona, Arizona State, California and Oregon are also showing interest in the soft-spoken giant.

“It feels good, (but) I don’t really let it affect me,” George said.

George said he’s “pretty wide open right now,” and doesn’t plan to orally commit to any college until after the season.

George has been pegged by many evaluators as a college offensive tackle prospect, but he said he could play on either side of the line of scrimmage.

Arbor View (7-0, 3-0 Northwest League) hosts its Senior Night against Sierra Vista (1-6, 0-3) at 7 p.m. Friday. George said the Aggies’ cohesive offensive line has played a big role in his team’s success.

“You could describe us as a family,” George said. “We all grew up together, so it’s just like a family.”

BARKER COMMITS — Bishop Gorman senior Olivia Barker committed to Indiana, ending the recruitment of one of the nation’s elite girls swimmers.

Barker authored a historic junior campaign as the Gaels won their third straight state title last season. She won the 100-yard butterfly in a state-record 54.66 seconds and the 100 backstroke in 56.55, and was part of state records in the 200 medley relay (1:47.02) and 200 freestyle relay (1:36.98).

MORE DECISIONS — Seniors who committed include Silverado girls volleyball outside hitter Kayla Agae (Elon), Basic girls golfer Jamie Donizio (Boise State), Spring Valley baseball left-handed pitcher Dylan Drachler (Utah), Tech softball catcher Jordyn Roark (Montana State-Billings) and Shadow Ridge girls volleyball opposite hitter Niehely Sosa (St. Francis, N.Y.).

Juniors who committed include Gorman girls volleyball outside hitter Emma Kirst (Utah), Valley girls soccer defender Aliya Salas (Cal State San Bernardino), Arbor View softball utility player Dacia Sykes (Dixie State, Utah) and Centennial softball outfielder Lauren Stroman (McNeese State).

Girls gymnasts who committed include Palo Verde senior Mackenzie Bennion (Boise State), Southwest Career and Technical Academy junior Tiffani Lewis (Utah), Green Valley senior Julia Ross (Denver) and Desert Oasis senior Maiko Suarez (Pennsylvania).

MUNOZ HONORED — Centennial senior girls golfer Larissa Munoz won a National Athleadership Grant sponsored by NCSA Athletic Recruiting and the NFL Players Association.

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