[Bernini]

OT Demien Focusing On Two

7/29

Offensive lineman Nick Demien has been a hot commodity among colleges this year, picking double digit offers and having a full court press put on him with recruiting. However, it appears the the end of the recruiting trail is in sight for the 6`6" 300lbs tackle as he plans on making a decision sometime with in the next few weeks.

"It has been a lot of fun (recruiting), but I am ready to end things soon. I am ready to wrap this up, hopefully before the start of the season, but if it doesn't happen by then it will happen early in the season. I have a final four and really I have it narrowed down to two" said Demien when we spoke recently.

" My final four are Missouri,Oklahoma, Oregon and Wisconsin. My top two are Missouri and Oklahoma. I have visited both Mizzou and Oklahoma. I like Oregon and Wisconsin but I haven not been able to visit them and depending on the time and money, I don't think I will be able to before I make my decision."

So with a time frame for a decision looming and not being able to visit schools such as Oregon and Wisconsin before then, is it safe to say it is a two team race?

"Yeah, pretty much it is between Missouri and Oklahoma. Those are the schools that I know the best and I have been focusing on a lot lately. Those are the two schools I can really see myself playing at."

I asked Nick if he could break down what he liked about each school and he had solid reasons for why he is strongly considering them.
On Missouri:

"Well, Mizzou is the home team. I have really liked them for a long time. Really they have always had the lead and upper hand on everyone because of their location. Family have gone there and like I said, because of them being so close I have had a better chance to go there and see them the most. I have also developed a very close relationship with the coaches. Not just my recruiting coach (Cornell Ford) or position coaches, but also a close relationship with Coach Pinkel himself."

On Oklahoma:
"They have a great tradition. They are always competing for championships and the coaches tell me that they are in need of lineman. They also seem to think that I can play right away which really interests me. I don't want to red-shirt if I don't have to. I would like to be able to come in right away and compete and show what I can do."

On Wisconsin and Oregon:
" I like Oregon and the offense they run. Wisconsin likes to run the ball and Montee (Ball) is going there. They are both good schools. I just haven't had the time to get to know them as well as Missouri and Oklahoma."

Regarding playing time and not having to red-shirt, does he see a big difference betwen Oklahoma and Mizzou in that regards?

"No, not really. I mean, I know at Mizzou the coaches always say that the best players will play regardless. I would like to not red-shirt if I can avoid it. However, if I am not ready to play right away then I am perfectly fine with that as well. I just would like the opportunity to show what I can do and if not play every down at least make the two deep and get in the game in situations."

So when will he know the time is right to make his announcement?

"It's getting close. I will be going up to Mizzou to help some friends move up there that are going to school. They don't play football, but a lot of people from my school are going to Mizzou this year. And we start practice on August 10th I think. So it would be good to do it before then if possible."

Will he hold a press conference to make the announcement?



"That's a good question. I was actually talking that over with my Mom and I told her that a press conference is not for me. That's too flashy. I will probably just inform the coaches of my decision. I would like to be able to tell the entire coaching staff at the same time. So maybe I can get them on a conference call or something."

One last time I tried to press him on if he had one school with a lead over the other between Mizzou and OU regarding his recruitment.
"Honestly, there is one between the two who has really been on my mind a lot. I have one that I have been thinking a lot about and probably has the lead. I will keep that to myself. I haven't told anyone else, including family, but one school is standing out right now."
The rest of us will have to wait a little while longer to find out.

Showmesportsonline.com will continue to follow Nick Demien's recruitment and decision when announced.