In a year that has Los Angeles’ richest running back crop in some time, Los Angeles (Calif.) Jordan tailback Ricky Thenarse (6-0, 175) is doing his best to join the list of elite prospects like Sylmar’s C.J. Gable and Dorsey’s Stafon Johnson.
Thenarse was at the Nike Camp in Los Angeles, where he delivered what he felt was a strong performance, running a 4.48 40 and doing well in the drills.
“I did real good at the Nike Camp. They said I was the No. 2 running back there. It was a good experience for me,” said Thenarse.
While he doesn’t have any offers to date, Thenarse has received interest from Tennessee, Oregon, Notre Dame, Kansas State, Washington State, Utah and Georgia Tech.
But one team stands out.
“UCLA is my school,” he said. “If they offered me, I’d commit. That’s where I really want to go.”
He was at UCLA’s Junior Day earlier this year, and his visit to Westwood confirmed his feelings. “I met Coach (Eric) Bieniemy and Coach (Karl) Dorrell there. I really like them. I like the whole staff and the school a lot. It was a good day for me. I loved it. I’d want to take some trips, but if they offered, it would be hard to not take it.”
Oregon and Georgia Tech are #2 and #3 two on Thenarse’s list.
Thenarse is scheduled to attend the Nike Camp at Stanford next month and will also be at the Scout Combine in May.
During his junior year at Jordan, Thenarse rushed for 1,234 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also seeing time at safety, though running back is where he sees his future at.
Thenarse is carrying a 2.5 GPA and takes the SAT on May 7th.