Higley tight end Alex Lines took full advantage of his opportunity during a recruiting showcase at Saguaro High School held earlier this month.
He certainly looks the part of a college tight end, standing at 6-foot-4.5 and 240 pounds, but this was an opportunity for Lines to show college coaches what he could do on the field, something that wasn’t possible this past season.
The 2020 tight end had to sit out the entire 2018 season after the AIA ruled him ineligible due to a transfer from American Leadership Academy Queen Creek.
“It was definitely a very humbling experience,” Lines said. “You’re ready to go. You can play. You know you can perform…but it gave me a lot of respect for the guys who don’t get a lot of playing time. All in all, it was pretty frustrating, but at the same time I was still able to go to practice and get better.”
Despite not playing his junior season, he has still added offers from Boise State, NAU, Utah and Oregon State since the season ended, adding to his list that already included Louisville, Memphis, Syracuse and Iowa State.
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Lines feels fortunate his patience has paid off.
“To say I was excited about Utah offering would be an understatement,” Lines said. “I think Utah is a great program, and Coach Whittingham has done some remarkable things there.”
After the Utes were the first Pac-12 program to offer, Oregon State followed quickly with an offer.
“What makes Oregon State stand out is my relationship with (Oregon State tight ends coach Brian Wozniak), the passion and energy he has about Oregon State is contagious.”
Even though he didn’t play in a game last year, Lines doesn’t feel like it was a wasted season. He improved going up against some of the state’s top edge rushers in practice every day.
“I think I improved most in my blocking,” Lines said. “Going against guys like (Jason Harris), (Ty Robinson) and (Logan Maxwell), I got to work on blocking a lot.”
As Lines’ recruitment continues to pick up steam this spring, he is remaining patient and focused on delivering on the field.
“I’m open to any school anywhere, honestly right now,” Lines said. “(College coaches) just want to see me play since I didn’t have the opportunity last year.”
