At 6'1 230, Chandler Leniu is already built like a Division I starting middle linebacker. The junior had a monstrous season last year for St. John Bosco Braves. Leniu led the league in tackles and catapulted his team into the CIF playoffs.
CLA had the chance to speak with Chandler's dad Dave Leniu about what the recruiting process has been like recently.
"He's been on the phone a lot with Charlie Weis at Kansas. He was the one who recruited Manti (Te'o)," Chandler's father Dave Leniu told CLA Sports today. "He said out of all the linebackers he's seen on film he's the best. He covers, stops the run, has real good hips."
That's big praise coming from the guy that recruited Manti Te'o and also helped lead the New England Patriots to 3 Super Bowl victories from 2000-2004. "Weis said there's a good chance he can come in and start as a freshman," Leniu said.
Competing in the Big-12 would provide Chandler with an opportunity to shine amongst schools like Texas, Oklahoma and West Virginia.
"You want to be able to showcase your skills," he said.
There's no doubt that playing for Kansas would allow Chandler Leniu to put his abilities on display. At the moment, Leniu has 3 official scholarship offers, including: Kansas, Fresno State and Iowa State. The Jayhawks are obviously showing the Bosco linebacker a lot of love, and only time will tell whether or not this early contact has an influence on his commitment.
Another school in the fold that has yet to offer is USC. The Trojans have shown interest in several 2014 Bosco recruits, and 2013 Braves OL Nico Falah signed with SC in February.
"They said they're close to offering. They came last week on Monday and recorded him working out. Coach O and Tee Martin came," Dave Leniu told CLA. "I think they're waiting to see how many kids might commit elsewhere."
USC has offered four out-of-state 2014 ILB recruits, and once the Trojans can gauge where some of their top prospects are leaning, look for Chandler Leniu to be a name at the top of the list.
The West Coast has become a recruiting hot spot as of late, with several 2014 and 2015 prospects getting a lot of national recognition. St. John Bosco is a school to watch, and the Braves will return this season with a team full of high-caliber Division I recruits.
Look for more St. John Bosco coverage from CLA.
