Duarte (Calif.) linebacker Denzel Talifero (6-0, 220), is hoping that a big senior year will create some more opportunities for him.
SMU offered Talifero when he was a sophomore, but after moving to Duarte from Pasadena Muir, Talifero is looking to see more schools get in the mix.
“Between UCLA, Oregon State, Colorado and Utah, I’ve got a good few schools that told me they would be watching me closely this year,” said Talifero. “I also heard from Boise State recently and San Jose State also, so I just need to have a big year.”
Talifero said that Colorado and UCLA are the two schools he stays in the most contact with.
“Coach (Eric) Bieniemy is who’s recruiting me to Colorado and he said they were going to watch my first few games really hard,” said Talifero. “UCLA, Coach (Adrian) Klemm offered me when he was at SMU and he, Coach (Jeff) Ulbrich and Coach Meat (Demetrice Martin), are the main ones recruiting me.”
Talifero said he plans to be at UCLA’s home opener next week against Nebraska and the Bruins have long been one of his favorites.
Duarte got its season started last weekend and Talifero had a fine debut for Duarte, racking up nine tackles and playing quarterback, a position he picked up recently and is now starting at.
“I’m the starting quarterback now and had a 40-yard flea-flicker on my first play,” said Talifero. “I’m hoping playing quarterback can show off my versatility and that I’m athletic.”
This weekend, Duarte will face Cerritos (Calif.) Valley Christian.