STEVEN M. SIPPLE | Posted: Wednesday, November 3, 2004 6:00 pm
It makes sense that Bellevue West standout Jeff Souder's football idol is hard-hitting Denver Broncos safety John Lynch.
"He plays like Lynch," Thunderbird head coach John Faiman said Wednesday.
In other words, Faiman said, Souder "plays tough."
"He's the nicest mean kid there is," Faiman said.
A running back and strong safety, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Souder is regarded as one of the top players in the state. He's drawn recruiting attention from Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Iowa State and North Dakota State, among others, but has yet to land a scholarship offer.
Faiman wouldn't be surprised if that changes soon.
"He's the best player we've ever had here, period," Faiman said.
Souder has rushed for 1,088 yards and 17 touchdowns. He could play offense or defense in college, probably as a strong safety or outside linebacker.
Although Nebraska hasn't offered him a scholarship, Souder told rivals.com that Husker recruiting coordinator Scott Downing "was talking to me and says they are getting close to offering me as an athlete." Faiman has no doubt Souder can play NCAA Division I football. And Faiman would know he's been an assistant coach at Washington State, Missouri, Utah and Kansas State.
"Jeff's a football player you can just leave it at that," Faiman said.