Huskies interested in Gottschalk

While the Huskies have yet to extend an offer to Sherman Oaks (CA) offensive lineman Ben Gottschalk, the interest is there. The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder has already pulled in offers from New Mexico State, San Diego State and UNLV, and many more are sure to come.

"I know a lot of the Pac-10 schools are pretty interested," said Gottschalk. "Washington and Cal stopped by my school, and Oregon is pretty interested as well. I've heard talk of Washington offering me, and Nevada said they're planning on offering me soon. I definitely think I'll get a bunch of offers from Pac-10 schools."

While Rivals.com lists Gottschalk as a center, No. 8 nationally to boot, the SoCal native possesses the type of athleticism to play anywhere on the offensive line, as well as defensive end. Gottschalk drew praise from Rivals.com's Barry Every following his performance at the Los Angeles (CA) NIKE Camp.

"He had the best feet and lateral movement of any offensive lineman in the camp. Gottschalk also looked like a participant on "Dancing with the Stars" after he made contact with the defender sliding his feet with precision and grace," said Every in an April 24 article. "He also has the frame to add on the weight needed to play at the next level."

"I believe Washington is looking at me on the offensive line," said Gottschalk. "Some schools are looking at me as a defensive end and some are looking at me as an interior offensive lineman. I feel it may be more exciting playing on the defensive line, but I have more fun playing on the offensive line."

Although he favors USC and Oregon, Gottschalk has interest in Washington, due in large part to the new coaching staff.

"Definitely the new coaching staff," responded Gottschalk when asked why he's considering Washington. "Steve Sarkisian and Nick Holt will be able to turn that program around.

"Right now I'm favoring Oregon and USC. My dad is an alumni of USC, so I've always had Trojan in me," explained Gottschalk. "But I want to keep my options open, so we'll see what happens."

While he's not completely sure where he'll visit unofficially this Summer, Gottschalk has a few schools in mind.

"I still want to see which schools want me the most. After I figure that out, I'll take visits mid to late Summer. I think I'm going to go to USC's lineman camp and possibly Oregon's lineman camp," explained Gottschalk. "I figure I'll take a visit to Washington for the Rising Stars Camp. I hear Washington has a nice a campus, and if they offer, I'd love to visit. I really want to see U-Dub, because that's the only Pac-10 school I haven't visited yet.

"I'm looking for a good academic school and a good business school. I want to be successful outside of football," expressed Gottschalk. "Facilities are important, but not as important. Playing for a good team is always nice. I'd like to stay close to home, but not too close. Washington isn't too far - as long as I'm staying on the West Coast, I'm happy."

Don't expect a decision to come from Gottschalk any time soon.

"The more I think about it, the later I want to commit, but I don't want to commit too late and have schools run out of spots," explained Gottschalk. "I'll probably commit mid-season, but I might make a decision before the season. I'd say a decision will come late Summer to mid Fall."