Luke Zelon, Santa Monica High’s most heavily recruited football player, has chosen Harvard and is likely to make his decision official Wednesday, the first day of the national signing period.
Zelon, 6-foot-3, 219 pounds, is so versatile he has excelled on both offense and defense. He was a dependable Viking pass receiver but was rated by several Division 1 universities as a hot prospect as a linebacker.
After strongly considering Iowa State, Washington State and others, Zelon decided to combine his football talents with receiving an Ivy League education.
All season, Zelon and Victor Burnett of champion Culver City were rated the best linebackers in the Ocean League. They both attended a camp at UCLA as part of the process where high profile prospects are evaluated.
Burnett was injured most of the season but still was named Culver City’s co-Player of the Year. He is expected to sign with Washington.
Only a few members of the 2009 Santa Monica `team were sought by major universities. Quarterback Garrett Safron became a favorite of Coach Travis Clark, who worked to make recruiters more aware of Safron.
Clark appreciated Safron’s work ethic and believes the youngster will improve significantly with experience.
However, few major schools targeted Safron and his best option is likely to be Sacramento State.
MITCH CHORTKOFF
Mirror Sports Editorsports@smmirror.com
