Cottrell having track success

In the next couple of days, Plano West (Texas) junior Bryce Cottrell will return to the gridiron and get geared up for spring practice. But of late, the 6-foot-4 and 220-pound linebacker/defensive has been enjoying success on the track and field circuit.

"I qualified for track regionals last week in the shotput," said Cottrell. "My best throw so far is 48 feet but I know I can do better and look to better that in regionals."

Last year Cottrell collected 81 tackles and eight sacks at his outside linebacker position. Also being recruited as a defensive end, Cottrell is seeking more success an development this spring.

"I will still be at outside linebacker," said Cottrell. "I just want to get better and get ready for the season. Basically I want to really improve my pass rush and coverage so I can carry that momentum to the season. I also hope to do well and get some more offers.

Cottrell currently holds offers from Mississippi State, Syracuse and Baylor and noted Arizona could be next in line to offer. Having already visited MSU for the Bulldogs' junior day, Cottrell recently visited another school on his offers' list.

"I went to Syracuse last weekend and it was a lot of fun," said Cottrell. "I loved the Carrier Dome. It is far from home but location is not a big deal in my recruitment if I find the right place. Their coaches were nice and I believe I could fit into their system. They always have someone blitzing and coming from different directions on defense, and I like that."

Later this summer, Cottrell plans to visit another school showing him interest - Southern Cal - and possibly a return trip to MSU for summer camp.

"I am going to visit Southern Cal this summer and I am going to their 'Rising Star' camp," said Cottrell. "I think it is in June or July. I got invited to their camp by one of their coaches and I want to visit their campus.

"Once I get through with spring ball, I will start to decide on summer camps and go from there. I will probably visit Mississippi State's camp, too, and things are still going good with them.:"

Among the schools interested, Cottrell said he doesn't have an early frontrunner and wants to continue to see more of these schools.

"I don't have a leader right," said Cottrell. "I just want to go through the summer and see how that goes. I want to take a few more visits before I make any kind of decision."