Vegas linebacker sees recruitment soar

Nevada will always be a state where Oregon State tries to keep a strong recruiting presence and in 2009, the Beavers coaching staff have combed the area to see what prospects might best suit the program. Damien Proby is someone they're keeping a close eye on, and the tough 6-foot, 208-pound linebacker from Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas is already opening some doors on the combine circuit. Proby has already landed two offers and more could be on the way as he makes the rounds this summer.

"I'm trying to stay in shape right now and I've been working out with the team," Proby said. "I just went to the Nike Combine (at Stanford) and did good there although I think I could have done better. But I've been working on my weight, trying to gain it without losing any speed."

The results so far can't be argued. At the Nike Combine in Long Beach he registered a sizzling 114-plus SPARQ score and then showed incredible toughness and aggressiveness in Palo Alto. Two schools have put offers on the table and others are definitely lurking.

"I have two offers - one from Northwestern in Chicago and one from here in UNLV," Proby said. "I'm also talking to Oregon State, Boise State, Fresno State, and San Diego State. I don't have any favorites right now - I'm keeping everything open."

Proby noted that he's looking at two main things with a college program - the education he can receive and how the football program can help him increase his knowledge of the game. So far, each school that he's been hearing from captures his interest - and that includes the Oregon State Beavers.

"I was talking with Coach Greg Newhouse the other day and I like them a lot," Proby said. "Just from what he was telling me about the school and what they have to offer, it sounds like a great place. I'd like to make a visit up there to see the area, meet the coaches, and meet the players."

Proby, who will be attending team camp at Utah State in June, is still figuring out which individual camps he will attend - so Corvallis may or may not be a destination this summer. But look for OSU to make a push for a possible official visit this fall as Proby is looking to extend the process out while exploring all of his options.

"I probably won't be making any decisions this summer," Proby said. "I'd like to visit schools and then make a decision with my parents."

Stay tuned to BeaverBlitz.com to see if Oregon State will take the next step with Proby as well as other top prospects from the Class of 2009.