Heard about this guy through the grape (or red?) Vines

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Got to be honest, with all the attention Cierre Wood of Santa Clara receives from NCAA Division I football programs around the country, I’m surprised more recruiters haven’t noticed the immense potential of his teammate, Randi Vines. There are not many athletes capable of doing what the 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior does.

Vines entered the season as the starting tight end for the Saints before taking over at quarterback in the third game. All the while, he’s been a dominate presence on the defensive line, particularly so in Mid-Valley Division playoff victories against Village Christian and La Salle. Next up for Vines & Co. is Cerritos Valley Christian in Friday’s semifinals.

‘Randi does it all for us, there’s not much more that I can say,’’ Santa Clara coach Fran Fredette said. Vines’ versatility is unique, no doubt, but playing quarterback at the next level doesn’t appear to be an option, not as far as recruiting services such as Rivals.com and Scout.com are concerned. They envision him playing on either side of the line of scrimmage. Scouts seem to agree.

Fresno St., San Diego St. and Utah project him as a tight end and have offered scholarships. Ole Miss and Wake Forest are interested in Vines as a pass-rushing specialist off the end. Where he ends up is anyone’s guess. The important thing to remember is Vines has done enough to warrant the consideration. He’s earned the recognition.

-- Sean Ceglinsky, guest blogger