Thomas Duarte focused on senior season 
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
5:06
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
One of the more highly recruited uncommitted players in California won't be making a decision anytime soon, as senior tight end Thomas Duarte (Santa Ana, Calif./Mater Dei) said after Friday's 51-0 whipping of Santa Monica (Calif.) that he will spent the next several months concentrating on his senior season.
“I sat down with my parents and we talked it over,” Duarte said. “Being here at Mater Dei for three years -- seeing the support system they have and all the help they’ve given me -- my parents told me I kind of owe them this season. I’m focusing on Mater Dei football first. After the season we have time set aside when I’ll be taking all of my officials.”
A mismatch for high school opposition at tight end and defensive end, Duarte has been a big part of the Monarchs' 3-0 start this season. He has nine receptions for 171 yards and four touchdowns, and has added two sacks and an interception on the defensive side of the ball.
Though he won't make a decision anytime soon, Duarte said a handful of schools stand out. That group includes Notre Dame, Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
“I sat down with my parents and we talked it over,” Duarte said. “Being here at Mater Dei for three years -- seeing the support system they have and all the help they’ve given me -- my parents told me I kind of owe them this season. I’m focusing on Mater Dei football first. After the season we have time set aside when I’ll be taking all of my officials.”
A mismatch for high school opposition at tight end and defensive end, Duarte has been a big part of the Monarchs' 3-0 start this season. He has nine receptions for 171 yards and four touchdowns, and has added two sacks and an interception on the defensive side of the ball.
Though he won't make a decision anytime soon, Duarte said a handful of schools stand out. That group includes Notre Dame, Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
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