ESPN West recruiting Blog

Posted by Greg Biggins

In somewhat of a surprise, Mustafa Jalil, (San Diego/Central Catholic) one of the elite defensive lineman in the West Coast Class of 2011 has decided to end the recruiting process early and will stay close to home to play his college ball.

Jalil, an ESPNU 150 Watch List member, had early scholarship offers from Arizona State and Washington and was receiving heavy interest from Miami, USC, UCLA and several other programs.

"I just committed to San Diego State," Jalil said. "I've actually been thinking a lot about State for awhile now and I feel it's the best place for me to succeed. I also wanted to go somewhere that I'm needed and I feel I can make the biggest impact and impression right here at State. The fact that it's close to home so my family can watch me was a big plus as well and I know this was the right choice."

Jalil said he's aware the Aztecs have been struggling on the field lately but is hoping his early commitment can change things around.

"This team has vastly improved already from a year ago," Jalil said. "Coach Hoke and the whole coaching staff are going to turn this program around and I feel that my commitment will get some momentum going on the recruiting trail with some other top players in San Diego and the rest of the state. I think there's enough talent in this area to turn SDSU into a national powerhouse.

"Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy to pass up the opportunity to go to USC or Miami but I feel this is the first real mature decision I've made and I'm very happy with it. I've actually been thinking about committing for awhile and I decided to do it before my game last Friday. I called up the coaches and they were pretty jacked up.

"I still may take some official visits next fall but I'm solid to State.

"Hopefully with my commitment, it won't be a surprise any more when some of the top players from San Diego decide to stay home and play for the Aztecs.

"There's always so much talent in this area and if we can start pulling in all the great players, we can build something special here."