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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 15, 2007 Burchfiel highlights list of SOU recruits By JOE ZAVALA for the Mail Tribune The Southern Oregon University football team never got off the ground offensively in 2006. Now the Raiders are looking to change that one recruit at a time. The Raiders on Tuesday announced their first three recruits of '07 and, to the surprise of no one, all three starred on the offensive side of the ball in high school. The three in-state players who signed letters of intent are running back/defensive lineman Jordan Burchfiel of Cascade Christian, running back Josh Tobar of South Eugene High and offensive lineman Seth Giandomenico of Canby High. Burchfiel, an athletic and powerful fullback who helped lead the Challengers to their first-ever state title in '06, will join Tobar in the SOU backfield. At 6-foot-1, 220-pounds, Burchfiel played on both sides of the ball for Cascade Christian, earning first-team all-Southern Cascade League in both '05 and '06 as a running back, and a second-team all-SCC nod in '05 as a defensive lineman. As a senior, Burchfiel captained the Challengers and earned first-team all-state as a defensive lineman. Topping off his high school football career, he has been selected to play in the '07 East/West Shrine Game this summer. Burchfiel was a four-sport athlete for CCHS, also participating in track and field, wrestling and basketball. As a junior, Burchfiel took second at the state meet in the discus. Advertisement "Jordan Burchfiel is one of the top local athletes in the Rogue Valley that will bring toughness to our offense," SOU coach Steve Helminiak said. "Jordan is a versatile football player who can run with the ball, can be a punishing blocker, and can catch the football. Jordan is a fullback who will be able to line up at the slot, tight end and possibly some at tailback. Jordan is a first class individual and I am thrilled he is joining the Raider football program." Tobar, a 5-10, 208-pound back, will bring strength to the Raider offense after completing a standout career for the Axemen. As a senior, Tobar earned first-team all-Southwest Conference honors and the school's '06 Offensive MVP award. Tobar was the 17th-ranked player listed on the Northwest's 06' Top Football Prospects list and was recruiting by a number of NCAA Division I programs. Off the field, Tobar is interested in communications and video productions and has earned the Martin Luther King Character Award. "Josh is the type of player on the field and person off the field that we want at SOU," said Helminiak. "He is a tremendous tailback that can run with both power and speed and can make defenders miss. As good as a player on the field as Josh is, he is a better person off the field and is someone who will be a great representative of Raider Football and Southern Oregon University." Giandomenico is expected to help bolster SOU's offensive line. The 6-4, 280-pound lineman was a four-year letterman in both football and track, earning second-team all-Pac-9 honors for his work on both the offensive and defensive line. Giandomenico also was picked as team captain in '06, leading his team to a Pac-9 championship and to the Class 6A state semifinals. Off the gridiron, Giandomenico won the Oregon 6A state bench press championship and would like to pursue a career in criminal justice. "Seth is what we needed in the Raider Football Program — a big offensive lineman," said Helminiak, who is entering his second year at the helm. "Seth provides the size and strength we want and need up front. He has the chance to be an impact player for us as well as a cornerstone of our success in the future. In addition to Seth's ability on the field, he is a great character kid as well." Joe Zavala is sports editor for the Ashland Daily Tidings. Reach him at 482-3456, or e-mail [email protected] Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help