San Diego (Calif.) University City freshman athlete Tay Lockett is one of the region’s top two-way players and has been very active checking out colleges this off-season.

Lockett is a player we think can play corner or receiver at the next level and he’s being recruited as an athlete right now. He put up big numbers as a hybrid corner/safety last year, totaling 92 tackles, with seven interceptions, three forced fumbles and recovered five more.

We saw him at the recent SoCal National Preps Showcase and his instincts immediately jumped out for us. He has an innate feel for how to play the game and made plays on both sides of the ball.

On the recruiting front, Lockett visited schools from coast to coast including Arizona, Arkansas, Central Florida, Colorado, Colorado State, Florida, Maryland, Miami, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, UNLV and USC.

Lockett mentioned Arkansas, Miami, Oklahoma and USC as a few of the visits that stood out for him.

Arkansas– “I actually have family that lives in Arkansas so it felt like home to me. They treated me and my family great there and really took us all in. I sat in on team meetings and met with coach Pittman. He was great and I enjoyed talking with him and the staff. I’ve been to Arkansas before for their Spring Game and I really have a strong comfort level there.

Miami- “I met with a lot of the defensive coaches and was able to do a full campus tour. Miami has had so many great defensive backs over the years, guys like Sean Taylor and Ed Reed. It’s crazy how much talent they have had, the wall of fame there is incredible. The tradition at Miami is incredible, they were one of the top programs in the country back in the day and they’re trying to bring that back.”

Oklahoma– “I had a great visit to Oklahoma and have family ties there too. My dad is from Oklahoma and I felt very comfortable there. I was there for the first full padded practice during spring ball and it was fun watching how they get after it. They were flying around, hitting, it was great. I watched film with coach Valai and I really like how they run things there. They have a great support system in place and I want to get back for a game this season.”

USC– “I’ve known Donte Williams since 8th grade and we’re real close. He’s a great coach and I’ve worked with him in the past and he showed me some new techniques that I’ve used. He’s a guy that I feel I can talk to about anything, not just football. I’ve been to USC games before and attended their prospect days so I definitely have high interest there.”

Oregon is another school high on Locket’s list and one of his most recent offers. 

“I was going to visit in June but had to re-schedule,” Lockett said. “I like coach Meat (Demetrice Martin) , he’s a good coach and a good guy and that was a big offer for me.

“He wanted me to come out and camp with them and work me out but I have some family obligations so I’ll have to get up there another time.”