Lakewood (Calif.) Mayfair linebacker Semaj Verner is one of the region’s top safety prospects and he’s set to take his first official visit next week.

Verner is one of the most intriguing defensive backs out West this year. He missed all of his junior year due to a transfer but despite a lack of tape from this past season, his recruitment blew up this off-season.

Scholarship offers flew in from schools all over the region including Arizona State, Boise State, Colorado, Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State, UCLA and USC. When you look at his length, athleticism and versatility, it’s easy to see

Verner has a really nice frame for a defensive back with the versatility to play anywhere in the secondary. He’s smooth and fluid in his movement but has a suddenness to his game as well. He’s a two-sport athlete who was his league champ in the 100m and 200m as a junior and had personal best of 11.17 and 22.59 in the two events.

On the recruiting front, Verner and his Mayfair teammates have a bye in two weeks and he’ll take his first official visit that weekend.

“I’m going to Boise State on October 12,” Verner said. “That’s the only trip I have set right now but I’m talking with my coach and we’re working on a few others.

“I have a good relationship with the staff at Boise State and a strong comfort level there. Coach Gabe Franklin is my lead recruiter there and as hard as they’re recruiting me, I wanted to take my first official visit there.”

Verner said along with the Broncos, a trio of schools from the Pac-12 are making him a priority as well.

“I’m also talking a lot with Oregon State, USC and UCLA,” Verner said. “I have a good relationship with those coaches and they all stand out for me right now. I like the blend of academics and football there and the more I explored all my options, those are the schools that jumped out for me. I talk with Blue Adams at Oregon State, Greg Burns at USC and Paul Rhoads at UCLA along with a few of those head coaches as well.

"The biggest factors for me in making a decision will be finding the school that fits me and where I'll be most comfortable. My relationship with the coaches is important as well as finding a good academic fit where I can reach my academic goals as well. Growing up, UCLA was a dream school for me because my cousin (Alterraun Verner) played there but this is going to be a business decision and I have to pick a school that fits me the best."



Verner said he's not planning to make a decision until after the season and not until he takes all of his official visits.