'14 CO ATH Kalen Ballage (Offer)

[STLDomer]

Kalen Ballage | Running Back, Wide Receiver, Outside Linebacker

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Peyton, Colorado
Falcon High School

Height: 6'2
Weight: 215
Forty: 4.37 secs
</TD><TD vAlign=top>RANKING
Rivals: 5.9 Rating, #1 CO, #7 ATH, #133 Overall
247: 90 Rating, #2 CO, #35 ATH
Scout: #32 RB
ESPN: 79 Rating, #CO, #52 ATH
247 Composite: 89 Rating, #3 CO, #25 ATH, #307 Overall

STATISTICS | Offense
2011:
2012:
2013:

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COLLEGE CHOICES<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD width=125>School</TD><TD width=175>Interest</TD><TD width=50>Offer</TD><TD width=125>Visit</TD></TR><TR><TD>Boise State</TD><TD>High</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Michigan</TD><TD>High</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Michigan State</TD><TD>High</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Nebraska</TD><TD>High</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Oregon</TD><TD>High</TD><TD>No</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Notre Dame</TD><TD>High</TD><TD>No</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Arizona State</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Colorado State</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Colorado</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kansas State</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR></TR><TR><TD>Georgia Tech</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mississippi State</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Oklahoma</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Oregon State</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tulsa</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Utah</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Vanderbilt</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Washington State</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Wyoming</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>Yes</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>California</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>No</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Georgia</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>No</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tennessee</TD><TD>Medium</TD><TD>No</TD><TD>TBD</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

ND Recruiter:Tony Alford

KALEN BALLAGE - Highlight Videos, Schedule & Roster - Hudl

 

[STLDomer]

New name at RB per Tunnel Vision. Alford has been in contact and Ballage likes him a lot. Thinks ND is close to offering and ND would be high on his list. Uncle played at ND in the 80s

 

[Irishbounty28]

Hmm...add size to play in the middle on defense maybe? I'm sure he will be a running back, just would be nice to have a middle backer with terrific athleticism.

 

[dublinirish]

is this Loy's secret RB? is he ranked below McCaffrey in CO?

 

[arrowryan]

He's that big and runs a 4.37!? Sign me up

 

[Irishbounty28]

Christian is the top ranked player in Colorado, Kalen is the second. Both are not in top 247.

Some highlights:

KALEN BALLAGE - Highlight Videos, Schedule & Roster - Hudl

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

Yes, please.

 

[Luckylucci]

Hmm...add size to play in the middle on defense maybe? I'm sure he will be a running back, just would be nice to have a middle backer with terrific athleticism.

Our preference and his would be to play RB.

 

[IrishLax]

Not the "mystery RB"... will look into this guy more when I get home, but if his measureables are even close to accurate I like him already.

Maybe he can play ILB

 

[koonja]

Watched 4 minutes of his highlights and I think he'd be a good RB. He runs physical, looks fast, and finishes his runs.

What did you guys think of his cuts? I can't tell if it's the over sized shoulder pads or if he doesn't change direction well, but something looks funny. Outside of Starks and Hood, I'd be totally fine with this guy at RB. I still think we have a good chance to get Hood though. UNC isn't good and could implode. They'll be 1-2 after this week.

 

[Big23Head]

As a sophomore ran 10.71 in the 100 and 21.55 in the 200. As a junior ran a 10.64 100.

 

[Irishnuke]

His last name is BALLAGE and he's a RB. Sign him up!

 

[L-cart ND-ana]

Looks like a freakish athlete.... How should I pronounce that name

 

[Ironman8]

As a sophomore ran 10.71 in the 100 and 21.55 in the 200. As a junior ran a 10.64 100.

That's really good speed for his size.

 

[IrishLax]

As a sophomore ran 10.71 in the 100 and 21.55 in the 200. As a junior ran a 10.64 100.

FAT timed? If he gets that down below 10.6 FAT that's really great for his size.

 

[PANDFAN]

FAT timed? If he gets that down below 10.6 FAT that's really great for his size.

I know a little bit about you, as much as is posted on the recruiting sites. Tell me your most recent and accurate height, weight, and speed because what’s listed is pretty impressive.
Right now I’m 6’2”, 225 and I run a 4.37, and yes that is laser-timed. I haven’t ran it since I got that time and that was last summer. I haven’t really ran a 40 since and I think I’m a lot stronger since then and I believe faster as well, with putting on 10-15 pounds. I’ve just tried to better myself as an athlete.

 

[PANDFAN]

INTERVIEW W/ MGOBLOG

You’ve mentioned the word “athlete” a couple of times now and most sites list you as such, but Michigan is looking at you purely as a running back correct?
Yes sir, actually most teams are now. A couple of schools have offered me at linebacker, but the more and more they see my film they start to see me as a running back even though I’m capable of playing an outside linebacker position. Running back is the place that I’d like to be personally, and some schools that have offered me at linebacker have switched to linebacker, and those who haven’t still do see me as a linebacker.
You talked about the different positions you can play, what do you think you bring to the field as a player, either at running back or linebacker? In other words what do you think you do well on the field?
One thing I definitely bring is a winners mentality. If a coach tells me to do something, I just do it. I don’t have a problem doing it if it’s about the team. That’s what I’ve always been about, that’s just what I’ve been taught, my parents have raised me well. Whatever I can do to help the team, that’s what I want to do. If you want to stick me at corner or safety, I actually have an offer at strong safety, Vanderbilt wants me to play there. If you wanted to put me at O-line or D-line, that has never happened (laughs) but I’d do it to the best of my ability if the coach needed me to.
That pretty much leads me into my next question and you sort of answered it already, but headed into your senior year what do you think you bring to the team or the field as a teammate or as a coachable person?
Yeah, the thing about me is that I didn’t become a leader just this year. I’ve been a leader since I stepped onto the field on varsity as a freshman. I’ve just always been that guy, you know? No matter how young or old I am I’ve tried to be a leader and leadership-wise I don’t think much will change just because I’m a senior.
Most schools around the country have started practicing in some capacity so what has your high school team done so far?
Yes sir, we started actually on Monday and we’re easing into it like every other team I’m sure. First we had to go helmets, then helmets and shoulder pads, then full pads without much hitting, and then we actually got to bang a little bit today. That was definitely fun, first hitting of the season is always hype. We’ve got music playing and doing Oklahoma’s and stuff so that was a lot of fun. Our first game is on August 30th, so we’re getting there.
How has your recruitment been going this summer? Run down your offers a little bit and just tell me in general how it’s gone.
To be honest I can’t name all of them. I know some of my main guys right now are Michigan, Michigan State, Boise, Nebraska, Washington and ASU. You know those schools are up there. I also have offers from Arizona, Colorado, Colorado State, Georgia Tech…man, I can’t remember all of them and I know that’s probably bad, but.
Not putting words in your mouth but would those “main guys” you named make up your top group at this point?
Definitely. Those are the schools that I’ve found out more about and I’ve been in contact with them. I just know a little bit more about them and what they have to offer me.
I can’t remember where I saw it, maybe Twitter or something, but you are planning on taking an official visit to Michigan now correct?
I believe so, I believe so. I actually don’t have a Twitter so a lot of people do twist my words up. It’s definitely a school that I’m considering taking an official visit to more than some others so, yeah.
Who are some of the others that you are juggling around with Michigan right now for your officials?
Michigan State, Boise, Nebraska, and ASU or Washington, still kind of looking for a 5th there, but still not even completely closed to any school to be honest.
I’m curious, as a Colorado kid, why so much interest in the Michigan schools?
Their ability to produce big running backs. Michigan State the past couple of years, more than Michigan (he said it with a “with an all due respect” tone), I mean I’m a big running back and people think that if you’re big you just shouldn’t be in this position, but I like to prove people otherwise. That’s not me being cocky that’s just me feeling that I can do anything I set my mind to. Michigan State produced Le’Veon Bell and now he’s in the NFL playing with the Steelers. You know if you don’t have the desire, or don’t want to play in the NFL, I don’t think you should be playing college football. Guys want to get to the league, you know, that’s been their dream ever since they were little. I think that’s going to be a factor in deciding what school you want to go to.
You mentioned that you did a little more research and found out more about Michigan. What do you know now and what did you find out?
Oh man all of the attributes they have! I still have not taken a visit there, but I speak with the coaches as often as I can. You know The Big House, the facilities, they just have so many things to offer a football player beyond football and academics to take care of you as an athlete.
When you think about the other schools you mentioned earlier what are some other factors that are going to help determine where you’ll play in college?
Like I said Michigan State and their ability to produce big backs and be a team in the Big Ten that runs the football a lot. If I go to a school I don’t want to sit back and watch the ball get slung around, you know like Texas Tech or something. I’d like to tote the rock a little bit and that’s what I like most about them. For Boise State, a lot of people ask me, “Why Boise State?” It’s just their ability to win. They’ve been winners, they have the best win percentage in college football for like, the last 10 years. You definitely want to be on a winning football team. Nobody wants to be on a team where there’s nothing there for them. Also their ability to put people in the NFL. These last couple of years you know, Doug Martin, DJ Harper, they have some DB’s and wide receivers in there. And you know, Boise was my first offer and that holds some kind of sentimental value because when nobody else looked at me, and no one else thought I was anything, they did and they offered me. They’re kind of the reason I have these other big offers from Michigan and the other big schools, they kind of blew me up. That first offer is just special.
So you’re about to start your senior year, you seem to have a top 5 or 6 and some officials in mind, when would you like to make a decision and end the process?
To be honest, ideally, I’d like to make my final decision soon after my football season. I’m one to focus on what I’m doing and I don’t want any distractions out side of football even though it’s more football, I just want to focus on the season at hand and then focus on my commitment. It’s my last high school football season ever and I learned from the seniors on my team last year that your senior season is one of your most special seasons of your football career. No matter if you’re still in high school, college, or even playing in the NFL, no one ever forgets their high school senior year.
I’ve been impressed with your answers and you seem to be a pretty deep thinker, so I’m curious as to how you see your own decision going. What will Kalen Ballage’s commitment look like?
I actually spoke with Tom Lemming and I might end up making my decision on his show so I can talk about why I made that decision over others. That’s more like a 10 minute thing, you know at the Army game I won’t be able to really announce why I went to this school, you kind of just pick up your hat and they move on from it. I’d really like to explain why I make the choice that I make.
Ballage is yet another well-spoken, intelligent young man who seems to be taking his recruitment very seriously so he can make the best decision for himself. The Michigan coaches seem to value these types of attributes more and more with each kid that I speak to. It will be interesting to see if Ballage does schedule an official visit to Michigan or not given the fact that most people believe there will be no running back taken in the 2014 class. Personally I’m all for 6’2”, 225 lb. athletes that clock laser-timed 4.37 forty’s, but that’s just me.

 

[Luckylucci]

Loy posted that we'd be tough to beat if we offer. However, his favorite team is Oregon but he's not sure if they will offer.

 

[STLDomer]

Michigan just had a article on 247 about filling out the rest of their class and Ballage was in the "limbo" category with guys that there class will be full before they decide or they aren't a take.

 

[TomHaverford]

Michigan just had a article on 247 about filling out the rest of their class and Ballage was in the "limbo" category with guys that there class will be full before they decide or they aren't a take.

space is really tight. Ballage was suppose to visit Michigan in the spring when he was in Chicago for that Rivals Challenge thing, but the visit was cut short due to wild-fires in his hometown. His family had to go back to Colorado immediately.

There are only five guys that are sure-fire takes left on Michigan's board;

Da'Shawn Hand - Michigan leads but visits to UF and BAMA loom.
Malik McDowell - in-state player, heavy Michigan lean.
Adoree' Jackson - he talks Michigan up, but doubtful he even takes an OV
Juju Smith - scheduled an OV for the OSU game, still kind of a long-shot though.
Marshon Lattimore - Ohio State lock imo.

Every other prospect, Ballage included is on a first come first serve basis.

 

[aubeirish]

space is really tight. Ballage was suppose to visit Michigan in the spring when he was in Chicago for that Rivals Challenge thing, but the visit was cut short due to wild-fires in his hometown. His family had to go back to Colorado immediately.

There are only five guys that are sure-fire takes left on Michigan's board;

Da'Shawn Hand - Michigan leads but visits to UF and BAMA loom.
Malik McDowell - in-state player, heavy Michigan lean.
Adoree' Jackson - he talks Michigan up, but doubtful he even takes an OV
Juju Smith - scheduled an OV for the OSU game, still kind of a long-shot though.
Marshon Lattimore - Ohio State lock imo.

Every other prospect, Ballage included is on a first come first serve basis.

No touch hehe.

 

[ab2cmiller]

ISD Freebie
Irish In Contact With 2014 RB

Time will be a factor – and in some respects, it already is a factor – but time has not run out yet for Notre Dame if it wants to continue its pursuit of 2014 running back Kalen Ballage.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder from Falcon High School in Falcon, Colo., already has over 25 offers from schools like Colorado, Colorado State, Boise State, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oregon State and Vanderbilt among several others.

Ballage recently connected with Irish recruiting coordinator Tony Alford and Notre Dame is stepping up its interest.

“I got in contact with Coach Alford,” Ballage said. “He explained to me that he liked what he saw on film and everything. That’s kind of how it kicked off.”

Ballage says where the relationship goes from here is up to the Irish.

“It’s really all up to them,” he said. “He really told me there are not very many players in the country who can do the things I do on the field and those are his words exactly. Really, it’s all up to them.”

Ballage doesn’t know a ton about Notre Dame, but his uncle, Pat Ballage, played safety for the Irish in the 1980s.

“He told me a little bit about how they used to do things,” Ballage said of his uncle. “He hasn’t been with the coach now, but he’s told me a little about the campus and stuff like that.”

Ballage knows about the tradition at Notre Dame and it’s a school he’d be open to learning more about, but things may have to move quickly.

“There are still a lot of other schools that saw me before them,” he said. “It would have definitely been nicer to have them on me from the get-go, but clearly they didn’t know too much about me, so now they’re just starting to get around to it.”

Boise State, Michigan State, Washington, Michigan and Nebraska are just a few schools that have been on Ballage for some time and that’s given them a head start.

“Boise State was the first one to notice me, if not for them, I don’t think I’d be in the position I’m in today,” he said. “They were the first one to offer me, first one to notice me and that led to Michigan and Michigan led to Michigan State.

“I like Michigan State’s ability to produce big running backs. I like Nebraska as well; I’ve seen them do some really good things this year.”

Ballage hasn’t taken any visits yet this fall and doesn’t have any scheduled yet. He’d be open to setting up a trip to South Bend.

“It’d definitely be something I’d have to look at,” he said. “Like I said, they’re kind of getting a late start on my recruitment.”

He doesn’t plan on making a decision until the end of his senior year.

“I don’t know exactly when,” he said. “Right now, I’m just trying to focus on the season at hand.”

With his size and sub-4.4 speed, Ballage brings a lot to the table and believes opponents underestimate his speed.

“I don’t think anybody at first believes I’m as fast as I am because of my size and that helps me out a lot,” he said.

Some programs like him on defense, but he prefers offense.

“A lot of schools are letting me have the option,” he said. “Last year was my first year playing outside linebacker. I have two offers to play outside linebacker, but the rest are for running back. I would like to play running back.”

Comfort will be the biggest factor in his decision.

“I just want to find a place where I’m comfortable and that’s not just within football. I think you want to go to a school where you like the environment, the people you’re around and every aspect of that school.”

 

[dublinirish]

I like Nebraska as well; I’ve seen them do some really good things this year.”

what games he been watching?

 

[PANDFAN]

what games he been watching?

UCLA 1st half???

 

[dublinirish]

UCLA 1st half???

Pelini might have sent him game footage from the Tom Osborne years

That Tommie Fraser kid looks like a great prospect

 

[NDhoosier]

That Tommie Fraser kid looks like a great prospect

seems like a bust to me

 

[Calabrese's People]

 

[Whiskeyjack]

seems like a bust to me

Bo Pelini approves this message.

 

[Irishbounty28]

With respect to Nebraska they have a very good running game and have since Pelini got there. If I was a running back I would give the. A hard look as they are consistently producing in the run game. Defense might not be so hot, but they will continue to feed the rock to their backs.

 

[zbikowski88]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/Cassidy_Rob">@Cassidy_Rob</a>: Notre Dame has offered Falcon, Colo. RB/LB Kalen Ballage. Interesting. Irish could be real player here despite "late" offer</p>— Jake Brown (@Jake_Brown) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jake_Brown/statuses/387287402433089536">October 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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