Just talked to Ian Harward, the 6-foot-10 Orem High center who holds basketball scholarship offers from Utah State and BYU.

Harward said he is very, very close to deciding, but has not pulled the trigger yet.

"It is coming up soon," he said. "I am not quite there yet, but I am close."

Whichever schools lands Harward won't see him play for them for awhile, though. He will leave on an LDS Church mission next summer, and won't play until 2011.

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A well-placed source tells me to expect a football commitment soon from Brett Thompson, the receiver from Oak Ridge High in El Dorado Hills, Calif. That's the same school that produced BYU's Austin Collie.

My source says Thompson will commit to BYU because of the coaches, Collie, the college lifestyle there and Thompson's desire to go on a church mission.

Scout.com gives the 6-foot-3 210-pound Thompson three stars (out of five).

From what I hear, Thompson was almost unstoppable at the Del Oro (Calif.) passing league in late July and was only contained when opponents double- and triple-teamed him.

Oak Ridge opens the season against Rocklin High.

-- Jay Drew