Four-star 'backer has a leader

A 4-STAR JUNIOR COLLEGE linebacker out of Bakersfield, who officially visited Washington State last weekend, has just returned from his weekend trip to Boise State. Now that he's been to Washington State and BSU -- and with the Feb. 6 Signing Day a little over two weeks away -- has a slight leader emerged for the 6-0, 225-pounder? Indeed there has...

Daron Mackey (6.0 225 4.62) out of Bakersfield College says the Cougs hold the advantage post-Boise State visit.

"I think Washington State has a slight lead...for right now," said Mackey.

Mackey came away from his trip to the Palouse enamored by what he said was a strong sense of community. He was offered by Cougars' head man Paul Wulff during his Wazzu visit.

"It's a place I can see myself at," said Mackey about this time last week.

THAT IS NOT to say Mackey didn't enjoy his time in Boise.

"It was pretty cool. I liked the stadium. And that blue turf is...(different)," said Mackey. "The coaches were all good, they were down to earth, easy to talk to."

WSU ASSISTANT and offensive coordinator Todd Sturdy has been running the point for the Cougs on Mackey.

"I like the coaching staff there because they were down to earth when they talked to you...Coach Sturdy...he can talk to you," Mackey told CF.C earlier following his official to WSU.

MACKEY, WHO REPORTEDLY LOGGED 200 tackles-plus over the past two seasons according to jcfootball.com, played both outside and inside linebacker spots during his junior college career. He said he has no immediate visit plans upcoming and didn't have any timetable for when he would make his final decision.

"I haven't set up anything with anyone else yet. I might consider something with probably Fresno State this weekend but I'm not sure," said Mackey.

Idaho also touched base with Mackey this past week.

HAVING NEVER REDSHIRTED at Bakersfield, has 3-to-play-2 at the next level.

"I don't know what my tackles were this year but I had 6.5 sacks, four interceptions, a touchdown return on one of them, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery," says Mackey.

Daron Mackey profile