When defensive tackle Abens Cajuste ended up playing at Victor Valley (Calif.) Community College out of high school, he knew a second-rate effort would not do.
"It humbled me, gave me more passion for the game," Cajuste said. "It made me understand that this is my last chance -- the JUCO route is my last route -- so it's all or nothing."
He said he has improved his physicality on the defensive line, and that has drawn offers from schools such as IU, Rutgers, Kansas State, Arizona, Kansas, Purdue and others.
As of now, the 6-foot-3-inch, 305-pound tackle has chiseled his list down to just three of those schools: IU, Rutgers and Kansas State.
"Those schools I feel most comfortable with," Cajuste said. "Those are the schools where I feel like I can come in and make an immediate impact on the team. I'm looking for somewhere I can come in and play right away."
From talking with IU Director of Player Personnel and High School Relations Linwood Ferguson, Cajuste has felt comfortable with what IU has to offer, and the allure of playing against some of the best players in the country is attractive, he said.
"The Big Ten is great competition," Cajuste said. "You line up against the best and future NFL players every Saturday."
His other Big Ten suitor, Purdue, doesn't appear to be as good of a fit, Cajuste said. He felt more comfortable with IU and is also interested in the communications program and the family atmosphere of the team.