Recruiting Update: 2023 Deming DE offered by FCS program

2023 Deming defensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="138095" first="Ian" last="Ortiz"]</strong>, one of the top players in the state at his position, came into Saturday’s Idaho State camp in Pocatello, ID with the mentality that he was the best DL prospect there. Then Ortiz went out and proved it, capturing OL/DL MVP honors. His reward? A scholarship offer from Idaho State, member of the Big Sky Conference, one of the best FCS conferences in the country. "I came into the camp with the mentality that I’m the best defensive lineman here," Ortiz told Prep Redzone New Mexico just a few hours after ISU offered. Of course, I had no idea if that would be the case. But I believe I’m pretty good. It’s all about your mind set." Idaho State coaches were so impressed with Ortiz’s performance that they quickly offered him after the camp, telling him he could play multiple positions across the defensive front. "The conversation between the coaching staff at Idaho state and myself was very positive," Ortiz said. "They were very clear on wanting me to play for them. If I choose to play for Idaho State, I may be used as a 5/3 technique defensive lineman, meaning I could play either defensive tackle or defensive end." Ortiz told the ISU coaches that he will focus on his senior season at Deming first before announcing where he will play his college football. The early signing period for Div. 1 schools extends from Dec. 21-23, 2022. "I told them that I am a Wildcat first and would be focusing on my senior season before making any official decisions," Ortiz said. Ortiz has also been offered by Eastern New Mexico and Western New Mexico. Both in-state FBS schools - New Mexico and New Mexico State - have expressed interest. "There are a couple coaches from both NMSU and UNM following me (on social media)," Ortiz said. "For now, I’m just going to keep working and we’ll see what happens." https://twitter.com/IanOrtiz57/status/1538272405730336770 https://twitter.com/IanOrtiz57/status/1538261867012845568 https://twitter.com/DemingWildcat/status/1528732375848570889 https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/1532765775114784770 &nbsp;