As a freshman, Westbrook rushed for 768 yards on 85 carries, averaging nine yards per carry. He also caught 16 passes for an additional 140 yards. Last season he moved into the Kings School District and in 10 games had 179 carries for 916 yards and 28 receptions for 442 yards. For his efforts, he was one of only three sophomores to earn 1st team All-FAVC honors.
Last week, after watching a Cincinnati spring football practice, Westbrook received a verbal scholarship offer from the Bearcats. Sophomores cannot receive written scholarship offers until September 1st of their junior year.
His high school coach, Andy Olds, accompanied him on the unofficial visit to Nippert Stadium and talked about the physical maturation of his rising star.
"He's pretty stocky. That's what's so amazing because he got all that done in one year. He came to us weighing 165 pounds and benching about 175. Now he's benching 266 and squatting close to 400 pounds."
At 5-foot-9 and having bulked up to 206 pounds, Olds said he doesn't much look like the typical 16-year old.
"He's got good looking arms and is thick through his hips and legs. He's a powerful kid," Olds said.
When Westbrook was asked if he could describe his running style, the youngster kept his answer very simple. "I like to watch LaDainian Tomlinson."
Olds went into more detail. "We're an inside/out type zone team, and I think that is what we're going to hang our hat on. We are going to dictate to his style. I think he's got the vision it takes to be able to run the zone, and he has great cutting ability. His biggest asset is he gets to top speed in probably three or four steps."
Having Westbrook for two more seasons is exciting enough, but his coach is also thrilled to have his first BCS recruit and gave some of the details to how the recent verbal offer was extended to Westbrook.
"It happened without me in the room. We had been talking with (UC running back coach) Coach Elder, and he was talking to Jamire about what he could and couldn't do because of NCAA rules. I didn't hear Jamire actually get the offer until Coach Elder reviewed everything with me. They wanted Jamire to know that they were offering early because they really wanted to get him."
The quiet sophomore saw one Bearcat game as a fan last fall and admits that getting his first scholarship offer left him speechless.
"I was very excited about it, but I didn't know what to say."
Although he said he has been following the Cincinnati football program, he is not a fan of any school. "I just like football in general," said Westbrook.
The Bearcats might be the first to offer a scholarship, but they will surely not be the last. Ohio State is also starting to show considerable interest.
Potential suitors could get a look at Westbrook's versatility in the fall as it looks like he may see some time on defense.
"He's probably better than a lot of our other kids even if he's tired," said Olds. "We may find a place for him on defense at least part-time. He may find himself playing on third downs for us."
Playing on defense could further help Westbrook's recruitment, but Olds said his star's primary role won't change. Westbrook, who averaged 21 touches last season, needs the ball in his hands.
"If we don't get him the ball between 18 and 25 times, I'll probably be looking for another job. I'm not smart, but I'm smart enough to know he should be carrying the football. He's also probably the best receiver on our team," said Olds.
And with his mother watching, grades won't be an issue according to Olds.
"He's got a 3.0, so he's solid in the classroom, and if he gets a 'D,' his mom takes away his cell phone," laughed Olds.
Lastly, Westbrook has genetics going for him as well. His mother said Jamire's second cousin is former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=5125272