Brett Thompson, a star receiver at Oak Ridge High in California, announced his pledge to sign with BYU as part of the class of 2009.

Thompson decided to announce his decision before his senior year of football in El Dorado Hills this fall because he didn't want to juggle recruiters and distract from his season.

"I called coach (Brandon) Doman this morning after seminary and he handed the phone to Bronco Mendenhall. "It's a place I always wanted to go to and it's a great fit for me personally so I decided not to prolong the process," Thompson told the Deseret News this morning.

Thompson, who is built like current freshman O'Neil Chambers at 6-foot-3, 210, is considered one of the top receivers in northern California. He is ranked No. 53 receiver by Scout.com.

Thompson has received scholarship offers from Nebraska, BYU, UNLV and Air Force. Known as an all-around utility player, he averaged 30 yards per punt return and 24 yards per kickoff return. He had 40 tackles and two interceptions on defense last year and 35 catches for 570 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2007. His sophomore year, he had 53 catches for 894 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Thompson told Big Red Report, a Nebraska recruiting Internet site, he planned on going on an LDS mission after one semester in college.

Often compared to another Oak Ridge High athlete in El Dorado Hills, Calif., Austin Collie, Thompson has regularly dated Collie's younger sister who is now a member of the golf team at Utah Valley University in Orem.

"He's a very good athlete and has a lot of skills," said Collie. "He's a good pick up."

Thompson said Collie's name still comes up at his high school and the football program. "Anytime a point is made about work ethic and how to never take a play off, coaches talk of Austin Collie," said Thompson.

"He's a great player and tremendous example on and off the field."