Jake Heaps finally decided where he will play his college ball.
And it's nowhere near home.
Jake Heaps, Skyline
Photo by Mark McCollum
Heaps, the No. 2 junior quarterback in the nation according to CBS College Sports and MaxPreps.com recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, committed to BYU last week. He is the No. 8 overall prospect in the class of 2010.
Heaps reportedly was down to a decision between BYU and nearby Washington. LSU, California and Tennessee were also on the short list.
Heaps is 28-0 in his two years at Skyline of Sammamish and has won two state titles. He was the Associated Press state player of the year.
ESPN recruiting director Tom Luginbill said that BYU is a better fit for Heaps than Washington because his size (he's 6-foot-1) and arm strength are better suited for BYU's spread offense.
"It is very possible that Heaps will put his pigskin aspirations on the back burner to take a Mormon mission in the next few years," Luginbill said. "With that variable in play, it's hard to predict when Heaps will take the reins at BYU. Still, I would expect him to be of starting caliber and to succeed during his tenure with the Cougars program."
"This is the place that we felt we have the best opportunity to win a national championship," Heaps told the Deseret News. "In no way, shape or form am I guaranteeing a national championship. But we're going to work like crazy to come out here and work hard for a national championship. It's not a dream, it's a reality. With a lot of hard work and dedication, it's a goal we can achieve."
Heaps received scholarship offers from 26 schools. He knows there could be some hard feelings from local fans.
"It will be interesting to see what happens when I go back home," Heaps said.
Baseball: CK's Vettleson named state's top player
Central Kitsap baseball star Drew Vettleson was named the Gatorade state baseball player of the year.
The ambidextrous Vettleson threw two no-hitters in his only regular-season starts. He hit .415 with five homers and 20 RBI.
Vettleson, who has committed to Oregon State, is the top junior recruit in the nation, according to baseballnorthwest.com.
Soccer: Pasco coach resigns
Mike Pardini was a player when Pasco won its first state soccer title in 1999. He was the coach when the Bulldogs won their second in 2007.
After Pasco, undefeated headed into the state title game, lost their bid for a third title, he's stepping down.
The Bulldogs were ranked No. 2 in the nation when they lost to South Kitsap 2-1 in the Class 4A state soccer championships.
Pardini was 61-11 over the last four years.
"I decided now is a good time for me to step away and reflect," Pardini told the Tri-City Herald. "I want to spend more time with my family and a little more time with my job."
