Heritage High quarterback signs with Colorado State
Garrett Grayson is a man of few words. On Wednesday, his smile said it all.
The recruiting season has ended, and after months of wondering where he would end up, Heritage’s record-breaking quarterback has signed a National Letter of Intent to Colorado State University.
“It’s a relief. The last month has been hard, going through the process,” Grayson said. “It was a relief to get it off my shoulders and get it out of the way, and now I know I’ll have an education and get to play somewhere.”
Grayson was one of three players from Clark County to sign Division I football scholarships Wednesday and the only one to ink a letter to a Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) program.
Grayson became a starter for Heritage in Week 3 of his sophomore season. He helped Heritage to a co-league title as a junior, and the Timberwolves made the playoffs in all three seasons. The Timberwolves only have one other playoff season in the program’s history.
The past two summers, he shined at various passing camps, and was noted more than once on national recruiting Web sites.
Grayson had talks with Pacific 10 Conference programs and other BCS conference schools about possibly coming as a walk-on and earn a scholarship after a year, but in the end he opted for the full scholarship offer.
It is possible Colorado State will be exactly what he needs to achieve his ultimate goal.
“I wanted to go to a pro-style offense. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL,” he said. “It felt like it was the best chance for me to get there.”
Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild has several years of NFL coaching experience, too, which factored into Grayson’s decision.
The quarterback said he would love to play next fall. But taking a year to just practice and get used to college is likely the best option.
“I want to understand the offense,” he said. “Redshirting would be a good idea.”
Dozens of his fans either squeezed into a tiny conference room or watched through a window from the hall at Heritage for the signing ceremony. He thanked everyone for coming and for their continued support.
Later, he spoke of Heritage football.
“It’s been a fun ride with a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “The ups are something I will treasure forever.”
Heritage coach Nate Becksted had to pause a couple of times while talking about Grayson, speaking about his quarterback’s work ethic and character. He told the gathering that, despite a lot of natural talent, Grayson still had to work for everything he has earned.
Grayson appreciated the words, and he appreciates his coach.
“He really did preach about caring for people,” Grayon said. “He affected me in amazing ways.”
More than 50 people showed up at 7:45 a.m. to watch Zach Chapman of Mountain View sign with Eastern Washington. Then, the tight end/defensive lineman stood near a doorway and personally thanked every person in attendance.
“Everybody who was in this room has contributed to my success,” he said.
He also wants his younger teammates at Mountain View to be inspired.
“I hope they took a lot out of this and that they realize it’s possible to play at the next level,” he said.
An hour later at Union High School, three football players were among eight athletes honored in front of hundreds of students.
Mitch Saylor, an all-region wide receiver, signed with Montana.
“It feels good for it to be official,” Saylor said.
Running back Nathaniel Penarada, the co-offensive player of the year in the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League, signed with Western Oregon.
“To be honest, it’s just a relief,” he said. “It’s good to finally get the recruiting process over with.”
He could not believe how many people showed up for the ceremony.
“This is crazy. I had no idea this was going on,” he said. “I found out 20 minutes before it happened.”
Two-time All-Region football player of the year, linebacker Taylor Nelson, signed to play with Snow College, a junior college in Utah. Nelson hopes to play this fall then go on his two-year Mormon mission.
“Eventually, the goal is to get to a Division-I school somewhere,” he said.
Skyview quarterback Austin Dodge, who was voted the co-offensive player of the year with Grayson in the 4A GSHL, decided on Wednesday morning to go with Central Washington.
“I was their No. 1 guy from the start,” said Dodge, who had a scholarship offer from Montana State and an invitation to be a walk-on at Washington.
But he did not take any visits to either of those schools. He loved it in Ellensburg.
“Central was the place I needed to be,” he said.
Meanwhile, Skyview’s Dallin Shirley, the 4A GSHL’s defensive player of the year, plans to walk-on at Brigham Young.
Two players were expected to sign with the University of Mary in North Dakota: Hunter Vanderpool of Battle Ground and Doug Van Aalst of Heritage.
And Hockinson offensive lineman Alex Keller was the lone football player in a ceremony of five athletes at his school. Keller is going to play for St. Olaf, a Division III school in Minnesota.
“They offer the program that I want to pursue a Ph.D in, mathematics,” Keller said. “And I still get to enjoy football.”
