Big expectations cant rattle 4-star Costello

There are talented quarterbacks all across the country, and K.J. Costello is well aware of that. He is also aware of what separates the elite quarterbacks from each other -- hard work and a determined demeanor on the field.

"I still feel like I have to prove myself," Costello said. "If I don't, I know I can fall off the radar."

Costello has consistently demonstrated an ability to play the game the same whether he's winning or losing. To those closest to him, that's one of the biggest reasons he stands out at the position beyond his extensive skill set.

Both Costello's father, Kevin, and his 7-on-7 coach, Tra Lewis, note certain qualities in Costello they firmly believe are the reasons the 6-foot-5, 218-pounder for Santa Margarita (Calif.) Catholic is the No. 1-ranked quarterback in California.

"No matter what the score is, he never feels like he's out of the game," Kevin Costello said. "We taught him that at a very young age. If he's down by 21, if he's up by 21, he plays the same. But (college) coaches pay attention to how you play when you're down by 21. His demeanor doesn't fluctuate. If a receiver drops a pass, if his lineman doesn't block, he doesn't point fingers. He puts his arm around them and tells them to not worry about it.

"Last year a major D-I college program saw that, and a couple of days later, we got a call from them with an offer."

Kevin wouldn't mention the school's name, but K.J. has been open about his recruiting process and lists his top three as Stanford, USC and Michigan, with Alabama lurking.

Lewis, who serves as Costello's 7-on-7 coach as well as his weightlifting trainer, notes Costello's competitive edge.

"As a quarterback, he's one of the top competitors I've seen," Lewis said.

And Lewis has seen a lot of quarterbacks in his day. He's in his seventh season of running his Body By Tra Athletics 7-on-7 team and 11th year of training athletes through his BBT training program. He played college football for Wisconsin and enjoyed stints in the NFL with the Colts and Texans.

"He has charisma," Lewis said. "He has leadership skills. Sometimes, I'll get quarterbacks who, once they become good or noticed or whatever, don't want to continue to work or make progress. He's not like that. I've been doing this a long time with top kids, and all the talent in the world doesn't mean anything unless you can perform at the next level. He's doing the things that will make him succeed at the next level."

As far as the collegiate level, Costello seems to be taking the possibilities in stride.

"I can honestly say it all hasn't hit me yet," he said.

Though the reality of playing at the next level and possibly beyond hasn't hit him yet, it is still jolting to receive a call from current Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, who just months ago was in charge of an NFL team.

"Yeah, that's crazy," Costello said. "Talking to him, talking to all of these coaches, really. I have so much respect for them because I've been watching them my whole life. I've been watching Harbaugh on Sundays since I was little and just dreaming of playing for them, so talking to them is just ridiculous. I just love this opportunity and want to capture it."

For Costello, "capturing it" means working. Lewis has seen Costello's progress in the weight room, noting his improved lateral movement, speed, footwork and dedication to perfecting his craft as invaluable difference-makers. Costello's father notes K.J.'s film study and work toward achieving specific goals -- both team and individual.

Costello's film study revolves heavily around two NFL quarterbacks who hail from his home state of California: Tom Brady (from San Mateo) and Aaron Rodgers (Chico).

"He watches film on them all the time," Kevin said. "Especially of them when they were coming up."

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"Harbaugh's kind of coming in at the right time," he said. "He's no doubt going to turn the corner with that program ... to be on the upswing of that would be pretty sweet. But there are other factors."

- K.J. Costello on being recruited by Michigan.

While Rodgers stayed in-state and played for California, Brady traveled east and became a Michigan Wolverine.

Could Costello do the same?

"We've been talking to people about Brady and Michigan," Kevin said. "They say, 'just look at (Brady) and the job he did there.'"

Costello doesn't deny Michigan is an appealing option.

"Harbaugh's kind of coming in at the right time," he said. "He's no doubt going to turn the corner with that program in Year 1 or 2, and for me to be on the upswing of that would be pretty sweet. But there are other factors."

Other factors include other programs. Costello said Stanford has always been in the picture, and he keeps in touch with head coach David Shaw regularly.

"I've liked them from the jump," he said. "Academically ... everything about them. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we'll see where that goes."

In the meantime, he's set goals to accomplish -- a task that's been a part of his routine since he can remember.

"My dad has always been in my ear about setting goals, and he's helped me accomplish them," Costello said. "He's the baseline of everything I do and he's been with me from the start and will be with me until the end."

Kevin notes that K.J.'s goals include winning the Trinity League, which has traditionally represented some of the best high school football in the country. In addition, winning a state title and MVP of the Trinity League round out an ambitious list.

Lewis can see Costello checking off those goals as accomplishments.

"You can't teach wanting to get better," Lewis said.

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