Dream realized: Canadian QB Evans Chuba commits to Washington State
Before the 2022 season, Montreal native Evans Chuba made the move way down south to Clearwater (Fla.) Academy International with one goal -- to use his quarterbacking skill to land at a Power Five program.
After a junior season full of flashes and an even more impressive spring at CAI and along the camp circuit, Washington State became his first P5 extension on June 4. Some three weeks later, after trips to East Carolina and Arkansas State, Evans took his official visit to Pullman.
The big dual-threat QB wouldn't leave town without offering his pledge to Jake Dickert and company.
"I committed the morning of me leaving," Evans said. "I just wanted to wrap my head around everything, so it felt great. You go there and you just feel that culture. Every single person on the staff expressed how they wanted me and needed me, and I was the only quarterback they offered and brought on an OV, so it speaks volumes to how they trust their culture."
Chuba felt he had to vet Wazzu given their offer status despite what he called two strong visits elsewhere. It was his time with his future play caller and his staff that reinforced the Cougar plan for his development and potential impact.
"Coach (Ben) Arbuckle is a young O.C., he's 27, but he's put up crazy numbers," he said. "His history so far, back at Western Kentucky, had tons of yards. I was doing film with him, as far as the chemistry I can build with him, with him being young and relatable, is just great.
"I feel like it's the best fit for me. He's gonna take shots. It matches with me and what I do."
New faces on the coaching staff and roster alike have a positive belief in what Washington State can be in the years to come. Chuba said it wasn't just something they talked about, either.
"You can feel something happening there," he said. "And they trusted me to get in there early, and do damage early, so it kind of pushed me over the edge with them."
Now, the rising-senior quarterback prospect is focused on his final run at CAI, against a strong schedule no less. The collegiate focus will come soon after, and the Canadian expects to hit the ground running once in Pullman for good.
"I'm gonna be the hardest worker in that program," Chuba said. "A lot of big things are coming for the program and for the city. I feel like I can elevate the whole standard of the program and help Washington State become a top team.
"It's a small town, everything revolves around the school. You're more isolated, and I like that. I'm gonna put my head down and get to work, so I don't need any distractions."
After making the Sunday morning commitment and traveling back east, Chuba says it created more perspective on the lengths both he and WSU went to make this relationship happen.
"The coaches themselves, the people, is really what brings me from the northeast of my country, all the way to the west coast," he said. "It's about a seven hour plane ride from my house in Canada, so this speaks volumes.
"We can grow together and reach new heights very quickly as well."