NoCal standout pulls trigger
Tight end Asante-Jabari Cleveland (6-5, 235, 4.75) from Sacramento (Calif.) Christian Brothers has made his college choice and that lucky school landed a player who has a very high ceiling. There is no doubt that Cleveland's best days as a football player are ahead of him.
"I just finished my visit and I committed to Washington State," Cleveland said. "I liked the whole atmosphere and the passion of the fans.
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"I was able to meet some of the redshirt freshmen and was able to get their perspective and their thoughts on the school," Cleveland said. "I talked to junior wide receiver, Jeshua Anderson and he told his thoughts and the reasons, he came to Washington State.
"I am pretty dead set on Washington State," Cleveland said. "This is where I want to go. I believe that Coach Paul Wulff will be the one to get Washington State back to where they are competing for the Rose Bowl."
While there were other Pac 10 teams that were interested in Cleveland and wanted to see some of his senior footage, but the talented tight end from Christian Brothers wanted to make his decision before his senior year so he could concentrate on his season.
Well it appears that the early bird gets the worm here.
"Other schools received the same highlight tape that Washington State did," Cleveland said. "Washington State liked what they saw and they were willing to give me an offer, so I'm set."
As a junior, Cleveland earned all-league honors after leading his team in receptions with 21. He had 262 receiving yards and four touchdowns. While playing spot duty as a defensive end, Cleveland had two sacks and one deflected pass.
The Cougars get a player who comes from outstanding athletic bloodlines. His father played two sports in college. He played hoops for Arizona State when they were still in the WAC and played football for Pacific where he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.
Washington State wins this battle over other offers from Nevada and San Diego State. Cal, Oregon State, UCLA and Washington also had recruiting interest in Cleveland.
Good get for the Cougars.