Surprise decision for Villanueva

Fernando Villanueva admittedly didn't expect much during his visit to Washington State this past weekend but after arriving in Pullman the San Jose (Calif.) Independence offensive lineman was shocked at the atmosphere.

Things went so well during the trip that the 6-foot-6, 280-pound three-star prospect decided to commit to the Cougars before he left town.

"The community, the fan base, getting off the plane and everybody knew who you were, that really sold me on them," Villanueva said. "All the recruits were in town and going to restaurants, going to the hotel, everybody was cheering for Washington State hard.

"The whole town revolves around the football team. The whole town wants to chill with the football team. It's just a great atmosphere, a great college-town atmosphere. That's what really sold me on them."

Before heading to Washington State, Villanueva was slightly hesitant about the trip because he didn't know how much he'd enjoy himself.

Now that he saw what the Cougars have to offer he's overjoyed that he experienced it and knows where his college home will be.

"I was expecting a boring, small town with a mediocre football team," Villanueva said.

"I kind of had it in my head that I didn't know what to expect. I went up there and my mom said that I shouldn't jump the gun, there are going to be more schools. I don't want to make it seem like I jumped the gun but I felt good, I felt safe, I felt welcomed and I felt like I could live there for my five years. It was a good situation."

Villanueva's recruitment might not be completely finished though. He said Utah is still recruiting him hard and he has already talked to offensive line coach Tim Davis about his commitment.

Utah State and San Jose State have also offered and Villanueva said he's undecided whether he'll take more visits or not. Rivals.com rates him as the No. 89 prospect in the California state rankings.