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Jake Ortale, left, of Palo Verde can’t keep his hands on the ball as Justin Sweet of Bishop Gorman pursues during the Sunset Regional semifinals at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas on Friday, November 9, 2012.
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012 | 3:17 p.m.
One of the best defenders on the state’s unquestioned top high school football team made his college decision Wednesday.
Justin Sweet, a three-year starter at cornerback for Bishop Gorman High, verbally committed with Colorado State. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Sweet also had scholarship offers from UNLV, UNR, Utah State and New Mexico.
Sweet liked the direction Colorado State is heading under coach Jim McElwain, a former coordinator at Alabama who just finished his first season at the helm of the Colorado State program. The school also plans on opening an on-campus stadium, giving it the total package to attract one of Nevada's top high school talents.
“Coach McElwain is from Alabama and he is used to winning,” Sweet said. “That was a big part of it. I really liked the coaching staff. Those guys really care and believe in (their) players. They think I can play right away.”
Sweet had 33 tackles and two interceptions in 2012. In 2011, he had 48 tackles and an interception. He was an all-Sunset selection the past two years. He also saw brief carries at running back, taking his lone carry for a 55-yard touchdown run in the Gaels’ 63-10 victory against Liberty in the state title game. It was their fourth straight Nevada title, with Sweet having a significant role in the last three championship runs.
Verbal commitments are nonbinding and don’t become official until national signing day in early February. Sweet, who also visited Utah State earlier in the fall, plans on cancelling other trips.
Sweet is the fourth player from Gorman to commit, joining quarterback Anu Solomon (Arizona), defensive back Lorenzo Fertitta Jr. (Villanova) and 2014 defensive lineman Isaiah Nacua (BYU).
Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.
Good luck to Justin at Colorado State. The Buffaloes got a good one.
Aloha,
This specific comment is to "TeamSG1". My Brother it's NEVER about size, but about HEART.
Lastly, we're here to ENCOURAGE & SUPPORT our kids in all endeavors. I can only pray Fertitta & Sweet will make a mark in whatever College they choose representing the State of Nevada, Ohana (Family), friends, & the One who made it all possible our Lord Jesus Christ.
Love, Gil
Btw, didn't mention Anu Solomon because I know his work ethic & the people who support / surround him. He knows whats up & takes nothing for granted.
God Bless!!!
UNLV out recruited again. Not good. UNLV needs to win the Las Vegas area if they want to be competitive and put some fans in the stands. Cant lose to Colorado State. Lets go Rebels , turn it up and keep Las Vegas kids home!
SG1 are you the guy that use to coach at Durango a couple of years ago?