CV Football Stars Make College Picks Graham Decides On Oregon; Beck Casts His Lot With Idaho

One trip was all it took.

After a single recruiting trip each, two members of Central Valley High School’s state championship football team have decided where they want to play next year.

Linebacker Garret Graham has decided to attend University of Oregon. Nose guard Wil Beck settled on Idaho. Both were named to the Associated Press All-State team this week, with Beck selected the 4A Player of the Year.

Both gave oral commitments earlier this week. The official signing period is in February.

“I feel most comfortable there,” Graham said after his weekend visit to Eugene. “I like that feeling. It’s a nice place, nice facilities.”

Graham, 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, gained his notoriety as a linebacker but also played running back for the Bears, who finished a 13-1 season with a 49-13 victory over South Kitsap in the State 4A title game.

Beck, 6-1, 285 pounds, earned all-state honors as a sophomore. He was All-GSL three straight years.

He played sparingly on the offensive line until the Bears’ loss this year, then helped solidify the offense as a right guard.

“Idaho was one of my top four before the season,” he said. “I was really impressed with everything. I was impressed with the coaches. I was impressed with the potential.”

Beck’s preference is to play on the defensive line, and the Vandals have more opportunities there, he said. The offensive line has most of its starters returning.

“They have (defensive ends) back but no nose guard,” Beck said. “I have a chance to play three or four years.”

Both players attended the University of Washington camp last summer, ruling out the Huskies after that. Beck wasn’t recruited by WSU. Graham said the Cougars didn’t recruit him until recently.

“I don’t think (coach Mike) Price is going to be around,” Graham said. “I took that into mind.”

, DataTimes