Locals take different routes to Oklahoma

One athlete wrapped up the recruiting process early, while the other took the junior college route before reaching his Division I dream.

But both Justin Chaisson and Juan Pattillo will land in the same place: Norman, Okla.

Chaisson, a junior football star at Bishop Gorman, has given an oral commitment to play for the Sooners.

Pattillo, a former Canyon Springs basketball star, signed to play for Oklahoma after two seasons at the College of Southern Idaho.

"I decided not to wait anymore and get it over with and just concentrate on school and my senior season," said Chaisson, who can't sign with the Sooners until February.

He said teams continue to contact him but that he won't waver from his commitment.

"My word's my word, and I'm 100 percent committed to Oklahoma," Chaisson said.

A 6-foot-5-inch, 265-pound defensive end, Chaisson was a first-team all-state selection as a junior in helping the Gaels to the Class 4A state title.

He had 80 tackles, including 23 sacks. He said he also considered Florida, Louisiana State, Oregon, UCLA and California.

Chaisson is the third Gorman player and fourth local player in recent years to sign with Oklahoma for football. Former Gaels DeMarco Murray and Ryan Reynolds are on the Oklahoma squad. Former Cheyenne standout Quinton Carter also plays football for the Sooners.

Pattillo wasn't highly recruited out of high school but has emerged as one of the country's top junior college sophomores.

"It was tough," Pattillo said of having to go the junior college route. "I always wanted, coming out of high school, to go D-I. I kind of got behind in school and all that. About my junior year, I started taking it more seriously. By that time, I already had to take the junior college route."

Pattillo, a 6-7, 218-pound forward, averaged 17.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in 22.1 minutes as a sophomore for the Golden Eagles. He said he developed a relationship with Oklahoma assistant Mark Cline, and star freshman Blake Griffin's decision to return for his sophomore year helped make the choice simple.

Pattillo said he also considered Kentucky, Oklahoma State, Mississippi and San Diego State. He said he thinks his style of play should mesh with the Sooners.

"Me being a high flyer, a slasher, I think it's going to fit in pretty well with the program (and) take a little pressure off Blake Griffin in the post," Pattillo said.

• CRUSADER SIGNS -- Faith Lutheran softball shortstop Angie Miller has signed to play at Northern Iowa.

• VOLLEYBALL FORFEIT -- The Canyon Springs boys volleyball team had to forfeit its April 8 victory over Valley for using an ineligible player.

The Pioneers now are 5-4 and in third place in the Northeast Division. Valley improves to 4-5 and sits in fifth place.

Contact Prep Sports Editor Damon Seiters at dseiters@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4587.