Palo Verde prospects absorb elders’ lesson

Palo Verde football players Daniel Godkin and Tyrone Blake took note of how well their elder teammates carried themselves last season.

While cornerbacks Torin Harris (Southern California) and Sidney Hodge (UNLV), linebacker Liloa Nobriga (Colorado) and running back Chaz Thomas (Minnesota-Duluth) eventually signed with college programs, they did not allow the recruiting process to distract from their team focus.

It resulted in a 14-1 season and a dominant march to the Class 4A state championship game, which the Panthers lost to McQueen, 13-12.

"When everybody's working, not worrying about college, it kept us focused on what we needed to do," said Blake, a fullback and safety.

It's an example Godkin and Blake, both seniors this season, plan to follow.

"I want to get that bitter taste out of my mouth, losing that one-point game to McQueen," Godkin said.

Godkin, who will move from defensive end to middle linebacker, said he has scholarship offers from UNLV, UNR, Navy, Wyoming, Northern Arizona and Southern Utah.

Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Iowa, Stanford, USC and Utah also have shown interest.

"It's not necessarily a bother. It's more like a reward," Godkin said of recruiting. "But at the same time, you've got to be humble about it and just go about your business on the field."

Blake said he has offers from Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. UNLV, Arizona, Arizona State, Washington and Washington State also are tracking him.

Palo Verde running back/defensive back Earnest Hall, a transfer from Del Sol, said UNLV, Arizona State, Colorado State, Florida, Louisiana State and UCLA have been in contact, though he has no offers.

Here are updates on other uncommitted players who will be seniors:

-- Bishop Gorman defensive lineman Ian Bobak said he has offers from Fresno State and UNR. UNLV, Arizona, Arizona State, California and Washington have expressed interest.

-- Green Valley kicker/punter Nolan Kohorst said he has offers from UNLV and Wyoming.

-- Arbor View quarterback Austin Anderson said he has an offer from Southern Utah, with UNLV and UNR also showing interest.

Contact reporter Tristan Aird at taird@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203.