Best morning ever.
That’s how Santa Margarita sophomore quarterback KJ Costello views what happened to him Tuesday.
At about 6:30 a.m., Costello received his first scholarship offer and it came from the reigning national champion: Florida State.
“No doubt it was the best morning of my life,” he said Friday in a text message.
“I felt like I finally reached my goal of potentially playing Division I football.”
The Seminoles’ early offer to Costello (6-foot-5, 218 pounds) has been among the highlights of the spring recruiting season in Orange County football.
Costello took the reins at Santa Margarita last season. He completed 100 of 182 passes (55 percent) for 12 TDs. He finished with 14 interceptions.
In an early-season showdown against Bishop Gorman of Nevada, he flashed his potential by breaking Carson Palmer’s school record for passing yards in a game with 443. He also tossed four touchdowns, including a school-record 95-yarder to Kyle Sweet.
Costello said he isn’t sure how Florida State noticed him, but he believes the Seminoles received his highlight tape.
Florida State has history with Santa Margarita. Quarterback Chris Rix signed with the Seminoles in 2000 and he finished second in school history in career passing yards.
Not surprisingly, another school was quick to offer Costello this week. On Friday, Tennessee followed the Seminoles’ lead.
Interestingly, the Vols also have offered Servite senior-to-be quarterback Travis Waller (6-3, 185).
But despite the recruiting attention, Costello is still focused on his task at Santa Margarita. The Eagles are coming off a 4-6 season and feature first-year coach Rick Curtis, who replaced Harry Welch.
“We have a lot of work to do and I want to make sure my focus stays on my team,” Costello said.
NOTES
Costello and Waller aren’t the only Trinity League quarterbacks with offers.
JSerra’s Nick Robinson (6-2, 195) has been offered by Division I-A Florida International while St. John Bosco’s Josh Rosen (6-4, 209) committed to UCLA.
Mater Dei senior-to-be Jack Lowary (6-4, 210) also is generating interest from recruiters.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
