Skip to content
  • Santa Margarita quarterback KJ Costello

    Santa Margarita quarterback KJ Costello

  • Santa Margarita quarterback KJ Costello committed to Stanford on Thursday,...

    Santa Margarita quarterback KJ Costello committed to Stanford on Thursday, picking the Cardinal over USC and Michigan.

of

Expand
Dan Albano. Sports HS Reporter.

// MORE INFORMATION: Staff Mug Shot taken August 26, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – Santa Margarita Catholic High School quarterback KJ Costello called it an opportunity too good to pass on.

So last week before teammates, friends and family, Orange County’s top class of 2016 recruit committed to Stanford, picking the Cardinal over USC and Michigan.

Costello placed hats from each school on a table but donned a red Stanford cap after making his announcement at the school’s athletics complex.

“I feel like the hardest one I would regret passing up was Stanford – that’s kind of what just sealed the deal,” Costello, who lives in Coto de Caza, said.

“Unbelievable academic institution, incredible degree but most importantly, they’re up-and-coming on the football side, and that’s something I really want to be part of.”

Costello (6-5, 218) said he wrestled with his decision the past two months, flipping between the three final schools on his list. He finalized his decision on March 26.

“It’s been a hard two months, but now I just feel relieved,” he said.

Costello said he will now turn his focus to helping the Cardinal recruit. One of Costello’s best friends is teammate Dylan Crawford, a wide receiver at Santa Margarita who has been offered by Stanford among many schools.

“There’s no doubt I’m going to be in his ear,” Costello said.

Costello set 11 school passing records last season, including most yards in a season (3,122).

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com