Recruiting files: Darren Koontz

Player: Darren Koontz
School: Los Alamitos
Position: Defensive lineman

Committed to: Boise State

Trips he took: UCLA, Boise State

How was your trip to Boise State?
“I went when they played Nevada. I loved Boise a lot. After taking the visit and seeing the facilities and meeting the coaching staff and players, that sold it for me. My parents liked the counselors and how they make sure you get your work done and perform on the field. That was important for my parents. I really liked Boise (the city). It kind of reminded me of a smaller Orange County. I liked how it was a small town and it was all football. The weather is nice. They get four seasons. I’m not used to that, but I’m sure I’ll like it. You have to make sure you can picture yourself there for four years and I definitely can.”

How was your trip to UCLA?
“They have nice facilities. But it was unofficial. I met some of the coaches, we went into the locker room and watched the game. I think it was more just for me. They weren’t recruiting me as heavily. They kind of knew I was looking at them. And then the whole thing with the coaching staff (changes), that’s what I liked about Boise: they all knew they were staying.”

What was it like to be recruited?
“It’s a really cool feeling. I go up to Boise and everything’s done for you. All the places you’re going to, these people know who you are. It’s this out-of-the-world feeling. They’re doing all this stuff for you so they could pay for your school. It’s a dream come true. It’s something you always wanted and it’s finally happening. A lot of the schools, you might not be as interested in, they’re heavily recruiting you. I really didn’t take it as an annoyance, even if (I was) not interested."

Schools that offered him a scholarship: Boise State, Air Force
 
Schools that have shown interest in him: San Diego State, Wyoming

What is the strength of your commitment?
“Solid verbal. I’m not changing my mind. I’m waiting to sign in a couple weeks.”

What could change your mind, if anything?
“I did not want to commit just to commit. I made sure that’s what I really wanted. I thought, 'If I commit and UCLA offers me tomorrow, will I change my mind?' I wanted to make sure there wasn’t another school that would change my mind. I don’t think there’s any school that could change my mind. I thought about every school that I could have a possibility to go to, and it seems Boise is such a good fit for me.”

Did any schools try to sway you from choosing Boise State?
“There were a couple. They would call me and I told them I verbally committed. Some of them were like, 'We appreciate that. Good luck with your career there.' Some were like, 'You did make an early commitment, take all your visits. You should probably take those.' Instead of promoting (their school), they were trying to demote where I am going. I just have to keep telling them I’m committed. This is what I’m happy with."