Ever since making his visit to Lincoln, Darien Chase was sold on Nebraska.
On Wednesday morning, the Union High School star made it official, signing his letter of intent to play football for the Cornhuskers on the first day of early signing period for college football.
“It’s different from anywhere else I’ve been in the country, honestly.” Chase said after verbally committing to the Cornhuskers. “The game day, the vibe, the people. It’s different from everywhere else.
“I love it.”
Chase was one of the most highly recruited players to come out of Clark County in recent seasons. Chase said his choice boiled down to Nebraska and Boise State after being pursued by the likes of Washington, Oregon, Oregon State and Utah.
“He came on his visit to the Minnesota game, fell in love, committed and he’s been solid ever since,” Troy Walters, Nebraska’s offensive coordinator, said Wednesday. “Great family. The family has friends out here in Nebraska. So he can’t wait to get here.”
Chase’s Union teammate, Dumitru Salagor, signed with Montana. Salagor is a 6-foot-6, 250-pound All-Region offensive lineman.
Two other Clark County standouts made their choices official on Wednesday as well, as Brock Harrison of Ridgefield and Dawson Ingram of Camas signed with Eastern Washington.
Harrison, a linebacker, was the 2A Greater St. Helens League defensive player of the year. Ingram is a 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end.
Chase caught 62 passes for 995 yards and 14 touchdowns in helping Union win the 4A state championship. He was also the 4A Greater St. Helens League defensive player of the year at cornerback.
The Seattle Times named him the co-state player of the year, sharing the honor with his teammate, quarterback Lincoln Victor.
“Tremendous young man, versatile athlete, plays offense, plays defense, plays special teams .. so he can help in a number of different ways,” Walters said. “He’s a winner, comes from a winning program. Loves football, passionate, excited about being a Cornhusker. We can’t wait to get him on campus in June, start working with him because he’s going to add a lot of value to this receiving corps.”
