State’s top recruit changes mind on national signing day — PHOTOS

Bishop Gorman’s football players made their share of noise on the field while winning a fourth consecutive state title this season.

On Wednesday, 12 of them made some noise off the field. A dozen Gaels signed their financial aid agreements (formerly letters of intent) with a variety of colleges on national signing day.

Gorman coach Brent Browner said 10 more will sign in February.

“This is not normal,” Browner said of his squad’s large number of recruits. “It’s a blessing. It shows these young men’s hard work and dedication, and it shows their development. We have a great coaching staff, and that’s the reason why these guys are going where they’re going.”

Gaels wide receiver Derek Meadows, Nevada’s top recruit according to 247Sports, wasn’t sure about his choice until an hour before Wednesday’s event. After originally agreeing to play at LSU, he flipped to Alabama at the last moment.

“I have a great relationship with the coaching staff at Alabama,” the four-star recruit said. “I feel like they will develop me and take me to the places I want to go.”

Although Meadows said he’s not quite sure what to expect at Alabama, he knows the Crimson Tide have won 18 national championships.

“I expect the coaches to push me to be my best,” Meadows said. “So we can win another national championship.”

Offensive lineman SJ Alofaituli, Nevada’s No. 2 recruit, signed to play at Miami (Florida). He credited his experience at Gorman for much of his success.

“There’s no doubt it’s been a blessing to start here for four years,” Alofaituli said. “It’s taken a lot of hard work and conditioning. Now I’ll be going to Miami, which I chose because of their offensive line development. That will be very good for me.”

Also on the list of Gorman signees was Jason Arredondo (Tulane), Kawika Hallums (Hawaii), Alema Iosua (Arizona State), Champ Kapanui (San Jose State), Keala Loo (Southern Utah), Landon McComber (Stanford), Sione Motuapuaka (Utah), Alexander Perez (Air Force), Stewart Taufa (Boise State) and Douglas Utu (Oregon).

Outside of Gorman, Coronado’s JJ Buchanan, Nevada’s No. 4 recruit, is heading to Utah as a two-way player.

Arbor View’s Christian Thatcher also signed to play at Utah. The linebacker finished his high school career as the state’s all-time leader in total tackles with 443. Teammate and former basketball standout Brian Townsend, a tight end and defensive end, committed to San Diego State after just one year of playing football.

Two local players will remain in Las Vegas to play at UNLV — Palo Verde linebacker Alexander Green and Liberty defensive lineman Eliah Logo.

Contact Jeff Wollard at jwollard@reviewjournal.com.