This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Riverton linebacker Simeon Page is a tackling machine. He punishes people. The senior performed solidly as a sophomore, but truly emerged into state prominence during his junior season in 2014.

His stats were mesmerizing: state-leading 170 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, 18 quarterback-hurries, four caused-fumbles and three recovered fumbles.

But the fact he received zero college offers following his breakout season was equally as eye-opening. Page has continued his terror this season, recording 59 tackles (11.8 tpg) and five sacks through five games, and finally a program took notice, as Air Force extended an official scholarship offer, which Page committed to accepting on Tuesday.

"I thought right now would be a good time to commit, and I'm really happy to do so. I couldn't think of a better place to play," Page said.

Page said it would take a "pretty big school" to sway him away from Air Force. "I'm very committed," he said. "They were the first ones to give me an opportunity to pursue football at the next level."

Page joins Bingham linebacker Parker Workman, who committed to the Falcons earlier this year (Judge Memorial receiver Xavier Price also pledged to Air Force). The duo might be the two most underrated defenders in the state. Working in the shadows fuels Page, who said he relates to Arizona All-American linebacker Scooby Wright, who refers to himself as "Two-star Scooby" because of the lack of attention he received in high school.

"That's kind of a question I've been asking myself for months. It kind of dragged on, and it kind of gets disparaging after a while. I questioned it a lot," Page said when asked why he thought he was underappreciated by collegiate recruiters. "I think a lot of it is timing and what people are looking for. Not being a college coach myself, I don't know if I can make proper speculation, but people tell me I'm too short for a linebacker at the next level. I think coaches don't want to take the risk, but I can't let it get to me."

But most of all, Page, who plans to pursue his master's degree in health science, is ready for the opportunity to play football at the FBS level.

"It's one of the happiest nights of my life. I've wanted this ever since I was a kid. I don't want football to be over, it's a huge part of my life, and I love it. It's helped me become a better person. I will not take it for granted."

Who knows? Maybe one day Page will be called "Two-star Simeon."

— Trevor Phibbs

Twitter: @trevorphibbs