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Dave Peck has had plenty of Division I players. By now, he knows what it takes to play at the next level.
That's why it was so baffling to him that senior linebacker Drake Miller, one of his captains and top playmakers, was still in the hunt for a scholarship. He had sent out film and heard good feedback, but no offers came for Miller.
"He's running away with our Defensive Player of the Year," Peck said. "He's as fundamentally sound as any of the guys we've had here. With everything the kid has done, I was kind of shocked."
Last week, at long last, an offer came. Only three days after speaking with him for the first time, Hawaii decided it liked Miller so much, it would free up a scholarship for him.
On Oct. 20, the Rainbow Warriors offered. The next day, Miller accepted.
"It was really quick: They liked my stuff and told me if they were going to offer me, I'd have to commit early," Miller said. "It seemed to like a great opportunity. I think I can go in there and compete for a spot right away."
Miller has been one of the standout players for the Miners this year, leading the team with 87 tackles and adding four sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown.
Several of his teammates have already pledged to DI programs in the last year, so he heard from a few of them after news of his commitment leaked out.
"They all kinda jumped on me and were pretty excited for me," he said. "They knew what it was like."
Peck said he was glad to see closure to a long process for one of his star players. He wasn't sure why the offers were slow to come, but thought it might have something to do with a subpar camp performance over the summer when Miller came down with an illness that cut some of his weight.
But finally, in the midst of his senior season, Miller can stop worrying about the future as Bingham continues its quest for another state title.
"It makes you feel so proud," Peck said. "Everyone feels real good about it."
Corner Canyon still hiring coaches
Draper's new high school Corner Canyon, opening next year, is looking for candidates to lead its boys' and girls' soccer programs.
The school is accepting applications through the end of this week, No. 2 at 4 p.m. Hopefuls can apply through the Canyons School District website.
The Chargers will begin competition next fall.
— Kyle Goon
Twitter: @kylegoon