A couple months later I travel to Florida for the under-Armour all American game where I'll be making my verbal commitment on national television. I get to Florida where I'm assigned to team black for the game. I meet alot of the top players from around the country, getting to know a few of them for a few days as we get ready for the game. One player I've got a little closer to as we're both on defensive line, Daron, an Alabama commit.
"Where do you think you're heading Jay?"
"I'm really not sure"
"Aren't you supposed to verbally commit at the game tomorrow?"
"Yeah I am"
"And you still undecided?!?"
"It's hard man… Oregon is my dream school, USC is close to home and my family can come see me play on a regular basis, Michigan just hired Jim harbaugh who's coached some of the best players, and then there's Alabama, I mean what can you say about them they're always the best team in college football…. I just don't know man"
"Well whatever you choose, that school is getting a hell of a player"
"Thanks bruh"
"Don't mention it… but just think about it, me and you on the same defense at Alabama we're definitely winning a couple championships"
"That would be cool, I'll keep that in mind"
The next day at the game I only play one quarter before being subbed out to let other players get some playing time and so I won't get hurt. I'm on the sideline waiting to be brought up to make my verbal commitment, a million thoughts running through my mind, this is really happening and I'm lowkey freaking out. My dad sees me and comes up to me
"You alright?"
"Uhhh I think so… just freaking out a little"
My dad laughs
"Why?"
"Because I'm about to pick the college I'm going to be at for the next four years of my life and it's a tough decision"
"Yeah I know but you got this"
"Yeah… dad?"
"What's up?"
"Where do you and mom want me to go?"
"It doesn't matter where we want you to go, it's all up to you to make that decision and to carve out your own path. Whatever you choose we'll support it"
"Thanks dad"
"Alright now get ready you're up next"
About fifteen minutes go by and I'm called up to get ready for my decision, the five hats are laid out in front of me and I'm waiting for the signal.
The sideline reporter signals that we're about to start then begins.
"Alright we're back here with the number one player in the nation ready to make his verbal commitment to either USC, Oregon, Michigan, Alabama or Clemson. Alright Jay what's your decision"
"Before I make my decision I just want to thank my family for everything they've done for me these last eighteen years. my dad, uncles, my late grandfather and all the other coaches that have taught me everything I know since I was a little kid, and lastly all the colleges that showed interest in me and wanted to take a chance on a kid from California. With that being said I think I'm ready to make my decision…"
Time feels like it slowed down at that moment as I look at all the hats in front of me, before I can make my decision everything stops and buddy appears
"So this is it Jay. Do you know where you're going?"
"I'm kinda glad you showed up… because I still don't know"
"Oh my god! Are you serious?"
"This is hard man!"
"Look… all I can say is close your eyes and just listen to your heart"
"That's lowkey corny and typical to say don't you think?"
"Shut up and just think before I slap the shit out of you"
"That ain't very angel like"
I close my eyes for minute, just thinking of everything that got me here and thinking of every outcome that could possibly happen, every path I could take. I open my eyes and look at buddy and he speaks up
"Soooo…"
I smile at him
"I think I've made my decision"
"THANK GOD FINALLY! Alright imma rewind this shit back to when you finish saying the California kid thing"
Time goes back a little
"With that being said I think I'm ready to make my decision…."
I hover over the hats to build the suspense and hype up the decision, before speaking up and finally pick up the hat of the school.
"For the next four years I will be attending… the University of Southern California. Fight on"
I put on the hat and throw up the "fight on" hand gesture towards the camera as I hear everyone cheering me on. The reporter then starts talking
"There you have it, USC just picked up a huge commitment. Jay what ultimately led you to pick USC?"
"It was a tough decision but ultimately i wanted to stay close to home and help bring a title back to this historical football program and hopefully can put my name next to some of the greats like junior seau, Ronnie Lott, Troy Polamalu and countless others when it's all said and done"
"Well we look forward to seeing you playing on Saturday's soon. USC picks up their first commit of the day… and it's a big one, Jay Sanchez, the newest USC Trojan!"
I walk off the stage and my family starts giving me hugs and congratulating me. Then some of the players come over and congratulate me. I head to the locker room after the game ends and I check my phone, it's blowing up with messages, missed calls, notifications. I check some of the messages first and Dre is the latest one to text me.
"USC ✌️ congrats bro I'm proud of you"
"Thanks bro love you"
I go to Alexa's message next
"OMG you're staying in California, I can't wait to go to all your games and wear your jersey. Those colors definitely suit you too 😘"
"Thanks babe, I can't wait"
I spend the next fifteen minutes looking through all the messages, responding to as many as I can. Then looking through all the social media posts from family and friends. I sit at the locker for a few more minutes just soaking it all in, I can't believe I'm really going to be heading to USC.