Darien Chase opts for Nebraska

Union wide receiver says he will sign with Cornhuskers

Darien Chase, who earlier had offers for the Pac-12, opted instead to join the Big Ten Conference. Chase, a senior from Union, made his decision public on Twitter on Thursday afternoon, choosing Nebraska to continue his football career. The Cornhuskers offered Chase a scholarship a couple weeks ago. He went for an official visit to the college last week. “Coming back from that visit, I had a feeling I’ve never really had before coming off a visit,” Chase said. “The opportunity there, the fan base, the culture, the players, the coaches. Just too much to turn down. I loved it.” Recruited as a wide receiver by some and a defensive back by others, he said he prefers offense. Nebraska and Boise State wanted him as a receiver, too. He announced on Wednesday that those were his final two. By Thursday afternoon, he made it "Twitter official" with his announcement. “Thank you to everyone in my life that has gotten me to where I am today,” he posted on Twitter. After careful consideration, he noted, he is “1000% committed” to Nebraska.

Earlier in the recruiting season, he had reported offers from Washington, Oregon, Oregon State, and Utah. In fact, he had planned on picking between them in August. Chase delayed his own personal deadline when he not certain. “It turned out to be the best thing I’ve ever done,” Chase said, noting the extra time gave him more choices. “I’m really happy but I’m also very relieved that I’m done with the recruiting stuff. Glad I found a new home, and I will be all-in for Nebraska.” Naturally, he talked to family members about his decision. He also shared the news with a couple of close friends before going public. “They're just really happy for me,” Chase said. The traditional signing period for football players begins in February but Chase said he intends to take advantage of the early signing period. The plan now is to sign Dec. 19. In June, ClarkCountyToday.com had a three-part series on recruiting, including this story on Chase: This season, Chase and the Union Titans are 8-0 and ranked No. 1 in the Class 4A state poll by The Associated Press. Union takes on Camas on Friday for the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League title. The state preliminary playoffs are the following week.