HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Chasing a dream

Editor's note: Daniel Vega is a senior at Cedar Rapids Xavier who recently de-committed from Illinois State and will sign Wednesday with Wyoming. A member of Xpress newspaper staff, here is Vega's recruiting tale:

By Daniel Vega, Xavier senior

It was stressful, but it was all about chasing my dream to play in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

My journey began my sophomore year. My brother made a highlight tape he sent to almost every major college around the country. Almost every school responded, most just to let us know they had received the video.

The summer before my junior year was when I had to prove my abilities. The first camp I attended was at Kansas State. I had done enough to get their attention. I was later invited to one of their Junior Days (after my junior season in February) — a recruiting day when top prospects visit and chat with coaches and get a tour of the campus and facilities.

Later that summer, I attended a camp at Iowa State where I shined in the coaches eyes.

Coach Paul Rhoads really liked how I played and moved for my size. They watched me closely in drills. They invited me to games that season and to ISU's Elite Junior Day.

Last summer was my last chance to get a D-I offer. I had offers from almost every Missouri Valley Football Conference team, but I had always dreamed of playing FBS. I knew I had the senior season to turn heads, but I really wanted to shine in the summer.

After the championship game last fall, the stress finally sunk in when I still had no FBS offers. My dream had been to play in all kinds of bowl games. But realizing I had good offers from great schools, I had to make a decision to take the stress off me and my parents.

On Dec. 10 at 7:29 p.m., I committed to Illinois State University. I felt I had made the right choice. The school, campus, and coaches seemed perfect. My parents were happy with the school and that they would be able to watch me play.I was extremely happy with the choice. Then Wyoming offered.

When that came in, I knew I had to at least check out the place. It was my chance to play FBS football, and my dream could become reality if I liked the school.

After my visit, 'like' was an understatement. I loved everything about Wyoming. The scenery, the coaches, the campus, the facilities. Everything was top-notch.

This was when I realized my dream would become a reality.

On Jan. 23, at 1:17 p.m., I sent a Facebook message to one of the defensive line coaches telling him, 'I'm in!' I later called to give him the same message.

I am still in love with the school. Having a Xavier teammate (Cole Turner) on the way to Wyoming also was a selling factor.

My family will be farther away, but it's all about chasing a dream.