Three more players who made The Denver Post’s all-Colorado football team in 2005 announced oral commitments to play in college Monday – one heading out of state and two remaining here.
Evan Eastburn, an offensive lineman at Fairview in Boulder, committed to Maryland; two-way back J.T. Baum of Columbine in Jefferson County announced he will head to Colorado School of Mines; and defensive end-linebacker Joe Silipo of Cherry Creek committed to Northern Colorado.
Eastburn, 6-feet-2, 285 pounds, once played all offensive line positions and fullback, and on defense in a game for the Knights. The center chose Maryland because of its coaching staff, tradition, location, conference (Atlantic Coast) and commitment to academics.
“The emphasis they put on the academic side of college football is great,” Eastburn said. “I think that gets a little neglected (elsewhere).”
Baum (6-0, 195) was one of Class 5A’s leading rushers, scorers and defensive backs despite not playing the game throughout his high school career. He helped the Rebels to a three-way tie for the Jeffco title in 2005 and into the state quarterfinals.
Silipo (6-3, 230), solid as a junior in the Bruins’ state runner-up finish, was instrumental in last season’s playoff showing. He also was the team’s long snapper.
National signing day is Feb. 1.
