Colorado could have lost one of its prized in-state commitments, and there would be no blaming piracy on the high seas of recruiting.
Fortunately for the Buffaloes, a frigid inland pond didn’t claim three-star linebacker Will Pericak.
The 6-foot-4, 247-pound prospect from Boulder High School moved off the sports pages to the front page of the Boulder Daily Camera when he, his sister, Zoe, and a friend splashed into Boulder Reservoir for the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge.
The trio had a “Happy New Year” message on their backs, with the future Buff adding a smiley face.
To refresh memories, the temperature was in the low 20s that day when hundreds participated in the event.
“Yes, I regret to inform you that was my son,” Will’s father, Pat Pericak, said while confirming the identity of the splasher. “He said Coach (Dan) Hawkins talks about getting out of your comfort zone.”
Jumping into Boulder Reservoir in the winter certainly qualifies as leaving one’s comfort zone. Maybe the Buffs will be at a warm bowl site Jan. 1 if Pericak wants to make a tradition of going for a dip on New Year’s Day.
Phoenix mystery.
Another CU commitment — Phoenix Brophy Prep’s Ray Polk, rated the 12th-best running back in the country by — is reportedly visiting nearby Arizona State this weekend. Arizona State picked off two CU commitments a year ago.
Polk might be watching CU’s courtship of Darrell Scott, the top-rated back in the country.
Brophy won the Class 5A state title and Polk filled in at cornerback for Colorado State commitment Anthony Hooks. Brophy coach Scooter Molander, a former CSU quarterback, declined to say why Hooks missed the two most important games of the season. He said Hooks was still going to CSU, although one Internet recruiting website, , said Hooks had decommitted.
Wyoming lands QB.
If 6-4, 211-pound Dax Crum is as good as advertised, Wyoming will have the Mountain West’s second Arizona State quarterback transfer, after Max Hall led BYU to the MWC title. Crum walked on at ASU as a freshman in 2006, losing his scholarship offer after a prom-night traffic mishap. He crashed his car into a house, according to The Arizona Republic.
After redshirting in Tempe, he left for Mesa Community College after ASU hired Dennis Erickson as head coach. Crum took his team to a juco bowl and passed for 23 TDs with only six interceptions.
He will have three years of eligibility and, as a mid-year transfer, can get started in spring ball.
Under the radar.
All-Colorado defensive lineman Matthew Weems almost got lost in the coaching transition at Colorado State. Arapahoe High School coach Mike Campbell said some Big Sky schools are on the back burner while Weems awaits a Jan. 26 trip to Fort Collins. At 6-4 and 210 pounds, Weems’ lack of weight deterred more interest. Campbell compared him to current Rams defensive end starter Tommie Hill in terms of speed and mobility.
