Marshall Lobbestael didn’t delay. He decided that the first offer was the best.
Lobbestael, a senior quarterback at Oak Harbor High School, verbally committed to play football for Washington State University on Friday.
Lobbestael – who has passed for 2,084 yards and 28 touchdowns this season to help Oak Harbor reach the Class 4A state quarterfinals – received a scholarship offer during a Friday evening phone call with WSU quarterbacks coach Timm Rosenbach. Lobbestael, a three-year starter, said he thought about it for about 30 minutes, then phoned Rosenbach and accepted the offer – the only one he’s had so far.
“It was just a really good opportunity,” the senior said, “and I just felt like I should take advantage of it.”
Lobbestael took an official recruiting visit to Pullman last month and said he liked the positive team atmosphere.
“I think it’s really similar to the one we have (at Oak Harbor),” said Lobbestael, whose high school team plays Skyview on Saturday in the state quarterfinals.
Lobbestael, also a standout pitcher and shortstop in baseball, had not received any other offers for either sport.
“It’s a great fit for him. I think he’s got the potential (to succeed in college football),” Oak Harbor coach Dave Ward said. “He’s athletic and smart and he’s got three good (prep varsity) years under his belt.”
Lobbestael can sign a binding NCAA letter of intent on Feb. 7, 2007.
In past seasons, Oak Harbor passed the ball about 15 times per game, Ward said, but this fall Lobbestael has averaged nearly 23 pass attempts. The Wildcats’ increased success through the air has given them a potent, balanced offense.
Ward said Lobbestael excels with of a combination of poise under pressure, intelligence and athleticism. He’s also a good listener who works well with a talented group of teammates, said Ward: “He’s fortunate that he’s been able to have good receivers to throw to.”
The receivers are pretty fortunate too.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
