Carson's Sula is headed to Boise State

By Tony Ciniglio, Staff Writer

Article Launched: 03/20/2008 04:55:29 AM PDT

Carson's Jack Sula, the reigning Daily Breeze Player of the Year, has committed to Boise State, the linebacker and running back told the Daily Breeze on Wednesday.

Sula, a standout linebacker and running back, ended a wait of 42 days since national signing day passed.

"I'm happy with where I'm at right now," Sula said. "I would not change anything. I'm happy with my decision and I stand by it."

Sula did not sign immediately, instead weighing his options. He also had offers from Fresno State, San Diego State and Louisiana Tech.

UCLA showed late interest after several linebackers backed off their commitments, but the Bruins never offered Sula a scholarship.

In the end, it was Boise State, the team that won the Fiesta Bowl in a wild 43-42 overtime victory over Oklahoma in 2007 in one of college football's most memorable games.

"It's a good fit for Jack, and it's a steal for Boise," Carson coach Mike Christensen said. "I told Coach (Chris) Petersen that Jack was the best all-around player I've coached, just his attitude, his ability. He should do very well. I told him that it would not surprise me if Jack leads them back to the Fiesta Bowl or a BCS game."

Sula established himself as a premier running back in the South Bay, rushing for 1,896 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 288 receiving yards and three more touchdowns last season. As a junior, he rushed for 1,834 yards.

But he was just as impressive on the defensive end of the ball, making 108 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions as a linebacker

He was the one player in the South Bay who could change the game on either side of the ball. He helped Carson go through the Marine League unbeaten and advance to the L.A. City Section title game.

"He's going to be an outside linebacker at Boise, and we'll see what happens from there," Christensen said. "Once they see him running the ball, it might be hard to keep him off the field."

Sula joins a program that had won five straight Western Athletic Conference titles before last season, and he said that was a major factor in his decision.

"That tells me they are serious about winning games and championships," Sula said. "The one thing I didn't want to do was to go to a losing team. With Boise State, that's definitely not an issue.

"Boise's got a great football atmosphere. When I was tripping, everyone there was about Boise football. In Carson, that's what people worry about too, Carson football. I came from that kind of city and winning mentality, and it brushed off. Boise State is definitely the place for me."