By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The college recruiting process can be hectic and a bit daunting for high school athletes.
But that wasn't the case for former Washburn Rural standout Caden Estrada, who basically needed just one visit to the Emporia State campus to know where he was headed.
Former Washburn Rural standout Caden Estrada (75) will play for the East in Saturday's Kansas Shrine Bowl at Dodge City. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I just love the culture there, so I had to do it,'' said Estrada, a 6-foot-2, 270-pound offensive lineman. "I went down there on my visit and really liked the coach (Garin Higgins), really liked the staff and it just felt like home.''
Estrada, who will play for the East in Saturday's Kansas Shrine Bowl at Dodge City, got a jump start on his college career with the other Hornet recruits last week.
"I went down there last week for freshman camp and it was great,'' said Estrada, an All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick last fall and a three-time All-Centennial League selection for Rural. "I did the workouts, did some conditioning and got to hang out with my teammates, so it was a good time.''
Estrada, who helped Rural advance to the Class 6A state semifinals as a junior, said the Shrine Bowl experience will also help prepare him for what's ahead.
"I think it totally will,'' he said. "Obviously we're getting better athletically, but also leadership-wise and playing for something bigger than ourselves, playing for the kids and all that, puts the game to the side and helps you mentally.''
Estrada expects to redshirt this fall, which he also thinks will benefit him in the future.
"Most freshmen do redshirt and I think that will help in understanding the playbook and stuff like that,'' Estrada said. "I think that will help tremendously because college is a whole different game. I'm super excited.''
Estrada is one of four city players on the East roster, along with Seaman quarterback Max Huston, wide receiver Bryer Finley (6-5, 195) and defensive lineman Kaden Jordan (6-2, 305).
Seaman coach Jared Swafford is an an East assistant coach.
