BOYNTON BEACH – Chris DiLeo, Nicholas Consalvo, and Jaden Walker were lightly recruited high school football players at Somerset Academy Canyons.
Coming off distinguished careers at the rising charter school, they were not sure about their next destinations as far as college was concerned.
Enter the Orange Bowl Showcase, which featured hundreds of unsigned high school football seniors throughout the state of Florida and beyond. The sixth annual event took place on Feb. 12 at St. Thomas University in Miami.
Somerset Academy Canyons was one of 16 schools from Palm Beach County represented, with DiLeo (Cougars linebacker), Consalvo (Cougars defensive senior), and Walker emerging as standout performers.
DiLeo (66 solo tackles, 35 assisted tackles in his senior year) enjoyed the linebacker drills and the opportunity to speak with a host of colleges after the event wrapped up.
“My favorite part of the showcase was when we got to show off our talent in the position drills,” the 6-foot, 220-pound linebacker said. “It was a blast.”
Consalvo dominated his opposition in the 1-on-1’s drills between the wide receivers and defensive backs. He stood out in other areas as well.
“While getting reps through the drills and the 1-on-1’s, I was getting very helpful tips from the STU players and coaches,” the 6-foot-1, 165-pound defensive back said. “Some of the other people participating shared some tips as well. All around it was just a fun, friendly, and competitive atmosphere, and I really enjoyed the showcase because of that.”
As a result of Consalvo’s will to outplay his competition, he earned interest from almost every college after the showcase. It showed when he spoke to schools such as Webber International, Warner, and Mount Union.
“I enjoyed speaking with those schools”, Consalvo said. “But any schools that would give me the opportunity to play at the next level, I’m interested in.”
Consalvo said he would prefer to stay in his home state of Florida, but would be open to leaving his comfort zone for an opportunity to compete on the next level.
Walker (Cougars running back) performed at the Orange Bowl Showcase and spoke with colleges as well.
Let us fast forward to March 31, which is almost two months after the Orange Bowl Showcase.
On Thursday afternoon, the Somerset Canyons trio of seniors ended their respective recruiting journeys and signed with their colleges of choice.
Walker (5-foot-8, 195 pounds) went on to sign his letter of intent with the University of Fort Lauderdale.
Meanwhile, Consalvo (45 tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions as a senior) made his choice to sign with Webber.
Consalvo spoke on his final decision.
“It’s the location,” said Consalvo, who also had 525 receiving yards and three touchdowns as a senior for Somerset Canyons. “It’s not far from home, but it’s not close as well. Webber, being two hours away, will let me get that college experience. But I can also drive home and see my family and friends.”
As for DiLeo, he chose to stay even closer to home by signing with Keiser.
“it feels like a dream being able to continue my football career, achieving the first part of my dream,” DiLeo said. “The second part of my dream is to take this all the way to the league (NFL).”
Somerset Academy Canyons head coach Alex Gonzalez spoke on his seniors achieving their respective milestone moments yesterday (March 31).
“All three of them are deserving and have earned themselves the opportunity to play at the next level,” Gonzalez said. “I am extremely proud of them and cannot wait to see what they do at the next level. They all chose a place where they can be successful for the next 4-5 years. They have represented Somerset Canyons Football the right way.”
PLEASE NOTE: Somerset Canyons flag football senior Rachel Feierstein also signed yesterday to continue her sport on the next level. She is set to play for the Keiser women’s flag football team for the next few years ahead.
As for the Somerset Canyons football program, a total of four seniors have signed to colleges. In addition to the three aforementioned players, quarterback Benson Barnes signed with St. Thomas on National Signing Day on Feb. 2.
PHOTO CREDITS: Alex Gonzalez
