One of West Boca’s biggest overall standouts has found his college home in the SEC.

Loia Valade, a dynamic ATH who has shown the ability to play on both sides of the ball, committed to Texas A&M on Tuesday evening. Valade picked the Aggies over Florida, Auburn, and Miami.

When I asked Valade about why he chose the Aggies, he highlighted a few different factors.

“In my opinion, they have the best cornerbacks coach in the country. They have the #1 recruiting class, they play in the SEC, and they made the College Football Playoff. They probably have the best fans in the country, too. I want to be a part of that, because in the next 3-4 years, they are going to be a team that is competing for a national championship.”

Additionally, Valade spoke about what made him lock in his decision to commit to Texas A&M.

“When I took my unofficial visit, I spent a lot of time with Coach BGA (Bryant Gross-Armiento), and that is what really made me commit. He is just such a genuine person, and he is an elite coach, too. He is a worker just like me, and once I go there, he is going to be a person who can push me to my best.”

In a class that has added impressive talent from the Sunshine State, Valade is another fantastic addition. He has the size and speed to make an immediate impact, especially at the defensive back position. During West Boca’s spring practices, I love how he ran with wideouts in coverage and flew downhill to make tackles on multiple occasions. Additionally, Valade has the leadership skills and upside to be a consistent mainstay on the field for the Aggies.

Tuesday wrapped up one of the more intriguing commitment cycles in Florida, with Valade finding his college home. Now, the defensive back will turn his sights toward helping his new high school teammates chase their third-straight state championship title.