Delacenserie Signs With Idaho State

Big Sky is the limit for Wasatch All-State Quarterback

BY KENNY BRISTOW

Wave Sports Writer

Wasatch quarterback James Delacenserie, center, signs his national letter of intent to play football at Idaho State University.  Pictured with James, left to right is his mother Nancy Delacenserie, father Rick Delacenserie, Wasatch Head Football Coach Steve Coburn and Wasatch Assistant Coach/Offensive Coordinator Craig Davis.

All eyes turned to college football on this day as thousands of high school prospects made their intentions known about their football futures and signed their national letters of intent.  Among those sought after prospects was Wasatch High School  quarterback James Delacenserie, who spent this past fall compiling passing numbers worthy of nation wide attention.

Delacenserie, who has had conversations with many schools the past couple of years and visits to big time football programs such as Oklahoma State, chose Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho as his college football destination.  The 6’3”, 225 lb senior carried himself with ease throughout the morning as he signed his letter in the presence of his family, coaches and friends on the Wasatch campus.  “I’m really excited and very happy with my choice,” James said proudly.  “It’s been a long process and I’m relieved it’s over.  Now it’s just time to get to work.”

Wasatch Offensive Coordiantor, Craig Davis, left and Head Coach Steve Coburn proudly watch their former star commit to becoming a Bengal.

James cited several reasons for his decision.  He knew he would choose to go to a Division 1 program, but wanted the opportunity to compete for playing time right away.  He said he preferred the idea of having a good four-year college football career instead of just one or two years, and not have to wait three or four years down the road.  “I had been leaning towards ISU for awhile,” said the Region 10 Offensive MVP.  “It was great to get the attention and have the conversations with some of the other schools, but I knew deep down that Idaho State was where I wanted to go,” he added.  

Playing close to home in the Big Sky Conference was another deciding factor.  Many of the schools in the conference are just a short trip away from his home in Summit County and close enough for his family to attend.  Plus for the next several years the Bengals will play a game each season at BYU or Utah just down the mountain from his home in Park City.  James’ parents, Rick and Nancy Delacenserie are pleased about that.  “It will be a lot of fun to watch James play against Utah – right here at home,” Rick said.  “But Pocatello is just a few hours away so we plan on taking in as many games as possible.” 

The Delacenseries, mother Nancy and father Rick, are extremely proud of their son and happy he chose to play his college ball close to home.

Delacenserie made a couple of trips to the campus where he took a liking to the coaching staff and got along really well with the Bengal players he met during his visits.  He immediately felt at home talking to Head Coach Mike Kramer and other members of the coaching staff about their style of offense.  “I think the offense is perfect for me,” James commented.  “They run a fast-paced spread and throw the ball a lot, and that is pretty exciting for a quarterback,” he added.

The final, and most important point in his decision, was the academic standard that ISU holds its football program to.  Delacenserie, who carries a 4.0 GPA and considers himself a serious student, will be enrolling in the Honors Program and majoring in Engineering.  He plans to attend summer school at the beginning of July so he can get a head start on his classes, acclimate himself to the campus and his surroundings and of course get in some summer football workouts.

During a live on-camera interview with the Wasatch High School television outlet, Delacenserie and his former coach had the chance to answer a couple of questions. “We couldn’t be more proud of James,” said Steve Coburn his Head Coach at Wasatch High School.  “He really came through for us as a team leader this year… not only on the field, but off it as well,” the coach added.  “I think he’s made an excellent choice with Idaho State.  Their Engineering program is well respected and I know that was important to James.  He’s also picked a football program where I believe he will factor in very soon.”  James, as humble as he is a gifted quarterback, used his on-air time to credit his teammates.  “I just want to say thanks to everyone on our team.”

Wasatch Head Coach Steve Coburn speaks about James' decision during a live on camera interview in the Wasatch High School television studio. 

So now, Delacenserie trades in his black and gold for black and orange and takes his gaudy passing statistics - 6,174 passing yards (14^th all time, State of Utah); 70 TD passes (10^th all time, State of Utah); 80 total TDs (16^th all time, State of Utah) - to Holt Arena on the ISU campus.  Wasatch certainly losses a legend in James, but he will always be a Wasp.  A wasp now flying high in the Big Sky.