Don Ketchum
Former Staff Writer, AZPreps365.com

QB leads PV with Boise State commitment in his pocket

June 15, 2012 by Don Ketchum, AZPreps365


By Don Ketchum

The green grass of Arizona State’s practice fields felt good under the feet of Ryan Finley as the quarterback led Phoenix Paradise Valley in the recent 7-on-7 passing competition.

But not as good as the blue artificial turf at Boise State is going to feel.

Finley, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior-to-be at PV, made an oral commitment to Boise State in early March and is very excited about that decision.

The commitment came after a third visit (unofficial) to the school. Finley had received attention from several other schools, including ASU, but none had made an offer. Boise State was his first.

“I knew where I wanted to go,’’ Finley said.

“The success the program has had, coach (Chris) Petersen is a great coach, and the fact that it is a great atmosphere all helped me make my choice.’’

Finley will be joining a roster that already includes former PV player Ebenezer “Ebo’’ Makinde, a redshirt-junior cornerback.

The recruiting cloud won’t be hanging over Finley’s head this fall and he can go about the business of helping PV make a playoff run.

Finley passed for 2,908 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior and wants to improve upon those numbers. It will be a challenge, however, as the Trojans’ roster will feature many young players.

“We’re still learning, but we definitely have some potential with our young receivers,’’ Finley said. “We’ve been throwing pretty well out here (at ASU).’’

The quarterback is a natural leader, and Finley embraces that role.

“I enjoy that part of it, and hopefully we will be able to have a strong season,’’ he said.

He said he has done some work with former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer, refining his mechanics.

And although Boise State might have something to say about it, Finley said he is tentatively planning to continue to participate in basketball and track for the Trojans.