Twelve Bridges' Hogge signs with Nevada Reno

Twelve Bridges senior Colton Hogge made his college plans official Wednesday, signing with the University of Nevada, Reno and becoming the first Division I football commit in school history. Hogge's decision was the culmination of years of preparation, early exposure to the recruiting process and a strong connection with a Wolf Pack program he believes is on the rise. "Everything about them just stood out," Hogge said on why he chose Nevada. "As a football program, I've always believed they're on an upward swing. I'm so excited to be part of a building program like that. They had everything we wanted to see and they believed in me. You don't get that from a lot of programs." Hogge said Nevada's track record of developing offensive linemen was another major factor. The Wolf Pack have produced multiple long-term NFL starters in recent years, including Cleveland Browns All-Pro Joel Bitonio and New England Patriots lineman Austin Corbett. "One of the big selling points was how much work Bitonio still does with the O line there and how strong the pipeline is to the NFL," said Hogge. "Nevada is such a storied program, that was huge for me." Hogge began taking football and recruiting seriously earlier than most. His father played Division I football, and by eighth grade, Hogge was already attending college camps and visiting campuses. "We started early," Hogge said. "In eighth grade, we were already looking at different programs. Sac State was my first camp. That's kind of what you have to do these days." Nevada's interest dates back several years, but the relationship intensified following a strong offseason camp performance. "We actually visited Nevada my freshman year, before Coach (Jeff) Choate and the current staff were there," Hogge said. "They were just kind of on the board back then. But this last offseason, I really impressed at a camp, and they were like, 'We've got to go get this guy.' From there, it was full go." Now, as he prepares to move on to the Mountain West Conference, Hogge hopes his journey can serve as an example for future Raging Rhinos, including his younger brothers, who are already in the program. Said Hogge, "All I can do is hope, but I think I've set a good precedent for what a player can do here. I'd love to see it passed down through future classes. A Twelve Bridges athlete can achieve big things."