NOTES: Cimarron QB Morefield goes from overlooked to Midshipmen recruit

Derek Morefield didn’t receive any interest from Division I schools during his senior season at Cimarron-Memorial. Next week, he is expected to sign a letter of intent to play football at Navy.

And it’s all thanks to one email.

“This came out of nowhere,” Morefield said Tuesday.

Morefield, a 5-foot-11-inch, 185-pound quarterback, made an oral commitment to the Midshipmen after a whirlwind recruiting process that began less than two weeks ago. His commitment is nonbinding, and the first day he can sign is Feb. 4.

“He’s one of those guys that does things the right way, he’s got good character and he’s a good leader,” Cimarron coach John Parcells said. “It’s a perfect fit for him. It kind of came together real quick, and they love him.”

Morefield said he considered walking on at UNLV, but sent an email to Navy offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ivin Jasper with his highlight video and a personal statement on Jan. 17. Two days later, Morefield met with Navy linebackers coach Steve Johns, who was already in Las Vegas recruiting, and Jasper and Johns visited Morefield at Cimarron on Monday.

Navy extended an offer later Monday, according Morefield, and he immediately committed. Morefield is scheduled to take an official visit to the school in Annapolis, Md., this weekend.

“This is a big dream come true. Two weeks ago, I wasn’t talking to any colleges about playing quarterback, and I felt overlooked,” Morefield said. “This is a blessing, and I’m grateful. It’s a testament to my teammates who made me look good and my coaches.”

As a senior, Morefield completed 46 percent of his passes for 1,421 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He added six rushing TDs and believes the Midshipmen’s option offense suits his skill set as a quarterback.

Morefield, who was elevated to a two-star prospect by Rivals.com after his commitment, will be the first Cimarron player to sign a letter of intent with a Division I school since 2007, according to Parcells.

■ SANCHEZ ADDS TO HONORS — Former Bishop Gorman coach Tony Sanchez was named the Rawlings National High School Coach of the Year, American Football Monthly announced Tuesday.

Sanchez, who was hired as the head coach at UNLV last month, led the Gaels to a 15-0 record and their sixth straight large-school state title. Sanchez was previously named national coach of the year by USA Today.

■ LOCAL PICKED FOR U.S. TEAM — Basic freshman Jordan Gallegos was selected to the U.S. Under-16 National Team that will compete Saturday in the International Bowl, USA Football announced.

The Under-16 team will play Team Canada at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It is the second straight year Gallegos, a defensive back, was chosen to participate in the event, which features fives games involving high school-aged U.S. national teams.

■ RECENT COMMITMENTS — Mojave senior Ty Flanagan to Idaho State for football. … Bishop Gorman senior Jackson Perry to Dartmouth for football after the defensive lineman decommitted from Vanderbilt.

Contact reporter David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidSchoenLVRJ.