In-state lineman jumps on CU offer

Less than 24 hours after receiving a scholarship offer from the Buffaloes, Highlands Ranch (Colo.) ThunderRidge offensive tackle Heston Paige was ready to make the call.

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Paige had been on Colorado's radar for a while, and he earned the offer after impressing the Buffaloes' staff during a small camp workout Thursday.

"I was so excited and blessed to have received an offer from CU," Paige expressed. "I was just glad that all the hard work paid off.

"[Offensive line] coach [Klayton] Adams and [head] coach [Mike] MacIntyre said they were impressed with my footwork and liked how my shoulders had gotten bigger. They said they could tell I had been working hard and they were satisfied with the results."

Paige received other offers from Air Force, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado and North Dakota. He was also drawing interest from Virginia, Northwestern, Cal, San Diego State and Illinois, among others.

Former CU and NFL lineman Matt McChesney, who trains him at his Six Zero Strength facility in Centennial, told BuffStampede.com earlier this week he believes Paige is one of the most underrated prospects in the Class of 2017.

"Really, really smart kid. Heady player; has a huge frame and is a great football player," McChesney said of Paige. "[His] dad (Bill Paige) played at UCLA."

A first-team all-league and second-team all-state selection as a junior, Paige lines up at left tackle for ThunderRidge. He could end up at either offensive tackle or offensive guard at the next level.

“I think the thing that stands out the most about me is my footwork because that is what I try to work on the most," he said. "And then I like to finish plays. I don't think it is fun to just block somebody five yards and not get them on the ground. I like to be physical and finish blocks.

“Some colleges have also said they like how I run and how athletic I am for my size. And they said they talked to my coaches and trainers and they just heard good things about what I do in the community."

Paige wants to study some form of Special Education in college. He wants to be involved with the Special Olympics after he graduates.