In last-minute development, Yelm's Kyler Ronquillo decides to join Princeton football

Typical of his football-playing style, Yelm's Kyler Ronquillo was left in scramble mode in recruiting.

A longtime Portland State University pledge, the Tornados' multi-year all-state wide receiver was informed the week before signing day that his scholarship offer was no longer available.

Suddenly, he was a teenager without a next-level home. Most of the universities that once recruited him had already filled their 2023 recruiting class, and had no money left to offer.

Fortunately, one program took a hard second look.

And it all came together quickly as Ronquillo, after a quick cross-country visit, decided to sign in the Ivy League as a cornerback with Princeton University.

"Portland State left me with $1 in my pocket," Ronquillo said, "and I bought a lottery ticket and won."

At the time of signing day Feb. 1, Ronquillo was the highest-ranked unsigned senior prospect in Washington at No. 25, according to 247Sports.com.

He had preferred walk-on offers from Washington, Washington State University, Boise State and Idaho, but Yelm's do-everything performer who created one of the biggest-buzz highlight plays in WIAA championship history in helping his school to the Class 3A title wanted something more than that.

And it came through.

Rob Hill, the Tornados' athletic director, connected ex-Central Washington University football teammate E.J. Henderson, who is the defensive backs coach at Princeton, to tell him that Ronquillo was available.

Henderson watched Ronquillo's senior-year film, who then approached coach Bob Surace about finding a way to add him to the class of recruits.

The Tigers did - and Ronquillo and his family were on a flight out to New Jersey on Feb. 3 for a weekend visit.

"Once I got there, it felt like home," said Ronquillo, who holds a 3.95 grade-point average. "I loved it there."

A few days later, Ronquillo jumped on the opportunity, giving the program a firm commitment.

"After the second night (on my visit), even though I didn't announce it to the coaches, I knew I was going to commit there," Ronquillo said. "I let it sit for two days, and then told them - and my parents, who were stoked."