Cleveland receiver Jacob Maldonado commits to UNM

RIO RANCHO — Cleveland High School wide receiver Jacob Maldonado announced his verbal commitment to play football for the University of New Mexico Lobos Aug. 7.

“After talking with my family, we both came to the conclusion that UNM was best for me and my family,” Maldonado said.

He also mentioned that he loved the coaching staff and that he would be close to home.

According to New Mexico Varsity Football, Maldonado was the top wide receiver prospect in the state of New Mexico and is the second member of the Storm family to commit to UNM, the other being linebacker Elijah Richards.

“I want to thank my coaches and trainers, Carl and Logan Bruere, and Dwyane Davis, who molded my football career since I was a little boy,” he said.

Last season, Maldonado led the Storm in all receiving categories, finishing the season with 50 catches, 960 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns. He was also a First Team All-District selection, a First-Team All-Metro selection, and an All-State selection.

Based on rankings provided by Prep Redzone New Mexico, Maldonado is the leader of the most talented arsenal of weapons in New Mexico football. Other special skill players on the team other than Maldonado include Ajay Vigil, Evan Nanez, Samuel Bustillos, Noah Escudero and Karson Weddle, to name a few.

“Most importantly, I’d like to thank God for blessing me with an opportunity to play the game I’ve loved since I was a little boy. This is only the start. Go Lobos!” Maldonado said.

With the verbal commitment made, Maldonado will have his sights on helping Cleveland chase its second straight state title.

The Storm will open the season on the road against the Centennial Hawks at 1 p.m. Aug. 23.