Trio of local football players commit to schools at the next level

RIO RANCHO — It was quite the weekend for college football commitments, and the final domino came when the Moses Sparks Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Utah July 5.

Currently, Sparks is the blindside protector for the Cleveland Storm and is a three-star prospect, according to 247 Sports.

Sparks has been a starter for Cleveland since his sophomore year and has shown the versatility to play any spot on the offensive line. This past season, Sparks was a first-team All-District and first-team All-Metro selection.

Other local talent making their verbal commitments were Cleveland’s Elijah Richards and Cibola’s Hayes Baum, who lives in Rio Rancho.

“It felt really good choosing UNM for the next three to four years to go play college football because the legacy and the family they’re building down there is just one of a kind,” Richards said.

Richards plays edge and tight end for the Storm and was a second team All-District selection last year.

“I had seven other offers I could’ve gone to, but no one else showed me love like the University of New Mexico did. So, I couldn’t be more grateful for the position I’m in and couldn’t thank my coaches, teammates and family members more for helping me get to this point and the next four years coming up ... and we’re gonna be something special, “ Richards said.

Also, joining Richards at UNM next season is Hayes Baum who plays safety, tight end, edge and was the top recruit in the state as an off-ball linebacker.

“UNM felt like the right choice for me because it’s where I’m from, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stay home and represent my community. I have a deep connection to this place, and being able to play for my hometown team means a lot to me,” Baum said.

Baum has played varsity since his freshman year, and so far in his career has racked up 182 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, six sacks and three interceptions.

“The coaching staff really stood out as well. I was impressed by their vision for the program and how detailed and committed they are in developing players both on and off the field. I truly believe in what they’re building here, and I want to be a part of that growth,” Baum said.