By Doug Petrowski

Mountlake Terrace junior Devante Downs has had a busy few days, running the football field Friday night, and running through the many calls from various sports media throughout the week. It was his efforts on the field that help the Hawks beat Shorecrest 28-0, and it was getting the attention of the University of Washington and University of Utah football coaches that led to all the attention from football writers.

Downs received scholarship offers from the football programs at Washington and Utah this past week. Following the offers, stories about Downs soon appeared at WashingtonPreps.com, NorthwestPrepReport.com, Scout.com, espn.com and the Everett Herald. All not only reported the news of the offers, but echoed the sentiment heard wherever Downs is seen running the football: This kid is pretty good!

The 6-3, 230-pound junior has been receiving attention since his freshman year, when he led the Wesco South conference in touchdowns. Downs had a big year as a sophomore, and is now leading the conference this season in a number of rushing categories. As a result, colleges are starting to not just watch Downs, but to come through with scholarship offers.

Back in August, Downs told NorthwestPrepReport.com that his first choice for college football would be Washington. “For me to be a Husky in the future would be a dream come true,” Downs said. But now he is non-committal, waiting to see what offers come, and from where. Other schools are expected to show interest in the running back/linebacker over the next year or so.

Downs has until April 2014 to make a final decision on where to play following his high school graduation in June of that year. Until then, and to the joy of Hawk fans, he will focus on the red and black of the Mountlake Terrace.