Cordell Broadus broke free from Southern California to breathe a little, to slow down somewhat from all the hubbub and TMZ reporting, to live a more normal high school life. Then again, when youre the son of a celebrity the scope of Snoop Dogg — born Calvin Broadus — words such as normal, ordinary, and common, dont seem to apply. Especially when youre a big-time college football recruit like Cordell, a fluid and strong 6-foot-3, 195-pound receiver, the No. 11 receiver (114th overall) in the country for his class, according to 247Sports. But talk to his new brethren in the scorching, wide open spaces of Nevada, at his new high school Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), and youll hear nothing but words like grounded, humble, well-rounded and even mild-mannered. He smiles often around his new teammates, slaps hands, jokes and even hugs. One week into his senior year, one game into the season, the transfer from Diamond Bar (Calif.) said between the school, his teammates and coaches, the student body, the college-like facilities, the big-time program — the Gaels are ranked No. 9 by MaxPreps and No. 1 by USA Today — the move couldnt be going much more perfectly. Its also a good, clear place to figure out his college choice. His finalist are reportedly UCLA, USC, Notre Dame, Oregon State and Florida State. He said Saturday that his recruiting is wide open. I really like it out here, he said. Its quiet. Its a great atmosphere to just focus on academics and football. Im just trying to focus on those two things, and then ball out on Fridays. He called last Friday, which featured a raucous pep rally followed by an impressive 44-0 win over Brophy Prep (Phoenix) before 6,000 brightly-orange clad fans, one of the best days hes ever had in school. He didnt have a big game by his standards — four catches for 35 yards and no touchdowns. But afterward he soaked in all the orange. He was mobbed by Gormans student body. He took countless photos, slapped countless hands, gave numerous hugs. He embraced it all, like his teammates have embraced him (Broadus transferred to Gorman in January). Hes obviously a great kid, said senior two-way lineman Jackson Perry, a 3.75 student who has football offers to Nebraska, UCLA and Ivy Leagues schools. Hes very stout, but also very quiet. I dont think we were expecting him to be as quiet as he is. Said Notre Dame-bound safety Nicco Fertitta: I dont think of him as a celebrity kid. I think of him as a humble kid, a well-round individual. If you didnt know who he was, youd have no idea that hes the son of a famous rapper. Hes such a good individual. Hes the type of guy you want to be around. Said senior co-captain and middle linebacker Nela Otukolo, who transferred from Hawaii before his junior year: The dude has made not just a huge impact on our team, but the school in general. The student body loves him. Hes just the type of kid everyone rallies around. It might help that Gorman kids and faculty are used to celebrity athletes and their sons on campus. Last years starting quarterback, Randall Cunningham Jr., is the son of the former NFL quarterback by the same name. The basketball team has Julian Payton (son of NBA Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton), the baseball squad, Chase Maddux (son of Hall of Fame pitcher Gregg Maddux). Fertitta, himself, is the son of UFC Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Fertitta. The granddaddy of all celebrities is Biaggio Walsh, a sophomore running back on the team and the grandson of Muhammad Ali. He and Broadus have formed a nice bond, and can certainly relate to living in, out and around fame. In fact, Walsh and Broadus were first acquainted at a star-studded Ali birthday party in Las Vegas two years ago at which Snoop Dogg performed. What I really like about Cordell is he has so much going for him being a great football player and being the son of Snoop Dogg, but yet hes just this super nice and humble kid, Walsh said. He could be arrogant and get away with it, but he chooses not to. That makes him so much cooler. As good as the change of scenery has been for Broadus, he cant seem to get away from the Southland. By coincidence, Gorman coach Tony Sanchez scheduled four Southern California opponents, starting Friday against Servite (Anaheim), the nations No. 12 team, at Cerritos College. Upwards of 25,000 fans are expected for the regionally televised game, about 100 of them being Broadus family. Hes also quite familiar with many of the Servite players, including highly-touted quarterback Travis Waller. The two exchanged good-natured barbs at Nikes The Opening during the summer in Oregon. We just talked about how were going to get after it on Aug. 29, Broadus said. Those guys (at Servite) are great guys and competitors. I cant wait to go against them.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:49:36 +0000