Webskowski verbally commits to Greyhounds

CLOVIS - Jeston Webskowski has already shown he can handle Class 6A football. By next fall, he'll be ready to take on the next challenge.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Clovis High senior has verbally committed to play at Division II Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, although he cannot actually sign a D-II national letter of intent before February 3.

Still, Webskowski said ENMU gives him a lot of what he's looking for at the college level, including a chance to play near home.

"It feels good," he said. "I had to decide what was important for me and my family."

Fourth-year Clovis coach Cal Fullerton said he has known Webskowski's family for a long time, and knew he eventually could be a major contributor to the program.

"He's one of the best I've ever coached," Fullerton said. "He leads by example."

Webskowski was a starter at free safety and a backup at running back for the Wildcats two years ago, but burst onto the scene last season when he rushed for 1,700 yards and 27 touchdowns. He added four more TDs and about 500 yards receiving out of the backfield as CHS posted an 8-4 record and made it to the 6A state semifinals.

"We knew he was a good enough athlete as a sophomore that he could play somewhere on the varsity," Fullerton said. "He wanted to stay a little closer to home (for college). He really likes how the Greyhounds run their offense."

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the New Mexico Activities Association has pushed its football season to the spring. Fullerton said the plan is to play a seven-game regular season, with an eight-team playoff format - instead of 12 - to follow.

Other programs to show interest in Webskowski - all at the Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) level - included Northern Arizona, Montana and former Lone Star Conference members Abilene Christian, Tarleton State and Incarnate Word.

"I just feel like (ENMU) had more to offer," he said. "They match my style - they run the heck out of the football."

In the past, Webskowski has also run track for CHS - primarily, the 200 and relays - but said he may be interested in trying baseball this spring, a sport he last played during his freshman year.

He said he's looking at majoring in business in college, but added that he's also interested in perhaps studying to be a chiropractor once his playing career ends.

Webskowski knows the competition at ENMU will be stiff as he begins his career, but he's confident in his abilities.

"I've always played 'up' my whole life," he said. "I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to try to play as soon as I can."