QB Aden Chavez returns to Cibola HS (updated)
Aug. 14—*This story has been updated with comments from Aden Chavez. Also, the New Mexico Activities Association will have final say on his eligibility as a transfer from out of state who had already started the season at another program.
Aden Chavez is back.
The quarterback who moved to Florida recently in an attempt to generate more interest from colleges, has not only returned to New Mexico, but has already practiced late last week with the Cibola Cougars, his former school, the Journal learned Sunday.
Asked directly why he returned, Chavez said in a telephone interview Sunday: "I wanted to be home, and I wanted to finish it off over here at Cibola."
Chavez practiced on Friday with Cibola. It is not known when he would become eligible, or even if he would become eligible. Chavez said he believed he would be able to play in Week 2 against Valley, but the New Mexico Activities Association has the final say on his eligibility as a transfer from out of state who had already started the season at another program.
NMAA executive director Sally Marquez said she would have no comment when reached Sunday.
Chavez had been starting for Cibola since he was a freshman. Last season, in a 6-6 junior season for the Cougars, Chavez threw for 3,075 yards, with 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His completion rate was 62.1%.
But despite his experience and numbers, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound pro-style QB, who was second-team all-state in Class 6A last year, didn't have any Division I scholarship offers. He has one offer to New Mexico Highlands. Chavez in early June moved to Florida, and was at Holy Trinity High in Melbourne, Florida.
"Not everything worked out like (I) wanted out there," Chavez said.
His return to Cibola could alter the landscape for the Cougars if he were to get back into uniform, as they have one of the best group of returning receivers in the state, in any classification. That includes slot Branden Castillo, big tight end Brayden Mummert and talented wide receiver Marcus Wilson. After a long "sit-down," Chavez said, he decided he'd leave Florida.
"I just think I wanted to be back home with my family and finishing out where my brothers could watch me every game, my grandparents, my cousins," Chavez said. "It was about me wanting to be back home."
