3-star DL Rocky Shields commits to Washington State

Littleton (Co.) Columbine four-star defensive lineman Rocky Shields announced his commitment to Washington State on Thursday night. He was previously pledged to Wyoming.

Shields is the No. 1,495 overall prospect and No. 152 defensive lineman in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 12 player in Colorado.

On3 rates Shields higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Even though he is not ranked in the 2023 On300, Shields is the No. 122 defensive lineman in the country and No. 10 player in Colorado.

#COMMITTED 🐾🔴⚪️ THANK YOU GOD🙏🙏 @RebelballCHS @Stephen16586218 @CoachK2x4 @CoachDickert @bangulo @WSUCougarFB pic.twitter.com/9zeJOUdWiA

— Rocky Shields (@isthatrocky) January 20, 2023

“… To Washington State, players and staff, I am forever thankful for your hospitality and enthusiasm,” Shields wrote in a statement published to social media. “I cannot wait to play and make an impact in Pullman. Thank you Coach Dickert and Coach Kan for always believing in me. I got it right this time. GO COUGS.”

The 6-foot-3.5, 250-pound recruit is the 24th pledge in the Cougars’ 2023 recruiting class. Washington State’s group ranks No. 60 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 11 in the Pac-12.

Shields is also one of four defensive linemen pledged to head coach Jake Dickert and his staff. The others are West Valley City (Utah) Herriman three-star Khalil Laufau, Aledo (Texas) three-star Ansel Din-Mbuh and Chabot College’s Esa Pole.