Texas A&M has landed a commitment from three-star defensive back Loia Valade, beating out other top contenders like Florida and Auburn for the Boca Raton (Fla.) West Boca standout.
Multiple factors helped the Aggies pull ahead and earn Valade’s commitment. He feels great about the coaching staff in College Station.
“I would say a lot of things,” Valade said of why Texas A&M. “It was the best fit because of my position coach, first of all. I know he is going to develop me.”
He and head coach Mike Elko‘s staff put together a plan for success at the next level.
“We established a clear plan with the DC, the head coach, and the GM. We all established a three-to-four-year plan for me,” he said. “I will develop there, and I’m just going to go to the league after that. I really like the culture there too, because the environment is very football-centered. That’s one thing I really want to be around because I am so focused on football. It is just a match for me.”
Elko and his coaches were ecstatic to learn the news of Valade joining their 2027 recruiting class.
“When I committed, it was a little emotional,” Valade said. “They have been trying to recruit me for a minute now. It was not that long, but [for the time] they have been recruiting me, it’s been hard for that period of time, that’s what I mean. When I told them I committed, they just started going crazy. It was funny. They were excited, and they welcomed me to the family. It feels like a win-win for me.
Valade will return to Texas A&M for his official visit from June 12-14. He cancelled his other scheduled trips to Florida and Auburn.
Valade, who is originally from Canada, spent the last several years playing his high school football at Chattanooga (Tenn.) McCallie. He recently transferred down to West Boca, where he will play his senior football season.
Last fall, he played both ways, finishing with 29 catches for 456 yards and five touchdowns while making 21 tackles and intercepting two passes on the defensive side of the ball.
247Sports ranks the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder as the No. 57 safety in the 2027 recruiting class and the No. 54 player in the state of Florida.
