One of Pine Creek’s best football players from the last few seasons will soon play at the Power Five level of college football.

Offensive lineman Carson Caplan, a senior, announced his commitment to Stanford on Thursday.

"It’s exactly what I looked for," Caplan said of Stanford. "I’ve always strived to be at the school with the best combination of athletics and academics, and I believe I’m there. Stanford's a special place."

Caplan played four seasons of varsity football for the Eagles. In 2023, Caplan earned a spot on the CHSAA All-State Second Team.

According to 247Sports, Caplan is the No. 27 prospect from Colorado in the Class of 2024. He is rated a two-star recruit by the website.

Stanford currently competes in the Pac-12 Conference but will play in the Atlantic Coast Conference, beginning in 2024.

Caplan has visited Stanford three different times and fell more in love with the school and the area on each visit.

"I loved the diversity of the community and the family environment," Caplan said.

Recently, the Cardinal have struggled, finishing 3-9 in each of the last three seasons. But they made 10 bowl games in a row from 2009 to 2018 and appeared in four New Year’s Six bowls during that span.

Caplan was previously committed to play football at Cornell University, which competes in the Ivy League at the NCAA Division I FCS level. He decommitted on Tuesday.

"It was very hard," Caplan said. "I love Cornell and have nothing but respect for the coaches and players. It took some discussion as a family but ultimately we decided Stanford is the right decision to make."

Even after playing for a Pine Creek program that combined for 30 wins in the past three seasons, moving to the Power Five level will be a significant jump for Caplan — but he feels ready.

"My time at Pine Creek has not only prepared me as a football player, but as a student and leader as well," Caplan said. "I feel ready to face challenges on the field and in the classroom."