Lambert talks about commitment

PORTLAND - Raphiel Lambert, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound athlete from Jesuit High School in Portland, Ore., has verbally committed to Boise State over an offer from Oregon State. It's a little bit of a shock that Lambert would chose a WAC school over an in-state Pac-10 program, but this decision was one that had roots dating back to last summer.

"I'm pretty set on Boise State," Lambert told Scout.com Friday. "They've been talking to me ever since I went to their (summer) camp and I've developed a great relationship with them. I planning on attending there in the fall (of 2008)."

Lambert admitted he had been thinking about the recruiting process off and on during his senior season, but once his season ended this past weekend he didn't take long to deliberate.

"I decided Sunday night," Lambert said. "It (Boise State) was the best fit for me. I liked the environment, the coaching staff is great and the players were real welcoming to me when I went on my official visit."

Lambert, who rushed for 1,454 yards and 23 touchdowns this season, added that he would probably will go down to check out the Civil War next weekend between Oregon State and Oregon, but more than likely just to see the game.

Lambert visited Boise back in late September when the Broncos hosted Southern Mississippi. "I went down there and got a chance to see how explosive their offense is, how they use their playmakers to get them the ball, and I saw how their defense plays hard every play," he said.

With his versatility, Lambert could easily see himself on either side of the ball. "Everyone likes to score touchdowns, but I also like to play defense and going out there and competing," he said. "I think going down there, I'll come in as an athlete and then go from there."

At this point, Lambert would either play cornerback or running back for Boise State.

"I also had offers from Montana and Portland State, but I wasn't seriously considering them," he said. "I always felt like it was going to come down to Boise State and Oregon State."

Raphiel Lambert Scout.com Profile