One official visit was all South Kitsap senior Leon La Deaux needed to find his collegiate destination.

La Deaux, a 6-foot-2, 182-pound wide receiver, committed to Central Washington on Tuesday over interest from Butler University in Indianapolis, Eastern Oregon and Montana.

Verbal commitments are non-binding until Letter of Intent day on Feb. 3, but La Deaux called Central coach Blaine Bennett and assistant Joe Lorig to make his intention known.

“I just told them I would love to be a Wildcat and I am excited about the opportunity,” said La Deaux, adding that the campus, which is about 2 1/2 hours from Port Orchard, will allow family and friends to watch his home games.

He took his official visit to the Ellensburg school on Jan. 15-16. His player host was freshman wide receiver Michael Najera from Walla Walla.

“I loved it a lot more than I thought I would,” La Deaux said. “It reminded me of our team this year with the camaraderie.”

La Deaux, who led South with 792 yards and 12 touchdowns on 46 receptions this season as the Wolves finished with a 10-1 record, said he contemplated taking an official visit to Eastern Oregon, but he did not want to lose his scholarship offer from Central with signing day approaching.

He also liked that the Wildcats finished with a 12-1 record and advanced to the Division II playoff quarterfinals.

“They’re a powerhouse,” La Deaux said. “I’m excited to go in there, compete and play for a winning team. There’s a realistic possibility of playing for a national championship there.”

La Deaux hopes he can be part of that next season. He plans to arrive Aug. 1 at Central to prepare for the upcoming season.

“Coach Bennett said he normally redshirts freshmen,” La Deaux said. “That doesn’t mean I’m not going to bust my butt and try and be the number-one guy right away.”