While others call it a chip-on-their-shoulder the 3-star receiver, new University of Washington commit Blaise LeVista plays calls him a chip-off-of-the-old-block.  His dad is his hero and that’s what he was looking for when he chose the Huskies

From his very successful father, a Chicago-area entrepreneur, he excludes the same self-belief on the football field.

“You can’t be afraid of the guy across from you.  You have to go out there thinking ‘it’s my time to go let’s let’s get it. I think luckily for me I mean I’ve been in a position a lot of times where it is coming to me and my mindset,” LaVista said.

It’s that conviction that was handed down to him from the man he admires the most, his dad, that led to his college destination.

“My dad’s just a bad-ass at whatever he does,” LeVista said.  “That confidence is what I’ve taken from him.  That’s why I chose Washington.  The coaches there believe in me.”

Immediately after graduating from college, the senior LeVista took some time off of life to pursue a career in music, which he did for 10 years.  After sidelining his musical career, he pursued business venture which currently roughly 30 people.

Blaise, torched the record book at Libertyville last season to the tune of 1,447 receiving yards.  That number was also was tops in the state.  Perhaps more impressively 40-percent of  his 60 receptions went for scores.

“Somehow Blaise slipped past scouts as easily as he’s slipped past defensive backs,” RealDawg’s lead high school scout Trevor Mueller joked.  “Watching his rather impressive highlight reel, you see that it’s not just one move or type of play where he excels.  He will score from anywhere on the field.”

When it comes to former Husky comparisons Mueller saw Paul Skansi hands on a Ja’Lynn Polk frame.

“He’s as sure-handed as a receiver as has come to Montlake in quite some time,” Trevor Mueller noted.

Which makes it curious to why he’s ranked as the No. 191 wide receiver in the 2026 class and No. 1,241 overall player by the 247Sports Composite, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound pass catcher is beginning to pick up steam.  On3’s industry composite index isn’t much different placing him at the 1.412 player overall and 192nd rated receiver.

But all of that will change when the recruiting rankings are updated.

He received his Washington offer July 1 and made his decision to commit 13 days later on the 14th of July, officially announcing his pledge on July 19.  He committed the Huskies despite not ever being to Washington.

“I want to get out there on a visit as soon as possible,” he to RealDawg.  “I also want to a couple of games.  Illinois and probably the Ohio State game.”

RealDawg’s commitment coverage will continue with an in-depth story on LaVista on Sunday.