Spring (TX) Grand Oaks OL Joel Botchway Finds the Right Fit at Lamar

Since Spring (TX) Grand Oaks High School offensive lineman Joel Botchway received an offer from Lamar on April 9, he has developed a close relationship with offensive line coach Matt Cannata.

"Coach Cannata called and told me they wanted to offer me. It meant a lot because he talked about what he saw in me as a player and the potential he believes I have," Botchway said. "He told me about his plan for developing me and helping me reach the highest level I want to achieve, which has stuck with me throughout my recruitment."

That relationship played a big part in his decision to commit to the Cardinals on July 28.

"I have a great relationship with Coach Cannata, who has always been straightforward with me about where I am as a player and where he thinks I can get to. I trust his plan for my development, and that relationship was a big part of my decision.

"I also got the chance to speak with Coach Rossomando (head coach Pete Rossomando) after I committed, and he congratulated and welcomed me to the program. I'm looking forward to building a relationship with him as I get closer to joining the program,” Botchway said.

“I felt like Lamar was the best place for my development and my future. I believe in the coaching staff and the vision they have for me. They see the potential I have and have a plan to help me reach my long-term goals. The relationships I built with the coaches made me feel comfortable committing and becoming a Cardinal."

Proud to announce that I’m committed to Lamar University! Thank you to my coaches, teammates, family, and everyone who has supported me. Go Cardinals!@LamarFootball @Coach_Cannata @CoachRossomando @CoachSpo_ @GOaksFootball @coach_mcdowell @CoachMorales51 @247Sports… pic.twitter.com/10I0Ab5tvx
— Joel Botchway🇬🇭 (@JoelBotchway60) July 28, 2026

In addition to Lamar, Botchway also had an offer from McNeese. In June, he also attended a Texas Tech Prospect camp, where he performed well and was able to learn from their coaching staff.

"The Texas Tech camp was a great experience. I got a lot of praise throughout the drills and went 7-1 during one-on-ones. I got a lot of positive feedback from the players and coaches, especially about my technique. Coach McGuire (offensive line coach Clay McGuire) told me my technique was great and didn't have much critique for me, so hearing that from a Big 12 offensive line coach gave me a lot of confidence."

Last season, he was named a 13-6A First Team All-District selection. This season, he is hoping to lead the Grizzlies to a deeper run in the Texas Class 6A State Football Playoffs.

"Our goal is to win the district and make a deep playoff run. This offseason, I've gotten stronger and spent a lot of time improving my technique. I want to be recognized as one of the best offensive linemen in the nation, continue being dominant in both the run and pass game, and help our offense be as successful as possible. I also want to keep developing my body and mind for college football."

Grand Oaks will open the season Thursday night at home against the Klein Oak Panthers.

Final Junior Season Highlights 🎥 ⭐️ https://t.co/Qfztbp9e5R
C/O 2027 OL
12 games
630+ snaps played
0 sacks allowed
0 QB hits allowed
Team Led district with 3,111 rushing yards
More work to be done this offseason 💯@GOaksFootball @CoachMorales51 @samspiegs @JButler_210… pic.twitter.com/PyxVhZkiT2
— Joel Botchway🇬🇭 (@JoelBotchway60) November 25, 2025

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