PASCO -- Chiawana seniors Jordan Downing and Miquiyah Zamora, both named to the Washington 4A all-state football team in the fall, plan to remain teammates at Eastern Washington University in Cheney.

The four-year starters went on a recruiting trip last weekend that all but finalized their decision. The next date for athletes to sign letters of intent is Feb. 1.

"It's not official, but it's really solid. It came down to Western Oregon and Eastern, but Eastern gave me a chance to play as a true freshman," said Zamora, a three-time all-CBBN defensive back who will play safety with the Eagles. "I'm just happy I get to prove myself to people that I belong at a Division I program."

Zamora, listed at 6-foot-1 and 199 pounds, has been the CBBN's top shutdown cornerback since emerging as a starter with Pasco in 2008. He became a dangerous kick returner on special teams and finished sixth among CBBN 4A receivers with 40 catches.

Downing, a 6-1, 200-pounder who started at linebacker and running back at Chiawana, will be a preferred walk-on at Eastern, where he will join Zamora on the defensive side of the ball.

"A lot of junior colleges wanted me as a running back, but I made up my mind I wanted to play defense," said Downing, recovering from a broken ankle suffered in an early October football game.

"I've always been a fan of Eastern. My uncle played there. It came down to me wanting to be happy."

Downing said he plans to put on about 20 pounds over the spring and summer before taking the field in the fall. He expects the ankle injury will be fully recovered by then.

"It's definitely going to get there," Downing said. "It's still not 100 percent as far as strength and flexibility, but it's not really limited as of now."

Zamora and Downing are part of a recruiting class that includes Davis receiver Cooper Kupp, a first-team all-CBBN 4A selection.