National Signing Day … It’s about time!

The day has finally come! Today is national signing day and it gives us all our answers to who will go where and what teams to look out for in the future. The high school football insiders are starting to see that New Jersey is for real and that the state is rising in the high school football ranks due to its highly recruited prospects. Here’s a look at 5 athletes in New Jersey who have helped New Jersey rise in the high school football rankings.

Devin Fuller– Ever since I saw the UCLA background of Devin Fuller’s cell phone at the Bosco vs Bergen showdown in October, I thought he was going to UCLA. As time went by and the season moved on, it seemed as if Fuller was still evaluating his options. Arizona came into the picture when they hired Rich Rodriguez and Nebraska was always there because Fuller liked the large fan base. Fuller went with UCLA after they hired Jim Mora, an offensive coach who likes the spread. This will enable Fuller to be a dual threat (throwing and running) just as he was at Old Tappan.
 The Bottom Line: The Number 3 quarterback in the nation rated by scout.com is taking his talents to UCLA.

Darius Hamilton– Hamilton is the only ESPN 150 recruit from New Jersey staying at home. He announced last night on MSG Varsity that he will be heading to Rutgers along with teammate Leonte Carroo. Hamilton narrowed his choices down to Florida, Miami, and Rutgers and both Florida schools had him as a defensive end in a 3-4 but he opted to stay in the 4-3 scheme just like Bosco had. I think Hamilton will make his presence known as a freshman and will be a force wherever he plays on the defensive line.

Vin Ascolese– The only Parade All-American from New Jersey will be playing in Fayetville, Arkansas for the Razorbacks next fall. Ascolese hadn’t received an offer from Arkansas until his official visit which was 2 weeks before his announcement. Then, a lot Arkansas fans took over on twitter trying to persuade Ascolese towards Arkansas. No one really knew who would offer Ascolese after his senior season at North Bergen. A late offer from Texas A&M mixed things up and his last official was to Illinois. In the end, the fan base of the Razorbacks took over and Ascolese chose Arkansas.

Yuri Wright– Out of all the recruits in the nation, Yuri Wright faced controversy and was expelled from school just a few days before he made his announcement.. Wright was expelled from Don Bosco after a series of racial tweets that made national headlines. In addition to all of the racial tweets, he was one of four Don Bosco players who was selected to the U.S. Army All American Bowl. Wright lost his offer from Michigan and no one knew what was going to come next. Just a few days later, Wright said on his new twitter account that he was becoming a Colorado Buffalo. In the end, everyone moved on and Wright says he’s looking forward to next year at Colorado.

Khalif Herbin– After some late interest from Penn State, Ohio State, and an offer from Arizona, the mini Michael Vick elected to stay with Temple. Herbin had an outstanding season and led his team to yet another run at the state championship before coming up short vs North Bergen. His Montclair teammates Stephaun Marshall and Avery Ellis will also play with him at Temple next year.
  

By Adam Cazaz