Recapping a week of commitments in NJ

The Garden State saw a host of its football prospects commit to several college programs with just a week before National Signing Day. Some prospects got a chance to visit potential schools while others found the last week in January to be the right time to end their recruiting process.

Photo by 50 Yard Line Photos, used with permission

Colgate a good fit for Paramus Catholic RB Washington

Keyon Washington is someone any football coach should want on their team. He works hard, has values, and knows how to win. After all, he did help Paramus Catholic win two Non-Public, Group 4 titles in as many years. Washington earned Division 1 scholarship offers from Army, Colgate and New Hampshire. He visited the Colgate campus this past weekend and found what he was looking for. On Thursday, Washington committed to the New York school.

Colgate had the education Washington was looking for, which helped land him at the Patriot League school. He also felt comfortable with the coaching staff.

“The coaching staff was all a huge part to why I committed. They were very honest throughout the process and treated me as if I was already one of their own.” he said.

Washington became an essential part of Paramus Catholic’s offense when he combined with All-American Jabrill Peppers to run the read option out of the wildcat formation. It was a play that would keep every opponent on its heels and eventually helped Paramus Catholic to its first sectional championship in 20 years.

Washington’s only FBS offer came from Army, a school that requires its athletes to serve five years of service after graduation. Although he did not immediately put Army out of the picture, Washington decided it would be best to look at other programs.

“I really did seriously consider it at a point. It’s the only D1-A offer that I received, so that was big for me. But I sat down and asked myself, “can I really see myself in the military for 9 years?” And I came to the conclusion that that’s not something I can see myself doing. It’s a great opportunity but knowing myself, that life wasn’t for me.” he said.

Washington projects as a running back and can also return punts and kickoffs. At 5’8, 170, he has quick feet and does and excellent job of changing direction when carrying the ball. He is the eighth football player from Paramus Catholic’s class of 2014 to commit to a Division 1 program. More than anything, Colgate should be elated because they got a great football player.

Flores finds new home at Midwest school 

Nick Flores flew to Ohio to visit Tiffin University without an offer. He returned with much more. Flores, a 2013 first team Defensive All-State selection by The Star-Ledger was offered a full scholarship and committed during his visit to the Midwestern, Division 2 school.

During his official visit, Flores said, “Tiffin is everything I’ve been looking for and I feel like I’m home.”

Tiffin competes in the GLIAC (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) and finished with a 2-9 record in 2013.

Flores said that Tiffin reminded him of Paramus Catholic because of all the young talent on the roster. Despite earning an offer from Division 1 St. Francis, Flores felt that Tiffin had everything he was looking for. Many Division 1 schools missed out on offering Flores. He said they passed on him because of his height (he’s 6’1). That was a mistake.

It’s not everyday you see someone choose a Division 2 school over a Division 1 school. It really show’s that Paramus Catholic head coach Chris Partridge has helped his players get their priorities straight when it comes to choosing a college. Props to Flores as well.

Film analysis: The 6’1, 290 pound defensive tackle stud served as the core for the Paramus Catholic defense, which hosted six players with Division 1 offers this season. Flores has made his presence known on the field by controlling the line of scrimmage. Despite being double teamed throughout his junior and senior year, Flores remained a constant playmaker. A four year starter, he had 74 tackles, including 19 for loss and eight sacks in his senior season. Flores was named first team all state by MSG Varsity and The Star-Ledger.

Jamal Locke of Ridgewood commits to Yale

Ridgewood senior quarterback Jamal Locke capped off his high school football career with his commitment to to Yale on Thursday night. In his senior season, the dual threat quarterback helped Ridgewood to an 11-1 record which included a North 1, Group 5 sectional title appearance.

“From the beginning I wanted a school with great football, along with academics. I wasn’t so focused on the “big name” D1 schools, I was more focused on what opportunities would be presented to me off the field along with on the field and I felt the Ivy league was it for me.” he said.

Jamal Locke
Photo by 50 Yard Line Photos, used with permission

Locke knew what he was looking for in a school, but his college decision wasn’t as easy as it might have seemed. One thing that became available to Locke was the exceptional education from an ivy League school.

“It was not only Ivy league schools at the end, but those were two (Yale and UPenn) I was considering. And it was tough, especially the decision on whether to take a full scholarship or pay for an ivy league education.” he said.

Locke threw for 1,023 yards and 13 touchdowns. He rushed 66 times for 820 yards and 12 touchdowns. Keep in mind that he only played the first half of in 4 of Ridgewood’s first 5 games because of the score.

By the end of his senior season, Locke had offers from UPenn. and Lafayette in addition to Yale. He also had high interest from Boston College and Rutgers, who both wanted him to play at positions other than quarterback. At 6′, 180, Locke has good speed. He runs a 4.43 40 yard dash. His downfield vision, arm strength, and accuracy helped make him a desirable recruit.

Miami lands Cedar Grove’s Njoku 

Former Rutgers commit David Njoku announced Friday via Twitter that he would extend his football career at University of Miami. Njoku decommited from Rutgers following a visit to Penn State in October. Following his decommitment from Rutgers, Njoku took visits to Temple (Dec. 8), Miami (Dec 13), and UConn (Jan. 18). At 6’4, 220, the Cedar Grove wide receiver could become a tight end at the next level. He joins the DePaul duo of Kiy Hester and Courtel Jenkins as 2014 Miami commits from the Garden State.

Other recruiting notes: Manasquan OL/DL Monte Sinisi has committed to URI. Colts Neck senior All-Shore RB/LB Anthony Gargiulo committed to Navy on Monday, Jan. 27. Shore Regional OL/DL Chris Okupski, who was previously committed to Albany, flipped his commitment to Maine. Monsignor Donovan athlete Joey Fields has committed to Central Connecticut State University. According to Scott Stump, Msgr. Donovan QB/DB Vinny Grasso has committed to Monmouth University. St. John Vianney wide receiver Julanee Prince has committed to Sacred Heart.

By Adam Cazaz