Former Bosco RB Ibitokun-Hanks lands at Albany

After starting two years at Don Bosco and rushing for more than 1,500 yards at Avon Old Farms School, Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks has found a college destination. The Irvington, New Jersey native will enroll at the University at Albany in the fall of 2015.

“Its a great feeling, when you finally know where you are going. My family is behind me in my decision, its just a great feeling,” he said.

Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks

Ibitokun-Hanks racked up 1,553 yards rushing on 240 carries and 24 rushing touchdowns in his postgraduate season at Avon Old Farms. He also added 14 receptions for 172 yards and 3 touchdowns.

At one point during his senior year at Don Bosco, Ibitokun-Hanks held offers from Colgate, Navy, Holy Cross, Monmouth and Albany.

Ibitokun-Hanks said he elected to go postgrad. and spend the year at Avon Old Farms in order to get faster and stronger.

“It was definitely my dad’s decision.If it was up to me, I would have committed to Albany my senior year at Bosco. He just basically suggested I go to prep school, to get bigger faster, and stronger, and I just stayed by his side with decision to go prep. It’s been a great decision so far.” he said.

Ibitokun-Hanks said the transition from Don Bosco to Avon Old Farms went smooth despite the changes between both programs.

“It’s definitely different from a traditional high school. I’ve never been to boarding school before. Me being from New Jersey, I’m all the way up here in Connecticut, so its definitely different, but it was for the better.” he said

Ibitokun-Hanks said the coaches at Albany re-extended him an offer after he sent his highlights at Avon Old Farms to them.

He pointed out that his relationship with offensive coordinator and running backs coach Joe Bernard helped make his decision in choosing Albany easier.

“I love the coaches there. Me and coach Bernard have a great relationship and we talk a lot. All the coaches just welcomed me with open arms and they always emphasized how interested they all are in me,” he said.

Alabny’s location played a factor in choosing a college as well for. The campus is 2 hours north of the metropolitan area. Ibitokun-Hanks said he was won over by Albany’s criminal justice program, which he hopes to major in.