Summer Becomes the Time for Top Athletes to Commit

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By Rich Chrampanis
National Signing Day is months away for high school athletes to sign a national letter of intent and make their college choices official, but more and more top stars are making verbal commitments in the summer.  It is becoming more and more of a trend to see athletes avoid the distractions of a major decision during the season.    Throughout the summer months, we have reported on athletes in many different sports who have committed to Division I programs.  As we get ready for the 2016 high school football season, here’s a recap of eight players from the Two River Times area who have made a pledge to Division I programs. These are non-binding agreements and won’t become official until the first Wednesday in February of 2017

First year Scarlet Knights head coach Chris Ash knew that the formula for Rutgers to be a Big Ten power is simple: keep the top talent from New Jersey in-state.  Ash has clearly sent a message that Rutgers is on the rise by doing just that and the commitment of 6-foot-5, 283 pound MICAH CLARK was a major statement for the Rutgers recruiting outlook.  Clark had offers from the elite powers of college football starting with the two teams in the national championship game (Clemson and Alabama) along with a long list of college powers. Urban Meyer of Ohio State was just one of the many top college football coaches making a stop in Holmdel to court Clark.  Not only did Ash get a four star recruit in Clark, but he also secured a verbal pledge from JAMAAL BEATY. 
The 6-foot-4, 270 pounder is Clark’s brother and was picking up steam on the recruiting trail garnering an offer from Old Dominion followed by Rutgers.

Chris Chukweneke, Saint John Vianney
Chris Chukweneke, Saint John Vianney RB – Villanova. File photograph / Rich Chrampanis

With so many weapons on Saint John Vianney’s offense in 2015, it’s easy to look past CHRIS CHUKWENEKE, but the Villanova Wildcats were able to secure a dynamic athlete who has big game capability.  The Lancers running back 779 yards and 12 touchdowns averaging over 9 yards a carry.  He should be one of the top running threats for SJV in his senior year.   On his Instagram account, Chukweneke posted a picture with his mother and gave a heartfelt thank you when announcing his verbal to ‘Nova.  “Without the woman standing next to me, I would not be the man I am today,” Chukweneke said.  “Everything you’ve done for me up to this point is nothing short of amazing.  You are truly a blessing and I’m proud to call myself your son (the least I could do is take the burden of a college tuition off your shoulders and even that does not seem like enough).

Nasir Darnell, Red Bank Catholic DE - HARVARD (File Photo / Rich Chrampanis)
Nasir Darnell, Red Bank Catholic DE – HARVARD (Photo by Vincent Landolfi)

NASIR DARNELL put on his Twitter handle that he’s the best defensive end you haven’t heard about.  Darnell caught the attention of both FBS and FCS programs.  With a chance to play at the top level, Darnell chose the Ivy League route and committing to Harvard.  With 11 solo tackles and 63 assists in 2015, Darnell should add to his six sacks from his junior campaign.  “Thank you to all the coaches who recruited me and saw the potential in me,: Darnell said in his announcement on social media.  “Thanks to Coach Portela, Coach Edgerly and Val Barnaby for helping me build upon the tools I’ve been blessed with and putting me in this position.”

Donald Glenn - Donald Glenn, Middletown North QB - WAGNER (File Photo/Sean Simmons)
Donald Glenn – Donald Glenn, Middletown North QB – WAGNER (File Photo/Sean Simmons)

DONALD GLENN is the latest Shore Conference player to make a verbal commitment when he chose Wagner on August 17th.  Middletown North’s field general was the Shore Conference’s 3rd leading passer when it came to yards in the air with 1989 to go along with 17 touchdown passes.  He helped lead the Lions to a 7-4 record highlighted by a playoff win against Sayreville at home.  “I would like to thank my family and friends for everything they have done for me throughout the recruiting process,: Glenn said on his Instagram account.  “I would like to thank all my teammates and coaches over the years, especially coach Bush.”

James McCarthy, Middletown South RB/LB - PENNSYLVANIA
James McCarthy, Middletown South RB/LB – PENNSYLVANIA

It was a bittersweet summer for JAMES MCCARTHY.  On the one side, the Middletown South two way standout made his college choice as he’ll be in the Ivy League playing for the Penn Quakers.  Unfortunately, McCarthy suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament ending his high school football career.  McCarthy was expected to step in and handle the rushing load in place of the graduated Cole Rogers and continue his role as the leader of the Eagles linebacking corps.  Look for McCarthy to work hard in rehab and make an impact as a linebacker in college.

Michael O’Connor, Rumson-Fair Haven QB - COLGATE (File Photo/Sean Simmons)
Michael O’Connor, Rumson-Fair Haven QB – COLGATE (File Photo/Sean Simmons)

One of the Shore Conference’s top dual threat quarterbacks, MICHAEL O’CONNOR ran for 1082 yards and 9 touchdowns for Rumson-Fair Haven last season averaging 7.5 yards a carry.  He was 56 for 88 through the air throwing for 557 yards with 13 TD passes and just 4 interceptions.
Colgate is not only getting a great athlete, but a proven winner.  O’Connor has already won back to back state championships and will look for a three-peat to close out his high school career.

Michael Ruane, Rumson-Fair Haven LB - MASSACHUSSETTS (File Photo / Julie Gilbo)
Michael Ruane, Rumson-Fair Haven LB – MASSACHUSSETTS (File Photo / Julie Gilbo)

The UMass Minutemen have made the Shore Conference one of its recruiting priorities.  With Red Bank Regional’s Sadiq Palmer already in Amherst and Tyler Thompson of Ocean Township set to work his way there following a year of prep school, the next UMass/Shore connection comes from RFH tackling machine MICHAEL RUANE. Ruane had 153 tackles, 6 sacks and two interceptions.  He is one of just two New Jersey players named to the American Family Insurance All-USA Preseason football team at linebacker.


TRT Football Preview Coming September 1st

The Two River Times will get you ready for the 2016 high school football season with team previews and schedules of every team in the area.  We’ll go in depth on ten varsity football programs in the area with thoughts from head coaches.  Every Thursday this fall, TRT will look ahead to the big games on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons with previews along with a look back on top performances, stats and standings from the previous week on the gridiron.