Ebenezer Ogundeko, Thomas Jefferson’s dynamic defensive end considered one of the top players in the country at his position, has set official visits to Syracuse, Florida and Notre Dame. He is considered Ole Miss, Arizona State and Alabama for the other two.
As of now, however, Syracuse and Florida are at the top of the 6-foot-4, 240-pound standout’s list.
“I’m feeling those schools the most,” he said. “I can see myself going there. They’re great schools, I feel comfortable there.”
Ogundeko, who initially committed to UConn before de-committing once his stock rose meteorically, is planning to pick a school in December or possibly January at the Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando, Fla. He will begin classes for college in January as he is graduating a semester early from Jefferson.
He has developed a close bond with coaching staffs from both Syracuse and Florida and is familiar with players at both schools. At Florida, Ogudneko frequently talks to head coach Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and defensive line coach Bryant Young and texts with defensive tackle Dominique Easley, the former Curtis star. Syracuse is loaded with city products and good friend Augustus Edwards, a running back at Tottenville, has committed to Syracuse. Ogundeko is close with defensive backs coach John Anselmo and head man Doug Marrone.
Ogundeko said the odds are “strong” he will go to Florida or Syracuse, but didn’t rule out the others.
“I’m going to take official visits and see if one of these [other] schools are best for me,” he said.
Brooklyn Tech’s Gales looking at six schools: Brooklyn Tech wide receiver/running back/cornerback James Gales has a top six of Fordham, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Monmouth and Villanova. The rising senior has visited Fordham and Monmouth twice apiece and plans to see the other four schools on his list. Gales, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound speedster who ran for 1,125 yards and 14 touchdowns last season in addition to hauling in two interceptions on defense, will commit early in the season, possibly in September, he said.
All the schools are recruiting him differently. Fordham likes Gales at receiver, Columbia and Villanova see him as a safety and Monmouth envisions him as a running back or cornerback. The school’s location, its academics and playing time will all factor into the decision.
“They are very good institutions, great academic schools, good football programs on the rise,” he said.
Hayes’ Dawson staying patient: George Dawson isn’t in a rush to make a college decision. The multi-faceted Cardinal Hayes wide receiver has been offered a roster spot by Princeton after a huge day in their camp in July, has offers from Bryant and Fordham and also has interest from Boston College and UConn.
“Hopefully I get a few more offers during the season and have a good year,” said Dawson, a senior. “Right now I am just waiting it out to see how it goes.”
There is a lot to like about the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Dawson. He averaged 15.6 yards a catch, grabbed four touchdowns and could see even more action this season with Tim Jones at Kennedy. Dawson also has a 90 average and a high SAT score. He is one of the Cardinals most versatile players as he also sees time at safety and as a punter.
“Obviously people in scouting reports know they have to plan for him,” Hayes coach C.J. O’Neil said. … “If all goes well, he will be at Princeton. If all goes better, who know where he will be.”
Notes: Jefferson wide receiver/running back Kendall (Speedy) Thomas is hearing from Arizona State, Syracuse and UConn the most. He recently visited Arizona State. Thomas’ academics are in order, coach Gus Cyrus said, and he will take the SAT’s in October. … Xaverian seniors Zach Kearney and Jonathan Badyna both have preliminary interest from UConn and Syracuse. Kearney also has Wagner, Monmouth, Central Conneticut State and a host of I-AA schools looking at him and Bedyna has interest from New Hampshire, Monmouth and Fordham. … Holy Cross coach Tom Pugh said that Stony Brook, James Madison and Delware are close to offering defensive lineman Malachi Hoskins and reciever/cornerback Lekeith Celestain.