Sports

Brooklyn Tech’s Plonski picks Villanova

Thomas Plonski had August all planned outs, visits upon visits set up.

Then the Brooklyn Tech defensive end took a trip to Villanova. Shortly, his summer plans were scrapped.

“Villanova had the best combination of academics and athletics,” the 6-foot-6, 240-pound rising senior said. “There wasn’t much point to go and look at other schools.”

Plonski made it official on Tuesday night, verbally committing to the CAA school and longtime head coach Andy Talley. He picked the Wildcats over Fordham and James Madison. Old Dominion, Marist and Wagner also offered.

The local BCS-level schools, such as Syracuse, UConn and Rutgers, were involved with Plonski, but never offered. Brooklyn Tech coach Kyle McKenna thinks they had other more glaring needs. Plonski was disappointed initially, until getting to know his future school.

“A lot of those schools are just football factories; Villanova is [Football College Subdivision], so they actually play for a national championship, not a bowl game named after a restaurant,” Plonski said. “It’s a great to play football at, have fun and get a great education.”

Everything Plonski was looking for — from playing time to a comfort level with the coaching staff and close proximity to home — Villanova offered.

Plonski developed a bond with defensive line coach Roc Bellantoni, his lead recruiter, and could see himself playing for Talley, the winningest coach in school history who has gone 190-117-1 in 27 seasons at Villanova and led the Wildcats to the national championship in 2009. Distance also played a major role. Plonski wanted to be close enough so he could home when the opportunity presented itself and his family could attend his games.

“It’s allowing me to have a little freedom and enjoy life as a college football player,” said Plonski, who plans to major in either business or pursue a career in law.

Villanova is getting an impact player, McKenna said, a brute of a defensive end who 57 tackles and seven sacks a year ago. The coach thinks he could’ve played for a Syracuse or Rutgers, but said Villanova suits him just right.

“I think he fits really well at that level, as far as his range and ability to play at the point of attack at his size,” McKenna said. “He’s only going to get bigger. He’s a big kid who’s always learning as he goes. He’ll learn from the coaching staff there and make the most out of it.”

Plonski wanted to get the decision out of the way before practices with Brooklyn Tech begin in late August. Joined by Division I prospects Kyvaune Brammer (Buffalo), a wide receiver, and running back/defensive back James Gales, and a host of others who will play college football on the Division II or Division III level, Plonski has high hopes.

“It’s rare when a class like this happens,” he said. “We can really pull together and dominate other teams and go really far.”

zbraziller@nypost.com