First offer for Jersey junior

For junior linebacker Jazzmar Clax of Freehold (N.J.) Borough, it will be a memorable week. This coming Saturday he will lead his team in their quest for a state championship, while last Friday he picked up his first offer.

Rutgers was the first school to pull the trigger with an offer.

"It's a great feeling," said Clax, who attended the Rutgers game on Friday. "The offer came with them talking to me after the game and letting me know how they loved my game play and the type of kid I am. Also, all they hear is positive information about me, therefore they felt I was a Rutgers guy and they verbally offered me."

Clax, 6-foot-0 and 225 pounds, gave a few early thoughts about the Rutgers program and school.

"It's big time football and they are rebuilding," said Clax. "I just hope if I decide to commit there I can make a huge impact at linebacker. It's a great school academically and I love the atmosphere."

As with most recruits, getting that first offer means a great deal.

"It's a hell of a relief," said Clax, who is also receiving serious interest from a number of other schools, including Penn State, Pittsburgh, Michigan, Stanford and Syracuse. "I gotta focus on my team and this state championship game. After this is all said and done, then I will focus on recruiting."

Finally, Clax gave his thoughts on the upcoming championship game on Saturday.

"I'm ready, my team is ready and we want to go out on top," said Clax. "We have everything to lose and so much to gain. We want to glorify our school. We want the ring."