Huskies Knights offer Jersey LB
Junior To Watch: Mike Ziarnowski
School: Somerville (N.J.) Immaculata
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Position: Outside linebacker
Size and speed: Mike is 6-foot-2, 220-pounds and last March as a sophomore he ran a 4.75-second 40-yard dash laser time and a 4.62-second hand-held time at the Athletes-Edge Combine. He also had a 37-inch vertical jump the same day.
Honors: All-county, all-conference, second team parochial all-state.
Statistics: Mike collected 73 solo tackles last season with seven sacks, six tackles for loss and eight pass break ups.
Favorite schools: Rutgers and Connecticut lead the way for Mike. He’s also listing Virginia, Boston College, Syracuse and Penn State as others he is interested in.
Skinny: Mike is an excellent athlete who can really run. He might be suited more as an outside 'backer at the D-1 level, but he is considered a top prospect in New Jersey either inside or outside.
“I really don’t care where I play in college as long as I get a chance to play at the D-1 level.”
That really shouldn’t be a problem for Mike. He already has offers from both Rutgers and Uconn and more should follow before the May evaluation period ends. A real hitter who is excellent against both the run and pass, Mike runs exceptionally well, which is an eye-opener to college recruiters.
“I really would like to make a verbal commitment before the new season starts. I would rather know where I’m going to school so I don’t have to worry about that during my senior season.”
Mike is very good friends with teammate and recent Virginia signee Gordie Sammis. How will that effect Mikes decision?
“It won’t. I need to make a decision based on what I like and not someone else. It would be nice to play with Gordie and I like Virginia a lot so you never know, but I need to do what’s right for me.”
Mike has a 3.6 GPA and scored a 1,030 on the SAT.