Interest grows for NJ junior
The Jersey Shore area traditionally produces a number of BCS level prospects each recruiting season, and the Class of 2014 will be no different. A relatively new name is offensive lineman Chris Okupski of West Long Branch (N.J.) Shore Regional, who has received visits from a number of schools recently.
"I've been seeing more and more coaches come in and look at me," said Okupski. "Miami, Florida and Maryland are the most recent. I've also been receiving letters daily from Pitt, West Virginia, Wisconsin, N.C. State and Rutgers."
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Okupski does not have any visits planned currently, but did check out his state university a few times over the last year.
"I went to a few Rutgers game and during the summer I went to watch a Rutgers practice," said Okupski. "It was awesome. It was cool to see them practice and being able to watch the offensive line that close. The games were just awesome. The food before the games is amazing too."
As interest continues to grow, Okupski believes that three schools may be closest to offering.
"Rutgers I feel is the closest," he said. "They're the one I've seen and talked to the most. The Maryland coach liked me and the Miami coach liked me a lot too. My highlight tape is going around now, so I just have to wait and see."
The impressive part about Okupski's game is that he is relatively new to the sport.
"My junior season finished very well," he said. "From the beginning of the year to the end, my footwork improved tremendously. This was my first full season of football, and to learn the offensive put a lot on me. In about game four it just clicked and I started to dominate."
Okupski will remain busy during the off-season.
"I do winter and spring track, I lift six days a week and I do personal training for speed and agility two times a week," he said. "I throw the shot put in track."