Jersey junior ATH shows versatility

Hackensack, N.J., wide receiver /safety Danny Oquendo is making a name for himself by showing skills in all facets of the game. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounds athlete runs the forty-yard dash in 4.45 seconds, squats 325 pounds, and bench presses 205 pounds. He will most likely spend his college years on the defensive side of the ball.

As a sophomore, Oquendo put up good numbers all over the field. He accounted for more than 1,000 all-purpose yards, including 500 through the air and 500 return yards. He also added 50 tackles (three for loss), three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one recovered fumble en route to gaining second team all-league honors at safety.

Academics and location are the two primary factors Danny is considering while looking at colleges. Virginia, Maryland, Rutgers, Penn State are the schools at the top of his list, and all are showing mutual interest except Maryland. He camped at Penn State, Ohio State, Rutgers and Buffalo over the summer.

An excellent all-around athlete, Oquendo also participates on the indoor and outdoor track teams. He high jumps 6’-0” and long jumps 20’-10”.

Oquendo said his biggest strong points are his hustle and his hardwork and patterns his style of play after Ohio State star Chris Gamble, since he plays both ways at the college level.

While Oquendo is going through the recruiting process, he won’t have far to look for help. His uncle Walter King played football at Rutgers, while another uncle, Celso King played at UMass, so both should be able to provide assistance.