Jersey QB has options

Quarterback Mike Eckrote of Wayne (N.J.) Valley had a successful senior season and is now dealing with his recruiting process as we head towards National Signing Day. With under a month left, Eckrote has several options and is trying to find the best one for him.

"Recruiting is good," said Eckrote, who is 6-foot-4 and 215-pounds. "I'm just hearing back from schools and getting some in school visits."

Eckrote discussed all of the possible recruiting scenarios at this time.

"It's pretty much down to a few schools now," said Eckrote. "I'm looking at visits to Rhode Island and Robert Morris, and I still have interest from Towson and a bunch more 1-AA schools. I have also been talking to Southern Connecticut State and might set up a visit there. I also talked to my coach today about the possibility of being a preferred walk-on. I wouldn't mind that idea and it's definitely an option."

If he chooses the preferred walk-on option, one school stands out above the others.

"I'm going to look into possibly Rutgers," said Eckrote. "They recruited me back in the spring and summer. I know they received a commit at quarterback early in the spring, but I love that school, so I'm pretty much trying to make that contact now."

Whichever route Eckrote decides to take, he knows what he is looking for in a program.

"I wouldn't say location is a major factor, but somewhere where my family could come and see me play," said Eckrote. "I would love to play early, but I know a lot of the time it's important to sit back, learn and develop, so I'm not opposed to that either. I'm also looking for a great academic school."

While Eckrote enjoyed a successful season personally, his team struggled this fall.

"We had a rough year and schedule," said Eckrote. "We didn't make the playoffs and the teams we lost to all made it to at least the second round of the playoffs. I think the tough schedule got me ready for the next level."