Jersey soph is one to watch

Monmouth Junction (N.J.) South Brunswick has produced three BCS level players in recent years, and the next in line may very well be 2015 athlete Dontae Strickland. Last fall the sophomore proved to everyone that he will be a player to watch.

"Recruiting is good," said Strickland, who is 6-foot-0 and 178 pounds. "I have two schools looking at me right now, Rutgers and UConn."

Strickland will look to take at least one visit to a school he is already very familiar with.

"Rutgers was talking to me about going up there for a visit sometime soon, but I've been up there a lot with TJ Taylor and Jevon Tyree," said Strickland.

This off-season, Strickland will take advantage of his former teammates.

"I'm actually working out with T.J., doing the Rutgers workouts and everything, and then we go to our old Pop Warner coach and he does speed workouts with us to keep our speed," said Strickland. "I'm really working on gaining my weight to about 195 pounds before the season. I also want to improve my speed, because I know if I have that then I could be going somewhere big."

Last fall, Strickland lined up at running back, cornerback and an outside linebacker/rover position, which gives him a great deal of versatility for the next level.

"I think will be a running back, safety or maybe a rover," said Strickland. "I see myself as a running back though. I love offense."

During a sophomore season where he helped his team to a state championship, Strickland finished with approximately 320 yards receiving and three receiving touchdowns, 300 yards rushing and four rushing touchdowns, plus one kickoff return for a touchdown.

"In the beginning my season was just okay, but then I was starting both ways. I had a lot to prove, because I was a go-to man," said Strickland. "At first I was kinda quiet with my game, but towards the end of the season I departed from everyone and showed I can hang with anyone."