Kanuch makes decision

Johnstown (Pa.) Westmont Hilltop athlete Brad Kanuch ended his recruitment on New Year's Eve by calling Randy Edsall and Todd Orlando at Connecticut to make a commitment with the Huskies. What made the 6-foot-0, 178-pounder decide on Connecticut over offers from Maryland, Penn State and Virginia amongst others?

"I called coach Edsall and Orlando last night and they were really excited. They told me expect to go to bowls the next couple of years and I think we will," he said. "One of the major things that made me decide on UConn is that they are going to give me the opportunity to do football and track. I also like that coach Edsall and Orlando visited my house a couple times and was very honest with me.

"Finally, I chose them because I feel I can be an impact player. I'm not sure if I'll start my first year, but I want to play and they see me as a return man and wide receiver that should get some playing time. Overall it seems like a great place to be for the next four years."

The three-star prospect is relieved to have a decision behind him.

"I feel really good because all the stress is off my shoulders and now I can enjoy myself," he said. "The whole recruiting process was wearing me down as I was getting eight phone calls a night. I started trying to avoid most of the calls and instead wanted to get it done."

Kanuch is playing basketball this season for Westmont Hilltop, but plans to train right after the season to get ready for next year.

The No. 27 athlete in the country looks forward to heading up to Connecticut.

"I'm just really happy with my decision and that I'll be given the opportunity to go and play at a place like Connecticut," he said. "I see a lot of potential in this team to go somewhere. I just want to tell the fans that we're going to be going to bowl games the next four years."