New Jersey OL not ready for a choice

Carteret, NJ offensive lineman Dan Mazan, faces a difficult choice - one he’s not prepared to make yet.

With 21 scholarship offers so far from schools including, Maryland, Virginia, Penn State, Syracuse, Iowa, West Virginia, Indiana, Kent state, Vanderbilt and Kansas State, he isn't close to choosing.

“I haven’t even narrowed it down yet," the 6-foot-4, 295-pound Mazan said. "I’m looking for a school with a good football program and good academics. Location is not important.”

He does admit, however, that he may be leaning toward Big 10 and Big 12 colleges.

“Those conferences play my style of football," Mazan said. They are more running, smash-mouth football.”

Other schools contacting Mazan include Ohio State, UCLA, Michigan State, Oregon, and Miami.

Mazan plays defensive tackle but is primarily an offensive lineman. He also moves to fullback when his squad sets up in a goal line or wishbone offense.

“I really like playing fullback, I get to run over people," Mazan said. "We’ve watched film of the games and its funny watching what happens when I go through the line. The defense parts like the Red Sea when I get through. Hopefully, Coach will let me carry the ball next year, I’d like to get at least one carry.”

Last year, Mazan had 54 tackles from his defensive tackle position and 60 pancake blocks on offense. Dan secured first-team honors in the all-county, all-conference, all-area and all-division selections, as well as second team all-state.

Football is not the only arena where Dan excels. He also holds a second place state medal in shot put. As a 12 year-old little leaguer, he smashed a 405-foot home run.

“Nobody could believe how far it went. They marked where it landed and the parks guy went and measured it the next day.”