Osiecki discusses decision
Connecticut stayed local for commitment No. 1 this past weekend. The Huskies picked up their first pledge of the 2009 recruiting class out of Seymour, Conn. in 6-foot-2, 212-pound linebacker Mike Osiecki.
"I committed on Saturday when I was up there for junior day," he said. "They were really excited and wanted me up there. The coaches are great, I got to sit down and talk to them. They were excited and I was too. It's a great school where I wanted to go."
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Numerous factors made the local linebacker commit early.
"It was everything, the coaches are tight, the facilities are unbelievable, the weight room is great and I felt like I really connected with the staff," he said. "Plus, it's close to home and in-state. I always wanted to play in-state. That makes it just perfect.
"I really liked the coaches, Coach Edsall, Orlando and Lakatos. They knew what they wanted and they want to win bowl games."
Connecticut isn't sure exactly where the star prospect will fit in yet.
"I'm not sure if I'll be inside or outside, I've played both," he said. "As long as I can play I'm happy."
The Huskies were the only offer for Osiecki although he held interest from Iowa, Maryland, Purdue and Syracuse as well.
Last season Osiecki posted a record season in which he registered 161 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, two forced fumbles and two recoveries.
"We had a great season going 11-1," he said. "We played together as a team.
"Absolutely I did better. I was much improved at reading the offense and reacting quicker to the ball. I had a lot more tackles too. I went from 100 to 160. It helped that I gained 15-pounds, got stronger and played with more aggression attacking the football."
Osiecki discussed what stands out about his ability.
"I think I take football so seriously," he said. "Without football I don't know what I'd do. When I play I give it everything I have. I don't care if I have to hurt the person in front of me. I get the job done.
"I do still want to work on my speed. I'm doing outdoor track to get faster. I also want to gain 10-pounds. I'm watching a lot of film too to improve on that."