Rey fulfills goal by committing to Duke

Linebacker Vincent Rey is doing a post-graduate year at the Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pa. in hopes of playing Division I football. Over the weekend, the 6-foot-1, 261-pounder with 4.9-second speed realized his dream as he became the fourteenth commitment for the Blue Devils this season.

"I know Duke gave him the best combination of being challenged academically and on the football field," Mercersburg head coach Dan Walker said. "This was a young man that wanted to play on the highest level and was also serious about his education with an impressive 1200 SAT and he's taking AP classes right now. He thinks Duke offers the best of both worlds. He plans to enroll there in August and is excited about the opportunity. This is a kid that doesn't take anything for granted and he has reached his goals and plans to make new ones when he arrives on campus."

Coming out of high school last year, Rey had only received a scholarship offer from Hofstra.

"He was kind of an unknown, but he took this extra year to see if he could play his way up and Duke evaluated him more and offered," he said. "He's averaging 11 tackles a game this year and also has one interception and three sacks. He is a big reason why our team went from 1-8 a year ago to 7-0 this season."

What kind of player is Duke expecting to get?

"They are getting a 260-pound linebacker that can move sideline to sideline," he said. "I personally think he could play anywhere in the country and he's a run-stopper and has a huge motor. You can't believe a kid that big can run that fast. He's also one of the best football players I've ever coached and is an even better person. He tutors kids at his church and gives back, that's what makes him so special.

"We play in the same conference with star defensive back Myron Rolle and everyone is saying Vincent is a leading candidate for conference player of the year. He has even been getting double teamed recently, but continues to make the plays."

Walker wasn't sure when Rey will see the field for the Blue Devils.

"I don't know if he'll play next year, but I think he can be competitive for them."

Rey was named all-Queens, second team all-Tri-State and named to numerous bowls last year coming out of high school.