Rutgers Gets Massive Commitment

The biggest player in New York state is heading east to New Jersey to play for Rutgers. Better get two lockers ready.

When big Mike Fladell of Ozone Park (N.Y.) John Adams steps onto the sidelines, the field tilts. Nearly the size of the Statue of Liberty, Fladell will now pave the way for some lucky running backs in the Big East.

"This summer I camped at Rutgers, Syracuse and MSU, but I liked Rutgers the best,” said the gigantic 6-foot-8, 350-pound offensive tackle. “I just thought the coaches were great and it just reminded me of a family atmosphere."

Fladell has given Rutgers an oral commitment, making him the fifth player to jump in the Scarlet Knights' boat. Fladell had heavy interest from other schools such as Syracuse and Michigan State, but just felt very comfortable at Rutgers when he attended summer camp.

Playing football in New York City is not easy according to Mike. The exposure is not great and football is not a priority like in some other states.

"It's tough for guys playing around this area, most teams only have three or four coaches. We have a very small weight room, our coaches don't even have head sets and if we are lucky we might get 100 people at our games."

Last season on defense, Mike had 56 tackles and blocked seven field goals. He was recruited as an offensive tackle by Rutgers and thinks that in time he can be a big contributor. Fladell has started since his sophomore season and has not missed a play on the offensive side of the ball in two years. In that time he has only allowed two sacks.

"I'm just so excited about being a part of Rutgers. They are trying to build a championship type of program and I want to be part of it. I always wanted to play at Rutgers and now I'll have the chance."

This past winter and spring, Mike won three city titles in track. He won the indoor and outdoor shotput championship with throws of 50 feet and also won the outdoor discuss event with a throw of more than 150 feet.

All college recruiters look high and low, long and hard for hidden gems and it looks like Rutgers found theirs.

Mike is the first Division One player to come out of his high school since 1982. Amazingly, he's only 16 years old and still growing.