UConn lands first commitment

The UConn Huskies are on the board with their first verbal commitment for the class of 2006. With limited scholarships, the Huskies are obviously being very picky when it comes to offers. Penfield (N.Y.) Penfield Central wide receiver Kevin Poles, their first commitment, was clearly impressive enough to earn an early tender.

"I committed on Monday," said the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder. "They offered me about a month ago, but when I went up there last weekend I saw it had everything I wanted. The coaches are great and it's a nice area. I know I can compete to play early there and they have been impressive the last few years."

Poles had an offer from Toledo and was being recruited by Pitt, Syracuse, Rutgers, Boston College and others.

"Toledo is a good program and they throw the ball a lot, but UConn is just a better choice for me. I want to major in Education and on the football side of things, they are one of the top teams on the east coast. I'm excited about the future."

As a junior, Poles caught more than 30 passes for more than 800 yards and six scores. He was named all-greater Rochester and all-county as a junior as well.