UConn raiding the Garden State

With Rutgers coming off another down year, Penn State in disarray and Boston College and Syracuse struggling in the state of New Jersey, UConn has emerged as a power in the Garden State.

"I committed to UConn on my visit this weekend," said 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety Kitt Pommells, a three-star prospect and ranked as the No. 8 player in Jersey in our pre-season Top 30. "Everything felt right about it and I really like coach Lakatos. He's been a big part of my guys in New Jersey are committing."

Pommells, who will play safety at UConn but is also a standout wide receiver, chose the Huskies over offers from Purdue, Rutgers and Maryland. Virginia had also offered but backed off when scholarships became limited.

"It came down to UConn and Virginia and UConn kept recruiting me hard," he said. "I visited UConn in the summer and it felt right, but it felt better this time. I think I can play right away and I have a very good relationship with the coaches and some of the players. Location wasn't a factor at all, it was just where I felt good."

Pommells is the third commitment for UConn from New Jersey this week, following wideout Todd Dorcelus and running back Donald Brown.

"I know Todd, I have his number and I need to call him," said Pommells. "He and I spoke this past week and he was trying to see if I'd go to UConn. I don't know Donny, but I've heard of him."

Pommells is the highest-ranked commitment ever for the Huskies from New Jersey.