Viviano explains unique choice
Joe Viviano had the opportunity to play college football at the highest level.
Like several other prospects in recent years, however, he turned down a chance to play in a BCS conference and opted to use his football skills as a way to get an education that's tough to match.
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The Berwyn (Pa.) Conestoga pro-style quarterback had offers from NC State, Syracuse and plenty of FCS schools, but he recently committed to Harvard.
So why did he commit to the Ivy League school?
"Because they obviously have unbelievable academics," Viviano explained. "And the past three, four or five years they've been pretty dominant in the Ivy League. I don't feel like I'm substituting either football or academics. I think I can get the best of both worlds."
He may be sacrificing a chance at a national championship at the FBS level but Viviano obviously believes the prestigious academics will more than make up for that.
Since committing to Harvard he noted that other schools have "pretty much" backed off. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound pro-style quarterback said his decision ultimately came down to NC State and Harvard.
A recent visit to Harvard sealed the deal.
"I just thought it was unbelievable," he said. "I really liked the coaches. I've got a great relationship with the coaches. They sold me on the school and I really liked the players, too."