A couple of players with some rather interesting and strong NFL ties made moves on Monday as to where their respective college destinations will be.
Maika Polamalu, a 6-foot, 205-pound Pottsgrove tailback/linebacker and the cousin of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, has opted to go to Navy, choosing to be a Midshipman over scholarship offers from Temple and Villanova.
Spencer Reid, a 5-11, 205-pound tailback at Harriton High School and the youngest of Philadelphia Eagles' head coach Andy Reid's three sons, has chosen to go to Temple, selecting the Owls over Delaware and Northern Arizona University.
For Polamalu, a four-year starter who rushed for 1,457 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, Navy's campus was impressive and he also came away impressed after talking to a number of the Navy players. Polamalu is projected to be a running back or defensive back at Navy.
As for Reid, who rushed for 960 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, he was one of a few standouts on a team that finished 3-8 overall and 2-8 in the Central League. Reid is projected as a running back for new Owls coach Steve Addazio.
Reid transferred last spring from St. Joseph's Prep, where he teamed with Skyler Mornhinweg, the son of Eagles' offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. He maintained an excellent attitude and proved to be a real leader for the Rams, said Harriton coach Matt Barr.
"Spencer would do anything you asked him to do," Barr said. "I'm really happy for him. Spencer has a great work ethic and he really adjusted well here."
Reid, who played both ways for Harriton, as a running back, middle linebacker and defensive end, said "I did feel like I was entering a whole new world going to Harriton from St. Joe's Prep. The intensity level and overall football feel was different at Harriton.
"But I did find a comfort zone at Harriton. We had nine players go both ways and it was a challenge. I know now though my hard work went into something. It is a load off my mind knowing where I'm going to college, and knowing I'll have the chance to play football.
"I think a big thing in the decision was staying close to home, so my family can see me play. I spent a lot of time at Lincoln Financial Field watching the Eagles play. Now I get a chance to play on that field for Temple."
In other recruiting news, West Chester Henderson's 6-3, 225-pound defensive end
Myles Jackson has chosen Rutgers, picking the Scarlet Knights over Bowling Green, Temple, Connecticut and Toledo.
Jackson, who had 80 tackles, five sacks three fumble recoveries and an interception last season, said he felt comfortable on the Rutgers campus after a mid-December visit.
Jackson is projected to play defensive end at Rutgers, though he did play linebacker his junior year for the Warriors.
Joseph Santoliquito can be reached at JSantoliquito@yahoo.com.