By Ed Flink
Special to MaxPreps.com
GREENWICH, Conn. --- Greenwich High senior fullback/linebacker Jonathan Meyers believes there's a stigma attached to the quality of high school football in his home state.
"I don't perceive it. It's true. There are (college coaches) who are constantly looking to doubt you and say, 'Oh, yeah, he can play but he's from Connecticut.' They would question the level (of competition)," Meyers said. "If you're a good enough player, (the recognition) is going to come to you. It's not really an issue for me anymore."
Indeed, the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder has already received 20-plus scholarship offers. He's the only fullback being recruited by defending national champion Florida. Big 10 Conference power Michigan likes him as an outside linebacker, as do most of the other teams from whom he's drawn interest. But it's been difficult dealing with what he feels is a bias against Nutmeg State prospects.
"Trying to be a major recruit out of Connecticut, it's definitely something that's not easy. A lot of (college coaches) try to dog you, from Texas to Florida to California. I think it's something that's hard for me to try to overcome, the stereotypes that come with people and their hometown or state pride."
"There's probably a little bit of truth to that," Greenwich coach Richie Albonizio said. "But if you're a great football player they're going to find you."
Meyers acknowledged that prospects don't need to come from states known as football factories, like Ohio or Pennsylvania, to succeed in college.
"It can be done. I think there are more and more players starting to come out of Connecticut," he said. "There is a lot of talent here."
The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder is arguably the state's best all-around player. Last year, he rushed for 1,140 yards on 135 carries, scored 23 touchdowns and made 127 tackles as Greenwich captured the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference title and the state Class LL championship, finishing 12-1.
Meyers and his teammates will be challenged in November when they travel South to face Naples (Fla.) High School in a game Albonizio booked when he couldn't find a local team to fill a bye week.
"That's going to be a big test for us," the coach said. "If they play well I think it will open up some doors for some kids from Connecticut, not just at Greenwich."
Meyers is the latest blue-chipper produced by the Cardinals, joining a list that includes retired NFL quarterback Steve Young and Notre Dame senior center John Sullivan. He enjoys being part of a program that is committed to excellence, which has continued under Albonizio and his staff.
"Their dedication and the amount of hours they put in, they really make you want to work for them and they've created a family atmosphere that extends beyond football. He's like a second father for me. It's a great experience, one that many kids don't really get to feel," Meyers said.
He also appreciates the opportunity to play at a school that has made 13 appearances in a state final, winning six, and played in 19 FCIAC title games, winning 11.
"It's really a unique experience, one that is seldom found in Connecticut but you can see more in other parts of the country," he said. "I think we have something special here."
Meyers is special, too, and not just on the field. His 4.55 GPA suggests a well-rounded teenager.
"He's a wonderful kid," Albonizio said. "If he was your son you should be the happiest person in the world."
His talent is unquestioned. He's fast, strong, smart. Plus he's dedicated and unafraid of working extra hard.
"Football has become more of a lifestyle for me. It's something I'm committed to. I'm always trying to get myself better," Meyers said.
If Meyers has any questions about big-time college football, all he needs to do is ask Sullivan, the big brother of his best friend, Bobby.
"I've spoken to John on a bunch of occasions about football and what it's like. He's kind of a hometown hero for us here," Meyers said. "He's kind of a standard that it's possible a guy from Connecticut can still make it in the big-time."
The recruiting process for Meyers is complicated by the fact that he's a two-sport standout who happens to be an All-American lacrosse defenseman.
"They both have their great qualities but through this whole process I've considered myself a football player first. If there is a school that I could do both at, that's great," he said, mentioning Virginia as a possibility.
To get a feel for what's ahead, Meyers has already taken unofficial visits to Florida, Notre Dame, Stanford, Penn. St. and Boston College.
"It was a good jump start to the recruiting thing," he said.
Meyers won't make any hasty decisions, however.
"I think taking visits is the most important thing. I'll probably take about six visits in the winter," Meyers said.
"Seeing the schools, meeting the coaches and the players is something that's really important in making your decision. To rush something doesn't make sense for me. I'm going to play it out and consider all my options. I don't see my decision coming until after the football season."
Ed Flink covers scholastic football for the Danbury (CT) News-Times.