One down, four to go.
Savon Huggins, the No. 5 recruit in the nation from
St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.), picked hometown Rutgers over North Carolina
on Friday afternoon.
Huggins was one of five of the
nation's top-six recruits who had yet to announce their college choices. National Signing Day is Wednesday.
The 6-foot, 200-pound senior made the announcement at the St. Peter's Prep library and ended much anticipation where the rising star would land. His pick brought great relief to hometown fans, who desperately didn't want to see their hometown hero head out of state.
A loud cheer from the 100 or so in attendance occurred when Huggins placed a Rutgers cap to his head. He originally donned a Tar Heels' cap but then switched to Rutgers.
"I want to stay home," Huggins said. "I want to do this at Rutgers. I want to make Rutgers a household name."
An impressive senior season and showings at all-star games helped Huggins jump 45 spots in CBS/MaxPreps recruiting expert Tom Lemming's preseason rankings,
all the way to the fifth slot.
"Out of all the backs I saw on tape and in person, Huggins impressed me the most," Lemming said.
MaxPreps National Football Editor Stephen Spiewak said Huggins, a well-balanced 3.8 student who recorded a reported 1,400 on his SAT exams, was as impressive in the recruiting process as he was on the field. Huggins rushed for 1,893 yards and scored 35 touchdowns his senior season.
"Savon handled the recruiting process extremely well," Spiewak said. "He truly entered the process with an open mind, weighed all of his options, and ultimately arrived to his decision."
Spiewak said Huggins' choice to go to Rutgers wasn't just about pleasing his local friends and family. Though some have said that Higgins signing would be the biggest in Rutgers school history.
"While many players around the state tried to convince Huggins to go to Rutgers, I believe it's a decision he made on his own," he said. "He was able to block out numerous distractions and do what he felt was right for him."
Said Huggins on Friday: "Ultimately, it came down to where my heart is."
Savon Huggins beamed with pride as he told hometown fans at St. Peter's Prep of his college choice on Friday.
Courtesy of Mike Jiran/Saint Peter
It was a crucial addition for Rutgers.
"Huggins was a must-have recruit for Rutgers," Spiewak said. "Not only will he provide immediate help and do well in Rutgers' style of offense, but it helps negate the perception that top players in New Jersey need to go out of state for college.
"Rutgers did an outstanding job recruiting him. Early on in Huggins' career, it seemed like he was bound to leave New Jersey. Greg Schiano and staff did a great job developing a relationship with him and ultimately gaining a commitment from him."
Huggins said his experience at St. Peter's Prep will pave a strong path to his new surroundings. He made his announcement on campus out of respect to the school.
"I'm proud of where I go to school," he said. "It's just a blessing. I'm going to represent this program with 100 percent of my heart when I go to Rutgers."
The other four top recruits who have yet to commit are No. 1
Jadeveon Clowney, a defensive end from South Pointe (Rock Hill, S.C.), No. 3
Cyrus Kouandjio, an offensive lineman from DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), No. 4
Stephone Anthony, a linebacker from Anson (Wadesboro, N.C.) and No. 6
Tony Steward, a linebacker and running back from Menendez (St. Augustine, Fla.).
