February 11, 2009
Rutherford-Senior Offensive Tackle, Brian Crockett of the 2008 St. Mary High School football team, has committed to attend Colgate University on a full grant scholarship.
Crockett is the third member of the St. Mary class of 2009 to accept a Division I athletic scholarship. He joins Dan O'Neil who will be pitching for Rutgers University and Alfrea Tolbert who will be playing hoops at Northeastern University next year. "It is remarkable to have three Division I athletes in a small school and a credit to the quality of our sports programs," said Matt Stone, Athletic Director.
Crockett's athletic ability coupled with his outstanding performance in the classroom attracted an enormous amount of attention from schools all over the northeast. The 6'4'' 285 lb. lineman carries a 3.9 G.P.A and is a member of the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society. Crockett has garnered two time First Team All-B.C.S.L. recognition. Over the past two seasons, he has led the Gael potent running attack which this year featured two of the area's best running backs in sophomore Kyree Tyson Jones, (930 yds.) and freshman Qa'dree Hubbard (1,132 yds.).
"Brian is the quintessential student athlete. He is smart, articulate, and a mature young man who has always had his priorities in order. His dedication both on the field and in the classroom is one of many admirable qualities he possesses," said Principal Roy Corso. "He has overcome a great deal of adversity in his life, and that is what makes everyone in the St. Mary community so proud of him."
Brian joins a long line of St. Mary High School Division I offensive lineman. Recently, two were listed in the news that played in N.F.L Super Bowls, Bob DeMarco and Stan Walters. Currently, St. Mary grad Mike Schmeding is playing at powerhouse Michigan State. Additionally, line coach Brandon Graham finished an accolade filled football career at New Hampshire University last spring.
"I owe a tremendous amount of my success to my coaches who believed me and pushed me to get better each season," said Crockett. "My family, coaches, and teammates were my greatest assets in attaining this goal."