There’s an abundance of talent amongst the high schools of South Jersey. The area has a history of putting out some great talent. Schools like Penn State, Rutgers and the University of Miami have made South Jersey a target for finding big time talent.
In 1971, Penn State grabbed Mainland linebacker Greg Buttle. After being a star at State College, Buttle was a Pro Bowler for the New York Jets.
In 1986, linebacker Andre Collins was scooped up by Joe Paterno out of Cinnaminson. Collins left the Nittany Lions and became a star for the Redskins, Bengals, Bears and Lions.
In last year’s Super Bowl, Indianapolis middle linebacker Gary Brackett, a Rutgers product was the guy in the middle for the Colts. Brackett is on the small side but he’s as fast as lighting.
One of the my former Eagles teammates played his high school football in South Jersey, Anthony Griggs played his high school ball at Kennedy and he was a star linebacker at Villanova University.
Griggs played for the Eagles and Browns, then spent years in Pittsburgh working for the Steelers.
In the 2010, there’s another load of talent in South Jersey.
Cherokee is a talented squad, which won the South Jersey Group 4 title in a year ago. They had an 11-1 record in 2009, but quarterback Andy Martin who tossed 13 touchdowns a year ago, plans on stepping up their game this time around to make a make people take notice statewide. Running back Michael Zeuli is a standout ball carrier who is sure to put up some big numbers this year.
Quarterback Cody Brown of Gloucester Catholic is said to have a gun for an arm. He threw 21 touchdowns a year ago and looks to improve those numbers this year.
Ron Baines of Eastern is one of the best defensive backs in South Jersey. Last year he intercepted six passes.
