Gribb also played basketball and threw javelin at PJP, but his main sport was always football. As a receiver, he caught 75 passes for 1,257 yards  and 11 touchdowns in just two seasons (21 games) at Pope John Paul II High School. He claimed offers from Bucknell, Lehigh and Wagner as well as an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

He told the Pottstown Mercury:

“(The coaches) told me they are a little thin at the wide-receiver spot,” Gribb explained. “Hopefully I can get some quality reps and work myself in somewhere.

“I’m going there as a wide receiver, but they may move me to defense. It depends on how I fill out. I’m not where I want to be yet. I’d like to get up around 225, so I’ll have to work out on my flexibility and speed. Villanova has a great strength and conditioning coach, but I feel I have to get faster more than anything.”

Luckily for Coach Mark Ferrante, who recruited Gribb, nobody told him yet that the strength and conditioning coach, Justus Galac, is on his way to Florham Park, New Jersey to work with the New York Jets. The next hire at that spot will surely be able to work with him at achieving his goals, however.

Gribb is used to playing in a spread offense and said that he hopes to work his way into the rotation as a freshman. There may not be very many repetitions available for him next year, however, but as a redshirt freshman in 2013, he may easily get his chance.

Like Mike Burke, who signed yesterday, Gribb is a possession receiver. He clocks in at 6-4 and 200-pounds with a 28.5 inch vertical and a 4.7 second 40-yard dash time.

In addition to athletic success, Gribb is a member of the National Honor Society and an Honors Student at PJP who has a 4.0 GPA, takes AP classes and happens to be ranked 18th in his class. He also volunteers in the community and is an usher at his church. In other words: he is the admissions office’s dream athlete.

Now, he has confirmed to VUhoops that he is going to join the New York Jets’ staff. Players were notified of the move a week ago on the morning of January 26th. His official last-day in the job was February 1, 2012, but his last lifting session with the team was held on Friday, January 27.

Galac was considered by coaches and players to be a key piece of the puzzle to getting players ready for the challenges of college football. Andy Talley called him the “most vital member” of the football staff. “He’s the guy who helps those guys become what they become.” Talley said of Galac.

“He’s developed a lot of these kids physically over the time he’s been with us, from scrappy 165-pound runningback to a 200-pound guy. He’s the guy who turns the I-AA player into the I-A player; he turns the Ben Ijalana into a professional football player, the Matt Szczur into one of the best in the country.”

Those successes in the offseason program will be missed and Galac will not be easily replaced on the Main Line.

He is the third member of the Villanova football staff to depart this offseason. Defensive coordinator Mark Reardon left to coach St. Augustine Prep in southern New Jersey, while defensive line coach Dave Sollazzo accepted the same position for new FBS-member, UMass. Reardon was replaced by former Villanova linebacker’s and special teams coach, Billy Crocker, while the two open spots on the coaching staff were filled by Roc Bellantoni (defensive line/special teams) and Tony Trisciani (secondary).

Villanova will now search for Galac’s successor, but there is little doubt that the tough-as-nails strength coach, who played through cancer while in college, will not be an easy act to follow.

*This story was originally published on January 26, 2012.

LB Austin Calitro signs his NLI this morning

February 1 marks the beginning of the signing period for college football and most, if not all of Villanovas football recruits in the 2012 class signed a national letter of intent today. VUhoops.com had previously reported on 15 members of that class and a total of 17 recruits ultimately signed with one player already enrolled for the spring semester.

The class is heavy on defense with 4 linebackers, 4 defensive backs, and 2 defensive linemen. Two of the team’s three 3-star recruits were linebackers while  four of the six 2-star recruits were defensive players (one linebacker and three defensive backs).

On offense, the Wildcats added 4 offensive linemen, 3 running backs and 1 wide receiver.

Signed NLI:

1. Austin Calitro (ILB, Danbury – 3 stars)*
2. Tanoh Kpassagnon (DE, Wissahickon HS)*
3. Don Cherry (LB, Trumbull, CT)*
4. Cameron McCurry (LBDB, Fleming Island, FL – 2 stars)*
5. Nico D’Angelo (OL, Holy Spirit – 2 stars)*
6. T.J. White (LB, West Chester Henderson, PA – 2 stars)*
7. Jonathan Green (OL, North Schuylkill – 2 stars)*
8. Jake Prus (OL, Woodstown HS)*
9. Bradley Seaton (OT, Brunswick, CT)*
10. Javon White (RB, Souderton HS)*
11. Shayne Jones (CB, Imaculata High School, NJ – 2 stars)*
12. Aaron Wells (RB, River Hill HS – 2 stars)*
13. Corey Majors (LB, Worcester – 3 stars)*
14. C.J. Logan (QBDB, Northfield Mount Hermon, MA)*
15. Michael Burke IV (WR, Columbia HS– 3 stars)*
16. Patrick McGown (DL, Sierra Canyon School, CA)
17. Gary Underwood (RB, Winton Woods, OH)*

Check out our Signing Day primer for more information.

Notes:

• Today was the first we had heard of Don Cherry’s commitment. He signed early this morning and may have actually been the first NLI received by Villanova.
• Cameron McCurry was a high school linebacker and most recruiting services listed him as one. Villanova called him a defensive back when they confirmed his signing, however, so we will list him as one until proven otherwise. He is on the small side to play linebacker anyway, so that move would make sense.
• Bradley Seaton submitted (and Villanova accepted) an NLI this morning, which means that he will be a scholarship athlete at Villanova. He is being listed at 6-8 and 280-pounds, which is very good size for the offensive line. He is athletic enough to play basketball in high school as well.
• It looks like Villanova will be listing C.J. Logan as a defensive back afterall.
• Patrick McGown is another surprise signing. Measuring in a 6-5 and 230-pounds, he recorded 17 sacks this fall for his Sierra Canyon team on their way to a 2011 State Title. He was a First-Team All-CIF and First-Team All-League selection.
• Villanova shut down signing day with a big surprise: Mike Mauro didn’t sign, he enrolled in school for the spring semester. He was a mid-year transfer from Nassau Community College and will have Sophomore eligibility in the fall.  That means that he will be able to get a head start with the program by participating in spring practices.

Corey Majors (and teammates) Signing

Villanova RB Jamal Abdur-Rahman signing his NLI a year ago.

What’s the big deal about National Signing Day? For basketball, there are two open periods when a player can sign a binding national letter of intent, ending their recruitment and committing themselves to attend a particular school. This fall, Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu signed these letters and officially joined the incoming recruiting class at Villanova, but other athletes in their class will sign in the spring semester instead.

In basketball, there are more opportunities, in football, it all comes down to one spring-semester signing period that begins today, and because of differences in the recruiting and evaluation process for football players, it can be a stressful day. Players who received late offers often change their minds, or sometimes fail to meet academic standards.

Last year, Corey Majors was set to fax his letter of intent in to the Villanova football office on signing day, but it was determined that he would spend a year at prep school working on academics instead. He stuck with his initial commitment and will sign with the Wildcats today. Another recruit, Jordan Canzeri, received a late offer from Iowa and opted to sign a letter of intent with the Hawkeyes on signing day, instead. He was last seen scoring a touchdown against Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl.

In fact, Iowa has a reputation for swooping in and wooing Villanova commits at the last minute. It appears that their class is full already this year, however, so it isn’t expected that the Hawkeyes will have much effect on the 2012 class today.

No longer future Wildcats

Villanova had a few verbal commitments in the 2012 class who weren’t fully on-board with becoming a Wildcat. These players had verbally committed at some point during the season and then changed their mind to commit elsewhere:

• Stacey Bedell – A fast but undersized running back from Long Island, New York, Bedell committed to play at Villanova at the urging of former defensive line coach Dave Sollazzo. Apparently, Sollazzo had been whispering sweet nothings about Big East football into the ambitious recruit’s ear. Bedell committed in early July and changed his mind in early September. He would follow that with a commitment to play at James Madison, before Sollazzo swooped in again from his new office at UMass to offer him a scholarship to the MAC school. (Rated 3-stars by Scout.com)
• Bryan Osei – The other decommitment was from local defensive end prospect Bryan Osei, who initially cited Villanova’s academics and a potential Big East move as reasons for his commitment. When he changed his mind later, verbally committing to Temple instead, he cited a strong Psychology program as the reasoning. (Rated 3-stars by ESPN and 2-stars by Rivals)

A third recruit was both committed to Villanova and enthusiastic about joining the program when issues with academics, namely the release of his SAT scores, caused the program to cut ties. Mark Clements, a ball-hawking cornerback from south Jersey, was thrown for a loop late in the recruiting process, but did land a scholarship offer from the University of Maine last weekend — it is unknown if he will sign today. ESPN.com rated him a 2-star prospect.

Scholarship situation

Villanova has 10 players who were listed as seniors on the 2011 football roster. Some of those were not scholarship players or were receiving only partial scholarships for football. One of them, Norman White, is a potential NFL prospect who missed his senior season with a lis franc injury in his foot and will return for a final year of eligibility in 2012.

So how will Villanova sign more than 10 players today? The answer is that some of the players listed as juniors will complete their degrees and graduate in May.  Not all will be returning for a fifth year. Additionally, the use of partial scholarships further muddies the picture, but suffice to say, Villanova will have room for the 2012 recruiting class.

Needs?

Villanova was a very young team last season, with only one senior starting games, there isn’t any position on the field without an incumbent starter returning except for cornerback. That isn’t to say that a talented freshman won’t push an established player in pre-season and take over a starting role.

Villanova is losing a little bit of depth at linebacker to graduation and is always looking to add bodies on the offensive line, since it often takes an offseason program or two in order to get linemen ready for CAA competition. Additionally, with Dustin Thomas believed to be moving to wide receiver, the Wildcats are left with just Chris Polony and John Robertson returning at quarterback.

Expected Signees

Though we are listing commitments under specific positions, these positions are based primarily on their recruiting profiles and our understanding of their needs. Some players may be listed at one position and ultimately play another at Villanova.

Offensive/Defensive Linemen

• Jake Prus – The 6-6, 260-pound lineman played offensive tackle, center and defensive line in high school and will be a versatile prospect for the Wildcats. He will likely contribute as depth in 2012.
• Nico D’Angelo (2-stars – Scout) - Another offensive linemen, D’Angelo plays tackle and guard and checks in at 6-4 and 275 pounds. He did not play much in high school until his junior and senior years, but he puts up impressive measurables, covering the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds and bench pressing 365 pounds.
• Jonathan Green (2-stars – Scout) – Checking in at 295-pounds, Green is a mountain of a man, who will come to Villanova intent on competing for a spot on the offensive line. With 6 players with starting experience potentially returning for the Wildcats, Green may have to wait his turn. He was told by coaches that he would probably play Center at Villanova, which means a likely redshirt with Dan Shirey heading into his senior season.
• Tanoh Kpassagnon - A likely candidate to play defensive end, Kpassagnon is probably better described as an “athlete,” who also played tight end in high school and  competed in Shot Put, Javelin, Discus and Triple Jump for the Wissahickon track and field team as well. He is a raw athlete with a freakish 39-inch vertical leap and his ability to contribute will likely depend on how quickly he adapts to his position.
• Bradley Seaton - Not much is known about Seaton. He also plays basketball in high school and is potentially a preferred walk-on.

Linebackers

• Austin Calitro (3-stars – Rivals) - The Danbury, CT linebacker was recruited to Villanova by newly-appointed defensive coordinator Billy Crocker. Scouts like his ability to stop the running game and he has the strength and athleticism to develop into a star linebacker at Villanova.
• Corey Majors (3-stars – Rivals, Scout) – Majors was originally supposed to be a part of the 2011 signing class, but after a year at prep school, the stud linebacker from Neshaminy High School has not wavered on his commitment. He chose the Wildcats over offers from Pittsburgh, Temple and Minnesota, according to Scout.com. He would have been among Villanova’s most hyped recruits last year and remains a key piece in 2012.
• Cameron McCurry (2-stars – Rivals, ESPN) - McCurry is a talented linebacker from Fleming Island, Florida, who has been successful playing inside linebacker at the high school level, but might be a bit small for that position in college. He will need to add some bulk in the weight room to play linebacker in college or could potentially be moved to safety. He could potentially become a major contributor right away on special teams.
• T.J. White (2-stars – Rivals, Scout) – This West Chester linebacker is the son of a former Villanova football captain and starting defensive tackle. White brings a similar profile in terms of size and speed as Dillon Lucas, who was a defensive star for the Wildcats this fall. There will be less pressure on T.J. White to star immediately, but if he arrives on campus with similar drive, he could find himself a role on the field.

Running Back

• Aaron Wells (2-stars – Rivals, Scout) - Wells is an undersized running back from Maryland who reportedly can cover the 40-yard dash in a blazing-fast 4.34 seconds. He could provide some help to the Wildcats immediately on special teams or as a third-down option in the backfield. It is also possible that Wells could find himself playing slot receiver or defensive back in the future.
• Javon White - White is another speedy backfield option for the Wildcats who was offered a scholarship after running a 4.3 second 40-yard dash at a Villanova football camp last summer. If he doesn’t stick at running back, White might also be an option at cornerback, where he averaged 3 tackles per game and grabbed a couple of interceptions this fall.
• Gary Underwood - Underwood was a star quarterback at Winton Woods High School in Ohio, but will come to the Main Line as a running back. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns as a high school senior and may be an option to contribute immediately by running plays from the wildcat set (if John Robertson doesn’t take that job).

Wide Receiver

• Michael Burke IV (3-stars – Rivals) – Burke is a 6-3 possession receiver who has size, a sturdy build and excellent hands, allowing him to battle with opposing corners and grab contested balls. He runs routes well and has adequate speed. Likely a back-up or depth-option as a freshman, Burke will have plenty of opportunities to earn a bigger role as a sophomore.

Quarterback

• C.J. Logan - Logan is an Alabama native who moved to Massachusetts and played high school football in New England. He has been playing football from a young age and has exhibited excellent instincts on the field. He had originally been a verbal commitment to Bentley University, but switched to Villanova after spending a year a prep school. He is a quarterback by trade and is a tough and elusive runner who is strong enough to break tackles. He threw for 15 touchdowns as a high school senior. He may be unlikely to beat out the incumbent Chris Polony at quarterback, but has stated that he was willing to change positions.
• Chris Papadopoulos - A preferred walk-on candidate, Papadopoulos seems likely to join the Wildcats in 2012 to provide depth behind Chris Polony and John Robertson at the quarterback position.

But Wait! There’s more!

According to dailybreeze.com, Serra High School (Gardena, CA) lineman Kris Cooper will make his college decision during a ceremony at noon. The 6-2, 280-pound offensive and defensive lineman will announce a decision between Villanova, New Mexico and Montana State at the ceremony.

Wrap-up

If everyone signs today, it will be a very solid class for the Wildcats. It isn’t easy to match the talent level of the 2011 class, but this one is still very strong. In 2010 there were 18 signees, 5 were rated 3-stars by at least one service and 3 were rated 2-stars. This year there are 14-15 verbal commitments, 3 are rated 3-stars by at least one service and 6 players are rated 2-stars by at least one service.

The class itself covers most needs pretty well. It appears to create too much depth at running back, but it is unlikely that all of those recruits will ultimately play the position they are listed at in this post. There will also be significant depth at linebacker, but also a wealth of talent. Some linebackers may be in line for their own position change.

More importantly, no immediate need is missing from the class.

We will have more updates from signing day as information trickles in. Check back throughout the day.

The versatile player measures in at 6-0 and 179 pounds. He has good anticipation and ball-tracking skills, and is known to anticipate routes well. He has good lateral quickness and is able to cover the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds.

Rivals, Scout and ESPN’s recruiting databases all rank Jones at 2-stars.

Jones is the 15th known recruit for the 2012 Villanova football class, who will make things official and sign a national letter of intent on Wednesday. The other known members of the class are:

1. Jake Prus (OL, Woodstown HS)
2. Nico D’Angelo (OL, Holy Spirit – 2 stars)
3. Austin Calitro (ILB, Danbury – 3 stars)
4. Javon White (RB, Souderton HS)
5. Aaron Wells (RB, River Hill HS – 2 stars)
6. Tanoh Kpassagnon (DE, Wissahickon HS)
7. Michael Burke IV (WR, Columbia HS– 3 stars)
8. Corey Majors (LB, Worcester – 3 stars)
9. Jonathan Green (OL, North Schuylkill – 2 stars)
10. Bradley Seaton (OT, Brunswick, CT)
11. Cameron McCurry (LB, Fleming Island, FL – 2 stars)
12. T.J. White (LB, West Chester Henderson, PA – 2 stars)
13. Gary Underwood (RB, Winton Woods, OH)
14. C.J. Logan (QB, Northfield Mount Hermon, MA)

Elsewhere on signing day…

Villanova is also interested in adding quarterback Chris Papadopoulos from Thomas S. Wooton High School in Maryland as a preferred walk-on.

Meanwhile, Stacey Bedell, who had previously committed to Villanova before de-committing in favor of James Madison in September, has now walked away from his commitment to JMU as well. Former Villanova defensive-line coach, Dave Sollazzo, who had initially recruited Bedell for the Wildcats, stepped back into the picture to offer the speedy running back a scholarship to his new employer — UMass. Bedell also claims that he had an offer from Boston College.

Another former Villanova commit, Mark Clements, visited the University of Maine over the weekend and was offered a scholarship by their coaching staff. The ball-hawking cornerback from South Jersey seems set to attend a CAA school in the fall, but hasn’t made his decision official yet. He will not be attending Villanova, however.

The standout at Watertown made a splash in the 2010 season, throwing 15 touchdowns and rushing for 11. He is a dual-threat who will fit well into the Villanova offense. He brings, speed, elusiveness and a hard-nosed willingness to make contact and take hits that may remind Villanovans of Chris Whitney.

Though he played out his high school career in Massachusetts, Logan hails from  Bay Minette, Alabama, a small town near Mobile. His biological parents sent him to live with his legal guardians in New England because they felt that it would give him an opportunity to better himself. Now, he will head to Villanova University in the fall and hopefully earn a degree.

“My grandfather taught me the game, and I actually played running back and linebacker in Alabama,” Logan told the Watertown TAB & Press in 2009. “I didn’t start playing quarterback until seventh grade, but I always wanted to be one because my father played that position.”

A year ago he had verbally committed to play at Bentley University, but his year in prep school seemed to change his mind. There was a chance that the coaches at Bentley would have asked him to change positions — a move he would have accepted — and that may ultimately be the case at Villanova as well.

Bentley’s strong business program was what attracted him to that school a year ago, and the Villanova School of Business’ reputation was likely a draw for him this time around as well. His dream career when his playing days are over is to become a sports agent or to work in marketing for a professional team.

Logan becomes the 14th known recruit for the Villanova football class. The other known members of the 2012 recruiting class are:

1. Jake Prus (OL, Woodstown HS)
2. Nico D’Angelo (OL, Holy Spirit – 2 stars)
3. Austin Calitro (ILB, Danbury – 3 stars)
4. Javon White (RB, Souderton HS)
5. Aaron Wells (RB, River Hill HS)
6. Tanoh Kpassagnon (DE, Wissahickon HS)
7. Michael Burke IV (WR, Columbia HS– 1 star)
8. Corey Majors (LB, Worcester – 3 stars)
9. Jonathan Green (OL, North Schuylkill)
10. Bradley Seaton (OT, Brunswick, CT)
11. Cameron McCurry (LB, Fleming Island, FL)
12. T.J. White (LB, West Chester Henderson, PA – 2 stars)
13. Gary Underwood (RB, Winton Woods, OH)

New defensive coordinator, Billy Crocker

Villanova football was in search of a new defensive coordinator this off-season, and found one right on campus. Wildcats’ linebackers coach Billy Crocker was promoted to the position after the departure of long-time staff member Mark Reardon. In addition, Andy Talley added two new coaches to his staff to replace the departed Reardon and Dave Sollazzo. Tony Trisciani will now coach Villanova’s secondary, while Roc Bellantoni will take over as defensive line coach and special teams coordinator.

Crocker has now been a member of the Villanova football staff for seven seasons, he has previously coached defensive line and last season was moved over to coach linebackers. He was also the special teams coordinator in 2011. Under his direction last season, freshman linebacker Dillon Lucas was named both the CAA and ECAC Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the All-CAA third team.

Yesterday, news of Tony Trisciani’s hiring leaked out through a release from his prior employer, Whitehall High School. He was the head football coach at Whitehall for five seasons, leading them to  a 36-22 record and three appearances in the Class 4A playoffs. In 2010, with a team quarterbacked by Villanova freshman Chris Polony, the Zephyrs earned a spot in the District 11 Class 4A title game.

Prior to coaching at Whitehall, Trisciani compiled some FCS coaching experience, coaching defensive backs and linebackers at Elon University, linebackers at Lehigh University and he spent three season as the defensive backs coach at New Hampshire. He also coached at Alfred University and Springfield College, where he was a four-year starter as an undergraduate.

Prior to Villanova, Bellantoni spent a decade as an assistant at Eastern Illinois University from 2001 to 2011. His duties there included being the defensive coordinator from 2002-11 and the associate head coach in 2007-11. In 2009, EIU won the Ohio Valley Conference title. He had also been the defensive coordinator at Drake University. Prior to coaching, Bellantoni played college football at Iona College, where he was a three-year letterwinner at defensive tackle. He will step in to replace Dave Sollazzo, who left the program after just one season to join the coaching staff at Massachusetts.

Bellantoni is familiar with Villanova wide receivers coach Brian Flinn, who had also spent time on the staff at EIU, as well as offensive assistant Nick Kray, who played for EIU.

“Brian Flinn and Nick Cray are there,” Bellantoni told the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier. “Once the openings were on their staff, they went to their head coach and talked to him about me. Not only Brian and Nick but I knew a few other guys on the staff.”

He left Eastern Illinois as a result of former head coach Bob Spoo’s retirement, who many thought Bellantoni would succeed. After two 2-9 seasons, however, he was told that the program wouldn’t be promoting him after the 2011 season.

“I can’t lie to you: The last three or four years the way the administration has handled things here, there’s some bitterness. I’ll be honest.”

Villanova has at least one more coaching hire pending, but for all intents and purposes, the staff is currently complete in advance of the final recruiting weekend for the 2012 class.

Villanova must hire at least one more new defensive coach to replace the departed Mark Reardon and Dave Sollazzo.

In addition to serving as defensive coordinator, Reardon had also coached the Villanova secondary, though David Riede coached cornerbacks as well.

During his five seasons at Whitehall, Trisciani’s teams compiled a 36-22 record and made three appearances in the Class 4A playoffs. In 2010, with a team quarterbacked by Villanova freshman Chris Polony, the Zephyrs earned a spot in the District 11 Class 4A title game.

Whitehall issued the following statement:

“While we are sorry to see Coach Trish leave our athletic staff, we know he will always be a part of the rich tradition and blue-collar ethic that we have earned,” Whitehall athletic director Bob Hartman said in the press release. “We extend good luck and congratulations to him on his new position. Villanova University is gaining an outstanding football coach and better person. Five years ago, Coach Trisciani entered our program with goals and ambitious plans for our football program. He wanted to treat our program like a small college program. I can say that he has not only elevated our football program to that level, but he has helped to elevate our entire athletics program.

“We can only hope Coach has learned as much from us as we did from him. He has helped to re-engage our football alumni and made our football program available to them. His attention to detail, passion, intelligence, work ethic, and love for our players has made his tenure here very special. Coach has helped to raise the standard for which this athletic department now operates. Our past and current players and coaches are very lucky to have worked with Coach T.”

The new Villanova assistant is excited about his move to the collegiate ranks at Villanova.

“I’m excited about my future at Villanova,” Trisciani tweeted. ”My experience at Whitehall was amazing. I’ll miss Friday night lights with such special people.”

Official announcements from the University regarding this hire as well as any additional hires should occur within the next few days, after the human resources staff finishes processing the required paperwork.

He was a playmaker for the Winton Woods team that used him primarily as a running threat from the quarterback position. While he did have opportunities to throw the ball, they were few compared to his rushing attempts. Still, Villanova may consider him an option to take snaps out of the “wildcat” package.

Underwood is the Wildcat’s 13th commitment for the 2012 recruiting class. He visited campus earlier in January.

He does not have a recruiting profile on Rivals, Scout or ESPN.

To view his highlight reel: Click Here.

National Signing Day for football recruits is less than a week away on Wednesday, February 1. Players may receive offers and change their minds at any point prior to signing a national letter of intent, so while Villanova appears to have a hold on Underwood and the other 12 verbal commitments, the picture could change over the next few days.

The other known members of the 2012 Villanova Football recruiting class are:

1. Jake Prus (OL, Woodstown HS)
2. Nico D’Angelo (OL, Holy Spirit – 2 stars)
3. Austin Calitro (ILB, Danbury – 3 stars)
4. Javon White (RB, Souderton HS)
5. Aaron Wells (RB, River Hill HS)
6. Tanoh Kpassagnon (DE, Wissahickon HS)
7. Michael Burke IV (WR, Columbia HS– 1 star)
8. Corey Majors (LB, Worcester – 3 stars)
9. Jonathan Green (OL, North Schuylkill)
10. Bradley Seaton (OT, Brunswick, CT)
11. Cameron McCurry (LB, Fleming Island, FL)
12. T.J. White (LB, West Chester Henderson, PA – 2 stars)

Though the Midshipmen won’t join the conference until 2015, as soon as the ink is dry on their agreement to join, the exit fee for football members will increase to $10 million. The current exit fee for Big East members is just $5 million and will remain at that point for any non-football member institution like Villanova, Georgetown or Notre Dame that might choose to withdraw.

Navy had spent more than 130 years as a football independent, but will make the move in light of the changing landscape in college football. They would be the 11th team in the Big East football conference for the 2015 season, meaning that the conference is still one team short of it’s short-term goal of 12 members.

Sources told CBS that a 12th football member could be added in time for the 2013 season. It does not appear that Army or Air Force are interested in joining the Midshipmen.

The move has no effect on Big East basketball. The league will consist of 16 members in 2012-13, and from 2014-on, barring any additional new members. In 2013-14, the Big East is currently planning on having up to 19 basketball members, though that number will depend greatly upon the outcome of the Big East’s lawsuits with West Virginia.

Longer-term, expansion beyond 12 members in football is still possible, but further expansion also hasn’t been approved or decided upon.

“We have talked about the idea of going beyond 12 and creating a model that includes additional members, we haven’t executed that,” Commissioner John Marinatto said during a conference call last month. “Our board basically has told us to execute the plan that they approved at our annual meeting on November 1st, and at the appropriate time, whenever that is, we can certainly engage in discussions in regard to expanding beyond that.

“I think once we get our footing established, we can visit the question of expansion beyond that and also revisit the conversation to Villanova’s potential of becoming a football member of the conference as well.”

——————

Press Release:

NAVY TO MAKE BIG EAST ITS FIRST FOOTBALL CONFERENCE HOME

Midshipmen Will Begin Competing In 2015

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The BIG EAST Conference formally announced the addition of the Naval Academy, one of the nation’s elite and most respected institutions, as a member in the sport of football. The Midshipmen will begin competing in the 2015 season.

The addition of Navy brings the BIG EAST’s football membership to 11 schools. In December, the BIG EAST announced the additions of the University of Central Florida, University of Houston and Southern Methodist University as full members and Boise State University and San Diego State University as football members. The BIG EAST Conference Board of Directors, by a unanimous vote of its Presidents, extended the invitation for membership to Navy.

The addition of Navy, along with the schools announced in December, will boost the BIG EAST’s television reach to more than 31 million homes. Ten conference members will be located among the top 20 television markets and 16 will be in the top 50.

Navy has played as a football independent since the program began in 1879. The BIG EAST will be Navy’s first conference affiliation. The academy, located in Annapolis, Md., is one of only four schools to produce a U.S. President and a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Navy has produced two Heisman trophy winners, Joe Bellino and Roger Staubach, and one national championship team.

Navy has annually ranked near the top of both the NCAA’s APR and Graduation Success Rate for student-athletes. This past year, Navy’s Graduation Success Rate of 96 percent placed the academy in the top four of all FBS institutions.

“When people look back, they will mark this as a truly historic day for the BIG EAST Conference,” said Commissioner John Marinatto. “America’s first national football conference is adding a program with true national appeal. Navy’s decision to make the BIG EAST its first football conference home after over 100 years of independence demonstrates the value of our new expansion model and the long-term viability of our football product. The BIG EAST is truly proud to be associated with one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country and one of the most storied programs in college football.”

“I am honored to welcome the United States Naval Academy and its football program to the BIG EAST Conference,” said Judy Genshaft, University of South Florida President and Chair of the BIG EAST Conference Board of Directors. “The Naval Academy’s steadfast commitment to the educational, moral and physical development of our future leaders echoes the ongoing missions of our current and future members to achieve success at the highest levels of intercollegiate athletics. We are indeed proud to include the Academy under the auspices of the BIG EAST Conference.”

The BIG EAST already had the largest media footprint in college football and the addition of Navy makes that footprint even larger. BIG EAST football will span from coast to coast and will be the first truly national college football conference.

“The Naval Academy is pleased to accept the invitation for our football team to join The BIG EAST Conference,” said Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Michael Miller, USN. “After careful consideration, we believe this affiliation to be in the best interests of the Naval Academy, our athletic programs and the Brigade of Midshipmen. While our independent status has served Navy football well to date, BIG EAST conference affiliation will help ensure our future scholar-athletes and athletic programs remain competitive at the highest levels for the foreseeable future.”

“The BIG EAST will provide an expanded stage for the American public to see our nation’s future leaders,” said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. “Expanded media opportunities and coverage by the BIG EAST will elevate the national visibility of Navy football to the highest levels. This new affiliation will brand Navy football as a member of a BCS conference whose competitive aspirations include the opportunity to compete for a championship. The BIG EAST plays a prominent role in the NCAA governance structure and affiliation will ensure that the Naval Academy solidifies its position as an important contributor to leadership decisions on the national level.”

Navy has played in eight bowl games in the last nine seasons and has made a total of 17 bowl appearances. The Midshipmen rank in the top 20 nationally with 75 wins in the last nine seasons. Navy will continue to compete against Army and Air Force for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy. They have finished in the top 10 in rushing yards every year since 2003.

In 2015, the BIG EAST football membership will consist of Boise State, UCF, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Louisville, Navy, Rutgers, San Diego State, USF and SMU.