Middletown North senior Chad Freshnock, one of the Shore Conference's top returning running backs, announced on Friday night that he has verbally committed to Bucknell.

Freshnock is a two-time 1,000-yard rusher for the Lions who has helped lead them to consecutive state playoff berths. He was a second-team All-Shore selection by Shore Sports Network as a junior as a utility player because he is also a standout linebacker.

Freshnock averaged seven yards per carry in rushing for 1,280 yards and 14 touchdowns, and also caught 23 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Lions to their second straight playoff berth. On defense, he made 50 tackles, including four for a loss, and had three sacks. He enters his senior season with 2,336 career yards rushing.


Freshnock also is a star wrestler, as he finished 23-3 as a junior, winning Region VI and District 22 titles at 220 pounds.

He is the latest Shore standout to commit to coach Joe Susan and the Bison. Former Barnegat quarterback Cinjun Erskine and former Jackson Memorial wide receiver Marcus Ademilola are part of the incoming freshman class, and the roster also features former Shore Regional quarterback Matt Muh and former Red Bank Catholic defensive end Doug Whitlock.

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