Football – Several Shore Conference Players Sign NLI During Early Signing Period

Several Shore Conference football players signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday morning when the new early signing period began.

Mater Dei Prep quarterback George Pearson, Lakewood offensive lineman John Paul Rodriguez and Rumson-Fair Haven defensive end Elijah McAllister and Donovan Catholic long snapper Jack Hadley led the way in signing with FBS program while a host of other local stars officially pledged their commitment to FCS programs.

The new early signing period is only for Division 1-bound high school seniors and junior college transfers and allows student-athletes to sign prior to the traditional signing day on Feb. 7, 2018. The early signing period runs from Wednesday, Dec. 20 through Friday, Dec. 22.

Pearson signed with Central Michigan, Rodriguez signed with Temple and McAllister announced he was signing with Vanderbilt. McAllister picked Vanderbilt over Tennessee, Michigan State and Boston College. Hadley, one of the top-rated long snappers in the country, signed with West Virginia.

Manalapan running back Naim Mayfield, the Shore Sports Network 2017 Offensive Player of the Year, signed with Fordham University while St. John Vianney linebacker Johnny Buchanan, SSN's Defensive Player of the Year, signed with the University of Delaware.

Additionally, Lakewood defensive end Josh Lezin signed with Maine, Red Bank Catholic offensive lineman Michael Griggs signed with Colgate, Manalapan offensive lineman Matt Mazza signed with FCS power Villanova and Long Branch wide receiver T.J. Fosque signed with Monmouth University to highlight the day.

Long Branch defensive end Kaymar Mimes had verbally committed to Rutgers on Monday but has now re-opened his recruitment following an offer from the University of Pittsburgh, according to Long Branch head coach Dan George. Mimes will take an official visit to Pitt on Jan. 13.

Wide receiver Eddie Lewis, a 2016 Mater Dei graduate, signed with Rutgers after spending a year at Milford Academy. Former St. John Vianney standout Chris Chukwuneke spent a post-graduate year at Peddie School and on Wednesday signed with FCS defending national champion James Madison as a defensive back.

Twin brothers Jayson and Justin Ademilola, who played at St. Peter's Prep but are from Jackson, signed with Notre Dame.

100% COMMITTED!! pic.twitter.com/BTmXu9IS4X

— Big Jah 1️⃣ (@e_mcallister1) December 20, 2017

Managing editor Bob Badders can be reached at bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Badders. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights.