Football: Toms River East’s Matt Gudzak Commits to Villanova

Toms River East senior Matt Gudzak, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher, verbally committed to Villanova on Monday, according to Raiders head coach Charlie Diskin.

Gudzak, a Shore Sports Network third-team All-Shore selection and an All-Class A South pick by the coaches, ran for 1,043 yards on 147 carries and had 14 touchdowns. He also played safety, where he had 54 tackles and an interception for the Raiders, who finished 4-6. He had 248 yards rushing and four touchdowns in a win over Howell, and he had 147 yards rushing, 65 yards receiving and four total touchdowns in an upset win over Central Jersey Group IV champion Brick.

A three-year starter who ran for 1,159 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior, Gudzak has been recruited to play running back for the Wildcats, who currently include freshman linebacker Travis Clark (Rumson-Fair Haven). Gudzak finished his career with 2,874 yards rushing and 31 touchdowns. He is the 13th player from the Shore Conference Class of 2014 to verbally commit to a FBS or FCS program.