[GoRU]

Rutgers getting early returns | APP.com | Asbury Park Press

"I can't tell you how many college coaches would come in, sit in my office and leave here saying, "I never met anyone like that,' " Manasquan High School coach Pete Cahill said. "Every coach that came in commented on what a unique individual he is."

Yet, Cahill concedes the coaches weren't there to take in Forst's gregarious personality.

"Their jaws would just drop the first time they saw Art," Cahill said. "I remember one coach from Michigan State left here saying, "That's what offensive linemen are supposed to look like.' "

If Forst looks the part of a mountainous lineman, he doesn't exactly act the part. Prior to an interview at the Rutgers' Hale Center last week, Forst shook hands with a reporter and quipped, "I'm an offensive lineman. People aren't supposed to know my name."

Then, for the next 20 minutes Forst held court.

"People overrate the recruiting process, like it's so bad," Forst said. " "Wow, people actually want you to get your college education and play for them.' Like come on, the recruiting process was a drain? How? If a coach calls and you're busy, you just respectfully say I'm occupied.

"Like my dad says, "Hey Art, you can tell your kids that people actually wanted you.' "

Forst's final four schools came down to Rutgers, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia.

"Really, could I have made a bad decision?" he asked rhetorically.

Yet, he chose to stick close to home not only because he was afforded the luxury of enrolling early, but for the likelihood of playing as a true freshman. With three of the five spots on Rutgers' line up for grabs, Forst has a realistic shot of making the two-deep at tackle with a quality spring camp.

Cahill believes Forst will gain plenty from being instructed by Rutgers' coaches on a daily basis.

"I know it's a cliche," Manasquan's coach said, "but Art really is a student of the game. He wants to learn about it, improve on his skills, and if he has a weakspot in his game, you better believe he'll ask the right questions to fix it."