'09 NJ WR Shawney Kersey (Rutgers Verbal)

[GoRU]

'09 NJ WR Shawney Kersey



Wide Receiver
Woodbury (NJ) Woodbury

Ht: 6-foot-2
Wt: 175 lbs
Forty: 4.53 secs
Vertical: 30 inches
Shuttle: 4.75 secs
Class: 2009 (High School)

NJ.com: Everything Jersey

Both players have one more thing in common. They are undecided on whether they will accept their offers from Rutgers or pursue other options.

"Rutgers is a top school and one of my top choices," said Kersey. "But for right now, I'm undecided."

RP Discussion Links:

[wadc45]

Rivals $

1/30

By Farrell...favors Michigan and WVU. Has been invited to junior days at Notre Dame, Syracuse, Maryland and Cincinnati.

[GoRU]

District Information - District News - Woodbury Public Schools

It's not every day that a helicopter lands at Woodbury Junior Senior High School. But on January 29th it did, carrying Rutgers Coach Schiano, who wanted to offer Shawney Kersey a scholarship to play football. Last time we checked, Shawney was 'persuaded' but not yet 'committed.'

A pic of the afore-mentioned Chopper at the link.

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NJ.com: Everything Jersey

Nearly a month after he was visited by Rutgers University head football coach Greg Schiano, standout wide receiver Shawney Kersey has had some time to reflect.

Schiano paid an unofficial visit to Kersey in January by helicopter, as the coach was there more to speak with Woodbury High School Athletic Director Grant Shivers and Herd football coach Zack Valentine.

"We didn't want to make a big deal about it," said Shivers. "(Schiano) met with Zack, our principal (Denise Dunham), and said hello to Shawney."

Kersey has been heavily recruited by Schiano, already being offered a full scholarship to attend Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have also extended a scholarship offer to Penns Grove running back Aaron Hayward, as Schiano is scanning South Jersey for the best talent available.

"Schiano is a good guy," said Shivers. "He made a commitment to South Jersey and that's why he was down here checking out the schools. I'm glad to see the effort he is making to recruit in South Jersey.

"This is huge for us. It's nice to have that notoriety and to have the type of athlete that receives that type of interest. It says a lot about the quality of athletes we have here."

Kersey has been undecided about whether he will attend Rutgers, but Schiano's trip may have made him think a little more about what school he will be attending less than 18 months from now.

"It swayed my opinion a little," said Kersey. "I mean, he came all the way down here in a helicopter just to say hi. I like that.

"I didn't even know he was coming at first. I heard a teacher talking about it and I asked my athletic director about it and I was surprised. I just thought the whole thing was pretty cool."

And while it may be an exciting event to have a Division I football coach recruit via helicopter, it also brings a lot of mixed emotions to the student-athletes involved.

"At certain times, I feel a lot of pressure," said Kersey. "But I just have to take it for what it is and I don't stress over it or anything."

He also doesn't let it get to his head.

"It really doesn't," said Kersey. "I like the fact that he came down to see me, but I don't feel I'm quite there yet (as a superstar athlete). I feel I'm on my way, but I don't have the right (to boast) right now."

With all the attention he has been receiving, Kersey has not forgotten about his senior season with the Herd, who will be looking to win their first South Jersey Group I title since 1999.

"I really try to stay in touch with my teammates," said Kersey. "We practice everyday, whether it's running or lifting weights. I'm trying to be a leader and make sure everybody works every day. (My senior year) is what I'm focusing on."

And as for signing with Rutgers, Kersey isn't sure he's ready to commit anywhere.

"I'm still undecided," said Kersey. "I probably won't sign until next year, but Rutgers is up there on the list. They showed me a lot of love."

[HotMic]

Scout $

5/11

By M Alkire. Iowa and East Carolina have offered. Kersey thinks Penn State may be next, and says he really likes the Lion coaches he has met.

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Rivals $

5/22

Expects a WVU offer soon. Top two of WVU and Penn State.

[Heavystarch]

Rivals $

6/19/08

Cincy, UW, Virginia, and Michigan State all have offered, and says Penn State has verbally offered. West Virginia, UW, PSU and Rutgers are his top four.

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Scout (free)

6/24

"I really liked what West Virginia did last year," wide receiver Shawney Kersey said. "I love the spread they run and how good the offense is. I loved watching the Oklahoma game and West Virginia just blew them away. Oklahoma used to be one of my favorite teams and they just got beat up by West Virginia." The Mountaineers lead slightly over Rutgers, Michigan State, Virginia and Wisconsin. CONTINUED...

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Rivals $

6/25

Rutgers verbal.

Surprise: Woodbury's star WR chooses Rutgers - Rutgers Football - News, training camp updates, blogs, schedule, columns and more - NJ.com

Rutgers football commitment fever is apparently contagious now.

Wide receiver Shawney Kersey, who told Allen Wallace of SuperPrep Magazine two days ago that West Virginia was solidly entrenched as his leading college choice, abruptly changed his mind and gave Rutgers a verbal commitment last night, becoming the 18th player in the Scarlet Knights' class of 2009, according to Scout.com.

The 6-2, 185-pound Kersey, who also stars in track at Woodbury High School, told Scout.com that he had a change of heart after meeting Rutgers coach Greg Schiano. Kersey is rated a three-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com and is the 49th ranked wide receiver in the country according to both.

"I like Greg Schiano and everything about him," Kersey said. "He is a real person and he is looking to help me succeed. When I talked to him it seemed like he wanted me as a person as much as a player."

Kersey is the fourth player from South Jersey in the class and said RB/WR Aaron Hayward of Penns Grove High, who committed to Rutgers last week, convinced him to join the fold.

"It's a shock," said Donald Forbes of Scout.com, who thought Kersey was West Virginia-bound.

Kersey told Scout.com he feels he fits better into Rutgers' offense than the Mountaineers' spread.