On Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, Neshaminy seniors Dorian Arthur, Luke Carrezola, Denny Lord and Mike Palmer were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to play football at the collegiate level. To view photos of the signing, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Cardinal Camera sponsors all SOL college signings on SuburbanOneSports.com. For additional information about purchasing a commemorative keepsake of the signing, please click on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/forms/college-signings.
Dorian Arthur – West Chester University (Football)
Major: Psychology
Final list of colleges: West Chester, Lock Haven, Kutztown
Reasons for choosing West Chester: “West Chester being in the top of the PSAC right now – I went there, I got to see some of the guys, I got to see the program, I got to see the different coaches, and I liked it. I liked the feeling I was given of a welcoming family, being able to be part of the Rams, being able to see that this is a team. Coming from a winning team, I want to go to a winning team. They were 13-2, and being part of that, I’m excited. I can’t wait to get out there and work hard for those guys.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football: “I started thinking about it when I was around 11. I was part of the midget football program and then joined the middle school team. It took me on into high school, and I grew a desire to want to play at that next level.”
Coach Mark Schmidt says: “Dorian won our most improved defensive player. He came from nowhere – he had a pretty severe injury last year, and we shut him down, and he just came back and did a marvelous job. Every game he just got better. I think he’ll be playing defensive end in college. He’s got that growth potential. He just really got in the weight room and did a great job. He’s really good.”
About Dorian:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Glory
Favorite music: Instrumental music
Luke Carrezola – University of Connecticut (Football)
Major: Kinesiology (Strength & Conditioning)
Final list of colleges: Connecticut, Temple
Reasons for choosing UConn: “The facilities – they’re the best facilities I’ve seen. I have been to a lot of places in the Northeast, and the fact that it’s one of the top public school programs is huge to me. They have a new head coach (TJ Weist) – I really like him, and I like the whole staff. I think it’s a really good fit for me.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football? “Since my brother Paul played collegiate football, I’ve kind of grown up into it. I would say in eighth grade my dad asked me if I really wanted to become a Division One football player because he had seen what it takes for my brother and how much work it is. I was all about it, and every single time he asked, it was ‘Yes, yes, yes.’”
Coach Mark Schmidt says: “I said at the banquet – it’s really hard for guys to have that much preseason hype and exceed it, and Luke did. On both sides of the ball, he dominated and really played at an extremely high level all year. He was a hammer on both sides and just an absolute mainstay for us. He’s a great kid – a good student, a hard worker, and he did so much.”
About Luke:
Favorite food: “Whatever my mom makes.”
Favorite movies: Remember the Titans, Four Brothers, Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Favorite music: Rap
Denny Lord – Kutztown University (Football)
Major: Engineering or Criminal Justice
Final list of colleges: Kutztown, West Chester, Bloomsburg
Reasons for choosing Kutztown: “Definitely the atmosphere – I felt like I fit in there more than at all the other schools. The program is great, but I want to feel comfortable there the next four years, and that’s what led to my decision.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football? “I started thinking about it when I was really young, probably when I played for the Pendel Wildcats. I had a pretty good game the one game, and someone put it in my mind. I’ve been doing it ever since, and now it’s a dream.”
Coach Mark Schmidt says: “Denny really became comfortable at inside linebacker. He’s such a good athlete, and halfway through the season – from the first Abington game on, Denny just decided to elevate his game and really play at a high level. He did great and was just a winner on both ends. When the season started getting towards the end, I used him more offensively. We got into that St. Joe’s Prep game and even North Penn when we needed to finish things off – he was that guy.”
About Denny:
Favorite food: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite music: All types of music.
Mike Palmer – Shippensburg University (Football)
Major: Physics
Final list of colleges: Shippensburg, West Chester
Reasons for choosing Shippensburg: “It was the feeling for me. I liked being out there in the rural setting. I fell in love with everything about it.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football? “It all starts with freshman year, coming in and lifting with coach Schmidt. You’re all small, and you really don’t know much. They coach you up, and after three years in the weight room and coaching you up, it’s a whole different story when you come out.”
Coach Mark Schmidt says: “He’s a three-year guy, and he got our coaches award. He had two unfortunate freak injuries and came back from both of them to lead us into the playoffs. He was a mainstay for us on the offensive and defensive line. Mike’s a young guy – he could be a junior. He’s very smart, and he’s going to be in Shippensburg’s Business School. He was their top lineman – they really wanted him since last year.”
About Mike:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite music: Country
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