On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, Wissahickon seniors Khalil Byrd, Jimmy Gorman, Ben Haire, Jared Reed and Alex Smith 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.
Khalil Byrd – Nassau Community College, N.Y. (Football)
Major: Criminal Justice
Final list of colleges: Nassau Community, IUP, Cheyney, Norfolk State
Reasons for choosing Nassau Community: “The opportunity that they give the athletes. The coach contacted me, and I visited, and from there, I became interested in the school.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football? “I wanted to play college football since I started football when I was five years old. From there, I just always wanted to learn every year and become better every year.”
Coach Jeff Cappa says: “Khalil came to us last year, so this was his second year in the program. He’s just an amazing kid. He’s had a lot of obstacles that he had to go through, and now he’s getting ready to graduate and go on to college. I’m so proud of him. He was named our defensive player of the year by our coaching staff, and he also, I believe, was one of the best D-backs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He’s tall, tough, and has a nose for the football. He won the Upper Merion game for us with a game-winning interception. He was just an unbelievable athlete. When we talk about football and how to get better, it’s by competing, and that kid came every day and worked hard. He was probably one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached.”
About Khalil:
Favorite food: My Grandmom’s Fried Chicken
Favorite movie: The Hangover
Favorite music: Hip Hop
Jimmy Gorman – Franklin & Marshall (Football)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: F&M, Rochester, Penn (for sprint football)
Reasons for choosing F&M: “When I first started the recruiting process, I sent my film out to schools I was interested in, and when the coach contacted me and said they were interested, that’s when I thought of Franklin & Marshall as a real option for me. He called and told me they were interested in me, and they would help me through the whole admissions process. Coach (John) Troxell is the head coach and the recruiting coach for our area, and he was very helpful throughout the whole process, and that was one of the main things that really drew me to Franklin & Marshall.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football? “My sophomore and junior years I actually didn’t get any varsity time. This past year, my senior season I had a really good season. I was up there at the top for my team in tackles and had a couple of sacks. I actually didn’t think I would have any chance of playing college football before my senior season, but college coaches got back to me with interest, and I was really excited that I would have an opportunity to play college football because I never thought I would.”
Coach Jeff Cappa says: “Jimmy was a linebacker for us. He was voted by our coaches as the most improved player this year. He led our team in tackles and was just an absolutely tenacious, tough football player. He led by example, and what sets him apart from other student-athletes is his academics. He’s a very good student, does things the right way and is a really good leader for this school. I’m really proud that he’s able to move on to college, and hopefully, we were able to help him as a football program develop into a young man and student-athlete.”
About Jimmy:
Favorite food: Cheese Steak
Favorite movie: The Wolf of Wall Street
Favorite music: Hip Hop
Ben Haire – Nassau Community College, N.Y. (Football)
Major: Business or Physical Therapy
Final list of colleges: Nassau Community, IUP, Shippensburg
Reasons for choosing Nassau Community: “I saw it as an opportunity. It’s a two-year college, but I can also still fulfill my dream of going D-1 by getting recruited by other colleges. My inspiration was the NFL’s Cam Newton. He came out of juco, and he went D-1 and was successful there and brought juco to where it is now, making it a big success story for players.
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football? “I’ve always wanted to play college football. Ever since I was young and watched television and saw football, I just loved watching it, and I always wanted to be part of that atmosphere. It just brought joy to me. Once I fell in love with football, I couldn’t stop. I told my mom, ‘I’m playing football. That’s what I’m doing - I’m playing football. That’s all I want to do,’ and now I’m playing football in college.”
Coach Jeff Cappa says: “Ben was a defensive lineman for us. He was very unselfish in that he wanted to be a quarterback for us, and he did compete for it, but somebody else won the job, and he was willing to move positions to help the football team. We moved him to defensive line, and he became one of the best defensive linemen in our conference. He got hurt about the fourth or fifth game of the season, but when he was out there and he was healthy, he was one of the best defensive linemen. He’s a very tough, very athletic kid and has a lot of motivation to do well and succeed. He’s a very selfless player, a very good team player to move positions like he did and become great.”
About Ben:
Favorite food: Hot Dogs
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans and Rudy
Favorite music: “Any type of music. A lot of times I listen to motivational speakers, and sometimes I’ll listen to old jams, classic music and the flow. It gives me a happy rush.”
Jared Reed – West Chester University (Football)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: West Chester, Delaware Valley, Albright, Widener
Reasons for choosing West Chester: “I have one cousin who’s already there and another who’s going there with me. I just felt comfortable there – I have family there, and it was close.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football? “I started thinking about it my 10th grade year when I was playing varsity. Ever since I was young, I played football, and it was a passion. I just loved it.”
Coach Jeff Cappa says: “Jared was a wide receiver and defensive back for us. He led our team in receiving and was named our offensive player of the year by our coaching staff. Jared was probably one of the most prolific receivers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He broke records – in the 13 years I’ve been in this area, he had more receiving yards and catches than any receiver that I’ve seen at Wissahickon. He’s just an all-around great athlete. He’s a very good football player, and he’s a good basketball player too. I’m really proud that he’s able to move onto West Chester, and hopefully, we were able to help him out and provide him an opportunity as well.”
About Jared:
Favorite food: Mac ‘N Cheese
Favorite movie: Dark Knight Rises
Favorite music: Hip Hop
Alexander Smith – East Stroudsburg University (Football)
Major: Criminal Justice
Final list of colleges: East Stroudsburg, Lock Haven, IUP, Shippensburg
Reasons for choosing East Stroudsburg: “I actually made a verbal commitment to Lock Haven, but when I visited East Stroudsburg, I just fell in love with the school. I walked on the campus, did the tour with the coaches. The coaches pulled me aside and said, ‘Hey, we really want you.’ I just fell in love with the campus, the coaches, and the program. I was also talking to IUP, and I was supposed to visit Shippensburg the day after my visit to East Stroudsburg, but I told them, “Sorry, I made my decision.’”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football? “I didn’t start playing football until seventh grade. In eighth grade, I started getting better at it. I stuck with it because I loved it, and I didn’t really think about playing college ball until after my junior season. I just thought maybe it could be a place so I could get a spot in college, find a fit for me and possibly get some money to help pay for expenses. I’d say five years ago, I didn’t think I’d be in this position. It’s amazing.”
Coach Jeff Cappa says: “Alex was a captain, and he was our center. He did an outstanding job for us. We transitioned from an under center offense to a shotgun offense, and that doesn’t happen without a center that can snap the ball back there and be consistent. He works very hard, and he’s very committed to the program. He doesn’t miss anything. He’s a good leader of our football team and is now moving on to a Division II college for football, so that’s a great honor for him and the program.
About Alex:
Favorite food: Cheese Steak
Favorite movie: Saving Private Ryan
Favorite music: “Classic Rock – I listen AC/DC before every game.”
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